June 23, 2016 by DhakaTribune

SECOND EDITION

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Ashar 9, 1423, Ramadan 17, 1437

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 4, No 61

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

What Brexit would mean for us n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman People in the United Kingdom are set to vote in the Brexit referendum today, deciding whether Britain should leave or remain in the European Union. Bangladesh along with the rest of the world is closely monitoring the development, as a British decision to leave the EU – an economic and political bloc involving 28 European countries – would have an immense impact on a wide array of Bangladesh issues including trade, aid, financial transaction and transportation. A senior diplomat at the Bangladesh High Commission in London said as far as Dhaka was concerned, the cost of exit from the European Union was huge. Requesting anonymity, the diplomat said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her British counterpart David Cameron met in May on the sidelines of the Japan G7 outreach programme meeting.

HOW A BREXIT COULD UNFOLD If Britain votes to leave the EU...

Britain officially informs EU members of its intent to withdraw

...Article 50, the mechanism to exit the union, is triggered SOURCE: DPA

A body is appointed to negotiate the new EU-British relationship, with the thorniest aspect being trade

EU leaders - without Britain then adopt guidelines for negotiating the exit terms

The diplomat quoted Sheikh Hasina as speaking at the meeting about how staying in the EU would be beneficial for the continued eco-

n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla The government has taken a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and militancy with a vow to do everything needed to fight the problems, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said. “Bangladesh will do everything necessary to fight the twin demons [terrorism and militancy]. We have adopted a zero tolerance policy in this regard,” she told parliament yesterday in reply to a supplementary question. The premier said she has informed the Saudi king, other Muslim countries, and the Organisa-

nomic advancement of the British people. Hasina also said that in an integrated and connected world, Brit-

tion of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) about Bangladesh’s firm position against militancy, stating that the country would do whatever is needed to curb terrorism and militancy. “I told the [Saudi] king that Bangladesh will send its troops, if necessary, to protect the two holy mosques. “Forty Muslim countries are taking part in the Saudi-led Islamic alliance against militancy and terrorism and it created opportunity for the entire Muslim Ummah to work jointly,” the premier said. About her recent trip to Saudi  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

PAGE 5

SEHRI & IFTAR

Ramadan 17 18 19

June 23 24 25

Sehri – 3:40 3:40

31 species gone from Bangladesh Iftar 6:53 6:53 6:53

Source: Islamic Foundation

If no deal is reached after two years, Britain automatically drops out of the bloc and trade between the two reverts to WTO rules

MORE BREXIT STORIES ON PAGE 8, 10 AND 11

PM: Zero tolerance for militancy, terrorism

Sheikh Hasina

EU governments sign-off on the deal after obtaining approval from the EU Parliament

A total of 31 species of mammals, birds and reptile have become regionally extinct from Bangladesh. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Bangladesh country office published the updated Red List of Bangladesh yesterday that revealed that 11 mammals,, 19 birds and a crocodile have disappeared from the country.

ain should stay in the European Union to protect its own interest. The diplomat said as a least developed country (LDC), Bangladesh

currently enjoys duty-free market access under EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) mechanism. “If Britain decides to pull out from the EU, then the entire trade preference mechanism would have to be renegotiated,” he said. With around $2.2 billion in earning, the United Kingdom was the third biggest export destination for Bangladesh in the 2013-14 fiscal year. Asked which side of the Brexit campaign was being favoured by half a million Bangladeshi-origin British nationals, the diplomat said it was difficult to say. He, however, said the curry industry in the United Kingdom – owned by Bangladeshi-origin Britons – was campaigning for leaving the EU. “They are under a feeling that if Britain leaves the EU, the immigration system would be relaxed and they can recruit more from Bangladesh,” the diplomat added.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

News

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Cabinet approves Moheshkhali LNG terminal n Asif Showkat Kallol The government will pay $1.56 billion annually for purchases at the proposed LNG terminal in Moheshkhali that is being built to meet the growing fuel demands in Bangladesh. Cabinet committee on public purchase yesterday approved the Power, Energy and Minimal Resources Ministry’s proposal on the use of liquefied natural gas terminal and a deal with the US-based Accelerate Energy who will build the terminal. After the meeting, Additional Secretary Mostafizur Rahman said Petrobangla would be paying $90 million yearly to make 500 cubic feet gas per day. The amount will be higher when taxes, VAT, insurance and other charges are added. Last March Petrobangla and Accelerate Energy signed a deal to build Bangladesh’s first LNG terminal on the Moheshkhali Island in the Bay of Bengal to handle imported LNG. The first LNG Floating Storage and Re-Gasification Unit will be capable of supplying 500 million cubic feet (mmcft) gas across the country, official sources said. Proposal of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division for appointing US based Accelerate Energy Bangladesh Limited for construction of floating LNG terminal will be placed at the cabinet com-

mittee on public purchase on Tuesday at cabinet committee. An Energy Division official said with this approval, Accelerate Energy will start construction work of the terminal and LNG import was expected to start in early 2017. Petrobangla will pay several fees including fixed, operating, port service component and gas management, the official also said. The LNG terminal was planned to handle imported liquefied natural gas and meet the growing deficit of gas supply which is now 600mmcft per day. At present, total production of gas is 2700mmcft. The Energy Division proposal said the terminal company will buy performance bonds of $20 million and it will open letter of credit of $15 million with a duration of 15 and a half years. Petrobangla can use the floating storage as LNG carrier, according to the proposal. Accelerate Energy will develop the terminal in 23 months and operate it for the next 15 years. The terminal will be handed over to Petrobangla after 15 years of operation and renovation facilities will remain for the next five years. Petrobangla will receive gas from LNG terminal in term of take or pay, fixed component fees $159,186 per day, operation component fees $45,814 per day and port service component fees $32,000 per day. l

Two students of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College hold a placard during a protest yesterday saying ‘If you couldn’t provide Tonu protection inside the cantonment, how will you protect us?’. The protest was staged by second year students of the college in front of their campus in Bailey Road against the school’s sudden decision to make two shifts for school hours. The students said this will cause problems in their daily commute and also pose risk as classes will end in the evening. However, the school authorities said they took the decision as there was inadequate classrooms to accommodate all students at once DHAKA TRIBUNE

BNP: Uttara arms recovery linked to death of militants n Tribune Report The BNP has alleged that the firearms recovery at Uttara in Dhaka on June 18 was part of a greater master plan hatched by the government. “The area where the arms were found at Uttara is cordoned off by three tire security. People believe that the firearms recovery was made under the patronisation of the government with an ill motive,” Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, senior joint secretary general of the party, said at a press conference at party’s Nayapaltan Headquarters. “We think that the arrest of sus-

9-day Eid holiday for govt employees

pected militants and deaths of several militants in crossfires, and the huge arms recovery in Uttara are linked and a part of greater conspiracy.” He said that 95 pistols of the cache recovered are 7.62 bore, usually used by the law enforcers. Rizvi also criticised the DMP commissioner for blaming the BNP for the arms. “It seems that the police commissioner of Dhaka is holding a portfolio of the Awami League.” He also termed the deaths of suspected militants in “gunfights” cold-blooded murders. l

n Shohel Mamun Government employees will be getting a nine-day-long holiday to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr this year. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has approved leave for July 4 by exercising her administrative power,” a Cabinet Division official said yesterday. Eid will likely be celebrated on July 6 or 7 depending on the sighting of the moon. Now, government offices will remain closed from July 1 to July 9. However, government employees will have to work on July 16 to make up for the July 4 holiday. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

PM: Zero tolerance Arabia, Hasina said: “The visit will lend dynamism to Bangladesh’s relations with the Muslim world in line with building bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia.” She expressed hope of increasing the country’s importance to the Muslim world with the new relation move. Replying to another query, the premier said: “We have formed an economic zone with a view to ensuring socio-economic development of the country, for creation of employment and so on. We are giving special facilities to attract foreign investment.” The premier also said Bangladesh has taken a liberal policy for foreign investors and that is why foreign investment in the country has increased a lot. “It is recognised around the world that the Bangladeshis are providing opportunity in

investment. Compared to 2014, investment has increased 44%.” Replying to another query, the premier said reserve women quota in the local government election was a milestone in empowering women in Bangladesh. “I thought the question would be now that power has been given to women, whether I should do anything for men? But that day is not so far when in future we might see the formation of a committee to protect men’s rights; in that case, it would have my support.” Replying to a query of ruling party lawmaker Kazi Nabil Ahmed, the premier said an initiative was taken to construct mini stadiums in every upazila of the country to improve sports quality. The premier also said a project proposal has already been sent to the Planning Commission to implement the project. l

What Brexit would mean for us He said it was unlikely to happen as the immigration policy was an extremely sensitive issue and related to the core domestic politics. A recent UK data showed that about 10,000 curry houses employ 100,000 people with an annual sales of £4.2 billion. In a recent report, London-based Daily Mail said curry bosses were in favour of leaving the European Union. In the report, president of the Bangladesh Caterers Association in the United Kingdom, Pasha Khandaker, was quoted as saying that five restaurants were being forced to close every week due to the UK’s immigration policy. The present EU immigration rules put restriction on employing migrants from outside the European Union. Debapriya Bhattacharya, a former Bangladesh ambassador to Geneva and currently a distinguished fellow

at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said if the Britons took the “unfortunate” decision of exit, then all the obligations of Britain under the EU arrangement would become null and void. Citing an example, he said Britain gave duty-free market access for the LDCs; but that is an EU arrangement. “If it decides to leave, Britain must announce that it will respect the commitment it made under the EU and then it will have to sit with the LDCs to settle the trade preference,” Debapriya said. The primary concern would be if UK decides to leave the EU, the euro currency would weaken and it will have a direct impact on Bangladesh’s export competitiveness. Last year, Bangladesh exported over 10 billion euros worth of products to European destinations. Debapriya added that if the “leave” decision is made, it would have impact on aid, financial trans-

action, transport and logistics sector as well. The development cooperation under the EU mechanism would not be applicable to Britain if it decides to leave, meaning new commitment and renegotiation would be needed not only with Bangladesh but also with the whole world, Debapriya said. About financial transaction, he said many Bangladeshi transactions routed through the London financial market and it would be a completely different scenario if Brexit becomes successful. About transportation, he said many Bangladeshi businessmen consider London as their European hub where they send goods to be forwarded to other European locations. Debapriya said if London pulls out of the EU, then it would completely depend upon the new border mechanism arrangement between Britain and the European Union. l

News

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Train tickets for luxurious seats sold out n Shohel Mamun The railway authorities began selling advance tickets for Eid-ul-Fitr journeys yesterday but passengers claimed that tickets for luxurious seats were sold out even before the counters opened. Passengers who went to Kamalapur railway station in Dhaka said buying tickets involved less hassle compared to the year before, but complained that tickets for luxurious seats, such as seats in air-conditioned berths, were unavailable. They said such tickets had been sold out before ticket counters opened at 8am. Azizul Haque Khan, who works at a private bank, said he came to the station after Tuesday evening and stayed the night there to be in front of the queue in the morning but still could not buy tickets for the air-conditioned compartments. “I bought four tickets of Khulna-bound Chitra Express. All the seats are in a normal compartment,” he said. “Enough tickets seem to be available this year but the VIPs might have bought tickets for luxurious compartments earlier.” A railway official said at least 80% of the tickets for luxurious seats have been booked by VIPs such as ministers, lawmakers, top government officials and ruling party leaders. The railway is set to sell some 47,000 tickets from Kamalapur railway station every day and the number of tickets for luxurious seats is only around 12,000. Advance tickets for July 1 were sold yesterday. Tickets for July 2 will be available today while those

People wait in long queues at Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka yesterday on the first day of advance train ticket sale for Eid-ul-Fitr holidays for July 3, 4 and 5 can be bought on June 24, 25 and 26 respectively. Like Azizul, many who bought tickets at Kamalapur railway station said they had been staying there since Tuesday night. After purchasing tickets, they joyously left the counters, with a broad

smile in the face. People said they were happy with the improved management system at the station this year that enabled them to purchase tickets peacefully. The station authorities have opened nine additional counters to sell advance tickets.

Station Master Shitangshu Chakrabarty said a number of measures had been taken this year to reduce the sufferings of people coming to buy tickets. “We have been able to almost fully check ticket scalping. The entire railway station and adjacent ar-

MEHEDI HASAN

eas are under CCTV surveillance,” he added. A large number of law enforcement officials were deployed at the station to avert any untoward situation. Eid will be celebrated in the first week of July. l

Muhith: Bangladesh Bank contract Rooppur nuclear jobs won’t be renewed plant gets site licence n Asif Showkat Kallol Finance Minister AMA Muhith has said employees in contractual positions in the Bangladesh Bank will be dismissed after the end of their tenures to strength the central bank administration. “The central bank is full of Officers on Special Duty (OSD) who former governor Atiur Rahman appointed,” the minister said yesterday at his secretariat office, meeting reporters after returning from an investment summit in St Petersburg. “The bank authority is now taking action against staff and officials who were involved with the reserve heist incident,” he added. He claimed it will not affect the functioning of the bank. Muhith said there were a total of

200 officials in Bangladesh Bank in two-year contracts. “Bangladesh Bank regular staff are almost non-functional, so the contractual staff should be out when their tenures end,” he said. These officials are outsiders, have no allegiance to Bangladesh Bank and act like consultants, the minister said. On taking action against officials and staff responsible in the heist, Muhith said the Anti-Corruption Commission had filed cases against allegedly involved officials and the central bank had submitted its report on the reserve heist incident. Bangladesh Bank was seriously looking at its own operation now and a big reform exercise was underway, Muhith said. “Security system of Bangladesh

is almost non-functional and the bank’s own security system is very poor. Bangladesh Bank will develop its own security system,” Muhith said. The minister said Bangladesh Bank did not want to disclose the final investigation report as they were already taking action against persons accused in the central bank reserve heist incident as per the recommendations of the Farashuddin report. On Tuesday, the finance minister said the final investigation report of Bangladesh Bank reserve heist would be made public after the vacation of Eid-ul-Fitr. On May 30, the former central bank governor Mohammed Farashuddin submitted the investigation report to the finance minister. l

n Aminur Rahman Rasel Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) has issued a site licence to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project authorities for beginning the main construction. The licence was issued at a programme in a Dhaka hotel on Tuesday. BAERA Chairman Professor Naiyyum Chowdhury handed over the licence to Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) Chairman M Ali Zulqarnain. State-owned BAEC will implement the Rooppur project. Speaking at the programme, Naiyyum said: “Giving the site licence is not the end of the journey, it is just the beginning.” Zulqarnain said they will make sure that construction is done appropriately and is finished on time.

Minister of Science and Technology Yeafesh Osman said implementation of the power plant would make Bangladesh a proud member of the nuclear world. Alexey Ferapontov, deputy chairman of Russian Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority Rostechnadzor, said security and safety of the project would be ensured. The licence was given for a year – from July 2016 to July 2017 – and it permits tests on soil stabilisation, meteorological study, safety and security. If construction is not completed by August 2017, the project authority will not be given the licence to start the main construction work, Naiyyum said. “The project authority has already paid Tk3 crore to obtain the licence,” he added. l

News

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Monkeys in double trouble n Probir K Sarker The authorities should make it mandatory for industries and households to arrange alternative food sources for the yet-to-extinct wild animals affected by their development activities razing forests, suggest conservationists. Moreover, the government should continue allocating foods for these animals under long-term programmes so that they do not die starving, wildlife activists say, as they depict the sorry state of monkeys at different parts of the country. In late May, it was found that some two dozen pregnant monkeys in the last remaining Shal forests under Santosh Beat of Phulbaria in Mymensingh had to suffer for several months due to acute crisis of food. When the babies were born, the malnourished mothers could not produce enough breastmilk to feed them and often sent them to bed empty or half stomach. The situation worsened as the rice allocated by the government had remained suspended for three to four months because of the union parishad elections. On the other hand, more and more locals are now refusing to feed the monkeys. The local union parishad finally resumed the monthly allocation of 50kg rice in early June that came as a relief for some 300 monkeys living in the area as well as the locals. During the crisis period, the monkeys often gathered around the nearby houses seeking foods every time they were hungry. If refused, the monkeys in some cases get angry and snatch foods from shops and houses, something that irks many of the locals. Forest officials and villagers say the monkeys have been facing crisis of natural food sources for the

n Tribune Report

Some monkeys are seen eating peanuts given by tourists and locals at Santosh Beat of Phulbaria in Mymensingh during the food crisis. The photo was taken late last month COURTESY: HASHIBUR REZA KALLOL last few years as the forest land has squeezed significantly due to different development projects, taken apparently without keeping any provision for wildlife protection. The inadequate government allocation could somewhat address the loss of the forest, but the absence of a long-term solution could trigger such crisis again. Apart from the lump-sum allocation and some philanthropic activities by tourists and animal rights groups visiting the areas, the government should take long-term initiatives to protect the forests as well as create alternative food sources. Monkeys facing food crisis was also reported recently from Madaripur and Manikganj among other areas where forest areas are decreasing drastically.

Rakibul Haq Emil recently visited Santosh Beat area along with his friends and members of the People for Animal Welfare (PAW) he had founded with some foods. Emil later shared the shocking story of the monkeys and photos on Facebook to raise awareness. “All the monkeys – elderly and babies – rushed at us as soon as they saw the cars. They were craving for foods, and as soon as they saw us carrying bananas, they became crazy to eat. But we had to distribute the foods slowly as they were very hungry,” he told the Dhaka Tribune. “We called them to come closer when we were ready, and despite being starved, they were calm and disciplined while taking the bananas from our hands.”

