26 June, 2016 by DhakaTribune

SECOND EDITION

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Ashar 12, 1423, Ramadan 20, 1437

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 4, No 64

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

Police quiz Babul in wife’s murder Mitu’s father: I want justice, not crossfire

Hasan and n Kamrul Arifur Rahman rabbi The alleged detention of police officer Babul Akter in the midnight, his being questioned at the DB office over his wife’s murder and subsequent release triggered much hype and rumours yesterday. The home minister made it clear in the morning saying that the investigators had questioned SP Babul regarding the suspected killers arrested in the sensational case. After returning home, Babul, also the plaintiff of the case, told the Dhaka Tribune that he had discussions with the investigators to help them identify the killers. Meanwhile, the home minister and the IGP held meetings with the investigators and senior officers regarding progress in the case on Friday night and yesterday. The main reason behind the spread of rumours was the reluctance of officials concerned to clarify the matter to the media. SP Babul’s wife Mahmuda Khanam Mitu was murdered by three men in broad daylight in Chittagong on June 5. No local or international militant group claimed responsibility for the murder, but the investigators suspect that members of Chittagong-based militant outfits, especially Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), might have conducted the murder  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Hasan and n Kamrul Arifur Rahma Rabbi Murdered Mahmuda Khanom Mitu’s father yesterday said that he wants the due process of justice to be served for his daughter without any “crossfire” taking place. Mitu’s father, a former Officer-inCharge of Bangladesh Police Mosarraf Hossain said he wants the actual criminals to be arrested and punished through the judicial system. “I don’t want anybody to be killed in crossfire. If anyone is guilty of the killing, he should be taken to trail,” the former OC added.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 5 FILE PHOTO

‘They were a perfect couple’ Hasan and n Kamrul Arifur Rahman Rabbi Family members of Superintendent of Police Babul Akhter and his slain wife Mahmuda Khanam Mitu described the two as a perfect couple. They said Babul and Mitu understood each other very well

Police mum over Mitu murder probe progress Mizanur Rahaman, n FM Chittagong The authorities are not sharing with the media the latest findings in connection with the sensational murder of SP Babul Akter’s wife Mahmuda Khanam Mitu. The officials of Chittagong Metropolitan Police even did not want to make any comment when asked about the alleged detention of Babul in Dhaka. Like the previous occasions, the CMP officials yester-

day said that they had made some progress but refused to disclose anything for the sake of fair investigation. Talking to reporters, CMP’s Additional Commissioner (crime and operation) Debdas Bhattacharya said: “We do not have any information about the alleged detention of SP Babul Akter in Mitu murder case … He could be interrogated as he is the plaintiff of the case. “There are some updates in the investigation and we hope  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

despite the fact that it was an arranged marriage, and that they do not recall any moment when the couple had engaged in arguments. Mitu’s father Mosharraf Hossain, a former officer-in-charge, said he and Babul’s father, Sub-Inspector Abdul Wadud, were working at the same police station around 15 years

ago and that is when a good relationship developed between them. Mosharraf first saw Babul at Wadud’s home in 2002 and was amazed by the young man’s sense of honesty and responsibility. He decided to marry Mitu off to Babul and Wadud also agreed to the proposal.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

SEHRI & IFTAR

Ramadan 20 21 22

June 26 27 28

Sehri – 3:41 3:41

Iftar 6:53 6:53 6:53

Source: Islamic Foundation

News

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Budgetary allocations raised for Dhaka city corporations n Abu Hayat Mahmud

The government has increased budgetary allocations for the two Dhaka city corporations, a move aimed at providing better services for Dhaka residents. Allocations have been raised for direct cooperation between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the two mayors - Annisul Huq and Mohammad Sayeed Khokon.

Allocations for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have been increased for construction, repair and maintenance of roads, footpaths, drains, street lights, bus and truck terminals, parking lots, waste management and other amenities. For the DNCC, the government has allocated Tk335.45 crore in the proposed budget for fiscal year

2016-17, up from Tk117.87 crore in the revised budget for the previous fiscal year. For the DSCC, the government has allocated Tk350.92 crore in the proposed budget, up from Tk206.47 crore in the revised budget for the previous fiscal year. Meanwhile, allocation for Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority has been reduced. The government has allocated Tk2,002.31

crore for Dhaka Wasa while Tk1,488.36 crore was allocated after the proposed Tk2222.22 crore in the budget for fiscal year 2015-16. Both the mayors welcomed the government’s decision to increase allocations. They also hoped that the allocations would not be reduced in the revised budget. Annisul told the Dhaka Tribune that residents were facing prob-

lems in most areas of the capital. “We informed the government of this and urged them to allocate adequate money for big projects in every area of the city,” he said. “In the new fiscal year, we will take up big development projects all over the city.” In July 2015, the DNCC proposed a budget of Tk1,601.95 crore for the 2015-16 fiscal year, while the DSCC proposed a Tk2,085.36 crore budget. l

was any row between the couple. “We would have been the first to lodge a complaint if we suspected that Babul had killed Mitu. What the media reports said about Mitu’s extramarital affair is nothing but propaganda, and spreading such false information is not right. “The couple’s two children are with us and they are fine,” she added. Mitu’s aunt Mamtaz Begum said: “Mitu was happy in her married life. She was a pious woman and never talked to her husband in

a loud voice. “Honestly speaking, in the last 14 years, we never heard that Mitu and Babul had quarreled even for once.” Mitu’s maternal uncle Tarikul Islam said: “Babul always maintains his honesty and duly carries out his responsibilities. We heard that he was after militant outfits. “Babul’s honesty brought Mitu and him together more than a decade ago. Now it appears that it is the honesty that has separated them,” he added. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

‘They were a perfect couple’ Babul and Mitu tied the knot in 2002, and Mitu had completed her higher secondary studies at the time. Babul joined the police department after passing the civil service exam in 2005. Mosharraf later retired as officer-in-charge. On June 5, it came as a terrible shock for Mosharraf, who hails from Patuakhali and now lives in Dhaka’s Khilgaon, when he heard the news that Mitu had been shot and hacked to death in Chittagong.

Family dismisses extramarital affair claim

Some media reports yesterday claimed that the murder of Mitu was the result of an extramarital affair but Mosharraf strongly ruled it out, saying it was a completely fabricated and unacceptable piece of information. Babul’s brother Habibur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune Mitu had a very good relation not only with her husband but also with her in-laws. “Whenever they got time, they came to the village in Magura. It is

beyond anyone’s imagination that Mitu could be killed over any extramarital affair,” he added. His another brother Shabu, a teacher at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, said: “I talked to Babul after he returned home today (Saturday) and he said police took him away to talk to him about matters related to the investigation into Mitu’s murder.” Babul’s sister-in-law Dr Shaila told the Dhaka Tribune Mitu’s family would have known first if there

Police quiz Babul in wife’s murder to avenge the crackdowns led by Babul as a DB officer. So far, the CMP has arrested two persons in the case and they were interrogated in remand. The police reportedly detained several other persons including two criminals who used to work as informants of SP Babul, but the detentions could not be confirmed. Sources said that the investigators were also considering Babul’s conflict with some top-ranking officials of the CMP as a reason behind the murder. One of those officials came to Dhaka last week and was trying to convince the police highups implicating Babul in the murder. “Babul worked in Chittagong and knew many people there. We are questioning him to confirm

identities of those arrested over the murder,” Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday morning told the reporters. Babul’s father-in-law Mosharraf Hossain, a retired OC of police, said that Motijheel division’s Deputy Commissioner Anowar Hossain and Khilgaon OC Moinul Hossain had taken away Babul from the house around 1am saying that the IGP wanted to talk to him. “Since then, we could not get in touch with him. He did not pick up the phone either.” Asked what Babul had told him after returning home, Mosharraf said: “He only said DB DC Mahbub dropped him at the house around 4:30pm and that he did not want to talk to media.” Babul was attached to the police

headquarters after being transferred and promoted to the rank of superintendent of police. His wife was murdered on the day he was supposed to join the new post. In the night, Babul was first taken to the Police Headquarters where senior officials interrogated him regarding the statements of some murder suspects. He was later taken to the DB office yesterday morning. He was interrogated by the Chittagong Metropolitan Police officials as they had got information about the involvement of two of Babul’s informants in Mitu murder, several highly-placed sources of DMP told the Dhaka Tribune. The two informants in question – Abu Musa and Ehteshamul Haque Bhola – were detained on June 21. Babul is the plaintiff of the case

and was often taken or called by the investigators for questioning. Babul’s father Abdul Wadud Miah, a former police officer, was present when he had been taken away from the Bansaree residence of his in-laws. Wadud said Babul attended an Iftar party of 24th BCS officials in memory of his wife’s death on Friday. At 10p, he went to a house in Ramna area with two of his children. Later, he went outside alone saying that he had some important tasks and also needed to meet the IGP. Babul arrived at the Banasree house at midnight accompanied by the Khilgaon OC. But moments later, the Motijheel division deputy commissioner came and asked him to go with them to meet the IGP, Wadud said. l

Mitu’s father: I want justice, not crossfire SP Babul wants to investigate the murder SP Babul Akter, the husband of Mitu wants to investigate the murder of his wife according to his brother Habibur Rahman Labu, a lawyer in Magura told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. Quoting Babul, his brother said if Babul was offered to lead the investigation he would accept. How can a person so adamant to see his wife’s murderers brought to book be involved in the crime himself, Habibur questioned. Mahmuda Khanom Mitu was brutally stabbed and fatally shot on June 5 while walking her son to his school bus in Chittagong. l

Police mum over Mitu murder probe progress to reach the end point soon.” Mitu, the mother of two children, was stabbed and shot dead by three bike-riding assailants near her

house in Chittagong city on June 5 when she was going to drop her son for the school bus. Police detained two persons in the case after Babul filed a case accusing three unidentified persons with Panchlaish police the following day. The duo are Abu Nosor Gunnu and Shah Jaman Robin. They were placed on seven-day remand each. A Chittagong court sent Gunnu to jail yesterday after the end of his remand. Apart from the duo, police also detained the owner of the motorcycle and the driver of a microbus who witnessed the killing. But they were released later.

Sources said that three other persons were also taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the murder and interrogated. Two of them are Babul’s informants Abu Musa and Ehteshamul Haque Bhola, detained on June 21. But no official statement is available. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday said that Babul had being interrogated by the police to confirm identities of those arrested in the case. When asked, Debdas Bhattacharya said he was unaware about the arrestees mentioned by the home minister. Another source said that the investigators had already identified the three assailants, but were yet to trace or arrest them. Investigation Officer Mohammed Kamruzzaman, also a DB assistant commissioner,

said: “I cannot say for sure if there is any other arrest in the case. Police have so far arrested only two persons and interrogated them in custody. We are now analysing the information gleaned from them.” CMP Commissioner Iqbal Bahar could not be reached for comments. Apart from the DB police, members of Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are working in the case. The authorities had also formed five sub-committees to assist the DB police in the investigation. Members of those committees refused to make any comment on the investigation. l

News

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

PM upbeat about launching electric train n UNB Expressing high hopes of launching high-speed electric trains and underground trains in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said a feasibility study for underground trains is currently in progress. “Steps have been taken to introduce a high-speed express train on Dhaka-Chittagong route while a feasibility study is underway to introduce underground trains in the country,” she said. The prime minister said this while inaugurating a new inter-city train “Sonar Bangla Express” on Dhaka-Chittagong route at Kamlapur Railway Station. Sheikh Hasina said her government has undertaken massive programmes for the development of Bangladesh Railway under Vision 2021 and established a separate ministry to give special attention to it. She reiterated her firm resolve to bring all the districts of the country, including Barisal, under railway network. Hasina said yesterday was a special day for the Railways Ministry as a new intercity train -- Sonar Bangla Express -- has been introduced on Dhaka -Chittagong route, while the existing Silk City Train on Dhaka-Rajshahi route has been upgraded with new coaches. The prime minister said the introduction of a new train and addition of new coaches will help ensure quick and comfortable journeys of passengers. She mentioned that the Pakistani occupation forces destroyed a huge number of railway bridges and rail tracks during the Liberation War in 1971. But soon after the independ-

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday inaugurates a new train Sonar Bangla Express on the Dhaka-Chittagong route ence, the Bangabandhu government restored railway communications repairing those bridges and rail tracks at the earliest. The post-1975 governments did not make any development of the railway sector, rather they closed many rail routes turning the railway as a losing concern, she added. The prime minister said her government, after assuming office in 2009, has approved 55 new projects costing over Tk62,890 crore and 45 amended projects with the cost of Tk42,601 crore. So far, 98 new trains have been introduced while services of 26

trains have been improved, she said. The prime minister said the government has undertaken various projects, including the establishment of railway links on Padma Bridge, new rail lines on Dohazi-Gundum section, double line on Dhaka-Chittagong route, second Bangabandhu Railway Bridge on the Jamuna River, and rail tracks from Khulna to Mongla. Hasina directed the Railways Ministry to renovate the monument built in memory of railway officials and employees who laid down their lives during the Liberation War and

write the names of the martyrs on it. LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Railways Minister Mazibul Hoque, Secretary of the Railways Ministry Firoz Salauddin and Director General of Bangladesh Railway M Amjad Hossain also spoke on the occasion. Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon, Dhaka mayors Annisul Haque and Sayeed Khokon, Chief of Bangladesh Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla

BSS

were also present, among others. The train services were introduced with the newly procured carriers from Indonesia and India. Bangladesh Railway procured 100 meter-gauge and 170 broad-gauge rail coaches with financial support from the Asian Development Bank and Indian Line of Credit. Sonar Bangla Express will have only one stoppage at Airport Station in the capital, and will travel from Dhaka to the port city in five hours and 40 minutes. The first nonstop train Subarna Express started operation on Dhaka-Chittagong route in 1998. l

News

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Bangladesh-US relationship is strategic now n Tribune Report

The first ever U-Loop in Dhaka at Rampura beside Hatirjheel will be inaugurated today

Cattle trader found dead

n Asaduzzaman, Satkhira Police recovered the body of a cattle trader from Gouripur village in Tala upazila in the district yesterday morning. The deceased was Abu Bakkar Siddik Jony, 35, son of Kazi Abdur Rahman, a resident of the village. Family members said Jony had gone out of the house following a phone call around 10.30pm on Friday. Locals spotted his body lying in a jute field at the village in the morning and informed police, said Tariqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Patkelghata police station. Later police recovered the body. He might have been killed through strangulation as a napkin was found tied to his throat, added the OC. l

Explosives recovered from Uttara canal n Arifur Rahman Rabbi Police yesterday recovered three bags from a canal in Dhaka’s Uttara area where a huge cache of arms and ammunition were found on June 18. “The bags contained five walkie-talkies, two repeaters, 55 long improvised explosive devices and 270 improvised explosive devices,” said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman. “On information, the bags were recovered around 11am,” he added. l

RAJIB DHAR

Housewife killed in Rajshahi n Dulal Abdullah, Rajshahi A housewife was found dead at her in-laws’ house in Poba upazila of Rajshahi early yesterday. The victim Popi, daughter of Yakub Nabi of Kharija Molla Para area in Godagari upazila of the district, was a mother of two children. Being informed of the incident of alleged killing over phone by a neighbour of Popi around 1am, Yakub rushed to the spot within one hour

and found her daughter lying dead in her room, said Shariful Islam, officerin-charge (OC) of Poba police station. Though the in-laws members claimed the death a normal one, Yakub and the neighbours suspected that it was a murder. Yakub filed a case in this connection with the police station around 5am, Shariful added. The police recovered the body and arrested Popi’s husband and mother-in-law in the morning. l

Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Hauqe was of the view that over the years the bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the US have become matured from aid-dependency to a strategic one. His view came at the two-day fifth annual partnership dialogue between the two countries which was held in Washington and concluded on Friday Washington time. In the dialogue both side reiterated their commitment to enhance Dhaka-Washington bilateral cooperation and work together on issues of regional and global interests. The foreign secretary led the inter-ministerial Bangladesh delegation while the US delegation was led by US Under-secretary of State for Political Affairs Ambassador Tom Shannon, said a press release issued by Bangladesh mission in Washington. In the plenary session on Friday, the progress of the working group discussions held on Thursday was reviewed by the co-chairs. The foreign secretary underscored the Bangladesh government’s vision and strategy to become a middle income country by 2021 having the intrinsic values of democracy, secularism and pluralism. Noting Bangladesh’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic front, Ambassador Shannon highlighted that the USA was proud of its partnership with Bangladesh and looking forward to deeper en-

gagements in the days to come. The co-chairs also discussed the issues related to various regional and sub-regional arrangements including SAARC, BCIM, BIMSTEC, ASEM and IPEC etc. They also revisited Bangladesh’s leadership role in harnessing regional cooperation and integration and discussed about the endless possibilities that are lying ahead. On the sidelines of the partnership dialogue, Foreign Secretary Haque met with senior US government officials including Ms. Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Ms. Anne C. Richard, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration and Ms. Bathsheba Crocker, Assistant Secretary of State for international Organisations, Tom Malinowski, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, with Dr. Peter Lavoy, Special Assistant to President Obama and Jonathan Finer, Chief of Staff of the Secretary of State. The US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue, established in 2012, is a regularly planned policy consultation designed to advance the common agenda. Meanwhile, US state dept spokesperson John Kirby at a press briefing on Friday said: “We’ve long talked about our concerns over the situation in Bangladesh, and again, I would say clearly those issues and our concerns were obviously part of the discussions here at the State Department”. l

News

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

PM to launch Metro Rail, BRT projects today n Shohel Mamun Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will officially inaugurate the construction work of two mega projects Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), also known as Metro Rail, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) today at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. Metro Rail is the third biggest government infrastructure project underway, after the Padma Bridge and Padma rail track project. The elevated railway promises to relieve the city’s growing traffic problems. Metro Rail Project Director Mofazzel Hossain said: “As per the schedule, the Metro Rail will be completed by 2024, however the government has announced that the first phase of the project (Uttara - Agargaon) would be completed by December 2019 and the rest (Uttara - Motijheel) will be opened for passengers within December, 2020.” “We are working heart and soul to launch the dream project and ease traffic in the city,” he added. The MRT project will be con-

structed under the supervision of Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Company. The project is being funded by both the government and Japan International Cooperative Agency (Jica) – Jica is contributing Tk16,594.59 crore to the project, while the government is paying Tk5,390.48 crore. When complete and in operation, the MRT stations will see a train come every 3.5 minutes, and it will take 37 minutes for a train to cover the distance between Motijheel and Uttara. The BRT project is a dedicated bus lane which will be constructed between Dhaka and Gazipur on the existing six-lane highway. Once complete, 100 articulated buses will run on the BRT route. Passengers will be required to use a smart card to use the service. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around Tk2,040 crore, Tk1,650 crore of which will provided by the Asian Development Bank, French Development Agency, and Global Environmental Facility Fund. The rest will be provided by the government. l

