17 Oct, 2016 by DhakaTribune

SECOND EDITION

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Kartik 2, 1423, Muharram 15, 1438

‘We must find the masterminds and financiers of terror’ Hasina tells Bimstec leaders

n UNB P r i m e Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged Bimstec leaders to find out the mentors, masterminds, abettors, financiers, arms suppliers and trainers of terrorists and extremists to defeat terrorism. “We must be prepared to take strong actions against terrorists and their supporters. I firmly believe that within Bimstec we should be able to strengthen our cooperation to address terrorism and rise of violent extremism,” she said. Sheikh Hasina was deliver-

ing her statement at the Bimstec Leaders’ Retreat held at the tourist city of Goa yesterday. Chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the retreat programme was also addressed by leaders of other Bimstec countries. In Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, her government had taken a “zero-tolerance” approach to terrorism and violent extremism. “We’ve also taken massive awareness programmes for the youth, for families, for educational institutions. We’ve succeeded in disintegrating the homegrown terrorists.” Hasina said as she stood there as one of the four founding leaders who had inspired the launching of Bimstec way  PAGE 4 COLUMN 1

Jhalakathi judge-killer JMB man executed Hossain Molla, n Hedait Khulna JMB member Asadul Islam Arif, who was given death penalty in Jhalakathi judges Jagannath Pare and Sohel Ahmed killing case, was hanged last night in Khulna district jail. Arif was executed at 10:30pm amid tight security, said Jailer Jannatul Farhad. Deputy Commissioner Nazmul Ahsan, DIG Prisons (Jessore) Tipu Sultan, Magistrate

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Md Nur-e-Alam Siddique, Civil Surgeon Dr Md Abdur Razzak and Jail Superintendent Kamrul Islam were present during the execution. Arif and six top JMB leaders including its founder Shayakh Abdur Rahman and second-in-command Siddiqul Islam alias Bangla Bhai were sentenced to death on May 29, 2006. All but Arif were executed on March 29, 2007 after the Appellate Division upheld  PAGE 4 COLUMN 4

Political apathy hampers climate change fight

AL to invite BNP to council

 PAGE 2

 PAGE 5

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News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Political apathy hampers climate change fight Experts say at 9th South Asia Economic Summit n Shadma Malik Policy makers are failing to form partnership with the stakeholders and NGOs for achieving climate change related goals, said experts in an international conference yesterday. In a panel discussion of 9th South Asia Economic Summit titled “Climate Change Impacts in South Asia: Cross Border Initiatives”, in the city’s Le Méridien Hotels, experts addressed that lack of political wills is one of the causes for what regional policy makers cannot combat against climate change. Dr A Atiq Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), said: “Climate change is one of the critical areas where South Asia could be combined.” Shafkat Kakakhel, chair, Board of Governance Sustainable development Policy Institute (SDPI), Pakistan, said: “The lack of political will is one of the causes that the regional leaders cannot combat

Speakers address a discussion titled ‘Climate Change Impacts in South Asia: Cross-Border Initiatives’ at Hotel Le Meridien in Dhaka yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU against climate change.” Experts warned that Bangladesh is one of most of vulnerability countries, where Maldives would virtually disappear due to climate change. India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka will also face tremendous impact on

food security, inhabitants problems and accelerating of urbanization die to climate change, they said. Karin Fernando, senior research of Professional Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA), Sri Lanka, said: “We do not see any integration in

the domain of climate change. If we want to have economic growth of South Asia region by 2030, we need to know the objectives and principles and intervention to resilience climate change.” Dr Archna Negi, assistant pro-

fessor of Centre for International Politics of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, said: “There has been a milestone change in climate diplomacy. On October 5 2016, the threshold for entry into force of the Paris Agreement was achieved.” Negi also said: “The Paris Agreement will enter into force on November 4, 2016. The overall approach by the international community has reversed. It is no longer a top down approach which was problematic by the global protocol. The game has changed completely from top down top bottom up for better negotiation.” The speakers concluded their remarks that South Asia region should work together as it is a serious concern for the rise of sea level. Experts joined in the summit said that leaders of the region should develop practical policy such as disaster risk reduction and have a mechanism for climate finance, green finance fund, capacity building, networking and technology transformation. l

SC upholds Rizvi’s River re-demarcation stalled due to bail order repeated transfer of duty n Tribune Desk

The Supreme Court has upheld a High Court order granting bail to BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, clearing way to his release from the jail. Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain yesterday passed “no order” on a government petition seeking a stay on the bail order. “The order upholds the bail granted by the High Court

clearing all legal barriers for him to walk out of the jail as he was granted bail in all the six cases filed against him,” his lawyer Sagir Hossain Leon told the Dhaka Tribune. Rizvi got bail in a police killing case from the High Court on October 13. The cases were filed against Rizvi with Pallabi, Ramna, Motijheel and Khilgaon police stations regarding violence duirng demonstrations staged by the BNP centring the first anniversary of the January 5 election. l

n Abu Hayat Mahmud

All the initiatives to reclaim the rivers surrounding the capital are at present limited to repeated transfer of the responsibility from one government agency to another. Two years already have passed since the initiative to re-demarcate Turag, Buriganga, Balu and Shitalakhya was taken, but the encroachment of the rivers has continued due to the inactivity of the authorities concerned. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), in 2014, decided to re-demarcate the rivers with the help of Shipping Ministry and offices of the deputy commissioners in Dhaka and Gazipur, but no such step has yet been taken. Bangladesh Navy has been authorised to re-demarcate the rivers. During a visit to the banks of the encroached rivers on October 9, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan said: “Out of 6,000 pillars installed for demarcation of Turag, Buriganga, Balu and Shitalakhya rivers, 2000 have been installed faultily. The task force is working with highest power to resolve the issue as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed to reclaim the rivers from grabbers at any cost. The disputed demarcation pillars will be re-installed after a survey. “After the re-demarcation is completed, driveways and walkways will be constructed on the river banks.” Shajahan Khan, also chief of the task force monitoring the rivers, said the occupied portions of all the rivers sur-

MEHEDI HASAN

rounding the capital would be recovered and legal action taken, no matter how powerful the grabbers were. Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, also a member of the task force who attended the visit on that day, said that he would recommend that the task force enlarge the Turag’s wideness up to 400 feet from the existing 180 feet. The river was originally 1,500 feet wide but has now taken the shape of a canal because of continuous encroachment. In 2011, Gazipur district administration wrongly demarcated the river by setting up pillars at low-water marks, thus excluding much of the riverbed. BIWTA sources said around 600 acres of riverbank lands, stretching from Tongi to Aminbazar, had been grabbed. In November 2014, former BIWTA

chairman Dr Md Samsuddoha Khandaker told the Dhaka Tribune that the decision to set up demarcation pillars in the middle of the rivers was a wrong step. Attempts have also been made by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) and Bangladesh Water Development Board to recover occupied lands but in vain. In July 2014, the Supreme Court ordered to remove all structures – excluding those set up by the government to serve public interests – erected on the banks of the four rivers. Back in 2009, the High Court ordered to remove all illegal structures and set up demarcation pillars in accordance with the CS and RS survey. The court observed that the pillars were to be placed 150 feet away from the river slope. l

News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Dhaka expects clear direction at COP22 n Abu Bakar Siddique Bangladesh expects a clear direction on how to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, including use of climate fund, achieving the goal of limiting global temperature rise, and distribution of compensation, to be chalked out in the upcoming Conference of Parties 22 (COP22), speakers said at a discussion in Dhaka yesterday. “The Paris Agreement adopted at COP21 last year contains all the measures to tackle the negative impact of climate change, but there is no definition or mechanism as to how to implement those measures,” said Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed, secretary at the Ministry of Environment and Forest. “Bangladesh wants a clear direction especially on the use of the climate fund as it urgently needs the fund to implement climate change adaptation measures,” he added. The discussion, titled “Climate change is not a fatality,” was held at the residence of French Ambassador in Dhaka Sophia Aubert, where Kamal was a special guest. The COP22 will take place in Marrakesh, Morocco on November 7-18 this year. Speaking at the event, Dr

French Ambassador Sophie Aubert speaking at a discussion titled ‘Climate change is not a fatality’ held at her residence yesterday PHOTO: FRENCH EMBASSY Atiq Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, said Paris Agreement was like a fishing net, covering all the issues but leaving a lot of loopholes. “Global leaders have to come to consensus on how to meet the goal of keep global temperature rise un-

der 1.5-2 degrees Celsius. That is why the upcoming conference on climate change is crucial,” he said. Dr Kamal said Bangladesh also needed a specific plan on how to keep the temperature rise under the intended limit as it is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of global warming.

Expressing the need for filling the gaps in Paris Agreement, French Ambassador Sophie Aubert said: “Considering the climate change as a global threat, we need to resolve the loopholes in the upcoming meetings.” Mahmood Malik, executive director of Infrastructure and Devel-

opment Company Limited (IDCOL), said: “The world’s development should take a clean path by using clean energy resources and avoiding fossil fuel, which contributes to the global temperature rise.” The French Ambassador agreed with him. “We need to break the vicious cycle of global warming by taking clean development path for the sake of our future generation,” she said. According to the provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 186 countries across the world have submitted their Intended Nationally Determined Contribution on greenhouse gas emission, submitting their plan to reduce carbon-dioxide emission by 2030. However, experts say if the current plan is followed, the global temperature rise will exceed 3 degrees Celsius by the target period, which is why more stringent plan is necessary to limit the temperature rise. The discussion was also attended by US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat, Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dr Adarsh Swaika, and Dutch Ambassador in Dhaka Leoni Cuelenaere, among others. l

Regional co-op may achieve sustainable energy for South Asia

Charge sheet 24,000 stray dogs in Dhaka in Khadiza’s North to be vaccinated case soon n

Says Dr Mahendra P Lama of Jawaharlal Nehru University

Investigators said they would submit charge sheet to the court shortly after completing formal procedures in the Khadiza attempted murder case. Meanwhile, Square Hospital authorities said the victim would undergo a second operation today. Sylhet Metropolitan Police ADC Jedan al Musa told the Dhaka Tribune that since the accused Badrul Alam, who is in jail, has given a confessional statement, they would submit the charge sheet shortly. However, a SMP source said this might take a week. Doctors at Square Hospital, who are treating Khadiza Akhter Nargis, hacked by Badrul in Sylhet on October 3, said her head injuries were healing fast and they anticipated that she might not suffer from further complications from the injuries. Khadiza’s uncle Abdul Kuddus told the Dhaka Tribune they were hoping that the operation would go well today and they could take her home soon. l

n Aminur Rahman Rasel Dr Mahendra P Lama, Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, India said sustainable energy can be achieved for all of South Asia by following five models of cooperation at the Ninth South Asia Economic Summit held at the La Meridian hotel. The five proposed models are Bilateral, sub-regional, regional, local integration and wheeling facility. India has already taken an initiative to produce 10000MW electricity by 2020 in Bhutan. He suggested that these types of bilateral initiatives can also be taken by others countries to strengthen cross border ties with bilateral cooperation. Establishing transmission lines in different countries like Thailand, Combodia, China, Vietnam can open the door to exchanging electricity be-

tween many countries is a good example of sub-regional cooperation. In the case of regional cooperation, Nepal India China Tri-Junction Power Development Fund can be established to get electricity used for transmission to others countries in this region. Local integration can be achieved by a country which produces more electricity locally can ensure high growth leading to a robust economy through development dynamics transformation. Wheeling facilities is a model by which countries can charge a sum for exchanging electricity which The session was chaired by President of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, Farooq Sobhan and attended by Secretary General of New Beginning Network of Afghanistan, Sonam Tashi, Chief Planning Officer of Ministry of Economic Affairs of Bhutan amongst others. l

Abu Hayat Mahmud

Kamrul Hasan and Sirajul Islam, Sylhet Correspondent

Around 24,000 stray dogs in the jurisdiction of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) are going to be vaccinated, DNCC Mayor Annisul Huq announced yesterday. The mayor made the announcement while speaking at the relaunch of Shetu, a rabies prevention and dog population management programme. The programme is being organised jointly by Bangladesh Animal Welfare Foundation, Obhoyaronno and Humane Society International,

in collaboration with the DNCC. Obhoyaronno Chairman Rubaiya Ahmad gave the key note speech at the relaunch ceremony, which Oboyaronno Convener Kazi Farhana moderated the event. This is the second phase of Shetu; the first phase ran in 2012–2014 in which more than 10,000 stray dogs were sterilised and vaccinated in 36 wards under Dhaka North and Dhaka South. According to a dog population survey conducted by Humane Society International, there are about 37,000 stray dogs in Dhaka. l

DNCC Mayor Annisul Huq speaks at the relaunch ceremony of a dog population management programme in Mohakhali, Dhaka yesterday MEHEDI HASAN

News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

4 mid-level ‘New JMB’ leaders fled to India n Mohammad Jamil Khan Law enforcers raiding different places to arrest the leaders and supporters of New JMB group have said that at least four out of 12 of its mid-level leaders have sneaked into India while others remain out of their radar. Police have also learnt that leaders of the militant group, a new faction of banned outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh that follows the ideology of Islamic State, have been recruiting fresh members amid crackdown that began after the July 1 Gulshan cafe attack. Their recruitment process did not stop even though the law enforcers have killed over three dozens of New JMB members includ-

ing its military and operations chief Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury and his close associates since the Holey Artisan Bakery attack that claimed the lives of at least 24 persons, mostly foreigners. Identities of the 12 leaders including a woman were found interrogating several arrested members of the group and examining the laptop of Tamim Chowdhury recovered from his den in Narayanganj, police claim. “Four of them left the country after the Gulshan attack and have now been staying in India,” a high official of the police’s Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, requesting anonymity, confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune.

The four are identified as Sohel Mahfuz alias Hatkata Mahfuz, Ripon, Khalid and so-called “big brother” Junayed Hasan Khan. The others who still remain somewhere in Bangladesh include Iqbal, Manik, Mamun, Azadul Kabiraz, Badal and female wing leader Jebunnahar Shila. Investigators say they are recruiting fresh members for the group. Apart from these 12 leaders, the investigators are looking for three top-tier leaders – Gulshan attack coordinator Nurul Islam Marjan, IT wing in-charge Basharuzzaman alias Abul Bashar alias Chocolate and trainer Jahangir alias Rajib Gandhi. Jebunnahar, wife of Maj (retd) Zahidul Islam alias Karim who committed suicide during the Azimpur

raid last month, is believed to be leading the female wing of the New JMB and has now been trying to recruit new members. However, the investigators have not been able to trace the chief of the New JMB, who is identified as Abu Ibrahim al-Hanif by the Islamic State group. The matter of fresh recruitment came to light after the latest raid on a New JMB den at Patartek of Gazipur. Some of the seven militants killed during the raid were recruited after the Gulshan attack, police say. Monirul Islam, chief of the CTTC unit, said that they had already taken different initiatives to stop New JMB’s recruitment, “but it cannot be done by the police alone. The

relatives also need to be aware of the changing behaviour of their near ones.” Another high official of the CTTC unit said that they had not been able to arrest the top leaders of New JMB since they do not use any technological devices. “So we have to work manually – interrogating arrestees and observing a certain area for a long.” Sanowar Hossain, additional deputy commissioner of the CTTC unit, suspects that after the death of Tamim in Narayanganj and Faridul Islam alias Akash in Patartek raids, New JMB’s operations wing leadership would now go to Marjan, a former student of Chittagong University linked to Islami Chhatra Shibir. l

Bangladesh to invest in Nepal hydro-power n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed has announced plans to jointly invest in a hydroelectric plant in Nepal and import electricity from that plant. The minister made the announcement after a meeting with Romi Gauchan Thakali, the commerce minister of Nepal, yesterday. A Nepali delegation led by Thakali met with Tofail to discuss bilateral trade. “There are a lot of opportunities for investment in Nepal. We will jointly invest in hydroelectricity in Nepal and benefit from the pro-

duced electricity. We would like to import this power to Bangladesh,” Tofail Ahmed told reporters after the meeting. He added: “Nepal is a longtime ally and we would like to strengthen our ties through a better economic relationship.” Currently the project’s feasibility study is in progress. As per the plan, Bangladesh will be given priority to import the electricity. Tofail also said that he is hopeful about establishing rail connections with Nepal by 2018. The two nations recently became part of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN). l

A parallel session titled Promoting South Asian Identity: Role of Media, at the South Asia Economic Summit 2016 at Le Meridien Hotel Dhaka yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

‘We must find the masterminds and financiers of terror’ back in 1997 and during the past 20 years, Bimstec has made progress in connecting our two regions. “Understandably, our progress has been slow, but the groundwork has been done. It’s now time to hasten the process of integration,” she added. Hasina said time has come to seriously re-look at how Bimstec could be made more effective and result-oriented one as well as to draw synergies with other groupings. “While we’ve 14 areas of cooperation under Bimstec, I believe we should try to focus more on some key areas like trade and investment, energy, connectivity and counter-terrorism for next five years. Regular ministerial meetings on the key areas of cooperation are important for building momen-

tum,” she said. To improve the lives and livelihoods of the people of the region, Hasina said all should aim to develop regional projects which will effectively connect Bimstec to the peoples as well as ensure the organisation’s sustainability and visibility. For funding regional projects in the long run, the prime minister said: “We may think of a funding mechanism of our own, while collaboration with external funding sources can also be explored.” Questioning the commitment of all when she observed that they are yet to finally conclude the Bimstec FTA – which was negotiated in 2004, Hasina said: “We need to reiterate our political will in favour of the FTA implementation. “It’ll help enhance our intra-regional

trade and will boost the Bimstec activities and programmes. We may target to finally adopt the four FTA-related agreements during the 20th anniversary of Bimstec next year.” Mentioning that the transport connectivity working group has already met, she expressed her belief that the good work would continue on planning, implementing and monitoring of the prioritised projects, with the active support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). “For enhancing connectivity, we may consider a coastal shipping agreement. We would also like to see the MoU on grid interconnection signed and implemented at the earliest, for better sub-regional grid connectivity and energy trade,” she proposed. l