Established last year, PAW is one of the organisations working for the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of injured stray animals and ensuring their return to the community. It also works for creating awareness among people for the welfare of pet animals and those in zoo captivity and laboratories. Emil explained that it is the only corner of the forest where they get some foods – from the localities. Situation in the other parts of the forest is worse. He thinks humanitarian organisations and individuals can help these monkeys as well as other animals living in endangered zones and facing food crisis, but the problem requires a sustainable solution as the country is experiencing rapid industrialisation. l

ULAB holds lecture on decline of NGOs’ activities n Tribune Desk University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh organised a public lecture titled “The decline of radical development NGOs in Bangladesh” on its campus in the capital yesterday. Prof David Lewis of the London School of Economics and Political Science’s South Asia Centre discussed the role of some renowned local NGOs in the development of rural people in Bangladesh and the causes behind a decline in their activities. He said these NGOs such as Proshika, Gonoshahajjo Sangstha, and Samata, who were at their peak during the 1990s and early 2000s, now have faded from view, or evolved into organisations primarily en-

Lebanon to repatriate 300 illegal Bangladeshis

gaged in microcredit delivery work. The reasons for their decline included difficult political environment, disruptive practices of some foreign donors, which either neglected them in favour of more mainstream NGOs, or else over-funded them creating rapid expansion that damaged them, and weaknesses with their leadership and management systems, he opined. Prof Lewis concluded by saying: “We need to learn lessons from the decline of the radical NGO sub-sector. A diverse civil society is an important part of any society. It is where new ideas are generated, where alternative new political leaders may emerge, and where government and business can be held more accountable.” l

Prof David Lewis of the London School of Economics and Political Science’s South Asia Centre receives a crest of appreciation from ULAB VC Prof Imran Rahman yesterday following a public lecture on ‘The Decline of Radical Development NGOs in Bangladesh’ organised at the university MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Over 300 undocumented Bangladeshi workers will be sent back from Lebanon before Eid-ul-Fitr. It is expected that the first batch of around 40 workers will reach Bangladesh by next Friday or Saturday by Air Arabia. An official of the embassy said that most of the workers have been waiting to go back to Bangladesh for quite some time, but because of the very complex and long Lebanese procedure of clearance for illegal workers, they were unable go back to Bangladesh. After months of untiring efforts and long persuasions with Lebanese agencies, the mission was finally able to secure clearance for all of them, he added. Bangladesh Ambassador to Lebanon Abdul Motaleb Sarker last month met with speaker of the Lebanese Parliament and the prime minister and sought their help in solving the problem, the official said. Generally the embassy gets about 50-60 clearance per year, but this time, the embassy was able to secure over 350 clearances at a time, he said. At present, there are over 130,000 Bangladeshi workers in Lebanon and they work mainly as housemaids and cleaners. l

Titas cuts off gas connection of 4 CNG stations n Tribune Desk

Titas Gas has severed gas connections of four CNG stations for violating government regulations that were set for the month of Ramadan. The four stations are Sushol CNG in Gazipur, and Dewan CNG, Nabinagar CNG and FF Enterprise CNG in Savar area, according to a press release issued on June 21. The connection of the Gazipur station was cut off by the monitoring team of Titas Gas on June 14 and the rest were cut off on June 20. The release also said that further actions will be taken against the owners of the stations as per the Bangladesh Gas Act 2010. Before the start of Ramadan, the government asked all CNG stations in the country to remain closed from 3pm to 10pm daily. This was a temporary step taken to ensure sufficient production of gas during the month. l

News

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

31 species gone from Bangladesh n Syed Samiul Basher Anik A total of 31 species of mammals, birds and reptile have become regionally extinct from Bangladesh. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Bangladesh country office published the updated Red List of Bangladesh yesterday that revealed that 11 mammals,, 19 birds and a crocodile have disappeared from the country. IUCN assessed the threat status of 1,619 species of wildlife in Bangladesh over the last two-and-a-half years for the list. The red list was published as part of Bangladesh Forest Department’s project entitled ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Wildlife Protection (SRCWP)’ funded by the World Bank. The Red List is the index of world’s endangered animals that includes conservation status and risk of extinction status. Birds make up the highest number of regionally extinct species here. The 2000 Red List assessed two birds as extinct, while the latest Red List declared 17 new bird species as regionally extinct. Among these birds are the Greater Adjutant, known in Bangla as Hargila, the Red-headed Vulture, the Sarus Crane and two species of peacocks. The previous list evaluated 10 mammals as extinct, but two herbivores, Gaur and Hog Deer, have been rediscovered in the last decade. The latest list adds one mammal species, the sloth bear, as extinct from Bangladesh. Marsh crocodile was enlisted in earlier list as extinct under the reptile category and was also assessed as same in the latest Red List 2015. IUCN Bangladesh implemented the project from December 2013 to June 2016 to reduce the current knowledge gap of conservation and risk of existing species status by updating the previous Red List of 2000. The 2000 list covered conservation status of vertebrates in Bangladesh. But the latest list includes two groups of arthropods - crustaceans and butterflies. The latest Red List was published in seven volumes of books, which was also unveiled at the programme. Out of the total 1,619 assessed, the latest list identified 31 as regionally extinct, 390 threatened

TEMPERATURE FORECAST FOR TODAY

RAIN LIKELY THURSDAY, JUNE 23

EXTINCT MAMMALS OF BANGLADESH

Striped Hyena

Grey Wolf

Wild Buffalo

Indian Rhinoceros

Blackbuck

Javan Rhinoceros

Sloth Bear

Nilgai

Sumatran Rhinoceros

Swamp Deer

Banteng

EXTINCT BIRDS OF BANGLADESH

Rusty-fronted Barwing

Sarus Crane

Rufous-throated Partridge Grey Francolin

Swamp Francolin

White-winged Duck

Pink-headed Duck

Bengal Florican

Lesser Florican

Greater Adjutant

White-bellied Heron

Spot-billed Pelican

Red-headed Vulture

Black-breasted Parrotbill

Greater Rufous-headed Spot-breasted Parrotbill Parrotbill Bar-tailed Tree Creeper Green Peafowl

Indian Peafowl

EXTINCT REPTILE OF BANGLADESH

Marsh Crocodile

Categories

Mammals Birds Reptiles Amphibians Freshwater Fishes Crustaceans Butterflies Total

Regionally Extinct

Critically Endangered

Endangered

112

181

Vulnerable

153

Project Manager of Updating Species Red List of Bangladesh Mohammad Shahad Mahabub Chowdhury said that the national Red List was important for monitoring the status of biodiversity in the region, identifying priority species and habitats, identifying knowledge gaps, assisting in site-based conservation planning, helping guide the allocation of resources for biodiversity conservation and supporting policy development. IUCN Bangladesh Country Representative Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmed said the Red List data would help

species, and 1,198 non-threatened species. Out of the 390 threatened species in Bangladesh, 56 are critically endangered, 181 are endangered and 153 are vulnerable. Among the critically endangered animals are the Common Otter, the Sun Bear, the leopard, the tiger, the Sambar Deer, the Painted Stork, the Indian Skimmer or Panikata bird, the Devil Catfish, or Baghair fish in Bangla, Nandina fish, the Tiashol fish and the Kani Pabda fish, among others. Addressing the programme, Dhaka

Chittagong

Rajshahi

DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:49PM

Rangpur

Khulna

Barisal

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:13AM

35.6ºC Jessore

24.3ºC Rangpur

Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES

prevent wildlife trafficking and illegal trade of wildlife in the country. “This data will help formulate policies on preservation of species that remain endangered in the country,” he said. Chief national technical expert of the Updating Species Red List of Bangladesh, Dr Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, said the government should immediately formulate a wildlife policy and some sections of the existing Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012 needed to be overhauled. The status and trend of threatened species of Bangladesh portrayed in the books would help Bangladesh take up stronger efforts towards the legislation of wildlife trafficking and trading, the wild life expert hoped. Md Yunus Ali, chief conservator of forests at Bangladesh Forest Department, said the department would request the Education Ministry to redesign its curriculum so that biodiversity and ecosystem related issues can be explained more deeply to students to raise awareness. Environment and Forest Ministry Secretary Kamal Uddin Ahmed said findings of these books would help formulate future conservation strategy and action plan towards conservation of threatened species. The ministry was formulating a floristics database for plants in Chittagong Hill Tracts to prevent loss of biodiversity that would help formulate and implement the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, he said. He also said the ministry was planning a platform which would act like a think tank in the future for nature conservation. Addressing the programme, Deputy Minister for Forest Abdullah Al Islam Jakob stressed on the urgent need to conserve threatened species and their habitats. l

Sylhet

Cox’s Bazar

Fajr: 3:50am | Zohr: 1:15pm Asr: 5:15pm | Magrib: 7:02pm Esha: 8:45pm Source: Islamic Foundation

News

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

RICE PROCUREMENT

Interference of middlemen deprives farmers of fair prices Anwar Hossain n Md Choudhury, Chapainawabganj Farmers of Chapainawabganj are not getting any positive results from rice procurement as middleman who are locally called as Foira are doing a brisk business through the procurement drive. Local sources said the target of the government’s food procurement drive in the district might not achieve target as many farmers are not interested to sell their produces fearing losses. Farmers said the government officials were interested in buying paddy from middlemen instead of them. They said the price which the middlemen were offering to them was below their production cost. During a visit to several markets, this correspondent found that farmers were frustrated as they could not be able to sell their crop to the government directly.

Rahmat Ali, a trader, said: “Why we are compelled to sell paddy on open market?. We are supposed to sell paddy to government’s godown.” Bokul Hossain, another paddy grower, said: “We became happy after hearing that the government has fixed price of per maund paddy at Tk920. But the tragedy is that now we are selling one maund paddy at Tk500 to Tk600 due to interference of middlemen. “We cannot sell paddy at government godown. We do not have any option but to sell the grain as we have to repay our loan which we took from bank and mohajon [money lender].” He said if the government started procurement earlier and bought paddy from farmers directly they would get more profit. He said: “The prices of everything is increasing day by day while the prices of agri-produces are declining. Is this justice to us?” He also requested the govern-

ment to buy paddy from marginal farmers directly. Moreover, many farmers alleged that they had gone to government godown to sell paddy, but people concerned did not buy paddy from them saying that their paddy were sub-standard. Finding no alternative, growers had to come to local markets to sell their produce to Foira, middleman. Chapainawabganj Food Controller Md Mahidul Haque denied all the allegations. He said the government had changed paddy selling policy tremendously. According to the policy, farmers can sell their paddy to government godown directly. According to the new policy, a farmer should have a farmer identity card provided by the upzila agriculture officer and a bank account number to sell paddy to the government godown directly. “So, there is no scope for middlemen to do business with the pro-

curement drive,” he said. Asked about why they are not buying paddy from card holders, he said they were buying paddy from card holders following rules. He said upzila agriculture office has provided cards to genuine farmers through various steps of scrutiny. “A farmer who has a card can sell paddy to us and we are bound to pay their payment though bank account,” he said. Paddy trader Md Mosiul Karim told the Dhaka Tribune that farmers were not getting any kinds of benefits from these procurement. He also alleged that many middlemen had already made identity cards as farmers in collaboration with a section of unscrupulous government staff. He said: “If the paddy is bought through local union parishad office, farmers would get fair prices. “The government is giving fair prices, but nothing has changed with farmers.” l

Fraudster held in Chittagong Mizanur Rahaman, n FM Chittagong Police detained a fraudster with a stolen motorbike from the port city’s Bayezid area yesterday noon. The detainee was Reduwanul Islam alias Babu, 37, hailing from Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar, said the police. A fake press identity card was also recovered from his possession. Reduwanul, who had been deceiving people posing as a journalist, was arrested from Bayezid Bostami Shrine area around 1:00pm on secret information, said Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bayezid Police Station Mohammed Mohsin. Mohsin said the arrestee used to deceive people identifying himself as journalist, university teacher and other professionals and was also involved in selling motor bikes smuggled from Indian border. “Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) held Reduwanul two years ago on charge of deceiving people by introducing himself as a Major of Bangladesh Army,” said the OC. l

Two stabbed to death in Kushtia

Hedait Hossain Molla, n Md Kushtia Two youths have been stabbed to death in several incidents in the district. The deceased were Yasin Arafat Laltu, 22, son of Alamgir Hossain of Aruapara village in Sadar upazila and Janarul Islam, 30, of Dariapara village in Doulatpur upazila. According to local sources, Janarul got locked in an altercation on Tuesday with his brother-in-law Rafique over lending money. At one stage, Rafique stabbed him with a knife leaving critically injured. Locals rushed him to Doulatpur Hospital where doctors declared him dead. Locals caught Rafique and later handed over to police. A case was filed in this connection. On the other hand, college student Arafat got injured after his neighour Liton stabbed him on Monday night in Atuapara Chairman Mor area over previous enmity. On information, locals rescued him and admitted to Kushtia General Hospital from where he was sent to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital. The on duty doctors declared him dead. The body was sent to the hospital morgue. l

Rajshahi city is almost paralyzed due to severe traffic jam. So many working hours are being wasted on the roads. Lack of strict traffic control is mainly responsible for the sufferings of the city dwellers. The photo was taken from Shaheb Bazar area of the city yesterday AZAHAR UDDIN

Eight people die in road accidents n Tribune Desk

Eight people were killed and 33 others injured in separate road accidents that took place in Chittagong, Gazipur and Naogaon. In Chittagong, a lorry driver and a pedestrian were killed in two separate road accidents in the city on Tuesday night and yesterday. The ill-fated victims were identified as Nabjit Mallik, 27, and Priyotosh Dutt, 24.

Priyotosh Dutt was killed on the spot when a garbage vehicle of the city corporation ran him over in Sholoshohor station area. On the other hand, Nabjit was killed a lorry ran him over in Bandar area. In Gazipur, three people were killed and three others injured as a pickup van collided with a truck at MC Bazar under sreepur upazila. However, the identities of the

deceased could not be ascertained yet. Sub-Inspector of Mawna highway police station Rafiqul Islam said: “A Dhaka-bound pickup van collided with a truck that was stationed in MC Bazar area around 6am, killing three people on the spot.” Meanwhile, three people were killed in two separate accidents in Naogaon yesterday. Local sources said Nazir Uddin,

70, a retired school teacher, died on the spot as a bus and a human haulier collided head-on at Tajpur, Sapahar police station around 11am. At least 30 people were also injured in the accident. Two people were killed as a bus hit a three wheelers at Khamarbai, Mohadevpur upzila. One of the deceased was identified as auto rickshaw driver Liton, a resident of Pathakattha village under Sadar upzila. l

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Environmentalists condemn move to fell 25,000 trees at Lawachhara n Saiful Islam, Moulvibazar Around 25,000 trees along the Dhaka-Sylhet track in Lawachhara rain forest will be cut down soon to facilitate rail communication between the Dhaka-Sylhet and Dhaka-Chiitagong rail routes. The Bangladesh Railway has sent a letter to forest department, Komolganj range with an entreaty to fell about 25,000 trees along rail track in order to make train journey safe. Local sources said around 4,00 trees had already been cut down at Khasiapunji inside Lawachhara forest. Confirming the move, Assistant Executive Engineer of Bangladesh Railway, Sylhet Mujibur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune that plying of train through Lawachhara rain forest had turned risky because of trees. “To make rail communication

safe, we have to cut the trees, there is no other option. But the number of trees would be less than 25,000,” he said. Estate Officer of Komolganj forest range told the Dhaka Tribune that they had already started cutting of 5,000 trees which had been planted under social forestation programme. Beat officer of Lawachhara forest Rezaul Karim told the Dhaka Tribune they had cut down 400 trees at Khasiapunji following the existing forest law. He also asserted that ecology would not be affected by the tree felling. On April 9, a letter signed by Md Arman Hossain, divisional engineer of Bangladesh Railway, was sent to Kamolganj forest range office asking the forest department to sever trees along rail track of Srimongal-Bhanugachh section’s five kilometre areas.

The letter said train communication on the rail track in the area during summer season turned risky as sometimes trees uprooted by storm laid in the area’s rail track that could lead to a fatal accident anytime. The letter also mentioned that inter-district Upobon Express Train got struck as about 30 trees laid on rail track after being uprooted by storm on April 21, 2015. Meanwhile, the move to fall a large amount of trees from a national forest has drew criticism from the people working for the environment. Abdul Karim, general secretary of BAPA Sylhet division, said Lawachhara was the major nurture reserve in the country and Bangladesh government declared it a national park in 1997 considering its ecological importance. “Cutting down a large number of trees from the forest will be sui-

News

cidal. To make rail communication safe, the government should trim branches of trees which is enough to avoid any accident,” he said. ASM Salek Sohel, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Bachao Andolon (BAPA), Moulvibazar, said if the trees were fell down, the habitat of wild creatures would face grave crisis in future. He also warned of tough movement against the move after the Eid. General Secretary of Environmentalist Journalist Forum Md Nurul Mohmain Milton said greenery from the national forest was decreasing day by day due to construction of several roads through the forest. If the trees were fell down, the forest creatures life would come to a stake in future. The park is located at Kamalganj upazila, Moulvibazar in the northeastern region of the country. l

Shawkat Mahmud freed on bail

n Raihan Islam Akond, Gazipur BNP Chief Khaleda Zia’s Adviser and journalist leader Shawkat Mahmud was freed on bail yesterday. Senior Jail Super Proshanta Kumar of Kashimpur Central Jail 2, said Shawkat was freed around 4.30 pm on bail. “There are 31 cases with several police stations against him,” said he. Ferdousi Mahmud, wife of Shawkat was present at the jail gate when was freed. On June 14, the High Court granted bail to him in two sabotage cases. The high court bench comprising Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Amir Hossain granted bail to him in two cases filed against him on charge of sabotage. Earlier, Shawkat was arrested on August 18 last year in sabotage cases filed with different police stations. Later, he was placed on remand several times. l

Sub-standard vermicelli manufactured ahead of Eid Mizanur Rahaman, n FM Chittagong A section of unscrupulous businessmen are busy in manufacturing sub-standard vermicelli in the port city ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr as the food item has a high demand in the day. According to local sources, some of the factories are using unrefined palm oil and animal fat to produce Laccha vermicelli while hazardous chemicals and toxic colour were also used to make the food items. SM Harunor Rashid, president of Chaktai Silpo and Traders Association said: “There are 10-12 vermicelli factories in Chaktai area where around 4,000 to 5,000 baskets are used to produce every Ramadan.” “Bangla vermicelli is produced using flour and water and Laccha is produced with oil, flour sugar and water,” added Harun. Most of the factories are seasonal while five to six workers have been working using only a machine during the Ramadan month. Earlier around 19 to 20 factories had produced vermicelli at Chaktai in last year, said sources. “Everyday around 20 to 25 baskets containing 30 to 35 Kg Bangla vermicelli are sold while each basket is sold at Tk1,200”, he added. The factory owners are asked to maintain healthy condition during producing the food item at the factory, he also added. In a recent visit in Rajakhali fire service area of Chaktai, the work-

The vermicelli workers in Chittagong port city busy drying the food items in unhygienic environment ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. The picture was taken yesterday Rajakhali area RABIN CHOWDHURY

ers in several factories were seen making the vermicelli in grimy and dark environment. The vermicelli was being dried in unhygienic condition in the rooftop of the factories. A few factories locked the main entrance of the factory from outside fearing the mobile court drive. However; the workers continued their works inside the factory

to dodge the eyes of the law enforcers. Seeking anonymity a seasonal vermicelli maker said a section of businessmen in the city bought the adulterated vermicelli and sell them tagging labels of renowned companies. “But the trend is now almost low as many companies are now making only Bangla vermicelli”,

added the person. BSTI Assistant Director Md Mostaq Ahmed told Dhaka Tribune: “As Bangla vermicelli is used to make by seasonal factory for a certain time, it is not mandatory to take license from BSTI, however, the factory should take health and hygienic certificate issued by the Sanitary Inspector.” Assistant Commissioner (AC)

Tahmilur Rahman of Chittagong District Administration who led a number of mobile courts against food adulteration and ensure public safety recently said: “A mobile court had been conducted recently in Chaktai area to find out the irregularities of the vermicelli factory.” “The mobile court, however, did not find any significant irregularities inside the factory,” he said. l

8 World

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

SOUTH ASIA

EU: Myanmar needs space to deal with rights abuses The European Union said on Wednesday Myanmar needed space to deal with human rights abuses in its restive northwest, adding it would respect the call by country leader Aung San Suu Kyi to avoid the term Rohingya to describe persecuted Muslims there. The statement exposes a rift in the West’s approach to the sensitive issue standing in contrast with the US. -REUTERS

INDIA

Lightning kills at least 93 in India At least 93 people have been struck by lightning and killed in India over the past two days, disaster management officials said Wednesday, as annual monsoon rains swept the country. Most deaths occurred in the eastern state of Bihar, where an overnight storm killed at least 56 people and injured another 28, mainly in rural areas. -AFP

CHINA

China to launch cruises to disputed Spratly islands China will offer its first regular civilian cruises to the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea by 2020, state media said on Wednesday, a move likely to irk other claimants to the disputed waters. The island province of Hainan will operate regular trips to the Spratlys, which China calls the Nansha Islands, in response to increasing demand. -REUTERS

ASIA PACIFIC

North Korea missile reaches new heights North Korea launched what appeared to be an intermediate-range missile on Wednesday to a high altitude in the direction of Japan before it plunged into the sea, a technological advance for the isolated state after several test failures. Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said the second missile reached an altitude of 1,000km. -REUTERS

MIDDLE EAST

UN decries crackdown on Shia cleric in Bahrain The office of the UN human rights chief is decrying an intensified crackdown on freedoms and rights in Bahrain after the country’s top Shia cleric was stripped of his nationality and is urging authorities to de-escalate the situation. Rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani on Tuesday appealed on Bahrain to ensure civil society activists won’t face undue pressure, intimidation or reprisals. -AP

Q&A

Why, how UK voting to stay in or leave European Union? TODAY British voters are going to the polls Thursday to vote on whether their country should remain a member of the European Union. As months of fierce debate pause on referendum day and Britons hold their breath for what has been described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” decision, the purpose and mechanics of the vote are explained below--

Who can vote? British and Irish citizens 18 and over who are resident in the United Kingdom, as well as UK residents from Commonwealth countries who have

Is there campaigning on voting day?