Workers removing concrete blocks from the ground at Uttara’s Diyabari to clear the land for a construction depot for Metro Rail. Photo was taken on Friday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Bus Rapid Transit: Dhaka to Gazipur in 20 minutes n Shohel Mamun The government is going to build a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route aiming to smooth the journey between Gazipur and Dhaka Airport which will take only 20 minutes. The buses will run by a dedicated lane on the existing six-lane highway under the BRT project where will have not any traffic jam, the buses will ply one by one. BRT transport system have already been famous in different cities including Chicago and New Delhi. The BRT project is divided in two parts: one from Gazipur’s Shibbari to Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and the other from the airport to Keraniganj. Tthe prime minister will inaugurate only the construction work of the first phase today. The plan for the Airport - Keraniganj route is yet incomplete. According to the BRT Phase 1 design, the 20.5km Shibbari-Airport route will have 25 stoppages, six flyovers, an eight lane bridge over the Turag river at Tongi and a 4.5km elevated road from Tongi to Uttara. Around 25,000 people are expected to commute on the BRT on both the sides every hour in 100

Acquiring land Metro’s biggest headache n Shohel Mamun The Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Company (DMRTDC) has been facing several challenges, including land acquisition for construction yards, to build the Dhaka’s first metro rail. Utility shifting, as in the moving of electric, gas and water lines that lie in the way, and traffic management are the other big challenges. Metro Rail Project Director Mofazzel Hossain told the Dhaka Tribune: “The pier for the Metro Rail is only two metres wide. So we will only about four metres or one lane of a six or eight lane road. We are also thinking about diversion roads.” The company has selected 10 open places in the capital to build construction yards. The properties are owned by four government

bodies, Rajuk, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Dhaka North City Corporation (DSCC) and Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC). It has asked for the handover of the properties, but none of the agencies have made any response yet. These locations are Central Plaza, Recreation Park, CBD, Water Treatment Plant and the ‘C’ type apartment block in Uttara Phase 3, under Rajuk’s control. Golapbagh playground and the western part of Rayerbazar graveyard under the DSCC, Statistics Bhaban Road in Agargaon and Firmgate Anwara Park under DNCC and a BADC land at Gabtoli. The properties will be used for construction depots, power substations and electric support stations. l

TEMPERATURE FORECAST FOR TODAY

THUNDERSHOWER WITH RAIN SUNDAY, JUNE 26

Dhaka

Chittagong

Rajshahi

DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:50PM

Rangpur

articulated buses. Stations will see a bus arrive every three minutes. Passengers will be required to use a smart card to use the service and will be covered by a mandatory insurance policy. BRT buses will be equipped to allow level boarding, making it easier for older people, children and disabled passengers to get on and off the buses. Passengers will only be able to get on or off the buses at BRT stations. The project was approved on November 20, 2012 with a December 2016 deadline. However it has missed two deadlines due to negligence. Even the project authority’s own February 2015 deadline to fin-

Khulna

Barisal

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:14AM

37.0ºC Rajshahi

24.6ºC Tetulia

Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES

ish the detailed design dragged on to May this year. The new deadline for the BRT is December 2018. Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority Executive Director Kaikobad Hossain said: “It’s true that BRT project is move slowly. But it will run fast now. We have solved the problems. Detailed design is complete and land acquisition is underway.” The total cost of the project is estimated to be around Tk2,040crore, Donors will give Tk1,650.7 crore, Asian Development Bank Tk1,280 crore, French Development Agency Tk360crore and Global Environmental Facility Tk36 crore. The rest will be provided by the government. l

Sylhet

Cox’s Bazar

Fajr: 3:52am | Zohr: 1:15pm Asr: 5:15pm | Magrib: 7:03pm Esha: 8:45pm Source: Islamic Foundation

News

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Marooned in misery

Missing girl found dead

n Sultan Mahmood, Narail Body of a minor girl was recovered from a field near her home at Noagram village in Kalia upazila of Narail yesterday, two days after she went missing. Deceased Meghla, 9, daughter of Nazrul Islam Mollah, was a student of class two in a local primary school. Police and the victim’s family members said Meghla went outside her house for playing on Thursday afternoon and did not return. Neighbours found her body on a field near her home yesterday morning. On information, the police recovered the body and sent it to Narail Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. Abdul Gani, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalia police station, confirmed the incident. A case has been lodged in this connection. l

Youth dies in police custody Seizel, n Ashrafuddin Mymensingh Low-lying areas close to the Teesta River in Nirphamari have been submerged as the river is flowing above danger level due to incessant rainfall and the surge of upstream water from the hills. The picture was taken yesterday from Charkhagikbari in Dimla DHAKA TRIBUNE

Taieyb Ali Sarker, n Md Nilphamari Thousands of people have become marooned as parts of low-lying areas close to the Teesta River banks in Nirphamari’s Dimla and Jaldhaka upazilas have been submerged due to onrush of water from the upstream and incessant rainfall. Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre sources said the water level of Teesta River started to rise since yesterday morning due to increasing upstream water flow and heavy downpour in the area. Sub-divisional Engineer (Ex-en) of BWDB at Dalia division Fazlul Huque said the water level of Teesta was 52.40 meters at Dalia point which was 26 centimeter above the danger mark. The danger mark at

Dalia point was 52.40 meter. The river is swelling fast as India opened all the gates of Gojaldoba barrage in the upstream to release the ‘excess’ water from heavy rain fall in its territories, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) sources said. In addition to water from India, heavy rainfall inside Bangladesh also added to the situation. Local people said several chars (shoals emerged from the riverbed) and low laying areas went under water. More than 50,000 families residing near the banks have lost their homes. Vast tracts of arable lands and academic institutions on lowlands have been submerged due to the rising rivers. Temples, mosques and local bazars near the banks are also under threat of flooding as the water level increases. The locals expressed concern for

their farmlands and crops, as they fear the lands could flood imminently. Additionally, over 50,000 families of 25 areas including Purbachintai, Khagakbari, Tepakharibari, Khalishachapani, Jhunagachi, Goinabari of Dimla upazila, Golmundu, Douabari, Shoulmari and Koimari of Jhaldhaka upazila, Hatibandha and Kaliganj of Lalmonirhat and Gangachara of Rangpur were marooned. Heavy rainfall has made an embankment point of Teesta vulnerable at Bhaban Chur and Gopal Jhar points in Jaldhaka upazila. Most of the houses in those areas have gone under 2-3 feet water. The people there are suffering from dry food and drinking water. Aminur Rahman, chairman of Bunogacha Chapani union council said in the last few days at least 7,00

homesteads, including hundred of acres of arable land in the union were devoured by waters from the Teesta in Chhqtunama and Forestchar areas. Khalishachapani UP chairman said 8,00 families of Purbabaishpur , Sati Ghat, and Pachimbaishpukur were victims of flood. Purbochatnai UP chairman Robiul Islam Lithon said thousands of people in Jharsingh and Chhatnai had to leave their homesteads as the floodwater entered into the areas. Mostafizur Rahman, executive engineer of BWDB’s Dalia said the water level was 26centimeters above the danger level. But there is nothing worry, as the situation is not beyond control. Water Development Board is trying to lower the water level by opening all the barrage gates, he added. l

An alleged drug addict died in police custody in the town on Friday night. Pranto Chandra Dey, 21, son of Robi Chandra Dey of Golpukurpar area of the town, died at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital while undergoing treatment there after his arrest. Kamrul Islam, officer-in-charge of Kotowali Model police station, said police arrested Pranto from Durgabari Mandir area along with 15 Yaba tablets on Friday afternoon. Later, as Panto fell sick at the police station he was admitted to MMCH at night. Police said Pranto was a drug-addict and earlier he was arrested several times on charge of drug trading. However, his family members denied the allegations and demanded investigation into his mysterious death. l

Rangpur mayor for rooting out violence against women n Tribune Desk

Mayor of Rangpur City and valiant freedom fighter Alhaj Sarfuddin Ahmed Jhantu has stressed on a changed social mindset and comprehensive GO-NGO efforts for eradicating violence against women. The City Mayor was addressing a training workshop on ‘Prevention of Violence against Women and Women Rights’ organised by Population Services Training Centre (PSTC), an NGO, at Rangpur City

Corporation Hall Room on Wednesday as the chief guest. The NGO organised the workshop under its She Can Project with assistance of Action Aid Bangladesh and UKaid funding to train up the concerned stakeholders for eradicating violence against women in slum areas of Rangpur city. With Project Coordinator of the ‘She Can Project’ of PSTC Siropa Kulsum in the chair, Additional Police Super Abdullah Al Faruk and Secretary of Rangpur City Fazlul Kabir, City Councilors Farida Kal-

am and Manjuri Begum, attended the workshop as special guests. Representatives of Motor Owners’ Association, Motor Workers’ Association, City Bazar Shop Owners’ Association, Victim Support Centre, NGOs and Community Watch Groups, civil society members, victims of violence and slum dwellers participated, reports BSS. District Campaign Officer of the ‘She Can Project’ Syeda Nure Nabila Tabassum, its Facilitator Johra Khatun and Jahanara Begum coor-

dinated the training workshop. The speakers said rooting out violence against women is not possible without involving all citizens, including GO-NGO officials, public representatives, local community leaders, elite and people from all walks in the society. They put emphasis on creating awareness among the adolescents, girls and women living in the slum areas to eradicate sexual harassment, torture and violence against them in any form to pave congenial atmosphere for their socioeconom-

ic development. The chief guest termed violence against women, especially against those living urban slums, as the worst form of violation of human rights and main barrier for flourishing their leadership, empowerment and establishing equal rights and social dignity. He specially stressed on coordinated efforts of all concerned to end gender disparity and eradicate violence against the slum dweller women to ensure their safety, security and dignity in the society. l

News

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

‘Corruption drives illicit financial outflow’ n Tribune Desk Factors like corruption, political culture, absence of law enforcement and policy regime problem drive illicit financial outflows depriving Bangladesh of crucial investment funds, leading economists and analysts said yesterday. Under this critical situation where illegal money transfer is rising in the country, they called for an autonomous body to stop it. They suggested a number of recommendations, including the formation of a task-force, to stop the illicit financial outflow. They were speaking at an Expert Consultation on Illicit Financial Flows in the Context of Bangladesh organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in Dhaka. Bangladesh ranks 26th in terms of illicit financial outflows, which mainly stem from tax evasion, crime and corruption, with a whopping $5.6bn being siphoned out every year during 2004-2013, according to GFI, a US-based thinktank. Of which, 88% was done through mis-invoicing, according to the CPD. In his welcome address, CPD Executive Director Professor Mustafizur Rahma said the issue has come to the spotlight in recent days, though it has continued for many years. “It sneaks into the country as a cancer. It is the demand of the hour to prevent it for picking up in-

vestment in the country.” Former adviser to a caretaker government Akbar Ali Khan said the major reason for illicit financial flow out of the country is people get scared to keep money in the country but not tax evasion that might be the main cause of other courtiers, as tax is not so high in Bangladesh. He said there are many loopholes in Bangladesh economy for money transferring. “Particularly lack of political commitment, absence of law enforcement and good governance has led illicit financial flow from Bangladesh. “It cannot be solved in the country overnight. We should look into why we cannot enforce law and why tax evasion continues.” Former Adviser to the caretaker government, Ministries of Finance and Planning A B Mirza Azizul Islam said giving security in people’s life and asset, creating investment climate by easing business are the devices to prevent the illicit financial flow. He said gross domestic savings is higher than the gross domestic investment, which clears that the money flows out of the country. Moreover, no visible punishment ha yet been given to the perpetrators due to administrative weakness, which has encouraged them to do so. “In the current budget, import duty slab has been increased from

four to five, which will give another scope for miss-invoicing,” he said. For a developed country import duty should be of uniform rate, he said quoting an economist. Executive Director at the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh Ahsan Habib Mansur said illicit financial flow remains and will remain in our country and other countries.

The speakers suggested a number of recommendations, including the formation of a task-force, to stop the illicit financial outflow “Main source of the problem in our country is absence of good governance. We cannot solve this problem by creating lots of institutions without addressing governance problem.” He also identified many reasons like political risk, tax and tariff regime for money transferring incidence. “Change of political regime creates lots of outflow in our country.” Former DCCI president Rashed Maqsood Khan said money is being illegally transferred because

people do not feel safe and have no confidence in investment. “We are part of the globalised world. Money cannot be stagnant here. To keep money at home, investment should be encouraged by giving incentives, ensuring infrastructure and security.” Former Bangladesh Bank governor Mohammed Farashuddin said political unrest, inadequate investment friendly facilities and poor political culture are the causes of the illicit financial outflow. He recommended establishing price commission to help check mispricing. Former NBR member Aminur Rahman said in 1990s OECD countries took steps on harmful tax to prevent money transferring but no progress is seen yet. “I think the receiving country does not want to stop it for the sake of their interest.” Representative of ACC Farid Ahmed said sometimes perpetrators go unpunished due to flaw in prosecution procedure. According to Panama papers findings we have identified some perpetrators and we are looking for them, he said. FBCCI President Abdul Matlub Ahmad it is a mystery that thousands of crores of taka is being channeled out of the country every year. “Many agencies know about the matter, but cannot speak. Former finance adviser M Sayeduzzaman said it is surprising to see that despite strengthening anti

money laundering law, illicit financial flow increased in 2012 and 2013 in the county. “This means the law exists but has never been enforced,” he said. CPD Distinguished Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya who chaired the event said: “Capital is being exported to other countries from an investment-less country, which is paradoxical.” He advised to form an autonomous body to prevent the financial fraud. Economist Abu Ahmed said money will be flown away from the country whatever steps you take. “But we need to create investment opportunity and climate to keep money in home. Asset market on gold, gem and other options can be introduced for creating investment option for the investor. Former central bank deputy governor Mohammad Ali Rumi laid emphasis on coordination among banks, NBR and agencies concerned to deal with the issue properly. Economist Mustafa K Mujeri said collaboration nationally and internationally is important to prevent the money laundering. Former BSEC chairman Faruq Ahmed Siddiqui said it is a deep problem in the country and can be controlled good governance. Sources of continued generation of black money are the keys to prevent illicit financial flow, he said. l

‘Gunfight’ kills ‘robber’ n Rafiqul Islam, Feni An alleged robber was killed in a gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Sonagazi upazila of Feni early yesterday. Deceased Masud alias Gabba Masud, 34, a resident of Char Chandina union of the upazila, was a listed criminal, according to Shafayet Jamil Fahim, squadron leader of Rab-7 Feni camp. Acting on a tip-off, the RAB officials took position in the area named Bhairab Rastar Matha adjacent to Bhuan Bazar in the union while Masud was taking preparation along with his cohorts for committing a robbery around 2am, said Shafayet.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the robbers opened fire on them, which triggered a gun fight between the RAB and the robbers, he added. Two RAB officials and Masud were injured in the fight. Doctor declared Masud dead after he was brought to Feni Sadar Hospital. Masud was a member of a local pirate gang ‘Kamal Bahini,” according to locals. Humayun Kabir, officer-incharge of Sonagazi Model police station, said Masud was accused in at least 12 cases, including murder, robbery and extortion. Relatives of the deceased declined to talk to the media. l

Mobile court fines 3 n Anwar Hussain, Chittagong

A mobile court fined three persons for staying at Chittagong Rail Station without any tickets yesterday. Abdullah Al Monsur and Sheikh Nurul Alam, executive magistrates of Chittagong District Administration, conducted the drive.

“We have conducted the drive to ensure that nobody can travel on train without ticket. Three persons were fined under Railway (Amendment) Act, 1975, for staying at the station without tickets,” said Abdullah. “During our drive, we saw that the passengers were collecting their tickets in a much disciplined manner. l

The Madaripur-Mostafapur road in Madaripur district town has turned unfit for vehicular movement for lack of repair. The photo has been taken recently DHAKA TRIBUNE

8 World

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

SOUTH ASIA

Nepal bans its nationals from working in conflicttorn countries

Nepal has banned its nationals from working in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria after 13 Nepali security guards were killed by a Taliban suicide bomber in the Afghan capital, Labour Minister Deepak Bohara said on Friday. The decision comes after a parliamentary panel ordered Prime Minister K P Oli’s government to crack down on traffickers who send thousands of migrants each year to conflict-torn countries. -REUTERS

INDIA

8 Indian soldiers dead in Kashmir militant attack Militants killed 8 Indian police officials and injured 20 when they attacked a security convoy in northern Jammu & Kashmir state on Saturday, a police spokesman said, in an attack claimed by Islamist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. 2 men attacked a convoy of India’s Central Reserve Police Force on a highway near the Pampore town, 15km from the state capital Srinagar. -REUTERS

CHINA

China cuts communication channel with Taiwan The Chinese government said on Saturday it had stopped a communication mechanism with Taiwan because of the refusal of the selfruled island’s new government to recognise the one China principle. China, which regards Taiwan as wayward province, is deeply suspicious of Taiwan President Tsai Ingwen, as they suspect she will push for formal independence. -REUTERS

ASIA PACIFIC

North Korea rejects UN rebuke Pyongyang on Saturday rejected the UN Security Council’s sharp criticism of its latest missile tests and blamed the United States for driving the divided peninsula toward an uncontrollable extreme phase. North Korea this week conducted its most successful tests to date of a powerful home-grown missile it hopes will one day be capable of launching nuclear attacks on the US mainland. -REUTERS

MIDDLE EAST

33 killed in renewed clashes across Yemen Clashes in several areas across Yemen on Friday killed 22 Shia insurgents and 11 members of pro-government forces, military officials said, after peace talks hit a new barrier. Fierce battles erupted in the northern Jawf province when Huthi insurgents attacked loyalists in al-Motoon district. -AFP

Q&A

What is Article 50 and why is it so central to the Brexit debate? It’s only 250 words long but has instantly become the defining clause in a war of words between Britain and the EU n Tribune International Desk BRITAIN TO LEAVE THE EU: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Rarely have 250 words been so important – five short, obscure paragraphs in a European treaty that have suddenly become valuable political currency in the aftermath of Britain’s decision to leave the EU, the Guardian reports. Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty sets out how an EU country might voluntarily leave the union. The wording is vague, almost as if the drafters thought it unlikely it would ever come into play. Now, it is the subject of a dispute between EU leaders desperate for certainty in the wake of the Brexit vote, and Brexiters in the UK playing for time. Article 50 says: “Any member state may decide to withdraw from the union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.” It specifies that a leaver should notify the European council of its intention, negotiate a deal on its withdrawal and establish legal grounds for a future relationship with the EU. On the European side, the agreement needs a qualified majority of member states and consent of the European parliament. The only real quantifiable detail in the article is a provision that gives negotiators two years from the date of article 50 notification to conclude new arrangements. Failure to do so results in the exiting state falling out of the EU with no new provisions in place, unless every one of the remaining EU states agrees to extend the negotiations. No country has ever invoked article 50 – yet.

When could it happen?

Britain’s Brexit vote does not require the government to pull the trigger immediately because the referendum is not legally binding. Indeed, how and when to notify has become the main tactical dispute in the hours that have followed Thursday’s vote. In his resignation speech, David Cameron made it clear he was in no hurry to push the button. “A negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new prime minister and I think it is right that this new prime minister take the decision about when to trigger article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the EU,” he said.