JMB man executed their sentence. The four others executed include Ataur Rahman Sunny, Abdul Awal Molla alias Omar alias Shakil Ahmed and Amjad Hossain alias Khalid Saifullah. The other was suicide bomber Iftekhar Hassan Al Mamun. Arif, who was absconding during the trial, was arrested on July 10, 2007 and appealed against his sentence. The Appellate Division rejected his appeal on August 28 this year. He is the first death-row convict executed at the Khulna jail in a decade. On May 9, 2004, the jail authorities hanged top criminal Ershad Sikder. Arif’s relatives, from Bandorgachhia village of Barguna, were allowed to meet him at the jail at noon. He would be buried at his in-law’s village in Bagerhat’s Morelganj. Senior assistant judges of the Jhalakathi court Jagannath Pare and Sohel Ahmed were killed in a suicide bomb attack at Purba Chadkati

of the town when they were going to the court on a microbus on November 14, 2005 as part of the JMB’s all-out attacks on the courts and law enforcers across the country. Sohel died on the spot while Jagannath succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. JMB member Mamun, who was injured in the attack, was arrested from the spot. The JMB recently said that their members had conducted the suicide attacks after the August 17, 2005 series blasts as the then “government did not respond to their call for establishing Islamic rule in the country positively.” After the execution of the six JMB leaders, its members shot dead Jhalakathi public prosecutor Haider Hossain who represented the state in the case “as the first revenge.” A Jhalakathi court in February last year sentenced to death five members of the JMB for the murder of Haider. l

News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

AL to invite BNP to council Abu Bakar n Mohammad Siddique Health Minister Mohammad Nasim said Awami League (AL) is going to invite Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to their upcoming council on October 22. He said, “Except Jamaat, we will invite all political parties of the country to our council including BNP, despite its negative practice of politics. We hope BNP will join the council to learn about our achievements and successes and their (BNP) conspiracies.” He made the discloser yesterday at a meeting at Shuhrawardi Udyan organised by the reception subcommittee formed for the upcoming council to brief about the overall preparation for and details of the council. Expressing hope that BNP will join the council to learn about AL achievements and successes and their (BNP’s) conspiracies, Nasim who is a convener of the reception subcommittee of the council said, “Our party’s aim is to unite the people through party council against the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islam’s nonstop bid of to destablize the country by means of violence and terrorism.” He informed the meeting that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the council on October 22 in the morning. Calling upon the out-of-parliament opposition party to join the next parliamentary election leaving the practice of damaging country’s image, Nasim advised, “First you have to love your own people. You can’t get people’s support by loving the foreigners only. Those who love foreigners might end up only in the foreign places; they wouldn’t be received by the people of the country.” Expressing hope that the upcoming council is going to be held amid much festivity and fanfare,

Finance Minister AMA Muhith visits a food exhibition celebrating World Food Day 2016 in Dhaka’s Khamarbari DHAKA TRIBUNE

Hamza Brigade kingpins keep eluding RAB Mizanur Rahaman, n FM Chittagong It has been about two years since Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-7) cracked down on Shahid Hamza Brigade, a militant organisation based in Chittagong, but the two men they have identified as top leaders have so far eluded capture. RAB says the men are Dubai citizen Allama Libdi and a Malaysian expatriate Bangladeshi who the captured militants only know as “Boro Bhai” (big brother). The information RAB has on these two are also scant, despite the fact that most of the organisation is already behind bars, investigators said. Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, RAB-7’s Commanding Officer Lt Col Miftah Uddin Ahmed said: “After quizzing the arrested militants and financiers, RAB learned that Dubai citizen Libdi had come to Bangladesh several times and funded the organi-

other militant groups and former members of Hefazat-e-Islam. The elite force has so far arrested more than 33 persons including five alleged financiers of the brigade. A giant cache of firearms and ammunition including eight AK-22 rifles were also found in their possession. RAB busted the brigade’s indoctrination centre at a qawmi madrasa named Al Madrasatul Abu Bakar in Hathazari upazila on February 19, 2015 and arrested 12 militants. Three days later RAB found a training centre in Lotmoni Pahar area of Banshkhali upazila. Then RAB discovered another hideout of the group at a flat in the Halishahar residential area in Chittagong city where a large quantity of bomb making materials were found. Over the next two years RAB also caught five financiers, three of whom are lawyers and two readymade garment businessmen who allegedly funneled millions to the militant organisation. l

sation to carry out militant activities. “However, the details regarding Libdi are yet to be known.” Lt Col Miftah said after learning of Libdi’s involvement with militant funding, RAB went to immigration to look for his details but failed to get any information as they did not know his passport number. “We have been trying to find out about Libdi by sharing our information with concerned authorities.” He said they had also learned about the involvement of a suspected Malaysian expatriate Bangladeshi. He was code-named “Boro Bhai,” Abdullah, Junayed and Mahmudullah and was funding and guiding the group. However, RAB believes the Hamza Brigade’s network has been destroyed as its top three organisers, key arms supplier and explosive devices expert are all under arrest. Hamza Brigade took form in Chittagong in late 2013, gathering former Chhatra Shibir men, members of

AL leaders at the meeting sought help and cooperation of all sections of people and organisations of the country including different political parties and media to make the council successful. Political parties from 14 countries have been invited to the council. We expect all the guests will come in time, although all of them have not confirmed yet, said the AL Advisory Council member. Nasim also said, “The World Bank earlier withdrew from financing the Padma Bridge project, now its president is visiting Bangladesh today to get first-hand knowledge over how we are alleviating poverty.”

Nasim: Except Jamaat, we will invite all political parties of the country to our council including BNP, despite its negative practice of politics Mentionable, in addition to representatives of different political parties from around 14 countries across the world, diplomats and other dignitaries of foreign missions and organisations have also been invited to the council. Among others AL Joint General Secretary Dipu Moni, Disaster Management and Relief Minister and also convener of food subcommittee Mofazzel Hossain chowdhury Maya, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Jahangir Kabir Nanak, former AL chief whip Abul Hasnat Abdullah, Vice President of AL Dhaka city unit Mrinal Kanti Das, Nazrul Islam Babu, Abdus Sattar were present in the joint meeting. l

Now Amu wants tannery shift by Dec 30 n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi Hazaribagh tanneries will have their utility lines cut if owners fail to relocate factories to Savar Industrial Estate by December 30, Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu has threatened. The minister warned the facto-

erations to Savar as yet. “We set several deadlines for relocation but most owners have missed all of them,” said Amu. While there were delays in the establishment of the park, now the government has removed all barriers in the implementation of the projects, said Amu. l

ry owners during a visit at Savar Leather Industrial Park yesterday. This is the second such warning by the minister. However, although tannery owners who have failed to move are paying a fine of Tk10,000 every day as per a court order, they appear unwilling to transfer their op-

TEMPERATURE FORECAST FOR TODAY

DRY WEATHER LIKELY MONDAY, OCTOBER 17

Dhaka

Chittagong

Rajshahi

DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 5:30PM

Rangpur

Khulna

Barisal

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:58AM

36.2ºC Chandpur

20.0ºC Badalgachi

Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES

Sylhet

Cox’s Bazar

Fajr: 5:20am | Zohr: 1:15pm Asr: 4:30pm | Magrib: 5:50pm Esha: 7:45pm Source: Islamic Foundation

News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Bean cultivators facing loss in Jessore Tauhid-Uz-Zaman, n Md Jessore Farmers of Jessore district thought that they would be benefited with early bean cultivation as like as they got profit in last year. To earn more money, they have planted the vegetable earlier this year. But due to adverse climate they are suffering from huge loss. According to the sources of Agricultural Department of Chaugachha upazila, this year they have set a target at 430 hectares for bean plantation but farmers have grown the bean in 450 hectors as they profited much from bean in the last year. Farmers of the district have cultivated two kinds of bean such as Rupbhan and Ifsha.

Farmers of the upazila alleged that this year they have to face a huge loss due to heavy rain and excessive heat. Haider Ali, a farmer from Khorincha village in Chaugachha upazila, said: “Last year I had sold bean at Tk4o, 000. To get more profit like previous year, I have planted bean in one Bigha. I have already spent Tk20, 000 in the field but I cannot sell bean at Tk2, 000 yet.” Ali also said: “Most of our bean seed have been rotten due to downpour. On the other hand, due to excessive heat flowers do not turn as seeds.” Atiar Rahman, a resident of Chandpara village in the upazila, said: “There is huge demand of

bean in the market and price is also very high, but there is no bean in our plant.” Citing Atiar, Lentu Sardar, Khairul Islam, Abdul Alim and other farmers of the upazila also alleged that, due to adverse climate they have to suffer from huge loss instead of profit. When contacted, Tapu Kumar Mondal, deputy-assistant agricultural officer of Chaugachha upazila, said: “Due to heavy rain in last few months, lands of the area have become wet, which is not suitable for bean cultivation.” He also said: “Excessive heat also harmful for bean.” To get rid of this situation framers of the area demand loans from Krishi Bank with very low interest. l

Lalon’s 126th death anniversary observed Khoda Sobuj, n Kudrote Kushtia The 126th death anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shah, the most prominent figure of country’s baul tradition was observed yesterday. As part of marking his death anniversary, different programmes including three-day fair, cultural function, conference of bauls and discussion began. Local administration has taken tight security measure to avert any untoward incident on the occasion. Apart from the regular forces, anti-crime elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), plain-clothe police

personnel will be on duty during Lalon’s death anniversary programme. Baul Bard Lalon died on the first day of Bangla month of Kartik in 1297. On the day, Lalon Academy organised a three-day fair starting Saturday on a bank of the river Kaliganga at Chheuriya, Kushtia, where Lalon’s shrine is located. Culture Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor will inaugurate the threeday fair. Lalon has secured a unique position in the history of traditional music for his humanitarian songs, blending philosophies of different devotional traditions. l

News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

4 killed in Savar n Nadim Hossen, Savar

Right activists organise a rally in front of Barisal Central Shahid Minar yesterday marking the World Food Day

Three crushed under train in two districts n Tribune Desk

At least three people were killed in train accident in Brahmanbaria and Lakshmipur districts yesterday. In Brahmanbaria, two boys were killed and another one injured as a train crushed them in Bhadughar rail crossing area of the district town in the morning. The deceased were Parvej, 15, and Shuvo, 10. Another boy, named Ripon. 10, was injured in the incident. Sources at the Government Railway Police (GRP) said when the three children were taking the video footage of ‘Sonar Bangla Express’ beside the rail track. The tragic accident took place when Bhairob-bound ‘Balla Local Train’ rammed the children while passing through the crossing, leaving Parvej and Shuvo dead on the spot and Ripon seriously injured. Ripon was rushed to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital from where he was referred to Dhaka. Housewife crushed under truck in Laxmipur Laxmipur, On the otherhand a housewife was crushed under the wheels of a speeding truck at Char Jangalia on Lakshmipur-Ramgati road in Kamalnagar upazila, reports UNB. The deceased was Farida Begum, 47, wife of M Hossain, a resident of Char Jangalia village. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

World Food Day celebrated across the country n Tribune Desk The World Food Day was celebrated in different areas of Bangladesh with a call to boost production of agricrops including fish and edible animals to ensure food security for all. This year’s theme of the day is ‘Climate is Changing and Food and Agriculture Must too’. In Gaibandha, Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) and office of the District Controller of Food chalked out the programmes in cooperation with district administration. In the morning, a procession was brought out from the premises of district collectorate building and ended at the same venue after parading the main roads of the town. Later, a discussion was held at the conference room of DC office with deputy director of DAE AKM Ruhul Amin in the chair while DC M. Abdus Samad addressed it as the chief guest and chief executive officer of Zila Parishad MAKS Mahbubur Rahman was present as the special guest. The meeting was also addressed, among others, by district controller of food M. Amzad Hossain, Gobindaganj upazila agriculture extension officer Dilruba Yasmin, and journalist Sarker M. Shahiduzzaman.

The speakers underscored the need for boosting production of high value crops rice, wheat, and maize at larger scale through using the all the arable land through adapting to the changed climatic condition to achieve country’s food security The speakers also emphasized on farming fish culture and rearing cow, goat and poultry birds to meet the demand of protein and vegetables and species crops which are used for curry cooking side by side with value crops farming, reports BSS. DC M. Abdus Samad in his speeches thanked the agri scientists of the country for innovating agri technologies and the officials of DAE for implementing it in field level in enhancing the food production to push forward the country towards desired development. Our Barisal correspondent reported that right activists organised a rally in front of Barisal Central Shahid Minar and later brought out a procession in the city marking the day. The programme was organised and participated by activists of different rights development organisations including Food safety Network, Prantojon, BELA, MAP and Human Rights Alliance. The programme was addressed among others by Dr Syed Habibur

Rahman, S M Shazada, Zakir Hossain, Shuvangkar Chakraborty, Mizanur Rahman, Lincoln Bayen, B N Khan, Shawkat Ali Badal, Shahjalal, Aleya Parvin, Mannan Kiron, Ziaul Hassan, Ibrahim Hamid Masum, right activists. Our Magura correspondent said Rova Foundation organised different programs in the town to celebrate the day. Members of the foundation held a rally in the morning and arranged a discussion at Magura sadar upazila office premises with Rova Foundation executive director Kazi Kamruzzaman in the chair. In Satkhira, a discussion was held at the auditorium of Satkhira Press Club marking the day. Yarab Hossen, president of Tuzulpur Krishak Club presided over the function where Abul Kalam Azad, president of the press club, Anisur Rahman, president of the district unit Nagorik Committee, Prop Ashek Elahi, editor of the local daily Dakhiner Mashal and Josna Dutta, secretary of Mahila Parishad spoke on the occasion. World Food Day is celebrated every year around the world on October 16 in honor of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. l

Four people were killed in separate incidents including two women in different areas of Savar yesterday. At Hemayatpur, a group of miscreants killed night guard of a CNGrun auto-rickshaw garage Helal Uddin, 60, hailed form Narsinghdi district, by giving him electric shock at Joynabari and took away a three-wheeler. Ppolice recovered the body of Shirina Akter, 18, from her house at Birulia village in the morning. Later, her body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) morgue for autopsy. At Bhakurta, the slaughtered body of an unidentified young man was recovered in the early hours on Sunday. On information, police recovered the body and sent to DMCH morgue. In another incident, a group of youths took an elderly woman to Savar Upazila Health Complex with severe injuries and they then fled. The unidentified man succumbed to his injuries hours after admission. Police suspected the man might have been beaten to death. Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police of Savar Model Police Station Mahabubur Rahman said police were investigating the incidents. l

14 villages in Satkhira go under water

n Asaduzzaman, Satkhira At least 14 villages in Assasuni upazila of Satkhira district have been inundated as tidal surge damaged an embankment at Kola area in Kholpetua River, leaving more than thousand people marooned. Locals said, nearly 250-feet of Kholpetua River embankment was damaged due to heavy pressure of tidal bore at Kola area in the Assasuni upazila of the district yesterday early morning. The gushing water swept through Kola, Pratapnagar, Hijlia and Sreeula unions where thousands acres of paddy fields and fisheries enclosure were washed away. Locals blamed Water Development Board (WDB) for not repairing the embankment in due time which was in endanger for several years. Zakir Hossain, chairman of Pratapnagar union, said: “Few days ago, several villages were washed away as Kola embankment was damaged due to tidal bore. Yesterday, nearly 250-feet of the embankment go in the river which caused flood in the area.” Abu Hena Shakil, chairman of Sreeula union, blamed WDB for their negligence and said: “WDB did not repair the embankment in the due time.” l

8 World

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

SOUTH ASIA

Imran Khan unveils occupy Islamabad plan Pakistan Tehreek–i–Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan unveiled on Saturday his plan to paralyse Islamabad – party workers will block roads leading to government offices, particularly those continuously being mentioned in his speeches. Now, Nawaz Sharif will have to either resign or will be held accountable for his proven corruption, Khan said at a gathering of Insaf Professional Forum. DAWN

INDIA

Pakistan accused of violating ceasefire Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire by firing from small arms on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri district, drawing retaliation from Indian troops, PRO, Ministry of Defence, Jammu said. So far over 25 ceasefire violations have occurred along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir after India carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan–occupied Kashmir. THE HINDU

CHINA

Xi warns of globalisation backlash at Brics summit Chinese President Xi Jinping said Sunday a rising tide of protectionism and anti–globalisation was endangering the world economy’s still fragile recovery as Brics leaders vowed to forge closer business and trade ties. The Chinese president said, deep–seated imbalances that triggered the financial crisis were far from being resolved. AFP

ASIA PACIFIC

Thousands flee as typhoon Sarika lashes Philippines Typhoon Sarika lashed the main Philippine island of Luzon on Sunday, flattening homes and toppling trees and power pylons as more than 12,000 people fled to safer ground. Minor landslides and flooding were also reported a day after the cyclone brushed past the remote eastern island of Catanduanes. AFP

MIDDLE EAST

Kuwait ameer dissolves parliament Kuwaiti Ameer Sheikh Sabah al– Ahmad Al–Sabah on Sunday issued a decree dissolving the Gulf state’s parliament. The move came less than 24 hours after parliament speaker Marzouk al–Ghanem called for snap elections in the face of mounting security and economic challenges. The ameer’s decree was issued at the recommendation of the government which held an emergency meeting earlier Sunday to discuss the standoff with MPs. AFP

Modi calls Pakistan mother–ship of terrorism at Brics summit n Tribune International Desk Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi branded Pakistan a “mother– ship of terrorism” at a summit of the Brics nations on Sunday, testing the cohesion of a group whose heavyweight member China is a close ally of India’s arch–rival. Modi’s remarks to a meeting of leaders from the Brics – which include Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa – escalated his diplomatic drive to isolate Pakistan, which India accuses of sponsoring cross–border terrorism. Tensions between the nuclear–armed neighbours have been running high since a September 18 attack on an army base in Kashmir, near the disputed frontier with Pakistan, killed 19 Indian soldiers in the worst such assault in 14 years. India later said it had carried out retaliatory “surgical strikes” across the de facto border that inflicted significant casualties. Pakistan denied any role in the attack on the Uri army base, and said the Indian operation had not even happened, dismissing it as typical cross–border firing. “In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development,” Modi said in remarks to Brics leaders who met at a resort hotel in the western state of Goa. “Tragically, the mother–ship of terrorism is a country in India’s neighbourhood,” the 66–year–old prime minister said, without directly naming Pakistan, in a series of tweets of his remarks issued by the foreign ministry. Modi’s hostile comments were not, however, reflected in a closing statement he read out to reporters. “We were unanimous in recognising the threat that terrorism, extremism and radicalisation presents, not just to the regional and global peace, stability and prosperity,” he said. “But, also to our society, our way of life and humanity as a whole.” No immediate reaction was available from Pakistan’s foreign ministry. Modi’s posturing overshadowed the gathering of a group that was set up to boost economic cooperation, and made it possible for the nationalist leader to present himself at home as tough on national security. “Modi is aware that such language wouldn’t get the consensus necessary to make it into the final communique. Including it in his speech ensures it gets wide circulation anyway,” said South Asia ex-

Left to right, Brazil’s President Michel Temer, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian PM Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Jacob Zuma pose infront of a sand sculpture ahead of Brics summit in Benaulim, in the western state of Goa, India on October 15 REUTERS pert Shashank Joshi. The summit achievements were incremental, and included establishing an agricultural research institute and speeding up work on creating a joint credit ratings agency. Also on Sunday’s programme was an outreach session with leaders from a little–known group of countries from the Bay of Bengal region whose key attribute, from India’s point of view, is that Pakistan is not a member.