Poll of polls since February on whether to stay in the EU or leave 60

June 20

Stay

51 % 50

Why was the vote called? British Prime Minister David Cameron courted conservative and anti-EU voters during the last election by promising to hold a referendum on the UK’s membership of the 28-nation bloc by the end of 2017. Those campaigning to leave say the EU has evolved into an undemocratic and oppressive entity far removed from its original purpose as a trading bloc that Britain originally joined in 1973. They claim that only a British exit — or Brexit — can restore sovereignty and effectively limit immigration. Those campaigning to remain argue that the EU ensures peace and prosperity for more than 500 million people from Portugal to Finland and the benefits far outweigh the costs.

the votes immediately after polls close.

BRITISH ATTITUDES TO BREXIT

Feb

49 %

Leave

March

April

May

June

Source: WhatUkThink.org

the right to live in the country can vote in the referendum. UK nationals who live outside the country but were registered to vote in Parliamentary elections in the past 15 years, and Irish citizens overseas who were born or registered to vote in Northern Ireland in the same period, can also vote. In addition, some citizens of Gibraltar — a British enclave on the south coast of Spain — and members of the House of Lords, who cannot normally vote in general elections, have been given permission to participate in the referendum. The Electoral Commission says a record number of 46,499,537 voters were registered for the referendum by

Tuesday.

What’s on the ballot paper?

The law doesn’t prohibit campaigning on voting day, but by convention political parties refrain from doing so. Publishing exit polls prior to the end of voting at 10pm. (UK local time) is, however, a criminal offence.

When and how will the result be announced? Regional counting offices will send their results to Manchester, where the chair of the UK Electoral Commission is expected to announce the official outcome at about 7am (UK local time) Friday. However, the result may well be known as early as 4am (UK local time) as media tally the local results.

Would there be a recount if the vote is close?

Voters are asked to answer one question: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?” The options are: “Remain a member of the European Union” and “Leave the European Union.”

The rules don’t allow for a national recount, but courts can order recounts at the local level. The overall outcome can be challenged by judicial review filed within six week.

What happens on the day of the referendum?

No. Parliament isn’t legally required to abide by the vote, but there would be strong political pressure to do so, especially if the result of the referendum is clear-cut. l

Polling stations open at 7am (UK local time) and close at 10pm (UK local time). Many votes will have been cast in advance by postal ballot. Election officials in 382 areas will begin counting

Is the referendum binding?

Source: AP

INSIGHT

Trump’s puny war chest rattles GOP n Tribune International Desk Donald Trump’s newly released fundraising figures proved so anemic that Republican operatives are still shaking their heads and rubbing their eyes to make sure they read the numbers correctly. The presumptive Republican nominee — who frequently boasts about his vast personal fortune — reported a paltry $1.3m cash on hand Monday evening, a total not even in the same ballpark as Hillary Clinton’s $42.5m. After enduring an evening of Twitter mockery over his lack of cash, Trump on Tuesday moved to remedy his situation by sending

Donald Trump

REUTERS

out the campaign’s first fundraising email — with an all-caps subject line reading “THE FIRST ONE.” Republicans already worry it may be too little, too late. Republicans have been hoping that the Trump team would put together an organised fundraising effort, and in mid-May they

were saying the right things about bringing in experienced bundlers and donors to lead a victory effort. Defending his campaign’s financial situation on Tuesday, Trump pointed out that he could simply reach into his own wallet “if needs be.” Still, those who worked for Trump’s vanquished rivals, while fretting that Clinton’s war chest so dramatically eclipses Trump’s, were unable to resist the temptation to knock his funding strategy. Several Republicans argued that it’s unlikely that the GOP donor class will make a mad rush to close the money gap between Clinton and Trump, since there’s still a strong distaste for Trump among some donors. Those feelings go both ways: One Republican donor who recently met with then-Trump campaign

manager Corey Lewandowski recalled him suggesting that Trump strongly disliked asking major GOP donors for money. A former bundler for Jeb Bush was even more direct about his disinterest in helping Trump. “This is a guy who lent himself $30m or $40m so chuckleheads and suckers like me would go and raise money for him and then pay himself back. This is a total fraud. He’s a fraud,” the former Bush bundler said, referring to the fact that Trump loaned his campaign the cash and could still repay himself. The question now, one analyst said, is what Trump does going forward in terms of picking a vice-presidential candidate and what he says in public. That could determine whether his fundraising picks up or not. l

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

USA

Q&A

Philippines v China: Facts about a much-watched legal battle A UN-backed tribunal is expected to soon deliver a verdict on a Philippine challenge to China’s claims to most of the South China Sea. Spanning three years, two hearings, and nearly 4,000 pages of evidence, the arbitration case at The Hague is complex. In essence, China claims most of the sea, even waters approaching neighbouring countries, based on a vaguely defined “nine-dash” Chinese map dating back to the 1940s. The Philippines disputes this. Here are the key facts on the case--

What is the tribunal and what are its powers? The tribunal was set up by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, an intergovernmental organisation established in 1899. The PCA has 116 member states, including the Philippines and China. It is allowed to arbitrate on certain matters of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The five-member tribunal hearing this case is composed of top maritime affairs experts, with the Philippines appointing one member. China waived its right to choose one arbitrator. The

tribunal has the power to set the rules of procedure and make a decision that cannot be appealed. However the tribunal and the PCA have no means to enforce the verdict, with compliance left to parties.

What are Manila’s key points? The Philippines has presented five main claims before the tribunal: 1. China is not entitled to exercise what it calls “historic rights” over waters beyond limits defined in UNCLOS, a treaty to which both the Philippines and China are parties. 2. China’s “nine-dash line” has no basis under international law. 3. The various maritime features relied upon by China to assert its claims in the South China Sea are not in fact islands and, as such, are not legally capable of generating such entitlements. China’s recent massive artificial island-building does not change the situation. 4. China violated UNCLOS by preventing the Philippines from exercising its fishing and exploration rights. 5. China has irreversibly damaged the environment by destroying coral reefs, using harmful fishing practises, and catching endangered

species in the South China Sea.

Why did Manila take the action? The Philippines said, after 17 years of negotiations with China, it had exhausted all political and diplomatic avenues to settle the dispute. The Philippines calls international law “the great equaliser” allowing small countries to challenge more powerful states. A nation of about 100 million, the Philippines has one of Asia’s weakest militaries, and its economic and diplomatic clout pales in comparison with China’s.

What is China’s position and how will it react? China denies the tribunal has jurisdiction on the issue and insists that it will not abide by the decision. The country’s first move to an unfavourable ruling will be to reject it. But no one is sure what China will do after that. Its response could range from provocative to diplomatic. On the aggressive end of the spectrum, Beijing may take it as an opportunity to increase its construction activities and further assert its claims by declaring an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the sea, essentially demanding that aircraft transiting it announce themselves to Chinese authorities and follow their instructions.

When it proclaimed one in 2013 that covered islands in the East China Sea disputed with Japan, the move prompted international fury, and Washington made a point of sending warplanes through it without complying with Beijing’s rules. A more diplomatic option would be to try and mount opposition to the ruling in the UN by challenging the tribunal’s legitimacy. Beijing claims that more than 60 countries back its position on settling disputes in the South China Sea through direct negotiations, and it could seek to call a vote on the issue in the general assembly. But only a handful of countries have explicitly confirmed they support China’s stance.

If the tribunal can’t enforce its ruling and China has vowed to ignore it, what’s at stake? The Philippines hopes a favourable ruling will help to build international pressure on China to make concessions and reverse or stall its expansionist efforts in the sea. For instance, the US has already said it will call on China to respect the ruling. The Philippines also hopes a favourable ruling will give it much-needed leverage in any negotiations with China. l

Source: AFP

FACTBOX

Facts about Asia’s maritime flashpoint Competing claims to the South China Sea have for decades been a source of tension in the region. The Philippines filed a case before an international arbitration tribunal at The Hague to challenge China’s claims to most of the waters, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Below are key facts on the sea and the territorial disputes--

Geography The South China Sea covers more than 3m sq-km, ringed by southern China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Borneo island, and mainland Southeast Asia. Most of its hundreds of small islands, islets and rocks were originally uninhabited. The Paracel and Spratly chains contain the biggest islands. Scarborough Shoal is a small outcrop in the east.

Significance The sea is the main maritime link between the Pacific and Indian oceans, giving it enormous trade and military value. Its shipping lanes connect East Asia with Europe and the Middle East. Over $5tn in ship-borne trade passes through the sea annually. Major un-

World

exploited oil and gas deposits are believed to lie under the seabed. The sea is home to some of the world’s biggest coral reefs and, with marine life being depleted close to coasts, it is important as a source of fish to feed growing populations.

Claimants China and Taiwan both claim nearly all of the sea, while Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei each have overlapping claims to parts of it. Beijing’s argument is based largely on Chinese maps dating back to the 1940s with a “nine-dashed line” that approaches the coasts of other countries.

Occupation China has held all of the Paracel islands since a conflict with South Vietnam in 1974. It has controlled Scarborough Shoal, a rich fishing ground 230km off the Philippine island of Luzon, since 2012 and occupies at least seven of the Spratly islands. Vietnam is believed to occupy or control 21 of the Spratlys and the rest are divided between Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Conflicts There have been two armed conflicts between China and Vietnam in the sea. In 1974, a clash erupted between the South Vietnamese navy and Chinese forces that left about 50 Vietnamese troops dead. The other major conflict occurred when Vietnam and China fought a naval battle on Johnson Reef in the Spratlys in 1988 that killed about 70 Vietnamese military personnel. Chinese naval vessels have fired at other times on Vietnamese fishing boats in the area.

Chinese expansion China has in recent years sought to dramatically expand its presence in the sea, raising tensions with its neighbours and beyond. In 2012, China gave new powers to Sansha, a city on Hainan island, to administer Chinese rule over its South China Sea domain. Since then, it has conducted massive dredging and artificial island-building activities in the Spratlys, dwarfing the scale of reclamation work of other claimants. The Pentagon said China added 1,295 hectares of land to the seven features it occupies. Beijing installed structures on these new islands, in-

cluding radar systems and runways long enough for huge commercial or military planes. Chinese coast guard vessels have become an ever-growing presence in the key parts of the sea, being used to guard Scarborough Shoal and perform other security duties. The Philippines protested in 2014 after Chinese coast guard vessels prevented the rotation and resupply of Philippine soldiers stationed at Second Thomas Shoal.

Legal challenges The Philippines filed its case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2013, becoming the first and only country to legally challenge China’s claims. But Vietnamese and Indonesian officials have said they are considering legal action. While not a party to the case, Vietnam also submitted a statement to the PCA’s tribunal in 2014 affirming the court’s jurisdiction and rejecting China’s nine-dashed line. China denies the tribunal has jurisdiction on the issue and insists that it will not abide by its decision. l

Source: AFP

Trump savages Clinton as world-class liar Donald Trump went on a blistering offensive against Hillary Clinton on Wednesday, calling her disqualified to run for president and savaging her record on trade, foreign policy, human rights and immigration. Trump has denounced Clinton’s $42m war chest as blood money, sharpened his attacks on the polarising Democratic nominee after disastrous headlines have fuelled speculation that his controversial campaign is unravelling. -AFP

THE AMERICAS

Colombia, FARC announce deal on bilateral cease-fire The Colombian government and leftist FARC insurgents announced on Wednesday that they have reached a deal on a bilateral ceasefire that would be the last major step toward ending one of the world’s longest wars. President Juan Manuel Santos will travel to Cuba Thursday for the announcement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) -AP

Record numbers register to vote in British EU referendum A record number of voters have registered for Britain’s EU membership referendum on Thursday with 46.5 million people signed up to cast their ballots, the body overseeing the vote said. The provisional size of the UK and Gibraltar electorate indicates a UK record of 46,499,537. The previous record was in last year’s general election when the number was 46,354,197. -AFP

EUROPE

Putin slams Nato for aggressive activities Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday slammed Nato for ratcheting up its rhetoric and its aggressive actions close to Russia’s border, warning it was forcing Moscow to increase its military capacity. Addressing parliament on the 75th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s attack on the Soviet Union, Putin berated the West for being unwilling to build a modern, non-bloc collective security system with Russia. -REUTERS

AFRICA

Arms depot blast kills 29 near Libya capital An explosion in an arms depot near the Libyan capital killed at least 29 people and wounded dozens of others on Tuesday, security and medical officials said. The blast occurred in Garabulli, a town about 60km to the east of Tripoli, when gunmen stormed the depot belonging to a militia. -AFP

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

EU Referendum

Q&A

After Brexit: Future of UK, EU and political fallout TODAY If Britain votes to leave the European Union on Thursday, actually getting out won’t be easy – and the fallout goes beyond Britain.

What’s the first step? Under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, Britain is supposed to give notice of withdrawal to the European Council, which is made up of the heads of each member state. During the next two years, both sides would negotiate a new arrangement. That deadline can only be extended by unanimous consent, and any new deal would have to be approved by a majority in the European Parliament and every EU state. During this period, Britain would remain a full member of the EU.

What else could happen? Britain could avoid that process altogether and simply pull out on its own by revoking British legislation that brought it into the EU’s predecessor in 1973, the European Economic Community. But that would make negotiating a new trade deal with the EU tricky, and all EU legislation, along with free trade, would end immediately.

When would this happen? British Prime Minister David Cameron has said that if there is a leave vote he would trigger Article 50 “immediately.” He could hold off and use a leave vote as a way of

negotiating a new deal before triggering Article 50, but that would depend on the EU’s willingness. And any new deal would still require the approval of the EU and the 27 remaining member states.

What about the political fallout? With almost half of Tory MPs backing Vote Leave, it’s hard to see how David Cameron could remain prime minister after spending months campaigning for the Remain side, although he has insisted he would not resign. Only 50 MPs are needed to trigger a leadership review. Under a leave scenario, Conservative MP Boris Johnson and Justice Minister Michael Gove are seen as possible replacements, as both were prominent Vote Leave campaigners. The future of other pro-Remain cabinet ministers, including Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, could also be in doubt. Osborne was also seen as a future prime minister.

Who would negotiate? That’s hard to say. If Cameron stays on as prime minister, he would have to take charge. Vote Leave campaigners have said they would support him as the chief negotiator, but they would want people such as Gove and Johnson deeply involved. And a majority of MPs in the House of Commons backed Remain, so getting approval for a new EU arrangement or any withdrawal legislation won’t be easy.

Who else would be affected? Life for Bank of England Governor Mark Carney could get difficult. Carney raised

THE EUROPEAN UNION How the EU has grown since 1979* Before 1979 Denmark 1981 Germany 1986 reunified in 1991 1995 Netherlands 2004 Belgium 2007 2013

Sweden Finland Estonia Latvia Lithuania Poland Czech Rep. Austria Slovakia Hungary Slovenia Romania Croatia Bulgaria

Britain

Ireland Luxembourg France Spain

Greece Malta

Portugal

Italy

Cyprus

*Date of 1st European Parliament elections by universal suffrage

Source: Europa.org

the ire of the Vote Leave campaign by issuing several dire warnings about the economic consequences of exiting the EU. He has insisted it was his duty to point out risks to the economy, but many on the Leave side felt he went too far. Osborne appointed Carney, so if the Chancellor goes, Carney would lose a big backer.

What else might happen? If there is a vote to leave, most experts

expect stock markets to drop and the value of the pound to fall by as much as 15%. That could prompt some kind of intervention by the Bank of England to shore up banks and possibly raise interest rates. But others say the concerns are overblown and that it all could end up like Y2K – lots of hype with nothing actually happening.

What about the rest of the EU?

Britain leaving would throw the EU into crisis and could fuel growing anti-EU sentiment in other countries. There is sizeable support for leaving the EU in countries such as Italy, Greece and even Germany. And the EU’s relationship with Britain could become toxic, given that Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, has suggested that “splitters will not be welcomed back with open arms.”

And Scotland? Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who leads the Scottish National Party, has hinted that she may push for another referendum on Scottish independence if there is a leave vote. In 2014, 55% of Scottish voters chose to stay in the UK.

What about London’s financial centre? London has become a world financial capital mainly because of its free access to other EU countries under so-called “passport rules.” More than 100 banks have set up in the city as a gateway to Europe. That could end if Britain leaves. And London has already faced pressure inside the EU to give up trading in euro-denominated derivatives, a trillion-dollar market. The European Central Bank wants to move that trading to a country that actually uses the euro, like France or Germany. So far Britain has been able to fend off the challenge by invoking EU rules. But if the country leaves, there will be no stopping the ECB. l

Source: GLOBE & MAIL

Q&A

Would leaving the EU reduce immigration to the UK? Migration and free movement are among the top questions in the debate about the UK’s relationship with Europe and the approaching membership referendum. In a country where most migration has traditionally come from outside Europe, EU migration now makes up almost half of non-British immigration to the UK. The combination of renewed debate about EU membership and the difficulty reducing UK immigration have led to discussion about whether leaving the EU will reduce migration and whether it is the only way of doing so. Some commentators have argued that leaving Europe is the only way (or the most sensible way) to reduce migration, while others have argued that Brexit could have relatively limited effects.

the UK’s membership of the EU would be replaced by an association agreement of some kind that included free movement. Norway and Switzerland, for example, have both implemented free movement as part of their economic cooperation agreements with the EU. If this happened in the UK, the impacts of Brexit on UK migration could be relatively limited. On the other hand, EU withdrawal could mean the end of free movement and the introduction of admission requirements for EU citizens who want to live and work in the UK. These could take various forms, but the most obvious scenario is that EU citizens would face the same rules as non-EU citizens.

How would migration policies change after Brexit?

Under this scenario, EU citizens who wanted to get on a pathway to permanent settlement in the UK would need to qualify for work or family unification. Temporary migration as a student would provide an initial route into the UK, but student visa holders need to qualify for work or family

Probably the greatest challenge in assessing the impacts of EU exit on migration is the fact that we do not yet know what kind of relationship would replace EU membership. On the one hand, it is possible that

What would happen if EU citizens and non-EU citizens faced the same immigration rules?

IMMIGRATION INTO THE UK FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 2015

13% 636,000 people immigrated into the UK

45%

42%

Source: British office of National Statistics

visas in order to stay on after their studies. These rules would make it much harder for EU citizens to live and work in the UK legally. Most EU citizens who currently migrate to the UK report coming for work. In the most recent data, an estimated 66% of EU citizens moving to the UK for 12 months or more said that work was their main reason for migration, and a majority of those had a specific job lined up. A further 19% reported study as their main motivation, and 10% reported family. Work visa rules would therefore be cru-

cial in determining which EU citizens were still able to come to the UK. Under current immigration rules, non-EU citizen workers must usually be sponsored by an employer for a skilled job. Until recently, the skilled job had to pay at least £20,800 per year, but for various technical reasons related to the cap on skilled work visas (which means that the minimum salary varies depending on the number of applications) that level has fluctuated between £24,000 and £46,000 since June 2015. These standards would be hard for many EU citizens to meet, particularly those from new EU member states who are strongly over-represented in lowskilled jobs. The other main route that provides a pathway to settlement is family. If EU citizens faced the same rules as non-EU citizens, those who wanted to bring a spouse to the UK would need to meet the family income threshold. Under current rules, the UK-resident partner’s income must be at least £18,600, or more if dependent children are included in the application. Again, if this were to change, the low incomes of citizens of new EU member states would be a significant obstacle to family migration.