The official British divorce from Europe would take at least two years

June 2016

REFERENDUM

on leaving or remaining in the European Union

51.9% vote to leave

London

Article 50 of the 2009 The European Lisbon Treaty (which Council governs how a country can exit the EU) is triggered negotiates Time period

European Parliament

European treaties cease to be applicable to Britain

Agreement

As such, he has done a favour for the people who did most to unseat him – Boris Johnson and Michael Gove. Both have argued there should be no hurry to pull the trigger: doing so would set the clock ticking, putting Britain at a negotiation disadvantage at a time when its political class is in disarray. But there is strong pressure from two quarters to get the ball rolling. Ukip sees no reason for delay, with party leader Nigel Farage calling for action “as soon as humanly possible”. Perhaps more importantly, European leaders, frustrated, angry and hugely disappointed in Britain’s self-imposed exodus, want matters resolved smartly to keep uncertainty to a minimum and prevent exit contagion from spreading. The German foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said on Saturday after meeting counterparts from the five other EU founding states: “We say here together that this process must start as soon as possible.” Earlier, Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU commission president, said: “It doesn’t make any sense to wait until October to try and negotiate the terms of their departure. I would like to get started immediately,” he said.

What can the EU do?

But however much Europeans want to accelerate the process,

Comes into force

Agreed by qualified majority

Automatic exit

If no withdrawal agreement after 2 years

Decision to extend this period

must approve

there are scant legal means to jump-start it. Kenneth Armstrong, professor of European Law at Cambridge University said: “There is no mechanism to compel a state to withdraw from the European Union. Article 50 is there to allow withdrawal, but no other party has the right to invoke article 50, no other state or institution. While delay is highly undesirable politically, legally there is nothing that can compel a state to withdraw.” The only card the EU does hold is another article of the Lisbon Treaty - but it’s a big card, an ace. Under Article 7, the EU could suspend a member if it deems it to be in breach of basic principles of freedom, democracy, equality and rule of law. But Nikos Skoutaris, lecturer in European Union law at the University of East Anglia said: “To trigger article 7, there must be a reason to do with the foundational values of the EU, democracy and the rule of the law on so on. It has never been used. There have been occasions when there have been threats to use it, in the 1990’s when there was a possibility of neo-Nazis being in an Austrian coalition. “There has been some discussion of it relation to Poland and Hungary recently, but it is very difficult to see this applied to the UK. I don’t think the European Un-

“WITHDRAWAL AGREEMENT”

years

ion would use what is considered a nuclear weapon.”

What would happen next?

Once the article 50 trigger is pulled, the EU council of ministers will by qualified majority voting agree a negotiation mandate, in the form of directives to the commission. They will have to agree on the terms for divorce, essentially a set of instructions and red lines for the European commission, which would be in charge of managing talks. The process is designed to give the EU the upper hand over the departing state, according to Andrew Duff, a former Liberal Democrat MEP, who helped devise article 50. “We could not allow a seceding state to spin things out for too long. The clause puts most of the cards in the hands of those that stay in.” The full scale of the task facing Whitehall will become clear. The UK will have to renegotiate 80,000 pages of EU agreements, deciding those to be kept in UK law and those to jettison. British officials have said privately that nobody knows how long this would take, but some ministers say it would clog up parliament for years. As has been wryly noted already, there is only one precedent to refer to here. Greenland left the EU in 1985 after two years of negotiation. It has a population of 55,000, and only one product: fish. l

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Could Brexit vote be a preview of US presidential race? n Reuters, Washington, DC

Britain’s stunning vote to leave the European Union, buoyed by a frenzy of nationalism and populist anger, was a crushing rejection of the political elite. Republican Donald Trump hopes it is also a preview of November’s US presidential election. The referendum result reverberated immediately in a US presidential campaign dominated by Trump’s rapid rise to capture the nomination, fuelled by a similar brew of anti-establishment and anti-globalisation sentiment. The vote in Britain reinforced the notion that the insurgent campaign launched by the wealthy real estate developer had tapped into a global political movement that might be hard to stop. Trump, who has spent much of his campaign warning of the dangers posed by immigrants who

global recession and weaken the US economy.

Cautionary tale

Donald Trump

REUTERS

illegally enter from Mexico and proposing a temporary ban on US entry for Muslims, has matched the global mood with his rhetoric. The referendum, which most British opinion polls had predicted was headed to defeat, was a wake-up call for Democrats who have been heartened by Clinton’s lead over Trump in opinion polls of late. Global stock markets wobbled immediately after the vote, which experts warned could trigger a

British Prime Minister David Cameron, who said after the vote he could step down by October, presents a cautionary lesson for Clinton as she prepares to face Trump. British voters ignored repeated warnings from Cameron about the dire consequences of a departure from the European Union. Clinton can take advantage of the unsettled global mood without indulging in predictions of doom or the over-the-top rhetoric that sometimes has set back Trump, Republican strategist Rich Galen said. Clinton adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters after the vote that she has “a real confidence that Americans are generous, tolerant, big-hearted people” who believe that the country is stronger together. Differences between the elec-

torates in the United Kingdom and the United States are one reason the Brexit sentiment may not translate fully into success for Trump. About 30 million votes were cast in the last British general election in 2015, with about 10 percent of those cast by minority voters. Polling in the UK ahead of the Brexit vote suggested broad support for staying in the EU among those voters. By contrast, according to the Pew Research Centre, nonwhite voters constituted 26 percent of all voters in the 2012 US general election — and by a huge margin they backed Democratic President Barack Obama. Pew projects that by November, nearly one in three voters will be a minority, and opinion polls show Trump struggling with those blocs. Just being more mature, experienced and sympathetic than Trump may not be enough for Clinton. l

The four key players in Spain’s election n AFP, Madrid From the anti-austerity far-left to the business-friendly centre-right, three young candidates are up against Spain’s current conservative prime minister in Sunday’s general election - the second in six months.

Mariano Rajoy

Elected as prime minister in 2011, the 61-year-old is gunning for re-election after a four-year term marked by repeated corruption scandals, steep spending cuts and an economic recovery. Criticised as lacking charisma, Rajoy retorts that he represents “stability” and “seriousness” faced with upstarts he portrays as inexperienced. After years of crisis, he boasts of having put the eurozone’s fourth largest economy back on track with drastic austerity measures, and forced unemployment back down to 21%, even if it remains the second highest rate in the European Union. In December’s inconclusive election, his Popular Party (PP) came first but without an absolute majority. Failing to gain support from other parties, he gave up attempts to form a coalition government.

Pedro Sanchez

Largely unknown to the general public, he was elected to head up and revive the troubled Socialist

party (PSOE) in 2014. The Socialists were turfed out of power in a crushing 2011 election defeat, seen as punishment for a recession, mushrooming debt and sky-high joblessness. Nicknamed “El Guapo” (“Mr Handsome”), the tall 44-year-old economist from Madrid is a former basketball player who has cultivated a down-to-earth image. The Socialists came second in December, after which Sanchez tried but failed to form a minority government with the upstart business-friendly Ciudadanos. And his bid to turn around his party appears seriously compromised, as opinion polls suggest a coalition led by anti-austerity Podemos may overtake the Socialists as the main left-wing force in Sunday’s vote.

Pablo Iglesias

The pony-tailed former university lecturer entered politics at the start of 2014 as one of the founders of Podemos, harnessing the anger of the Indignados protest movement. Since then, the 37-year-old has shaken up politics and become a serious concern for his rivals. Podemos won five seats in the European Parliament in May 2014 elections, including one for Iglesias. The party grew in popularity, and came third in the December poll, just under two years after it was created. After December’s

SPAIN’S LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS New vote June 26 after six months without any parliamentary majority

Socialist Party

Popular Party

Socialists Founded in 1879 Candidate: Pedro Sanchez 44 years old

Right wing 1976 Mariano Rajoy 61 90

123

Unidos Podemos

Ciudadanos

Radical left coalition Jan 2014 (Podemos) 1986 (Izquierda Unida)

Centre-right July 2006 Albert Rivera 36

Pablo Iglesias 37

71*

* Podemos: 69 / IU: 2

elections, Iglesias failed to reach an agreement with Socialist party chief Pedro Sanchez, who had formed an alliance with business-friendly Ciudadanos.

Albert Rivera

The youngest of the candidates, the head of centre-right party Ciudadanos hails from Catalonia, the northeastern Spanish region hit by an independence drive that his grouping rejects. The 36-year-old lawyer from Barcelona has devoted almost a decade to politics. A telegenic orator and adept at social media, he was a lawmaker

World

in Catalonia’s regional parliament between 2006 and 2015. His party - which emerged in 2006 but only really entered national politics last year - is liberal on the economic and social front. It wants to invest more in research and education, fight against the precarious nature of jobs in Spain - one of the current hot-button issues - and stridently denounces corruption scandals that have hit the PP and the Socialists. After the December election, in which Ciudadanos came fourth, he formed a pact with the Socialists to try to form a minority government, which ultimately failed. l

USA

23 dead in West Virginia floods Flooding in the US state of West Virginia killed 23 people and stranded others who had to be plucked from rooftops and rescued from fast-moving waters, state officials said Friday. About 200 National Guard members had fanned out in 8 counties to assist local responders and 17 shelters were open for those whose homes were damaged or destroyed. -AFP

THE AMERICAS

Mexico announces $1.68bn budget cut after Brexit Mexico’s government announced on Friday a $1.68bn budget cut to deal with the fallout from Britain’s vote to leave the EU. At the same time, it would negotiate a free trade deal with Britain if London severs all commercial agreements with the EU. The budget cut will ensure that the government reduces its financing needs and meets its fiscal deficit goal, Finance Minister Luis Videgaray said. -AFP

1.5m sign UK petition for 2nd EU referendum vote More than 1.5 million people have signed a petition calling for a second referendum, after a shock vote to pull Britain out of the EU, an official website showed Saturday. The website of the parliamentary petition at one point crashed due to the surge of people adding their names to the call for another nationwide poll following Thursday’s historic vote. -AFP

EUROPE

Belgian to head EU Brexit task force The EU said Saturday it had appointed Belgian Didier Seeuws, a longtime aide to former EU president Herman Van Rompuy, to head the union’s special task force to negotiate Britain’s exit. European Parliament President Martin Schulz said Saturday that Cameron’s decision to wait until October to leave was scandalous” and tantamount to taking the whole continent hostage. -AFP

AFRICA

Al Shabaab militants attack hotel in Mogadishu Somalia’s al Shabaab Islamist group launched a suicide bomb attack on a hotel in the centre of Mogadishu on Saturday before fighters stormed inside, police and the militant group said. Police said at least seven people had died and 10 others were wounded. Gunfire echoed round the seaside city after the blast and ambulances raced to the scene. -REUTERS

World

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

INSIGHT

Crisis or speed bump? What UK vote means for economy sectors n Tribune International Desk Britain’s vote to leave the European Union adds a heavy dose of uncertainty to a world economy that is still struggling to reach full speed years after the global financial crisis, reports The Associated Press. The most immediate pain will be felt in Britain. But economists say the ripples could be felt much farther afield. Companies will wonder whether to invest or locate in Britain during the years-long negotiations to define new trade conditions with the EU, its biggest business partner. Across Europe, trade and immigration may lose ground to nationalism and protectionism. The EU itself, minus market-oriented Britain, may turn to more government intervention and regulation. Other countries may eventually seek to leave the bloc. “A new set of economic circumstances has been created, which the world will have to deal with,” said India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. “Volatility is the new norm. And therefore, economies have to learn to live with crisis after crisis.” The global economy isn’t in crisis at the moment, but growth is muted and uneven among countries. The International Monetary Fund forecasts growth of 3.5% for this year. The Chinese economy is slowing, the US recovery has hit a slower patch, major emerging economies like Brazil are in recession, and Europe and Japan are stagnating. That’s not good enough to bring people out of poverty or get them jobs. Unemployment remains at a high 10.2% in the 19 countries that use the euro. In the US, it’s a lower 4.7%. But the labor participation rate hasn’t recovered since the recession of 2008-9, indicating that many workers have not benefited from the stronger US recovery. Here’s a look at what the vote means for the world economy:

Economic growth

The most direct economic pain will be felt by the UK, while the direct consequences for the world economy are likely to be more moderate. Moody’s Analytics estimates that global economic output would be 0.25% smaller after five years than it otherwise would have been, while the EU would be a full percent smaller and the UK 4%. Then there are indirect effects. Stock market plunges can make people feel poorer and less likely to spend. Uncertainty can make executives put off investments in new production. “Uncertainty certainly impedes

investment decisions, and with few signs of any pickup in the global economy we’re probably going to see a slower rebound in capital spending,” said Sara Johnson, senior research director of global economics with IHS Global Insight.

Central banks

The market plunges after the vote are one reason for the world’s central banks to keep their rock-bottom interest rates in place. “Brexit could be a game changer for central bank thinking,” Megan Greene, chief economist at Manulife Asset Management, wrote in a research note. The Federal Reserve is less likely to raise short-term interest rates this year - and might even have to cut them. Greene predicted that the Bank of England could have to print money to finance government spending, tax cuts or both and that the Bank of Japan could follow. The European Central Bank might expand its current bond-buying stimulus program.

The London lily pad

Many big companies use the UK as a base for their European operations. London’s strength as a banking center is in part based on easy access to financial markets in Europe. Regulatory approval to do business in the British capital means an all-access pass to the 27 other EU countries, a process called passporting. Global banks like JP Morgan Chase have already said that they would have to move jobs from London to the European mainland if Britain leaves the EU.

Consumers, travellers

The pound and euro both dropped Friday, which should make British and eurozone exports cheaper overseas. American travellers heading to Britain and the rest of Europe are going to find less-expensive meals, hotels, souvenirs and museum admissions because the US dollar will go further. Airfare for peak summer months probably won’t dip, but any taxes and fees levied in Europe will be cheaper. For instance, all coach passengers leaving the UK for the US pay 73 pounds for the Air Passenger Duty. That tax is now cheaper. Among retailers, analysts expect luxury sellers - which have already seen weaker demand - to be hurt the most. London luxury shops could suffer if banks move out, taking big-spending employees with them, said Hana Ben-Shabat, a partner at A T Kearney. In the US, stores

BREXIT RESULT RATTLES WORLD MARKETS LONDON FTSE-100 6 138.69 points

-3.15%

FRANKFORT DAX 9 557.16 pts

- 6.82%

NEW YORK Dow Jones 17 588.17* pts

-2.51%

PARIS CAC 40 4 106.73 pts

-12.48%

MADRID IBEX-35 7 787 pts

ATHENS Athex composite 534.78 pts

-12.35%

-13.42%

*1600 GMT

Trade

The impact on UK-EU trade would depend on how quick and amicable negotiations are on a new set of relations. Britain could wind up like Switzerland, which simply adopts EU requirements without having any say in how they are decided. Britain sends 44% of its exports to the EU, less than any other member country but still significant. The price for continued market access, however, could be allowing free movement of workers. A desire to control immigration was a major force behind the “leave” campaign, so it’s unclear if such an agreement could ever be reached. “If the UK takes a tougher stance on immigration, for businesses this will be a disaster as the EU will retaliate,” said Christian Stadler, professor of strategic management at the Warwick Business School in Coventry,

-7.92%

MILAN FTSE-MIB 15 723 pts

-8.04%

like Tiffany and Macy’s, which draw a lot of British tourists to their flagship New York stores, could be hurt. Restaurant companies with a significant presence in the UK and Europe could be hurt, said David Palmer, an RBC Capital Markets analyst. He said the US groups with the most exposure are McDonald’s Corp, and to a lesser degree Yum Brands Inc (Pizza Hut, KFC), Restaurant Brands International Inc (Burger King), and Starbucks Corp. Overall, said Steve Barr at PwC, any prolonged declines in the stock market could make shoppers wary about spending.

TOKYO Nikkei 14 952 pts

Britain. “Access to the EU will become difficult. For some companies, this means doing business in Europe won’t be attractive anymore.” “Others will have to deal with complicated bureaucracy,” he said. “In short: a nightmare.”

Markets

Stock markets plunged Friday, with Germany’s DAX falling almost 7 percent, the Dow Jones industrial average 3.4% and Britain’s FTSE 3.2%. The pound hit a 31-year low. Outside the UK, however, that turmoil may not last. Analysts at Oxford Economics think the global market reaction and fears of an EU breakup are exaggerated. Today’s drops “are hard to square with the likely long-term impact on the UK - at worst a few percent of GDP in the long run in an economy that is only 3.5% of world output.”

Political dominoes

The British vote would have a much broader impact if it becomes a political turning point away from trade and economic integration. In economic terms, free trade is considered a plus for growth. It should mean bigger markets, lower consumer prices and more competition. Yet those advantages can quickly be forgotten if people feel that the benefits are not fairly distributed, or that their jobs are left unprotected and move to other, lower-cost countries. Many think a British exit could

embolden anti-EU, anti-immigration political movements such as the National Front in France. Its leader, Marine Le Pen, is already considered likely to make the final round of presidential elections next year. Geert Wilders, head of the anti-Islam, anti-EU Freedom Party in the Netherlands, called Friday for a referendum on the EU there, too. And it goes beyond Europe. Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee for US president, has described the free trade agreement among Canada, the US and Mexico as “a disaster.” Likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has said the US should “renegotiate deals that are not working for Americans” and if necessary reject a proposed trade deal with Asian countries if it doesn’t show clear benefits for raising wages and jobs. “In the US, there is a clear parallel between the rise of Donald Trump ... and what is going on in the UK and the rest of Europe,” said Rob Carnell, chief international economist at ING Commercial Banking. “The recovery has left large swathes of the population behind, and this is their protest.” “I think this vote has been a vote against open and integrated societies, quite frankly,” said Guntram Wolff, director of the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. “And I think the sentiment in many other European countries ... would be to say, we will not counter that, we are so fearful, that we will basically try to counter populism by following the same road and be more protectionist.” l

EU Referendum

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

After Brexit vote pro-EU Scots, Northern Irish eye UK escape n Tribune International Desk The United Kingdom’s stunning vote to depart the European Union could end in the breakup of the UK itself, reports The Associated Press. While majorities of voters in England and Wales backed the campaign to leave the 28-nation bloc, the UK’s two other regions of Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay. Hot on the heels of Friday’s results, nationalist leaders in both countries vowed to leave the UK if that is the required price to keep their homelands fully connected to Europe.

Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon

REUTERS

Scotland, where nationalists already in power narrowly lost a 2014 independence referendum, appears poised to be first out the UK

door if its English neighbours don’t manage a negotiated U-turn to remain inside the EU. Most analysts dismiss that prospect. “Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against our will. I regard that as democratically unacceptable,” said Scotland’s leader, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. More than 60% of Scots voted to remain in the EU, compared with 48% of voters in the UK overall, reflecting Scots’ belief that EU membership provides a moderating influence on political life in a UK traditionally dominated by the vastly more numerous English. Sturgeon emphasised that her administration would aim first to help negotiate a compromise between the British government in London and EU chiefs in Brussels “to secure our continuing place in the EU and the single market.” But she said such hopes appeared unlikely to prevail, and made a second Scottish independence referendum “now highly likely.” She said such a vote would have to be held before the United Kingdom formally exited the EU, which could happen as soon as 2018. Scotland in September 2014 voted 55% to 45% to reject independence. But leading members of Sturgeon’s Scottish National Party

said they were confident that many voters who rejected independence two years ago were ready to switch allegiance given England’s decisive embrace of euroscepticism. “People in Scotland are quite simply stunned,” said party lawmaker John Nicolson. He said Britain’s traditional big three parties - the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats - all argued two years ago that UK membership was the only way to keep Scotland securely within the EU. “Clearly they’ve misled the Scottish people,” he said.