Lack of strategic restraint

Modi’s hard line on Pakistan marks a departure from India’s tradition of strategic restraint, and New Delhi has won expressions of support from both the West and Russia over the army base attack. Yet China, a longstanding ally of Pakistan that plans to build a $46bn export corridor to the Arabian Sea coast, has been cautious in its comments. Modi and President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on Saturday evening and accounts of their conversation emerging from both sides pointed to clear differences of opinion. In one remark reported by the state Xinhua news agency, Xi said that China and India should “support each other in participating in regional affairs and enhance cooperation within multilateral frameworks”. The dispatch went on to refer to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc). This grouping includes Pakistan, which was to have hosted a summit in November that collapsed after India and other members pulled out. The final summit declaration repeated earlier condemnations of “terrorism in all its forms” and devoted several paragraphs to joint effort

to fight terrorism. It did not, however, level any blame over the tensions between India and Pakistan. “So far, we haven’t seen any indication at all that China is softening its public support for Pakistan. India did not expect differently,” said Joshi, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London.

Speed global recovery, fight terrorism

Presidents Xi Jinping of China, Vladimir Putin of Russia, Michel Temer of Brazil and Jacob Zuma of South Africa, and their host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also vowed in the declaration to tackle the global economic slowdown and reform the world’s financial architecture. The group, which represents nearly half of the world’s population and a quarter of its economy, with a combined annual GDP of $16.6tn, renewed its commitment to speed global recovery by investing in infrastructure projects and the manufacturing sector. The Brics leaders adopted three agreements, including two to set up separate research networks for developing agriculture and railways. They agreed to crack down on economic crime by fighting tax evasion, money laundering and corruption. “We have agreed to make the Brics a strong voice on emerging regional and global issues,” Modi told reporters. The Brics leaders stressed the need to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection, and hailed the early entry into force of the Paris climate agreement. The Brics nations agreed that the New Development Bank, which the group set up in 2014,

should continue to focus on infrastructure, technology and renewable energy sectors, adding that “in order to further bridge the gap in the global financial architecture, we agreed to fast track the setting up of a Brics credit rating agency.” The thrust of the declaration reflected the flagging economic fortunes of the Brics countries in recent years due to the global slowdown. In Russia, the decline in global oil and commodity prices coupled with biting Western sanctions have dealt a blow to the economy. The Chinese economy has slowed to its slowest pace in 25 years, although its 7% growth rate still places it among the fastest–growing global economies. South Africa remains caught in severe economic turmoil, with the country’s credit rating at risk of being downgraded to junk by the end of the year. Brazil is only just emerging from months of the worst economic recession it has seen since the 1930s, a situation that was further worsened by recent political turmoil. India, although the fastest–growing country in the world at 7.5% annually, is grappling with widespread poverty and the challenge of strikes against militants in Kashmir. The high priority that the summit’s final declaration gave to fighting extremism will likely be seen as a major victory for India. New Delhi has long been trying to gather international support for the fight against terrorism stemming from its own concerns about militants who it says cross the border from Pakistan into Indian–controlled Kashmir. Pakistan denies the allegation. l

Sources: REUTERS, AP

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Turkish–backed Syrian opposition captures Dabiq from IS n Tribune International Desk Turkish–backed Syrian opposition forces have captured the symbolically significant town of Dabiq from the Islamic State group, the factions said Sunday morning. A commander of the Syrian opposition Hamza Brigade said Islamic State fighters put up “minimal” resistance to defend the northern Syrian town before withdrawing in the direction of the much larger IS–held town of al–Bab to the south. Saif Abu Bakr said some 2,000 opposition fighters pushed into Dabiq with tank and artillery support from the Turkish army. The commander said the extremists left the town heavily mined. Both Turkish and international coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on Dabiq and nearby Arshak, the Turkish state–run Anadolu news agency reported. The Islamic State group took control of the town, which had

a prewar population of about 3,000 people, in August 2014. The group’s propaganda had boasted of the fight for the northern Syrian town, citing Islamic lore that it would be the scene of a major battle between crusaders and army of the Muslim caliphate that would herald Doomsday. The group’s English language magazine, Dabiq, is named after the town, and in 2014 they said they had buried the American captive Peter Abdul–Rahman Kassig there. The Turkish military intervened in the Syrian war in August this year under orders from Ankara to clear the border area from the Islamic State group and from US–backed Syrian Kurdish forces linked Turkey’s own outlawed Kurdish insurgency. The Turkish government describes both groups as terrorists. Syrian opposition forces backed by Turkish ground and air forces have since expelled Islamic State militants from their last po-

Fighters from the Free Syrian Army fire an anti–aircraft machine gun during fighting against the IS in the Marj Dabiq area, Syria on October 10 AFP sitions along the Syrian–Turkish frontier and are closing in on Al– Bab, one of the last remaining IS strongholds in Syria’s contested Aleppo province. Turkey has bused thousands of opposition fighters from other fronts in northern Syria to the frontier as part of operation “Euphrates Shield,” named after the

n Tribune International Desk

vital river that runs through the region. The Britain–based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group, which monitors the conflict through a network of local contacts, said the extremist group had sent over 1,000 fighters to defend Dabiq last week before withdrawing hurriedly. l

In response, the Navy said it fired Tomahawk missiles at three coastal radar sites held by the Houthis – the first direct American attack in the war. The US also says the missiles fired by the Houthis appear to be Iranian, further internationalising the conflict. While Iran denies arming the Houthis, the Navy says it has intercepted several boats carrying Iranian weapons likely heading for Yemen since the conflict began.

By firing missiles into Yemen, the United States likely will be further entangled in a stalemate war in the Arab world’s poorest country, a conflict it has sought to extract itself from in recent weeks, reports The Associated Press. But who exactly is fighting in Yemen and what does the US have to do it with it?

A country at war

Since launching its campaign, the Saudi–led coalition retook the port city of Aden and lands in southern Yemen. However, Sanaa and the Houthi heartland of northern Yemen remain held by

Dancing on the heads of snakes Houthi rebels hold their weapons as they chant slogans during a gathering in Sanaa, Yemen AP the rebels. A ground offensive to retake the capital, which likely would involve street–by–street fighting and heavy casualties, appears unlikely. Instead, the Saudi–led campaign has relied on airstrikes. Those airstrikes, however, have proven deadly for civilians. A United Nations report said coalition airstrikes were responsible for 60% of civilian deaths over a yearlong span starting in July 2015.

provided Yemen with hundreds of millions of dollars in security assistance. American troops were evacuated from Yemen amid the latest Houthi push, but airstrikes targeting al–Qaeda have continued. US forces offered targeting guidance to the Saudi–led coalition and logistical assistance at the beginning of their campaign. They have pulled back in recent weeks, however, over the coalition killing civilians in their airstrikes.

An increasingly wary us

Exchanging missile fire

After the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, the US launched drone strikes against suspected al–Qaeda militant targets in the country from a local military base and

Trump challenges Clinton to drug test Donald Trump has challenged his rival Hillary Clinton to a drug test before their next debate, suggesting the Democrat was pumped up on performance–enhancing drugs in a stunning new twist to the brutal White House race. The unsubstantiated attack from the Republican nominee came as a new poll out Sunday shows Clinton with a four–point lead over her Republican rival. AFP

Maduro decrees Venezuela budget

How Yemen’s stalemate war could entangle US

A stalled offensive

USA

THE AMERICAS

EXPLAINER

Yemen, on the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, has been in the midst of a civil war since September 2014. That’s when Shia rebels, known as Houthis, swept into the capital of Sanaa and overthrew the country’s internationally recognised government. Houthi allies include forces loyal to Yemen’s former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and have the backing of Shia power Iran. In March 2015, a Saudi–led coalition of Arab countries began a military campaign against the Houthi forces, saying its mission served in part as a counterbalance to Iran’s influence.

World

The USS Mason, an American destroyer, has come under missile fire twice in recent days in the Red Sea from Houthi–held territory in Yemen, according to the US Navy.

The US attack on the Houthis came 16 years to the day al–Qaeda militants in Yemen bombed the USS Cole, killing 17 American sailors. Though against a different enemy now, the missile strike comes as al–Qaeda holds territory in eastern Yemen amid the vacuum created by the civil war. The Islamic State group has a presence as well. The strike also suggests any further attack on US warships will draw retaliatory American fire. And while backing away from helping the Saudi–led coalition, the US still sells billions of dollars’ worth of weaponry to the kingdom. Saleh, Yemen’s former president, once described the challenge of governing Yemen as “dancing on the heads of snakes.” Now it seems the US faces the same dance in Yemen, with partners it can’t ignore. l

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro issued the government’s 2017 budget by decree Friday, bypassing the opposition–held legislature in a move that could deepen the country’s economic crisis. The move came a day after Venezuela’s Supreme Court – which the opposition says is stacked with Maduro supporters – ruled that the leftist leader did not have to submit his budget to the National Assembly. AFP

British PM heads to India British Prime Minister Theresa May will lead a delegation of small and medium–size businesses to India in November as part of efforts to bolster trade with countries outside the EU as Britain prepares to leave the bloc. May will hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her visit, and the two heads of government will together inaugurate a tech summit in New Delhi. REUTERS

EUROPE

Nato, Russia overshadow Montenegro vote Montenegro’s ruling party faced a tough test in national elections on Sunday, hoping its promise to bring the country into Nato and closer to the European Union will outweigh opposition allegations of corruption. Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, 54, has presented the vote as a choice between continuing Western integration under his Democratic Party of Socialists or being reduced to a Russian colony under the opposition. REUTERS

AFRICA

Libya rival seizes key GNA offices Libya’s UN–backed unity government has suffered a new setback after a political rival seized key offices in the capital and proclaimed the reinstatement of the former administration. The United Nations’ Libya envoy condemned the latest challenge to the authority of the Government of National Accord (GNA), warning it would sow further disorder and insecurity. AFP

World

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Newspapers setting campaign agenda for 2016 US election 22 DAYS REMAIN

n James Warren Donald Trump bashed The New York Times' "outright lies" last week. It was The Washington Post a few days earlier. It's to be expected. They've gotten under his skin by kicking his butt. Step back and think how many stories they've broken, how many tweets they've inspired, how much cable coverage is pegged to regurgitating their exclusives. Their industry is declining and ridiculed by digital upstarts. But two bastions

of old media exhibit the potency of old–fashioned reporting and editing, with a few bells and whistles thrown in, such as Post reporter David Fahrenthold's use of crowdsourcing to find stories on Trump's foundation. Along with sophisticated analyses of policy and polling, The Times has had big stories on Trump and women, exploiting immigrants to work for him and his taxes, among many others. The Post's been great on Trump's foundation and his notorious "Access Hollywood" appearance, among many others. Coverage of Hillary Clinton is strong, too. Producers of TV's morning news shows would be apoplectic if they

UGLY US ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 1800

Negative campaigning. President John Adams (left) finds himself running against Vice-President Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson’s camp accuses Adams of being a hermaphrodite, while Adams’ supporters accuse Jefferson of being the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father, and of having an affair with one of his female slaves. Jefferson defeats Adams

1828

Nastiest contest. Slurs fly back and forth between war veteran General Andrew Jackson (left) and John Quincy Adams, with Adams accused of being a pimp. Jackson’s mother is labelled a prostitute brought to America by British soldiers, and his wife, Rachel, is called a slut and "convicted adulteress." Jackson wins election. White House inauguration day party descends into a drunken brawl

1992

More sex and morals. Leading into New Hampshire primaries, Gennifer Flowers (right) — former model and one-time cabaret dancer – nearly wrecks Democratic candidate Bill Clinton’s run for presidency. Flowers claims she had a 12-year affair with Clinton while he was governor of Arkansas. Clinton aggressively denies Flowers’ allegation and goes on to defeat President George HW Bush in November

2016

Gloves are off, nothing is out of bounds. Republican nominee Donald Trump responds to an outcry over his lewd remarks about groping women by claiming Democrat Hillary Clinton attacked women who accused her husband of sexual abuse, and promises to send former secretary of state to jail if elected

stopped publishing suddenly. Yes, other organisations have done great work and used new digital tools with aplomb. There's been more good stuff than ever before, if also more crap. But, generally, others have not been as sustained in their enterprise journalism. The resources they've devoted to the campaign have shown in spades. "The Post and the Times — for all their faults, in whatever way you want to argue with them — are invaluable institutions and this country would be immensely poorer without them," says David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, whose magazine's work has also been consistently fine. "This sorry election makes that manifest. The Sulzbergers have the right values, and you can only hope they have the right business strategy and sufficient means to keep the paper. And while I have great regard for the Grahams, it's obvious that Jeff Bezos has poured resources into the Post and let Marty Baron lead the paper." He adds, "Everyone in this field, everyone who cares about doing the right thing, has to figure out the future, day by day, year by year; we talk constantly about the technological and financial side of things — we'd be remiss not to — but let's also take note of values, the news values, the investigative values and muscle, on display." Fuzz Hogan: A former CNN bureau chief who is managing editor of New America, a nonpartisan foundation, says, "There's tremendous value in the new forms of journalism — so many reporters attacking a story and so much innovation around finding audience and formats to help inform the public. At such a moment, it seems like the legacy publications have figured out a differentiated value that is hard to replicate in other places: the editorial supervision to think strategically, drive stories, let people go very long, and then shape the coverage into a cohesive package and not chase squirrels." Matthew Baum: A public policy expert at Harvard, demurs to the extent he argues that the mainstream's longstanding "tools for determining what is or isn’t newsworthy have proven inadequate to deal with the candidacy of Donald Trump." (Huffington Post) But, especially in recent months, he tells me, he believes the two papers have been outstanding. Larry Sabato: The University of Virginia political scientist, doesn't "see how you can understand what's really going on without reading them each morning. Maybe less

has changed in the political media world than we've all thought." Brandon Rottinghaus: A political scientist at the University of Houston, concludes, "Scoops have synched with deep reporting from these outlets and have shaped and reshaped the 2016 race many times over. In an era where anyone with a computer is a journalist and WikiLeaks splashes headlines with closeted information, the old war horses still set the pace."

BuzzFeed's interactive game show

"BuzzFeed Motion Pictures, which earns more than 5 billion video views monthly, and Keshet Studios, the LA branch of Keshet International, will bring an interactive game show to the digital culture. Based on the Israeli game show Touch, BuzzFeed and Keshet will create a 'next– generation, transmedia' version of the game, according to the companies. BuzzFeed has not announced yet where the show will air."

Trump would lose his suit against The New York Times

Trump is threatening a defamation suit against The New York Times for its story of two women alleging he touched them very inappropriately. Legal experts explained to me he'd lose such a suit. But that might not stop him. Why? Pure emotional vengeance, namely trying to inflict inconvenience and fat legal costs upon your opponent. And there's the notion of deterrence, namely seeking a way to make other women even more nervous about coming forward, or cooling the ardor of other media who might mull looking into your life.

The morning babble

On "Fox & Friends," co–host Steve Doocy rallied to Trump's defence. "Do you believe the press? And you know what? A lot of people don't." It showed video of Trump rally attendees booing the arrival of his traveling press corps. It gave credence to the notion of the media "colluding with Hillary Clinton" with a breakdown of time spent on Trump and Clinton–related WikiLeaks disclosures last night on the broadcast evening newscasts. ABC News: 9 minutes on Trump, 30 seconds WikiLeaks. NBC News: 9 minutes on Trump, no mention of WikiLeaks. CBS: 5 minutes on Trump, 26 seconds on WikiLeaks. "Fox & Friends" then gave us Newt Gingrich telling Bill O'Reilly, "journalism in the sense that you grew up with and I grew up with has totally collapsed. The New York Times has been the leader in this collapse...The stuff they've been doing on Trump is an absurdity."

The Fahrenthold Way The Washington Post's David Fahrenthold as he used social media to track down ledes and story confirmation about Donald Trump's foundation. A series of his tweets: "1/Here's something I need help on, folks..." "2/in late 80s, NYC biz leaders organized an effort to remake the Pulitzer Fountain in Grand Army Plaza, outside Trump's plaza hotel..." "3/fundraisers asked for a voluntary "window tax" from surrounding properties. $0.50 per square foot" "4/I want to know if this $264K gift — the largest in the history of @realDonaldTrump's Fdn — was counted as gift from the Plaza, his business" "5/Central Park conservancy no–commented. Anybody in NYC have a suggestion about who else might have records?"

