October 20, 2016

SECOND EDITION

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

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Kartik 5, 1423, Muharram 18, 1438

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 4, No 172

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www.dhakatribune.com

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32 pages |

Price: Tk10

PM for stronger cyber security n BSS

Stressing the need for increasing capability of cyber security, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that steps will be taken so that none can commit crimes by using digital facilities.

“Some problems linked to security have been created with digitisation, and for this, our capability of cyber security will have to be enhanced … we will have to stay alert so that security of the financial sector and secret issues is not hampered in any way,” the premier said while addressing the inauguration of the “Digital World 2016″at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka yesterday.

She added that necessary manpower would be created alongside procuring equipment to check cyber crimes.

The prime minister also mentioned the role of her ICT Affairs Adviser and son Sajeeb Wazed Joy in building Digital Bangladesh. “He is the main architect of implementation of the Digital Bangladesh,” she added.

In recognition of his contribution, Joy received ICT for Development Award 2016 for which, Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina smiles in astonishment as a robot salutes and greets her at the opening of Digital World 2016 expo in Dhaka yesterday BSS The ICT Division has organised rity Act 2016, the premier said unMORE STORIES ON P2 & 3 the three-day event with the theme der the law, the government would “Non-stop Bangladesh” with the set up world standard forensic lab, assistance of the Bangladesh Comconstitute a Cyber Security Agensaid, she was very much proud as puter Council (BCC), Bangladesh cy, and establish cyber incidents his mother.

Association of Software and Inforresponsive team and a high-level Referring to her government’s mation Services (BASIS) and a2i digital security council. steps for enacting the Digital Secu-

New Jamaat chief’s 1971 role questioned n Rafiqul Islam, Feni Only a day after Maqbul Ahmed took charge of Jamaat-e-Islami and, in a surprise move, recalled the sacrifice of the freedom fighters, war heroes in Feni have alleged that Maqbul was involved in wartime atrocities in 1971 as a collaborator.

Maqbul, who took oath on Monday, in a written statement the same day recalled the “valiant and courageous freedom fighters and the people of all classes who had made outstanding contribution

and sacrifice during the war of liberation in 1971.”

He said: “We are blessed with an independent and sovereign country because of their optimum sacrifice and dedication.”

He also mentioned the names of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the architect of independent Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman as martyr president, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani as a popular leader, and General Ataul Gani Osmani and “other great leaders of our struggle and movement for independence.”  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Programme of the Prime Minister’s office.

After her speech, the premier inaugurated the Digital World 2016 digitally by pressing a switch. Earlier a small robot invited her to open the expo.

The Digital World 2016 showcases the technology-based innovations and achievements, and facilitate in a single platform for sharing ICT knowledge and ideas.

Over 200 speakers including 43 from world famous organisations such as Microsoft, Facebook, the World Bank, ZTE, Huawei are expected to take part in 18 sessions.

The mega event would include 12 seminars, IT career fair, soft expo, e-Governance expo, mobile innovation expo, e-commerce and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) programme.

State Minister for ICT Division Junaid Ahmed Palak, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Post, Telecommunication and ICT Ministry Imran Ahmed, ICT Division Secretary Shyam Sundar Shikdar, BCC President Mostafa Jabbar, Executive Director of BCC SM Ashraful Islam, Project Director of a2i Programme Kabir Bin Anwar also spoke at the function.  PAGE 3 COLUMN 1

More and more militants want out n Mohammad Jamil Khan In the face of continuous raids by different law enforcement agencies, families of at least two dozen militants, who left home to join outfits that aim at establishing Shariah law in the country, have contacted with the detectives to return to regular life again.

Officials of the police’s Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit are scrutinising their previous activities and have offered them necessary counselling as part of its de-radicalisation process.

According to sources, the families convinced the militants to leave the path of armed jihad also

According to CTTC officials, most of the requests for surrender came through the “Hello CT” android application because of huge public condemnation following the deadly Gulshan and Sholakia attacks that created huge outrage across the world.

The other reason behind more extremists coming back to normal life is police’s crackdown on the

militant dens. At least 33 supporters of New JMB, a new outfit affiliated with the Islamic State group, have been killed and a number of militants arrested during drives since the July 1 Holey Artisan Bakery attack.

With the support of the CTTC unit, at least 12 militants – all students of universities, colleges and madrasas – have so far returned to their families.

Police have declared rewards for such militants and additional amount for giving information on the other members of the outfits.

Additional DIG Monirul Islam, also chief of the CTTC unit, said: “If any distracted member of a  PAGE 3 COLUMN 4

INSIDE Experts: Huge scope of foreign investments in high-tech parks

Bangladesh has a huge scope to bring more foreign investments using the high-tech park model but it would take time, experts said yesterday.  PAGE 3

‘It’s time 3rd generation of Bangabandhu family joined politics’

Syed Ashraf thinks that it is the right time for someone from the 3rd generation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family joined politics.  PAGE 5

Stalkers assault four girls

Barely two weeks into the gruesome attack on college student Khadiza Akter Nargis in Sylhet, miscreants beat up and hacked four more girls in Dhaka’s Mirpur, and Munshiganj and Barisal districts.  PAGE 32

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E-commerce needs better internet, payment methods n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi Lack of broadband internet penetration, logistic support to deliver products, payment gateway and mistrust in the rural areas are the key barriers to expanding commerce across Bangladesh, e-commerce experts have said.

Policymakers, entrepreneurs and experts from the e-commerce sector came up with the remarks at a seminar titled “How to expand e-commerce to rural areas.”

The seminar was organised yesterday as part of the three-day “Digital World 2016” expo.

“Lack of access to broadband internet, logistic network, escrow architecture, unavailability of e-commerce platforms in mobile devices, absence of commodity exchange, lack of availability for an efficient agro-marketing network, policy deficiency and no financing infrastructure for e-commerce are the key barriers in the way of expansion of e-commerce in the rural areas,” said Rezwanul Haque Jami, the vice-president of e-commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB) in his keynote presentation.

BANGLADESH E-COMMERCE INDUSTRY FACTSHEET Over 5,000 pages on Facebook About 700 websites

400 e-CAB members

70% consumers live in Dhaka 50% e-commerce companies rely on own logistic

Monthly transaction Tk400cr

Over 60 million internet users

Yearly growth about 10%

Facebook users 30 million

70% transaction cash on delivery

128.93 million mobile phone users

80% consumers live in urban area According to government statistics, 66% of Bangladeshis live in rural areas, while e-CAB says 80% of its transactions are based in urban areas.

A deep mistrust of online transaction and monetary security prevails, and there is a lack of campaigns targeting rural e-commerce, meaning the unavailability of online marketplaces for trading goods is a less known fact in the rural areas, said Jami.

Since the mistrust is a barrier, both the industry stakeholders and

Smartphone users 10 million the government will have to take steps to formulate policy and set standards to build trust between consumers and suppliers, said Mohammad Abdur Rouf, chief operating officer of Aarong.

“A big challenge is money collection from the rural area and if we can ensure it, the expansion would be beyond our expectation,” he added.

“Urban consumers dominate the e-commerce scene. To include rural people, we will have to con-

centrate on supplies from the rural area as there are underutilised products there,” he said.

Talking on internet accessibility, Bagdoom.com CEO Syeda Kamrun Ahmed said that though Bangladesh had launched 3G internet, it was not available in rural areas.

Broadband internet penetration was very poor as well.

“There are lots of opportunities in making investment in technological development as well as infrastructure including logistic support,” said Kamrun. She urged the government to ensure access to finance including easy term loans and collateral free loans for small entrepreneurs.

E-CAB is working with the Bangladesh Post Office to be able to use its network to deliver products, said e-CAB President Razib Ahmed. He also urged the authorities concerned to introduce courses on e-commerce to create skilled manpower.

He urged the Commerce Ministry to introduce a call centre with 100 people to resolve complaints received from consumers.

The government is funding, promoting and assisting the industry to

reach rural people, said Nahim Razzaq, MP, Convener of Young Bangla.

“Postal Card can be a tool for payment gateway,” he said, echoing Razib’s remarks.

“People in this industry will have to work through a framework to build the confidence of consumers,” he added.

E-commerce is a growing industry and strict regulations may hurt its growth, said Senior Commerce Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamoon.

“But we are working to formulate a policy for the sector and gradually it will be implemented to shape the sector,” said Mamoon, who was present as the chief guest.

All the panel discussants stressed on awareness, building trust and policy to expand e-commerce business in the rural areas.

The strengths of Bangladesh that may support the expansion of e-commerce are a growing number of mobile users, countrywide postal network and mobile financial services that could make payment easier in rural areas, the panelists said.

There are over half a million mobile banking agents under 18 banks in Bangladesh. l

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New Jamaat chief’s 1971 role questioned In the following paragraph, the new Jamaat ameer remembered the party’s former chiefs Ghulam Azam and Motiur Rahman Nizami; former nayeb-e-ameer Maulana AKM Yousuf; former secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid; former assistant secretaries general Muhammad Kamaruzzaman and Abdul Quader Molla; and party’s former central executive committee member Mir Quasem Ali and others “who had made outstanding and significant contribution throughout their lives for establishing a just and welfare society in Bangladesh on the basis of Islamic ideology.”

He claimed that the five top Jamaat leaders – condemned war criminals Quasem, Nizami, Mujahid, Kamaruzzaman, Quader Molla – had been hanged “unlawfully” by the incumbent “authoritarian” government “because of their pro-active and dynamic roles.”

Maqbul also alleged that Ghulam Azam and Yusuf had died in jail “because of the government’s oppression and torture. I am praying to Almighty Allah for the acceptance of their martyrdom.”

He claimed that Jamaat leaders Abdus Subhan, Delawar Hossain Sayedee and ATM Azharul Islam

had been kept in jail to face slow death as they were sentenced on the basis of false and baseless allegations of crimes against humanity.

His remarks resulted in criticism among cross-sections of people for mentioning the sacrifices of the freedom fighters for the country’s independence and hailing the war criminals in the same statement.

During the war, Jamaat top brass had branded the freedom fighters as miscreants, atheists and agents of India, and acted against the creation of Bangladesh by collaborating with the Pakistani occupation forces as a party. Jamaat was also behind the formation of peace comittees, razakar forces, al-Badr and al-Shams.

Jamaat has always been critical of the ongoing war crimes trials while Maqbul, as the party’s acting ameer in the last six years, made many infuriating statements regarding the trial and judgements.

The religion-based party is also believed to be behind the rise of extremism and communalism in the country as it resumed politics after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Maqbul got the acting ameer post of Jamaat after the arrest of previous chief Nizami in 2010 for

war crimes. He had attended party meetings and issued statements regularly from unknown locations.

Earlier he served as the nayeb-eameer, assistant secretary general, regional coordinator and Rokon.

Hailing from Omrabad village under Purbo Chandrapur Union of Dagonbhuiyan in Feni, Maqbul was a teacher at Feni Model High School in 1971 and later joined Jamaat-e-Islami after his retirement.

He lost the 1991 elections contesting from Feni 2 constituency.

Maqbul also supported the 13-point charter for demands of radical Islamist platform Hefazat-e-Islam when the latter waged all-out movement against the government in 2013 demanding blasphemy law to try atheist bloggers and a ban on Ahmadiyya Muslims.

In March this year, he threatened to wage tough movement if the state religion provision in the constitution was revoked by the apex court.

After taking oath, Maqbul asked the government and other parties to arrange a national dialogue with all the political parties and stakeholders to solve the existing problems and crises of the country. He earlier called for national unity after the July 1 Gulshan cafe attack.

Allegations of 1971 crimes

According to Feni district freedom fighters’ Commander Mir Abdul Hannan, Maqbul was a razakar commander during the war. Upon his directives, members of al-Badr and razakar forces abducted freedom fighter Maulana Waz Uddin, a former leader of Bangladesh Students Union and vice-president of Feni College Central Students’ Union, and killed him in Chittagong.

Dagonbhuiyan unit commander Shariat Ullah Bangali accused Maqbul of masterminding the death of 10 Hindus at Laalpur village of Joylaskar Union. The victims were burnt to death. “Razakar Mosharraf Hossain Mosha killed freedom fighter Ahsan Ullah of Khushipur village of the upazila on the order

by Maqbul. Mosha, hailing from Safua village, is still alive,” Shariat told the Dhaka Tribune, demanding investigation into the allegations against the new Jamaat chief.

Hannan alleged that around 200 razakars of Feni including Maqbul had been enjoying impunity as no charges were brought against them at the International Crimes Tribunal.

Former ameer of the district unit and central leader Prof Liakat Ali refuted the allegations. “Some dishonest people are trying to make

a leader of the Islamic movement controversial by making false accusations against him,” he claimed.

‘War-time allegations baseless’

After Bangla Tribune published a report on Maqbul’s war crimes on Tuesday, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Prof Mozibur Rahman in a statement claimed that the allegations were imaginary, confusing and baseless.

Mozibur alleged that the report was published as part of a conspiracy since there had been no allegations of war-time crimes had been brought against Maqbul since the independence.

“Such an allegation against a party like Jamaat-e-Islami which is following Islamic ideology and principles is completely unacceptable and irrelevant. They cannot confuse and misguide the countrymen by publishing such false, baseless and ill-motivated report,” the statement added. l

Corrigendum In a story titled “WB pledges biggest ever $2bn climate fund to Bangladesh” published yesterday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was inadvertently mentioned as the Indian prime minister. We regret the error.l

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Experts: Huge scope of foreign investments in high-tech parks n Ishtiaq Husain

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurates a mobile bus at the Digital World 2016 conference yesterday, an initiative to train women for the ICT sector BSS

Speakers stress digital education n Shadma Malik Education can create massive opportunities and nurture true potential of Bangladesh talents, said Rena Chai, chief operating officer, South Asia New Markets, Microsoft Asia Pacific, in her speech yesterday.

She expressed her view in a seminar on “Education for Every Citizen-building a Digital Platform for Education and Learning” organised as a part of Digital World 2016 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the city.

Rena Chai said enriching capabilities of teachers and quality of teaching methods will significantly improve the education system if the system is digitilised.

Local students will be exposed to global content and the education system will not be limited to the re-

source capabilities. With the right tools in place, education system no longer needs to limit its quality and stability to the traditional challenges such as numbers of institutes, teachers, and so on, she added.

The speaker said digital education is a journey that can only be achieved through collaboration.

Government, educators and communities need to come together to encourage everyone to learn and help them envision their future with the help of education and knowledge through digital platform.

Mustafa Jabbar, president of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Service (BASIS), said digital education is a key challenge to the nation.

The educators should expand their knowledge for digital education, said Sohrab, secretary of the Ministry of Education. l

Bangladesh has a huge scope to bring more foreign investments using the high-tech park model but it would take time, experts said yesterday.

The view came at a seminar titled “Business Model for High-tech Zone” held at International Convention Centre, Bashundhara on the sidelines of Digital World 2016.