Northern Ireland

Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness REUTERS Next door, Irish nationalists in the long-disputed UK region of Northern Ireland say the British vote has reignited their demands for an all-island referendum to reu-

nite the two parts of Ireland after 95 years of partition. They argue that a British withdrawal from the EU would force authorities in both parts of Ireland to renew customs and security controls on what would become the UK’s only land border with an EU state, the Republic of Ireland. Sinn Fein, already in power in Northern Ireland’s 9-year-old unity government and positioned to become the Republic of Ireland’s top opposition party, insists that the hundreds of thousands of Irish citizens who live in Northern Ireland must be given a chance to vote for their own UK escape. In Dublin, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny convened an emergency Cabinet meeting as Ireland’s stock market suffered the biggest market falls in Europe, reflecting the fact that Ireland’s main trading partner is Britain. Kenny emerged saying his government’s top priority was to minimise damage to Ireland’s exports-driven economy, not to open old wounds in Northern Ireland. Kenny and Britain’s secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, agreed that Northern Ireland’s US-brokered 1998 peace accord contained a provision for staging an all-Ireland vote on re-

unification in event of popular demand. But both asserted that decades of opinion polling and election results had demonstrated that such a demand was too weak to merit a vote anytime soon. Kenny said his government would support an Irish unity referendum only if analysts could document “a serious movement of a majority of people to a situation where they would want to join the republic. There is no such evidence.” “There are much more serious issues to deal with in the medium term,” he said, citing the need to protect Ireland’s decades-old agreement to maintain special travel and trade relations with Britain, an agreement that predates both nations’ 1973 entry to the then-European Economic Community. “That’s where our focus is.” And Villiers, who joined Conservative Party rebels in opposing Prime Minister David Cameron’s push to remain in the EU, called a potential Irish referendum “a divisive distraction.” She noted that “remain” won with just 56% of the vote in Northern Ireland, the biggest per-capita recipient of EU aid in the UK. l

Nexit, Frexit or Italeave? British vote fires up EU’s outers n Reuters, London/Budapest

Britain’s vote to leave the European Union fired up populist eurosceptic parties across the continent on Friday, giving fresh voice to their calls to leave the bloc or its euro currency. Right-wing and anti-immigrant parties in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France demanded referendums on membership of the union, while Italy’s 5-Star movement said it would pursue its own proposal for a vote on the euro.

Netherlands

Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch anti-immigrant PVV party, said he would make a Dutch referendum Geert Wilders on EU membership a central theme of his campaign to become prime minister in next year’s parliamentary election. “I congratulate the British people for beating the political elite in both London and Brussels and I think we can do the same,” Wilders told Reuters. “We should have a referendum

about a ‘Nexit’ as soon as possible.” On Thursday, Britons voted to leave the 28-nation EU, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two. “There is no future any more (for the EU),” Wilders said.

France

France’s far right National Front party also called for a French referendum on European Union Marine Le Pen membership, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda. Party leader Marine Le Pen celebrated the result by displaying the British flag on her Twitter page. “Victory for freedom!” she said. “We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries.” Her deputy, Florian Philippot said: “Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit.” Le Pen said last month that if she won next year’s French presidential

election she would immediately start negotiations on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU. She is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the vote, although polls see her losing the run-off. Analysts and a few FN officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy was partly to blame for holding the party back in the past. But the Brexit vote could help it overcome this, Ifop pollster’s analyst Frederic Dabi said.

Denmark

The populist anti-immigration Danish People’s Party (DF), an ally of D e n m a r k ’s right-leaning Kristian Thulesen government, also called for a referendum on membership of the European Union. “I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have

it now,” DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl said. The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing RedGreen Alliance. Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a “slimmer EU”.

Sweden

In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the S w e d e n D e m o c r at s , which has the support Jimme Akesson of around 17% of voters according to a poll last month, said it would step up pressure for change. “We demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum,” party

leader Jimme Akesson said.

Italy

Italy’s second most popular party, the opposition 5-Star Movement described Leader of the 5-Star the result as Movement Beppe a lesson in democracy Grillo and promised to pursue its own proposal for an Italian referendum on the euro. The party, considered a genuine contender for government at the next general election, wants Italy to hold a “consultative” or non-binding referendum on whether to remain in the euro zone. “Whether you like it or not the British people have chosen,” said lower house deputy Alessandro Di Battista, a member of 5-Star’s leadership committee. The right-wing Northern League, a member of Italy’s opposition centre-right, was more outspoken. “Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn,” party leader Matteo Salvini said. l

12 Business

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

TOP STORIES Robust labour export shines light over declining remittance

Manpower export from Bangladesh has witnessed staggering growth in the first five months of 2016, thanks to surging demand by middle-east countries. PAGE 13

China-backed AIIB seeks cooperation and new members The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) stressed its independence from China at its first annual meeting yesterday, saying it plans to cooperate with other development banks and add new members, including Hong Kong. PAGE 14

India’s new deal for textile workers could add to risks A government initiative to create millions of jobs and increase exports in the textile and garment industries could put vulnerable workers at greater risk, activists said, calling for better enforcement of existing labour laws. PAGE 15

Capital market snapshot: Past Week DSE Broad Index

4,381.5

Index

1,078.9

-0.2% ▼

30 Index

1,714.4

-0.9% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk Turnover in Mn Vol

-0.3% ▼

16,189.8 -17.9% ▼ 503.7

7.5% ▲

All Share Index 13,460.3

-0.5% ▼

30 Index

12,388.0

-0.6% ▼

Selected Index

8,191.7

-0.5% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

1,029.5 -14.7% ▼

CSE

Turnover in Mn Vol

38.2

4.3% ▲

Brexit to hurt Bangladesh export n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU) will hurt Bangladesh exports especially the RMG sector to its markets as it will cast shadow on the exchange rates, fear the economist and exporters. In a referendum held on June 23, the UK people decided to leave EU as 52% people voted for exit while 48 cast vote to stay with the union. “The short-term visible impact of the Brexit is devaluation of currency that has already witnessed an about 10% fall. Bangladesh will bear the brunt of the exit as it is the third largest single export destination for our products,” Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. “As a result, the buyers will try to cut prices and to some extent even to cancel the orders.” In July-May period of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh exports to the UK stood at US$3.44 billion, of which $3.18 billion came from the readymade garments sector. “Exchange rates of Euro and

Pound against US Dollars already fall. If the trends continues and take a permanent look, it will hurt Bangladesh export to UK markers,” said AB Mirza Azizul Islam, former advisor to the Caretaker Government while talking to the Dhaka Tribune. Due to the turmoil in the UK, the demands for clothing products have come down, which will hurt Bangladesh export to large extend, said Hassan. UK, the third largest single export destination for Bangladesh, is very important for us as the exporters enjoy duty-free mar-

ket access for all products under Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). That is why, it has become a big question for the country as to whether it will be able to enjoy the trade facilities or not after the exit. Talking on the issue Hassan said: “I hope that the duty-free facilities will remain same even after the Brexit”. “Otherwise, the sector people as well as the government have to handle the issues diplomatically and politically.” Since, the exit will be executed by next two years, Bangladesh has to negotiate with UK for continu-

‘Brexit may impact trade growth of Bangladesh’ n

Tribune Business Desk

‘The decision of Brexit from EU apparently emits deep global uncertainty hurting the attractiveness and growth prospect of EU and heightens global trade, business and investment volatility, says Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industries (DCCI) Apparently, leave majority decision is going to emerge a new geo-political and geo-economic epoch throughout the globe. Indeed, EU is the largest export market and UK is the second largest Bangladesh bound foreign investor and export destination for Bangladesh worth of US$3.4 billion led by $2.9 billion RMG and other non-traditional products. DCCI in a statement yesterday feels considerable anxiety that the jolt from the Brexit may affect Bangladesh undermining the export growth potential under GSP facility and remittance earning and spill catastrophic impact on the bilateral trade and investment relationship above all growing development cooperation for Bangladesh. DCCI also fears that Brexit will adversely upset and affect the global financial and capital market depreciating Pound Sterling against major dominating currencies. Meanwhile, the Pound Sterling fall by 10% against the dollar and euro plunged by 3% which can’t

guarantee immunity to Bangladesh. Potential thwart of purchasing power slump of EU zone customers and devaluation shock of pound and euro will adversely hit incremental export business and earning of Bangladesh especially flagship of RMG sector given that EU accounts for 55 percent and UK accounts for 12% of global RMG export of Bangladesh and other potential exportable products in the pipeline. The plunge will also downsize remittance flow and FDI inflow in Bangladesh. In addition, $50 Billion RMG export target earning backed export led economic graduation may dwindle. In the wake of the newly emerged context, DCCI requests the government to immediately take into account the possible consequences and precautionary measures to deal with the changing development initiating focused bilateral discussion with foreign office of UK and UKTI to find alternative way-outs and avoid unforeseen economic menace. DCCI also solicits government to form a national committee comprising of trade bodies, trade expert, international trade law practitioner, economist, researcher, and representative from concerned ministries and agencies to observe and report findings to the government on post BREXIT global economic order. l

ing the trade facilities which may not be effective after two years, opined Islam. “As an exporter, I used to get better price in UK market, but due to the exit plan, I will get less price, which will hurt the overall export earnings,” Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) President Abdus Salam Murshedy told the Dhaka Tribune. Salam said: “The exit of Britain from the EU will cast shadow on its employment as the EU members countries would pull out investment from the country. If there is crisis on employment, it would lower the consumption of clothing products.” According to the forecast, Britain’s unemployment rate which is now at a 10-year low of 5% will be increased as soon as it leaves the EU although even after the previous financial crisis, Britain somehow managed to avoid job losses on the scale seen it other countries. On the other hand, there is a big question over the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) as to whether Bangladesh will get it or not after the exit, said Salam urging the government to start negotiation to deal the issue bilaterally. l

Bearish spell continues n Tribune Business Desk Stocks continued their bearish trend for the third straight week that ended Thursday, as the recent selloff was further intensified ahead of long nine day of weekend and Eid holidays. The benchmark index of Dhaka Stock Exchange DSEX lost 14 points or 0.4% to close at 4,381. The blue-chip comprising index DS30 fell nearly 15 points or 1% to 1,714. The DSE Shariah Index DSES edged 2 points down to 1,079. The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category

Index CSCX declined about 43 points or 0.5% to close at 8,191. Sentiment that has already suffered from law and order situation and national budget was dampened further ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr— the largest religious festival for Muslim community, according to brokers. Trading on both bourses will remain closed from July 1 to July 9 on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, including weekly holidays. The week’s daily average turnover stood at Tk394 crore, down 18% over the previous week’s average of Tk394 crore. l

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Robust labour export shines light over declining remittance

KSA and Oman drive manpower export growth:

During the five-month period in 2016, a total of 310,770 Bangladeshi workers were sent abroad with jobs, which is 56.5% higher than 198,571 workers who were sent during the same period of 2015. Export growth was driven by Saudi Arabia (KSA), Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Malaysia, according to data from Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training. Data showed manpower exports to KSA grown by 5 times to 48,976, Oman and Bahrain by twice to 83,029 and 21,481 respectively.

REND OF MANPOWER EXPORT AND REMITTANCE INFLOW 70000 60000 50000 40000 30000 20000

Manpower export (left axis) Manpower export to Malaysia has gone up from 1,047 during Jan-May 2015 to 23,608 during Jan-May 2016.

Remittance inflow falls further in May:

The country’s remittance inflow has fallen further in May continuing its declining trend since January 2016. An amount of $1.21bn was remitted in Bangladesh in May 2016, which is lower by 8.8% than that of $1.34bn in May 2015. Subsequently, remittance inflow during the first five months of 2016

May-16

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Jan-16

Dec-15

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10000 Feb-15

Manpower export from Bangladesh has witnessed staggering growth in the first five months of 2016, thanks to surging demand by middle-east countries. The labour export growth momentum comes at a time when global macro risks have taken a toll on remittance inflow in Bangladesh. In the first 5 months of 2016, labour exports have gone up by 56.5% while remittance inflow has declined by 8.8%. The robust growth in manpower export has potential to have positive impact on remittance inflow in near future, say analysts.

Jan-15

n Tahmidur Rahman

1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 -

Remittance Inflow, $mn (right axis)

stood at $6.0bn against $6.4bn during the same period last year. The decline in remittance is mostly written by middle-east countries and USA.

More challenges ahead – Brexit and tax on expat remittance:

British pound has plummet by around 8% yesterday after Brexit, which will reduce value of remitted amount from UK amid a strong Bangladeshi Taka against British Pound. Remittance from UK was $883 in 2015 which was responsible for 5.5% of total remittance inflow in

Bangladesh, showed Bangladesh Bank data. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council finance committee has recently proposed tax on the remittances of expats, according to Arab News. The tax will eat away a portion of total remitted amount, starting from 6% in the first year and gradually reducing to 2% permanently from the fifth year onward. Remittance from Saudi Arabia was $3.2bn in 2015, which was responsible for 21% of total remittance inflow in Bangladesh. l

Frequent public private collaboration stressed for bridging budget implementation gaps n Tribune Business Desk Speakers at a programme yesterday stressed the need for more frequent discussions and collaborations between public and private stakeholders to bridge the implementation gaps of the announced budget and to help small and medium enterprises get the maximum benefits out of the budget. They also stated that announcement or implementation of a national budget cannot do much alone unless and until other relevant policies are not syncronised. For the development of the small and medium enterprises, they stressed on a result-oriented and protection-oriented policy support for the stakeholders. They came up with the obser-

vation while addressing a budget dialogue on SME and Women Entrepreneurship Development organised by Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) in the city. European Union Funded project titled Bangladesh INSPIRED Program and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) jointly organised the programme. Speaking at the programme, Dr M Mashrur Reaz, program manager of The World Bank group said: “Budget is important but it has got some limitations unless other comparable policies are synchronised.” A WB official said: “We are working for updating the related laws, including 103 years old Companies Act, which is yet to see any light.” He also expressed his utter concern over the delayed implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Supplementary Duty act as the US$60 million automation project will be meaningless unless the new

act do not comes into force. Presenting a key-note speech on SME and Women Entrepreneurship Development, BUILD Chief Executive Officer Ferdaus Ara Begum

‘We are working for updating related laws, including 103 years old Companies Act, which is yet to see any light’ said: “Some policy changes have been declared for the SME development in the budget, but the SME’s may not avail the benefits due to stringent and complex implementation patterns.” While presenting another keynote paper, SME Foundation Director Luna Shamsuddoha suggested the stakeholders to use social me-

Business

dia as a platform to build a SME network for women the entrepreneurs. Adviser to BUILD Trustee Board Asif Ibrahim also suggested establishing a SME network to lift up the voice of SME’s where the SME working committee of BUILD can extend its support. Former National Board of Revenue Chairman Mohammad Abdul Majid also suggested for result-oriented and protection-oriented policy for SME development. NBR senior member Farid Uddin said: “Some problems, including related to refunds may stay until the full automation and capacity building of revenue authorities is not made.” The dialogue was also attended by high-level government representatives, business leaders, professionals, women entrepreneurs, representatives from the private sector and other concerned stakeholders. l

Sterling pares losses after hitting 31-year low on Brexit n Reuters, New York Sterling edged off lows against the US dollar on Friday, recovering slightly from a 10% plunge to its weakest in 31 years following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, on reassuring statements from central banks. Sterling GBP was last down 8.1% against the dollar, at $1.3662, after touching its weakest since before the 1985 Plaza Accord of $1.3228. Traders said Bank of England chief Mark Carney’s comments that the central bank stood ready to provide extra support helped sterling recover. Despite the smaller losses, the currency was on track to post a 4.9% decline for the week against the dollar, which would mark its biggest weekly loss since January 2009. Sterling had touched $1.5018, its highest since mid-December, in Asian trading ahead of the result after polling firm YouGov said the campaign to keep Britain in the EU appeared to be ahead. While the dollar gained against sterling because of its relative safety, investors favored the yen over the greenback, the euro, and sterling for its even greater perceived safety. Sterling was last down 11.4% against the yen GBPJPY at 139.64 yen after falling as low as 133.38 yen, its lowest in roughly three and a half years. The dollar also pared losses against the yen after touching a more than two-and-a-halfyear low of 99.11 yen JPY, but was still down 3.6% at 102.27 yen in afternoon US trading. While the dollar was last on track for its biggest one-day percentage drop against the yen since October 2008, speculation that the Bank of Japan could also act limited the yen’s advance. Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said that excess volatility in currency markets was undesirable and he would respond to market moves when necessary. “Central banks have been out trying to reassure the market, and this has caused the market to pause and reflect,” said Douglas Borthwick, managing director at Chapdelaine Foreign Exchange in New York. The euro EUR pared losses against the dollar after touching its lowest level against the greenback in three and a half months of $1.0914, but was still hobbling and last down 2.5% at $1.1100. Despite the reassurances from central bankers, analysts anticipated more weakness in sterling and volatility in the currency markets broadly in coming months. Chapdelaine’s Borthwick said sterling could fall to $1.30 by the end of July. l

Business

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Why Should Companies Do Good? n Sajid Amit Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has increasingly become as much a buzz word in Bangladesh, as it is elsewhere. However, debates on the need for CSR are far from settled. There are both moral and strategic arguments that have been made against CSR. Economists, particularly of Milton Friedman’s ilk, continue to believe that the one and only social responsibility of a business is to use its resources and activities to increase its profits as long as it stays within “the rules of the game.” When Alfred Sloan, long-term President and CEO of General Motors, decided to not use safety glass on Chevrolets so to not increase costs, he had said, “it is not my responsibility to sell safety glass…we are not a charitable institution…we are trying to make a profit for our stockholders.” Other critics point to the

“green washing” that happens in the name of CSR, i.e., when business spend more on advertising they are green than in establishing environmentally sound practices. These critics suggest that without a CSR audit, CSR practices will continue to be PR stunts. Meanwhile, proponents argue that CSR can create brand distinction, increase customer loyalty, attract job seekers, and increase the sense of pride in existing employees, thus leading to their improved performance and retention. According to the Reputation Institute, a leading global reputation advisory services firm, CSR can impact up to 40 percent of a brand’s image value. In fact, examples of win-win scenarios for businesses and society are increasingly evident. The discount retail giant, Walmart, managed to cut $200 million in costs and lower carbon emissions by reducing 100 million miles