A plea for polling sanity New York Times reporter Nate Cohn, who spends much of his work life analysing numbers, tweeted, "Just stop reporting Emerson polls. It's a landline–only survey by college kids that weights to made up stuff." (@Nate_Cohn)

Blame the messenger. On MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Willie Geist likened the latest Trump anti–media, conspiracy–laden salvo to the final scene in 1969's "The Wild Bunch," with that aging gang's guns blazing and wiping out all in their midst. (YouTube)

Polls, media behind closed doors

There's a big US Senate campaign in Pennsylvania and GOP incumbent Pat Toomey just spoke before the 124–year–old Pen and Pencil, the "oldest operating press club." It could have made news if, alas, sessions there weren't off the record. David Boardman, who heads the Media and Communication at Temple University, finds that absurd. l

[James Warren is a current or former contributor to The Atlantic, Huffington Post, Vanity Fair, Daily Beast, CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. Source: www. Poyenter.org] Find more stories on US presidential election at www.dhakatribune.com

World

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Haitians snatch aid as UN chief pays visit n Reuters, Les Cayes, Haiti Haitians desperate for relief from hunger and sickness in the wake of Hurricane Matthew looted United Nations trucks on Saturday during a short visit to a hard–hit port town by UN Secretary–General Ban Ki– moon, who promised more aid. The Category 4 hurricane tore through Haiti on October 4, killing about 1,000 people and leaving more than 1.4 million in need of humanitarian aid, including 175,000 made homeless. Flooding has triggered a new wave of cholera infections, a disease introduced to Haiti by UN peacekeepers a few months after the country’s last major humanitarian crisis, a destructive 2010

earthquake. “We are going to mobilise as many resources and as much medical support as we can to first of all stop the cholera epidemic and second support the families of the victims,” Ban said at a news conference. He promised a new trustee fund to tackle cholera. The storm also disrupted power, communications and transport links. Essential relief such as roofing, food and medicines has been slow to reach many areas, prompting locals to blockade roads to try to stop passing trucks, and some cases of looting. “I firmly condemn all attacks against humanitarian convoys. Today I personally witnessed a WFP (World Food Programme) truck be-

ing attacked,” Ban said during his one–day stop in Haiti, saying such incidents hurt those most in need. A coordinator for the American wing of the World Health Organisation said the UN base in Les Cayes that Ban arrived at was shut down after looting of two World Food Programme food containers outside the base on Saturday. The coordinator requested anonymity because she was not authorized to speak to the media. He visited a school housing hurricane victims, promising to help them and urging them to “stay strong.” As he approached his car to leave the school amid heavy security, locals shouted, “Our houses were destroyed ... Help us!” Ban’s visit was an opportunity

A UN peacekeeper from Senegal fires tear gas as troops clash with rock–throwing neighborhood residents outside a UN base in Les Cayes, Haiti on October 15 AP for the South Korean to burnish his legacy at the world body before his final term expires at year end. Ban’s tenure has coincided with rape allegations in Central African Republic and a cholera epidemic in Haiti, both blamed on UN peacekeepers.

Cholera has stalked the regions of Haiti affected by the hurricane, as towns dotting the coastline – many of which had not had the disease in months – have reported spikes in the number of cases and deaths. Many Haitians lack access to drinkable water after the storm. l

12 Business

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

TOP STORIES Analysts: Sustainable infrastructure key to faster economic growth

Muhith: Jim’s visit a great occasion n Asif Showkat Kallol

from the IDA. He said the amount is “much higher than the current commitment of $52bn. “I hope that the country will get $1.2bn this year while the World Bank gave of $1.7bn last year.” Muhith said the drop of poverty rate in Bangladesh will be highlighted at the conference on the International Day of Poverty Alleviation. In 2013, the country’s poverty rate was 22.5% while the ultra poverty rate was 9%. “By 2018, the country expects the poverty rate will drop to 12%,” finance minister said. Jim will be the fifth World Bank president visiting Bangladesh since the country’s independence. Among the former presidents, Robert Strange McNamara and Robert Bruce Zoellick had visited the country during their tenures. A US citizen of South Korean origin Jim Yong Kim became the president of the World Bank in 2012. l

The development bank set up by the BRICS group of emerging economies will ramp up lending to $2.5bn next year after making its first loans to back green projects, its president KV Kamath told Reuters. PAGE 14

Finance Minister AMA Muhith described the visit of the World Bank president “a great occasion” as, according to him, such visit would take Bangladesh’s relation with the lender to new heights. He also said strain in relation with the lender due to cancellation of Padma Bridge funding on corruption allegations had also started to improve after the current president’s review of the matter. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim arrived in Dhaka on Sunday evening. He is scheduled to attend a conference organised marking the “International Day on Poverty Alleviation” Monday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. “The visit of World Bank president is a great occasion for us and this visit will take our relation with the Bank to new heights,” AMA Muhith told the Dhaka Tribune.

Capital market snapshot: Sunday DSE

Stocks end flat amid choppy trading

For faster economic growth and general progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, sustainable infrastructure and industrialisation should be looked at as paramount factors, said analysts yesterday. PAGE 13

BRICS development bank to lend $2.5bn next year

Broad Index

4,709.6

0.2% ▲

Index

1,123.3

-0.0% ▼

30 Index

1,764.8

-0.2% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

4,838.3

18.6% ▲

Turnover in Mn Vol

178.9

48.5% ▲

All Share Index 14,487.0

0.3% ▲

30 Index

0.3% ▲

CSE

Selected Index

13,083.7 8,817.2

0.3% ▲

Turnover in Mn Tk

312.1

49.8% ▲

Turnover in Mn Vol

12.8

69.6% ▲

n Tribune Business Desk

Stocks closed flat amid choppy trading yesterday, bouncing off the day’s lows with the help of the banking sector. The market opened lower dragged down by profit-booking mainly on power issues. However, it closed marginally higher on banking issues after fluctuation. The benchmark index of Dhaka Stock Exchange DSEX rose 8 points or 0.2% to settle at 4,709, extending its gaining streak for

World Bank President Jim Yong Kim He said: “We are the largest recipient of funding from the World Bank group through its concessional window, International De-

the second straight session. The DS30 index, comprising blue chips, lost nearly 3 points to 1,764. The DSE Shariah Index witnessed fractional fall of 0.4 point to 1,123. The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index CSCX gained around 30 points to 8,817. However, trading activities increased as the DSE turnover stood at Tk483 crore, up over 187% over previous session. Trading concentration was particularly on bank, power and engineering sectors, accounting for more than 51% of

velopment Assistance.” Muhith said the government expect to have fresh commitment of a $72bn as mostly soft loans

total turnover on DSE. Banks performed well gaining highest over 1%, led by Jamuna Bank soaring over 5%. Out of top 10 gainers, four were from banking issues. Pharmaceuticals, non-banking financial institutions, telecommunications, jute and IT sectors closed in positive territory. Power sector was the biggest loser, declining about 1%, driven by Power Grid which dropped over 4%. Engineering, food & allied, textile and mutual funds sectors were

other negative performers. Out of total 323 companies traded on DSE, 137 moved up, 135 down while 51 remained unchanged. State-owned gas distribution company Titas Gas was the most traded share with a turnover worth about Tk27 crore. It was followed by National Bank Limited, Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills Limited, BSRM Limited, Bangladesh Building System, Mobil Jamuna Limited Bangladesh and Olympic Industries. l

dot bangla domain usage policy to be finalised today n Ishtiaq Husain Posts and Telecommunications Division would finalise the usage policy of dot bangla domain today. A meeting would be held in this regard while State Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Tarana Halim will preside over it. The state-owned telecommunication company has fixed the domain price for users while it would go for a massive campaign for publicity. After the policy approval, Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) will launch the country’s specific domain – dot bangla (.bangla) soon. Earlier, Meer Mohammad Morshed, director (Public Relations and Publication) of the stateowned company, told the Dhaka Tribune that BTCL has done all sorts of preparations and is awaiting the approval of Post and Telecommunications Division, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) allotted the new dot bangla (.bangla) internet domain to help Bangladesh express its own identity internationally on October 5. Before allocation of the domain, the authority concerned presented logic to get Bangladesh the domain. According to BTCL, the total number of registered users of existing .bd has reached 36,500. l

Banks asked to install autoalarming system n Tribune Business Desk Bangladesh Bank has asked all the scheduled banks in the country to take precautionary measures to prevent robberies in branches. The banks have been advised to introduce auto-alarming system in every branch as a security step so that steps can be taken immediately against any “unexpected situations,” said a circular issued by the central bank yesterday. They have also been advised to take some necessary steps to make auto-alarming system more effective including setting up auto-door locks. Under the system, doors will be closed as soon as the alarm bells ring. There will be pin codes to open the door of the branches. The alarm bell system will be equipped with laser beam so that the banks remain within security coverage even at nights, according to the circular. Banks have been asked to attach motion detectors close-circuit cameras along with the alarming system. l

Business

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Analysts: Sustainable infrastructure key to faster economic growth n Tribune Business Desk For faster economic growth and general progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, sustainable infrastructure and industrialisation should be looked at as paramount factors, said analysts yesterday. They said lack of quality infrastructure results in reduced access to jobs, markets, training and information, creating a barrier to doing business and also limits access to education and health care. They were speaking at one of the sessions on ‘Promoting Sustainable Industrialisation: Opportunity for Job Creation and Income Generation’ of a two-day 9th South Asia Economic Summit (SAES) that

ended in Dhaka yesterday. The local think tank Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) with other premier South Asian think tanks hosted the event under the theme ‘Reimagining South Asia in 2030’. They were also of the view that industrialisation, which is an indirect effect of adequate infrastructure, and the resultant job multiplication has also been shown to have a positive impact on social and economic life. Director at School of Management & Training Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Professor Arif Waqif, in his key note paper, said traditional and indigenous technologies have their roots in local markets, and expertise and experience accumulated and transmitted over generations

of their practitioners. He put emphasis on co-operation at the intra-regional and regional and said “There is a great deal of scope fpr promoting cross-boarder experience-sharing and technology and skill development and transfer in traditional and indigenous technology.” The keynote conceptually explored socio-economic, developmental and environmental implications of modern and traditional technologies, illustrating them through distinguishing characteristics in selected products and processes. It suggested the need to consider a balance between modern and traditional technologies in the background of their socio-economic, political-economic and environmen-

tal sustainability over the long run. President of Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Syed Nasim Manzur said the government should take steps to promote private sector for industrialisation, which will help sustain industry and create employments. The session panelists included Research Assistant Institute of Policy Studies of Sri-Lanka Kithmina Hewage, Resident Representative Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Bangladesh Office Franziska Korn, Deputy Executive Director CUTS International, Udai Singh Mehta from India, CPD Additional Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem and Associate Director Economic Development The Asia Foundation, Bangladesh Syed A Al-Muti. l

BRICS agrees to fast-track new credit rating agency n AFP, Benaulim

Analysts at a session of the ninth South Asia Economic Summit at Le Méridien Hotel in Dhaka yesterday

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Digital World 2016 begins on wednesday n Ishtiaq Husain Digital World 2016, a three-daylong Mega ICT event of the country, is going to be held in the capial on Wednesday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the digital fair at a function in International Convention City, Bashundhara (ICCB). Prime Minister’s ICT affairs advisor Sajeeb Wazed Joy will attend the inaugural ceremony of the fair. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, state minister for ICT Division, said this yesterday at a press conference at Press Information Department (PID) at the secretariat in the city. Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said Bangladesh is the role model for the development under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Our country is admirable to the world.”

“The country’s income from IT export increased 23 times ($26 million to $700 million) over the last seven years under the direct supervision of Sajeeb Wazed Joy,” added Inu. Zunaid Ahmed Palak said digital fair is a platform through which to inform the global world of the country’s achievement. ICT secretary Shyam Sunder Sikder, BCC Executive Director Ashraful Islam, A2i Project Director Kabir Bin Anowar BASIS president Mostafa Jabbar were, among others, present at the conference. The ICT Division has organised the digital world with the theme of ‘Non Stop Bangladesh.’ Around 400 exhibitors from Bangladesh and abroad will participate in the event. Among them, many are policymakers, senior government officials, industry leaders, civil society spokespersons, investors and multinational software vendors.

Representatives of ICT companies, international ICT associations, international development agencies, local software development firms will be present alongside multinational and local companies, public departments and agencies implementing successful ICT & e-Governance projects. Representatives from renowned IT training institutes as well as University faculty members and students will also be present. Different ministries will showcase e-Services in order to feature the development of e-governance in achieving the vision 2021 “Digital Bangladesh”. The purpose of fair is to exhibit online services provided by the government as well as to exchange information between the government and a variety of recipients, citizens, business and also other stakeholders. l

The BRICS nations agreed yesterday to fast-track the setting up of their own credit-rating agency to better cater to developing economies, rivalling existing ones based in Western countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said they agreed to move ahead on the ratings agency, although there was no timetable announced for its formation. “To further bridge the gap in the global financial architecture, we agreed to fast-track the setting up of the BRICS credit rating agency,” Modi said. “In the past year, BRICS have played an active role in shaping the global agenda for change and development,” he said. The agency comes amid accusations from within the bloc that the three traditional ones - Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings - are all Western-based and favour those economies. Plans for the agency follow the establishment of a BRICS bank 12 months ago with an initial capital of $100bn, which has been seen as a challenge to Western-based institutions. The “New Development Bank” has so far granted total loans of $900m focused on renewable energy projects to the BRICS member nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. “NDB has kept clean energy and green and sustainable infrastructure as its priority,” Modi said. l

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Business

BRICS development bank to New messaging apps gain traction lend $2.5bn next year in workplace

n Reuters The development bank set up by the BRICS group of emerging economies will ramp up lending to $2.5bn next year after making its first loans to back green projects, its president KV Kamath told Reuters. The BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - agreed to create the New Development Bank (NDB) in July 2014 with initial authorised capital of $100bn. The lender was officially launched a year later. “The second year is scaling up, concentrating on people, getting all the skillsets in,” said Kamath, a veteran Indian banker appointed as the first head of the Shanghai-based NDB. He was speaking on the fringes of a weekend BRICS summit hosted in the resort state of Goa by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gathering seeks to add substance to the group that grew out of an acronym devised by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill back in 2003 that projected a long-term boom and global power shift in their favour. With Russia, Brazil and South Africa on the economic skids and China slowing, the initial euphoria has faded, yet

n AFP, Washington

Michel Temer, Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping and Jacob Zuma pose for a group picture during BRICS Summit in Benaulim REUTERS Kamath said the BRICS had much to gain by deepening their cooperation. “The fact is that these countries, collectively, have for the last few years contributed to more than 50% of incremental economic wealth that has been generated globally,” said Kamath. “I don’t see that changing.” The NDB, headquartered in Shanghai, will expand its staff to 300 over the next three years but run a tight operation that seeks to take quick decisions and transfer experience across all five BRICS member states. It has already approved loans totalling

$900m to green projects in each member state. It has also started a renminbi-denominated borrowing programme, issuing a 3bn yuan ($450m) bond. Kamath, 68, said there was plenty of room for new lenders like the NDB and the Chinese-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), in addition to established institutions like the World Bank. “Infrastructure alone has needs globally of $1-1.5tn a year – all the multilateral banks put together can do maybe 15% of this,” said Kamath, who ran India’s ICICI Bank Ltd from 1996 until 2009. l

Looking to break out of a “messy” email situation, the nonprofit group dosomething. org recently switched over to a new way of communicating among its far-flung teams. Moving most internal communications to the messaging application Slack with its “channels” for various teams made it easier to coordinate the group’s social change projects across 131 countries, said software engineer Joe Kent. “All the teams have their channels and anyone can jump in and see what the others are doing,” Kent told AFP. “You can follow the conversation a lot more quickly.” Slack, created in 2013, has become a leader in a crowded field of new applications aimed at helping workplaces move away from email. Facebook this month jumped headlong into this segment with its Workplace application, aiming to leverage the popularity of the leading social network used by some 1.7 billion people. Facebook is among an array of competitors vying for a slice of this market, including several startups and Microsoft. San Francisco-based Slack has raised some $500m at a reported valuation of some $4bn, making it one of the most prominent venture-funded tech “unicorns” worth over $1bn. With some three million active users, including nearly one million paying for “premium” service, Slack has become one of the fastest-growing business applications. Craig Le Clair of Forrester Research said these services are growing because younger “millennials” have different ways of working. “They want to work when they want to, they want chat sessions that better integrate with their social media lives,” Le Clair said. Le Clair said many workplaces are facing “information overload” due to the volume of emails that need to be sorted and prioritized. “The goal is to get out of email hell,” he said.

‘Just sign up’

Small- and medium-sized businesses find Slack espe-

cially appealing because of its ease of use on both mobile and desktop devices, says Mark Beccue, an analyst who researched the market for Compass Intelligence. “There’s no friction. Companies don’t have to go through a major software license process, you just sign up,” Beccue said. “It’s the consumerization of an enterprise product.” The global enterprise chat and messaging market is set to reach $1.9bn by 2019, according to Beccue’s report. Slack came at the right time for companies seeking new ways to improve workplace efficiency, Beccue said. “I think they are major driver of innovation for business productivity,” he said. Slack and rivals like Atlassian’s HipChat and Microsoft’s Yammer offer social media-style interfaces for messages, and some integrate with business applications to enable voice calls, video and other services. Slack recently teamed with cloud computing group Salesforce to broaden its offerings in services such as customer relations management. Slack also allows organizations to create channels for communicating outside the enterprise, powered by artificial intelligence “bots.” “Slack is moving away from just being a messaging tool, they want to be the home base for enterprise applications, and that’s a different ballgame,” said Raul Castanon-Martinez, an analyst at 451 Research. Castanon-Martinez said that “Slack’s success took a lot of people by surprise” but that it may be difficult to sustain momentum in the face of deep-pocketed rivals like Facebook and Microsoft. Microsoft earlier this year announced that its Yammer messaging platform would integrate with its Office 365 groups, while also offering easy connections to Outlook email and Skype, aiming for a broad set of business tools under its umbrella. “Microsoft hasn’t made a lot of noise, but they have been aggressive in remaining the dominant place in productivity applications,” Castanon-Martinez said. l

Business

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

After ‘tapering’ scare, all eyes on ECB’s stimulus plans n AFP, Frankfurt European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi will be under pressure this week to clarify the bank’s stimulus plans after investors were spooked by talk of an end to its massive bond-buying programme. The ECB governing council is not expected to make any changes to its ultra-loose monetary policy at its regular meeting on Thursday, keeping interest rates at record lows. But analysts will be listening for clues about the future of the bank’s monthly 80bn euro ($88 billion) as-

set-buying scheme, after a Bloomberg report said policymakers were considering “tapering” - or gradually phasing out - the programme. The ECB strongly denied the speculation but markets were rattled nonetheless, sparking a selloff that pushed down bond prices in what more sanguine commentators dubbed a “taper tantrum”. Far from winding it down, most analysts expect the central bank to extend the so-called “quantitative easing” (QE) programme, which aims to encourage spending by pumping money into the economy, and is cur-

rently due to expire in March.