Expressing his views on the matter, Abu Reza Khan, managing director of Summit Technopolis Limited, pointed out that a Sri Lankan company has shown interest in developing an industry at the ongoing Kaliakoir Hi-tech Park and said “It is a very positive move for the industry.”

“Though Bangladesh has several Export Processing Zones (EPZ) but it took seven to eight years for the sector to gain momentum. The country has just started to set up the hightech park, so it will take time to bring foreign investments,” he added.

In his suggestions, he said the price of lands at the high-tech park should be reconsidered as the price was too high.

“The high-tech park authority can allot lands for free which will definitely bring more investments,” he added, Azad Chowdhury, director of business development at Bangladesh TechnoSity Limited, said: “TechnoSity is the very first company which started construction work of its block at the park. It would be ready for investors within summer next year.

“Bangladesh is a big market for local and international companies and can become an attractive destination for investors,” said Azad.

Hosne Ara Begum, managing director of Bangladesh Hi-tech Park Authority, said the park authority was establish in 2010 as an autonomous body to support the establishment and expansion of the ICT industry in Bangladesh through the

Participants at a panel discussion during the Digital World 2016 conference yesterday at International Convention City in Dhaka MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

creation, management, operation and development of high-tech parks.

“Since its inception, the hightech park authority has successfully established Janata Tower Software Technology Park, Jessore Software Technology Park, and is in the process of developing several more high-tech parks across the country.

“These high-tech parks are an important part for achieving the Vision 2021 as they play a key role in the government’s plan to develop the ICT industry.”

When asked, she said: “If we had set up the Kaliakoir park near Dhaka airport it would have created huge traffic congestions.”

She said: “The Kaliakoir Hi-tech Park would have both road and rail connectivity which will ensure quick communication.” Martti Launonen, chairman of Hubconcepts Inc, presented his speech as keynote speaker.

Mentioning some technology park in Thailand, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Hong Kong and UK, he said: “Bangladesh can follow these types of model to set up new high-tech zones in the country.”

Meanwhile at the seminar, Matti Sakari Latva-aho, professor of University of Oulu, Finland, talked about wireless communication technology in Bangladesh and its prospects to take the country further into the digital world.

He said: “Introduction of 5G network bands will dramatically change business of the mobile operators in the country. This will also enable the advancement of IT related sectors and boost businesses centring ICT.” l

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PM for stronger cyber security The prime minister later inaugurated six “smart buses” having all ICT facilities for imparting training to the women on ICT. As part of further ensuring capacity of digital security, Hasina said that steps had also been taken to connect Bangladesh with the second submarine cable as there is no alternate submarine cable in the country.

She said that Bangladesh had already joined the SEA-ME-WE-5 consortium and would get 1,300 GBPS bandwidth in the second submarine cable.

Citing that the work on installing country’s first own satellite, the “Bangabandhu Satellite 1,” she said that Bangladesh could even export satellite bandwidth after launching its journey in 2017 and meeting the demand.

Hasina said that her government had stopped bribes and unnecessary harassment of people using

information technology, adding that tender manipulation was also stopped due to digitisation.

The premier said her government put highest importance on education to build Digital Bangladesh and made ICT education compulsory from class six to 12th class.

As many as 5,500 labs including 2,100 Sheikh Russel Digital Lab had been set up in the country while more 10,000 Sheikh Russel Digital Labs would be established by the end of 2018.

Besides, she said, the government approved “Innovation Design Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA)” project aimed at giving innovative works an institutional shape and expanding IT Start-up initiative alongside beginning wide ranging works titled “One Thousand Innovation by 2021.”

The prime minister said that every upazila of the country had

been brought under optical fibre connection and 3G network, while bandwidth price reduced to Tk625 from Tk76,000 in 2007.

“Steps have also been taken to introduce 4G network in 2017, she said adding that 130 million mobile SIM are being used while 640 million people are now using internet in Bangladesh,” she said.

Hasina mentioned that rural people were receiving about 200 types of services from digital centres across the country. Apart from this, she said, about 3,000 post offices had been transformed into digital service centres.

The premier said Bangladesh was exporting software and ICT services to about 40 countries including some developed nations.

Under the “Learning and Earning” project, 55,000 male and female youths would be trained up on freelancing to increase efficiency. l

More and more militants want out militant group wants to quit, there must be an opportunity for them. If anyone wants to surrender to us, we first analyse their crime history.

“If there is any previous crime record, then we will take necessary action as per the law. But when they are found clean, we arrange psychological counselling and check the person’s behaviour very closely so that they no longer posses extremist mindset.”

Monirul thinks most of the fresh recruits were lured to join the militant outfits giving false explanation of Islam. “These people need permanent counselling. Our officials are working on it to devise longterm solutions.”

According to CTTC officials, most of the requests for surrender came through the “Hello CT” an-

droid application. Mainly the parents and relatives of the militants have contacted with the police seeking assistance.

Currently, the CTTC officials are providing counselling through a team consists of a psychologist, an Islamic scholar and a top detective.

On October 5, two militants of New JMB surrendered to the Rapid Action Battalion in presence of the home minister in Bogra. One of them was a close associate of Gulshan restaurant attacker Khairul Islam Payel. They were given Tk5 lakh each.

Three siblings – all members of banned militant outfit Hizb utTahrir – surrendered to the police in Jessore on October 3. Earlier, four more Hizb ut-Tahrir members surrendered to the Jessore police on August 11 and August 21. l

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Three int'l oil companies submit EoIs n Aminur Rahman Rasel Three international oil companies (IOCs) yesterday submitted expressions of interests (EOIs) to explore and develop oil and gas resources in Bangladesh’s deep sea blocks DS-10 and DS-11 and shallow sea block SS-10.

On September 28, state-owned Petrobangla invited expressions of interests to explore and develop two deep-sea blocks and one shallow sea

block in the Bay of Bengal under the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) Act-2010.

“We have received the expressions of interests from three international oil companies. The submission deadline was October 19.

Now, the interested international oil companies that are deemed best suited to perform the operation will be short-listed. After that Request For Proposal documents will be sent to the short-listed compa-

nies,” Petrobangla Director Jameel A Aleem told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Unlike usual bidding rounds, the government will purchase oil and gas from the Bay of Bengal at a competitive price to be quoted by the IOCs in bids.

In previous bidding rounds, Petrobangla fixed the prices for oil and gas in the model production sharing contracts (PSC) before the launching of the bid.

Singapore-based Kris Energy, South Korean Posco Daewoo International Corporation and Norway’s Statoil submitted EOIs for the deep and shallow sea blocks.

On the other hand, the government has decided to sign a deal with Daewoo International for exploration at the deep sea gas block 12.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division placed a proposal for the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

Danish ambassador to Dhaka, Mikael Hemniti Winther meets President Md Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban yesterday COURTESY

New Danish ambassador presents his credentials n Tribune Desk The newly appointed Danish ambassador to Dhaka, Mikael Hemniti Winther presented his credentials to President Md. Abdul Hamid through a meeting yesterday.

A press release from the Denmark embassy said, Winther conveyed to Hamid his intention to continue to build on Denmark’s longstanding relationship with Bangladesh through partnerships on development, foreign policy and trade.

He also recalled how the friendship between the countries started soon after Bangladesh’s independence and has grown significantly ever since.

“We look forward for deepening the bond of friendship between our nations during my stay in Bangladesh,” he said.

Winther arrived in Bangladesh on September 7.

He previously served in Thailand and Iraq. He has also worked as an associate professor at Copenhagen University and at Copenhagen Business School. l

Military Police Week 2016 begins in city n Tribune Desk A week-long Military Police Week-2016, an initiative to grow awareness about the cantonment rules among the military and civil personnel and their families living in Dhaka and Mirpur Cantonment, began yesterday.

To observe the week different banners and festoons were set up at cantonment with

awareness information, said an ISPR press release.

Organisers were trying to encourage people to follow the traffic rules with the help of hand mike.

SM Matiur Rahman, adjutant general of Army inaugurated the Military Police Week 2016 at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment in the morning. It will be concludes on Saturday. l

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The proposal is yet to be approved.

According to the agreement between Posco Daewoo and Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla), Daewoo will sell 1,000 cubic feet of gas at $6.5 per unit.

A Petrobangla official said Daewoo International explored gas in Myanmar’s Shwe gas field adjacent to Bangladesh’s deep sea block 11.

Myanmar’s AD 6 gas block is near Bangladesh's deep sea block 10. l

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THRUSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Syed Ashraf: It’s time third generation of Bangabandhu family joined politics Awami League General Secretary and Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam thinks that it is the right time for someone coming from the third generation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family joined politics. “There is a probability of this happening,” Syed Ashraf told Bangla Tribune’s Pavel Haider Chowdhury in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

What new things are we going to see in the upcoming council of the Awami League?

A party council always means something new. It is not only about electing new leaders for a party. A council creates the opportunity for friendship between leaders and activists of different levels of the party. Everyone meets one another, can talk to one another. As a result a strong bondage is created among fellow partisans.

You have been elected the general secretary of the party twice. What achievement are you satisfied about during this period?

Our party President Sheikh Hasina gave me the scope to implement my new ideas during my tenure as GS two times. That is why I could work with enthusiasm. During this period there was no division inside the party. Sheikh Hasina’s leadership has been established.

Space has been created to work altogether. The party now thrives politically.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Syed Asraf was elected Awami League’s joint general secretary in 2002 and general secretary twice in 2009 and 2012. During the regime of the army-backed caretaker government, he led the movement to free Sheikh Hasina from jail when a faction of the party challenged detained Hasina’s leadership. Former president Zillur Rahman and Syed Ashraf at that time saved the AL from being divided. Prior to that, during 1996-2001 rule of Awami League, he was the state minister for aviation and tourism. He is the son of Bangladesh’s first acting president Syed Nazrul Islam.

AL is in power for two consecutive terms. What is AL’s achievement so far? What aspects of Sheikh Hasina have been accepted by the people?

Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, positive politics and her commitments to the nation have been appreciated by the people. That is why the party came to power twice back to back. The country’s economy has progressed. We have had some great achievements.

Bangladesh now is a model country in the world. Councils at ward, union, upazila, municipality, district and city levels have been held in a festive manner. The AL is a more powerful organisation now.

What is your evaluation about politics and politicians?

Politicians come to give the country, not to take. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman struggled all through his life. He sacrificed his life along with his family. Four national leaders

sacrificed their lives in jail. They did not compromise ever. During the Liberation War thousands of people sacrificed their lives.

The party needs her as the president at least one more time.

Do you wish to continue your responsibility as GS of AL further?

It will be decided by the councillors. I will continue serving the party even if I am not elected as GS.

I will continue serving the party, the country and the society. It does not matter if I am not elected, as a party activist I can still serve the party a lot.

Sheikh Hasina is not interested to hold the president’s post anymore.

What is your opinion?

People regard you as a ‘crisis man’ of the party. What is your particular charisma behind this

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achievement?

No crisis can scare me. I like peace and creativity. During crisis I remain calm and creative – it helps me resolve the crisis.

Do you have any new plan if you are elected as GS again?

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Your party has invited the BNP to the council. Do you think they would send any representative?

We hope BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will attend the council. It will be a big positive turn in our country’s politics if the BNP attends the upcoming AL council. l 19

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PRAYER TIMES

Sheikh Hasina: Awami League to revise party charter n BSS Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that the Awami League council will revise amend the party’s declaration and constitution to include special directions and goals to make the country completely poverty- and hunger-free by 2021 and a developed one by 2041.

The national council slated for October 22-23 has created an unprecedented enthusiasm among the people, as it is very important in terms of ascertaining the next course of development path of the country towards prosperity, she told a meeting of the Awami League Central Working Committee at her Ganabhaban residence yesterday.

“The people of the country are convinced that only Awami League can give them socio-economic prosperity and fulfil their expectations. The Awami League has contribution to every aspect of socio-economic development ranging from poverty alleviation to food security, education and health services,” the premier said.

She said that the council would be held with an objective of organising the party to stay in power aimed at completing the unfinished tasks to build a hungerand poverty-free Bangladesh by 2021.

“Bangladesh is progressing fast in every sector and rural people are enjoying the benefit of economic development as Awami League is in power successively. We have to maintain the continuity and the party leaders and workers must remember it,” the Awami League chief said.

She told her party leaders and workers to remember that they do politics for the people.

Hasina recalled that Bangladesh has gone through a long history of killings, coups and conspiracies.

“Ducks and drakes were played with the fate of the people.

Democratic rights of the people were snatched. The people of the country were exploited while Awami League leaders and workers had to face constant intimidation.”

She added that the people of the country, led by the Awami League, became successful in restoring democracy and establishing the rights of the people through immense sacrifice. l Sylhet

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Fajr: 5:25am | Zohr: 1:15pm Asr: 4:15pm | Magrib: 5:41pm Esha: 7:45pm Source: Islamic Foundation

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

FFs without allowance for 9 months Majumder, n Jasim Khagrachhari

At least 10 freedom fighters living in Mohalchhari upazila of the district have been facing hard time owing to having their monthly allowances unpaid by the state authorities for last nine months.

Their commander and the affected FFs blamed the upazila administration for the situation, saying that mistakes in public documents earned the stalemate.

It was learnt that the financial

crisis pushed the war heroes’ families in a dire straits though both local and district authorities were informed of the matter.

Mohalchhari upazila Muktijuddha Commander Chohalaprue Chowdhury said: “There are 32 listed freedom fighters in the upazila.

The Liberation War Affairs Ministry had stopped the monthly allowance of eight of them long ago owing to appearing some complaints in this regard.

“Due to a mistake done by Mohalchhari upazila nirbahi office, 10

out of 24 FFs are deprived for their allowances causing untold suffering to their families.”

“We have talked to the UNO, Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the ministry concerned for a solution to the problem, but no fruitful result is yet to come,” he alleged.

Deprived war heroes Humayun Kabir, Shahjahan Pathowary, Sapon Chandra said their sufferings were caused by a mistake of the administration. They demanded a quick end to the crisis.

UNO Mohammad Ilias Miah de-

nied the allegation of mistake in the allowance document raised against his administration.

“I have talked to the DC about the issue and the DC sent a letter to the ministry seeking the allowances of the FFs. I hope of coming a solution within a couple of months”. DC Muhammad Wahiduzzaman said he was noticed of the matter and in the letter, he urged upon the ministry to release the allowances as early as possible.

A change may come in the next allocation, the DC opined. l

Freight train derails

n Towhid Zaman, Jessore Several boogies of a freight train have derailed at Singia Railway Station under Sadar upazila yesterday.

The derailment caused train communication of Khulna district with rest of the country suspended for five hours. Besides, the situation halted Khulna-bound Chitra, Simantho and a freight train and Kapotakko, Rupsa and a Benapole-bound commuter train at different points on the route for the period. l

Detectives arrest two persons with 15 skeletons from the morgue of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital yesterday AZAHAR UDDIN

15 skeletons recovered, two held in Rajshahi Al Dulal, n Abdullah Rajshahi Detective Branch of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) arrested two person with 15 skeleton from the morgue of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Officer-in-Charge of RMP Detective Branch Abdul Hannan said they had an infor-

mation that a syndicate of the RMCH had been doing business of skeleton for long.