BIGSTOCK

travelled by its trucks. Similarly, Johnson & Johnson saved $250 million in employee healthcare costs by implementing wellness programs for its staff. Ultimately, experiences from overseas show that CSR can be effective when regulated, encouraged by the government and market forces. In Bangladesh’s case, the central bank has played an important role in enforcing

banks to allocate resources to CSR practices. Leading multinationals are also increasingly cognizant of the importance of CSR, initially for PR purposes, but increasingly in consideration of business sustainability. Regardless of how effective or widespread, CSR has become a reality that firms have to contend with, in the 21st century. Michael Lewis, bestselling author and

financial journalist, in a recent graduation speech at Princeton University, made the moral case for CSR rather eloquently. While addressing the graduates, he pointed out that there is more to their individual successes than the sum of their individual abilities. There is the role of luck, families, friends, teachers, governments, and even perfect strangers. Second, the acknowledgement of the role of others carries a responsibility to those that are less fortunate. Ultimately, profits do not exist and surely cannot sustain in a vacuum, isolated from a social, environmental and cultural ecosystem. Increasingly, both overseas and in Bangladesh, the moral debate on CSR will increasingly fade, as it has begun to already, at least in the public domain. This is a start. l Sajid Amit is director of the Center for Enterprise and Society at ULAB

China-backed AIIB seeks cooperation and new members n Reuters, Beijing

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) stressed its independence from China at its first annual meeting yesterday, saying it plans to cooperate with other development banks and add new members, including Hong Kong. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the bank two years ago and it began operations in January, with 57 founding member countries and $100bn in committed capital, which it plans to invest in projects across the region. The AIIB, which intends to invest $1.2bn this year, said it is aiming to meet international standards of governance, although some members say there is still work to be done. And in response to concern that China, its biggest backer, will dominate, the AIIB said it answers to all its shareholders. “China as much as other shareholders has been very supportive of the governance standards that we’re setting and of the transparency around the bank’s operations,” AIIB vice president Danny Alexander said. AIIB’s board approved its first four deals worth $509m on Friday, with three projects co-financed with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the United Kingdom Department for International Development and the European Bank for Reconstruction and De-

velopment. The co-financed projects are a slum renovation in Indonesia and highway construction in Pakistan and Tajikistan. A power grid upgrade project in Bangladesh will be solely AIIB financed. “We are working on a number of additional projects and look forward to bringing them to our Board

for its approval later this year,” said AIIB President Jin Liqun. It is crucial for the AIIB to comply with multilateral agency procedures and rules, Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli, said at the opening ceremony for AIIB’s annual meeting. “AIIB should learn from the successful experience of other mul-

tilateral agencies and forge close partnership with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other institutions,” he said, a commitment which was echoed by the AIIB’s Jin. The bank, with only 38 fulltime staff, needs organization and procedures to be fleshed out, say members. “The roles of the management

Delegates wait for the opening ceremony of the first annual meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing, China REUTERS

and the Board should be more clearly defined. Over the past six months, the basic framework for operation took shape, but there is still much to be done,” Korean finance minister and AIIB governor Ilho Yoo said, adding that it needs to develop its environmental and social framework. The bank’s lean operation and flexibility as a new organization was a positive for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which is partnering on one of AIIB’s first deals. “What impresses me is the efficiency they go about things. AIIB is a natural partner because they are willing and able to take risk, such as going into private public partnership structures,” said Thomas Maier, the EBRD’s managing director for infrastructure. Zhang also said that China will contribute $50m to a new fund set up by the AIIB to support member countries with project preparations. The AIIB is looking to expand its numbers this year and will take applications for new members through the end of September. Hong Kong, despite being a special administrative region of China, has applied for membership, and Jin said he is confident Hong Kong will soon be a full member of the bank. Beijing has been looking for ways to support Hong Kong, which has been convulsed by political turmoil. l

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

India's new deal for textile workers could add to risks n Reuters, Chennai A government initiative to create millions of jobs and increase exports in the textile and garment industries could put vulnerable workers at greater risk, activists said, calling for better enforcement of existing labour laws. A package to generate 10 million jobs and boost exports by $30bn over three years was unveiled on Wednesday but the measures, including cutting overtime, have raised concerns about workers' rights. India is one of the world's largest textile and garment manufacturers, supplying many leading international brands. The $40bn a-year industry employs around 45 million workers. Workers' rights campaigners say the industry is built on the back of cheap contract labour. "Creating more jobs will only mean even less regulation on the floor, with managements happily taking in new workers and firing old ones," said Jayaram KR, a member of the Garment and Textile Workers' Union (GATWU), based in Bengaluru. "There are numerous labour laws that already exist and most of them are not being implemented in factories." The "labour-friendly" measures approved by the Indian cabinet include capping overtime for workers at 8 hours a week in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) norms in order to create more jobs. The government also plans to subsidise employers' social welfare contributions for workers. It said most new jobs would go to women, who already make up 70% of the workforce in the industry, "helping

Employees work inside a garment factory in Mumbai, India in social transformation through women's empowerment". But Gopinath Parakuni, general secretary of Cividep India, which campaigns for workers' rights, said the new measures would not help workers, and urged tighter regulation to stop workplace abuses. "When there are increasing cases of human rights violations being reported from the sector, better regulation is required. Instead, the government is dangling a carrot to the industry by offering subsidies to make more profits," he said. Campaigners say the seasonal nature of work in India's textile in-

REUTERS

dustry, the advent of fast fashion and increasing global competition have created exploitative labour conditions. "The industry is moving towards 'piece rate', where a worker is paid depending on how many pieces of garment she completes in a day," Parakuni told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "Pressure on the worker has increased and in the name of labour flexibility, managements have been given an upper hand to hire and fire at will." A government presentation on the reform package highlighted

Business

that in recent years Bangladesh and Vietnam have overtaken India in garment exports. "This is what they want to fix and workers' welfare is not the focus," Jayaram said. "Managements are happy hiring migrant contract workers because it means no additional benefits have to be given. Even minimum wages are sometimes a fight." A long-standing demand of activists, not been addressed in the new programme, is to allow workers freedom of association and give them a voice in wage and pension negotiations. l

Central banks move to reassure markets after Brexit n AFP, London The world's major central banks rushed Friday to deal with financial markets chaos arising from Britain's shock referendum decision to quit the European Union. The news sparked a raft of announcements from the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank, the Swiss National Bank and the US Federal Reserve, as they clambered to curb dizzying global stock market losses. The announcements stemmed losses on major European and US markets, with London falling just 3.2%, although Frankfurt fell 6.2% and Paris 8%. But Madrid and Milan closed down more than ten percent down on jitters ahead of weekend Spanish elections. Wall Street was down around 3% in afternoon trading. "The liquidity support promised by the Bank of England - and subsequently the ECB and Federal Reserve - appears to have been the main catalyst for the turnaround," said Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell. In reaction to chaotic trade, the BoE swiftly announced that it was ready to pump £250bn ($370bn, 326bn euros) to aid the smooth running of markets, declaring it will take "all necessary steps to meet its responsibilities for monetary and financial stability". "As a backstop, and to support the functioning of markets, the Bank of England stands ready to provide more than £250bn of additional funds through its normal facilities," BoE governor Mark Carney said in a televised statement following the Brexit vote. "The BoE is also able to provide substantial liquidity in foreign currency, if required." l

CORPORATE NEWS

ACI Motors Limited has recently signed an agreement with Yamaha Motor Group on distributing Yamaha motorcycles and its spare parts in Bangladesh, said a press release. Subrata Ranjan Das, business director of ACI Motors Limited was present on the occasion among others

Bhulta branch of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited has recently organised a discussion on humane banking in the light of roza and taqwa, said a press release. The bank’s managing director and CEO, Mohammad Abdul Mannan was present on the occasion as chief guest

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Ramadan Special

Ramadan: Molecules of Emotion

n Shireen Pasha From the fragrance of your love Heaven and Earth flourishes And the rain of compassion pours upon us Of my heart and soul, beloved Messenger of Allah -lyrics from Birthday Song by Shaykh Barzanji

Mind Body Soul

If a billion people were practising emotional intelligence, we would connect with ourselves and each other

The study of emotions has gone from the field of neuroscience, to the field of biology and chemistry to the field of physics. In fact, emotions shape the entire world around us from our bodies to the land to the sky. Beloved Mohammad was known to love so profoundly, so big was his heart, that his love held together heaven and earth. There might be some truth to that. According to Six Seconds, The Emotional Intelligence Network, dedicated to creating awareness of the need for emotional intelligence, “if a billion people were practising emotional intelligence, we would connect with ourselves and each other. We would have the skills to make more careful choices by learning to respond, instead of reacting. We would thrive.” The Emotional Intelligence Network is also a big fan of Dr. Candace Pert, who held significant positions of authority in the field of neuroscience including Chief of the Section on Brain Biochemistry, Clinical Neuroscience Branch, at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and Research

Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University School of Medicine. “Emotions, Pert explains, are not simply chemicals in the brain. They are electrochemical signals that affect the chemistry and electricity of every cell in the body. The body’s electrical state is modulated by emotions, changing the world within the body (and outside the body). We’re not just little hunks of meat. We’re vibrating like a tuning fork — we send out a vibration to other people. We broadcast and receive. Thus the emotions orchestrate the interactions among all our organs and systems to control that.” In Pert’s book, “Molecules of Emotion”, she explains that neurotransmitters called peptides carry emotional messages. “As our feelings change, this mixture of peptides travels throughout your body and your brain. And they’re literally changing the chemistry of every cell in your body.” So, are you a hater or a lover and how are your emotional signals shaping the world around you? All of this is supposed to be mainstream science but I am still learning with awe and wonder the magnificence of the human body. Pert reminds us that the human body is not just in the world of biology, chemistry or physics - it is in all three. “You’re still thinking about this as chemistry,” she chides. “Of course it is chemistry, but it’s also physics and vibrations. Neurotransmitters are chemicals, but they carry an electrical charge.

The electrical signals in our brains and bodies affect the way cells interact and function. You have receptors on every cell in your body. They actually are little mini electrical pumps. When the receptor is activated by a matching “molecule of emotion” the receptor passes a charge into the cell changing the cell’s electrical frequency as well as its chemistry.” To read more about the incredible molecular qualities of the human body, visit the Six Second page at http:// www.6seconds.org/2007/01/26/ the-physics-of-emotion-candacepert-on-feeling-good/ We are walking radios or better yet - walking satellite dishes. “Like an electromagnet generating a field”, Pert says that people have a positive charge above their heads and a negative charge below. “So we’re actually sending out various electrical signals – vibrations.” Perhaps that was the crux of Mohammad’s practice of Islam. By submitting to Allah, expanding the heart, in modern terms he was practising emotional intelligence and through this he managed to unite warring Arabia in about twenty years. Amazing. The energy of love combined with the awareness of Allah can enable anything so as Rumi said “Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” For additional help in developing your emotional intelligence, try the Apps offered free of charge by the Emotional Intelligence Network: http:// www.6seconds.org/tools/apps/ l

Career

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

| success story |

How food made me successful n Salman Sufian It comes as no surprise to learn that the number of entrepreneurs in Bangladesh has increased unbelievably in recent times. Gone are the days when all everyone could think of was running blindly after corporate jobs or putting job security before everything on the list of priorities. One can gladly say that entrepreneurship has now become a major trend in our country. However, even though the number of entrepreneurs is escalating, a good number of them are still failing to comprehend the vital components that lead to success. To get some helpful answers, we talked to Adib Alam, one of the co-owners of the very

memorable one to the individual, regardless of the obstacles along the way. Likewise, Adib’s journey with his two friends would always remain a memory he would cherish. After earning his undergraduate degree in 2012, Adib returned to Bangladesh and joined Standard Chartered in early 2013. However, he didn’t work there for long, as he was not very enthusiastic about having a banker’s life. “We always wanted to work independently, and starting something of our own. Something different, that would separate us from the market. We really didn’t like the concept of being tied down to one job, and honestly, the idea of multinational jobs never seemed to pique our interests.”

“The initial place was small. There was not enough room for a buffet. The concept of platter actually came from the size of the place. We wanted to serve quality food on small plates to customers, and the customers got what they saw. There were no hidden charges or any sort of hassles involved. Our backs were against the wall, but thankfully it all turned out to be okay afterwards.” It was a great start for the three of them. Even the name “HAKKA DHAKA” seemed to perfectly fit into all of this. They soon opened up a branch in Uttara and then a much bigger place in Banani the very next year, again during Ramadan. Ramadan is indeed the most favorite time of the year for

The journey to victory is always beautiful and memorable one to the individual, regardless of the obstacles along the way

a humble beginning but grew up to be a self-made man. He was indeed a trendsetter, and I used to go to him for advice.” Potential and opportunities in the Bangladeshi market “The Bangladeshi market has a lot of potential and a huge number of opportunities. There are so many industries that are yet to be utilised; it is completely untapped.” Adib believes that this is indeed a generation of entrepreneurs. People are moving away from the secured job trend. He thinks Bangladesh has a lot of room left to grow, unlike many developed countries. He, therefore, concludes that Bangladesh is definitely the place to be in the next 10 years for entrepreneurs.

Future plans

popular restaurant, HAKKA DHAKA. The Indiana University graduate was more than happy to share his recipe for success with us.

Journey to success

Adib started this business alongside Shah Faisal Naved and Rafi Zahed, around July 2014. Just like all top entrepreneurs, success didn’t come to them so easily. It involved determination, hard work, patience and a bucket full of great ideas. The journey to victory, however, is always a beautiful and

Thus, after a lot of brainstorming, Adib and his partners decided to introduce Hakka cuisine to Dhaka. When asked why they thought this was the best plan, Adib replied by saying that they believed it involved two things that Bengali people absolutely love: Chinese food and spicy food. Even though their success wasn’t handed to them on a silver platter, it was indeed a platter which led them to their success. Adib stated that he believed in simplicity and transparency.

Adib and his partners. They did, however, face challenges along the way. There were days when they had to wait tables and cook the food themselves due to shortage of staff. In fact, Adib believes that this allowed him to be better equipped for future situations and he hopes to learn more as he progresses.

Motivations and role models

When asked what motivated him to continue this journey, Adib answered that it was the reaction of the customers. Foodbank,

a Bangladeshi Facebook page created to discuss food, got filled up with raving reviews about HAKKA DHAKA very quickly. Seeing the booming popularity over something which started off as an experiment was a massive source of motivation. Adib’s family has been extremely proud of him ever since this venture began, and they always believed in him. A lot of praises were received because the three of them built up the entire business without anybody else’s help. This was a huge boost for him. While he does look up to all the members of his family, he specifically considers his late grandfather a great role model. “My grandfather was the pioneer of private insurance business in Bangladesh. He had

We were very curious to know what our food entrepreneur had planned for the future. After asking, he said that all three of them wanted to start out a franchise of HAKKA DHAKA. They want the restaurant to be established in other cities alongside Dhaka, and one day, maybe even internationally. “It has been a great journey so far. We hope to continue it and also maintain the standards as we progress. Our vision is to have everyone in Bangladesh to try our food.” Adib further added that he and his partners want to be more established entrepreneurs in the future. He wishes to branch out to different industries alongside restaurants. One industry he mentioned was the leather manufacturing industry in Bangladesh.l

Article was published under special arrangement with www.startup-bd.com

Internship

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

5 kinds of nightmare interns n Rad Sharar Bin Kamal The Trump

They are – how to put this delicately – as arrogant as they get. Neither are these folks carrying out their assigned responsibilities properly, nor will they accept help or criticism. It is understandable that mistakes will be made, but they make it seem like a bigger mistake when people mention their own. This makes it excruciatingly difficult to deal with them.

The ghost

It would be appreciated if you see these interns once and a while, but alas, that would be a truly rare occasion. They enter like ninjas when everyone’s packing up for the day (twice a week at best), and pay no heed to the warnings given, which honestly becomes irksome as it usually always follows the “But my chauffeur was...but my friend had his...there’s this new place at...” speeches. It would be difficult to deal with them, but only when you actually find them.

The project runway

Dress code is an essential requirement when you’re working at any organisation, and is vital in creating a first impression.

Internship are a learning experience for employers as well as interns, and not all of it is pleasant Although some organisations welcome casual attires with open arms, it would come to your advantage to represent yourself as a polished individual who can stand his/her ground at any situation (as you are dressed for it). In short, no boss would like it when you show up at a departmental meeting wearing #swagdonor T-shirts and bathroom choppols.

The social warrior

At most firms, questions are welcomed. Your superiors encourage a free flow of communication and as surprising as it may sound, would be increasingly lenient to your issues. But then there comes a wonderful creature of silence who never speaks a word, nods along and leaves unnoticed...till he/she gets home. Their social media accounts then burst with sizzling statuses on how unfair their superiors were

Writing an impressive cover letter n Muzakkir Hossain The cover letter is one of the most underrated elements of job hunting, almost as essential as a CV. A good cover letter is imperative to a successful job hunt, and here’s how you write one.

IMPORTANCE

A not-so-fun fact: Employers don’t really read through all job applications. They are legally obliged to look over every single application, but on average, they spend about 30 seconds per application. Like a CV, a cover letter is like an advertisement, where you are the product. That being said, your cover letter is supposed to be succinct and eye-catching (I don’t mean glitters and rainbows. Please don’t do that), much like a blurb of a book. It should outline why the company should even consider hiring you so as to encourage the recruiters to give your CV a fair read.

RESEARCH

Before you even open your word processor, it is crucial that you carry out sufficient research on the company and position you are applying for. We cannot overstate how important this step is. Your cover letter should convey exactly why you are the right fit for the company and there is no other way to make yourself fit into a profile of the “ideal employee.” You will need to research and note down (Yes, note down with pen and paper) the company’s industry, main competitors and the description of the position you are applying for. Carrying out this research will prove that you have a keen interest in the company.

FORMAT Opening paragraph Briefly state why you are writing a cover letter, and refer how you got to know about this job opening (say, an advertisement or a former employee). If you are still in school and applying for an internship,

mention where you are going to school and your major. You can avoid confusion down the line by also mentioning how long and when you are available to work. For example: “I am writing to express my interest for the position of ‘Sales Associate.’ Ahmed Zaman from your human resources department suggested that I apply.” Second paragraph Briefly describe your academic and professional accomplishments and how those make you suitable for the job. Remember that this part should be brief description so only include relevant information. If you want to include something that is not relevant, do that in your CV. Third paragraph This is where you explain what you can give to the company. Avoid mentioning how you can benefit from working at the company; recruiters aren’t really

interested in that. However, do outline your career plan and how this job fits into that. l

and how crappy their job was. Question is, why?