‘ECB’s work not yet done’

Despite some positive signals in recent months, eurozone growth has remained sluggish and inflation stubbornly low - suggesting more, not less, stimulus is needed. “There are some good reasons to believe that the ECB’s work is not yet done,” said Jonathan Loynes of Capital Economics. “Most obviously, while growth has stabilised, it is still distinctly lacklustre.” The ECB itself has repeatedly

Can WTO solve Brexit trade headache? These schedules are vital because they are tailored to each nation’s economic priorities.

Can Britain negotiate its own WTO ‘schedule’ before Brexit is complete?

n AFP, Geneva Want to leave the European Union without a new trade deal in place? No problem, just use World Trade Organization rules for a start and figure the rest out later. That scenario has been advanced by some in the socalled “hard Brexit” camp of British lawmakers who want a swift break from the EU. Whether it is a viable option for the British economy is far from certain, partly because with respect to the Geneva-based WTO, Britain finds itself in unchartered waters. Here are some key questions facing Britain’s status as a WTO member during and after Brexit.

Will Britain have to leave the WTO when it leaves the EU?

“No. It remains a full member,” WTO spokesman Keith Rockwell told AFP. Britain joined the WTO within the EU when the trade body was established in 1995, although London had been an independent member of the WTO’s ancestor organisation - the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) -

since 1948. Rockwell noted that the WTO - which seeks to establish a level playing field for global trade - has no formula to deal with a case like Brexit. “It is an unprecedented situation,” he said. Britain re-establishing itself as independent WTO member would not involve a formal membership procedure, he explained, because the country already belongs. “We don’t know what to call it,” he said. He stressed that whatever emerges from Brexit talks, Britain will still be bound by the rights and obligations of all WTO members on subsidies and tariffs. “Even if they leave the EU without reaching a (trade) deal... their rights will still be guaranteed,” he said. But that only applies to the general rules that apply to all WTO members. Britain’s case becomes complicated when it turns to what the WTO calls a “schedule of commitments”: essentially, the individual deals members secure for themselves through talks with the whole body.

Again, the answer is no. “The United Kingdom cannot launch negotiations with other WTO members until it has left the European Union,” Rockwell said. Until Britain’s EU divorce is final, London’s only representative at the WTO is the European Commission, he said. But informal talks about a possible future British “schedule” are allowed, Rockwell noted, meaning London could seek to carve out a tentative identity as a solo member while Brexit talks are ongoing.

How long will this all take?

That will depend on the nature of a Brexit deal, as Britain’s trading relationship with the EU moving forward will heavily shape its status within the WTO, Rockwell said. Britain could decide to “just duplicate” its current EU schedule that includes, for example, a guarantee to import a minimum amount of lamb from New Zealand each year, the WTO spokesman added. London could then ask the full WTO to accept it as an independent entity abiding by the EU schedule. “What will the other 163 WTO members say...who knows?” Rockwell told AFP, noting that there would need to be consensus approval of Britain’s commitments before it could be regularised as an independent member. l

indicated that it is ready “if necessary” to continue with the corporate and government bond purchases beyond the March deadline. But investors are worried the eurozone central bank could run out of eligible bonds to buy under its own self-imposed restrictions. In a nod to those concerns, Draghi last month said he had asked staff to look at possibly tweaking some of those rules. Thursday’s meeting “should come too early for any great breakthrough” on that front, said Carsten Brzeski, chief economist at ING-Diba.

“Still, we expect ECB president Draghi to lift the veil a bit and open the door for an extension of QE beyond March 2017.”

Waiting for December

At its last meeting in September, the ECB again held its monetary policy fire and pleaded for patience to give its remedy of low interest rates, cheap loans to banks and the huge injection of liquidity a chance to work. “The governing council has been firmly in wait-and-see mode,” said Jonathan Loynes of Capital Economics. l

Health

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Bodybuilding, keeping fit and living healthy n Saqib Sarker

ahid looked extremely pleased with himself and a little smug as he excitedly described his workout routine. It was quickly followed by the showing off of his triceps from underneath his almost sleeveless t-shirt. “Hang on!” I said. “Your naked skin certainly has its appeal but as a former fitness and bodybuilding enthusiast, I have to question your format.”

could be wrong,” I replied. Zahid was not genuinely interested and almost certainly did not entertain the possibility that he could be wrong. He was much too inebriated in his newly found fondness for wearing skintight t-shirts to pay any heed to my advice. This was a few years ago when my young friend Zahid joined a gym after completing his A-levels. In a way, he was right about not being wrong. Because what I told him was counter

number of repetition varies from 6 to 15. Conventional wisdom says that the more you repeat, the more effective it is. The reason this is not true for bodybuilding is because the goal of bodybuilding is gaining size, not strength. You also achieve some fitness as a result, of course, but that is not the primary goal. Gaining strength or fitness and gaining muscle are two different goals that need two different approaches. The way

the Mr. Universe contest do not participate in Olympic weight lifting competitions. While some components are naturally common in both kinds of training, there are important differences in how each kind of athlete trains. The essence of any training program for your body is getting your body to respond to the training. The primary purpose of the bodybuilder is to gain muscle mass. As a result, bodybuilders’ workouts generally consist of a

providing resting periods. Working out to keep fit is different. It requires more frequent exercising. Generally speaking, in building body fitness, less is not more. The aunties and uncles you see frantically walking in the morning are actually doing it right. To lose weight, to fight arthritis, to keep diabetes at bay, you need frequent exercise. To keep fit you have to build strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. One of the best ways of managing that is breaking your exercise routine into small chunks. As is often the case, most of us in our busy lives find it hard to devote 45 minutes exclusively for work out. It’s better to do two 15 minutes sessions than not doing anything at all. Reported in prevention.com, exercise physiologist Glenn Gaesser, PhD, in a landmark study conducted at the University of Virginia, asked men

Gaining strength or fitness and gaining muscle are two different goals that need two different approaches

Photo: Bigstock

“What do you mean?” asked Zahid with disinterest, resulting from a sense of certitude about his methods. “Well, you said you did a 100 reps (repetition) of ‘biceps curl’ with a 5 kg barbell?” “Yeah! What about that?” “You know, I could tell you, but only if you are genuinely interested and accept that you

intuitive, which is the following: in muscle building you do not repeat the exercises as many times as you can. You repeat only a few times with the maximum amount of weight you can carry. So, for example, you do not do 100 reps with a 5 kg weight. You pick a weight that you can lift only a few times maximum. Typically, the appropriate

to add size to your muscle is by putting stress. If you, like Zahid, find it difficult to believe that lifting weights as many times as possible is not the way to gain bigger muscles then just look at the professionals. Power-lifters who take part in weight-lifting competitions do not have finely sculpted muscles. And the people in

low amount of reps with a high amount of weight. This triggers a response from the body and the body tries to adapt to this specific conditioning by growing larger muscle mass. Bodybuilders also need specific time for rest within their routine. Normally, bodybuilders will never workout everyday, as you need to allow your muscles time to grow by

and women to complete 15 -10 minute exercise routines a week. After just 21 days, the volunteers’ aerobic fitness was equal to that of people 10 to 15 years younger. Their strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility were equal to those of people up to 20 years their junior. “It would be useful for people to get out of the all-or-nothing mind-set that unless they exercise for 30 minutes, they’re wasting their time,” Gaesser said. At the end of the day, whether you want to gain muscle like a bodybuilder or just have the modest goal of getting out of bed without wincing, you should create and follow a routine that is smart and scientific. Finding a trained professional to guide you in the right direction is always the best way. But if you are in doubt do not hesitate to investigate.l

Health

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

5 surprising benefits of yoga It’s not just about flexibility and circulate better, all the other organs start functioning better.

you’re going to start to see yourself sleep better.

Reduces migraines

Fends off food cravings

No more insomnia

Improves sexual performance

Research shows that migraine sufferers have fewer and less painful migraines after three months of yoga practice. The cause of migraines isn’t fully understood, but it could be due to a combination of mental stressors and physical misalignment. Hunching over a computer or cell phone with your shoulders up and head forward causes tightening of the neck. This pulls the head forward and creates muscle imbalances that can contribute to headaches and migraines.

n Moumita Ahmed We all know that yoga reduces stress and increases flexibility. But do we know that the practice of it has other hidden benefits, than just finding your inner peace or

making your body ready for the next game of Twister. This week, we give you five new benefits of yoga which will help you in your everyday life.

Boost immunity

A recent Norwegian study found that yoga practice results in changes in gene expression that boost immunity at a cellular level. Yoga helps to boost immunity by simply increasing overall health. As you breathe better, move better

Researchers from Harvard found that eight weeks of daily yoga significantly improved sleep quality for people with insomnia. Other studies have found that practising yoga twice every week helped cancer survivors sleep better and feel less fatigued. This can be attributed to yoga’s ability to help people deal with stress. Breathing and mental exercises allow the mind to slow down, so

Regular yoga practice is associated with mindful eating. It is an awareness of physical and emotional sensations associated with eating. By causing breath awareness, regular yoga practice strengthens the mind-body connection. The awareness can help you tune in to emotions involved with certain cravings, and yoga breathing exercises can help you slow down. and make better choices when cravings strike!

It has been found through studies that 12 weeks of yoga can improve sexual desire, arousal, performance, confidence, and satisfaction for both men and women. Physically, yoga increases blood flow into the genital area, and strengthens the pelvic floor muscles. Mentally, the breathing and mind control involved with the practice can also improve performance. l

Yogi Saldin: Health above everything else

n Nahin Taher Internationally recognised Yogi Saldin claims to be the first Bangladeshi to be a registered yogi by Yoga Alliance, earning himself the privilege to practice and teach internationally. His achievement was no easy task, but after much hard work and dedication through nearly 200 hours of yoga from Yoga Alliance in America, he is now a certified yoga instructor, and one who has already made quite a name for himself. Saldin was born in

Brahmanbaria and graduated in Arts and Television from Jhangirnagar University. His father is a businessman in Brahmanbaria, who often had business clients visiting from from India. Saldin was just a boy when he first heard of yoga from one such guest, and soon expressed an interest to learn. By the time he was in the twelfth grade he started to go to gym. Like most children, Saldin claims his father was his pillar of strength. From childhood, his father instilled in him the importance of maintaining a health physique and lifestyle. Saldin quotes his father in saying: “Your health and physique should be an utmost priority, for most other things will hold no meaning at a certain point in life if your health is not with you.” A well-built yogi is not a particularly common sight, and Saldin has successfully been able to combine yoga and body building together. Since his body had already gained flexibility through regularly practising yoga from an early age, he was later able to focus on strength training and building muscles, when he

later started working out in gym. He is a firm believer in the saying: “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” He never eats anything after sunset because that is when the body has the lowest rate of metabolism. He avoids carbs such as rice and unhealthy proteins like red meat. Saldin believes that regular consumption of green vegetables and other high-fibre and whole-grain foods can not only help to maintain a healthy body, but is a much better alternative to curing and keeping away illnesses than artificial medication. On this regard he says, “The natural process of healing is always better than chemical added substances, wake up early and go to bed early and you will be cured of all pains and illnesse.” Saldin has never compromised his yoga and workout sessions, even throughout his student life because he believes that a healthy life should be topmost priority. Motivation, inspirations and devotion brought him where he is today. l

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Education

Dhanmondi Tutorial’s Science Fair 2016

n Mehtaz Karim

ith science developing at such a rapid pace, the evergrowing curiosity that bubbles away in young minds, also accelerates alongside it. Be it the mystery behind colours, the chemistry behind water or the physics behind friction – the desire to know more has probably never been greater. The custom of organising science fairs has long been a well-loved and staunch tradition in primary, secondary and

higher-secondary educational institutions in countries all across the globe. Many schools take great pride in organising grand day-long or even week-long events, turning it almost into a competition to out-do other

schools, especially with the attendance of high-profile guests of honour, ranging from media personalities to local politicians. Both English and Bangla medium schools in Bangladesh go all-out with their annual science fairs and Dhanmondi Tutorial is no exception. Their Annual Science Fair was held earlier this month on October 5. With more than 45 projects – diligently prepared and presented by the students – the event turned out to be quite a success, surpassing the success of even last years event, much to the thrill and excitement

of teachers, students and parents. The event was attended by celebrities in the world of science who also participated in the science fair as part of the judging panel. The judges included Dr Rafiqul Islam, Dean, Faculty of

Technology and Engineering at Dhaka University, Dr A F M Yusuf Haider, Ex Pro VC of Dhaka University; Dr Dilruba Huq, Department of Applied Chemistry, Dhaka University and Dr Ahmed Ismail Mustafa, Ex Chairman of BCSIR. Students from class seven came up with projects like geodesic domes, natural projector, hydraulic gripper, hydro electric power and many more. Though time was a crucial obstacle, the enthusiasm of the diligent students and their guiding teachers were no match

fascinating projects such as bio plastic from banana peels, battery from coins, a car powered by water, to name a few. One of the biggest hits at the science fair was the “human flashlight”. True to its curious name, which justifiably piqued the interest of all the visitors and guest, the project featured a unique flash-light that took heat from human bodies to generate electricity with the help of peltier tiles and a circuit. Another fascinating project features a water-powered car, in which, water was split up through the

While the invention is still in its demo phase, it has the potential to be quite a useful gadget in the real world, if used by law enforcement agencies. The students of class eleven also came up with an array of fun and interactive projects, some of which included using Arduino programming to connect visitors with the computer and setting up fun, motion sensing games, a piano where cups full of water acted as keys, a selfie booth were people had to shake a slice of cheese (instead of saying cheese) to send a signal to the camera

in terms of coming up with unique projects. On the other hand, the students of class eight created their exhibits based around the theme of environment friendly ways of using everyday articles, which included

process of electrolysis, thereby acquiring hydrogen, which was used as fuel for the car, and oxygen, which was emitted into the environment! With their O Levels only a few months away, the students of class nine showcased their scientific prowess through the creation of an “i-car”, which consisted of cameras and could be controlled using a remote.

and take a photo, and many other exciting and engaging exhibits. Overall, the Dhanmondi Tutorial Science Fair 2016 proved to be quite the success, with visitors and guests sharing in the enthusiasm of the presenting students and their proud teachers. As always, the event provided the students with a great opportunity to bring out their inner ‘mad scientist’ and go wild. l

Biz Info

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

| event |

Sunsilk presents All Things Hair of the new packaging of Sunsilk through a spectacular dance show. Celebrities the likes of Jahanara Alam, Mehazabien Chowdhury, Nusrat Faria and Jannatul Ferdous Peya, graced the occasion with their stunning appearance and fabulous hairstyles. Tutorial videos by the vloggers were also screened. An online competition calling for next generation of vloggers, ‘Sunsilk: Be the Next Vlogger’, was announced at the event. Top fashion vloggers, celebrities and cultural personalities were present at the event. Persona was the makeover partner for this event. l

The glamorous event of “Sunsilk presents All Things Hair” was held yesterday at the Grand Ball Room in Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, celebrating the relaunch of Sunsilk and the launch of the new online platform All Things Hair (ATH). Sunsilk, the pioneering hair care brand of Bangladesh, is being relaunched in a brand new avatar – New Outside, Incredible Inside. Each of the four variants of Sunsilk will now be available in a new modern and attractive packaging. As a brand that has long garnered fame for being the pioneer of all things relating to haircare, Sunsilk brings in the globally recognized Youtube

channel, All Things Hair, for the first time in Bangladesh, joining the rest of the world. This engaging digital platform will create the space for renowned vloggers to showcase the latest hair styles and trends online, so that people can easily access the tutorials and recreate their own styles from home. Women can now find their favorite hairstyles by searching “All Things Hair Bangladesh” on YouTube and on fb.com/ AllthingshairBD. The star-studded event was celebrated through a number of audio-visuals telling the story of the journey of the Sunsilk girls and the unveiling

| partnership |

| food |

Meghna Bank Limited and Rose View Hotel Sylhet sign MOU to bring customers exclusive facilities

Taste of Lanka

Rose View Hotel Sylhet and Meghna Bank Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide exclusive service to

the bank’s account holders and employees. The MOU will now allow all Meghna Bank Limited card holders and employees

to enjoy exclusive year long discounts on accommodation, food, venue facilities, SPA, at Rose View Hotel Sylhet. Sadique Ahsan (General Manager), Bayazid Bin Mahfuz and Md.shahidul Islam ( Senior Sales and Marketing Concern) of Rose View Hotel Sylhet, and Mohammad Nurul Amin (CEO, MD ), Pratik Karim (DMD) and Md. Mojibur Rahman Khan (EVP, Head of Corporate Affairs) of Meghna Bank Limited, were present during the signing and exchanged documents after signing the Memorandum of Understanding.l

Sri Lnaka is among the most popular destinations for tourists world wide. Now the delicacies of this island country are available here in Dhaka. Taste of Lanka is offering, for a limited time, the Lankan Platter, a

signature combination of the best Sri Lankan dishes sorted to leave you craving for more! The Sri Lankan Platter serves 2 people with: Sri Lankan fiery wings, yellow rice, devilled beef or devilled fish, spicy red chicken curry, tempered potato, coconut ice cream, drinks/water . And all of this just for Tk1250 (all inclusive) . Call +8801747571666 for reservations, directions and free home delivery. Taste of Lanka is located at House # 90, Road # 19, Block # E, Ground Floor, Banani (same road as Airtel Office) l

20 Editorial

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

TODAY

The aid experiment An elite consensus emerged that committed the Bangladeshi ruling class to protecting the rural masses against the crises of subsistence and survival that so frequently swept their way PAGE 21

‘Bangladesh is no longer an exporter of terrorism’ I believe that terror should not be allowed to take root in Bangladesh. Whether it is with India or Myanmar PAGE 22

We used to play football First, think about salvaging the prestige; then talk about building a better team. These recruits can play at least three to five years by which time other players will be ready 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.