“We conducted a drive at the morgue of the hospital and arrested Ripon Kumar, 55, and Niren Robidas, 42 around 10:30pm on Tuesday.”

They were sent to jail on Wednesday morning after being produced before a court. l

Woman gives birth to conjoined twins Hasan, n Mehedi Chuadanga A woman gave birth to conjoined twins at a private clinic in Zibonnagar upazila under the district yesterday.

According to local sources, Sheema Khatun, wife of Mukul Mian of Medinipur village was admitted to Adarsha Clinic and Nursing Home in the town yesterday after signs of labour pain.

Here the conjoined twins were detected after ultra sonogram.

Later, the mother was referred to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. But the husband of Sheema admitted her to Zibannagar Upazila Health

Complex as he had no ability to take her to Dhaka.

Later, Sheema gave birth to the twins after completing surgery by doctor Mahmud Bin Hedayet at the health complex.

The doctor said the twins were well but they should be separated soon. He advised the family members of Sheema to take her to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) immediately.

Badol Mian, father of Sheema told the Dhaka Tribune that their financial condition was so poor that they could not take her to the BSMMU. He wanted government help in this connection. l

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Stalemate at city corporation activities

Ex-BNP leader found dead

Awami League councillors put offices of top officials under lock and key Khoda Sobuj, n Kudrote Kushtia positively, he added. council of the party ends.

Madina Market area to get a trade n Mohammad Sirajul Islam, In the mean time, the leaders of Responding to their request license for his relative, had to rePolice have discovered the body of Sylhet

People, who live in Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) area, are going through troubles, as the ruling party councillors have locked the rooms of top three SCC officials.

The councillors of Awami League (AL) locked the rooms of Chief Executive Officer Enamul Habib, Acting Chief Engineer Nur Azizur Rahman and Chief Accountant ANM Mansuf on Monday in protest of taking various projects avoiding them.

Since then the officials have not been attending the office, causing a huge suffering to people.

Rubel Ahmed, who came from

turn home without the license, as it required the signature of the chief executive officer.

Several other people also expressed their resentments, as they did not get any service from the city corporation due to the current stalemate.

Top four leaders of Sylhet city and the district Awami League held a meeting over the issue with the councillors at Zila Parishad auditorium on Tuesday night.

Councillor Mokhlisur Rahman Kamran said the leaders requested the councillors at the meeting not to give any agitation programme until the national

positively, the councillors handed over the keys of the locked rooms to the leaders, said Kamran.

“Though the rooms will be unlocked, we requested the three officials not to attend the office till that time,” Kamran added.

Asad Uddin Ahmad, general secretary to Sylhet city Awami League, said they requested the councillors not to give further agitation programme, as they did not want that the SCC activities came to a halt.

“The regular office work will continue, but we requested the officials not to come office till October 25,” said Asad.

The officials also responded

Sylhet Awami League would talk to Finance Minister Abul Mal Abdul Muhit to end the stalemate, Asad said.

“We will act according to his guideline,” he said.

Faruk Mahmud, Sylhet chapter president of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan), a civil society platform working for good governance, said without any discussion with people, locking government officials’ office rooms was a crime.

“We hope that as a guardian of Sylhet Muhith will take a good decision in this regard,” said Faruk.

The chief executive officer reclined to make any comment on the matter. l

a former local leader of BNP from Kushtia General Hospital.

Police kept the corpse of Aminur Rahman Tipu, 55, former president of Ziarakhi union unit BNP under Sadar upazila, in the hospital on Wednesday morning.

Tipu, a resident of Kamalapur village under the upazila, was assistant teacher of Barokhadat High School.

Tipu's wife Nazmun Noor said some one called her husband out of home over phone on Tuesday evening and since then he remained missing along with his motorcycle.aimed that their rivals tactfully killed her husband as sequel to the previous enmity. l

AL leader stabbed to death Hossain, n Tanveer Narayanganj

A leader of Janata League, a front organisation of Awami League, has been stabbed to death in Fatulla upazila of Narayanganj.

The deceased is Sheikh Swadhin Monir, president of Fatulla Awami Janata League.

Monir’s nephew Ashraf Hossain said: “My uncle had a feud with local Swechchhasebok League leader Mir Hossain Miru centering the business of cable connection in the area.”

“Miru’s supporters stabbed my uncle and two aunts while they were returning home from a relative’s house on Tuesday night.”

Later, the injured were taken to Dhaka Medical Hospital where Monir died under treatment on Wednesday morning.

DMCH police outpost SI Bachchu Mia said: “Monir died at the hospital around 6am.” l

PWD engineer sent to jail n Ziaul Haque, Rangamati

A court in the district yesterday sent an engineer of Department of Public Works (PWD) to jail in a case on charge of corruption filed by Anti Corruption Commission.

Shafikur Rahman Bhuiyan, deputy director, ACC Chittagong unit, said Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha filed the case against Executive Engineer Shukomol Chakma when was working at the department in Banani, Dhaka.

ACC arrested him from his home in Rangamati at night. l

People of India and Bangladesh are seen buying clothes from a border market set up at Chhagalnaiya, Feni. People of the two neighbouring countries buy stuffs from the market every Tuesday, as the border is made open for citizens of the both countries for an hour on the da RABIN CHOWDHURY

Police-student clash leaves five bullet injured n Md Noor Uddin, Habiganj Five students sustained bullet injuries during a clash with police in Bahubal upazila, Habiganj yesterday afternoon.

Local said the clash ensued when the students, their guardians and members of school management committee of Dinnath Model School laid siege to the office of Upazila Education Office, demand-

ing nationalisation of their school around 11am.

Police detained six people, including two teachers, while they were returning to the school after besieging Upazila Education Office.

Later, angry students locked into an altercation with the police that led to the clash.

During the clash, five students received bullet injuries while 15

others got hurt. The bullet-injured students were sent to hospital in critical state.

Officer-in-Charge of Bahubal police station Moniruzzaman said: “Police personnel were compelled to fire rubber bullets to control the situation, as teachers of the school along with their students attacked our police station.

“Some police personnel were also injured in the clash.”

Superintendent of Police of the district Joydeb Kumer Bhadra visited the spot after the clash.

Additional police have been deployed to avert further trouble.

Police Super Joydeb Kumer said Sub-Inspector of Bahubal police station had been suspended following the incident.

Moreover, a three-member probe committee had been formed to investigate the matter. l

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SOUTH ASIA

Two US advisers killed by shooter in Kabul A gunman in an Afghan army uniform on Wednesday shot dead at least 2 US advisers and wounded 3 more near a base in the Afghan capital before being killed himself. The American deaths included one soldier and one civilian, while one soldier and two civilians were injured and in stable condition, the US military command in Kabul said in a statement. REUTERS

INDIA

NHRC accuses Maharashtra over deaths of indigenous children India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has accused the western state of Maharashtra of negligence over the shocking and painful deaths in the past decade of 740 indigenous children in schools. Students from poor tribal areas had died in state-run “ashram” schools over the past decade from illnesses such as malaria, food poisoning, drowning and snake bites. REUTERS

CHINA

China angered as Japan withholds Unesco funding China said on Wednesday that Japan had acted irresponsibly by withholding its 2016 funding for the UN heritage body Unesco in a row over how the 1937 Nanjing Massacre is remembered. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the massacre was a serious crime and a historical fact recognised by the international community, and Unesco was right to include it in the listing. REUTERS

ASIA PACIFIC

Philippines on alert for category 5 typhoon Millions of people in the Philippines were on high alert Wednesday for one of the strongest typhoons to ever hit, with authorities warning of giant storm surges and destructive winds. Haima has a weather band of 800 km putting more than 10m people across the northern parts of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon within its reach. AFP

MIDDLE EAST

Yemen Houthis back truce Yemen’s Houthi-run administration welcomed a 72-hour ceasefire starting on Wednesday intended to allow aid to reach areas cut off by months of fighting and in dire humanitarian need. In its first statement on the truce, a governing council composed of the Iranian-allied Houthi group and powerful local allies demanded a Saudi-backed Arab coalition end military attacks. REUTERS

Unshackled Trump and confident Clinton to clash in final presidential debate 19 DAYS REMAIN

n Tribune International Desk The stage is set for Wednesday’s presidential debate as Trump gets perhaps his last major shot at widening his base and Clinton looks to score a rare clean sweep in all three of their showdowns.

Fox News anchor Chris Wallace will moderate the duel at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. It pits a newly liberated Trump, who tweeted last week about being freed from the “shackles” of the Republican establishment after party leaders deserted him, against a confident Clinton, who continues to lead in national polls despite a steady drip of WikiLeaks disclosures seized upon by political enemies as evidence of collusion.

Trump continues to fend off a flood of sexual assault allegations and criticisms that his party has abandoned him. But he’s also on the attack, demanding that Clinton take a drug test to prove she isn’t getting “pumped up” before their matchups, and accusing her team of orchestrating a mass conspiracy to have women from his past smear him as a serial sexual predator.

Clinton, meanwhile, “has a heck of a lead to blow,” said Geoff Skelley, an analyst with the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics.

This time around, Trump will bring the president’s Kenyan-born half-brother Malik Obama as his guest. Malik reportedly

told the New York Post that he’s “excited to be at the debate,” and said: “Trump can make America great again.”

TRUMP V CLINTON: THE THIRD TV DEBATE “The people that know the industry better than anybody are the people who work in the industry.”

On financial self-regulation

Weds Oct 19

6pm local time (0100 GMT)

Clinton needs to keep cool

Debate coaches expect “emails” will be a popular word in Trump’s attacks. But not just about Clinton’s admitted misuse of classified materials on her private email server while she was secretary of state.

The whistleblowing organisation WikiLeaks has been publishing daily batches of emails stolen by suspected Russian hackers from the personal Gmail account of Clinton’s campaign chairman John Podesta.

Included are excerpts from Clinton’s paid speeches to Wall Street, as well as an address to a Brazilian bank in 2013 that included a line referring to her “dream” of “open trade and open borders.”

“Trump’s got WikiLeaks on his side, so ‘emails’ will definitely come up,” said debate analyst Todd Graham, director of debate at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

In an increasingly ugly election cycle darkened by Trump’s insistence the outcome will be “rigged” in favour of Clinton, the faintest whiff of collusion from her camp could turn toxic fast.

Particularly damning could be an unverified email from Democratic National Committee interim chair Donna Brazile. The alleged email, dated March 12 and purportedly written to Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri, shared a draft question provided

“Can you believe I lost large numbers of women voters based on made up events THAT NEVER HAPPENED. Media rigging election.”

90 minutes

Live broadcast University of Nevada Las Vegas

USA

Moderator Chris Wallace Fox News

6 topics (order unknown) Immigration Fitness to be president Foreign hot spots Economy Supreme court Debt and entitlements

Who was most convincing ?

2nd debate 1st debate 62% 57% 27% 34% 2nd debate according to: 60% 40

Hillary Clinton

20

Sources: Commission on Presidential Debates, CNN/ORC poll

Debating style

Male

Female Under 55 Over 55 College Not college educated educated

in advance of a CNN Town Hall.

A similar question regarding the death penalty came up a day later 1st pitfalls debate at Campaign the event.

26 Sept 2 Oct 1 11 Adding to her troubles are new FBIFBI releases documents released by the Taken ill Reports of files on Clinton’s use of in public bureau week, which potential allege tax avoidance private emailthis server the State Department offered a “quid pro quo” deal to declassify an email on Clinton’s private server. The FBI and State Department have officially denied any such offer was made.

Donald Trump

expect to have a friendly face at the table.

Graham, the debate coach, has 2 3rd debate Election advice for debate Clinton as well, though 8 19 Nov 7 9 it may sound counterintuitive: Don’t Leak worry about talk time. A Video of of compromising lewd remarks campaign team emails good strategy might be to let about women Trump speak more and expose his vulnerabilities when it comes to policy specifics.

“Her answers are too darn long.

She keeps talking over the moderator, and she just needs to shorten her answers,” Graham said. “She can stop with extra time left and say, Just let Trump talk Fox News anchor Chris Wallace ‘That’s my position, my outlook. I’d debuts on Wednesday night as the like to ask Donald Trump what’s his channel’s first moderator for a gen- again?’ Then see what happens.” l eral election presidential debate.

Though the network tilts conserv[This is an excerpt of a CBC article, ative, pundits and journalists genwhich can be found at http://bit. erally agree Wallace is even-handly/2eR8CsT] ed and will ask tough questions of Find more stories on US presidential both candidates. election at www.dhakatribune.com Trump shouldn’t necessarily nd

Q&A

What we need to know n Tribune International Desk The final television debate of this marathon, brutal US presidential election campaign will take place on Wednesday, October 19. Nicknamed “Fight Night”, Nevada’s Las Vegas city will host the debate.

After two bitter clashes between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, it is the last major chance to sway voters and marks the firing of the starter gun for the final few days of the campaign ahead of election day.

What time and where is the debate?

The debate will take place at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will start at 9pm ET, which is 7am on Thursday, October 20 in Bangladesh.

What is the format?

Chris Wallace of Fox News will moder-

ate the third debate. It will be the same format as the first debate: it will be 90 minutes long, divided into six segments of 15 minutes each. Each segment will begin with a question from the moderator followed by two minutes for each candidate’s answer and then follow-up questions from the moderator.

What will the theme of the debate be?

The first debate was divided into the woolly themes of “America’s Direction, “Achieving Prosperity” and “Securing America”.

The topics for the third debate are: debt and entitlements, immigration, the economy, the Supreme Court, foreign hot spots, and fitness to be president, according to the Commission on Presidential Debates.

However, as the first two debates have shown, the candidates may start

by sticking to theme and then veer off topic wildly.

What can we expect?

If this election - and debate season has taught us anything it is to expect the unexpected. Mr Trump is once again expected to go on the attack to try and make up the ground lost by the tape in which he is heard being sexually aggressive towards women. Expect lots of interruptions.

What will happen following the final debate?

When the final debate is over there will be just 19 days left until the US presidential election on Tuesday November 8. Both candidates will be criss-crossing the country to attempt to win over undecided voters. A lot of their energies will be focused on a handful of “swing states” that could go either way.

The key swing states are Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Other swing states include Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, Colorado, and North Carolina.

How does election day work?

The system is simple and at its heart is the Electoral College. It consists of 538 “electors” and the winner needs to get a majority of 270.

Each state is apportioned a number of electors according to its size. The number of electors each state gets is equal to the number of seats it has in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Once the votes are counted, the next US president will be announced either late on Tuesday November 8 or in the early hours of Wednesday November 9. l

Sources: THE TELEGRAPH, AP

9

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Myanmar military lockdown cuts off UN aid to Rakhine state n Reuters, Yangon Violence in a Muslim-majority region of Myanmar is stopping aid agencies from delivering food and medicines, a United Nations official said on Tuesday, as security forces respond to deadly raids that the government says were inspired by Islamists.