How might overall migration change? Some EU citizens would still qualify to migrate to the UK if they faced the same immigration rules as non-EU citizens, but doing so would be much harder because of the skill and earnings requirements for both work-related and family migration. These changes could have some second-order effects that are essentially impossible to quantify in advance. For example, many UK employers have become accustomed to the flexible supply of EU workers in low-wage jobs, and the removal of this migration route could increase the pressure for illegal migration and employment. It is also possible that immigration of EU citizens could increase in the short run in anticipation of EU exit, as people seize the opportunity to move before the rules change. Nonetheless, it is difficult to argue that overall migration in the medium term would not be lower if significant new policy barriers were introduced. l

Source: CAMBRIDGE POLICY

What happened throughout the eve of UK's decision day TODAY Half of Cameron’s Business advisers fails to sign pro-EU letter Almost half of David Cameron's most senior business advisers have not signed his pro-EU campaign's letter calling for an In vote in the referendum. Nine of the 20 members of his Business Advisory David Cameron Group, which provides the British premier with "high level advice" on "critical business and economic issues facing the UK", have not added their names. Eurosceptics said the failure to sign up Cameron’s own business experts backed up their case that Britain would “thrive” if the country votes to leave the EU on Thursday. Spokesmen for a number of executives said they had not endorsed the letter because their companies were not taking a formal stance on the referendum. The letter, organised by Britain Stronger In Europe and published in The Times on Wednesday, was signed by some 1,285 business leaders including executives on 51 FTSE companies. -THE GUARDIAN

‘Scotland at risk if Britain votes for Brexit ‘ First Minister of Scotland and leader of pro-EU Scottish National Party Nicola Sturgeon has warned Scotland's reputation on the world stage is at risk in the event of a vote to leave the European Union. Nicola Sturgeon Sturgeon made a last-ditch appeal to Scottish voters to back the UK's continuing membership of the EU as she campaigned for Remain at Edinburgh Airport. She highlighted the estimated 300,000 jobs in Scotland associated with exports to the EU and said that while she is confident of a vote to stay north of the border, it is crucial for Scots to turn out to vote in large numbers. -THE GUARDIAN

Merkel wants UK to remain a member of the EU German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she wants Britain to remain a member of the European Union on the eve of an in-out referendum in which the British will decide whether their Angela Merkel country should leave the bloc. Though the German chancellor has stated her commitment to keeping Britain in the bloc, she has remained largely silent in the immediate run-up to Thursday’s referendum. “Of course I hope that Britain will remain in the EU, but that decision is for the citizens of Britain to make,” she said Wednesday at a press conference. -DPA

Panic as holiday makers take cash out ahead of vote Holidaymakers heading abroad this summer have been flocking to snap up their travel money ahead of the EU vote. Post Office Travel Money, which accounts for one in four of all UK foreign exchange transactions, said currency sales overall have surged by 74% year-on-year since the

weekend. It said on Tuesday that Post Office branch sales were up by 48.8% on the same period a year ago, while online purchases were up by 381%. -THE GUARDIAN

Cameron claims Gove has lost it Justice Secretary Michael Gove has "lost it", David Cameron said after his friend compared economic experts warning about the fall-out of Brexit to the Nazis smearing Albert Einstein in the Michael Gove 1930s. The British prime minister said his Cabinet colleague had made a massive mistake considering some of the experts are Nobel Prize winners and the weight of opinion is strongly warning of a threat to jobs and family finances. He told Sky News: "To hear the Leave campaign today sort of comparing independent experts and economists to Nazi sympathisers - I think they have rather lost it. -THE TELEGRAPH

Juncker won't quit if Britain backs Brexit European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker will not step down if Britain votes to leave the EU in Thursday's referendum, his spokesman said. "The answer is no," Margaritis Jean-Claude Juncker spokesman Schinas said on Wednesday when asked if, in the light of media reports about Juncker's health, he would resign in the event of a "Brexit". -THE INDEPENDENT

EU referendum contagion spreads across Europe The Brexit referendum contagion is spreading. In Italy, the anti-establishment 5-Star movement yesterday called for a referendum on the Euro. The party has called for two different currencies in Europe, one Marine Le Pen for the rich northern countries another for southern countries. In France, Marine Le Pen, the Front National leader, last night called for France to have its own referendum on the "decaying" EU. “I would vote for Brexit, even if I think that France has a thousand more reasons to leave than the UK," she said. Movements are underway in the Netherlands and Denmark for their own plebiscites. -THE GUARDIAN

Italy PM pleads with Brits to vote Remain Matteo Renzi, the Italian prime minister, has penned a piece in The Guardian in which he appeals to Britain to stay in the EU. The 41-year-old former mayor of Florence says a Brexit vote would Matteo Renzi "make Britain smaller and more isolated." He writes: "Seen from Italy, a vote to leave Europe would not be a disaster, a tragedy or the end of the world for you in the UK. It would be worse, because it would be the wrong choice. It would be a mistake for which you the voters primarily would pay the price. Because who really wants Britain to be small and isolated? -THE GUARDIAN

EU Referendum

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

12 Business

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

TOP STORIES

Giving its reaction to the proposed budget for the next fiscal year, the World Bank has said the budget is aspirational one as it has outweighed its deficit of implementation capacity. PAGE 13

Nervy global investors revisit 1930s playbook Global investors are once again dusting off studies of the 1930s as fears of protectionism, nationalism and a retreat of globalization, sharpened by this week’s Brexit referendum, escalate anew. PAGE 13

BRICS bank to issue bonds in members’ local currencies The New Development Bank (NDB), an infrastructure-focused lender established by the BRICS emerging economies, plans to issue debt in the local currencies of its five member countries, the bank’s president said. PAGE 15

Capital market snapshot: Wednesday DSE Broad Index

4,366.2

Index

1,076.1

0.1% ▲

30 Index

1,710.1

-0.0% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

3,291.3

0.2% ▲

Turnover in Mn Vol

114.1

3.7% ▲

0.1% ▲

CSE All Share Index 13,433.4 30 Index Selected Index

12,340.2

0.1% ▲ -0.0% ▼

8,175.7

0.1% ▲

Turnover in Mn Tk

195.9

-1.9% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

8.7

7.1% ▲

FDI to Bangladesh crosses $2bn mark n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi Bangladesh witnessed a “historically high level” of growth in foreign direct investment in 2015, crossing the figure $2bn mark, according to World Investment Report. “Thanks to rising FDI in labour-intensive manufacturing, inflows to Bangladesh jumped by 44% to $2.23 billion, a historically high level,” the report said. World Investment Report 2016 was released jointly by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) and Board of Investment, Bangladesh in Dhaka yesterday. The high growth has been attributed to political stability, higher return of investment, less risk of investment and reinvestment of earnings. During the last year, Bangladesh witnessed the highest FDI of $2.23 billion, which is 44.10% or $684 million higher compared to $1.55 billion of 2014. In South Asia, Bangladesh is ahead of all countries except India which was the 10th largest FDI recipient country that received $44 billion in 2015, said the report. “Bangladesh has witnessed the highest growth among the South Asian countries as the rate of investment return is higher ranging 14% to 15%, which means investors did not want to leave,” said Board of Investment (BOI) Executive Chairman SA Samad while

FDI INFLOW IN 2015 Countries India Bangladesh Iran Pakistan Sri Lanka Maldives Afghanistan Nepal Bhutan

In $ million

44,208 2,235 2,050 865 681 324 58 51 12

source: UNCTAD

WB: Aspiration outweighs budget deficit

Bangladesh witnessed the highest growth in South Asia as investment return is higher addressing the report launchinh ceremony. The report stated that the total inflows to South Asia increased by about 22% to $50 billion, which was driven by India and Bangladesh that received investment of $2.23 billion and $44 billion respectively. Bangladesh is the second largest FDI receiver among the South Asian countries while India became the fourth largest recipient of FDI in developing Asia and the tenth largest in the world with inflows reaching $44 billion.

Inflows to Pakistan and Sri Lanka declined to $ 865 million and $ 681 million respectively while In Nepal, FDI inflows rose by 74 percent to $51 million last year. According to the report, country’s power, gas and petroleum sector have received highest FDI of $574 million followed by textile and wearing $443 million, telecommunication $255 million and banking $310 million. In 2014, the FDI receipt of power, gas and petroleum sector was only $50 million. Strong FDI in Asia drove inflows to manufactures and mixed exporters. Five manufactures exporters reported 18% growth in FDI flows, thanks to record flows to Bangladesh. FDI in the textile and garments industries remains strong in Bangladesh, as does FDI in power generation, the report stated. Reinvested earnings in the country continued to rise, exceeding the value of the equity component and Bangladesh became the largest FDI host in this subgroup of exporters, as flows into Cambodia fell slightly, said the report. “It is a good sign that the investors are not sending their money back home, rather they are investing further,” said Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Tawfiq-E-Elahi Chowdhury who was present at the report launching ceremony as chief guest. India has a large domestic

market with higher per capita income and large population, which worked as catalyst for better position, said Tawfiq while commenting on the India’s FDI volume. In terms of gross FDI inflows, the amount stands at $2699.05 million which was 31.08% higher than previous year to $2058.98 million. Recovery in FDI was strong in 2015. Global FDI flows jumped by 38% to $ 1.76 trillion, highest since the global economic and finance crisis of 2008-09. The report said: “A surge in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) to $721 billion, from $432 billion in 2014, was the principal factor behind the global rebound.” “A 38% jump in flows, to $1.76 trillion, gives hope that global FDI is at long last returning to a growth path. But we are not yet out of the woods,” said UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi. FDI flows are expected to decline in 2016 in both developed and developing economies, barring another wave of cross-border mega-deals and corporate reconfigurations. UNCTAD also forecasts that FDI flows are likely to contract by 10%– 155 in 2016, reflecting the fragility of the global economy, the persistent weakness of aggregate demand, sluggish growth in some commodity-exporting countries. Over the medium term, FDI flows are projected to resume growth in 2017 and to surpass $1.8 trillion in 2018. l

DCCI: No potential sources of revenue in budget n Tribune Business Desk A leading business chamber in Bangladesh said the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2016-17 has not outlined potential sources of revenue collection to back up the additional revenue collection target. “The proposed budget has not outlined potential sources of revenue collection to back up the additional revenue collection target,” said a statement issued by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday. It said the target of revenue collection is way larger, almost 23%, than the immediate past fiscal year and 12.5% of GDP where NBR accounts for Tk2,03,000 crore. The proposed budget has set a large target of revenue collection of Tk2,48,000 crore against the expenditure budget of Tk34,20,000 crore. DCCI said the only VAT collection target of Tk74,000 crore may add tax burden as consump-

tion tax on common people while revenue from income tax is set at Tk73,000 crore. “It was evident that both non-development and development expenditure target of FY201516 remain incomplete due to limited revenue collection bases which triggered spill-over of burden on regular tax payers,” it noted. “However, in order to enriching the government exchequer and meeting incremental expenditure budget, the internal resource planning, NBR revenue and nonNBR revenue sources can be redesigned and tuned to ambitious revenue collection.” DCCI said failure to realise expected tax collection may hamper the regular government expenditure and ADP implementation. It believes and proposes that existing income tax net of 1.2m taxpayers need to justifiably increase against 30m deserving tax payers, reducing the corporate tax

rate within 25% to 35%. In addition, complete automation of NBR services and extension of NBR tax collection wings across districts and upazilas with optimum tax collection target will facilitate achieving the fiscal targets. DCCI also feels that large budget will be an appreciable move if it is underpinned by wellplanned and effective financing, and rational resource mobilising

mechanisms without creating new tax burden on existing individuals and organisations. The chamber urged the government, NBR and other government agencies concerned to undertake and incorporate given propositions and focused measures to enhance tax net. It thinks such measures will help the government meet higher fiscal expenditure. l

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

WB: Aspiration outweighs budget deficit ‘Many positive aspects are in budget, but many questions remain unanswered’ n Tribune Business Desk Giving its reaction to the proposed budget for the next fiscal year, the World Bank has said the budget is aspirational one as it has outweighed its deficit of implementation capacity. Many positive aspects are in the budget, but answers of many questions remain unanswered, according to the budget analysis of the World Bank released at a press conference yesterday. It said the budget has put importance on growth, development and equitable society, which is laudable and focused on transformative projects, increased allocation to education and social protection, which is most welcome. “At the end of the day, results and quality of the budget are the keys to move the economy forward,” said World Bank Lead Economist in Bangladesh Zahid Hussain. in a formal budget reaction at a press conference. In response to a question on private investment’s key to accelerate the economic growth, Hussain said: “The biggest problem of boosting private investment is political uncertainty. There is political stability but uncertainty still exists in the country.” However, investment can be raised despite uncertainty, if transport, infrastructure, easing access to electricity and energy, economic zones and financial sector reforms can be made, he said. The main challenge in energy sector, he said, is energy pricing policy, which should be reformed to attract investment in the energy sector. About job creation, he said: “To create more jobs, private sector investment in labour intensive in-

World Bank Country Director in Bangladesh Qimiao Fan speaks on the proposed budget yesterday dustries needs to be increased.” World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal Qimiao Fan said budget execution was very critical to achieve the target. “More concrete action and clear timeline to implement the development projects are important to get the desired result,” he said. Terming the Bangladesh macroeconomic fundamental sound, he stated that taking advantage of this, Bangladesh can move forward. But some reforms are important in areas like energy, domestic resource mobilisation, infrastructure and regulatory constraints. He expressed his deep concern over Bangladesh’s increased interest payment saying Bangladesh debt to GDP ratio is 34%, which is quite low. “However, interest rate payment rises due to increased dependency on domestic financing rather than

low cost external financing, which is concerning.” In terms of raising domestic private investment, investment climate needs to be created by removing political uncertainty and ensuring security as the supportive factors of addressing infrastructure and energy problems, said Qimiao Fan. The World Bank remained cynical over the big projects implementation in time. About the progress over the ‘Fast Track Project’, he said only two projects ‘Padma and Roopur First Phase’ out of total 10 are promising while the remaining ones saw less than 5% progress. “If the government continues to allocate the same amount of budget in the fast-track projects like that of FY17, it will require a long time to implement the projects,” Hussain observed.

Business

DHAKA TRIBUNE

The World Bank said revenue targets always are over-estimated in the Bangladesh budget. “Such an unlikely increase poses questions of the feasibility of the budget. There is significant weakness in revenue forecasting, as recent experience makes it clear.” The report said: “As budget has always fault in GDP forecast, revenue target also ends in mess. It needs to be addressed for betterment of the economy. Overestimation reflects capacity deficit.” Capacity expansion and improving the efficiency of the tax administration were identified as the key drivers for achieving the revenue target. About revenue measures, steps like alignment of taxes on tobacco products and increased progressively in wealth taxation taken in the budget were in the right direction, said the World Bank. l

Stocks ease up after three days n BSS Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges saw a little rise yesterday after facing ceaseless fall in the past three consecutive trading sessions. DSEX, the broader index of Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), ended the fourth session of the week at 4366.24, only 3.13 points up over Tuesday’s close. The Shariah DSES also followed the broader index, with finishing flat in green at 1076.09. The blue-chip DS30, however, was flat in red at close. The selective index ended the day at 1710.08. Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended the day in green, with its broader CASPI rising marginally to 13433.39. The daily trade value at DSE was almost static at Tk329 crore, but the trade volume rose marginally to 114.1m shares. At CSE, 8.7m shares changed hands for Tk19.58 crore. Majority of the issues traded advanced on DSE on the day. Out of the traded 321 issues, 140 ended higher when 120 were down. Similarly, 117 securities gained on CSE against 90 lagging ones. The market moved up marginally on moderate rise in the large-cap securities from bank and cement sectors. The falling trend in other major sectors, however, continued as investors remained cautious. The major losing sectors of the day were fuel and power, pharmaceutical and food and allied when the major lagging issues included Zeal Bangla, GHCL, Savar Ref, Meghna Condense Milk and Apex Food. The gainers were DSSL, Delta Spinning, Central Pharmaceuticals, MHSML and Safko Spinning. Acme Lab topped the turnover leaders followed by OAL, NFML, Squire Pharma and DSSL. l

Airlines charge additional fares as Eid holidays near n Ishtiaq Husain

On the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, most of the local airlines have been charging extra fares, causing immense sufferings to the frequent travellers. In some cases, airlines management are charging almost double fares comparing with the regular ones. “All the airlines have started selling their tickets with double price on their tickets in between June 20 to July 5,” alleged regular passengers of different airlines. Passengers of different airlines told the Dhaka Tribune that all the local airliners had also imposed unfair and unjust airfares on their passengers.

Ashikur Rahman, a regular passenger of Jessore route, said: “I am used to travel frequently to Jessore for business purpose. But this time, all the airlines imposed double fare to make extra bucks, which is very much unfortunate.” Amiruzzaman, another regular passenger of Jessore route, also came up with the same problem. He said: “An AC bus service in between Dhaka and Khulna route is charging an additional Tk200 while airliners are charging almost double ahead of Eid.” “It is true that the transport owners will incur loss while their buses will return to Dhaka with empty seats. Airlines will also face the same problem in their return flights. But, the bus owners’ addi-

tional charge is much lesser than the airfare,” opined Amiruzaman. Industry insiders alleged that the state-run Biman Bangladesh Airlines is also involved in unfair competition by increasing its fair along with the other private airlines. “At least Biman should give some discount on airfares ahead of Eid. Rather, they engaged with unhealthy competition with other private airlines, though it’s a 100% government’s organisation,” said Sabbir Hasan, a regular passenger of Dhaka-Chittagong and Sylhet routes. Rejecting the allegation, Sohail Majid, head of Marketing and Sales, Novoair said: “The management of the airlines didn’t increase regular airfare in any routes because of

Eid. As the lowest airfare tickets are sold out, passengers are to buy the higher fare tickets.” Kamrul Islam, deputy general manager (DGM) of US-Bangla Airlines told the Dhaka Tribune that the sales department of the airlines was selling the tickets according to segment system. “Now, we don’t have any more the lowest segment tickets as they are sold out. Only higher segment tickets still remain available. That is why most of the passengers facing this problem while purchasing tickets,” he explained. However, all the airlines have announced a special discount offer for the return flight before and after Eid to attract the passengers. As there are less Dhaka bound

passengers now just before Eid, all the airlines have offered a ticket in between Tk1,880 and Tk2,000. The same offer will remain open from July 8 to 14 from Dhaka to different destinations. US-Bangla airlines announced a discount fare at Tk1,999 from July 1 to 7 from Jessore-Dhaka, Rajshahi-Dhaka, Barisal-Dhaka, Syedpur-Dhaka destinations while this fare would be applicable from July 8 to 14. Novoair also announced the discount official fare at Tk1,800 on the same routes while Biman offered Tk2, 000 on the same routes. On the holy occasion of Eid, additional flights will be introduced in 5 domestic routes by Novoair. The 5 routes are-Saidpur, Jessore, Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi and Barisal. l

Business

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Nervy global investors revisit 1930s playbook n Reuters, London Global investors are once again dusting off studies of the 1930s as fears of protectionism, nationalism and a retreat of globalization, sharpened by this week’s Brexit referendum, escalate anew. With markets on tenterhooks over today’s “too close to call” vote on Britain’s future in the European Union, the damage an exit vote would deal business activity and world commerce is amplified by the precarious state of the global economy and its inability to absorb any left-field political shocks. As such, the Brexit vote will not be an open-and-shut case regardless of the outcome. Broader worries about global trade, frail growth and dwindling investment returns have festered since the banking shock of 2007/08 and have mounted this year. Stalling trade growth has already led the world economy to the brink of recession for the second time in a decade, with growth now hovering just above the 2-2.5% level most economists say is needed to keep per capita world output stable. Three-month averages for growth of world trade volumes through March this year have turned negative compared with the prior three months, according to the Dutch government statistics body widely cited as the arbiter of global trade data. And it’s not a seasonal blip. Last

An unemployed man in an old coat is seen lying down on a pier in the New York City docks during the Great Depression, 1935 year saw the biggest drop in imports and exports since 2009 and their average annual growth of 3% over the intervening seven years was itself half that of the 25 years before, according to Swiss asset manager Pictet. 2016 is set to be the fifth sub-par year in row.