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Don’t let the food-aid program go to waste

he Food Ministry’s initiative to provide rice for the ultra poor during the lean season is a welcome one. The program, which allows cardholders to get rice at Tk10 per kilogram instead of the usual Tk34 to Tk36, is a great measure that caters to some of the most marginsalised in our society. But it’s saddening to see that much of it is being misappropriated by ruling party men for their own greedy benefits, resulting in the program’s efforts going in vain. What is worse is that the dealers themselves have been found to be selling the rice at higher prices, and giving it to the more affluent sections of society. On top of which, they have continued to measure the rice in buckets instead of using digital machines. Such gross misconduct of government funds, to help poor people no less, is regretful. The prime minister herself has warned against irregularities in the scheme. The authorities would do well to heed her words and ensure that the rice reaches those in need of the program’s various benefits through proper surveillance of the distribution of the rice and by prosecuting those who have carried out these underhanded tactics. It is a matter of great shame to see such a noble endeavour be plagued by corruption and, ultimately, go to waste. This program will go a long way in helping the most vulnerable in our country survive in the toughest of periods. We urge the authorities to take the actions necessary so that the program is allowed to serve its rightful purpose.

It is a matter of great shame to see such a noble endeavour be plagued by corruption and, ultimately, go to waste

Opinion

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

The aid experiment The ugly truth about Bangladesh’s successful attack on poverty

n Naomi Hossain

part from our impressive cricket team, spectacular cuisine, and the fact that your clothes were probably made in Bangladesh, the world’s 8th biggest country (by population) punches well below its weight in terms of international recognition. That’s why it is always good news when someone as important as Qimiao Fan, the head of the World Bank in Bangladesh, says that Bangladesh sets the global standard for poverty reduction. But why did Bangladesh succeed, when at its birth, things looked so hopeless? On International Eradication of Poverty Day, when the great and the good are celebrating Bangladesh’s success, it is a good time to consider the real reasons behind Bangladesh’s unexpected success.

Test case for development?

The news is certainly good -assuming the contentious revised 2011 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) estimates make sense, and that they apply to Bangladesh (possibly some heroic assumptions there, but who really knows?), the poverty headcount ratio was around 18.5% as far back as 2010. Before you get too excited, note that with 28 million people below the international poverty line, Bangladesh still had more people living in poverty than most countries have people. But it’s undeniably vast progress compared to the 1970s, when around 80% of the population was thought to be poor. Bangladesh has always provided the World Bank and the international community with a global benchmark for development -- if Bangladesh, the basket case itself, can develop, surely anywhere can? But back in the 1970s, nobody thought Bangladesh would succeed. Fan’s predecessor as the first head of the World Bank in Bangladesh gloomily depicted the new nation as The Test Case For Development by Just Faaland and Jack Parkinson: “It must be the fond hope of most educated people that man can control events and his own future. There is little to give credence to that view in the situation of Bangladesh … Nature, not man, is in charge of the situation in Bangladesh … All of this would not matter if Bangladesh were rich in natural resources and underpopulated, if

The aid commmunity has treated Bangladesh as the world’s experimental aid lab it were effectively governed, and if its social order and economic system were geared to growth, but none of these things obtain.” True enough: After the devastation of 400 years of British imperial and Pakistani neocolonial rule, one of the deadliest cyclones ever, and a bloody civil war, the new nation of Bangladesh was not in great shape in the early 1970s.

Bad politics vs good economics

One thing to notice about the World Bank’s diagnoses of Bangladesh’s development: When the outlook is bad, the World Bank frequently reaches for the political explanation. But when the going is good? Then the reason for Bangladesh’s progress is “good” ie liberalising, globalising policies of open markets, macro-fiscal discipline, and flexible labour. This is how the surprising story of Bangladesh’s success was told in the World Bank’s Annual Report in 2006: “Bangladesh is one of only 18 developing countries with an annual growth rate that has never fallen below 2%. Since the 1990s, economic growth has been steady at 4% to 5% annually, with relatively low inflation and stable domestic debt, interest, and exchange rates … The country has achieved universal primary education and has an equal number of girls and boys in secondary school, and it is on track to reach the Millennium Development Goal in child mortality. These growth and development gains have taken place despite widely held perceptions of weak governance, a phenomenon referred to as the Bangladesh conundrum. If not addressed, poor governance will be a growth constraint, particularly in critical areas such

An elite consensus emerged that committed the Bangladeshi ruling class to protecting the rural masses against the crises of subsistence and survival that so frequently swept their way. This elite consensus included accepting the painful conditions that came with foreign aid

as power and transport.” In other words, “good” growthdriven policies trumped “bad” governance. The argument that Bangladesh will prosper to the extent that the politics gets out of the way of growth persists. In line with the World Bank’s new political turn, it’s current diagnosis of what might go wrong with Bangladesh’s development predicts political violence and confrontation might restrain growth, limit investment, and slow the pace of poverty reduction. This may be true, but perhaps not so great a threat as the recent upsurge in Islamist-related terror attacks, or the likelihood that right-wing populist politics in Europe and the US will cause global economic slowdown. As one of the most globally integrated developing countries, Bangladesh is highly exposed to whatever is happening in the global economy.

Elite commitment matters

If we really want to understand why Bangladesh sets the global standard for poverty reduction we need to properly understand the role of politics -- not only as a fig leaf for when times are hard, but also to explain what has worked. More specifically, we need to make sense of the political settlement, or effective agreements between the elites as to how to share the spoils of power, and what those

mean for poverty and inclusive development. As Mushtaq Khan has convincingly argued, Bangladesh’s development success owes much to how the elites managed to coordinate enough to permit broad-based economic growth. But Bangladesh’s pattern of development has been povertyreducing, partly because of its strong emphasis on human development, particularly for women. And to explain that, we have to understand why Bangladesh’s elites agreed that it was so vital to tackle poverty head-on, and to ensure that the poor rural masses got at least some modicum of protection against the elements and the vicissitudes of life on the Bengal Delta.

The emergence of the aid lab

My own analysis of the politics of Bangladesh’s unexpected development success is less congratulatory of the aid industry and its clever prescriptions. It is also an altogether uglier story of how the international community applied “lifeboat ethics” to justify their neglect of the 1.5 million victims of the 1974 famine in Bangladesh, and of the violent aftermath of that particularly tragic period in Bangladesh’s history. My reconstruction of the political history of that time concludes that an elite consensus emerged that committed the

Bangladeshi ruling class to protecting the rural masses against the crises of subsistence and survival that so frequently swept their way. This elite consensus included accepting the painful conditions that came with foreign aid, because without external support, the short-term survival of the country, let alone of the political elite, looked bleak. And it meant letting aid experts treat Bangladesh as a kind of laboratory for aid, in which they often treated as the targets and objects of development, instead of as people with rights, agency, and autonomy. It may have got the Bangladeshi people into the global market, but it has done so on terms that are precarious, at best. And so the World Bank, and the aid community in general, has little to congratulate itself for treating Bangladesh as the world’s aid lab. It should instead look again at the politics that underpin successful transitions. And it should take more seriously not only where development is taking us, but the ethics of how we are to get there. If Bangladesh was really the test case for development, what does that say about development? l Naomi Hossain works at the Institute of Development Studies, Sussex. Her book The Aid Lab will be published by Oxford University Press in 2017. This article was originally published in ids.ac.uk.

Interview

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

‘Bangladesh is no longer an exporter of terrorism’ Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on why Bangladesh pulled out of the SAARC summit, bilateral ties with India, and tensions with Pakistan. This is the first part of a two-part interview and colleges to spread awareness about it. Next I’m telling parents to watch where their children go, whom they meet. We are asking clerics in mosques and madrassas to teach that Islam is a religion of peace, and ensure that none speak of violence. With awareness and a social movement against extremism, we can prevent our children from becoming terrorists.

You spoke to the Hindu community here at the Dhakeshwari temple a few days ago about zero tolerance. Why did it take so long to act, given that many of the fundamentalist groups you are targeting now had earlier killed so many Hindus and so many bloggers?

Cutting ties to Pakistan is not in the interest of the PM

n Suhasini Haidar

n a rare interview, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been accused of wielding a heavy hand on her opposition, the media, and terror suspects, speaks for the first time about Bangladesh’s troubled ties with Pakistan, and pulling out from the SAARC summit. Ahead of her visit to India this weekend for the BIMSTEC summit, Ms Hasina counselled India and Pakistan to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control.

Bangladesh was a founder of SAARC in the 1980s, but it has also been one of the first countries to pull out of the summit in Pakistan this year. Is this the end of SAARC?

No, as we said in our official statement on pulling out, we consider that the environment prevailing in the SAARC region at this particular time is not conducive to hold the SAARC summit. Bangladesh has certain sensitivities over the International Crimes Tribunal, where Pakistan showed its dissatisfaction with our processes and even raised the issue in their parliament. They started interfering in our internal affairs by making unacceptable remarks. We felt hurt by this, as this is an internal matter for us, we are trying war criminals in our country, and it isn’t their concern. There is a lot of pressure on me to cut off all diplomatic ties with Pakistan for their behaviour.

REUTERS

But I have said the relations will remain, and we will have to resolve our problems. The fact is, we won our Liberation War from Pakistan, and they were a defeated force. We won the war and freed the country from them, and it is expected that they won’t take it so well.

over the border to Myanmar in pursuit of terrorists. Would you support a similar action with Bangladesh?

Wasn’t terror emanating from Pakistan the main issue for you? The fact that Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and India pulled out of SAARC at the same time after the Uri attack seemed coordinated, to isolate Pakistan.

I ask because since you took over as Prime Minister in 2009, the single most important driver in Bangladesh-India ties has been your government’s crackdown on terrorism: Shutting down terror camps, handing over more than 20 most wanted. What does that terror cooperation mean today?

It was over the situation in Pakistan that we decided to pull out. The common people are the biggest sufferers of terrorism there. And that terror has gone everywhere, which is why many of us felt frustrated by Pakistan. India and Pakistan also have their bilateral problems, and I don’t want to comment about that. India pulled out because of the [Uri attack], but for Bangladesh the reason is totally different.

Did you support India’s decision to launch a cross-LoC strike into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in order to kill terrorists on the other side? Well, I do feel that both the countries should maintain the sanctity of the LoC and that can bring peace.

But do you support the principle? Last year the government had also announced that they had crossed

I think you should ask these questions to your government and your Prime Minister. I do believe these boundaries, this LoC must be maintained.

Look, I believe that terror should not be allowed to take root in Bangladesh. Whether it is with India or Myanmar, who we share a border with. Since 2008, the steps we have taken, you can see the results. Along our borders there used to be daily incidents of violence, bomb blasts, terror, and we have controlled that. We will not allow any group to use our soil to launch a terror attack against any other country. Bangladesh is no longer an exporter of terrorism, nor is it a silk route for arms smuggling as it once was.

How has the Holey Artisan Bakery terror strike this year changed your war on terror?

Terror is now a global problem, and I’m trying to take some different steps to fight it. I am reaching out to teachers in schools

That’s not true. Bangladesh has been the first mover against terror activities. Investigations take time, not just here, but in all countries. But it is not fair to say we have been slow to react to these killings.

I believe that terror should not be allowed to take root in Bangladesh. Whether it is with India or Myanmar

Human rights groups say law enforcement agencies are going overboard in this war on terror with custodial killings and disappearances, “kneecapping” terror suspects.

It is very unfortunate that human rights agencies are more vocal for the rights of the criminals than they are for the rights of the victims. What is happening in America? When they have an attack on their schools or anywhere, what do law enforcement agencies there do? Don’t they kill the attackers and rescue people? Should our law enforcement agencies not kill terrorists who attack them?

After the Holey Artisan attack, your government said the groups involved were local and not with the Islamic State. But given that the IS claimed it, the main suspect was trained by it, how do you respond to the charge that you are in denial?

Maybe some of them are attracted to IS, but IS doesn’t have a base here as an organisation. If anyone has any evidence of IS camps here, they should give us that evidence. We have identified the attackers, we know where they are from, and they are local.

There have been calls from around the world to stop the hangings of people charged with collaboration during the War of Liberation from Pakistan at the ICT. Have these hangings, 45 years later, brought any sense of closure for Bangladesh? Of course they have. After what happened in 1971 -- they massacred civilians, raped more than 200,000 women, burned village after village -- it was a national demand from those who suffered at that time that these people must be tried.

You’re saying this is the people’s demand. Yet elected Jamaat leaders have been hanged or are in jail, many opposition BNP office-bearers are under arrest or have gone abroad to escape prosecution. Aren’t you confusing the war crimes trials with your own political rivalries?

No, it isn’t about my political rivalries. If you believe in freedom, in an independent country, how can you support these antiliberation leaders? The BNP has patronised the war criminals. The cases against BNP leaders are different, and relate to corruption or crimes committed by them. So if these leaders are not guilty, they should face the trial and not try and flee the country. When I was in opposition, they filed a dozen false cases against me too. The BNP not only boycotted the 2014 elections, they tried to sabotage them. Their workers torched schools that were polling booths, attacked electoral officers, destroyed buses and trains. In 2015 they held the country to ransom for three months with their terror activities, killed more than 250 people. So they must face the law. These aren’t political cases, these are criminal cases. When I was in opposition, they filed a dozen false cases against me too. l The concluding part of this interview will be published tomorrow. Suhasini Haidar is Deputy Resident Editor & Diplomatic Affairs Editor, The Hindu. This article previously appeared in The Hindu.

Opinion

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

We used to play football It’s now time for the blame games to stop SERPENT IN EDEN

n Towheed Feroze

fitting epitaph for Bangladesh football. On Saturday, TV channels were showing five matches; three European ones and two from South Asia, the Indian Super League, and the Bangladesh premier League (someone said “premier,” should be replaced with “pathetic”). The Indian one showed a boisterous stadium, a fast-paced match similar to any top level football derby, while the local one was drab, with the stadium hardly showing 100 people. Some of you may be asking, why write about football at all? Well, for the last three and a half years, at least three of my Dhaka Tribune op-eds were on football with one supporting a suggestion to give nationality to three African players in the local league who had also expressed their interest to play for Bangladesh. At that time, several people opposed the idea on the rationale that if foreigners were to be taken local players won’t come up. Well, so much for local players, because everywhere you look in the national team, there is absence of talent or skill. Many at that time clamoured for root level grooming. OK, I agree, starting from the bottom is the long-term solution, but what Bangladesh football needed was a stopgap measure, a face-saving compromise. The African players were not given citizenship. Today, with the national team in shambles, we are in an abyss. Recriminations will continue, lack of funds will be underlined, with many other excuses made. The reality is, Bangladesh is at the bottom of the fourth tier of Asian football. Worrying thing, no one is being made to answer for this. Oh, firing the coach is the standard way of putting the blame on someone else. However, this time, we feel that serious questions need to be asked, and no, we do not blame the coach because what can he do with a bunch of average players? After the recent debacle in Bhutan, he said: “Bangladesh is not equipped to play at this stage.”

So much for local players The “this” kept on bothering me. The meaning is clear, we are way below South Asian standards. If the Africans had been included then we would be spared the ignominy of losing to sides which, once upon a time, not too far back, used to request club teams, Abahani and Mohammedan, to go easy on the striking. With those players, especially strikers, Bangladesh’s ranking would not have plummeted, and some of the matches could have been won. With no light anywhere, the ongoing debate is of grassroots level training. Wake up guys, by the time your youngsters are ready, other countries won’t remain where they are now. India played at the BRICS U-17 tournament where they lost 1-3 to Brazil U-17, and by a solitary goal to China. This team, powered by experience from such top level matches, will go on to make the national team. Stands to reason, by five years, all South Asian teams will have very strong sides. I am talking regionally because, practically speaking, our football, at the best of times, was riding high in the region and, if it ever sees a resurgence, will hardly go beyond it. For a person who saw Bangladesh beat Thailand, Syria,

MUMIT M

First, think about salvaging the prestige; then talk about building a better team. These recruits can play at least three to five years by which time other players will be ready Malaysia, and Indonesia way back in 1985 for the ‘86 World Cup qualifiers, digesting defeat against Maldives and Bhutan is difficult. But kudos to them, these nations have worked hard and are getting the results. Despite so many tournaments and matches, Bangladesh has hit rock bottom. I hear some people saying that addiction to alcohol is a major concern. Many players have refuted this. But seeing many professional footballers up close, and being privy to the private lives of some, I know this allegation is not entirely fabricated. There have been instances when, prior to a match, players spent the night before drinking. Anyway, no use picking out the problems because they are known to all. At this moment, the best move the BFF can do is grant citizenship to two African strikers plus two defenders playing in the domestic league. First, think about salvaging the prestige; then talk about building a better team. These recruits can

play at least three to five years by which time other players will be ready. Though my sense says there won’t be any strikers in the likes of Sunil Chetry (India), Chencho (Bhutan), Hemang Gurung (Nepal), or Ali Ashfag (Maldives) in the next five to seven years. Against the roaring success of cricket and its ever rising popularity, young people of today have changed their sporting preference. In Bangladesh, talking up sport as a profession is still not favoured socially, unless there is no other option for livelihood. On top of that, if someone has to choose, it would be cricket followed by hockey. Women’s football is on the rise so there is plenty of hope there, but for the men’s national team to survive, the immediate step is to take in foreign players. After all, in the dismal local league matches, they are the ones who usually score the goals. l Towheed Feroze is a journalist currently working in the development sector.