Troops have been sweeping northern Rakhine state for more than a week, hunting an estimated 400 fighters who officials believe are members of the mostly stateless Rohingya Muslim community acting with the support of Islamists abroad.

The Myanmar military has declared the area an “operation zone” and has tightly controlled the flow of information since insurgents seized dozens of weapons in raids on border posts on October 9 in which nine police officers were killed.

UN agencies “don’t have access to the affected areas to assess humanitarian needs”, Pierre Peron, spokesman for the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said by email.

The spike in violence in ethnically divided Rakhine state poses a serious challenge to the six-month-old government led by

USA

Trump to bring Obama’s half-brother to final debate

Aung San Suu Kyi, who was swept to power in an election last year but has faced criticism abroad for failing to tackle rights abuses against the Rohingya and other Muslims.

President Obama’s Kenyan-born, half-brother Malik Obama will be in the audience in Las Vegas Wednesday night when Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton square off in their third and final debate. Malik, an American citizen who lives in Washington, DC, says he will be a guest of Trump, the Republican nominee he supports for president. TIME

Ethnic divisions

THE AMERICAS

At least 30 suspected militants and 5 military personnel have been killed in clashes since the October 9 raids.

Nearly 120,000 people, mostly Rohingyas, were already displaced in Rakhine after an outbreak of communal violence in 2012. Local sources said the latest violence has displaced thousands more.

Ethnic Rakhine political leaders have proposed that the government arm local militias to fight what they see as a growing violent threat from the Rohingya population.

“Villagers are scared about their security because their hostile neighbours have a huge population,” said Khin Maung Than, chairman of the Arakan National Party in Maungdaw Township, which has been at the centre of the violence.

He estimated around 5,000 ethnic Rakhine Buddhists have fled their homes, fearing attack by Muslim “Bengalis” - a term widely

Ecuador cuts Assange internet over US election leaks

An ethnic Rakhine woman feeds her daughter at a monastery used as a temporary internally displaced persons camp in Sittwe, Myanmar on October 15 REUTERS group, “Aqa Mul Mujahidin”, which it says has links to Islamists abroad, as responsible for the October 9 attacks.

International human rights groups have raised concerns that civilians are being caught up in a heavy-handed crackdown.

Amnesty International has been told that villagers wounded in the violence have been unable to access medical treatment, said Laura Haigh, a researcher for the group. l

used in Myanmar but rejected by the Rohingya themselves because it implies they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Rohingya leaders insist few of the 1.1m Rohingya in Rakhine state - many of whom have lived there for generations and face discrimination and severe restrictions on their movements - believe violence is the solution to their plight.

The office of President Htin Kyaw has named a little-known

FACTBOX

Once tolerant, Mosul now pushes against IS Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has announced the start of an offensive aimed at retaking the city of Mosul from Islamic State militants, who have stamped out its rich mix of ethnic and religious cultures.

He spoke on state TV in the early hours of Monday. The fight is expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion which toppled Saddam Hussein.

Here are some facts about Mosul, which had a population of about 2 million before the Sunni militants seized it in 2014. Mosul became the largest city to fall to the jihadists. Ü About 800 militants took it over, facing little resistance from an army widely accused of corruption.

Iraq and its Western allies were stunned. Islamic State was so confident at the time that its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, calmly walked into the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul in broad daylight and declared a caliphate and himself the leader of the world’s Muslims. Ü Mosul is the capital of Nineveh governorate in northwestern Iraq, also home to Iraq’s biggest dam. Mosul’s original location was on the western

DT

World

Ü

Ü

Ü

Ü

bank of the Tigris River. The modern city spread to the eastern side and now surrounds the ruins of the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh. Mosul is located 390km north of Baghdad.

Iraq’s second-largest city, it was once the commercial hub of the Northwest, with thriving cement, textile and sugar industries.

Besides the Sunni Arab majority, Mosul had a large number of Christians, predominantly Assyrians.

Kurds, Turkmens, Yazidis and Armenians made up the rest of the population. Earlier Sunni extremists then Islamic State showed no tolerance for diversity.

Mosul was one of the most enlightened cities in the Middle East. It was home to the famous Medical College, one of the largest educational and research centres in Iraq and the region.

It also contained ancient buildings, some dating back to the 13th century. They included the Great Mosque and the Red Mosque, Muslim shrines and several churches, in addition to mausoleums. Islamic State demolished shrines, mosques and churches and posted images of the destruction on internet sites.

CIVILIANS CAUGHT IN THE BATTLE FOR MOSUL 2.5 million lived here

To Dahuk

Great Mosque of Al Nuri

To Syria

before before Islamic State fighters captured it

Mosul

SY. BAGHDAD

Provincial govt. HQ Grand Mosque Nineveh ruins

S.

AR

IRAN

1.5 million

people are left

IRAQ AB

200,000

IA

expected to flee the fighting in the coming weeks Aid agencies already have 60,000 places in emergency camps ready

IndustrialTo Arbil zone

250,000

places being prepared Tig

ris

1 km

To Baghdad

Mosul’s bridges 1 Fourth Bridge 2

Al Jamhuriya

3

Old Bridge

4

Fifth Bridge

5

Alshohada

Source : OCHA, UNCHR, maps4news.com/©HERE

Ü Mosul had witnessed an earlier period of Sunni extremism in the last days of Saddam Hussein. Muslim extremists began targeting and killing nuns and other Christians who had roots dating to the 17th century.

Over the years there has been a mass exodus of Christians from Mosul and other cities following attacks and threats on the minority. Ü Mosul was once known as “the city of a million officers,” because Saddam

Hussein, a secular Sunni Muslim, had stationed so many personnel there.

Many of his Sunni generals and other army officers, as well as intelligence agents and police, came from Mosul. Ü In 2003, Saddam Hussein’s once feared sons, Uday and Qusay, who sought refuge in Mosul after the US-led invasion, were killed when American forces attacked their villa hideout. l

Source: REUTERS

Ecuador said Tuesday it had cut the internet access of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange due to leaks by the anti-secrecy website that could impact the US election. WikiLeaks has in recent weeks published a damaging trove of hacked emails from Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, which accuses it of trying to sway the election in favour of Donald Trump. REUTERS

UK

‘Brexit vote was for control over immigration’ UK’s vote to leave the EU was clearly a vote to regain control over immigration, British PM Theresa May said on Wednesday, adding that she wanted to ensure the country got a good deal for businesses from exit negotiations.

She told parliament: “The vote was for control over immigration from the EU into the UK, but also we want to see the best possible access for businesses for trading in goods and services with, and operating within, that European market”. REUTERS

EUROPE

4 German police officers wounded in raid on far-right 4 German police officers were wounded, one of them critically, when a member of the shadowy farright group “Citizens of the Reich” opened fire during a raid Wednesday. Alleged gunman belonging to the so-called Reichsbuerger movement was also slightly injured in the struggle with officers in the Bavarian town of Georgensmuend and taken into custody, police said in a statement. AFP

AFRICA

Boko Haram razes village near Chibok Boko Haram has burnt down a village neighbouring the northeast Nigerian town of Chibok where the group kidnapped over 200 schoolgirls two years ago. A group of Boko Haram gunmen invaded Goptari, 10km from Chibok, late Tuesday and set it on fire after looting food supplies and livestock. AFP

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INSIGHT

Terror financing: Pakistan’s crackdown a sham? n Tribune International Desk In a major move, which for some is a quite familiar one, the State Bank of Pakistan directed all banks across the country to freeze the accounts of 2,021 individuals listed in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Formulated in 1997, the Anti-Terrorism Act allows the government to list individuals such that they are required to seek police permission to enter an area, empowering law enforcement agencies to observe their movements, among other things.

“All banks, development finance institutions, and microfinance banks have been advised to take immediate action as per requirement of the law against individuals, whose names are included in the lists of fourth schedulers provided by the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta),” a State Bank of Pakistan source said.

The list is dominated by representatives and leaders of various sectarian outfits, including well-known names like Ahmed Ludhianvi of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), Aurangzeb Farooqi of ASWJ, Mullah Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid, and Ramzan Mengal of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.

Interestingly, however, there is no mention of any office-bearer of Kashmir-related groups like Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), or Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM).

In Pakistan, many see this move with suspicion, referring to similar steps in the past that turned out to be highly ineffective.

For example when, for the first time ever, Pervez Musharraf banned jihadi outfits fighting in Kashmir and Afghanistan, declaring his support for the US-led war against terror. Even then, these groups changed their names and continued to operate like before.

And the jihad goes on

Owais Tohid, a veteran journalist who covered these groups for a decade, reported the same in his December 2003 piece for Newsline Magazine. Titled “And the Jihad goes on,” the piece explored the ways through which the banned groups continued their activities.

“Prominent leaders like Masood Azhar, chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman Khalil, head of the banned Harkatul Mujahideen, issued statements in the Punjab, delivered addresses urging participants to come forward for jihad,” Tohid wrote.

In his now 13-year-old report, he discovered, “About 600 leaders and members of the banned groups have been asked to furnish surety bonds of good conduct, involving

one of which Almeida claimed already took place in Lahore, is that military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action.

Fourth schedule suspects

A supporter of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa Islamic organisation, chants slogans with others in a rally to mark Pakistan Day in Peshawar, Pakistan on March 23 REUTERS surety money of 100,000 rupees.”

He further reported that thousands of copies of jihadi newspapers and magazines were being sold on a daily basis.

Thirteen years on, Pakistan is still struggling to put effective curbs on the very same outfits.

In a 2015 article published by the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS), Safiya Aftab observed: An important Counter Terrorism activity is denting the militant economy, through all possible ways: tracing the financial mechanisms of funding used by militants, neutralising those sources, and preventing banned outfits from raising funds domestically or internationally.

She continued: “This element has received relatively little attention in Pakistan, for a variety of reasons like general lack of expertise in financial crime, and lack of appreciation of the intricacies of the militant economy.”

Eyewash crackdown

Amir Rana, the director of PIPS, believes that most of these groups generate funds through bank robberies, smuggling, and kidnapping for ransom. Commenting on why the State Bank of Pakistan’s move might not be effective, he says, “While the heads of many sectarian groups have been included in the list, it’s a given fact that their bank accounts wouldn’t have much of the money being generated through different means.”

“This might just be a mere eyewash because most of their transactions are made in cash, hence there is no point freezing their bank accounts.”

Syed broke the news of the Nacta, which suspended the citizenship of 2,021 suspects linked with militant and sectarian groups last week.

“Prominent names on the list whose identity cards have been blocked include those of religious personalities including Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat leader Maulana Mohammad Ahmed Ludhianvi,

Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz, Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen leader Allama Maqsood Ali Domki, and Mohsin Najfi,” he reported.

While the move received significant praise from certain quarters who deemed it a necessary step in the right direction, many human rights activists, lawyers, and journalists declared it to be a grave violation of basic human rights.

Azaz Syed himself takes the same view. “Instead of acting against the hardened terrorists, government is suspending the citizenships of many individuals on the basis of mere suspicion,” he says.

After a suicide attack killed over hundred people on Easter eve this March, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered the immediate arrest of suspects on the Fourth Schedule list. However, this wasn’t followed up and the news died out.

A document by the interior ministry confirmed the proscribing of Harkat-ul-Jihad Islami, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation, Ummah Tameer-i-Nau, Haji Khairullah Hajji Sattar Money Exchange, Rahat Limited, Roshan Money Exchange, al-Akhtar Trust, al-Rashid Trust, the Haqqani network, and Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

JuD is not the only group operating freely inside Pakistan, despite several claims by the government.

In the month of Ramzan (Ramadan), Jaish-e-Mohammad’s charity wing, al-Rehmat trust, openly collected donations outside mosques in Karachi, often in the presence of

[This is an excerpt of a The Diplomat article which can be found at http://bit. ly/2eiGL5s]

TERRORIST AND EXTREMIST GROUPS OF PAKISTAN

Civil-military conflict

In an explosive scoop last week, Dawn’s senior staffer Cyril Almeida revealed a serious confrontation between civil-military leadership in a recent, undisclosed meeting.

Asking the military to act effectively against terrorists of all hues, the civilian government reportedly warned that Pakistan would face international isolation otherwise.

The highlight of this meeting, as reported by Almeida, was the “stunning and unexpectedly bold intervention” by Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif who blasted the director general of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt General Rizwan Akhtar, by saying that whenever his government acted against certain militants, ISI worked behind the scenes to set them free.

The exchange corroborated this writer’s report for The Diplomat, in which senior civilian security official lamented the military’s intervention when Punjab’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) raided JeM strongholds.

Almeida further reported that DG ISI Rizwan Akhtar would now visit all four provinces accompanied by the National Security Advisor Naseer Khan Janjua to meet the apex committees, as well as ISI sector commanders.

The message of these meetings,

Pakistan Rangers personnel.

The al-Rashid Trust, which is notoriously known for its terror network in Pakistan and Afghanistan, was also banned twice by the government. It changed its name to the al-Ameen Trust and resumed its operations throughout the country.

Even today, it’s operating freely under the name of the Maymar Trust.

Despite this history of deliberate inefficiency by the government, Fahd Hamayun, the program and research manager at Pakistan’s Jinnah Institute, believes the recent moves to be a good step forward. Criticising the reluctance of the government to update the Fourth Schedule list, he adds, “So far the Interior Ministry’s reluctance to update its list of proscribed organizations is indicative of state lethargy in putting a blanket ban on all terror groups.”

In the end, this move will either turn out to just be for show or will actually show results – only time will tell what the government of Pakistan has planned to finally put an end to the operations of banned militant and sectarian groups in the country. l

TERRORIST GROUPS Trans-national Organisations 1.

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Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) Harkat-ul-Ansar (HuA, presently known as Harkat-ul Mujahideen) Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) Jaish-e-Mohammad Mujahideen E-Tanzeem (JeM) Harkat-ul Mujahideen (HuM, previously known as Harkat-ul-Ansar) Al Badr Jamait-ul-Mujahideen (JuM) Lashkar-e-Jabbar (LeJ) Harkat-ul-Jehad-al-Islami(HUJI) Muttahida Jehad Council (MJC) Al Barq Tehrik-ul-Mujahideen Al Jehad Jammu & Kashir National Liberation Army People’s League Muslim Janbaz Force Kashmir Jehad Force Al Jehad Force (combines Muslim Janbaz Force and Kashmir Jehad Force) Al Umar Mujahideen Mahaz-e-Azadi Islami Jamaat-e-Tulba Jammu & Kashmir Students Liberation Front Ikhwan-ul-Mujahideen Islamic Students League Tehrik-e-Hurriat-e-Kashmir

26.