A study published by the Centre For Economic Policy Research shows this paltry pace of trade growth is also below the 4.2% average for the past 200 years. Foreign direct investment growth of 2% of world output is also at its lowest since the 1990s,

REUTERS

while the hangover from the credit crunch has seen annual growth rates in cross-border bank lending grind to a halt from some 10% in the decade to 2008. Parsing the big investment themes of the next five years, Pictet this month highlighted “globali-

sation at a crossroads” - offering both benign and malignant reasoning and implications. One of these was that trade deceleration was due in part to the inwards reorientation of the world’s two mega economies, the United States and China - the former due to the shale energy boom and the latter’s planned shift to consumption from exports. Another factor cited was a shift in the world economy towards services and digital activity that is not captured by statistics on merchandise trade. But Pictet had little doubt about what brewing developments could swamp all that - rising nationalism on the far right and left of the political spectrum in Europe and the United States. Britain “threatens to drive a fault line” through one of the world’s biggest free trade blocs, it said, and both presumptive candidates for November’s US presidential election have talked of renegotiating the still-unratified Trans Pacific Partnership binding economies making up 40% of world trade. “If the rising tide of nationalism results in greater protectionism, then the decline in international trade the world has experienced so far could well morph into something more pernicious,” the Swiss firm said, adding that multinationals particularly banks and tech companies - were most vulnerable. l

Asia sentiment hits year high as Fed’s Powell warns that dollar-based Libor China’s economy steadies n Reuters, Jakarta Sentiment at Asia’s biggest companies climbed to its highest in a year in the second quarter of 2016, helped by signs that China’s economy was slowly steadying, a Thomson Reuters/INSEAD survey showed. During the quarter, China reported a marginal decline in May imports that was far less than market expectations, reflecting a pick-up in domestic demand as the government raises spending on infrastructure projects to support growth. The Thomson Reuters/INSEAD Asian Business Sentiment Index, representing the six-month outlook of 139 firms, rose to 67 for April-June versus 65 three months prior – continuing a rebound from a four-year low of 58 in December. A reading over 50 indicates a positive view. In China, corporate sentiment is at its highest in almost a year, with respondents including China Jo Jo Drugstores Inc producing a subindex of 75, up from 71 in the previ-

ous survey. “What we are seeing today relative to the past two quarters is that Chinese risk has gone down. People are a little bit less worried about the possibility that something sudden will happen in China,” said Singapore-based economics professor Antonio Fatas at global business school INSEAD. Rising corporate debt in China and its potential to handicap longterm growth was, however, the most-cited risk to companies’ outlooks, which also included volatile oil prices, central bank policies and terrorism. Indonesia recorded the quarter’s biggest rebound in sentiment with a 22-point jump in its subindex to 64, also helped by government spending on public works. “We are very much affected by the slowdown of the global economy, especially from China,” said Corporate Secretary Agung Wiharto at state-controlled cement maker PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. “But we are confident things

will be better in the second half, mainly because of the (Indonesian) government’s infrastructure spending.” Sentiment also improved in the Philippines, which logged the highest sentiment subindex for the fourth consecutive quarter. The business mood was weakest in Japan, Asia’s second-biggest economy, plummeting 31 points to a survey-low of 46 as companies worried about stagnating consumption. Japanese firms also feared further appreciation in the yen, echoing concerns from policymakers who have said yen strength could be exacerbated if Britain votes to leave the European Union.

Retail, leisure firms upbeat

By sector, companies engaged in retail and leisure were the most upbeat with a subindex rising to 82 from 77, as the majority of respondents reported an increase in business volume over the past three months. l

could disappear n Reuters Financial markets need to consider the risks of relying heavily on the dollar-based London Interbank Offer Rate because this reference rate could stop being published, Federal Reserve Governor Jerome Powell said on Tuesday as a Fed-convened committee continued to zero in on an alternative to the so-called Libor. “Market participants are not used to thinking about this possibility, but benchmarks sometimes come to a halt,” Powell said in prepared remarks in New York for a roundtable discussion on a report on alternative reference rates. Libor is one of the world’s most important benchmarks and about $300tn in contracts reference it. But Libor has come under scrutiny since traders at several large banks were accused of rigging its daily rates. That scrutiny has led to requirements that banks base their submissions for Libor rates on actual

market trades, which Powell said was made difficult by a long-term decline in the money market borrowing that underlies US dollar Libor submissions. “It is difficult to ask banks to submit rates at which they believe they could borrow on a daily basis if they do not actually borrow very often,” Powell said. He was speaking at a roundtable of the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, which was convened by the U.S. central bank and which published an interim report on Tuesday. Last month, the committee narrowed down the Libor alternatives to two possibilities: the Overnight Bank Funding Rate and some form of an overnight Treasury general collateral repurchase agreement rate, or GC repo. These two, the committee said, are more firmly based on trades from “a robust underlying market” and they comply with the latest international standards. l

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

BRICS bank to issue bonds in members' local currencies n Reuters

The New Development Bank (NDB), an infrastructure-focused lender established by the BRICS emerging economies, plans to issue debt in the local currencies of its five member countries, the bank's president said. Known as the BRICS bank, the NDB is seen by its members as an alternative to the World Bank. Its launch last year follows the establishment of the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). NDB, run by KV Kamath, a former executive of India's largest private lender ICICI Bank, already has $1bn in capital, which is set to dou-

ble next year and increase to $50bn in the future. "Our first (debt) issues will be in the local currencies. Clearly, the demand is for rouble-based funding (in Russia), companies or government do not want to take an exchange risk," Kamath told Reuters in an interview. Brazil, Russia, India and China officially grouped together in 2009, with South Africa joining later, to press for a bigger say in global financial matters. The NDB, which is headquartered in Shanghai, started work last year. Kamath said the bank plans to issue a bond worth around 3bn renminbi ($455.93m) "in the next four

weeks", followed by an issue in India of roughly the same size. "Discussions in Russia over the last two days clearly indicate that we can do an issue here, there is a great interest ... we talked to potential bankers, all leading banks are eager to participate," he said on the sidelines of an economic forum in St Petersburg last week. Kamath said the bank has yet to determine the size of the rouble bond sale and may tap the market "in the next two quarters," targeting pension funds and banks as key investors. It is also studying the possibility of issuing a local bond in South Af-

Mobile money to power Africa financial growth n AFP, Paris Mobile phones and rising connectivity in Africa will give rise to a new market in mobile financial services, creating explosive opportunities for business on the continent, research has found. The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) estimated that in three years, 250 million Africans without access to traditional banking services "will have mobile phones and a monthly income of at least $500". That could translate to projected revenues of $1.5bn (1.3bn euros) from mobile financial services, the group said in a report released Tuesday. That's key for a continent where the banking system is as yet hugely underdeveloped, but where strides have already been made in mobile banking. In Kenya, for example, the mobile money system has nearly 18 million users thanks to the M-Pesa service run by British telecom giant Vodafone's subsidiary Safaricom. In Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous country and one of its fastest growing economies, mobile phones are now being used to push an electronic payment service by phone called M-Birr. This is all good news for Africa, where a mere 25 percent of Africans have a regular bank account because "financial service providers haven't made the continent a priori-

ty," the group's report said. The "high cost to serve and low margins of traditional bank accounts in Africa" are the main reasons for the oversight. However, sub-Saharan Africa leads the world in mobile money accounts, according to the World Bank. "While just 2% of adults worldwide have a mobile money account, 12% in Sub-Saharan Africa have one," the Bank said in a separate study based on 2015 data. That number is projected to grow now that more than 50% of Africans over the age of 15 own a mobile phone and since mobiles are a low-cost way to reach a huge market. "For most of these consumers," said the BCG report, "mobile banking will be their first experience with financial services." Most Africans currently use mobile phones to transfer money but also to prepay utilities and purchase small items, as well as make debit-card transactions, BCG said.

'African middle class'

The survey of 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa found that four in 10 Africans access the Internet using a smart phone, while three-quarters use a computer to get on the web. Since 2013, the number of Africans with access to the internet has grown by 8 percent. In Ivory Coast, access to the Internet has gone from 200,000 in 2008 to 8 million

in 2016 thanks to 3G. This connectivity, coupled with rising consumer classes and Africans' increasingly optimistic outlook, will translate to over 1.1 billion consumers by 2020, the group said - "more than the populations of Europe and North America combined". "The concept of a middle class is taken from the Western society model and has led to confusions when we talk of Africa," said Lisa Ivers, director of the BCG bureau in Casablanca. "The African socioeconomic reality is vastly different across African countries and from more established markets," she said. "But that absolutely doesn't lessen our confidence over the potential of the African domestic consumption." The group projected that by 2020, Africa will be home to twice as many affluent consumers as the UK -s and they "are very optimistic and eager to spend". Of the more than 11,000 people surveyed between February and March 2015, 88 percent said they were optimistic about the future. In Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria, more than 90% said they were optimistic. According to the survey, 85 percent also agreed with the statement "It seems like every year there are more things I want to buy". Domestic companies have started to tap into this by merging consumer demand and web access. l

Business

rica, but "slightly smaller" than that in China. "This leaves us basically the only one market - Brazil. We will understand it and then look at it and do (an issue), of course." Kamath said the bank plans to lend around $1.5bn in total this year, rising to $2.5-$3bn in 2017 and to $3.5bn in 2018. The NDB is focusing on "green projects" - efficiency improvement, infrastructure, renewable and others. "Our role as of now is to be rather sole - but where there is no ban, we can also do co-investing," he said when asked about potential competition with other global development banks. l

CORPORATE NEWS

Prime Bank Limited has recently appointed Dr GM Khurshid Alam as the chairperson of its risk management committee, said a press release. Alam is currently serving as a director at Policy Research Institute, a policy and economic research think-tank of Bangladesh. He holds a PhD in Economics from Boston University in USA

Feature

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

The sunny islands n Mahmood Sadi My home district Narsingdi, is just 60 odd kilometres away from the capital city Dhaka. I am a life-long Dhaka dweller but I go to Dhanua, my village in Narsingdi to get the taste of country life every now and then. Thanks to its proximity to the local industrial area, which is a vast portion of Narsingdi, we have gas connection in our village home. However I was quite unaware of the fact that there are places in Narsingdi that are still outside the national grid and that there are people deprived of continuous electricity. In October last year, I became aware of that fact after I went to visit a remote char (river island formed through extensive sedimentation) in Narsingdi with a PR company. I went there to visit the largest solar mini grid power plant (capacity 147 KW) of the country. The solar mini grid power plant is relatively a new concept in Bangladesh and most importantly, the mainstream media has paid almost no attention to its success stories. So it was a tour of enlightenment for me. During that visit, I observed how the solar mini grid power plant changed the lives of people there. The Solar-home-system (SHS) has long been a popular choice in remote rural areas in the country outside the national grid but I was never overwhelmed about its success. I however got quite

plant project was in fact piloted there. The reason for choosing Kutubdia was because I had heard that the plant there had smart metering and smart card system and I wanted to so see how that operates. Journey to those islands were quite hectic as I later found out. I first travelled to our port city Chittagong. There, I took a bus ride to Kumira Ghat. Kumira Ghat has some trawlers and speed boats to go to Sandwip, but due of the scarcity of both the transports I had to wait for hours to get into a speed boat. But I was finally able to reach the island and managed to finished my field work within my schedule. The next day, I went back to Chittagong and from there I took another bus to Chokoria, Coxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bazaar. From Chokoria, the journey to Mognama Ghat is usually done by local three wheelers or small buses. From the ghat, I took a speed boat ride to reach Kutubdia.

overwhelmed with the solar mini grid power plant. Because I found out that it triggered entrepreneurship and, unlike SHS, provided electricity 24-hour even to the very poor. So, when I learned about a global fellowship about energy access, in which it offered to produce in-depth report on energy

access scenario, I immediately pitched the idea of doing a story on the potential of solar mini grid power plant in Bangladesh. I got the fellowship. After doing some research work in Dhaka, where all the ministries, headquarters of the organisations and companies (working in solar

mini grid power plant sector) are located, I decided to carry out my field work in Sandwip and Kutubdia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; two remote islands in the Bay of Bengal. There were seven operational solar mini grid power plants in the country, with 11 more in the pipeline now. I chose Sandwip because the solar mini grid power

The Solar-homesystem (SHS) has long been a popular choice in remote rural areas in the country outside the national grid

On both the islands, I found the solar mini grid power plant to be a successful venture. The local people have long been familiar with solar power, since they had seen neighbours who had individual solar panels installed in some of their house. But they had no idea that they could use solar power during the day time as well, SHS power was saved for use only during night time. There lives also drastically improved when they started getting access to 24-hour electricity, because previously the sheer cost and unreliability of diesel generators from which the marketplace and some of the households got power, were only functional for at most 7-8 hours. The solar mini grid power plants have made great positive changes in the lives of the locals of the two islands. l

Feature

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

‘Okay, but is it Facebook-Official?’ n Noor-E-Shahrin Most adolescents want their love life to be as exciting as a Hollywood chick-flick. But as soon as you give yourself up to the charm of those three magical words, pop goes your bubble! You realise (and the sooner the better) that you have a conservative society to worry about. But that doesn’t stop some of us rebels from bringing out our intimate relationships onto the public domain. The chain of events has been re-written as “dating-Facebook Officialengagement-marriage” with occasional break-ups and makeups to keep things interesting. But before you decide to bring your “baby” out into the world, here’s some food for thought. Why in the name of all things dear to God would anyone not want to keep private things….. well, private? Plenty of valid reasons, apparently. We spoke to a number of school students to get their insight about the pros and cons of declaring the relationship. Firstly, no matter how ordinary you think you are, someone out there is head over heels in love with you, completely unaware that you may be in a relationship. Here’s where it pays to be open about it. “The relationship status can be used to prove that two particular people are in a relationship as a sign for others to back off “, says Tauhid Ahmed. This saves you and your significant other from having to turn down proposals awkwardly. As Onita Nargis, puts it, “As people are not ‘hitting’ on your significant other, you will fight less.” A significant number of couples find it absolutely outrageous that the totally natural thing that two people share should be kept a secret, like a shameful crime that ought to be punished. Allowing your friend circle to know about your better half is a step towards this rebellion against stereotypes. “It shows you are not afraid to let the world know about your woman and you are proud of her”, says Mashruk. If someone is willing to take the risk of disappointing their parents for you, then you must mean something special. “It shows that you are actually serious about the relationship and committed to that person”, says Mehrin Tasfia. Also, your not-so-braveheart friend might follow your footsteps. “It can act as a motivating factor for other lovers, may give them the guts to ask their beloved out”, says

Photo: Bigstock Shohon. Letting people know about your relationship is known to strengthen this special bond. Knowing that people are witness to your relationship puts a sense of responsibility and commitment in you. “A mature relationship that has a certain amount of transparency via social media offer many perks such as a projection of confidence, faith and devotion towards the partner”, says Abtahee Al-Wasee. Moreover, nothing says “romantic” more than talking about your special one to all your friends. Once you find love, you want to show it off and that’s totally ethical. And bonus, this will make your frenemies and exes go crazy! “Declaring a relationship is something really sweet!” says Anika. The other side of the coin Declaring your love affair on social websites might lead to you being crowned “Attention Seeker of the week”. Like Zahra Mantaka says, “Flaunting shows that you are just seeking attention.” While not everyone intends to bother their Facebook acquaintances, flooding their newsfeed with the relationship

A significant number of couples find it absolutely outrageous that the totally natural thing that two people share should be kept a secret, like a shameful crime that ought to be punished

status will not gain one any points. On being asked if she supports declaring the relationship, Tasnuva, an intern at a newspaper, says “You might think people want to know about your personal life but they really don’t.” After all, there hardly seems to be a good reason why your third-cousin in Chittagong needs to find out. Achol Chowdhury, another internship student, simply puts it as “my business, not yours”. Very few high-school relationships tend to survive in the long run. One morning you change your status to “single” or “private”, you are in for a rough day. The endless wellintentioned platitudes become monotonous at a point. “It

becomes difficult to turn over a new leaf after break-ups as social media stores every possible memory”, says Humayra. Dealing with life is hard on its own; you really don’t need cheap gossips, pointless rumours and unnecessary drama to act as pebbles in your shoes slowing you down. “Talking about your love life openly leads to oversharing and gives people the chance to backbite about you”, Lidia points out. And let’s not get started about the “Bhaabi Party” which holds hushed conferences outside every coaching centre, discussing which girl or boy has “gone astray”. “Once you let out private information, it circulates all the way to forbidden ears”, says Nahim. Let’s face it, your

parents won’t kiss you on the forehead and give you gold stars for dating. And is anybody else worried about those teachers on our friend list? The worst case scenario: Your plan backfires and your frenemies and exes stalk and spy on your significant other till s/ he is crying in frustration. At the end of the day it all comes down to your actions that define you. If you want to own up to your love affair and post about it on social media, do it for the right reasons. “I would hate it if my partner forced me to tell everyone about us”, says Ishmam. A status is not a magical chain that keeps your partner from cheating on you. It’s your faith in this bond that keeps it alive. l

Youth

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

The importance of science fairs

Pursuing an education in science starts out as a fairly interesting but as students start doing classes in higher grades and the subjects begin to get tougher, their interest begins to fade

n Fariha Afroz There are two kinds of students in school. The science freaks and the non-science lot. It is typical to think that science fairs only cater to the needs of the former group. However, what is overlooked is how beneficiary they are for the latter group too. Science fairs provide a platform for students who are inquisitive about science, to help them use their textual knowledge to create something unique - something worthy of exploration. “Science fairs allow students to practically try out the things

they learn about in their text books, allowing them to know more about the inventions or discoveries that fascinate them. I think they are great,” says Mahmood, a student from Scholastica. Although studying science itself is quite rewarding for students who are curious about it, creating projects helps them grasp the ideas behind each project with much more clariyt. “As a fifth grader, science fairs seemed captivating to me. I would try creating various projects to display at the fair and that is where I first realised science is my area of interest,” says Tahseen,

another eight grade student. “I had chosen to study science in school but quickly began to regret the decision. Since I could not shift to commerce then, science fairs played a big part in keeping me somewhat motivated,” says Waseka, a former student. This is true for a large number of students. Pursuing an education in science starts out as a fairly interesting but as students start doing classes in higher grades and the subjects begin to get tougher, their interest begins to fade and that too, fast. Science fairs add a fun, more hands-on learning environment where students can

explore their interests further. Teachers do a fine job of teaching the subjects but it isn’t always enough. Learning tends to become monotonous. “Try as we might, learning cannot always be fun. It does become a bit repetitive and students begin to get distracted. Science fairs help create variations to the learning process and help the students greatly,” says Shamsul Kader, a science teacher. Most teachers believe so too, and encourages students to take part in the annual science fairs. Parents, on the other hand, have contradictory views. Some parents believe science fairs are more distracting than helpful and also a waste of precious study hours. “My child is already studying science day in and day out. Preparing for a science fair is nothing but added pressure,” said a parent of a sixth grade student from Scholastica. “Creativity should be reserved for art classes. As for science, studying the subject is enough in my opinion. These fairs are unnecessary and just for show,” says another parent of a student from from Maple Leaf International School. A majority of parents, however, think science fairs keep students from getting bored and help them become more creative. “I

think it is a very good thing that school arrange these fairs. It helps children combine their knowledge of science with their creativity and the outcomes are more than satisfactory!” exclaims a father of a eight grade student from South Breeze school. Private tutors support the use of science fairs as a learning tool too. Most fairs also consist of a competition where they declare a winner after careful examination of each project. Most of the time, projects inspired by Physics or the ones created by the “IT experts” in schools are the ones that win. It is simply because at school level, there is not much to be experimented with if one chooses to get creative with the other science subjects. This does not in any way keep students from trying out numerous new projects in the field of biology and chemistry too. Students who are not studying science enjoy the fair as well. “I am a commerce student but I always look forward to these fairs. Although I do not participate, I always attend and check out all the new projects. A lot of things can be learned just from examining or hearing the description of the projects,” says Anika Tabassum, another student from Scholastica. l