24 Sport

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

‘Soumya a class player, needs more time’

TOP STORIES

Shahriyar Bappa n Ali from Chittagong

Mazid ton guides BCB XI to 294 BCB XI, riding on opening batsman Abdul Mazid’s brilliant century, posted 294 during the opening day of their second two-day practice match against England at MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. PAGE 25

Murray gallops towards top ranking Andy Murray of Great Britain demolished Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain to win the Shanghai Masters in China without dropping a set as he edged closer to Serbian Novak Djokovic’s world number one ranking yesterday. PAGE 26

The national selection panel talks with Bangladesh Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim in Chittagong yesterday

Four new faces in Tigers squad for first Test Shahriyar Bappa n Ali from Chittagong

Yasir joint fastest to 100 Test scalps Pakistan’s leg-spinner Yasir Shah became the second joint-fastest bowler to take 100 wickets in all Test cricket on the fourth day of the first day-night match against West Indies in Dubai yesterday. PAGE 27

Klopp still wary of Rooney threat Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson once described Liverpool versus Manchester United as the biggest fixture in club football and today’s clash at Anfield has been made all the more intriguing by the debate over the form of Wayne Rooney. PAGE 28

MI MANIK

Bangladesh Cricket Board yesterday announced the 14-member Tigers squad for the upcoming first Test against visiting England, set to begin at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Thursday. Chief national selector Minhajul Abedin, former captain and selector Habibul Bashar and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha were present during the squad declaration at MA Aziz Stadium. There were six changes, including four new faces, in the Test squad that last played against South Africa in July, 2015. Youngster Mehedi Hasan Miraz, pacer Kamrul Islam Rabbi, batsman Sabbir Rahman and wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan are the four new faces while paceman Shafiul Islam and all-rounder Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury returned to the side. Leg-spinner Jubair Hossain, stumper-batsman Liton Kumar Das, pacemen Mohammad Shahid and Rubel Hossain and all-rounder Nasir Hossain were omitted while paceman Mustafizur Rah-

man is currently out injured. Minhajul informed that there are only two pacers in the squad in the shape of Shafiul and Kamrul due to the conditions and the pitch. The chief selector believes Kamrul is a good prospect in the longer version of the game. “Generally we have flat tracks here. So our plan is to play with two pacers. That’s why we have picked two pacers in the squad. Rabbi has played a lot of games in the longer version – NCL (National Cricket League) and BCL (Bangladesh Cricket League). And he has the ability to bowl quickly with the old ball. Since we will play on a flat track with relatively low bounce, that’s why we have considered him,” said Minhajul.

Minhajul added that the inclusion of off-spinning all-rounders was made mainly because England have plenty of left-handed batsmen in their line-up. He thinks one of them in Miraz is ready for Test cricket. “We have considered performance in some cases. We have considered experience as well. We need off-spinners in the squad, considering England have plenty of left-handers,” he said. “Miraz has played well in the Under-19 tournament and also performed well in the domestic circuit. We believe he has plenty to offer in the longer format of the game. Definitely he is ready to step up in the Test team. That’s why we have picked him in the squad.” l

BANGLADESH SQUAD FOR FIRST TEST Mushfiqur Rahim (C), Tamim Iqbal (VC), Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Shakib al Hasan, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, Taijul Islam, Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury, Shafiul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Nurul Hasan Out: Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Shahid, Liton Kumar Das, Rubel Hossain, Nasir Hossain and Jubair Hossain Newcomers: Sabbir Rahman, Nurul Hasan, Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Mehedi Hasan Miraz Returns: Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury and Shafiul Islam

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes opening batsman Soumya Sarkar is a class player and needs more time to recover his form in the international arena. Soumya has been selected in the Test squad for the first Test against England which starts at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium this Thursday. “Soumya was in the last Test squad in 2015. And he is in the current squad as well. We all are concerned about his form, he probably wants to score more runs to achieve some confidence under his belt. That’s why we are giving him more chances. He is still a very good player. Form is temporary. He is a class player. So he is still in our plans,” Hathurusingha told the media yesterday during the squad declaration at MA Aziz Stadium. Soumya has played three Tests so far and scored 107 runs with a highest score of 37 in five innings. Besides Soumya, Hathurusingha said he is also happy to see Sabbir Rahman being included in the for the very first time. Sabbir has been performing well in ODIs and T20Is in the last two years. He is now considered an important batsman in the limited-over formats. “It is good that Sabbir is in the Test squad. I think we are blessed with a lot of options right now. It is a good headache to have more players to fight for places in the squad. (As for) Sabbir, we are thinking seriously about how we can fit him in the playing XI.” He continued, “We need two wicket-keepers in the squad, because if anything happens in the morning session, then we have to replace someone. Mushfiqur [Rahim] is currently our keeper in this stage. And Liton Kumar Das is recovering from injury. We think that Sohan is one of the best keepers in the country. That’s why we have picked Sohan.” Meanwhile, Hathurusingha clarified the situation regarding fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. Rumours were doing the rounds that the right-arm pacer might be included in the squad but Hathurusingha quashed the speculation, saying, “We have a plan for him to play four-day cricket in future. I suggested the selectors to put him in the two-day practice match squad. It is a process to ready a player (for) Test cricket. If he keeps performing like this, if his form is high, then he will most probably play Test cricket in favourable conditions.” l

Sport

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

On-song Mazid keeping it simple n Ali Shahriyar Bappa from Chittagong

Bangladesh Cricket Board XI opening batsman Abdul Mazid smashed a brilliant century against the visiting England team in their two-day practice match at MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. This is the third time a Bangladesh batsman scored a century in a tour match against England after Nafees Iqbal and Raqibul Hasan. Nafees, elder brother of Tigers opener Tamim Iqbal, scored 118 at BKSP in 2003 while Raqibul posted in Chittagong six years ago. Nafees played 11 Tests for Bangladesh while Raqibul went on to feature in nine Tests before retiring relatively early at the age of 23. Yesterday, Mazid was on song from the very beginning and played some delightful shots during his memorable ton. He eventually registered 106 from 95 deliveries with 16 boundaries and a six. Following the opening day’s play, Mazid said he is delighted to score a hundred against a strong England bowling line-up and that he just played according to the merit of the ball. “I just played my natural game. I played according to the merit of the ball. England bowlers bowled in very good areas throughout the day. But probably I was lucky to receive maximum number of loose deliveries. I was thus able to score quickly and play many scoring shots compared to the other batsmen,” said Mazid. Mazid believes his century against the visiting side will help raise his confidence level. “This kind of practice match is important for players like us. Certainly the innings will help me a lot to improve myself more for the next phase. I just want to concentrate on scoring runs in the domestic arena. And when the selectors think that I am good enough to play for the national side then the opportunity will come. Now my job is to score more runs and concentrate on performing better. That’s what I am trying do,” he said. l

BCB Xi opener Abdul Mazid pulls on way to his century against England in their two-day practice match in Chittagong yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Mazid ton guides BCB XI to 294 Shahriyar Bappa n Ali from Chittagong Bangladesh Cricket Board XI, riding on opening batsman Abdul Mazid’s brilliant century, posted 294 during the opening day of their second two-day practice match against England at MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. BCB XI were dismissed in 74.4 overs but not before Mazid scored a fine 95-ball 106. Mazid hit 16 fours and a six and started aggressively against England opening pair Stuart Broad (2/43) and Chris Woakes (1/35). Mazid had earlier retired hurt during the last over before lunch. It was revealed that he had cramp. But later he came out to bat, com-

pleted his century before being dismissed in the 66th over. After the lunch break, Mominul Haque entered the crease instead of Mazid. Mominul scored only one facing 14 deliveries before being clean bowled by Moeen Ali.

BRIEF SCORE BCB XI 294 in 74.4 overs (Mazid 106, Shanto 72, Mosaddek 47, Nurul 39, Ansari 4/68) lead ENGLAND 2/0 by 292 runs Mosaddek Hossain, coming in at No 5, scored a valuable 47 with two fours and three sixes. Three runs short from a well-deserved fifty, he was caught and bowled by spinner Zafar Ansari in the 47th over.

At the other end, Nazmul Hossain Shanto also played a composed 72 off 130 deliveries, featuring nine fours. He was caught at point by Ben Duckett while charging down the wicket to Ansari. Nurul added a late 39 to take BCB XI closer to the 300-run mark. BCB XI captain Soumya Sarkar was the only wicket to fall in the first session. Soumya was caught at short cover while trying to defend a rising delivery from Woakes in the eighth over. Ansari was the most successful bowler for the visitors, picking up four wickets. In reply, England made two without loss in four overs before the umpires brought an end to the day’s proceedings.

Earlier, BCB XI skipper Soumya had won the toss and elected to bat first.

BCB XI team

Soumya Sarkar (C), Abdul Mazid, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Tanveer Haider, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan (WK), Al Amin Hossain, Abu Haider, Subashish Roy, Shadman Islam, Ebadat Hossain and Taskin Ahmed

England team

Haseeb Hameed, Ben Duckett, Joe Root (C), Gary Ballance, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Zafar Ansari, Gareth Batty, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler. l

New promises from Salahuddin n Tribune Report A sorry Kazi Salahuddin yesterday revealed that they are planning a “youth development programme” for the betterment of the national team in future. It seems the Bangladesh Football Federation president has finally realised what they should have done a long time ago. Yesterday was the first time that the BFF boss talked to the media af-

ter Bangladesh’s humiliating defeat against Bhutan last Monday. And after a lot of criticism, Salahuddin has pledged to learn from the “failures” and showed confidence with the upcoming programme. The chief of the country’s football governing body also informed that they are preparing to launch a new programme in January with regards to the development side of the game. “Today Bangladesh football is at its lowest ebb but we have to take

lessons from it before moving to the future phase,” said Salahuddin. He continued, “The problem is team is not playing well. Players are not playing well. Finally we have realised that they are not good enough. We will go for absolute youth development programme for the future.” Salahuddin shared some of the ideas from a “rough proposal” that he said will be finalised by December this year. The ideas he shared

are developing the regional district sector, identifying instructors and developing BFF coaching courses, including fitness and goalkeeping. “There will be Under-16 and U-19 tournaments and leagues next year. Sohrawardi Cup (youth national championship] for U-16 boys from districts and Sher-e-Bangla Cup involving the senior players will be organised by BFF directly,” he said. “We wanted to do it for a long time. After three-four years, if we

fail to do it successfully I will resign from my post. No need to create drama. I’m positive it will work. It has to work. “As a president what can I do? I can provide coaches, training facilities but what I can’t do is go to the field and play. If we could do that then may be [Abdus] Salam Murshedy and I would have played again. It’s unfortunate that I don’t have the slightest opportunity to do that.” l

Sport

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Murray gallops towards top ranking n AFP, Shanghai Andy Murray demolished Roberto Bautista to win the Shanghai Masters without dropping a set as he edged closer to Novak Djokovic’s world number one ranking yesterday. The Wimbledon and Olympic champion won seven points in a row in the first-set tie-break and he broke Bautista three times in the second to win his third Shanghai title 7-6 (7/1), 6-1. The rampant Murray is now on a 10-match winning streak in which he has won 20 straight sets, including last week’s similarly impressive victory at the China Open in Beijing. But most importantly, the world number two slashes the gap to just 915 points from the out-of-sorts Djokovic, who was shocked by Spain’s Bautista in the semis. “I believe I can get there. I definitely believe I can get there. These last few months have proved that to me,” Murray said of the top ranking. “I may never get another chance to be number one, so I’ll give it my best shot to do that while I have the opportunity.”

Nineteenth-ranked Bautista, who was playing his first Masters final, said it was clear how much Murray wanted to secure the top spot. “I think I can see it in his eyes. He’s really focused on getting number one,” the Spaniard said. Murray’s first serve of the match was a thumping ace and he took a grip on the opening set at 3-3 when Bautista netted a backhand to lose the first break point of the match. But Murray, serving at 5-4, lost three set points and got in a tangle on a drop shot to hand Bautista his first break point, which he converted with a strong forehand. The Briton slammed three consecutive aces for 6-6 and he dominated the tie-break, reeling off seven points in a row and taking the set with a sizzling backhand return. A string of Bautista errors put Murray a break up at the start of set two, but to his obvious frustration he gave it straight back with a miscued forehand. But Bautista twice double-faulted to go a break down before handing over yet another break, making victory a formality for Murray who tucked away his first championship point.l

Murray romps to third Shanghai Masters title n Reuters, Shanghai

Great Britain’s Andy Murray returns to Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut during their Shanghai Masters final yesterday REUTERS

Andy Murray powered his way to a third Shanghai Masters title by beating Spanish 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(1) 6-1 in yesterday’s final to close in on Novak Djokovic at the top of the world rankings. Bautista Agut beat world number one Djokovic in the semi-final on Saturday but was brought back down to earth by three-times grand slam champion Murray, who converted all his four break points to wrap up the match in one hour 37 minutes. Murray, who won the China Open in Beijing a week ago, is now 915 points behind Djokovic in the Race to London rankings, with a chance of surpassing the Serb and finishing the year in top spot. With three tournaments remaining on Murray’s 2016 schedule, the season-ending Tour Finals in London could play a pivotal role in deciding who finishes at the top of the standings at the end of the year. Murray, however, was less than optimistic over his chances of usurping Djokovic and said the 12-times grand slam champion was still “the best player in the world.” l

Kohli anchors India to 6-wicket win Marsh’s hamstring n setback ahead of Test AFP, Dharamsala

Bowlers set up India’s comprehensive six-wicket win over New Zealand in the first one-day international as batting mainstay Virat Kohli anchored the hosts’ chase in the low-scoring encounter in Dharamsala yesterday. The hosts, who were chasing a modest 191 for victory, rode on the 60-run stand betwen Kohli (85 not out) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to canter home in 33.1 overs. But it was the bowling led by

debutant medium-pacer Hardik Pandya (3-31) and Amit Mishra (349) that helped topple New Zealand for a lowly 190 and set the platform for the big win. New Zealand pacer Doug Bracewell checked India’s brisk start after getting Rohit Sharma lbw for 14

1ST ODI NEW ZEALAND 190 in 43.5 overs (Latham 79*, Southee 55, Pandya 3/31) lost to INDIA 194/4 in 33.1 overs (Kohli 85*, Rahane 33, Dhoni 21) by six wickets

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni en route to their 60-run stand during the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Dharamsala yesterday INTERNET

after the batsman missed a fuller delivery while trying to flick it on the leg side. Ajinkya Rahane did not last long after losing his opening partner as he was caught behind off James Neesham for 33, his knock laced with 4 fours and 2 sixes. Kohli then put on 40 runs with Manish Pandey (17) as the duo looked to stabilise the chase at the picturesque Dharamsala ground. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi had Pandey walking back to the pavilion as the visitors made a valiant attempt to make inroads into the Indian middle order. But Kohli stayed firm to record his 37th ODI fifty in 172 games as the prolific scorer hit 9 fours and a winning six during his 81-ball stay at the crease. Returning paceman Tim Southee gave Kohli a reprieve on 60 after he dropped a caught and bowled chance, but the hosts were in the driving seat by then. A mix-up between the two onfield batsmen resulted in Dhoni being run out for 21 but the wicket proved to be a mere hiccup in India’s road to victory. Earlier the visitors managed to get close to respectability thanks to a 71-run stand between opener Tom Latham (79 not out) and Southee. l

n AFP, Sydney Australia opener Shaun Marsh is in doubt for next month’s first Test against South Africa with a hamstring injury suffered in a domestic cup match this weekend. Marsh, who missed Australia’s recent ODI tour of South Africa with a broken finger, was inconvenienced during his innings of 70 against Tasmania. WA Cricket described Marsh’s injury as a “low grade tear”. “Marsh will return to Perth where he will undergo rehabilitation with a view to being available for selection for the opening Test of the three-match series against South Africa at the WACA Ground next month,” WA Cricket said in a statement yesterday. Marsh returned to the Test side for the final match in Sri Lanka, replacing Joe Burns, and scored 130 his second Test century in as many matches after a career-best 182 against West Indies last December. The first Test begins in Perth on November 3, leaving Marsh less than three weeks to prove his fitness.

Burns and Usman Khawaja, who were both dropped in Sri Lanka, are in line to replace Marsh should he be unavailable for selection. l

Sport

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Yasir joint fastest to 100 Test scalps as WI all out for 357

QUICK BYTES Siddikur finishes joint 57th in Macau Bangladesh golfer Siddikur Rahman concluded his Venetian Macao Open campaign at joint 57th position, tied alongside four others, following the fourth and final round yesterday at Macau Golf and Country Club. Siddikur carded two-over-par 73 in the fourth round to finish with an overall score of two-over-par 286, 18 shots behind champion Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand. The 31-year old golfer from Madaripur hit three bogeys against a single birdie yesterday and collected $3,575 for his efforts.

n AFP, Dubai

–TRIBUNE REPORT

Marquez wins season as Rossi, Lorenzo crash Marc Marquez grabbed his third world championship by winning the Japan Grand Prix yesterday with rivals Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo crashing out in a stunning surprise. The 23-year-old Honda rider became the youngest man to win three premier-class world championship titles with three more races remaining in the season. –AFP

Thai league cancelled The Football Association of Thailand yesterday said it will meet clubs to explain its decision to scrap the season with three matches to go following the death of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The king died on Thursday aged 88, sparking anguish among an adoring public and a prolonged official mourning period. –AFP

DAY’S WATCH FOOTBALL STAR SPORTS 4 12:50AM English Premier League Liverpool v Man United

SONY ESPN 12:30AM Italian Serie A Palermo v Torino

CRICKET TEN 3 5:30PM West Indies Tour of Pakistan 1st Test, Day 5

STAR SPORTS 1 6:30PM Indian Super League Pune v Kerala

KABADDI

STAR SPORTS 2

Kabaddi World Cup 2016 8:20PM Poland v Iran 9:40PM Australia v Bangladesh

Pakistani spinner Yasir Shah celebrates after taking the wicket of West Indies batsman Miguel Cummins on the fourth day of their first day-night Test at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Gulf Emirate yesterday AFP

Pakistan’s leg-spinner Yasir Shah became the second joint-fastest bowler to take 100 wickets in all Test cricket on the fourth day of the first day-night match against West Indies in Dubai yesterday. The 30-year-old dismissed West Indian tail-ender Miguel Cummins to complete 100 wickets in his 17th Test match, the fastest Pakistani to the milestone. England’s right-arm medium-pacer George Lohmann reached 100 Test wickets in just 16 Test matches in 1896 which still is a world record in Test cricket’s 140-year-old history. Australia’s Charlie Turner and Clarrie Grimmett and England’s Sydney Barnes each got to the milestone in their 17th Test. Shah, who made his debut at the same venue in October 2014, bettered off-spinner Saeed Ajmal who held the Pakistani record of fastest to 100 Tests wickets in 19 matches. Shah finished with 5-121 in the first Test as West Indies were dismissed for 357 in their first innings in reply to Pakistan’s big 579-3 declared. West Indies, resuming at