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Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Fiqar Jafaria Al Mustafa Liberation Fighters Tehrik-e-Jehad-e-Islami Muslim Mujahideen Al Mujahid Force Tehrik-e-Jehad Islami Inquilabi Mahaz

Domestic Organisations 1. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) 2. Lashkar-e-Omar (LeO) 3. Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) 4. Tehreek-e-Jaferia Pakistan (TJP) 5. Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi(TNSM) 6. Lashkar-eJhangvi (LeJ) 7. Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan (SMP) 8. Jamaat-ul-Fuqra 9. Nadeem Commando 10. Popular Front for Armed Resistance 11. Muslim United Army 12. Harkat-ul-Mujahideen al-alami (HuMA)

EXTREMIST GROUPS 1.

2.

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Al-Rashid Trust Al-Akhtar Trust Rabita Trust Ummah Tamir-e-Nau

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A troubled trade deal between the EU and Canada is the only model for a future pact between the bloc and post-Brexit Britain, Spain’s Foreign Minister said. PAGE 14

IMF: Risks to China from ‘very fast’ credit growth rising rapidly China’s credit growth has been “very fast” by global standards and without a comprehensive strategy to tackle the debt overhang, there’s growing risk it will have a banking crisis or sharply slower growth or both, the International Monetary Fund said. PAGE 15

Capital market snapshot: Wednesday DSE Broad Index

4,702.5

-0.2% ▼

Index

1,114.5

-0.3% ▼

30 Index

1,750.5

-0.3% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

5,602.7

-2.0% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

226.5

9.4% ▲

All Share Index 14,444.6

-0.2% ▼

CSE 30 Index Selected Index

12,990.3

0.0% ▲

8,791.5

-0.2% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

311.6

-1.6% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

14.2

1.4% ▲

BSEC okays UFS Progati Life Unit Fund IPO n Tribune Business Desk Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has approved the draft prospectus of UFS Progati Life Unit Fund with an initial size of Tk10 crore.

As per the draft prospectus, the face value of the units of UFS Progati Life Unit Fund will be Tk10 each. Of the total fund size, sponsors will contribute Tk1 crore and remaining Tk9 crore will be collected through sales of units, said BSEC in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The securities regulator also decided to issue a warning letter to Safko Spinning Mills and its auditor for submitting ‘inconsistent’ information with the proposal of rights offer.

The regulator found inconsistent information in cash flow statement submitted with the proposal of rights offer, breaching securities rules, according to the statement. l

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Spain: Brexit deal to be modelled on EUCanada pact

Agriculture

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The Grameenphone Board of Directors has appointed Petter-B Furberg as its interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Furberg will join office from November 1, 2016, said a press release issued by the Grameenphone on Wednesday. PAGE 13

The employment structure in Bangladesh has changed considerably over the recent decades as industry sector outpaces agriculture significantly in job creation during the period, says a new study.

“In 1972, about 75% of the workforce was in primary industry (mostly agriculture) and 25% in non-agricultural sectors while in 2010 these ratios had changed greatly in which 47% were in agriculture and 53% in non-agriculture,” reads the study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Among others, Prof Dr Shamsul Alam, senior secretary of General Economics Division (GED) of Planning Commission and Argentina Matavel Piccin, representative to UNFPA of Bangladesh, attended the study report unveiling ceremony held at NEC Conference Room of the Planning Commission in the city yesterday.

The report also shows that the share of agriculture in employment generation is much greater than its share in GDP and correspondingly the share of industry and services in GDP is much higher than its share in employment.

CHANGING STRUCTURE OF GDP IN BD (% OF GDP)

20.6

Furberg appointed as GP interim CEO

n Mohammad Jamil Khan

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Contractors have been appointed for three development projects including expansion and modernisation of facilities at the Mongla port, official sources said. The projects are funded by China. PAGE 13

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Mongla port expansion project gets contractor

Bangladesh employment structure sees massive changes in decades

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TOP STORIES

1970

2000

2010

2014

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

According to the report, contribution of agriculture to the GDP stood at 15.9% in 2014, which was 54.6% in 1970. On the other hand, contribution of industry sector to the GDP was 27.9% in 2014, which was 8.7% in 1970.

Over the 6th five-year plan period, the economic transfor-

mation of Bangladesh from an agrarian economy shifted towards manufacturing and modern services, says the report.

The growth of manufacturing has been impressive dominated by the readymade garment industry. The share of RMG in manufacturing employment rose from

44% in 2001 to 51% in 2009. It has thrived in the labour abundant urban agglomerations, according to the report.

The report says: “Notwithstanding several decades of moderately high economic growth, however, Bangladesh remains a poor country. Per capita GDP in nominal terms was US$1,033 in 2013 and Bangladesh ranked 186 out of 213 countries in per capital Gross National Income, placing it in the bottom fifth of countries ranked by income.”

In south Asia, only Afghanistan and Nepal ranked lower than Bangladesh in GNI in per capita income. Bangladesh until recently remained classified as a “low income” country by the World Bank whereas neighboring Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan had all graduated to “lower middle-income” status, reads the UNFPA study.

However, the rate of economic growth over the FY 2011-15 periods was 6.3% ahead of India, Thailand and Indonesia and the average for all developing countries.

Therefore it was hardly surprising that in October 2015, Bangladesh was newly classified by the World Bank as a lower middle income country, viewes the report. l

GP Q3 revenue rises over 11% n Ishtiaq Husain

Grameenphone Ltd reported Tk2,940 crore revenue for the 3rd quarter of 2016, an 11.2% up over the same period a year earlier.

Dilip Pal, chief financial officer (CFO) of Grameenphone Ltd, yesterday disclosed the GP financial report 2016 at the Westin hotel in the capital.

The third quarter marked the highest ever revenue for Grameenphone along with its double digit growth, he said.

“We have delivered a solid bottomline from this accelerated revenue growth and controlled operating expenditure.”

“We believe the encouraging growth in voice and data usage that we are experiencing is a reflection of our continued investments in network and market,” said Dilip Pal. Subscription and traffic revenue (excluding interconnection) grew by 13.8% with growing contribution from data. Data revenue growth accelerated to 72.1% year

on year while voice revenue grew by 6.6%. The cellphone company ended the quarter with 55 million subscribers, a 3.3% downward growth from June 2016.

This active subscriber base has no unregistered number after the completion of biometric verification drive. On a yearly basis, subscribers also declined marginally by 0.9%.

However, SIM market share improved to 43.7% at the end of July 2016.

Grameenphone acquired 1.1 million internet users, taking the quarter end base to 22.9 million.

This quarter has been a solid one with accelerating momentum of our topline growth. Improvement in the daily revenue-generating base along with usage is driving this growth.

Data continues to perform well, with voice revenue growth continuing, said Rajeev Sethi, Grameenphone CEO. Net profit after taxes for the quarter was TK6.4 billion with 21.9% margin. On a reported basis this represents 55.7% growth from the same period of 2015. l

Mongla port expansion project gets contractor n Asif Showkat Kallol Contractors have been appointed for three development projects including expansion and modernisation of facilities at the Mongla port, official sources said. The projects are funded by China.

Two other projects are Joydebpur-Ishwardi dual-gauge and double-line and conversion of Akhaura-Sylhet metre gauge railway to dual gauge.

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Wednesday approved the shipping ministry’s proposal regarding the appointment of the contractors.

The total cost of the expansion and modernisation of Mongla port facilities project is estimated at Tk4,393 crore. China National Complete Engineering has been appointed as consultant of the project, said Mustafizur Rahman, additional sec-

retary to the Cabinet Division.

The Mongla port facilities expansion project includes constructions of container terminal building, multi-storey car yard and container delivery yard.

A main road and a bypass road of four lanes near Mongla port will be constructed.

According to the shipping ministry proposal, the Economic Relations Division on June 19 sent a letter to the Chinese authorities for financial support to implement the project. Earlier, the company expressed interest in the project.

According to the Ministry of Shipping, the country’s economic activities will increase around the Mongla port once the project is implemented.

Additional secretary said the cost of the Joydebpur-Ishwardi dual-gauge double-line project has been estimated at Tk7,296.46

crore. The project will be implemented by the China Civil Engineering Construction.

The government has also taken initiatives to construct Mongla-Dhaka-Mawa highway bridge over the Padma River and Khan Jahan Ali Airport in Bagerhat.

Power Division has initiated to construct 1,320 megawatt Rampal Power Plant in Khulna under the Bangladesh-India joint venture. The project to develop special economic zones has also been undertaken.

As per the government plan, implementation of these projects will be completed by the end of 2021.

Under the transit facility to India, Nepal and Bhutan, the products are likely to be brought through the Mongla port.

But it is not possible for providing transit to India through ship and container handling in Mongla port by the existing infrastructure. l

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Furberg appointed as GP interim CEO

Petter-B Furberg

n Ishtiaq Husain The Grameenphone Board of Directors has appointed Petter-B Furberg as its interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Furberg will join office from November 1, 2016, said a press release issued by the Grameenphone on Wednesday.

Furberg will replace Rajeev Sethi, who will pursue new opportunities.

Rajeev has been the CEO of Grameenphone since November 2014.

According to the press release, Furberg will also serve as the member of Telenor Group’s Executive Management Team.

He is also the senior vice-president Telenor Digital Businesses based in Bangkok. Prior to his current role, Furberg had served Telenor Myanmar as the CEO for three years.

Since joining Telenor in 1998, he held a number of executive positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of dtac, Thailand, and Head of Financial Services at Telenor Group.

Furberg holds a degree in economics and business administration based on a four-year programme from the Norwegian School of Economics and is a Certified European Financial Analyst.

Besides, the Grameenphone Board of Directors is trying to initiate a process to identify a permanent solution to the CEO position. l

Platform for sustainability FSSL rebranded as NRB Equity Management n and green growth launched Tribune Business Desk

n Tribune Business Desk The Environment and Forest Ministry and Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) have recently held an introductory joint meeting to formalise the sustainability and green growth working committee for harmonising economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Objective of the platform include addressing challenges of climate The committee will work for improving eco-efficiency of economic growth and will enhance the synergies between environment and economy.

The meeting held on October 18 was co-chaired by Environment and Forest Secretary Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Siddiqur Rahman.

The meeting finalised the Terms of Reference (ToR) and membership composition of the Working Committee, which will be technically supported by UNDP. The objective of the platform include addressing the key challenges

of climate, strengthening transformational capacity of the private sector and holding structured dialogue to enrich knowledge of both private and public sectors about where we are and what should be accomplished in achieving sustainability and resilience, said a press release.

Besides, the platform will work for creating awareness among private sector stakeholders and grass root people about organisational and peripheral hazards and disasters and the sustainable and resilient way outs.

“It is a positive intent of the private sector that they enhanced and expanded efforts to identify and address major knowledge gaps in green growth and practice and to help us design and implement policies to move towards a green economy while the government encouraging the private sector to green business,’’ Environment Secretary Kamal Uddin Ahmed told the meeting.

Sustainability is a must for green growth while we should not decouple the sustainability from GDP growth, he added.

BGMEA President Siddiqur Rahman assured that his organisation would extend all supports for the platform and requested BUILD to hold meeting with the corresponding wing of BGMEA to identify sectoral and products specific action which can be implemented through this working committee. l

First Securities Services Limited (FSSL), one of the leading merchant banks in Bangladesh, has recently been renamed as NRB Equity Management Limited to rebrand itself.

Half a dozen of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), some established businessmen and seasoned professionals are now working for the company to take it to a new dimension.

According to the Vice-Chairman of the company Md Kamrul Hassan, the renaming is “an important step towards our journey to completely rebuild the company as an innovative one that truly cares for its customers.”

On October 5, 2016, Bangladesh

Securities and Exchange Commission formally approved the new name of the company.

The current paid-up capital of the company is Tk25 crore and its shareholder equity is Tk36 crore.

It has recently signed IPO advisory service agreements with four companies—Kattali Textile Limited, RK Spinning Mills Limited, Lub-rref (Bangladesh) Limited, B. Brothers Garments Limited and eGeneration Limited. Negotiations for the issue management are also on with a few more companies.

The company offers many more services, including takeover, merger & acquisitions, advisory service, discretionary or non-discretionary operation of accounts, underwriting and corporate advisory services

on raising capital etc. It hopes increased participation of both NRBs and foreign institutional investors in the local capital markets as Bangladesh has already been identified by the leading international rating agencies like Moody’s, Goldman Sachs etc. as an emerging market economy with great potential.

Since 1994, the company with a dynamic management team has successfully completed about a dozen of IPO deals and become one of the foremost capital market conduits in Bangladesh.

Chairman, Md Maniruzzaman Chowdhury, Chief Adviser Prof Dr Shajahan Mina, Vice-Chairman Md Kamrul Hassan and expatriate Salman Haider Chowdhury are at the helm of the company. l

Stocks down marginally n Tribune Business Desk Stocks closed marginally lower yesterday as investors continued to take modest profits.

Morning optimism backed by some positive earnings and corporate disclosures failed to sustain the market till the end of the session.

After a 40-point rise in the early trading, the benchmark index of Dhaka Stock Exchange DSEX fell over 9 points or 0.2% to settle at 4,702.

The DS30 index, comprising blue chips, lost 4 points to 1,750.

The DSE Shariah Index was down over 4 points to 1,114.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange

Selective Category Index CSCX shed around 14 points to 8,791.

Rally in heavyweights banking and telecommunications sectors offset losses in other sectors. The positive earnings of banks and telco attracted investors on the day.

Banking sector gained 0.6%, driven by National Bank Limited (NBL) surging more than 3%.

Telecommunications sector that rose 0.6%, led by Grameenphone soaring 0.7% after its third quarter earnings disclosure which grew by 55.7% year on year.

On the other hand, all sectors, including textile, engineering, cement, food&allied and pharma

closed in negative.

Market activities remained vibrant while investors’ trading concentration mostly remained on bank.

However, trading activities decreased as the DSE turnover stood at Tk560 crore, slightly down 2% over the previous session.

Lanka Bangla Securities said stocks ended in negative territory as investors were tempted by profit booking activities.

“Only banking stocks managed to advance as investors are trying to remain on the sidelines to safeguard their position and prompted to take short term capital gain in market.” l

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Spain: Brexit deal to be modelled on EU-Canada pact n AFP, Luxembourg A troubled trade deal between the EU and Canada is the only model for a future pact between the bloc and post-Brexit Britain, Spain’s Foreign Minister said.

Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said the Canada agreement was a

far closer fit than often-cited deals between the European Union and Norway or Switzerland.

“The deal with Canada is the precedent of the deal between the EU and Britain,” Garcia-Margallo told reporters before talks with his EU counterparts in Luxembourg.

“The deal is important in itself

and as a model” for a deal with Britain, he added.

Seven years in negotiation, the Canada-EU trade deal has stumbled in the final stretch after the Belgian region of Wallonia blocked it just days before its planned signature on October 27.

But the Spanish minister urged

the EU to overcome the hurdle, given the Canada deal’s role as a template for relations with London following Britain’s shock June referendum vote to leave the bloc.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will start the twoyear negotiation process by the end of March, but her government is

divided over keeping access to the EU’s single market and limiting migration by EU citizens.