The illegally blonde

Although it is encouraged to open up to your colleagues and superiors, some boundaries are simply never meant to be crossed. Comments like “oh, I thought everyone here would be younger” in a meeting or “how come you don’t have a badge” to your head boss will almost always leave your impression at the bottom of the barrel. A common sense of space, surrounding, people and tension is an underlying capability every firm looks for. Not that any of the aforementioned types cannot succeed in their fields, but it would be prudent to learn what drives your colleagues and seniors haywire. You are there to make their lives easier, as they are to make yours. l

| talk |

Biz Info

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

| offer |

The UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit 2016 held in New York

The UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit 2016 completed in New York, USA on June 22 and 23. The summit will provide a dynamic stage to jump-start business action everywhere on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit aims to connect, co-create, and communicate the opportunities that lie within the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for businesses. These new global goals will drive the markets of tomorrow and can unleash a wave of sustainable products, services,

and business innovations. The leaders’ summit will connect relevant people and companies, and inspire them to shape the business models, products, and services of tomorrow. Businesses operating around the world should operate responsibly and give back to the society from the gains. They should, however, do it strategically in order to gain maximum beneficial impact on the society, and their actions must be in alignment with the SDGs. Connecting companies and people from around the world to

motivate each other in order to attain certain goals is the prime objective. More than 800 companies from 170 countries around the world, representing nearly every sector and size, will attend the Summit. Md Jubair Ahmed, chief executive officer of BASE Technologies, leading Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) services and systems integration company of Bangladesh, is attending the global event. “The summit will help participants to add value to the society through not only business activities, but through individual initiatives as well. I am looking forward to meeting new people at the event, and bring the knowledge gained to make more refined contributions to our society. BASE Technologies is a responsible business entity, but we believe that there always remains a scope for improvement. We work continuously to further improve every aspect of our business corporate social responsibilities,” said Md Jubair Ahmed. Notably, the speakers at the event includes Ban Ki-moon, secretary general of the United Nations; Jan Eliasson, deputy secretary general of the United Nations; and Lise Kingo, executive director of United Nations Global Compact, among others. The participants will be benefitted by a combination of inspirational talks, motivational round-tables and SDG-themed networking opportunities at the summit. l

| achievement |

Grey Dhaka wins Cannes Gold Lion Adversing Agency Grey Dhaka brings glory to the country by winning the Cannes Gold Lion Award, the international award of highest honour in the advertising world. This is the first time in history that Bangladesh achieved such a feat. The project that has invited the celebration is an “Eco-Cooler Product,” an easy and available way to reduce temperature in the remote areas of Bangladesh during extreme hot weather. The Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity, in short,

International Advertising Festival, is held in June for seven days every year in the Cannes city of France. A total of 11,000 recognised creative individuals from 90 countries attend the festival as invited guests. Works accomplished in the field of advertising, creativity and brand communications are awarded in different categories in this festival. This is the third international recognistion for Bangladesh after winning Nobel prize in literature and peace. This year, a total of 43,101 projects from across the

world were submitted to the festival, which continued from June 19 to 25. Bangladesh won the award in the Product Design Lion Category which saw 538 submissions. The two submissions by Grey Dhaka were the Eco-Cooler project and the Paddle Pure project. The former bagged the prestigious Gold Lion Award. Grey Dhaka country head and managing partner, Syed Gausul Alam Shaon, said: “Grey Dhaka takes great pride in winning such an award of international honour on the behalf of the country.” l

Discount at Kenny Rogers Roasters Kenny Rogers ROASTERS is an international franchise and a plain dining restaurant with roast chicken as its main core item, which is complemented by a rich variety of hot and cold side dishes. Their specialty oil free and healthy food in an enjoyable ambiance. Kenny Rogers ROASTERS

is offering a 20% discount on SCB and Brac Bank cards and a 25% discount on cash payments this Ramadan. This applies on all regular menu items and Ramadan offers. Visit the KRR official Facebook page for a detail menu or call 01937990988 for a reservation. l

20 Editorial

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

TODAY

Why I no longer want to be Khaleesi Khaleesi will not rest till Westeros is hers, and I will not rest until my country, Bangladesh, feels better, till I have done something equal for it as my ancestors did PAGE 21

What hath Brexit wrought? The political and cultural narrative of the next five years will be fuelled by rendition of the ‘rule Britannia’ ideology from Britain’s empire days

It’s not about profit I would agree that there are costs to coal use. But we also need to be honest that there are benefits too. It is important to acknowledge that all choices come with trade-offs

BIGSTOCK

PAGE 22

City governments can help in the fight against climate change

Don’t kill the golden goose Out of a population of approximately 160 million, only around 2 million are registered tax-payers. Approximately half of them actually pay taxes PAGE 23

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

t is good to see more than 7,100 cities join up to form the world’s largest alliance to combat climate change. The initiative brings together 119 countries in six continents, thus creating a vast network of co-operation and exchange of information. Climate change needs to be fought at all levels, and individual cities must do their part. Cities account for about 75% of carbon emissions and 70% of the world’s energy consumption. Mayors can, therefore, play a very important role in delivering on the commitments made by 195 countries in Paris last year. Sharing data on a global level and comparing notes about successes and failures, will help the move towards a low-carbon economy. Furthermore, publicly available data will help climate researchers as well as eco-friendly businesses that wish to properly assess the environmental impact of new technologies. Climate change, right now, is the biggest long-term threat that Bangladesh faces. Bangladesh, being a low-lying country, is particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of rising water levels and extreme weather events, as millions of people live in perpetual risk of being displaced from their homes. Because we stand to lose so much, Bangladesh should support initiatives like the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and also support production of renewable energy to replace the environmentally damaging use of fossil fuels. The fight against climate change is a fight to save our home planet. Inaction is not an option.

Climate change, right now, is the biggest long-term threat that Bangladesh faces

Opinion

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Why I no longer want to be Khaleesi There’s a big cost to being as tough as Daenerys Targaryen

n Iffat Nawaz

know I am not alone in this, so many woman and girls around the world went through a phase (or still are) of relating to the character of Daenerys Targaryen, aka Khaleesi from the popular HBO series “Game of Thrones.” No other female character proved as bold and beautiful, strong and stubborn, composed and just, and of course just a doll overall. Even with all that dragon training and fire-burning, her cute face and smashing body remains. Why would I not want to be Khaleesi, the original princess of Westeros, wife of Khal Drogo, Mother of Dragons, etc etc? There was a time, not too long ago, when I lived in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where my belief in my Khaleesi-ness was nurtured and strengthened every day. No matter which part of the city I moved to, there was something being built around me, the construction noise went on for months. “Hundreds of men at work building you an empire” -- that’s what a writer friend of mine told me so I could cope with the noise, air, and

Her queenship comes with too much heartache

Khaleesi will not rest till Westeros is hers, and I will not rest until my country, Bangladesh, feels better, till I have done something equal for it as my ancestors did -- liberating it, loving it enough to die for it

everything-else pollution. When I walked out on to the street, a hundred eyes stared, I looked at them as the unconquered ones, to be conquered with my straight spine sitting pose on the rickshaw, because all Khaleesis need are a straight spine and a pressed lip -- a half-swallowed smile to master that look which says we know something just a little more than the rest. This method actually worked on the masses, that smile and spine technique saves one from being grabbed, groped, stalked or teased (mostly). I watched my back at all hours, not just while crossing streets, but even in the darkest hour of the night, in my apartment … this happened more after friends of friends were getting hacked to death because of their writing. I used my three invisible dragons to walk ahead, beside, and behind me, for a sure protection.

It worked. I had a small army. They were my maid, my short-term chauffeur, the care-taker of my building, the gate-keepers. They saved me from unnecessary hassle at times, a few times they turned into the problem themselves, but there was always that one faithful one, like Jorah Mormont, whose intentions I was always unsure about: “Is he doing this because he is a good guy, or does he like me?” Yup, if you are a girl, you know what I am talking about. There was also a sense of urgency to prove myself (I am still working on that). Khaleesi will not rest till Westeros is hers, and I will not rest until my country, Bangladesh, feels better, till I have done something equal for it as my ancestors did -- liberating it, loving it enough to die for it. My Khaleesi powers had me moving in buses, boats, rickshaws. It had me renting and living alone as a single woman in Dhaka for

almost five years. I felt like I could do anything in the world if I could make it during the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles mutiny, 2013 two-month-long strike, a few attempted sexual assaults (I got away fine because I am Khaleesi), curfews, and the other usual bloody things countries processing pain from the past go through. Then I moved back to the US. I still continued to be Khaleesi, walking down the streets of Washington, DC and being aware of any suspicious activities. By then, I was used to operating from the space that the world was against me, with only a couple of army members left here and there, some new bonds and some old. But never enough supporters, and always more to learn. I grew more anxious, and the toughness started to give me nightmares. Here, there were no empires being built around me (except for a Trump hotel next to the Reagan building downtown).

I felt like things were falling apart -- the chaos was missing, that dark things which plagued me changed their normal pace, and I did not know who I was dealing with anymore besides Muslimhaters. I started taking every slightly pessimistic innuendo personally, and felt like I have to keep protecting myself. I was worried about motivations of individuals, constantly, like I was trained to do for so long in Dhaka. But my Khaleesi powers were showing their negative aspects by now. I realised I had been such a tough Khaleesi for so long, that the toughness turned inward and started pounding from my inside with a strong fist. Little girls who are reading this, let me tell you a bit from a 30-something-perspective: It doesn’t pay to be so tough, toughness is overrated, and it certainly is not the answer to most of life’s issues (unlike what you will hear frequently for advertisement and cliche’s sake). Toughness becomes a habit, and it may appear to be a good one, since the whole world is screaming “be strong (or die).” But really you don’t have to be that tough -- there are some solutions in softness too. Just a thought for next Halloween when

you want to dress up as Khaleesi, maybe you want to think twice. Lately, I have started to like living without my dragons, and though most of my life I thought perpetually happy people are just ignorant, I secretly feel like being one of them. Without any dragons or army to think of feeding, or roads and races to convert into Khaleesi-ism. I wonder about how Khaleesi might feel once she takes over Westeros. Will she start making up things in her head and fighting her own shadows? Will she finally process her years of pent up issues, death of a husband and child, seeing so many ends and letting go of so many close ones? When do Khaleesis process, and how? The bottom line is, I don’t want to be Khaleesi anymore. Besides the fact that she has become one of the most predictable characters of “Game of Thrones,” I find her queenship comes with too much heartache, too many thoughts of guards and guns, too much pressure to be right all the time. I am signing out of it. Want to join me? This might be the time, there is always something magical about that time after episode nine. l Iffat Nawaz is a writer.

Opinion

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

What hath Brexit wrought? Is right-wing ideology about to sweep across Europe?

n Toffael Rashid

Britain’s economy is not even its biggest worry right now

REUTERS

hope I’m wrong, and this projection is an extremity, but the UK exiting the European Union is already an extreme action in itself, so all bets are off. The far right have officially parked there bus in the British parliament. They were aided by a decade of soft and lazy liberal political correctness, they whipped up enough fear within in the public sentiment against immigrants and Islam, and cleverly rode the EU referendum wave. Their views are now officially legitimate, and they believe they have a manifesto for change. A future Boris Johnsonled conservative government will most likely have to form a coalition with the right-wing UKIP and other emboldened far-right parties who will win seats in the next election. Labour will also have to alter its manifesto and become much tougher on immigration and the benefits of an international and cosmopolitan community. The political and cultural narrative of the next five years will be fuelled by a rendition of the “rule Britannia” ideology from Britain’s empire days, it will

shun immigration and Islam and marginalise ethnic minorities. This will inspire other rightwing movements across the world: Other European nations will demand referendums, and it will die. The US will vote in Trump, France will engage with Le Pen, and right-wing ideology will thrive across mainland Europe, not seen since the days of Hitler and Mussolini. India is already ruled by the right-wing nationalist Modi, and China will accelerate its own cultural reinvention. Liberal and cosmopolitan thinking space will shrink. Islam will come under further scrutiny and attack. And so, whilst technology will continue to make the global population feel like there are no borders, major influential governments around the world will head in the opposite direction. At some point, somebody will grievously upset somebody, and with weakened international coalitions no longer able to smooth over potentially violent disagreements (why the EU was set up in the first place), nationalist governments will consider war. Whilst radical Islamic extremists will provide a constant

The political and cultural narrative of the next five years will be fuelled by rendition of the ‘rule Britannia’ ideology from Britain’s empire days, it will shun immigration and Islam and marginalise ethnic minorities

backdrop, it will not be the trigger for all conflict: European countries will do that by themselves, as they have done twice before in the last 100 years -- except this time, we have nuclear weapons aided by sophisticated geo-tagging and drones to do damage. Dear God, I hope I’m wrong. l Toffael Rashid is a global marketing professional.

It’s not about profit It’s about helping Bangladesh reach its goal of becoming a middle-income country

n Bjorn Lomborg

n his opinion column “Development is just another word,” Gana Sanghati Andolon member Irfanur Rahman Rafin responds to my comments about Bangladesh’s development and energy. The Bangladesh Priorities project was designed to boost the vigorous discussion about the nation’s policy options, and in this respect, Mr Rafin’s contribution is very welcome. However, I take issue with his suggestion that this project works “in service of transnational capital.” The project has placed in the public domain, for free, a wealth of new research papers on Bangladesh’s policy choices. Mr Rafin is very wrong to suggest that the research focuses

on profits. The research by Copenhagen Consensus looks at benefits to society -- economic, social, and environmental.

generate an amazing social achievement. Providing buses for Dhaka and responding to indoor air pollution are similarly important, in no

I have clearly pointed these out. But we also need to be honest that there are benefits too. It is important to acknowledge that all choices come with trade-

I would agree that there are costs to coal use. But we also need to be honest that there are benefits too. It is important to acknowledge that all choices come with trade-offs

Tuberculosis interventions were found, by an eminent panel of Bangladeshi thought-leaders and a Nobel laureate economist, to be a top priority for Bangladesh. This is not because of profit, but because investment would

small part because they would create environmental gains. In regards to my comments about coal, I would agree with Mr Rafin that there are costs to coal use, both directly and through the environment.

offs. The models, developed at the University of California, Berkeley, show that boosting coal would cost Tk78,300crore, and lead to climate costs of Tk4620cr. The benefits from the

investment, however, would be astonishing. The economy would grow faster. The net worth for Bangladesh over the next 15 years would be greater than Tk20,00,000cr -- equivalent to more than an entire year of GDP. By 2030, the average Bangladeshi would be 16% richer. This is important, because the average parent will have more money to feed their children, the poor will have more opportunities for better-paying jobs, and Bangladesh will be further along the road to a middle-income country. It is important for us to look at both the costs and the benefits, and ask what is best for Bangladesh. l Bjorn Lomborg is President, Copenhagen Consensus Centre.

Opinion

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Don’t kill the golden goose Tax reforms may be the only way forward

n Asif Khan

he Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith announced the fiscal budget for the year 201617 on June 2. Not surprisingly, it was a very large budget of Tk3,41,000 crore (29% higher than the revised budget). Even more ambitious was the revenue growth target of 35%. More than the number itself, it is the lack of any major tax reforms to broaden the tax base that draws the reader’s ire. Instead, more burden is placed every year on the very small number of honest tax-payers.

Tax burden on formal tax-payers keeps going up

Out of a population of approximately 160 million, only around 2 million are registered tax-payers. Approximately half of them actually pay taxes. This indicates that a disproportionate share of the tax burden is placed on a small group of people who are either unable to evade taxes (eg salaried), or decide to remain honest due to ethical standards. Meanwhile, the rest of the population, including a much wealthier group, are enjoying the fruits of tax revenues paid by the salaried few. Over the years, the burden on this small tax-payer group has gone up. While the cost of living has been creeping upwards, the government has rarely changed the income tax slabs to keep pace with inflation. As a result, as incomes have risen in nominal terms, honest taxpayers have fallen under higher tax brackets, while still having to contend with rising cost of living pressures. This year’s budget has an even bigger nasty surprise. The

• Bangladesh’s ﬁscal budget for FY2016-17 has ambitious revenue targets • The government continues to target the same small group of taxpayers • The lack of broader tax reform will be dangerous if oil prices start increasing again

investment allowance has been reduced to 20% from 30%, while the tax rebate on the investment allowance has also been reduced from 15% to 10%. That means more taxes for the actual tax-payers, and a disincentive on private investment, which lags behind the government’s targets.

The increase in duty on phone usage is also evidence of the government taking the easy option of taxing a soft target. In the last budget, a 3% duty was imposed on any SIM card transactions (calls, texts, etc), in addition to a 15% VAT. This year, the duty has been increased to 5% -- an easy yet regressive way of taxing the population.

Lack of reform initiatives creates vulnerability

Higher tax burdens on a small group of honest tax-payers increases the incentive for tax evasion, and also leads to unequal distribution of income (when people in similar or higher income groups are routinely not paying). Furthermore, there is a broader risk in place. Backing away from bigger reform initiatives such as implementing the new VAT law, or the inability to broaden the tax base means there are slim chances

A small tax-payer group shoulders the burden of the government meeting its revenue targets. While it is common for the government to undershoot on expenditure targets to balance out the revenue shortage, one must remember that we are in a low oilprice environment. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation is enjoying a profit bonanza of around $1.5bn (7% of revised revenue targets), which

could easily vanish if oil prices rise. To avoid any negative shocks to the economy from oil prices rising to $100 a barrel (from $50, currently) in the future, it is imperative that tax reforms are undertaken today. l Asif Khan writes on economics and finance. This article previously appeared on orthonomi.com.

BIGSTOCK

24 Sport

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

TOP STORIES

Neuer: KO ties will bring out best Germany’s Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer believes the world champions can put a slow start to Euro 2016 behind them and thrive under the pressure of knockout football when they face Slovakia today. PAGE 26

Henry handball motivation for Irish Thierry Henry’s handball sent such shockwaves that barely anyone remembers it was actually William Gallas who scored the infamous goal France that ruined Ireland’s chances of a World Cup appearance more than six years ago. PAGE 27

Low quality, high drama in Euros It was the goal that changed everything. Ivan Perisic, the Inter Milan left winger darted into space left vacant by the advancing Atletico Madrid fullback Juanfran. Driving into the box, he did a trademark feint. PAGE 28

BCB names 24-man HP squad The BCB has named a 24-member High Performance squad for 2016 that will begin training from July 17 at the National Cricket Academy facilities in Mirpur. It will be the first assignment for new head coach Simon Helmot who was appointed earlier this month. PAGE 29

Argentina captain Lionel Messi practises during a training session at the Quest Diagnostics in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Friday

Messi primed to end Argentina drought n Reuters Chile face Argentina in tomorrow’s Copa America final for the right to call themselves South America’s dominant team but perhaps an even bigger question for football fans the world over regards whether Lionel Messi can finally win a major international title. The Barcelona forward has won every trophy possible with the Spanish club but he has lost three finals with Argentina, including in 2014 World Cup Final in 2014 and the Copa America last year. Tomorrow’s game against Chile in New Jersey gives Messi a chance to end both his personal hoodoo and that of Argentina, who have not won a major title since lifting the Copa America in Ecuador in 1993. “Getting to three finals in a row is impressive,” said Messi, whose first decider was a 3-0 loss to Brazil in the 2007 Copa America. Argentina lost to Chile on penalties in the final last year and Messi said the squad were better prepared this time around.