Rahmatganj keep flying n Tribune Report A dramatic last-moment winner by substitute Didarul Alam took Rahmatganj MFS back to the top of the Bangladesh Premier League points table as they beat Brothers Union 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. Another brilliant day was added to the ongoing fairytale run of the Old Dhaka outfit who moved a point clear of rising powerhouse Chittagong Abahani to the summit after the end of the 10th round. Rahmatganj head coach Kamal Babu had to field his playing XI without some key defensive players due to injury, including Sawkat Rasel, Mamun and Alauddin. The Old Dhaka outfit however, took the lead in the seventh minute after an own goal by Brothers defender Krishna Pada. Haitian forward Augustin Wal-

RESULTS BJMC

1-0

Soccer Club

4-3

Brothers Union

Kingsley 15

Rahmatganj Krishna OG – 7, Didarul 90+1 Kingsley 27, 76

Benjamin 45+2, Sohel 64, Walson 22,

son equalised the margin in the 23rd minute as his swept free-kick from just outside the box flew past Rahmatganj goalkeeper Al Amin. The Gopibagh club then found it easy to penetrate a depleted Rah-

matganj defence on several occasions. Nigerian striker Nkwocha Kingsley dribbled past Eleta Kingsley in the left of the penalty area before calmly placing home at the near post to give Brothers the lead four minutes later. Rahmatganj returned to the game again in the added time of the first half as defender Eleta Benjamin restored parity from a glancing header following a Jatta Mustapha free-kick. Didarul seemed to seal victory in the 64th minute, heading home a Sohel Mia cross but Nkwocha levelled again in the 76th minute. Didarul though netted a spectacular winner moments before the final whistle with a curved strike from outside the box. Earlier in the day at the same venue, Team BJMC edged past Feni Soccer Club 1-0, thanks a 15th minute goal from captain Eleta Kingsley. l

315-6, were dismissed for 357 on the fourth day. At tea Pakistan had lost two quick wickets and were 20-2 with Sami Aslam batting on 12 after Asad Shafiq was trapped leg-before by spinner Devendra Bishoo for five. That leaves Pakistan with an overall lead of 242 with eight wickets intact and five

1ST TEST, DAY 4 PAKISTAN 579/3d & 121/8 (Sami 44, Babar 21, Bishoo 6/47) lead WEST INDIES 357 (Bravo 87, Samuels 76, Yasir 5/121) by 343 runs sessions to take a lead in this three-match series. It was a double blow for Pakistan after opener Azhar Ali was dismissed leg-before by paceman Shannon Gabriel for two. Ali, who scored a career best 302 in first innings, was lucky to avoid a caught behind decision off Gabriel but was trapped leg-before the very next ball. But the day belonged to Shah who wrapped up the West Indies innings in quick time and also reached a milestone. l

Algerian Mahrez favourite for African award n AFP, Johannesburg Hot favourite Riyad Mahrez of Algeria was among 30 nominees named Saturday for the 2016 African Player of the Year football award. The winger, who is equally efficient at scoring and creating goals, was a key figure for sensational 2015-2016 English Premier League title winners Leicester City. His efforts were acknowledged by fellow professionals in the most watched domestic football league in the world when they voted him EPL Players’ Player of the Year. Mahrez has been equally impressive for Algeria, who have been consistently among the top ranked African football nations for several years. It would be a shock if Mahrez is not named African Player of the Year in Abuja on January 5. l

Sport

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Dybala double sends Juve clear n AFP, Milan Paulo Dybala hit a brace as champions Juventus underscored their Serie A title credentials only eight games into the campaign with a battling 2-1 win over Udinese on Saturday. Juventus had been given a huge incentive before their late kick-off with the league’s other “Bianconeri” side after Roma stunned Napoli 3-1 at the San Paolo. And the Old Lady took the title race by the scruff of the neck to leave Roma in second at five points adrift and Napoli now in third at seven points behind. Dybala, however, said title talk is premature and that this performance proved there’s still room for improvement. l

RESULTS 1-3

Napoli

Roma

Koulibaly 58

Dzeko 43, 54, Salah 86

1-1

Pescara

Sampdoria

Campagnaro 23

Campagnaro 12-og

2-1

Juventus

Udinese

Dybala 43, 51-P

Jankto 30

0-0

Fiorentina

Atalanta

Juventus’ Paulo Dybala controls the ball as he is challenged by Udinese’s Danilo during their Serie A match at Juventus Stadium on Saturday

Madrid duo go goal crazy n AFP, Madrid Real had dropped down to fourth due to results earlier in the day, but roared back to a share of the lead and put a poor run behind them with their best display of the season to blow Betis away on Saturday. Raphael Varane headed home

Toni Kroos’s free-kick before the German also teed up Karim Benzema to double the visitors’ advantage. Marcelo’s mishit effort found the far corner for Real’s third, but there was no such luck needed for a stunning fourth as Madrid marched from one end of the field

to the other in seconds before Isco rounded off a stunning team move. Betis improved at the start of the second period and got their reward through Alvaro Cejudo’s consolation. However, Madrid’s quality shone through once more when Isco curled expertly into the top

corner before Cristiano Ronaldo got his name on the scoresheet 12 minutes from time. Real still trail Atletico on goal difference as Los Rojiblancos went one better in smashing seven past Granada. Sevilla are just a point behind in third.l

LA LIGA STANDINGS Team

GP W D

1 Atlético

L GD PTS

0 18

2 Real Madrid 8

0 14

3 Sevilla

4 Barcelona

2 16

5 Villarreal

RESULTS 2-3

Leganes Timor 66, Szymanowski 68

Barcelona

Sevilla Vazquez 24, Nasri 57, Sarabia 84

4-0

Deportivo

Rafinha 21, 36, Suarez 43, Messi 58

Atletico Madrid

7-1

Carrasco 34, 45, 61, Gaitan 63, 81, Correa 85, Tiago 87

Real Betis Cejudo 55

Granada Cuenca 18

1-6

Real Madrid

Varane 4, Benzema 31, Marcelo 39, Isco 45, 62, Ronaldo 78

Atletico Madrid’s Belgian international Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco (C) celebrates his third goal past Granada’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa during their La Liga match in Madrid on Saturday REUTERS

REUTERS

Klopp still wary of Rooney threat n AFP, Liverpool Alex Ferguson once described Liverpool versus Manchester United as the biggest fixture in club football and today’s clash at Anfield has been made all the more intriguing by the debate over the form of Wayne Rooney. Rooney has faced criticism lately, yet Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is still wary of the forward cum midfielder, who scored the only goal as United won in the Premier League at Anfield in January. “I know a lot of what everybody thinks at this moment about Wayne Rooney and I cannot think the same things, even as the manager of Liverpool FC,” said Klopp. “He is 30 years old and has had a very long and more than a decent career in the Premier League. The longer you are part of something, the more people know about you and think they can say about you,” the German added. “Why does anybody think that Jose Mourinho is blind from one second to the other and says, ‘OK, he’s not good enough any more but he’s still playing’? Or why do they think Sam Allardyce did it, or why Gareth Southgate (the interim England boss) did it? They all know about his quality and know about his value for each team he plays in.”l

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Not filled in (5) 5 Biblical quotation (4) 8 Service (6) 9 Semblance (5) 10 Remedy (4) 11 Lukewarm (5) 12 Say further (3) 15 Examine (4) 18 Henhouse (5) 21 Old French coin (3) 22 Midday (4) 24 Niggardly (4) 25 Deserves (5) 28 Tell tales (6) 29 Drink (4) 30 Grass-like plant (5)

DOWN 1 Alms seeker (6) 2 Friend (Fr) (3) 3 Nidus (4) 4 Joint (4) 5 Unspoken (5) 6 Escapes artfully (6) 7 Digit (3) 13 Carry out (2) 14 Give to charity (6) 16 As reported (2) 17 Sharp struggle (6) 19 Echo sounder (5) 20 In direction of (2) 23 Fish traps (4) 24 Rabble (3) 26 Beer (3) 27 Colour (3)

Downtime

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODE-CRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 17 represents V so fill V every time the figure 17 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. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

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

SATURDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

Showtime

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

WHAT TO WATCH The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies HBO, 8:30 PM

Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Laketown. Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch Fantastic Four Star Movies, 4:37 PM

Keka Ferdousi:

Cooking is not easy n Hasan Dabir Uddin Keka Ferdousi, one of the most prominent faces of the country who has been presenting culinary shows on TV for more than three decades now, has a reputation of offering innovative recipes to her audience. Born to famous parents, Fazlul Haq, a journalist and director, and Rabeya Khatun, a novelist, Ferdousi started her TV career back in 1984. She received the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards for her book, Sastho Sacheton Ranna. Showtime recently sat with the culinary artist to learn her side of the stories behind the exciting recipes she comes up with on her TV shows. When did you first start cooking? I have been cooking since I was in class five. I used to help my parents while cooking, especially my father who has the talent to make any dish delicious. I ended up learning to cook various dishes during that period. Do you think it’s important for

parents to teach their children how to cook? I think kids learn by example, so showing them that the kitchen isn’t a terrifying place should be taught from an early age. I love to teach others. If the government helps to run a project for teaching school kids how to prepare their breakfast, I will gladly work with them. Do you think it is possible to learn the art of cooking by watching culinary TV shows? Cooking isn’t easy. In order to become a good cook, one has to possess certain skills like being economical, understanding different food types, measurement and finally, being organised. How many culinary books have you written till date? Do any of the recipes have stories behind them? Could you tell us about one? You’ll find six culinary books of mine in bookstores and a lot of DVDs featuring my TV shows. It was my culinary TV shows

Reed is a scientist and he is convinced that evolution can happen by clouds of cosmic energy. He believes that the earth is going to pass one of those clouds soon. Along with his friend Ben, Reed convinces Dr Victor Von Doom to let them access his private space station. Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans

which were recorded in the form of cassettes for the first time in the country. Most of the recipes in the books have a story or a memory behind it. When I lived abroad, I learned a lot of recipes from different cuisines of foreign lands. I’ve learnt a lot form rural women in our country too.

Predator Star Movies HD,11:55 PM

When was your first TV show aired? In 1994, I cooked a mushroom recipe in Shykh Seraj’s Mati o Manush on BTV. Afterwards, I worked in various TV programs. I can remember some of them -- Monohor Ifftar, Amader Kotha, Desh Bidesh er Ranna and others. Where do you find inspiration for new dishes? How do you deal with the backlash on your experiments? I love to experiment without making the recipe difficult to follow. It’s funny because I think those who tend to have negative comments about my recipes have never tried out the recipes at all. It does not concern me, I just like to ignore them. I think, these days, more people are willing to try out new recipes. New ingredients and innovative methods of cooking are being discovered every day. All I have to do is keep up. How do you develop interesting

recipes, do you test them on anyone? When I am developing a new recipe, I tend to focus on the nutrition value of the food, the availability of ingredients and price. Whenever I develop one at home, I ask my family members to taste the dish. I know that they always provide an honest opinion on my experiments. What is Keka Ferdousi’s favourite dish? I’ve tasted food from all around the world but I still prefer local dishes.l

Dutch and his commando team are assigned a task by the CIA – to rescue downed airmen from a jungle in Central America. Dutch and his men complete the mission successfully and are on their way back when they realise that they are being hunted. Cast:Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers

Showtime

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Lalon Festival 2016 commences

nShowtime Desk Marking the 126th death anniversary of Lalon, a threeday Lalon Festival has begun at the Lalon Akhrah located in Cheuriya, Kushtia. Asaduzzaman Noor, minister of cultural affairs, announced the inauguration of

the festival yesterday. This time, the slogan of the festival is “Pare Loye Jao Aamay,” a line taken from a popular Lalon song. The festival will see many events such as musical events, discussions on Lalon’s philosophy, Lalon’s fair and so on. Followers of Lalon have been

arranging this event ever since the death of Lalon in October 16, 1890. The festival serves as a meeting of Lalon lovers across the country. The star attraction of Lalon’s Mazaar at Cheuriya is the holding of the Lalon festivals twice a year—once on DolPurnima in the month of Falgun (February-March) and then on his death anniversary in October. During the festivals, the Lalon Akhra is visited by thousands of bauls and devotees from across the country and West Bengal. They get together and observe the festival amid daylong and nightlong renderings of Lalonsongs. It is said that Lalon Fakir has composed about ten thousand songs of which only two to three thousand are still traceable while others are consigned to oblivion or are living in the memory of his numerous followers. However, quantity does not matter whom it comes to Lalon songs. What counts is quality, and the eternal universal messages they carry. The haunting melody of his songs capture people’s hearts and helps them realise the error of their ways, often defined as “our sweetest songs that tell of saddest thoughts.” l

Changes in the Bigg Boss house this year

nShowtime Desk The Bigg Boss house has a different theme every year, and the decor of the house is changed to suit the theme. Since this year, there will be participants from the general public who are going to be an important part of the competition, the house is remodeled to do justice to the theme. The decor of the house this season is a combination of different Indian cultures, and looks like a modern Indian palace. The house also has a lavish and gorgeous jacuzzi.

Omung Kumar has remodeled and designed the house, and has added interesting elements to it. The audience will love all the drama that is going to take place in the various, cozy corners of the house. Bigg Boss is very important for the chanel Colors this season. The past few months haven’t been great for their prime time shows. Besides Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and Udaan, their other dailies are not faring as well on the TRP charts at all. Star Plus and Zee TV are doing much better with Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

and Kumkum Bhagya. It is tough to beat Kumkum Bhagya but it is the low ratings of Swaragini (due to random plot twists) that has caused further problems. Bigg Boss will be aired from 10:30pm on week days. This was the timing even last season, but sadly they could not capitalise on it. Hopefully this year, they have taken contestants who can spice up the show. A TRP of two or more will provide a great boost to the channel, which has lost its No 1 position, after Naagin went off air. It is a do or die situation for BB10. In fact, the confirmed list came out really late as people were rethinking on whether the celebrities/common man is perfect or not. Instead of a boring mix of soap actors and struggling celebrities, the common man will bring in freshness, say the producers of the show. The only thing that remains to be seen is how excited the audience is for this Bigg Boss type of drama. l

Madonna named Billboard’s 2016 'Woman of the Year' nShowtime Desk Billboard, an American entertainment media brand owned by Prometheus Global Media which publishes pieces involving news, video, opinion, reviews, events and style and it most famous for its music charts. The brand has recently named pop icon Madonna as Billboard’s 2016 “Woman of the Year.” She is an important feminist and one of a kind artist who has used her influence to change the conversation around women, sexuality and equal rights. Her creative vision, relentless innovation, and dedication

towards philanthropic causes, makes her an inspiration for millions of people around the world. It’s not hard to notice that Madonna is the highestgrossing female touring artist of all time. Her 10th world tour, The Rebel Heart Tour, reportedly grossed $169.8 million, which led to her being named the highest grossing solo touring artist in Billboard Box score history. The magazine announced that she will be honoured at the 11th Annual Women in Music event, to be held in New York City on December 9. The awards ceremony will later air on Lifetime on December 12. l

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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in Goa of India

FOCUS BANGLA

Yellow rickshaw scheme misses the mark Complain diplomatic zone residents demand in the four areas where at n Abu Hayat Mahmud least 5,000 rickshaws are needed, Residents of Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Niketan – the posh residential areas in Dhaka which also constitute the city’s diplomatic zone – are far from happy with the insufficient number of rickshaws that the city authorities have allowed to ply in the area. The yellow-hooded rickshaws that were introduced by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) are vastly inadequate to meet the demand in each of the four areas, several commuters complained to the Dhaka Tribune. The plan for the new area-exclusive transportation service was chalked out when the housing societies of Niketan, Gulshan, Baridhara and Banani sat with Dhaka Metropolitan Police and the DNCC to come up with stronger security measures following the terror attack on a Gulshan cafe on July 1 that killed 23 people, including 17 foreign nationals. Inaugurated by DNCC Mayor Annisul Huq on August 10, the service include 500 rickshaws – 200 each for Gulshan and Banani, 50 each for Niketan and Baridhara – and 20 air-conditioned buses for the four residential areas. Following the launch, the DNCC has permitted 1,000 more rickshaws in the areas at different times, said Md Abdur Rahim, personal secretary of the DNCC mayor. Still, it is not enough to meet the

said locals and the authorised rickshaw pullers. This correspondent recently visited the areas and saw how scarce rickshaws were. Amin Azad, a resident of Banani, seemed quite nettled with the transport service when he was asked about it. “Yellow rickshaws? Help us?

Absolutely not! They have made things worse here. Why would they not allow normal rickshaws to cross the Banani bridge? The entire idea is ridiculous. And because of it, rickshaw fare has skyrocketed as well,” he told the Dhaka Tribune. He further said although walking between Gulshan and Banani was not particularly difficult, it would also not be feasible for someone carrying heavy bags.

“This problem must be addressed. The commute system in Gulshan-Banani areas needs attention,” he added. Farzana Akhter Rumki, student of a private university who lives in Gulshan 2, said residents of these posh areas often faced difficulty on rainy days due to the rickshaw crisis. “Most of the time it takes me at least 15-20 minutes to find a rickshaw for hire. CNG-run autorick-

Pedestrians walk on one side of the road while a yellow-hooded rickshaw, with a registration plate on the front saying ‘Niketan, 016’, carries passengers on the other side. The photo was taken recently in Niketan, Dhaka MEHEDI HASAN

shaws are not readily available in these areas either,” she added. “It gets particularly worse during the morning and evening rush.” Authorities concerned acknowledge that the new service is far from sufficient and are planning to gradually increase the number of rickshaws in the areas, sources said. In September, Pabon Kumar, senior office executive of Niketan Welfare Society, told the Dhaka Tribune that they received a number of complaints from the local residents regarding the inconvenience and requests to increase the number of rickshaws every day. He said leaders of the welfare society and local ward councillors had taken the issue up with the DNCC mayor. When contacted, Mayor Annisul Huq also confirmed that he was aware of the crisis. “We have discussed this issue with the housing societies of the four areas several times. We will monitor the situation and take steps to alleviate the crisis accordingly,” he said. Meanwhile, foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka are pleased with the tightened security measures put in place by the authorities following the terror attack. At a recent event with Mayor Annisul Huq in Dhaka, several diplomats including US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat praised the government’s efforts to ensure safety in the diplomatic zone. l

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