“Forget the Norwegian model, forget the Swiss model because of the condition for the freedom of movement of people, and forget a Turkish-style customs union,” Garcia-Margallo said. l

CORPORATE NEWS

Nestlé Bangladesh has recently celebrated accident free 2000 days in Gazipur DC, said a press release.

The company’s managing director, Stéphane Nordé presented a memento of appreciation to M Nooruddin Chowdhury, country manager of DHL Global Forwarding (Bangladesh) Limited

Pubali Bank Limited has recently inaugurated its shifted Gulshan Model Town corporate branch, said a press release. The bank’s chairperson, Habibur Rahman was present at the inaugural ceremony as chief guest

Southeast Bank Limited has recently launched a new product named Southeast Cash Express Remit Card in collaboration with Worldwide Cash Express (UAE) for families of expatriates, said a press release. The bank’s MD, Shahid Hossain and Benny Da Costa, head of Worldwide Cash Express launched the product

IMF: Risks to China from ‘very fast’ credit growth rising rapidly n Reuters China’s credit growth has been “very fast” by global standards and without a comprehensive strategy to tackle the debt overhang, there’s growing risk it will have a banking crisis or sharply slower growth or both, the International Monetary Fund said.

In a working paper, the IMF said Beijing should act quickly before the problem becomes systemic, and that the problems of both creditors and debtors needed to be addressed simultaneously.

The paper is one of multiple warnings the IMF has made about the Chinese economy this year. The fund has projected the world’s second-largest economy would grow 6.6% in 2016, but said expansion would gradually slow to

around 5.8% in 2021.

Corporate China is sitting on $18tn in debt, equivalent to about 169 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

Rating agency S&P Global has estimated China’s banks will need as much as $1.7tn in capital to cover a likely surge in bad loans.

In its paper dated Oct 14, the IMF said “Just cleaning up the banks by moving bad loans off bank balance sheet and recapitalizing the banks, or allowing companies to go bankrupt without recapitalizing banks would not revitalise economic activity.”

It said that so far, authorities had failed to implement a full-fledged strategy as China’s approach involved mainly handling the “overcapacity problem, with less discussion of financial implications”. l

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Tips for effective writing

Put your writing on a diet

n Sabrina Fatma Ahmad As lives get busier and attention spans get shorter, people have increasingly less time to spare for fluffy, overblown writing, and aspiring writers have their work cut out for them. Here are ways to pare your words down for maximum efficacy.

Easy up on the adjectives

When cooking up a story, think of adjectives as exotic spices – a little can add interesting flavour to your work, too much can make it unpalatable. And just as you would taste-test a recipe to see how it feels in your mouth, read your work aloud. If it sounds clunky when you’re reciting the words, it probably reads that way, so go back in and chop off those adjectives.

“Said” is best

It’s quite tempting to use a bunch

of fancy verbs to describe how someone is speaking, but more often than not, it leads to a whole lot of redundancies. Particularly if you’re writing magazine articles and not a pulpy romance novel, it’s better to skip the “she gushed” “he grumbled” “they mumbled” and use “said” for all attribution.

Give your writing a chill pill No matter how thrilling the development, unless you’re composing flyers for a pop-up sale, lose the exclamation marks.

It’s just as annoying as reading an entire piece in All Caps. If you want to create suspense, consider shorter sentences and cliff hangers instead.

Keep it real

This applies to character development. Think carefully about your character’s journey before arbitrarily assigning characteristics. This applies not

only to things like the character name, but idiosyncrasies of speech and action. Just as making a character too perfect will not read well (we’re looking at you, Stephanie Meyer), don’t just throw down a random flaw.

Walk the walk

Pacing can make all the difference in the world. If you want a good example, read JK Rowling’s Casual Vacancy, and then watch the miniseries adaptation by HBO. Where the former takes a small-town drama and makes it into a page-turner, the latter has probably discovered the cure for insomnia. Same story, made vastly different by pacing. One way to make the story move along is to cut short a lot of the “thinking” bits and throw in more “doing” bits.

Make it lean, make it leap, and they’ll keep coming back for more.l

Photo: Bigstock

| fiction |

The Death of Abdul Aziz Part 3 of 3

n Sadia Afrin

W

Photo: Bigstock

hen Nosu comes in that night, Abdul Aziz tells him about his possible release. Nosu tries to seem happy for him, but Abdul Aziz can see the melancholy in his eyes. He tells him he will keep in touch and hands out his phone number, which brightens Nosu up.

But the next day when Nosu returns, he is sad again, a bit angry even. He tells Abdul Aziz that it disturbs him when things do not remain as it is, the constant changes around him wreck his nerves.

Nosu’s complaints are never the same, and mostly contradictory, Abdul Aziz has noticed.

It is the night before Abdul Aziz’s release. His wife will come at ten in the morning to pick him up. He has packed his bags and given his sketch book to Nosu, who laughed a great deal after receiving the gift and thanked him. His amused laughter also made Abdul Aziz laugh, which is something he hasn’t done in a long time. He goes to sleep not exactly happy, but content.

The sleeping pills are powerful and Abdul Aziz is in deep slumber - a slumber so deep that he does not hear the click on his door and doesn’t feel a body approaching his bed. If he had, he could have seen a pair of eyes looking at him intently, and hesitating before plunging a knife into his heart. It surprises the stabber that Abdul Aziz does not open his eyes when the knife pierces his heart.

The attacker goes away as swiftly as he had come, closing the door behind him.

The next morning, when Abdul Aziz’s body is found, it makes breaking news on all the channels and causes a great commotion for a few days. But even this murder case is washed away by the tide of other shocking news which shifts the vicarious interest of the masses, and no one knows for sure who killed him, or what.l Got stories to share? send us your original pieces to featuresdt@gmail. com

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Feature

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

British Council celebrates World Sight Day

n Features Desk

T

he British Council, in partnership with Standard Chartered bank, has celebrated World Sight Day 2016 on Wednesday, October 16, 2016 at British Council, Fuller Road.

World Sight Day is a special day of awareness that is celebrated around the world each year to focus on blindness and vision impairment. To celebrate this day, British Council arranged a Young Learners’ Art Competition with this year’s theme “stronger together”. Around 2500 children (aged between 5 -14) from all over Bangladesh took part in the art competition. Among them, 30 winners were selected and awarded certificates and prizes in the ceremony.

The ceremony was designed with a crafts workshop and cultural programme for kids.

There was a voluntary eye camp for all the guests supported by Lions Club Bangladesh. Jim Scarth, deputy director, British Council Bangladesh, Sarwat Reza, library manager, British

Council Bangladesh, Bitopi Das Chowdhury, head of corporate affairs, Standard Chartered Bank and Ln Shakhawat Hossain, chief advisor, Lions Club Motijheel Royal, were present at the ceremony.

“The British Council has been working to address and seek solutions to various social problems in Bangladesh and around the globe for decades.

This year, we are glad to partner with Standard Chartered Bank to pursue actionable solutions for this globally significant issue, which is also highly relevant in Bangladesh,” said Jim Scarth, deputy director, British Council Bangladesh.

“Standard Chartered Bank has been working in the eye health sector for quite some time. Seeing is believing or SiB is the Bank’s global initiative to tackle avoidable (preventable or treatable) blindness. The project was conceptualised and first launched here by Standard Chartered Bangladesh in 2003 to combat such blindness and restore eyesight to the underprivileged. Since then,

we have reached almost 123 million people through medical interventions, eye examinations, health education and health worker training. We believe, only through building awareness can we help the 285 million blind or visually impaired people in the world, because 80 per cent of such issues can be prevented or treated,” said Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Head of Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered Bank.

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, creating international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and building trust between them worldwide.

The British Council works in more than 110 countries and has 8000 staff – including 2000 teachers – who work with thousands of professionals and policy makers and millions of young people every year by teaching English, sharing the arts and delivering education and society programmes. For more information visit www. britishcouncil.org.bd l

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Business Migration to Australia

Photo: Bigstock

An opportunity for business people

n Kazi A H S Ahsan

M

oving to Australia, settling there and calling it home isn’t as straightforward as putting in an application. With that said, Australia is keen to bring together business people and their skills from all over the world, and they do make the country accessible for those looking for an opportunity in setting up business in Australia.

The Australian government has introduced Business Innovation and Investment visas to achieve this goal, according to the business skills migration framework as covered by the Migration Act of 1958 and Migration Regulations of 1994.

Presently, the regulations prescribe four main streams under which the subclass 188 visa application can be made the business innovation stream, investor stream, significant investor stream and premium investor stream.

Business innovation stream can be the best option

The business innovation stream suits most of the overseas businesses owners in order to fulfill the minimum criteria.

This stream is intended for business owners and investors who have had a proven history in successful business ownership and management for at least four years. Visas granted under the business innovation stream allow visa holders to set up or takeover a qualifying business and prove to the Australian Government that they are able to establish and manage successful businesses in Australia.

Prerequisites to apply

People who are running a successful business with a minimum annual turnover of AUD 500,000 and having a minimum asset wealth of AUD 800,000 (including personal, business and spouse’s asset) could qualify for this visa. However, the annual turnover requirement should be observed for at least two years out of the last four fiscal years.

According to the prescribed legislative instrument IMMI 12/041, the minimum amount of points to be satisfied is 65. There

is no mandatory English and academic requirement.

The business innovation visa allows applicants to work fulltime, and family members can commence full-time study in Australian Institutions. Before the initial visa expires, the applicant needs to show that s/ he has established a successful business and invested an amount of money according to the state or territory’s requirement. Then, s/he can apply for the second stage of the visa application. The spouse of the primary applicant can also apply for the second stage if the primary applicant is too busy overseeing his overseas business. This visa leads to citizenship, provided that all application requirements for Australian citizenship are met.

Onus is on proactive business people

If business personnel want to settle in Australia, fulfilling the prerequisites, they can apply by their own or get support from an Australian registered and recognised immigration consultant. For more information about Australian immigration

The process of completing an application: •

•

•

The applicant must file an expression of interest through the Skill Select system in order to be nominated and invited by the Department of Immigration to make an application.

The applicant must apply for State and Territory nomination depending on their intention to live and do business. The State and Territory will determine whether to nominate the applicant.

The Department will then

consultants, you can go to the Australian Government website www.mara.gov.au. According to Australian law, only registered consultants can legally give immigration assistance. If someone finds it difficult to apply by themselves or are looking for the right consultant, then they can fill out this form online - http://www.eduaid.net/ business/ or email-http://eduaid. net/business. An Australian

•

determine whether to invite the applicant to submit an application.

Once invited, the applicant must submit a visa application within the time-frame specified under the invitation.

Once the visa is approved, the applicant will get a timeline to enter Australia; however, this visa is for four years initially and allows multiple entries.

Afterwards, it can be extended through the Business Innovation extension stream.

immigration consultant will directly communicate for an obligation free initial consultation. l The writer is an Australian immigration consultant, New Zealand immigration adviser and CEO of eduaid.

He can be reached at kazi. ahsan@eduaid.net

19

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

| study |

| event |

UN World Food Programme and BCSIR come together for research

The Westin Dhaka presents Wedding Festival 2016

A MoU signing event was organised on Tuesday, October 18, 2016, where a signed MoU between the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), United Nation World Food Programme (UN WFP) and BRAC University was handed over by Md Faruque Ahmed, chairman of BCSIR to Christa Rader, Ph.D,

Representative WFP, Bangladesh and Prof Dr Mosaddak Hossain, Dept. of EEE, BRAC University.

The BCSIR will provide testing and technical services to WFP and supply raw materials and finished products. Also, technical services and knowhow for the improvement of food products will be provided. The partnership will also aim to

establish and maintain scientific research and development in solar energy materials, solar cells, photovoltaic systems, solar energy for humanitarian applications etc. Sayda Anowara Bagum, member (development), all director’s of BCSIR, was present as honourable guest at the occasion.l

| launch |

Regional Seminar on Chemical Safety and Security Management inaugurated

DT

Biz Info

The Westin Dhaka and Festivity presents the Wedding Festival 2016, a glamorous two day event that will begin on October 21, 2016 at the Grand Ballroom of The Westin Dhaka. The press conference for the event was held on the October 17, 2016 at the Bronze Room of The Westin Dhaka, where top officials of The Westin Dhaka, Festivity, Camerich Bangladesh, Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh, Volvo Bangladesh, and other partners and media representatives were present.

The conference highlighted the event, the sponsors and the partners of the festival. Camerich Bangladesh is the platinum sponsor, and the event is also powered by Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh and Volvo Bangladesh. The Daily Star, RTV, The Pages, Dhaka FM 90.4 and Telepress are the other valued partners of the event.

Just before the wedding season, the wedding festival will showcase all the premium wedding related brands under one roof during

the exhibition. Guests will be able to attend and know about various wedding related products, starting from designer wedding wear to five star catering options.

Guests will also be able to get expert opinions from renowned consultants on wedding planning, menu selection, venue options, photography, videography, wedding makeovers and on many other wedding related topics exclusively at the event. From wedding ensemble to jewelry, the exhibition will offer something for everyone as designers and brands from all over the country flock to showcase their artistry.

Throughout the event, the guests will also be able to enjoy fashion shows, live music, DJ sessions, raffle draw and many other surprise attractions. During the festival, The Westin Dhaka will offer exclusive discounts for spot reservations on venue, menu and on many other wedding related services. For the convenience of the guests, the event is free for all and no prior reservation is required.l

| meals |

Eclectic Carte at Lake Terrace

A three day long Regional Seminar on Chemical Safety and Security Management, organised by the Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (BNACWC), was inaugurated at Antora Hall, Raddison Blu Water Garden, Dhaka on Tuesday, October 18, 2016.

Ahmet Uzumcu, director general of Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapns (OPCW), inaugurated the

seminar. Lt General Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman, Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (BNACWC), gave the welcome address. He was followed by Kamrul Ahsan, additional secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), who gave a vote of thanks.

A total of 40 participants attended the seminar, of which 20 were from SAARC and ASEAN countries and the remaining 20 were from various organisation

and industries of Bangladesh.

The aim of the seminar was to emphasise the best practices of the use of chemicals and thereby create a safe environment in the chemical field. The seiminar also highlighted the necessity of chemical safety management to build a safe and healthy world.

Among others, representatives from the embassies of different countries and prominent personalities from various organisation were also present. l

Because food, like a loving touch or a soothing voice, has the ability to comfort and heal, Lake Terrace brings you flavours from all around the world. This October, let your world tour begin at Lake Terrace - travel with their dishes

and indulge in their eclectic meals.