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

| talk |

| CSR |

Why hydrography matters

NSU donates ambulances on its anniversary

Chief guest Rear Admiral Mohammad Makbul Hossain, OSP, BCGMS, ndu, psc; Chairman of National Hydrographic Committee addressed his speech at the seminar organised by Bangladesh Navy on the occasion of World Hydrography Day Bangladesh observed World Hydrography Day on 21 June with an aim to highlighting the importance of Hydrography. World Hydrography Day provides the opportunity to enhance the public awareness about the vital role that hydrography plays in everyone’s life. To commemorate the day, Bangladesh Navy organised a seminar at the School Of Maritime Warfare and Tactics(SMWT) in Chittagong naval area today (21-06-2016). Rear Admiral Mohammad Makbul Hossain, OSP, BCGMS, ndu, psc; Chairman of National Hydrographic Committee graced the seminar as chief guest. This year the theme of the day was “Hydrography – the key to wellmanaged seas and waterways”. Bangladesh is one of the active members of Internal Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) and the Navy acts as the

focal point of all hydrographic matters in the marine territory of Bangladesh. Different important issues covering the requirement of innovative supplementary data gathering initiatives for blue economy such as seaborne trade and commerce, resource exploration and exploitation, ocean science and observation, defence and security etc were highlighted and the importance of hydrography in support of those activities were discussed. Representatives from different ministries and maritime stake holders, members of the National Hydrographic Committee and armed forces personnel were present. Worth mentioning is the fact that seas and oceans are now acknowledged as major contributors to the world economy and over 90% of the world’s trade travels through

sea. The greatest challenge for a seafarer is to minimise maritime accidents due to limited knowledge about navigational hazards. The basic premise of hydrography is to provide essential information to the mariners about safe waterways through nautical charts and publications. Knowledge on the shape and the depth of the seafloor have a significant impact on how sea level rise, storm and tsunamis affect the coastline. Moreover, hydrography plays a vital role in pursuing the activities like oil/gas exploration, dredging activities, offshore construction, cables & pipelines laying, telecommunications, weather and climate science, environmental monitoring, aquaculture, mineral resources, energy, biomedicine, ocean science and observation etc.l

| farewell |

Platinum Hotels hosted an intimate Iftar and Dinner at Platinum Suites on June 21st in honor of His Excellency, honorable Ambassador Mr. Mahmoud Ezzat, of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The farewell event was attended by several honorable Ambassadors along with Managing Director Taufiq M Seraj and Platinum Hotels management team.

Biz Info

North South University (NSU), the first private university in Bangladesh, successfully completed 24 years in the private university sector. To memorialise its various achievements, the university celebrated in a 9 day long program from March 3-11, 2016. As a major part of the event of celebrating NSU’s 24 years, the university donated two ambulances to Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialised Hospital & Nursing College and the Tareque Memorial Hospital on June 15, 2016 at NSU premises. M. A. Kashem, Chairman, BOT, NSU handed over two ambulances through a formal handing over ceremony. Sheikh Hafizur Rahman, Member Secretary, Major General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz Mallik, Shahana Yasmin Shampa, Member, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust along with few other officials of the

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust, Museum and Zaiton Binti Sulaiman, Chief Executive Officer, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialised Hospital & Nursing College received the ambulance on behalf of Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialised Hospital & Nursing College at the ceremony. Imdadul Haq Milon, Editor, Kaler Kantho, attended the Ceremony as Special Guest, whie Professor Atiqul Islam, Vice Chancellor, Deans, Academic and Administrative Heads of NSU graced the ceremony with their presence. With a sense of corporate social responsibility, NSU takes many initiatives throughout the year such as road cleaning programs, providing partial and full scholarships to needy and meritorious students, blood donation drives, sharing various festival joys with underprivileged people, etc. l

| dining |

Kasundi Restaurant’s Ramadan Lineup This year Kasundi Restaurant brings you Ramadan specials. Starting from Iftar to Sehri, Kasundi serves it all. For Iftar you can choose from any of its three packages, each of which features over forty different mouth watering items including Kasundi’s well known halim, jilapi, and biryani. Kasundi feels as if its customers deserve more than just Ifar as it is featuring an Iftar+Dinner package at just BDT 550. This package includes scrumptious items such as Chicken Hyderabadi Rice, Chicken Chilli Onion, Fried Spring Chicken, Kacchi Biryani, Mutton Dom Biryani and many

more. Not to forget, you can have Sehri at Kasundi too. However, Kasundi offers even more as it gives you the opportunity to throw Iftar Parties when you want to. So whatever the event is this Ramadan, Kasundi is the place for you. You can find Kasundi at Farmgate, Dhaka and if you want to know more, call 01926698060 or visit www.facebook.com/ kasundifarmgate. l

20 Editorial

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

TODAY

Dessert, anyone? Her identity is that of Britain. Her fanbase, admirers, clients, and audience -- it’s all rooted in Britain. Why Nadiya doesn’t insist on being a role model for the English remains a mystery to me. And why doesn’t Britain see her as one? PAGE 21

Development is just another word People are struggling. It is the responsibility of the intelligentsia to join this struggle by fighting against the Bjorn Lomborgs of the world, who use their intellect in service of transnational capital on ideological grounds

BIGSTOCK

PAGE 22

Invest in speed

Countering the narrative The free reign with which extremist violence is carried out is a cause for worry. Especially when mainstream parties either patronise or turn a blind eye to such atrocities 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.

head of Eid-ul-Fitr, the government is inaugurating a high-speed rail connection on the Dhaka-Chittagong route, both for the sake of home-goers but also for the use of commuters after Eid. The journey will be reduced to four hours, without any stoppage -- a great improvement on the more than seven hours it currently takes. This initiative is indeed well-appreciated and welcome as high-speed rail connections are superb investments for Bangladesh. The distances from Dhaka to the different parts of the country are not really that large (370km for Dhaka-Chittagong) and high-speed rail connections would not only ease communication, but would also allow for decentralisation and development of alternative places to live and work outside Dhaka. Areas outside of Dhaka are, at times, short of skilled professionals, such as doctors or educators, and such high-speed connection would enable these professionals to reach out underserved areas more efficiently. Feasibility studies have been conducted in the past by the Chinese government to set up even new routes and even faster train networks, which will reduce the duration of the Dhaka-Chittagong journey to even shorter periods of time. Designs included facilitating freight transport to the seaport and an electrification reserve options along with diesel traction. Partnerships with China and other countries, such as Germany or France, that have efficient integrated transport systems, should be prioritised. Such plans would also provide more environmentally and economically sustainable paths for commuting and transportation of goods, and accordingly, should be taken forward and spread across the country.

High-speed rail connections would not only ease communication, but would also allow for decentralisation and development of alternative places

Opinion

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Dessert, anyone? Nadiya Hussain might be a success story, but her story is British, not Bangladeshi

n Fardin Hasin

efore I get into anything else, I would like to admit that I think Nadiya Hussain is a remarkable

woman. She’s strong and talented, she’s dedicated to her work, and she’s really good at it. She has a dedicated fan-base, the media adores her, and even the queen seems to have taken a liking to her. Which actually makes her recent Guardian interview feel a little more hurtful than it should have. The piece starts off with sentences like “There were no chairs back in Bangladesh.” It might just be bad phrasing, but nevertheless, there is the underlying suggestion of how Bangladesh is a country poor enough to not have chairs. Yes, the effect may be unintended, and what she possibly means is that her home back in Bangladesh didn’t have chairs. But why couldn’t she just say that instead? “Rice was our staple, with seven or eight curries at each evening meal, Bangladeshi style.” Most Bangladeshis (or those I know) don’t eat seven or eight curries at each evening meal. Maybe at dinner or lunch parties (or dawats as we call them), but not regularly. Rice and curries are indigenous to Bangladesh, eating seven or eight of them per meal isn’t. Just to clarify, it’s not even always a cost issue (though considerable portions of the population do struggle to put food on the table) -- it’s just too much food. “Anglicised curries”? Okay, she actually isn’t that wrong there. Curry as it is known in England is quite different from how we do it in Bangladesh. Balti Britain is really an English culture, even if it is romanticised as a foreign exclusivity. Quite like the concept of Chinese restaurants in Bangladesh. On a side note, her parents do sound very lovely. Moving on. “The concept of dessert doesn’t exist in Bangladeshi cuisine.” This came like a knife to the back. Especially from a woman who loves desserts as much as I do. Now, to be honest, the Western concept of finishing the meal with a dessert item isn’t embedded in Bangladeshi culture. Some practice it, others don’t. But when it comes to lunch and dinner parties (dawats), I can’t remember any without provisions for dessert. Then again, I’ve only attended

Bangladeshis are no strangers to sweets

BIGSTOCK

Her identity is that of Britain. Her fan-base, admirers, clients, and audience -- it’s all rooted in Britain. Why Nadiya doesn’t insist on being a role model for the English remains a mystery to me. And why doesn’t Britain see her as one? dawats in the cities of Dhaka and Sylhet (only one in Chittagong); it would be unfair to speak for the rest of Bangladesh. That’s the thing, there’s no monolithic image of a Bangladeshi cuisine; there never will be. But we will always have desserts: Shemai, payesh, doi, firni, mishti (of which there are various types), bundia, faluda, fruit salad, pudding, custard (Bangladeshi versions of a Western concept), halua (of which also there are various types), and pitha (still more than one type, a lot more). Do we necessarily eat them after a regular meal? No. More often than not, we eat them as nasta items, in-between meals. The list of desserts I have given here is a small one. The 64 districts of Bangladesh may all have their own variety of dessert items. Can I really know them all? No. It just vexes me how Nadiya can speak for the totality of the Bangladeshi cuisine, when she has lived only a small part of it. And we do know that cakes exist. Or at least Bangladeshis I

have seen or known do. We buy them at bakeries (by “we,” I mean the segments of Bangladeshi population who can afford to buy things from bakery stores), generally for occasions such as a birthday party or a wedding. There are surely Bangladeshis out there who make them at home; I just haven’t met any of them yet. “I also have a senseless love affair with cheese. My mother never bought any because there was none in Bangladeshi cuisine.” Cheese plays a small role in Bangladeshi cuisine; it is not an ingredient in any regular meal, rather its use is limited to a few rare nasta items. However, saying it doesn’t exist in Bangladeshi cuisine is inaccurate. Nadiya clearly hasn’t seen street vendors at New Market (a place in Dhaka) selling cheese (or poneer as we call it) to customers who are well adept at haggling. I like how Nadiya explores her personal and family life. I love how she acknowledges her anxiety

issues -- there’s a lot of honesty in it. Those parts seem very relatable. But her experiences shouldn’t be generalised as that of an average British-Bangladeshi Muslim woman’s life, much less that of a Bangladeshi and/or Muslim woman’s life, because there’s clearly more to it than meets the eye. Otherwise, we just end up with another stereotype. And nobody wants that. I feel let down as Nadiya talks about becoming a role model “for Bangladeshis, bakers, Muslims, women and all.” The thing is, Nadiya’s success story is a British tale. The origins may be Bangladeshi, but the rest of it is distinctively English, and rightfully so, because she is in fact an English woman. “British-Bangladeshi” is the politically correct term, and Nadiya definitely carries a bit of Bangladesh in her. But her identity is that of Britain. Her fan-base, admirers, clients, and audience -- it’s all rooted in Britain. Why

Nadiya doesn’t insist on being a role model for the English remains a mystery to me. And why doesn’t Britain see her as one? This reminds of the column Zia Haider Rahman recently wrote in the New York Times. He spoke about being identified as “born in rural Bangladesh” and “a Bangladeshi banker turned novelist.” Zia Haider was rather surprised at such identification. He goes on to describe how he doesn’t have a Bangladeshi passport, but a British one (actually two), and has never spoken Bengali. It’s apparently only across the Atlantic in America that people ask him if he’s British. So, when Nadiya Hussain speaks about being a role model to Bangladeshis, I remember Zia Haider’s words: “It does not come easily for white Britons to speak, face to face, of a non-white Briton’s nationality.” Britain isn’t willing to let Nadiya become a role model, but she wants Nadiya to generalise her “otherness,” to make a stereotype out of her “Bangladeshiness” and/ or “Muslimness.” But what this great country is forgetting is that people like Zia Haider and Nadiya Hussain are a part of its own heritage, and not that of Bangladesh. Their origins may be non-white and nonEuropean, but their stories are distinctively English. l Fardin Hasin is a freelance contributor.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Opinion

Development is just another word Don’t be indifferent about human life and ecology in favour of profit

n Irfanur Rahman Rafin

n a talk with Dhaka Tribune’s Shegufta Hasnine Surur, Bjorn Lomborg, head of the Copenhagen Consensus Centre, tried his best to convince readers about the economic profitability of coal and nuclear power. Local Bashkhali law enforcers, backed by complete support from the Awami League government, killed some local residents when they protested the establishment of coal-based power plants in Bashkhali. When a massive protest broke out against this horrible state-mandated violence, the entire region of Bashkhali turned into a sort of open-air prison.

People are struggling. It is the responsibility of the intelligentsia to join this struggle by fighting against the Bjorn Lomborgs of the world, who use their intellect in service of transnational capital on ideological grounds

Natural treasures are not replaceable

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

To add insult to injury, thousands of cases had been filed against the locals by the Bashkhali police. Meanwhile, nuclear power plants in co-operation with the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) is slowly making progress. When Dhaka Tribune asked Bjorn Lomborg whether he was pro-nuclear power or not, this was how he replied: “Global warming is a real problem, and the only way we’re going to fix that is by eventually cutting carbon emissions. The only way we can do that right now is by having nuclear power or renewables. Renewables have the dual big problems in that they’re expensive and they’re intermittent.” If you are familiar with the work of America-based Bangladeshi scientist Dr Sajed Kamal, you know that these are wholesale lies about renewable energy. But if you are not, feel free to check out The Renewable Revolution published

by Earthscan in 2011. Thanks to the internet, the truth is not “a mile away” anymore. What does he think about coal power? In a response to another question, he said, unashamedly: “I think it’s worthwhile to remember that there’s potentially billions in benefits from coal power.” And now, let’s take a look at how he compared coal and nuclear power when our friend asked him: “So, is nuclear better than coal in terms of cost and benefits?” His answer: “No, coal is much cheaper. It kills a lot more people, but you can regulate away from all of that and it still remains much cheaper than nuclear power. So yes, there is a trade off. You’ll have much more air pollution from coal than from nuclear, even if you regulate it. But it’s probably still a better outcome.” How do you justify such cynicism? Showing absolute indifference towards human life and ecology, Mr Lomborg only thinks of profit, more accurately profit maximisation. What does such one-dimensional thought signify? I believe it is Fidel Castro who had an answer to this question, specifically in his speech on the 40th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution (January 1, 1999): “The most fanatical defenders of and believers in the market have converted it into a new religion. This is how the theology of the market emerged. Its academics, more than scientists, are theologians -- for them, it is a question of faith.” Okay, then. What can be done about this? Comrade Castro replies: “People will keep on struggling … thousands of creative and ingenious forms of pressure and political action will emerge.” Okay, but would that fight be easy? Castro says no. Why? Castro continues: “In the ideological war, as in armed battles, there are also casualties. Not everyone has the courage to withstand those tough times and difficult conditions.” People are struggling. It is the responsibility of the intelligentsia to join this struggle by fighting against the Bjorn Lomborgs of the world, who use their intellect in service of transnational capital on ideological grounds. This has to be done if we truly aspire for a better world, one that is free from ruthless exploitationoppression-torture in the name of development, which is just another word. l Irfanur Rahman Rafin (erfanrafen@ gmail.com) is a member of Gana Sanghati Andolon, which is led by Zonayed Saki.

Opinion

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Countering the narrative Can Bangladesh’s cultural heritage prevent it from becoming an incubator for extremism?

First things first: We must end the culture of impunity against extremism

n Daneesh Majid

angladesh has been an unheralded Asian underdog story of the past two decades. However, religious extremism has cast a pall of gloom over the decreased child mortality, its status as leader in peace-keeping operations, and a transition from being a food importer to food exporter. Barbaric human rights violations against bloggers, religious minorities, social activists, and the LGBT community by Islamic militants remain unchecked. Plus, the recent slaying of a Hindu priest in Dhaka is also indicative of broader security concerns in Bangladesh. The current Bangladeshi security scenario contains various aspects of the current South Asia’s security landscape. For instance, a lot of ISI-sponsored fringe groups, including Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, have

operated from Dhaka to carry antiIndia activity. Much like Pakistan, the Deobandi Jamaat-e-Islami patronises fringe groups like the Ansarullah Bangla Team. The

BIGSTOCK

rivals). These groups provide more predictable governance compared to the erratic established parties. The same applies with Afghanistan but it is the Taliban who outdo the

That, too, when the country does maintain a Sufi influence. Bangladesh is the Siamese twin of West Bengal, where progressives like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam and

The free reign with which extremist violence is carried out is a cause for worry. Especially when mainstream parties either patronise or turn a blind eye to such atrocities

ABT claimed responsibility for murdering secular blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider after he organised anti Jamaat-e-Islami protests. Both the BNP and the AL have us(urp)ed not just counterinsurgency measures, but even standard legislation against critics and each other as well (ie, Farooq Abdullah of Kashimr with the Public Safety Act against NC

government machinery. Considering Pakistan’s projection of Sufi music (predominantly through Coke Studio) and Indian PM Narendra Modi’s overtures to the World Sufi Forum, can Bangladesh use its homegrown, artistic culture as a counter-narrative to ensure the state does not eventually turn into an incubator for extremism?

mishti go hand in hand. At a Heritage Foundation event in Washington DC, Illinois State University Professor Dr Riaz elaborated on his stance regarding counter-narratives: “Although used with the right intentions, the term ‘counter-narrative’ should not be used as what is indigenous to West Bengal is just as indigenous to Bangladesh. Our

national anthem was written by Tagore. Deeming this egalitarian culture as a counter-narrative to the narrative already present is akin to saying that secular Bengali culture is a thing of the past. As for Modi, the less that is said about him, the better.” By advocating alternate pluralistic narratives that already exist, narratives by those seeking to impose uniform thought only flourish. Calling for revival of inclusiveness implies that pluralism is yesterday’s trendy news. Instead, the free reign with which extremist violence is carried out is a cause for worry. Especially when mainstream parties, be it the AL or the BNP, either patronise or turn a blind eye to such atrocities. And for the sake of Bangladesh’s secular fabric, this newfound culture of impunity must cease to exist. l Daneesh Majid is a DC-based South Asia writer. Find him on Twitter @MajidDan.