“You learn all the time,” said Messi, who turned 29 on Friday. “We have been working together for another year and we’ve really grown in a lot of ways.” The five-times world player of the year has been outstanding at the Centenary Copa America, even though he played the first three games as a substitute after injuring his back in a warm-up game. His sublime free kick in the 4-0 win over the United States took him on to 55 goals and above Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s alltime leading goalscorer. Messi called the performance against the U.S. “perfect” and

ROLL OF HONOUR 2015 - Chile 2011 - Uruguay 2007 - Brazil 2004 - Brazil 2001 - Colombia

1999 - Brazil 1997 - Brazil 1995 - Uruguay 1993 - Argentina 1991 - Argentina

LEADING WINNERS 15 - Uruguay 14 - Argentina 8 - Brazil 2 - Paraguay, Peru 1 - Chile, Colombia, Bolivia

he will not have forgotten that Argentina beat Chile 2-1 in their opening match on June 6. However, the Chileans have improved since, beating Bolivia and Panama before hammering Mexico 7-0 in what was undoubtedly the performance of the tournament. Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, who replaced Jorge Sampaoli in January, is now settled in the job and he has Chile playing the same highpaced pressing and super-fast counter attacks that make them such an exciting team to watch. “This team has created an identity,” the Argentine-born Pizzi said after the semi-final. “It’s a group of winners, I can see that just talking with them. That’s not because they win games because we don’t win every time but in their heads they are convinced they are going to win. That mentality allows them to grow stronger and gives them the confidence to keep going.” Chile will have the dynamic Artur Vidal back after suspension and Pizzi hopes central midfielder Marcelo Diaz will recover from the injury. l

AFP

KEY PLAYERS ARGENTINA Argentina’s Lionel Messi has lit up this edition of the Copa America but it has not been a one man show for the Albiceleste. Although the spotlight will be on the Argentine maestro, the game might very well be decided by how the midfield duo of Ever Banega and Augusto Fernandez contribute to the defensive cause for Argentina. Also, Ramiro Funes Mori has had an excellent campaign so far, and Gerardo “Tata” Martino will be hoping that the relatively inexperienced Everton man keeps his cool and puts in another mature performance against Chile in the finals.

CHILE For Chile, the huge news will be the return of Arturo Vidal. Vidal is a crucial cog in the Chile midfield machine and the return of his all action displays in the centre of the park will definitely provide a boost to the defending champions. Alexis Sanchez has had another stunning tournament and his tireless and energetic displays have driven Chile forward. After an indifferent start to the tournament, Chile have really hit their stride and it is largely thanks to the form of their star man Sanchez. Another player who has performed at a very high level, but gone under the radar is Chile’s right winger Jose Pedro Fuenzalida. Fuenzalida’s performance in the final will be crucial to Chile’s hope if they are to repeat their heroics from last year. l

Sport

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Switzerland's Granit Xhaka misses during the penalty shootout against Poland during their Euro 2016 Round of 16 clash in Saint Etienne yesterday. Poland reached the quarter-finals when they beat Switzerland 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the sides had drawn 1-1 after extra-time. Xhaka missed the second penalty for the Swiss when he fired his shot wide of the post. Jakub Blaszczykowski put Poland in front six minutes before halftime when he slotted the ball between Yann Sommer’s legs to finish off a devastating counter-attack. Switzerland took control in the second half with Haris Seferovic smacking the ball against the crossbar. They equalised in the 82nd minute with an extraordinary strike by Xherdan Shaqiri, who scored with a bicycle kick from the edge of the penalty area, the first goal Poland have conceded in the tournament REUTERS

McAuley own goal sends Wales into last eight n AFP, Paris Northern Ireland’s Gareth McAuley scored a heart-breaking own goal to hand British rivals Wales a 1-0 victory in Paris on Saturday that sent them into the Euro 2016 quarter-finals. In a cagey contest, Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland largely succeeded in muzzling Gareth Bale, but the Real Madrid star produced a wicked 75th-minute cross that the hapless McAuley turned into his own net. The West Bromwich Albion centre-back’s unwitting intervention allowed Wales to reach the last

eight, just as they did on their last major tournament appearance at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Chris Coleman’s side, who qualified above old foes England as Group B winners, will play either Belgium or Hungary in Lille on Friday for a place in the semi-finals. With no former major tournament winners in Wales’s half of the draw, they will advance with belief intact that they can create a sensation. Coleman named the same team that had trounced Russia 3-0 last Monday, but Northern Ireland provided vastly more disciplined opposition, sitting in a low bloc and looking to attack on the break.

It obliged Bale, the tournament’s joint-top scorer, to move out to the right in search of the ball and aside from a mishit shot that flew well wide, he scarcely offered a threat in the first half. Instead it was Northern Ireland who procured the few sights of goal, Stuart Dallas testing Wayne Hennessey at his near post. Wales had the ball in the net in the 19th minute, but Aaron Ramsey was clearly offside as he moved in to toe Sam Vokes’s header past Northern Ireland’s redoubtable goalkeeper Michael McGovern. With the on-pitch action failing to satisfy, attention turned to the

festivities in the stands. Northern Irish fans goaded their Welsh counterparts with chants of “You’re just a small part of England.” Wales began to show a sharper cutting edge in the second period, Vokes heading wide from Ramsey’s deep cross and Bale drawing a parry from McGovern with one of his trademark, dipping free-kicks. Vokes made way for Hal Robson-Kanu shortly after his chance and Coleman made an attacking change shortly after when he introduced Jonathan Williams in midfield for the more conservative Joe Ledley. O’Neill also made a bold substitution, sending on Conor Washing-

ton, who had lost his place up front to Kyle Lafferty, but it was Wales who made the breakthrough. After a spell of Welsh possession, Ramsey slipped a pass to Bale, who whipped a devilish cross into the six-yard box from the left. In trying to prevent the ball reaching Robson-Kanu, the hapless McAuley could only toe the ball into his own net. McAuley was taken off for Josh Magennis in the 84th minute. It left Grigg to end the tournament having not played a single second. But his song, like the memories of Northern Ireland’s ebullient fans, is likely to echo for some time. l

Sport

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

ROUND OF 16

V GERMANY

SLOVAKIA

Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille 5pm local time (10pm BST) * Bangladesh standard time

HEAD-TO-HEAD GERMANY

4 10 7 3 0 22 12

SLOVAKIA Fifa ranking Matches Wins Losses Draws Goals scored Goals against

24 10 3 7 0 12 22

Germany’s coach Joachim Loew and players during training at Stade Camille Fournier, Evian-Les-Bains, France yesterday REUTERS

Neuer: KO ties will bring out best in Germany n AFP, Lille Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer believes the world champions can put a slow start to Euro 2016 behind them and thrive under the pressure of knockout football when they face Slovakia today. Joachim Loew’s side progressed to the last 16 as winners of Group C, beating Ukraine and Northern Ireland, drawing with Poland and all without conceding a single goal. But Neuer knows better is expected from the Germans at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille as

ROUND OF 16

BELGIUM

Stadium Municipal, Toulouse 8pm local time (1am BST) * Bangladesh standard time

HEAD-TO-HEAD HUNGARY

20 12 2 8 2 16 27

BELGIUM Fifa ranking Matches Wins Losses Draws Goals scored Goals against

2 12 8 2 2 27 16

and so we have stuck to our route map. But now we are into straight knockout football and anything can happen. “But we are very good at focusing when it really matters, as we have seen in past competitions. We will be 100 percent on it and we know people are expecting us to perform.” Despite topping their group, Germany have found themselves on the toughest side of the draw and will play either reigning champions Spain or bogey team Italy if they make it through to the quar-

ter-finals. But they must first be wary of Slovakia, who unsettled Loew’s side in the build-up to the tournament by winning a friendly 3-1 in Augsburg. Those were the last goals Neuer conceded and he knows Germany need to be especially wary of Slovakia star Marek Hamsik, who was among the scorers in that game. “Everyone knows about Hamsik’s ability to shoot from range. He scores some great goals at Napoli with those,” Neuer said. “In the group phase he didn’t often get into forward positions. It’s

important that our midfielders disturb the rhythm of his game early on. But we shouldn’t focus on just one player, we need to look at our opponents as a whole.” All eyes will be on Loew’s selection decisions in defence, with centre-back Jerome Boateng struggling with a calf knock and youngster Joshua Kimmich hoping to keep his place at right-back after impressing there against Northern Ireland. “He’s very cool and calm. We knew in advance that we could rely on him,” said Neuer about his 21-yearold Bayern colleague Kimmich. l

Belgium yet to prove credentials n Reuters, Toulouse

V HUNGARY

they face a Slovak side appearing at this stage of a Euro for the first time since independence. “We have played three teams who pack everyone behind the ball. We didn’t have much space and in games like these it’s not easy to win by a large margin,” said Neuer after Germany mustered just three goals in the group phase. “Beating the likes of Ukraine and Northern Ireland does not merit us shouting out with joy. It is not easy to beat these teams but we got the job done. “We finished top of our group

The Euro 2016 draw has opened up for Belgium, but Marc Wilmots’ side are still to confirm their title credentials before their round of 16 match against undefeated Hungary today. Belgium finished second in Group E after an opening defeat by Italy, but Wilmots refuses to see it as a blessing in disguise, even if the draw means they will avoid Spain, Germany, France, England and the Italians until the final. Concerned about the pressure on his team, the coach hinted that he would rather face one of the heavyweights. “These are games in which you have nothing to lose,” he told reporters. “Matches like we played against Brazil in the 2002 World

Cup are nicer. “In this Euro there are no easy games, no small teams,” he added. “They criticised us for losing to Wales (during qualification) and look where they are now.” Belgium’s prospects have improved with the draw - bookmaker William Hill has slash their championship odds from 11/1 to 11/2 - but Wilmots is yet to prove he can make the most of his talented squad. They were outworked and outthought against Italy, but romped to victory against Ireland in perhaps the best performance yet by this collection of talented players. Despite Wilmots’ bullish response to critics after this match, hopes Belgium had turned the corner were deflated when they again lacked fluency against Sweden. Wilmots insisted Belgium had

grown since their opener, but conceded that there was still much to improve. Euro 2016 joint top scorers Hungary may have a taste for blood after giving Portugal an almighty scare in a 3-3 draw on Wednesday, but they will face a sterner test from a Belgium defence eyeing a third straight clean sheet. That thrilling game also exposed Hungary’s defensive deficiencies and they should provide Belgium with ample opportunity to rediscover the attacking coherency they demonstrated against Ireland. For that match, the introduction of Mousa Dembele was decisive in providing midfield mobility that had previously been lacking, although an ankle knock picked up in that match may mean Radja Nainggolan again partners Axel Witsel.l

Christian Benteke at a training session

Sport

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

QUICK BYTES Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria drawn together Algeria, Nigeria and Cameroon three of the five African qualifiers for the last World Cup - were drawn together Friday in a group from which only the winners go to the 2018 finals in Russia. Group B was completed by Zambia, shock winners of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, after a one-hour ceremony in Cairo. Each of the five group winners qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Cameroon (seven appearances) and Nigeria (five) are the most successful African countries in World Cup qualifying and Algeria (four) have also done well. –AFP

I can’t score without chances, says Kane England striker Harry Kane laid bare his team’s attacking problems on Friday when he said - he has not had one clear scoring opportunity at Euro 2016. The Tottenham Hotspur striker started England’s first two games in the tournament, against Russia and Wales, but was substituted at halftime against Wales and played only 14 minutes of the 0-0 draw with Slovakia. Kane therefore faces a fight for a starting place in tomorrow’s last 16 game against Iceland in Nice, but he does not believe that he has been given a chance to prove how clinical he can be in front of goal. –AFP

PL says Brexit will not harm its appeal The Premier League said Britain’s decision to leave the European Union will not harm the prestige of the world’s most popular domestic soccer competition but experts warned on Friday of long-term damage to football’s transfer system. The free movement of players around Europe, a legacy of the seminal 1995 Bosman ruling, together with huge television revenues raked in by Premier League clubs have made England the destination of choice for many of Europe’s top players. –REUTERS

South America proposes showdown South American football’s governing body has proposed a one-off match between the winners of the Copa America Centenario and Euro 2016 later this year, officials confirmed Friday. Alejandro Dominguez, the president of Conmebol, told reporters at a press conference an invitation to Uefa had been made to stage the inter-continental showdown. –AFP

France’s forward Dimitri Payet (L) and midfielder Yohan Cabaye take part in a training session at the Parc Olympique Stadium in Lyon yesterday

Henry handball gives Irish extra motivation v France n Reuters, Paris Thierry Henry’s handball sent such shockwaves that barely anyone remembers it was actually William Gallas who scored the infamous goal France that ruined Ireland’s chances of a World Cup appearance more than six years ago. Today, Les Bleus face the Irish in Lyon in a Euro 2016 last-16 clash in which the host nation will start as heavy favourites. In the stands, there is little doubt the Irish fans, who are enjoying growing popularity in France thanks to their good-natured presence in the streets across the country, will

outsing the local supporters. Qualification for a quarter-final against Iceland or England, however, will be decided on the field, where the Irish will take extra motivation from the drama at the Stade de France in 2009. Ireland assistant Roy Keane believes the team have the qualities to trouble the French, who have been remarkably quiet on the Henry incident. Keane hopes Ireland will make the most of their set pieces. France, who have yet to play a full match at their best in the tournament, have only conceded one goal in three matches, a penalty, but the back four have not been re-

ally tested. Coach Didier Deschamps is likely to field the team who beat Romania in the tournament’s curtain-raiser, with striker Olivier Giroud supported by Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet - himself a lethal weapon on set pieces. France played their last group game on Sunday and will have had three more days to prepare than Ireland, who clinched their qualification with a last-gasp 1-0 win over a depleted Italy team on Wednesday. Giroud and defender Adil Rami missed a training session each to nurse minor problems but will be fit today. l

AFP

ROUND OF 16

V FRANCE

IRELAND

Stade des Lumieres, Lyon 2pm local time (7pm BST) * Bangladesh standard time

HEAD-TO-HEAD FRANCE

17 16 7 4 5 22 14

IRELAND Fifa ranking Matches Wins Losses Draws Goals scored Goals against

Roy, Hales hammer SL

WI topple South Africa

n AFP, Birmingham

n AFP, Bridgetown

Blistering hundreds by Jason Roy and Alex Hales hauled England to a crushing 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second one-day international at Edgbaston on Friday. England, set a modest 255 for victory, finished on 256 without loss as they won with more than 15 overs to spare to go 1-0 up in the five-match series following Tuesday’s tied opener at Trent Bridge. Roy, named man-of-the-match after also completing two run-outs, was unbeaten on 112 at the finish,

with Hales 133 not out as both batsmen recorded their highest scores at this level. Their unbroken opening stand surpassed England’s record ODI partnership of 250 set by Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott for the second wicket against Bangladesh.l

BRIEF SCORE 2ND ODI

SRI LANKA 254/7 (Tharanga 53*, Chandimal 52, Mathews 44) lost to ENGLAND 256/0 (Hales 133*, Roy 112*, Gunathilaka 0/14) by 10 wickets

Darren Bravo’s third hundred and impressive fast bowling from Shannon Gabriel propelled the West Indies to a 100-run win over South Africa in the ninth and final preliminary match of the Tri-Nation OneDay International Series. Bravo’s stroke-filled 102, which earned him the “Man of the Match” award, anchored an impressive recovery from 21 for four to lift the West Indies to 285 all out off 49.5 overs batting first at Kensington Oval on Friday.

33 16 4 7 5 14 22

Gabriel then tore through the Proteas’ vaunted top-order, taking the wickets of Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and captain A.B. de Villiers in the space of four fearsome overs. It was a setback from which they never recovered. l

BRIEF SCORE 9TH ODI

WEST INDIES 285 (Darren Bravo 102, Pollard 62, Holder 40) beat SOUTH AFRICA 185 (Behardien 35, Gabriel 3/17, Narine 3/28) by 100 runs

Sport

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

DHAKA TRIBUNE’S SUPER LEAGUE XI Our selectors Mazhar Uddin and Minhaz Uddin Khan chose the Dhaka Premier League’s Super League XI keeping in mind largely the performances of the following players in the second phase.

Tamim Iqbal (Abahani, captain)

The Abahani Limited captain struck a belligerent 142 in their last game against Prime Bank Cricket Club, to sign off a fine league in which he was the second highest scorer with 714 runs. Tamim also led Abahani well through trying circumstances though the argument with the umpire hurt his reputation.

He finished among the top five run-scorers in the whole competition. Mominul was also in fine touch in the Super League phase, in which he made 279 runs at 55.8 average and a stunning 108.56 strikerate. Mominul’s left-arm spin also came in handy in their win against Mohammedan Sporting Club.

since he joined the side after finishing his Indian Premier League duty. He was instrumental with the ball and picked up 18 wickets in the league with the best bowling figures of 5/18.

He would have easily won the player-of-the-tournament award if there was any in the DPL. Mosaddek has been outstanding both with bat and ball for Abahani. He played vital roles in many of their wins this season as he scored 622 runs at an average of 77.75 with five fifties. He also made valuable contributions with his off-spin and took 15 wickets.

After a quite time in the first stage eh stepped up in the Super League and was instrumental behind his team’s latter wins. Nasir finished with 528 runs at a staggering average of 75.42 which rose mainly by staying not out in all three of his Super League innings. He also made four fifties and bagged 14 wickets.

As a late entrant in the tournament, he made an instant impact with his unbeaten 124 against Victoria in Fatullah. Negi didn’t bat as well in the following games but was always among the wickets. He nudged out Chaturanga de Silva and kept his place as the sole foreigner through his all-round ability.

He was the second highest wicket-taker in the Super League stage, and gave some good showings for Doleshwar. Sanjamul has been a steady performer but hardly ever got the recognition for it. He is also a good batting option down the order.

This is probably the best domestic season for the leading all-rounder in the world as Shakib’s inclusion helped Abahani clinch the title

The speedster from Mohammadpur in Dhaka has been in the eye of the storm after being suspended from international cricket in March. But he bowled very well throughout the DPL campaign for Abahani, especially in the Super League phase. He regularly beat the batsmen with his pace, case in point the delivery that bowled Soumya Sarkar at BKSP. He finished with 26 wickets as the tournament’s second highest wicket-taker among the pace bowlers.

Al Amin Hossain (Doleshwar)

Sanjamul Islam (Doleshwar)

Mohammad Mithun (Rupganj, wicket-keeper)

Shakib al Hasan (Abahani)

Taskin Ahmed (Abahani)

Pawan Negi (Rupganj)

Nasir Hossain (Doleshwar)

Mosaddek Hossain (Abahani)

Raqibul Hasan (Doleshwar)

The stylish right-hander has been in terrific touch where he smashed a hundred and two fifties including his unbeaten 66 runs against Legends of Rupganj. Raqibul ended up as the leading run-scorer in the first phase and Super League too. His performance as the Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club opener in the Super League phase gave him this position.

Though he can’t be claimed as the best wicket-keeper in the competition, Mithun balanced batting and keeping quite well for Rupganj. He made seven fifties which included several match-winning efforts.