Eclectic Carte at BDT 1,300 (All Inclusive) EntrĂŠe: Grilled Squid (6 pcs) Main: Lebanese Chicken with sides of capsicum fried rice and zesty baby

garlic potatoes Dessert: Sizzling brownie Refreshment: Lemon shock For reservations, call +8801618377223 or visit https://www.facebook.com/ laketerrace/?fref=ts l

DT

20 Editorial

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

TODAY

When a film is seen as the enemy At a time of hysterical war-mongering by the electronic media with journalists and anchors suborned to peddle hatefilled ideologies or promote aggressive nationalism PAGE 21

What we can learn from Finland For someone from Bangladesh, where homicides and other crimes constantly are the headlines, Finland provides a profound feeling of safety and comfort PAGE 22

Towards a Digital Bangladesh People should understand that good journalism does not come free 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

The picture of bad planning

T

he undertaking to extend the Moghbazar-Mouchak flyover is just the latest example of how Dhaka’s poorly planned public works hurt the residents of this city.

The extension is likely to significantly worsen traffic around the Sonargaon intersection. The last thing Dhaka needs right now is to clog up its vital intersections.

Furthermore, the cost of this project is astronomical. Surely, there are better ways to spend Tk85 crore -- planning and vision can go a long way in making a city more liveable, and the public does not have to foot such a large bill.

Add to the bill the fact that underground electricity, gas, water, and fibre optics cables are factors which had not been taken in to account when construction had started.

Unaccounted-for utilities alone will hike up the cost by close to 60%, and the extension will lead traffic directly on to the intersection, which is already one of the capital’s busiest. After the project is finished, traffic may be unmanageable.

Planners have repeatedly warned that this is a bad idea. Then how was such a project allowed to move ahead?

Dhaka needs the right kind of vision that will decrease traffic in the long run.

Traffic congestion is truly one of the main culprits behind Dhaka’s reputation as one of the least liveable cities in the world.

With unplanned projects and lack of foresight, we continue to shoot ourselves in the foot.

The government must keep in mind that the capital city is a holistic entity -solutions to one problem might cause bigger problems in another area. Projects approved in an ad hoc basis do not end our problems, they merely create new ones.

From inadequate infrastructure, to unbearable traffic, to never-ending repair-work, Dhaka residents have suffered enough.

It is time for a better plan for the city.

Dhaka needs the right kind of vision that will decrease traffic in the long run

DT

21

Opinion

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

When a film is seen as the enemy The classic film Jago Hua Savera is the latest victim of Indo-Pak tensions instance of sub-continental collaboration in the post-partition period. Some of the talents who worked on it are now spread and revered between the three states that make up the sub-continent, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

The film is set in a fishing village outside Dhaka on the banks of the Meghna River. The dialogue is in Urdu, but it is based on a Bengali story called “Padma Nodir Majhi” by Indian-Bengali writer Manik Bandopadhyay. Script and lyrics are by the revolutionary Pakistani poet, Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

Actors and technicians are either Indian or from the erstwhile East Pakistan.

Winner of the Lenin Peace Prize in 1962, Faiz had been implicated in the “Rawalpindi Conspiracy Case” for allegedly being a plotter in a communist inspired coup against the then Government of Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951, in which army officers were also involved.

Intriguingly, had that coup been successful, the trajectory of Pakistan might have taken a different turn.

The plotters were arrested and

Good movies transcend politics

n Ghazala Scheik Akbar

I

n the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, amplified daily by a shrill media on both sides of the troubled LoC, an unfortunate casualty -- apart from the tragic loss of lives, displacement of villagers, further clampdowns in Kashmir, and the postponement of the Saarc Summit -- has been the arts.

In the absence of a visible enemy, artists, and sport personalities are fair game in the venting of hatred towards the Other. Strangely enough, while diplomatic ties remain intact, cultural ties are deemed unacceptable. Art must take a backseat while the political giants do their posturing. And yet, it is the cultural similarities that are the most binding factors in the sub-continent.

Pakistani film stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan are told to leave India; a film in which Fawad has a cameo role has raised the ire of nationalists with the director being asked to “edit” his part or face consequences of the film not being screened in Indian theatres. In a tit for tat move, the ever-popular Bollywood films will not be shown in Pakistani cinemas.

The latest casualty is a 50-yearold classic Pakistani film Jago Hua Savera (The Day Shall Dawn). It

At a time of hysterical war-mongering by the electronic media with journalists and anchors suborned to peddle hate-filled ideologies or promote aggressive nationalism, it is imperative that artists continue to question social inequalities

was being touted as the piece de resistance, but is now off the menu at the Mumbai Film Festival, when protesters threatened to storm the festival. Screening a “Pakistani” film in these sensitive times will “hurt the sentiments” of Indians.

Poor, jinxed Jago Hua Savera.

Looks as if its day will never ever dawn. It is destined to be unrecognised and unsung yet again. Directed by AJ Kardar (brother of the Indian film director AR Kardar and cousin of AH Kardar, Pakistan’s first cricket captain), the film initially fell foul of the Censor Board in Pakistan.

Three days before its scheduled and much anticipated release, it was unceremoniously banned by the military dictatorship of Ayub Khan in 1958. Reason: Its perceived leftist leanings and championing of the proletariat.

This was the era of the Cold War, and such ideas were seen as subversive and a threat to the

established order.

Official disapproval meant that the film barely made it to cinemas in Pakistan. It managed a premier in London, earning a few foreign views and an Oscar entry. But in the land of its birth, it was left to rot for 50 years.

Miraculously, with the help of a Frenchman and a determined nephew of the film’s producer, it was painstakingly restored reel by reel and shown earlier in the year at the Cannes Film Festival.

Tragically, in India, home to the brilliant realism of Satyajit Ray (from whom it drew inspiration) and where it was expected to garner sympathetic attention, the film gets the chop again. This time at the hands of irate nationalists.

Reason: It is a “Pakistani” film.

A double whammy! Irony upon irony.

Although, technically speaking, it is a Pakistani film, Jago Hua Savera is in fact a uniquely rare

imprisoned. Their defence was handled by Barrister Husseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, founding member of the Awami League and also, briefly, prime minister of Pakistan amongst others.

In later years, Faiz was again persecuted by the hard-line Islamist government of General Zia ul Haq, his Marxist ideas and poetry in support of the dispossessed -- being frowned upon as being too subversive.

In exile for many years, he was finally recognised and awarded posthumously with Pakistan’s highest civilian award in 2008.

He has also been honoured by the government of Bangladesh for his support during its Liberation War in 1971. After his visit to Bangladesh in 1974, he lamented “after how many monsoons will the blood be washed.”

An assistant director of the film, Zaheer Raihan, made several films in the erstwhile East

Pakistan, that included Sangam (in Urdu) and Jibon Theke Neye, a thinly-veiled political satire, where an iron-fisted woman in a family symbolised the rule of President Ayub Khan. He was also prominent in the Bengali Language movement of 1952 and in the Liberation War. In March 1971, Raihan fled to Calcutta and made a documentary Stop Genocide, highlighting, for international audiences, the atrocities that were taking place in his homeland. Sadly, Raihan’s life was cruelly cut short. In the aftermath of the Bangladesh Liberation War, Raihan went looking for his brother Dr Shahidullah Kaiser, a noted intellectual who was brutally killed by Razakars in 1971. Raihan never returned, nor was his body ever found.

Another actor, Khan Ataur Rahman, who plays a leading role in Jago Huwa Savera and also collaborated in Raihan’s many films, became a household name in Bangladesh with many successful productions and musical compositions to his credit.

His songs remain popular in Bangladesh today.

As for the Lahore-based director, AJ Kardar, I am told he never recovered from the disappointment of the ban on his film, and the lack of recognition he felt it richly deserved.

Just for these reasons alone, the film deserves an outing not just in India, but in Bangladesh as well. And it does too on the grounds of pure artistic merit, for its documentary-type neo-realism; and its aesthetically-pleasing camera work.

The German-born Walter Lassally, a refugee from Nazi Germany who shot the film in black and white, later won an Oscar for Zorba the Greek.

At a time of hysterical warmongering by the electronic media with journalists and anchors suborned to peddle hate-filled ideologies or promote aggressive nationalism, it is imperative that artists continue to question social inequalities and promote universal human values that transcend political boundaries.

As the boatman sings hopefully in the film -- “Soon our sorrows shall come to an end. Look the day has dawned.” Unfortunately though for Jago Hua Savera, it will just have to wait another day. l Ghazala Scheik Akbar is a former Features Editor of the Arab Times, Kuwait.

DT

22

Opinion

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

What we can learn from Finland What is it like to live in the world’s safest country?

No muggings here

n Mahmudul Islam

I

f you are a globe-trotter, which place would be a heaven in terms of safety?

According to the World Economic Forum’s latest travel and tourism competitiveness report, it’s Finland.

Finland, more than twice the size of Bangladesh in terms of area and having a population of only around 5.5 million, is the birthplace of Nokia -- which once enjoyed pre-eminence in the global mobile phone market.

This Nordic country, bordered

by Russia, Sweden, and Norway, has also held high positions in other rankings. Its education system is one of the best in the world, corruption is almost non-existent (the second least corrupt country according to the Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index 2015) and it is the fifth happiest country according to the World Happiness Report 2016, released by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Calling it quits after working as a journalist in Bangladesh for more than three years, I moved to Finland in August this year to begin my Master’s Program at the University of Oulu, located in the northern part of the picturesque country. Before moving here, I

BIGSTOCK

read on the internet about all the blissful things this country has, and now I’m actually living in the safest place on Earth.

How does it feel to live in such a place? Well, you won’t understand it until you are in Finland. Truth be told, it cannot be felt by reading about it, it must be experienced in reality.

It’s a worry that constantly gripped me, even during the daytime, when I was in my motherland. Now the feeling of being safe on the streets, regardless of what time it is, is gradually becoming stronger every day.

Oulu is one of the most bikefriendly cities in Finland, boasting

different period of the day without sunlight.

WEF rankings of the safest countries took into account the costliness of common crime and violence as well as terrorism, and the extent to which police services can be relied upon to provide protection from crime. This also helps explain why Finland topped

For someone from Bangladesh, where homicides and other crimes constantly are the headlines, Finland provides a profound feeling of safety and comfort

I heaved a sigh of relief after moving here. For more than two decades, I lived in a country where corruption is rampant, political turbulence is perennial, traffic congestion drives people insane on the road, and environmental pollution is extremely high.

But now, an overwhelming sense of safety engulfs me when I go outside, regardless if it is day or night. I have returned home, nearly four km from the university at midnight without being worried at all about whether I will be a victim of street crimes.

mile after mile of cycle paths in every direction. These separate cycle paths, which are off-limits to cars, have effectively prevented the possibility of bike accidents. At night, I have walked and also biked on paths running through forests without the feeling of a grave premonition.

In Finland, I do not feel the fear that someone would come out of the blue and mug me at gunpoint or by using other weapons.

Darkness does not induce fright in me while I walk or bike on Finnish roads; it feels more like a

the list.

Finns do not only trust their police a lot, but they have unwavering faith in the department. A survey, carried out among 1,007 respondents this year, found that 96% of the population trusts the police; with 51% trusting the men and women in uniforms very much and 45% trusting the police department quite a lot. Whereas, the European average is much lower, standing at 71%.

Moreover, according to data from the United Nations Office on

Drugs and Crime, there were only 89 homicides per 100,00 people in Finland in 2014, while the number was 4,514 in Bangladesh in the same year, and in Russia, a neighbour of Finland, the number was as high as 13,681.

Juha Kääriäinen, a researcher at the University of Helsinki’s Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy, told Finland’s national public broadcaster, Yle: “Finns live in an equal society which seeks to prevent crime, and there are few conflicts. Many Finnish police officers go to retirement without ever using their firearms during the service. Moreover, Finland’s residents hardly need to go to the police.”

My conclusion is that Finland is cold, and low temperature becomes the most undesirable thing outside the house, but it is perfectly safe. For someone from Bangladesh, where homicides and other crimes constantly are the headlines, Finland provides a profound feeling of safety and comfort. Presumably, anyone who puts on a jacket and goes out late at night to places as secluded as he can imagine, will always feel safe. l Mahmudul Islam is a former journalist at the Dhaka Tribune and currently is an engineering student at the University of Oulu, Finland.

DT

23

Opinion

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Towards a Digital Bangladesh The future is online

The news you want is one click away

BIGSTOCK

People should understand that good journalism does not come free, and if that means seeing an advert or two, it’s a price worth paying

n Nadeem Qadir

R

ecently, I met the editor of The Independent, and his revelations were very thought-provoking, especially after this 38-year-old British journalist took over from Amol after the demise of the print edition.

Chritian Broughton gave a lecture in a joint event of the Diplomatic Press Attaches Association, London (DPAAL) and the London Press Club.

He hailed the success of the digital move of his newspaper, which is bringing in more readers and more money, which could be an example for Bangladesh.

When I told him about the Digital Bangladesh project of

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Broughton said: “It is amazing.”

He said Bangladeshi newspapers could go for cheap apps to draw all kinds of readers of different ages. “This would bring in needed revenues, as the cake is getting smaller due to Internet news portals offering free news,” Broughton added.

He said one has to investigate “transactional” sources of revenue and “people should understand that good journalism does not come free, and if that means seeing an advert or two, it’s a price worth paying.”

As of now, the online The Independent has 70 million registered browsers across the globe. So, all the online news portals in Bangladesh need to

rethink their advertisement and editorial policies.

First, you need money to run any enterprise. I am glad that the Dhaka Tribune converted to a compact version from the broadsheet version, which is saving money as far paper and ink are concerned, but it also has a free online version like most other dailies. The management has to think of every penny earned and spent, as it is a good paymaster, unlike many who do not give salaries in due time.

For Bangla Tribune and others, they must keep some stories readable only upon payment.

These stories have to be exclusive and a must-read. Broughton said that once people started to pay for news, it became a habit.

Also, once people realised that a particular section is a must-read, their inquisitive minds will push them to buy it at a small price. It could start at no more than Tk20.

Making it expensive would drive the readers away.

Next is spending more money for exclusive and investigative stories. This, according to experts,

would usher in quality journalism and also help earn more money.

Because, at the end of the day, cash is a huge issue in all business.

When I was discussing Digital Bangladesh with other members of the club, they were keen to know if there were any rules of operation for these news portals in Bangladesh, like Britain.

With some pride, I said: “It is a free press ... anyone can say and write anything.” It is a surprise that the Bangladesh press operates without any watch dog, which leads to yellow journalism. In some cases, total lies.

We must formulate an operational code for better journalism.

Bangladesh’s booming IT sector also came into discussion, and many promised to use the internet to gather more knowledge regarding Digital Bangladesh, which really helped the ruling Awami League get more votes in the last national elections. l Nadeem Qadir is the Press Minister of Bangladesh High Commission in London.