24 Sport

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

TOP STORIES

Team spirit behind success, says Tamim

WHEN ONE ARM IS

GOOD ENOUGH!

n Minhaz Uddin Khan Croatia condemn Spain to Italy clash Ivan Perisic’s last gasp winner gave Croatia a 2-1 win over Spain that condemned the defending European champions to a heavyweight last 16 clash against Italy while Germany claimed their place in the knockout rounds. PAGE 26

‘Lewandowski still Poland’s engine’ Poland striker Robert Lewandowski is still the team’s driving force despite the goal drought he is currently enduring, his coach Adam Nawalka said. Lewandowski failed to score as Poland beat Ukraine 1-0 to reach the last 16. PAGE 27

Abahani captain Tamim Iqbal flays one towards the long-on region during their Super League tie in the Dhaka Premier League against Prime Bank at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Abahani Limited captain Tamim Iqbal yesterday credited team spirit behind the side’s Dhaka Premier League title victory. Amid all the controversies in the lone 50-over domestic competition of the country, Abahani with 23 points in 16 matches lifted the DPL crown for the 18th time. The occasion is the first that Tamim has captained a domestic side to a championship trophy. Meanwhile, Tamim was slammed with a Tk one lakh fine and onematch suspension in the domestic arena by the Bangladesh Cricket Board yesterday for showing descent towards the on-field umpires during the Super League tie between Abahani and Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club on June 13 at BKSP. The three-member committee declared the game abandoned and each team were awarded a point each after the game had failed to reach a result. “It has been a massive turnaround for us,” said Tamim to Dhaka Tribune yesterday. “At one point it was quite tough for us to qualify for the Super League. All the players had a big contribution behind

this success, especially Shakib [al Hasan], who joined us in the middle of the tournament. He had a great involvement, especially with the bowling unit. He had encouraged the bowlers who were struggling.” Abahani middle-order batsman Mosaddek Hossain also experienced a brilliant season. In 14 innings, the right-handed batsman scored 622 runs at an average of 77.75, including five half-centuries. Tamim was effusive in his praise of Mosaddek, the 20-year-old from Mymensingh, and informed that Mossadek was denied of all the attention due to all the negatives that had engulfed Abahani. “He had an incredible tournament. He has a very bright future I believe. The team attracted a lot of negative discussions and this had overshadowed the performances of our players, including Mosaddek. He has a brain of a 45-year-old and I hope he will meet his ambition of playing in the national team one day. “Mosaddek had to work hard for scoring those runs, bowlers had to work hard for picking up wickets but people and the media only talked of the negatives. I am disappointed with that,” added Tamim.l

Abahani seal 18th DPL title Messi fires Argentina into Copa final Lionel Messi became Argentina’s all-time record goalscorer as the two-time world champions outclassed the United States 4-0 to reach the Copa America Centenario final. Messi curled in a magnificent 32nd-minute free-kick. PAGE 28

n Mazhar Uddin Powerhouse Abahani Limited clinched their 18th Dhaka Premier League title, and first since the 2010-11 season, following their huge 115-run win over Prime Bank Cricket Club yesterday. In the other games of the day, Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club thrashed Legends of Rupganj by seven wickets to move to second place in the Super League standings, two points behind champions Abahani, while Victoria Sporting Club sealed a 17-run victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club.

Abahani v Prime Bank

Plunkett hits last-ball six as England tie Tailender Liam Plunkett hit a six off the last ball of the match as England achieved a remarkable tie in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka in Nottingham on Tuesday. England, set 287 to win, collapsed to 30 for four and 82 for six. PAGE 29

At the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, captain Tamim Iqbal smashed his second hundred of the ongoing edition to guide his side to 316/7 after Abahani decided to bat first. The start was anything but pleasant as opening batsman Liton Kumar Das was dismissed without troubling the scorers while Nazmul Hossain Shanto (17) and Dinesh Karthik (25) also departed cheaply; Abahani reeling

on 97/3 inside 23 overs. But Tamim was rock solid at the other end and paired up with in-form youngster Mosaddek Hossain (78) to add 173 runs for the fourth wicket. Tamim reached his hundred in 114 balls and was eventually dismissed after scoring 142 off 132 balls, featuring four sixes and 11 fours. Mosaddek also played sensibly and scored a fine 74-ball 78 with the help of five sixes and three fours while Abul Hasan chipped in with a quickfire 26 off just 10 balls at the end. Indian cricketer Unmukt Chand picked up 3/59 while Nazmul Islam and Rubel Hossain took two wickets each. In reply, Prime Bank never looked like chasing the target down, having lost wickets at regular intervals. Opener Mehedi Maruf top-scored with 69 while Shuvagata Hom blasted 51 off only 33 balls but Prime Bank were well short of the target, eventually managing 201 before losing all of their wickets in 37.2 overs. Leftarm spinner Saqlain Sajib was the pick of the Abahani bowlers as he bagged 7/58 from his 9.2 overs.

Rupganj v Doleshwar

It promised to be a cracker of a game at the BKSP 3 ground but it turned out to be a rather one-sided affair as Rupganj, asked to take first guard, were skittled out for just 143. Asif Ahmed remained unbeaten with the highest score of 59 as none of the Rupganj batsmen were able to score significantly. Left-arm spinner Rahatul Ferdous bagged four scalps while pacer Al Amin Hossain took three. Doleshwar faced no problems whatsoever in overhauling the target with Raqibul Hasan remaining undefeated on 66 and Rony Talukdar adding 42.

Mohammedan v Victoria

At the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah, Mohammedan were unable to chase the small target, losing the game by 17 runs, despite restricting Victoria to 205. Mominul Haque (58) and Al Amin (55) struck fifties for Victoria while left-arm spinner Enamul Haque Jr took three wickets. In pursuit of 206, Mohammedan were bundled out for 188 in 42

overs with only Nazimuddin (50) and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (46) offering any sort of resistance. Besides scoring a half century, Mominul also picked up three wickets with his left-arm spin. l

SUPER LEAGUE ABAHANI 316/7 (Tamim 142, Mosaddek 78, Chand 3/59) beat Prime Bank 201 (Maruf 69, Saqlain 7/58, Taskin 2/45) by 115 runs RUPGANJ 143 (Asif 59*, Rahatul 4/36, Al Amin 3/29) lost to DOLESHWAR 144/3 (Raqibul 66, Rony 42, Haider 1/16) by seven wickets VICTORIA 205 (Mominul 58, Al Amin 55, Enamul Jr 3/45) beat MOHAMMEDAN 188 (Nazimuddin 50, Mushfiq 46, Mominul 3/29) by 17 runs Teams

M W L T NR PTS

Abahani

15 11 4 0 0

Doleshwar

15 10 5 0 0

Rupganj

16 9 5 1

Victoria

16 9 6 1

Mohammedan 16 8 8 0 0

Prime Bank

16 7 9 0 0

Sport

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Nazmul: Cricketers afraid to make points to coach n Minhaz Uddin Khan Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan yesterday said the decision to implement a two-layer selection process was made in order to bridge the “communication gap” between head coach Chandika Hathurusingha and the senior cricketers of the team. According to Nazmul, the decision to include the coach and the manager in the selection process was made to eliminate disputes between the head coach and the selection panel which had often forced the BCB chief to interfere. Clarifying the job of the manager in the process, the BCB supremo said the role will lend voice to the senior cricketers, who at present find it difficult to challenge Hathurusingha’s decision at times. Nazmul in a press conference at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium protested the criticism towards the new selection process and claimed it will bring out positives in the coming days. “Once I attended a team meeting and what I saw there was astonishing. The head coach delivered his plan and none of the cricketers gave a single input. While I was going to my hotel room, a few senior cricketers came to me and requested to make a few changes in the

DPL ROLL OF HONOUR

head coach’s plan,” said Nazmul. “I later talked to the coach and the changes were made but what I felt was that the cricketers are afraid to make their points to the coach. Whenever there are such situations, they (the captain and the vice-captain) come to me and I do not feel it right. As a board president, I am not supposed to interfere in teams decisions, it is not at all my job.

Once I attended a team meeting and what I saw there was astonishing. The head coach delivered his plan and none of the cricketers gave a single input “So I thought it better to include the manager in the selection process. In that way, he can convey messages from the senior cricketers while making a squad. I only did this so that I am not dragged into this all the time,” the BCB boss added. When contacted, some of the Bangladesh players were surprised upon hearing Nazmul’s statement and declined to make any comment.l

Abahani Limited left-arm spinner Saqlain Sajib bowls during their Super League tie in the Dhaka Premier League against Prime Bank Cricket Club at Mirpur’s Sher-eBangla National Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

SEASON 1974-75 1975-76 1976-77 1977-78 1978-79 1979-80 1980-81 1981-82 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 1986-87 1987-88 1989-90 1990-91 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2016

CHAMPIONS Abahani Victoria Abahani Mohammedan Mohammedan Biman Biman Mohammedan Abahani Biman Abahani Abahani Abahani Mohammedan Abahani Brothers Union Mohammedan Abahani Abahani & Biman Mohammedan & Abahani Mohammedan Abahani Abahani Biman Abahani Mohammedan Victoria Victoria LEAGUE NOT HELD Old DOHS Old DOHS Abahani Abahani Abahani Mohammedan Abahani Victoria LEAGUE NOT HELD Gazi Tank Prime Bank Abahani

Nannu named new chief selector Arambagh, BJMC face n Tribune Report Former Bangladesh captain Minhajul Abedin Nannu has been appointed as the new chief selector, two days after former chief selector Faruk Ahmed resigned from his post.

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan announced this in a press conference at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday. Meanwhile, former national skipper Habibul Bashar, who was recently named the selector of the

Bangladesh women’s team, made a return to the national selection panel. “I would like to thank the BCB for giving me the opportunity. We will continue to work in the same process, which we have been doing, and try to take Bangladesh cricket further forward,” said Nannu in his prompt reaction to the media. “If there were indeed any interferences, we wouldn’t have been able to work in the last five years. I think the new system is more like what we have been doing previously where we approve the team from the cricket operations committee chairman (Akram Khan) and then the board president,” he added. Former chief selector Faruk had earlier opposed the new selection process, saying, “I won’t be able to work in the new selection process as the selectors should be able to work independently, which is not the case here.” l

off in last four n Tribune Report Arambagh Krira Sangha and Team BJMC will try to take their fine run in the Federation Cup one step closer to the final stage when the two sides lock horns with each other today in the first semifinal at Bangabandhu National Stadium at 3:45pm. Both the sides showed great spirit and team-work to reach the last-four of the tournament, beating big opponents like premier league champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, four-time professional league winners Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club. It will be a fairytale for Arambagh if they make it to the final, scheduled for this Monday, after being promoted to the top flight this season. It will also be the first time in more than a decade that

they will contest a final. Saiful Bari Titu’s side beat both Sheikh Jamal and Abahani en route to the final. BJMC, in contrast, last reached the final five years ago which has been their best success in recent times. BJMC coach Saidur Rahman expressed confidence ahead of the semi-final. “The players are hungry for success and it is visible in their eyes. They want to play in the final and are ready to give their best performance. We are confident,” he said. On the other hand, Arambagh coach Titu said they will continue playing in the same way they have done before. “There will not be any change in our approach. We will play with a ‘compact defence’. We got the result playing with this style. It is important to keep cleansheet in the knockout stage. I want total team-work.” l

Sport

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

GROUP D Team

Croatia (Q) 3

Spain (Q) 3

-2

Czech Rep. 3

-3

Turkey

GD Pts

Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic saves a penalty taken by Spain captain Sergio Ramos during their Euro 2016 Group D match at Stade de Bordeaux on Tuesday

REUTERS

Croatia fightback condemns Spain to Italy clash n AFP, Paris Ivan Perisic’s last gasp winner gave Croatia a 2-1 win over Spain that condemned the defending European champions to a heavyweight last 16 clash against Italy while Germany claimed their place in the knockout rounds. Spain must now beat Italy in a rematch of the 2012 final to remain in contention for a record third successive European Championship title after sliding to defeat against Croatia in Bordeaux. Turkey beat

Czech Republic 2-0 in the day’s other Group D game. “It was not the desired route for us,” said Spain coach Del Bosque. “That is football, it seemed like we had the game controlled, but in football you can’t take anything for granted. We will try to recover from this disappointment and prepare for Monday.” Tuesday’s results also mean that Slovakia, Hungary and Northern Ireland are all guaranteed to reach the knockout stages. Spain just needed to avoid defeat to secure top spot in

Group D. Morata grabbed a seventh minute goal that should have had Spain cruising towards a last-16 tie against a third-placed team. Despite the absence of injured Real Madrid star Luka Modric, Croatia fought back. Nikola Kalinic flicked home an equaliser on the stroke of half-time. Spain captain Sergio Ramos then saw his second-half penalty saved by Danijel Subasic, and it cost his side dearly as Perisic struck a winner three minutes from time to fire Croatia through in first place.

Croatia coach Ante Cacic said the footballers’ heroics should be an example to their unruly fans who have brought the threat of sanctions on the country for their flare-throwing abuse. “These players are showing how you have to represent and play for your country and how you have to behave,” he said. With Italy guaranteed to finish top of Group E, Spain will have to beat them and then possibly Germany to reach the semi-finals. Hosts France or England could

then stand in the way of a place in the July 10 final. Turkey beat Czech Republic 2-0 through goals from Burak Yilmaz and Ozan Tufan, to keep alive their very slim hopes of reaching the next round. l

RESULTS 2-1

Croatia

Spain

Kalinic 45, Perisic 87

Morata 7

Czech Republic

0-2

Turkey

B. Yilmaz 10, Tufan 65

Record-man Ronaldo puts Portugal into last 16 n AFP

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scores their third goal against Hungary yesterday

REUTERS

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two trademark brilliant goals Wednesday to go into European Championship history and rescue Portugal in a 3-3 draw with Hungary that took them into the last 16. The 31-year-old opened his account in style with a deft backheel flick on 50 minutes, then a bullet header 12 minutes later to twice equalise at the Stade de Lyon. The result left Hungary on top of Group F. Portugal squeezed through as one of the best thirdplace finishers but now face a tough match against Croatia. The Real Madrid ace became the first player to

score at four European championship finals and his 17th match in a Euro tournament was also a record. It was his 128th appearance for Portugal, further extending the record he set last Saturday, as he made a record 17th appearance at Euro finals. Following their draws with Iceland and Austria, Portugal’s captain had been feeling the pressure.l

RESULTS Hungary

3-3

Gera 19, Dzsudzsak 47, 56

Iceland Boedvarsson 18, Traustason 90

Portugal Nani 42, Ronaldo 50, 62

2-1

Austria Schoepf 60

Sport

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Slovakia, Hungary and N.Ireland slip into last 16 n Reuters, Paris

QUICK BYTES Usha continue winning run Usha Krira Chakra continued their winning run in the Green Delta Premier Division Hockey League as they outplayed Bangladesh Sporting Club 6-2 in their second Super Six match at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday. The reigning champions are still the only side in the league to remain unbeaten and they edged closer to retaining the title. Krishna Kumar netted twice while Pushkor Khisa Mimo, Mohammad Irfan, Aleem Belal and Hasan Jubair Niloy added one apiece for the victors. Shahid and Belal scored one each for Bangladesh. Meanwhile in the day’s other match, Mariner Young’s Club crushed Wanderers Club 8-2 at the same venue. Mainul Islam Kaushik scored four goals for Mariners while Toufiq, Ashraful, Rimon and Rabbi netted one each. –TRIBUNE REPORT

Real buy back Spain striker Morata from Juventus Real Madrid have activated a buy-back clause to take Spain striker Alvaro Morata back to the Bernabeu from Juventus, the European champions announced on Tuesday. Morata, who came through the ranks at Real, was sold to Juve two years ago, and scored 12 goals for the Italians last season, helping them secure a Serie A and Coppa Italia double. –REUTERS

Vargas eyes more goals as Chile face Colombia Eduardo Vargas will aim to extend his astonishing goalscoring record in the Copa America today when holders Chile face Colombia in the semi-finals at Soldier Field. After a remarkable four-goal display in the 7-0 destruction of Mexico in the quarterfinals, Vargas has now amassed 10 goals in two editions of the Copa America in the space of a year. –AFP

Player sent off for farting loudly There are many reasons a player can be sent off in a game - reckless tackles, two yellow cards, even swearing at the referee in some occasions. But Swedish football saw a bizarre new offence which seems incredibly harsh. In a ninthtier clash, Pershagen SK’s Adam Lindin Ljungkvist was sent off for “unsportsmanlike behaviour” when he farted loudly in his side’s game against and Jarna SK’s reserves. The game was almost over and, having apparently already been given a yellow card, he released wind and was booked for the second time. –GOAL.COM

Poland’s Robert Lewandowski (C) and Ukraine’s Yevhen Khacheridi vie for the ball during their Euro 2016 Group C match at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France on Tuesday REUTERS

‘Lewandowski still Poland’s engine’ n Reuters, Marseille Poland striker Robert Lewandowski is still the team’s driving force despite the goal drought he is currently enduring, his coach Adam Nawalka said on Tuesday. Lewandowski failed to score as Poland beat Ukraine 1-0 in Euro 2016 Group C to reach the last 16, the sixth successive international in which the Bayern Munich forward has failed to find the net. “The fact that Lewandowski hasn’t scored a goal is not a problem for the team at all,” Nawalka

told a news conference. “He has a lot of influence on the way we play. He is an incredibly important player for us. He is our engine, like a locomotive and he provides us with power.” Lewandowski, the leading scorer for any country in Euro 2016 qualifying with 13 goals, missed a giltedged chance to put Poland ahead against Ukraine after four minutes but blazed a wild shot over the bar. “He creates many chances and it is only a question of time until he scores again,” Nawalka said. “I think he will score in the next match.”