Mominul Haque (Victoria SC)

The unfashionable seamer has once again put in the hard yards in the domestic competition. Al Amin is under-rated but every batsman in the country now knows he is a handful in the slog overs. He took nine wickets in the Super League phase, which helped him nudge out Kamrul Islam Rabbi, who is the overall highest wickettaker in the DPL. l

Low quality, high drama in a tournament of firsts n Quazi Zulquarnain Islam It was the goal that changed everything. Ivan Perisic, the Inter Milan left winger darted into space left vacant by the advancing Atletico Madrid fullback Juanfran. Driving into the box, he did a trademark feint allowing him room to shoot on his left foot. It was hard and low and deflected off the toe of the covering defender. David de Gea was wrong-footed and the ball snaked into the near post. Perisic’s strike had given Croatia a well-deserved victory over Spain but the ramifications of that De Gea error was felt across the tournament. Because in the process of scoring the goal, Croatia had turned, what was an already complicated situation, inside-out. Euro 2016 has been a tournament of many firsts – from the 24 team format to the qualification of Iceland, a nation of 330,000 inhabitants to England managing to overturn a first-half deficit (a first!) – and it may just as well continue this

theme to give us a first time winner since it is now confirmed that at least one finalist will be a nation that has never won the tournament. The aforementioned Perisic goal has completely skewed the last-16 bracket. On the bottom half, you have France, Germany, Spain, Italy and England or to put it another way, 20 international titles. In the top half, you have Portugal, Croatia, Wales, Hungary, Poland, or to put it another way, 0 international titles. So for instance, Wales could reach the final by beating Northern Ireland, Hungary and Switzerland, whereas Germany would have to beat Slovakia (who beat them in a pre-Euro friendly), Spain/Italy, France and perhaps England. But while the ridiculous format has created a draw without parallel, it did ensure that the last round of games were anything but dull with teams fighting till the last minute to become one of the best 4 third-placed teams that could make it through to the last 16. This

in itself is somewhat strange for a knockout tournament – after two weeks of football and 36 games only eight teams are going home. Portugal for instance qualified for the next round despite not win-

ning a single game. But even this is less strange than having a 24-team tournament from a continent with 50 nations. Traditionally, while the World Cup has been impressive, the Euros have always been the most competitive. The tight 16-team format has thrown up exciting and memorable games from the group phase, a factor that is sadly, conspicuous only by its absence in the 2016 iteration. This year’s Euro has been characterised by large numbers in

defence and low defensive blocks employed by the smaller nations which has not been exploited well by the traditional giants. Just look at goals scored, always a good marker for entertainment. With 69 goals at 1.92 goals per game, this is the lowest group phase ratio since 1992. 65% of the goals have come in the second half and almost 30% after the 80th minute when the defensive team has tired leaving more space to exploit. No wonder then, that the highest scorers have been, wait for it, Wales and Hungary with six apiece. While the veritable goal drought and passive football have made for an altogether disappointing spectacle quality of football wise, it has somewhat compensated through the drama of the late goals and the football interest stories like Iceland who made it to the second round despite their “small mentality” (sic Cristiano Ronaldo). Speaking of Ronaldo, there has also been a lack of individual

stars in the tournament. Zlatan Ibrahimovic had one shot on goal in three games, Robert Lewandowski has hardly had a look in, and Thomas Muller hit the woodwork twice. Gareth Bale has scored two (fairly lucky) free kicks and Andreas Iniesta has weaved his magic but even the irrepressible Spaniard looked fairly tired in their loss to Croatia. Instead, it has been left to the West Ham star Dimitri Payet to emerge as the real star of the tournament as his more vaunted teammate Paul Pogba takes time to get his eye in. But all that is now done and into the round of 16 we go where the games will unfold much like you would expect a two-tier Test system to. With greater prizes at stake and some blockbuster matchups, maybe the round of 16 will invoke memories of great tournaments past. And if you fancy a flutter, you could do worse than Perisic and Croatia. That would be a first I can get behind. l

Sport

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

An action of the Super Six tie between Abahani Limited (yellow) and Usha Krira Chakra in the Green Delta Premier Division Hockey League at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday. Abahani were held to a 1-1 draw by table-toppers Usha, who have 38 points from 14 matches. The Sky Blues, on the other hand, have 30 points from a game less. Rumman Sarkar gave Abahani the lead but Krishna Kumar, Sarwar and Aleem Belal combined to bring parity for Usha MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

BARC to work with 13 bowlers after Eid n Tribune Report The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s bowling action review committee will assess the suspected bowling actions of at least 13 bowlers who were reported during this season’s Dhaka Premier League. The committee’s head, Jalal Younus, said they will also bring an expert from Cardiff Metropolitan University, which is one of International Cricket Council’s accredited testing centres for suspect bowling actions. The committee was formed during last Sunday’s board meeting,

DAY’S WATCH FOOTBALL SONY SIX 7:00 PM Euro Cup 2016: Round of 16 France v Republic of Ireland 10:00 PM Germany v Slovakia 1:00 AM Hungary v Belgium

CRICKET STAR SPORTS 1 3:28 PM Sri Lanka Tour of England 3rd ODI

TEN 1 HD Tri-Nation (WI, AUS, SA) 2016 Final: 10th ODI

three months after BCB president Nazmul Hasan had said they will weed out illegal bowling actions from domestic cricket in wake of the suspensions of Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny, during the 2016 World Twenty20 in March. In the first week of the DPL, six bowlers were reported by the umpires - Naeem Islam Jr, Faisal Hossain, Moinul Islam, Rejaul Karim, Amit Kumar, and off-spinner Mustafizur Rahman, who was reported twice. They, along with several others, will be tested next month, after the Eid vacations.

“We have a meeting on Tuesday to decide the committee’s modus operandi,” Younus said. “At least 13-14 bowlers have been reported during this Dhaka Premier League. We will start working with them after Eid. We will assess their bowling actions in the nets. Omar Khaled was a former spinner and Dipu Roy Chowdhury and Golam Faruk are former pace bowlers who will work according to their areas. If we find deviation in their bowling through the naked eye and cameras, we will have to rectify them. “Afterwards, if we see the cor-

rection is consistent, they can play in next year’s league. If they are reported again, they will be banned for a year. We will work with bowlers in the NCL (National Cricket League), BCL (Bangladesh Cricket League), BPL (Bangladesh Premier League), the Dhaka Premier League, Dhaka First Division and Second Division and age-group.” Meanwhile, the second bowing action tests of Sunny and Taskin will be completed before Bangladesh’s international commitments begin in October, against England at home. Younus said the actions

BCB names 24-man HP squad n Tribune Report The BCB has named a 24-member High Performance squad for 2016 that will begin training from July 17 at the National Cricket Academy facilities in Mirpur. It will be the first assignment for new head coach Simon Helmot who was appointed earlier this month. Apart from the initial fitness and skill training phases, the HP squad is likely to work under specialist coaches and undertake a tour in September. Seven players including Saqlain Sajib are in this squad for the second year running. Saqlain is also one of two international players in the squad. The other being left-arm

paceman Abu Haider. The newcomers include Dhaka Premier League performers Abdul Mazid, Al Amin, Mehedi Maruf, Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Sanjamul Islam. There are also six players who have graduated from the Under-19 team. Dhaka Tribune has learned that the inclusion of Noor Hossain and Tanveer Haider is due to coach Chandika Hathurusingha’s proclivity towards leg-spinners though Tanveer is mainly a batsman. Mehedi Hasan, who struck a century on the first day of the DPL, has also been included among the spinners. Pace bowler Ebadat Hossain is

the only one to have no senior level playing experience. He appeared for City Club last season but his claim to fame was through the Robi Fast Bowler Hunt this year.

2016 High Performance squad:

Shadman Islam, Mehedi Maruf, Abdul Mazid, Mehedi Hasan, Saif Hasan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Al Amin, Tasamul Haque, Sanjamul Islam, Noor Hossain, Tanveer Haider, Saqlain Sajib, Mehedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Alauddin Babu, Ashikuzzaman, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Subashis Roy, Nur Alam, Abu Haider, Dewan Sabbir, Ebadat Hossain, Irfan Sukkur, Zakir Hasan l

of both bowlers were video-taped during the DPL, and will now be assessed by the Bangladesh’s coaching staff. “Arafat Sunny and Taskin Ahmed are not within our jurisdiction. The national team’s management is working with them. Their rehab is ongoing,” Younus said. “Their videos from the Dhaka Premier League will be assessed soon, and if it is satisfactory and we are fully confirmed, they will go for a second bowling action test and it will be before the next international assignment.” l

Del Potro to make Davis Cup return n Reuters, Buenos Aires Former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro is returning to Davis Cup action for Argentina after a four-year absence due to wrist injuries and differences with the previous management. Del Potro, fighting his way back up the rankings this year after a second operation on his left wrist, was named on Friday in Argentina’s team to visit Italy in their July 15-17 World Group quarter-final. Del Potro last played Davis Cup in the 2012 semi-final against Czech Republic but quit the team over differences with former captain Martin Jaite and leading player David Nalbandian. l

Downtime

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Large volume (4) 4 Long detailed stories (5) 9 Day before (3) 11 Farewell! (4) 12 Ancient tongue (5) 13 Fencing sword (4) 14 Water grass (4) 15 Staggers (5) 19 Zodiac sign (5) 21 Slender sticks (4) 25 Leave out (4) 26 Lift with effort (5) 28 Dry and withered (4) 29 Metal (3) 30 Vestibule (5) 31 Noteworthy act (4)

DOWN 1 Narrate (4) 2 Eggs (3) 3 Measuring instrument (5) 5 Reluctant (6) 6 Stare openmouthed (4) 7 On the sheltered side (4) 8 Out of sorts (5) 10 Bury (5) 16 Holiday period (6) 17 Supple (5) 18 Non-verse (5) 20 Flood (5) 22 Augury (4) 23 Earth (4) 24 English county (4) 27 By way of (3)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 15 represents P so fill P every time the figure 15 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

Screen sirens and music shows

n Showtime Desk This Eid comes with a special attraction for the audience as three glamorous beauties of the Bangladeshi screen – Bidya Sinha

Mim, Mahiya Mahi and Nusrat Faria – will be seen anchoring a Eid special musical programme together for the first time. The three-day show titled “Amar Chhobi Amar Gaan” is

How Brexit affects Game of Thrones n Showtime Desk After wide speculation of the show losing European Union funding, Game of Thrones fans have been reassured by the creators themselves that Britain’s decision to leave the EU will not affect filming in any way. Both economists and government leaders alike have warned that the exit will most likely affect growth prospects for Britain and make it less attractive to investors. The leave could however discourage

Hollywood studios and cable networks to film in Britain, as access to European subsidies are a thing of the past now. Popular TV show Game of Thrones is partly filmed in Northern Ireland and the series receives support from the European Regional Development Fund, at least it used to. HBO has now confirmed that no support has been provided by the fund

for the past few seasons. In a statement, the network said, “We do not anticipate that the result of the EU referendum will have any material effect on HBO producing Game of Thrones.” Hours after the result of Britain’s historic referendum came in, speculation spread like wildfire that the decision would hurt Game of Thrones, HBO’s most watched series which had approximately 20 million viewers per episode last season. The award winning show is based on A Song of Ice and Fire

books, written by George RR Martin. The series tells an epic fantasy of multiple struggles for control of the Iron Throne and to rule over the Seven Kingdoms. Rest easy Game of Thrones fans, the show is here to stay, unless George RR Martin plans to kill everyone in the very next episode. Knowing him, we won’t rule it out. l Source: Sky News

produced by Dipu Hazra, and is slated to go on air on the fourth day of Eid-ul-Fitr celebration and continue till the sixth. It will be aired on 10pm on the Ekushey Television.

Although Nusrat Faria has some previous experience with anchoring, this television programme will be a first for the other two. The three will be seen each episode separately. About the show, Dipu Hazra said: “Every episode has been designed with 10 songs from the films of the respective actress anchoring the episode. The actresses will describe their experience with each of the songs. This might be a new experience for the audience.” According to a press release, the shooting of the programme has already been completed at a five-star hotel in the capital. Bidya Sinha Mim said: “The idea of anchoring struck me as interesting one; getting to comment on my own songs. So I jumped at the offer. I hope that the audience will like the show.” l

Love triangle Phoenix Fly to be aired on Eid

n Showtime Desk Model-turned-actor Monalisa who once stirred up the small screen with her smile is back after a hiatus of three years. She will be seen in a television play Phoenix Fly which will be aired on NTV on the occasion of approaching Eid-ul-Fitr. The story is basically a love triangle where Tonni (played by Monalisa) falls in love with Prosun while her fiancé Shaon is abroad for three months. The role of Prosun and Shaon are played by Shajal Noor and Hillol respectively. According to the story, Tonni has long been engaged to Shaon, a serious businessman with a heart of gold, but a rather austere approach to love. When he flies abroad for three months, Tonni gets closer to her Facebook friend Prosun. What starts as a casual friendship, deepens into love, and with the return of Shaon, Tonni must now choose between love and

commitment. Directed by Ononno Emon, the screenplay was written by Habib Jakaria Ullash, based on a story by Jakia Sultana Luna. l

Showtime

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

WHAT TO WATCH

Stuart Little Zee Studio 3:00pm The Little family adopt a charming young mouse named Stuart, but the family cat wants rid of him. Cast: Michael J. Fox, Nathan Lane, Chazz Palminteri, Steve Zahn, Bruno Kirby, Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki, Chazz Palminteri Baby’s Day Out Star Movies 4:30pm Baby Bink couldn’t ask for more; he has adoring (if somewhat sickly-sweet) parents, he lives in a huge mansion, and he’s just about to appear in the social pages of the paper. Unfortunately, not everyone in the world is as nice as Baby Bink’s parents; especially the three enterprising kidnappers who pretend to be photographers from the newspaper. Cast: Kevin Showker, Joe Mantegna, Lara Flynn Boyle, Joe Pantoliano, Brian Haley Mad Max: Fury Road HBO 5:15pm A woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in postapocalyptic Australia in search for her home-land with the help of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshipper, and a drifter named Max. Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Star Movies 6:45pm A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. Cast: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee

Back Page

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

BREXIT TO HURT BD EXPORT PAGE 12

MESSI PRIMED TO END ARGENTINA DROUGHT

HOW BREXIT AFFECTS GAME OF THRONES PAGE 31

PAGE 24

Govt authority to increase in ICDDRB? A draft law is being formulated to increase government influence in the organisation’s operations

n Abid Azad The government is in the process of increasing its authority over International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDRB), causing concern among the country’s public health experts. The Dhaka Tribune has recently obtained the draft of a law which, if passed in parliament, will make one of the world’s leading global health research institutes dependent on government decision. Established in the 1960s, the ICDDRB has so far been an autonomous body, committed to solving public health problems in low- and middle-income countries through innovative scientific research. But if the new law is implemented, ICDDRB officials and public health experts fear that it will not only make the institution’s proceedings more complicated, but will hamper its operations. “The reasons behind the government’s decision to introduce a new law is not clear to us. They are attempting to introduce the law at a time when there is already an unstable situation at the organisation. It seems the government is preparing to fulfil the interest of an influential group,” said a public health expert, requested to remain anonymous. “There is a section in the draft that clearly indicates the government’s increased authority in the management of the ICDDRB, to the extent that it will no longer remain autonomous,” he told the Dhaka Tribune. The section in question, Section 27 in the draft, says the government can implement any rule regarding the ICDDRB’s operations by issuing gazette notification as long as it does not contradict with the law. The government’s involvement is evident further in Section 28 of the draft, which says the ICDDRB board will have to get a no objection order from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to implement a regulation. However, when contacted, Health and Family Welfare Secretary Syed Manzurul Islam said the law was being formulated simply to make the ICDDRB operations smoother. “The ICDDRB has been operating under the ICDDRB Ordinance

221 64% male

scientific staff total income

36% female

US$68.9m

$50.5m

funding from competitive sources

$8.3m

funding from core donors

$10.1m

other income

205,885

patients treated in 2 hospitals and 1 treatment centre

356 active projects

108

new projects begun

145

national collaborations

international collaborations

259

original papers published*

5,841 citations

(2012-14)

55% male

45% female

570

participants enrolled in clinical research at ICDDRB’s Dhaka Hospital Source: ICDDRB Annual Report 2015

‘There is a section in the draft that clearly indicates the government’s increased authority in the management of the ICDDRB, to the extent that it will no longer remain autonomous’

1978, which was formulated during military regime. It is no longer effective to run this organisation properly, which is why we are introducing this law. There is no issue of the government taking more authoritative power in the organisation’s operations,” he told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. Tension has been brewing in the ICDDRB for a while now, with its employees blaming the management for irregularities, mismanagement and corruption in the organisation. The health secretary said there is more work to be done regarding the law.

“The draft has not been finalised yet. When it is finalised, we are going to arrange a public opinion poll on the draft before it becomes a law,” he said.

Changes in the board

In the draft law, the ICDDRB board of trustees can have a maximum of 17 members but no less than 12, similar to the current ordinance. The number of government representatives in the ICDDRB board has been increased from three to four in the draft. One of the board members will be selected by the director general of World Health Organisation

(WHO), one will be selected from a United Nations agency in Bangladesh except for WHO, and seven will be selected by WHO and UN agencies. The board will be select the centre’s executive director and the rest of the three members. However, the recruitment of the executive director, as well as the deputy executive director, will require the clearance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Under the current ordinance, the board can select 11 of its members. The public health expert, who has 30 years of experience in the public health sector, said: “Similarly as the ICDDRB, there is another international organisation working in Bangladesh – Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific, or CIRDAP. If CIRDAP does not require any ministry approval to appoint its top officials, why should the ICDDRB?” He said by initiating the law, the government is taking up a huge responsibility, which is not a wise move. “This move will harm the ICDDRB and cause huge loss in many ways. More importantly, this

law will essentially nationalise an international institution, which should not be done. It will also politicise this institution, just like any government institution.”

Donors may be unhappy

This move may also make the international donors who fund the majority of ICDDRB research products unhappy. “If they [donors] are unhappy with this decision and decide to pull out their funds, the government will not be able to cover that loss,” the public expert said. Dr Ahmed Mushtaque Raza Chowdhury, vice-chairperson at Brac, agrees. “It is likely that the donors will not agree with this law and they will not prefer any intervention or interference by the government in the ICDDRB. In fact, any intervention and interference by the government is likely to hamper the smooth and steady functions of this research organisation,” he told the Dhaka Tribune. “Furthermore, if the donors pull away, the ICDDRB will lose its famous and emeritus scientists as it will be difficult to get fund for their research at this organisation. So it is natural that they would seek other international-standard research organisations where they would be able to continue their work,” he added. “The ICDDRB is the best international platform to bring the country’s brilliant and rising scientists and researchers in the public health sector. It has many affiliations and collaborations with other national and international institutions which is unique in nature in Bangladesh. Any attempt to change the nature of the ICDDRB will be harmful for the future of this institution and for its steady function in the research work,” Mushtaque said. However, ICDDRB Executive Director John D Clemens thinks that the law, if implemented, will not hamper the organisation’s operations, including its policy making, fund raising, research proceedings and implementation of projects. He said the only big change introduced by the draft is in the constitution of the board, where the board no longer has the power to select the majority of its members. l

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