Poland’s goal came from a delightful curling strike by midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski nine minutes after he was sent on as a halftime substitute. “Kuba is an important player for us,” Nawalka said. “He is very experienced. He has a great influence on the way we play.” Poland, in the knockout stages of the European Championship for the first time, play Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday. The Swiss, runners-up in Group A, will have had two more days to prepare for the match but Nawalka is not concerned. l

Slovakia, Hungary and Northern Ireland were all assured of qualifying for the last 16 at Euro 2016 on Tuesday despite not playing, or in Northern Ireland’s case, losing. Northern Ireland lost 1-0 to Germany but were celebrating a few hours later after Turkey’s 2-0 win over Czech Republic meant they were assured of being among the best four third placed teams and will face either hosts France or Wales in the round of 16. Northern Ireland finished third in their group on three points but with a better goal difference than Turkey and Albania, who finished third in their respective groups. It also meant that Slovakia and Hungary, who have four points, are guaranteed to be at least be among the best four third-placed finishers. Croatia were also assured of progress by that result but went on to secure top place in Group D by beating Spain 2-1 and will play one of the third-placed teams. Spain will now face Italy, winners of Group E, and are in the same half of the draw as Germany and England. With two sets of group matches still to be played yesterday, Turkey and Albania, both on three points, will have to wait to see if results go their way.l

Wasteful Germany missing clinical finish n AFP, Paris Germany and their normally prolific strker Thomas Mueller bemoaned missed chances at Euro 2016 as the world champions scored just one goal against battling Northern Ireland. The Germans had 26 attempts on goal at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday to just two for their opponents but only Mario Gomez was able to beat inspired Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern or the woodwork. Germany won Group C and head to a last-16 match in Lille on Sunday against Albania, Slovakia or the third-placed team in Portugal’s Group F. There was joy for Northern Ireland too, as the Czech Republic’s 2-0 defeat by Turkey meant they also advanced to the knockout stage on goal difference in their first ever Euros participation. The Northern Irish could well have lost heavily - and with it the chance of qualification - and Mueller acknowledged Germany will

need to be more clinical in future rounds. “The goals were lacking. I alone could have drawn level in the scorers’ list. We were greedy,” Mueller said. The Bayern Munich star combined with Gomez to create the goal on 29 minutes and he himself hit the post and the crossbar in

the first half as Michael O’Neill’s Northern Irish team looked in danger of being swamped. Mueller has scored 10 goals at World Cup finals but has yet to find the net in a European Championship finals. With a potential quarter-final against Italy or title holders Spain looming, defender Mat Hummels

Germany’s Mario Gomez (R) celebrates with Thomas Muller after scoring against Northern Ireland during their Euro 2016 Group C match on Tuesday REUTERS

said Germany cannot afford to be so wasteful as the tournament progresses. “We played well and we were convincing but we didn’t score nearly enough. That was really lacking today,” Hummels. “When we play against the really top teams we’ll have to give it that little bit more.” Mueller and other German players were upset at the criticism they faced after labouring to a 2-0 win over Ukraine in their first game and then a 0-0 draw with Poland. Mueller though took positives from a game played out against a wall of noise from joyous Northern Ireland supporters. And he accepted that merely being Germany heaps expectation on his team. Coach Joachim Loew also bemoaned the missed opportunities. “We created some very good chances, but also squandered a few. “They had no chances, but we needed to have had more purpose and consistency in front of goal,” Loew said.l

Sport

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

TOP GOALSCORERS FOR ARGENTINA

55 goals

LIONEL MESSI

2005–present 112 matches

goals GABRIEL BATISTUTA 1991–2002 78 matches

goals HERNÁN CRESPO 1995–2007 64 matches

34 goals

DIEGO MARADONA 1977–1994 91 matches

goals SERGIO AGÜERO 2006–present 76 matches

0-4 Argentina's Lionel Messi (bottom, right) celebrates scoring a free-kick against USA during their Copa America Centenario semi-final in Houston on Tuesday

AFP

Record-breaker Messi fires Argentina into final n AFP, Houston Lionel Messi became Argentina’s all-time record goalscorer as the two-time world champions outclassed the United States 4-0 to reach the Copa America Centenario final here Tuesday. Messi curled in a magnificent 32nd-minute free-kick to take his total to 55 goals as the United States’ campaign ended with an emphatic defeat in front of a 70,858 crowd at Houston’s NRG Stadium. The five-time world player of the year now has five goals in this Copa America as he aims to lead Argentina to their first major title in 23 years. The Barcelona superstar also created Argentina’s opening goal for Ezequiel Lavezzi and was involved in the build-up for their third, scored by Gonzalo Higuain in the 50th minute. Messi then laid on the pass for Higuain’s second four minutes from time. “We’ve been playing well from day one and we deserve to be in the final,” said a delighted Messi, dedicating his goals tally to the work of his teammates. “I’m happy to have the record, and I’m happy to play with the teammates that have made it possible. I owe it to them,” said Messi, who is now one clear of Gabriel Batistuta’s mark of 54 goals. US coach Jurgen Klinsmann,

meanwhile, said his team had showed Argentina “too much respect” after a display which saw them finish with zero shots on or off target. “I think in general we had too much respect,” Klinsmann said while hailing Argentina as the “number one team in the world.” “I told the guys there’s nothing to be ashamed of. We have to learn and move forward,” Klinsman said. “We have to keep our heads up and swallow it. But Argentina are a spe-

cial team.” Argentina will now face either Chile or Colombia in Sunday’s final at East Rutherford, New Jersey their third major final in three years after reaching the finals of the 2015 Copa America and 2014 World Cup. A disastrous start for the United States saw the hosts fall behind after only three minutes when they gifted possession to Messi on the edge of the area. The Argentina captain instantly spotted that Lavezzi was unmarked

RECORD GOALSCORERS FOR SELECTED NATIONS PLAYER Pele Miroslav Klose Gerd Muller Robbie Keane Didier Drogba Zlatan Ibrahimovic David Villa Cristiano Ronaldo Landon Donovan Lionel Messi Wayne Rooney Thierry Henry Robin van Persie David Healy Luigi Riva Denis Law Kenny Dalglish Ian Rush

COUNTRY Brazil Germany W Germany Rep Ireland Ivory Coast Sweden Spain Portugal USA Argentina England France Holland N Ireland Italy Scotland Scotland Wales

GOALS CAPS RATIO 77 91 0.85 71 137 0.52 68 62 1.10 67 144 0.47 63 104 0.61 62 115 0.54 59 97 0.61 58 128 0.45 57 157 0.36 55 112 0.49 52 114 0.46 51 123 0.41 50 101 0.50 36 95 0.38 35 42 0.83 30 55 0.55 30 102 0.29 28 73 0.38

and lofted a first time pass through to the China-based midfielder to head home. Argentina might have doubled their lead five minutes later, when Ever Banega backheeled to pick out Marcos Rojo, who crossed for Messi, only for the Albiceleste skipper to shoot over. Messi was again on the prowl in the 14th minute, seizing upon another American mistake to burst clear from near halfway before firing a shot which Brad Guzan man-

aged to gather safely. With Argentina monopolising possession, it was only a matter of time before the South Americans scored again. The second goal almost came on 22 minutes when Messi released Higuain with a quick free-kick into the penalty area, only for Geoff Cameron to snuff out the danger with a desperate tackle. But just after the half-hour mark the US defense buckled, Messi causing panic on another foray. l

Led Argentina to the title at the 2005 World Youth Championship, scoring two penalties in a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final. Made his debut for the senior side in a friendly against Hungary in August 2005 but was sent off less than a minute after coming on as a substitute for elbowing an opponent who had pulled his shirt. Played only a bit-part role at the 2006 World Cup. Argentina were knocked out in the quarter-finals by hosts Germany after a penalty shootout. Led Argentina to the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Part of the Argentina side coached by Diego Maradona at the 2010 World Cup that was beaten 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals. Messi failed to score and struggled to find his best form at the tournament in South Africa. After a season disrupted by injury, captained Argentina to the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they lost 1-0 to Germany. Messi, who scored four goals at the finals, won the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player. Scored a hat trick in 18 minutes after coming off the bench in Argentina’s 5-0 win over Panama in the Centenary Copa America in Chicago.

Lionel Messi autographs the shirt of a fan who ran onto the field at NRG Stadium on Tuesday AFP

Sport

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Plunkett hits last-ball six as England tie with SL n AFP, Nottingham Tailender Liam Plunkett hit a six off the last ball of the match as England achieved a remarkable tie in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka in Nottingham on Tuesday. England, set 287 to win, collapsed to 30 for four and 82 for six. But a stand of 138 between manof-the-match Chris Woakes, who made an ODI-best 95 not out, and Jos Buttler (93) revived their chances. After England had seen their hopes of victory disappear in a final over where they needed 14 to win, Plunkett drove the last ball from Nuwan Pradeep for a six over long-off to the delight of a capacity crowd at Trent Bridge. England finished on 286 for eight in just their eighth tie at this level, with Sri Lanka having thrashed them by nine wickets in their previous ODI encounter in Wellington at the 2015 World Cup. Woakes and Plunkett put on an unbroken 50 in 28 balls. England captain Eoin Morgan added: “Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett have got us out of a hole at the end. “Jos Buttler called on his experience to guide the innings through and Chris Woakes played out of his skin.” Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews top-scored for his side with 73 and Seekkuge Prasanna blasted a quickfire 59 after England

captain Eoin Morgan won the toss. Warwickshire all-rounder Woakes took two for 56. Mathews then took two early wickets as England collapsed before they bounced back under the floodlights. England would have been happy with a target of 287 on a ground where last year they made 350 for six against New Zealand - their highest winning score batting second in an ODI. But it looked an imposing total as they lost four wickets inside nine overs. Jason Roy (three) was plumb lbw to Mathews. Fellow opener Alex Hales (four) fell on his Nottinghamshire home ground when he chipped Suranga Lakmal to mid-wicket. Joe Root (two) then played on to medium-pacer Mathews. Woakes and Plunkett got England’s target down to 30 off the last two overs. And that became 14 off the last six balls. Woakes took two off the first ball before digging out a yorker for a single that left Plunkett on strike. Plunkett’s one got Woakes facing again but he couldn’t manage a run and England needed 10 off the last two balls. England’s ninth-wicket duo scrambled a three to leave them wanting six off the last ball for a tie with Plunkett facing. But the fast bowler connected sweetly to finish on 22 not out.l

SCORECARD SRI LANKA R K. Perera c Roy b Willey 24 D. Gunathilaka c Bairstow b Willey 9 K. Mendis c Buttler b Woakes 17 D. Chandimal c Woakes b Ali 37 A. Mathews c Woakes b Plunkett 73 S. Prasanna c and b Woakes 59 U. Tharanga c Buttler b Plunkett 3 D. Shanaka run out (Plunkett/Willey) 20 F. Maharoof not out 31 S. Lakmal run out (Willey/Woakes) 7 Extras (lb2, w3, nb1) 6 Total (9 wkts, 50 overs)

B 23 10 14 56 109 28 4 19 30 8

286

Fall of wickets 1-27 (Gunathilaka), 2-50 (Perera), 3-56 (Mendis), 4-120 (Chandimal), 5-188 (Prasanna), 6-197 (Tharanga), 7-225 (Shanaka), 8-266 (Mathews), 9-286 (Lakmal) Bowling Woakes 10-0-56-2 (2w); Willey 10-0-56-2 (1w); Rashid 10-0-36-0; Plunkett 10-0-672 (1nb); Ali 10-0-69-1; ENGLAND R J. Roy lbw b Mathews 3 A. Hales c Perera b Lakmal 4 J. Root b Mathews 2 E. Morgan c Chandimal b Pradeep 43 J. Bairstow c Gunathilaka b Lakmal 3 J. Buttler c Shanaka b Prasanna 93 M. Ali b Pradeep 7 C. Woakes not out 95 D. Willey c Mendis b Maharoof 7 L. Plunkett not out 22 Extras (lb2, w5) 7 Total (8 wkts, 50 overs)

B 10 5 6 49 6 99 10 92 12 11

286

Fall of wickets 1-3 (Roy), 2-7 (Hales), 3-17 (Root), 4-30 (Bairstow), 5-72 (Morgan), 6-82 (Ali), 7-220 (Buttler), 8-235 (Willey) Bowling Lakmal 10-0-65-2 (4w); Mathews 6-0-222; Shanaka 3-0-21-0; Pradeep 10-0-64-2 (1w); Maharoof 10-0-59-1; Prasanna 10-043-1; Gunathilaka 1-0-10-0;

England’s Liam Plunkett hits a six from the last ball to tie the match against Sri Lanka during their first One Day International at Trent Bridge on Tuesday REUTERS

Result: Match tied Man-of-the-match: Chris Woakes (ENG) Series: Five-match series level at 0-0

Australia beat Windies to reach ODI tri-series final n Reuters

Australia qualified for the final of the triangular one-day international series (ODI) with a six-wicket win over West Indies in Barbados

BRIEF SCORE WEST INDIES 282 for 8 (Samuels 125, Ramdin 91, Starc 3-51) AUSTRALIA 283 for 4 (Marsh 79*, Smith 78, Maxwell 46*) Australia won by six wickets

DAY’S WATCH FOOTBALL SONY ESPN 6:00AM Copa America Centenario SF 2: Colombia v Chile

CRICKET STAR SPORTS 1 11:15PM Natwest T20 Blast 2016 Middlesex v Somerset

on Tuesday. West Indies were sent in to bat and compiled 282 for eight off their 50 overs, with Marlon Samuels scoring 125 off 134 balls for his maiden ODI century against Australia. Wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin chipped in with a brisk 91 in a 192-run fourth wicket stand as the hosts roared back after losing three early wickets. Australia made a wobbly start to their reply, with openers Aaron Finch (16) and Usman Khawaja (17) going early,

but settled to chase down the target with eight balls to spare, Glenn Maxwell (46 not out) securing victory with a devastating late burst. The result means the winner of tomorrow’s match between West Indies and South Africa will advance to Sunday’s final against Australia at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. While captain Steve Smith (78) top-scored for Australia with his third successive ODI half-century, the batting form of team mates

Mitchell Marsh (79 not out) and Maxwell pleased the skipper. Maxwell’s innings included a magnificent switch-hit sweep for six over cover-point off spinner Sunil Narine in the 46th over. In the next over he bludgeoned 14 runs off three balls off Carlos Brathwaite to effectively seal victory. “An innings like that, I was speechless at the other end,” said Marsh in an on-field interview. “Maxie has a lot of doubters but an innings like today shows why he’s

such a pivotal part of the team.” Smith, who downplayed a question about apparent on-field sledging, had plenty of praise to share around. “I thought Mitchell Marsh played a very mature innings and Glenn Maxwell finished off nicely with a few of his trademark reverse slog sweeps” he said. West Indies captain Jason Holder limped off with a strained left hamstring after bowling just two overs and is doubtful for tomorrow’s showdown against South Africa.l

Jadhav leads India to T20 series win n Reuters, Harare India’s Kedar Jadhav blasted his highest score in Twenty20 internationals as they beat Zimbabwe by three runs in a tense finish to claim the three-match series 2-1 at the Harare Sports Club yesterday. Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first, restricting the tourists to 138 for six in their 20

overs on a slow wicket as Jadhav top-scored with 58 from 42 balls. But the hosts battled to keep up with the scoring rate and went into the final over of the match, bowled by Barinder Sran (2-31), needing 21 for victory. When the first two balls of the over went for 12 runs a sensational victory looked on the cards, but Sran came back well and bowled

Elton Chigumbura (16) off the last delivery of the innings to leave Zimbabwe agonisingly short of a series victory. It was the first time on India’s six-match limited overs tour that they batted first and, after starts for Lokesh Rahul (22) and Ambati Rayudu (20), Jadhav provided the impetus the innings desperately needed as he blazed seven fours

and a six. Vusi Sibanda (28 from 23 balls) top scored for the hosts.l

BRIEF SCORE INDIA 138 for 6 (Jadhav 58, Tiripano 3-20) ZIMBABWE 135 for 6 (Sibanda 28, Moor 26) India won by three runs, clinch series 2-1

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Small nail (4) 5 Mournful song (5) 9 Bring back (6) 10 Rowing implement (3) 11 Cricket team (4) 12 Token of membership (5) 14 Of the kidneys (5) 16 Capital of Norway (4) 19 Identical (4) 21 Gotten up (5) 24 Trembling poplar (5) 27 Tibetan priest (4) 29 Golfing aid (3) 30 Reduces in intensity (3) 31 Play for time (5) 32 Meshed fabrics (4)

DOWN 1 Ridge over the eye (4) 2 Speed of an engine (3) 3 Wards off (6) 4 Dreadful (4) 5 Adulterates (7) 6 Linear measure (3) 7 Joke (3) 8 Upright (5) 13 Everyone (3) 15 So-called (7) 17 Showily splendid (6) 18 Short gaiters (5) 20 Land measure (3) 22 Dash (4) 23 Church service (4) 25 Tennis term (3) 26 Vegetable (3) 28 Encountered (3)

Downtime CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 21 represents B so fill B every time the figure 21 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

Showtime

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Finding Dory in theatres n Showtime Desk Thirteen years into the release of the Oscar winning animated film Finding Nemo, its sequel Finding Dory has finally hit the United States on June 17 and as expected, is breaking records at the box office in the very first week of its release. The good news for movie enthusiasts in Dhaka is that the 3D computer animated comedy adventure film that took America by storm will now be on screen at Star Cineplex from June 24 onwards. A special screening has been arranged for invited guests only on Thursday evening. Box office reports suggest that the Pixar film has so far raked

in an astounding $136.2 million since its debut last Thursday, shattering the previous record set by Shrek the Third, which took in $121.6 million back in 2007. The film features Dory, a largely popular character worldwide, owning over twenty five million “like”s on Facebook, the highest number achieved by any Walt Disney or Pixar Animation Studios character. Finding Dory is now only second to Captain America: Civil War as the highest commercially successful film of the year. Andrew Stanton directed the film in association with John Angus MacLean while the screenplay was devised by Victoria Strauss and Bob Peterson in association with Andrew.

In the new story, the friendly yet forgetful blue fish, Dory is reunited with her friends on a Californian sea beach. Although she loses her memory every 10 seconds, she remembers that during childhood she was separated from her parents for some reason. With the help of two friends, Nemo and Marlin, Dory embarks on an adventurous journey. Ellen DeGeneres reprises her role as the forgetful regal blue tang. The voice cast include Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy, Hayden Rolence among others. l

Priyanka’s fangirl moment n Showtime Desk It’s nice to see that even a megastar like Priyanka Chopra can have “fangirl” moments. Recently, the diva was quite excited as she ran into her teenage crush, Jodie Foster. The Bajirao Mastani star is currently in New York City to do the shoot the promo for the second season of Quantico. While shooting in NYC, Priyanka bumped into Hollywood star Jodie Foster.

Priyanka grabbed the opportunity and didn’t forget to take a picture with her. Later, Priyanka took to the social media to describe her experience. “Met one of my faves at a shoot today. Thank u #jodiefoster for being so amazing.. #teenagecrush,” she wrote. Chopra will soon start shooting for the second season of her FBI series Quantico. This time, the show is mainly set in New York City and is scheduled to premiere this fall. l

32 CID hints at delay in Tonu murder probe THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

TONU MURDER CASE

n Mohiuddin Molla, Comilla The Criminal Investigation Department now says the probe into the murder of college student Sohagi Jahan Tonu may take more time since it took place inside a sensitive area, Mainamati Cantonment in Comilla. “The trial must be held some day though its is taking time to complete the investigation. We cannot use our sources as per our will inside the cantonment,” CID Special Police Superintendent Dr Nazmul Karim said yesterday. “In some cases we cannot recover the bodies or find any evidence. But in this case we have got the evidence of sperm of three persons on Tonu’s clothes. The samples can be crossmatched even if an accused dies. “We will match the DNA samples of all the suspects, both civilians and members of the army, in phases after acquiring the court’s approval. The matter is currently under

consideration of the CID highups,” he told reporters. Meanwhile, a CID team yesterday quizzed three local singers Sarwar, Khokon and Bappi who were supposed to perform at a cultural programme in the cantonment on March 20, the day the body of Tonu was found. The event did not take place on that day. According to Tonu’s parents, she had been killed for refusing to perform at a programme inside the cantonment, and instead attending a picnic with her friends. They also alleged that Sergeant Jahid, his wife and soldier Jahid were involved in the murder. Tonu’s father Yaar Hossain, a staff at the Cantonment Board, expressed frustration as the CID officials are harassing his family and Tonu’s friends in the name of investigation. The CID team yesterday met with Tonu’s family again, and asked Yaar to file a general diary over a recent attempt to kill him. “They [CID] said there is no chance the culprits can escape. “We are not speaking against a force [army]. We are just demanding punishment of the people who killed our daughter,” he added. l

OMS suspension in Ctg raises questions Hussain, n Anwar Chittagong The Chittagong unit of Consumers Association of Bangladesh has demanded an inquiry as the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh suspended its OMS programme in the middle of Ramadan. In a statement issued yesterday, the CAB leaders demanded that the programme be resumed immediately to keep the prices of the essential commodities stable. The TCB dealers started selling soybean oil, sugar, lentils and chickpea at 10 strategic points of the city on May 29. However, they stopped selling the items from June 16 claiming that the stocks ran

out before mid-Ramadan. The CAB statement said the sudden decision would only pave the way for some unscrupulous businessmen to turn the market volatile. Terming the decision one-sided and anti-people, they alleged that successive governments had been reluctant to make TCB functional to serve the interests of the traders. Although the TCB is now limping, the low-income people depend on OMS products sold at a subsidised price. The statement was jointly signed by CAB Vice-President SM Nazer Hossain, Chittagong divisional Secretary Kazi Iqbal Bahar, and city unit President Jesmin Sultana Paru and Secretary Ajay Mitra Shanku. l

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