DT

24 Sport

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

TOP STORIES

‘Nice to hear being called captain’ When was the last time Mushfiq spoke to the media? One can hardly recall as the Test captain kept himself away from the media for a year. There was speculation that he was harbouring some anger towards the media. PAGE 25

Cook targets more Test success Visiting captain Alastair Cook is on the verge of becoming the mostcapped England Test player when his side face Bangladesh in the first of two five-dayers, starting today, at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. PAGE 26

Bangladesh duo Shakib al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal share a light moment during training in Chittagong yesterday

Improving Test record on the agenda for Bangladesh Uddin n Mazhar from Chittagong

Watson hits back at Clarke over jibe All-rounder Shane Watson has hit back at former captain Michael Clarke’s claim he was part of a group that was “like a tumour” in Australia’s cricket team, saying it reflected poorly on the former captain. PAGE 27

Foxes closer to last 16, Real win big Mahrez secured another Champions League victory for Leicester while Real, Juventus and Dortmund were also in winning form. Leicester maintained a perfect record in Group G in their first foray in Europe’s elite club competition. PAGE 28

The main challenge for a new look Bangladesh team will be to change their dismal record in the longest format of the game when they lock horns with England in the first of two Test matches, starting today, at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

A lack of playing time in longer-version cricket will once again be the biggest challenge for the home side as Mushfiqur Rahim and his troop played their last Test match nearly 15 months ago against South Africa.

However, the recently-concluded ODI series which the home side ended up losing 2-1 could well ignite the fire among the Bangladeshi cricketers after some on- and off-the-field incidents heated up the intensity among the two sides.

Bangladesh were beaten in all the previous eight meetings against England but the recent change in mindset and approach in ODIs could well be the X-factor for the home side.

The main focus for Bangladesh

would be to adapt to five-day cricket and the hosts will be more than happy to draw the game against an in-form English Test side.

The top six players of the Bangladesh line-up will have to play a key role if the home side want to fight it out, especially local lad Tamim Iqbal, who smashed two hundreds against England and has an average of 63.12.

Shakib al Hasan will have to take up the responsibility of the bowling department as he will have Taijul Islam, along with youngster Mehedi Hasan Miraz, who is expected to make his Test debut today.

Dashing batsman Sabbir Rahman is also set to make his Test bow after an impressive run in limited-over cricket recently.

Bangladesh think tank clearly indicated that a spin-friendly pitch would be on offer today as they picked only two pacers in the line-up. And according to sources, it was learned that the home team may opt for one pacer in the form of Shafiul Islam.

On the other hand, England Test captain Alastair Cook, who

will become the most-capped five-day player for his nation, will open the innings either with Haseed Hameeb or Ben Duckett. However, Duckett might also bat at No 4 as Hameed also impressed with his ability to stay long at the crease, thus making him slight favourite to open alongside Cook.

Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow will play a major role in the English middle-order while experienced duo Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes will look after the pace bowling department.

But the trump-cards for the visitors would be spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, who will both try to get the best of the pitch and the conditions. Another experienced spinner Gareth Batty is also there as the third spinner and will no doubt be eyeing his first Test since 2005.

Whatever the statistics or equations are on the eve of the first Test, England will have to fight hard in the hot and humid conditions while Bangladesh will look to continue with their “never-say-die” mantra that has served them so well in ODIs. l

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

ENGLAND Captain: Alastair Cook Coach: Trevor Bayliss Squad: Cook, Moeen Ali, Zafar Ansari, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Gareth Batty, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, Steven Finn, Haseeb Hameed, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes.

BANGLADESH Captain: Mushfiqur Rahim Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha Squad: Rahim (wicketkeeper), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mahmudullah, Mehedi Hasan, Mominul Haque, Nurul Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Shuvagata Hom, Soumya Sarkar, Taijul Islam.

HEAD TO HEAD Total: 8 England wins: 8 LAST FIVE MEETINGS: 2010 - England won by innings & 80 runs, Manchester 2010 - England won by eight wickets, Lord’s 2010 - England won by nine wickets, Dhaka 2010 - England won by 181 runs, Chittagong 2005 - England won by innings & 27 runs, Chester-le-Street

FIXTURES (all start 9am BST) 1st Test - Oct. 20-24, Chittagong 2nd Test - Oct 28-Nov. 1, Dhaka

25

DT

Sport

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Mushfiq eager to replicate ODI form into Tests Uddin n Mazhar from Chittagong Bangladesh will return to Test cricket after a gap of nearly 15 months when they take on a formidable England side in the first of two five-dayers at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, starting today.

And according to Tigers Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim, the home side will look to challenge in the longest format and try to adapt, just like they did in ODIs over the last couple of years.

“It (long absence) is some kind of a factor, but I am not sure it will be the only reason why we may not be playing well in the Test match. We need some preparation going into the Test match, especially against a side like England because they have played a lot of Tests, unlike us. The important thing is how you can do well in the coming five days,” Mushfiq told the media yesterday. “We are not concentrating on not having played for a long time.

The boys are looking forward to that. We didn’t play all that well in the years gone by as an ODI side. We have achieved that in the last two years and played consistent cricket. So let’s hope we start that way [today] in Test cricket as well,” he said.

The visitors, in contrast, have been in terrific form against Pakistan before coming to Bangladesh and Mushfiq had no qualms terming England the favourites.

The wicketkeeper-batsman though added that the Tigers were favourites in the recently concluded ODI series too, only to lose 2-1.

“Obviously, the way England are playing in the last few years, especially overseas as well as at home, clearly they are the favourites in Tests. But we were the favourites in the ODI series, and we ended up losing, so it doesn’t matter. I think it is important how consistently a team can play session by session over five days.

That is our main goal,” he said.

“I think the first innings will be crucial for both sides. Whoever gets the lead or makes early inroads will dominate the Test match. Looking forward to the Test, this is a great challenge for us, especially our senior guys, and I back our junior guys who will be playing in the next match,” he added.

In the meantime, there were talks that the uncapped Nurul Hasan might take up the gloves in the first Test instead of Mushfiq but the latter informed that he is well placed to continue in his role as the first choice wicket-keeper of the side.

Mushfiq added that the home side have the ability to take 20 wickets but for that to happen, the pitch should have something for the bowlers. He also stated that they have good batting depth and if they can post over 300 runs in the first innings, it will be a plus point for the Tigers.

According to Mushfiq, weather will also play a big part in the Test as it has been very hot and humid in the port city in the last few days. Weather forecasts suggest it is likely to remain the same in the coming days. l

Bangladesh Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim warms up during training in Chittagong yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

‘I’m being addressed as captain after a long time, it’s nice to hear’ Uddin n Mazhar from Chittagong When was the last time Mushfiqur Rahim spoke to the media? One can perhaps hardly remember as the Bangladesh Test captain kept himself away from the journalists for nearly a year.

There was even speculation that he was harbouring some anger towards the media.

Questions were raised after Bangladesh suffered a heartbreaking one-run defeat against hosts India in the 2016 World T20 where Mushfiq celebrated before the winning runs were scored.

He even posted a picture on Twitter after India lost to the West Indies in the World T20 semi-finals where he expressed his happiness over the home side’s exit.

However, he soon deleted the picture after a lot of controversies.

The wicketkeeper-batsman

avoided the media during the Dhaka Premier League this season where he captained Mohammedan Sporting Club. And even after winning a magnificent game against arch-rivals Abahani Limited, he remained silent.

He went through a rough patch with the bat and there were ques-

media during the pre-match press conference at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium where he informed that there is no anger in him towards the media.

The diminutive cricketer said he is more keen concentrating on his own game instead of talking to the media.

If you ask good questions, I will give good answers. If you ask erratic questions, then maybe it will have an effect tions over his wicket-keeping as well after he missed quite a few chances behind the stumps. Before returning to form in the third ODI against England, he scored 21, 12, 12, 38 and six in his previous five innings. The low run of scores might have prompted him to keep himself out of the media limelight.

But finally it was a different Mushfiq who opened up to the

When a reporter referred to him as captain before asking a question, Mushfiq said, “I am being addressed as captain after a long time, it is nice to hear.”

He continued, “No, this (abstaining from talking to the media) was due to the fact that I was concentrating on my game. I have a responsibility and instead of thinking about other things, I wanted to do my own work well. I

devoted more time on and off the field and there is not much else to it besides that.

“And of course, for the last year or so there has been no Tests, so we have not met.”

Mushfiq went on to state that he is only willing to talk about his performance while he also added that he got support from the media when times were tough.

“If you ask good questions, I will give good answers. If you ask erratic questions, then maybe it will have an effect. I will try to perform well on the field as an individual, and as a team, so that you will not have the scope to ask erratic questions,” he said.

“Maybe the things I tried did not come off the way I planned.

But thankfully, the process I followed by being away from you folks, you were good enough to give me the space. Maybe you saw it differently. But I tried what I thought was good for me and the team,” he added. l

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Sport

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Record-breaking Cook targets more success Uddin n Mazhar from Chittagong Visiting captain Alastair Cook is on the verge of becoming the mostcapped England Test player when his side face Bangladesh in the first of two five-dayers, starting today, at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

The 31-year old is now the joint-leading Test cap holder for England along with former captain Alec Stewart with 133 Tests. However, Cook said, despite it being a special occasion, he will emphasise more on team performance.

“It’s going to be a very special day [today] on a personal note.

This game is not going to be remembered for a personal thing, it’s going to be a team performance, but it’s going to be a special day,” Cook told the media before their training session yesterday.

England will play a total of 17 Tests by the end of the year, including seven in the span of eight weeks.

On the other hand, it will be the Tigers’ first five-day appearance in

Bangladesh raiders end on a high n Tribune Report Bangladesh concluded their campaign in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup on a winning note as they thrashed Argentina 67-26 in their final Group A game in Ahmedabad, India yesterday.

It was yet another dominating performance by the Bangladesh raiders who led the scoring charts.

The raiders in red and green led the raid points 42-23, tackle points 142, all-out points 8-0 and extras 3-1.

Bangladesh however, were unable to progress to the semi-finals as it was hosts India and South Korea who qualified for the last four from Pool A. Bangladesh had earlier thumped England 52-18, lost against India 20-57, lost against South Korea 3235 before outclassing Australia 808. They finished third behind the Koreans and the home side with three wins in five matches.

Bangladesh have seven new faces in the squad and prepared for the tournament for the best part of the last two months.

Bangladesh Edible Oil Limited sponsored the side.

The World Cup is being held after a nine-year hiatus. l

MOST ENGLAND TEST CAPS PLAYERS

SPAN

MATCHES

Alastair Cook

2006-current 133

Alec Stewart

1990-2003

J Anderson

2003-current 119

Ian Bell

2004-2015

Graham Gooch 1975-1995

133 118 118

* Before today’s match nearly 15 months.

Cook, who recently became a father for the second time, believes playing more Test matches will give them an added advantage over the home side.

“I think that could be an advantage. You get into a rhythm of playing Test cricket, there’s no doubt about it. They might be a bit more attacking. As we saw in the oneday series, Bangladesh are a hugely improved cricketing nation over the last three or four years. There’s talent, which we hadn’t necessarily seen in the past, and a pathway

through for guys. I think it will be a really good test for us,” he said.

The left-hander though said the hosts would also have some advantages, mainly with regards to the weather and pitch.

“I don’t know if you add up all the Tests what the balance between the sides would be. We have a couple of quite experienced guys, and a few new guys in the team too. England as a cricketing nation play more Test cricket than Bangladesh, which helps us, but we don’t play a huge amount in these conditions,” he said.

“Home advantage and home conditions play a big part at the moment due to length of tours, preparation periods. We have to learn fast - three days of cricket isn’t a huge amount of time for a lot of the guys to be in, and I haven’t seen any of it. We have to think on our feet and be ready,” he added. l England’s Ben Stokes and Alastair Cook look at the drawing board containing team strategy in Chittagong yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Chittagong Abahani at the BPL summit n Tribune Report

Rising powerhouse Chittagong Abahani rose to the top of the Bangladesh Premier League points table following their 1-0 victory over Brothers Union at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Former national captain Mamunul Islam netted the all-important goal from a free kick 30 yards out in the 23rd minute to propel the port city outfit to 24 points, a point ahead of powerhouse Abahani Limited, who earlier in the day won 2-0 against overnight leader Rahmatganj at the same venue,

thanks to a spectacular brace from Sunday Chizoba.

After taking the lead early in the second half, Nigerian striker Sunday scored an outstanding winner from

RESULTS Brothers

0-1

Ctg Abahani Mamunul 23

Abahani Sunday 48, 90+1

2-0

Rahmatganj

almost the halfway line in injury time that secured the Sky Blues’ three vital points at the end of the league. Besides Sunday’s brace, the game also witnessed two red cards in the last couple of minutes.

It was an interesting affair right from the beginning with Rahmatganj knowing that a win would cement their place at the top after the opening phase for the first time in the club’s professional league history. There were no lack of dedication from the Old Dhaka outfit but Abahani looked more clinical.

Both the goalkeepers had a solid game. Abahani custodian Shahidul

Action from the BPL game between Abahani Limited and Rahmatganj at BNS yesterday

COURTESY

Alam Sohel fisted away a powerful 30-yard free-kick from Gambian midfielder Jatta Mustapha at the quarter-hour mark.

Rahmatganj netminder Samiul Islam Masum made a quick save in the 32nd minute to deny Sunday’s sliding header from the six-yard box.

Rahmatganj midfielder Faysal Ahmed’s cheeky effort from outside the box was then tipped away by the Abahani keeper five minutes later. Masum appeared to be the saviour for Rahmatganj again just a minute later when he fisted away a curved shot from Hemanta Vincent Biswas from inside the box.

Hemanta squandered a decent chance at the stroke of the first half when he shot wide on an empty net. Within a minute, Masum rescued his side with a superb block to deny Sunday, who was one-on-one with the keeper inside the box.

The Sky Blues went ahead with three minutes into the second half. A long ball from Jewel Rana was chested down by Sunday at the top of the box before the Nigerian stepping forward to calmly slot home past Masum.

Sohel punched away another long free kick of Mustapha in the 56th minute. Masum produced another brilliant save five minutes later to deny Jewel’s effort. Sunday perhaps scored one of the best goals of the season to seal victory in injury time.l

27

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

QUICK BYTES

Watson hits back at Clarke over ‘tumour’ jibe

‘Drogba dispute settled’

n AFP, Sydney

Montreal Impact chief said Tuesday the club had settled its dispute with Didier Drogba after the star striker sensationally refused to play last weekend. The 38-year-old former Chelsea and star had stunned the club last weekend after demanding to be left out of the match-day squad upon discovering her would start on the bench. The uproar left Drogba facing an uncertain future with Montreal as the club look towards the Major League Soccer postseason.

Shane Watson has hit back at Michael Clarke’s claim he was part of a group that was “like a tumour” in Australia’s cricket team, saying it reflected poorly on the former captain.

In a television interview with Australia’s Channel Nine to pro-

mote his autobiography, the retired Clarke spoke of stormy relationships during his long career.

This included with Watson, who was one of four players suspended by then-coach Mickey Arthur and captain Clarke for the third Test against India in Mohali in 2013.

Clarke admitted saying Watson

–AFP

Lippi set for China post Former World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi is being tipped to take over as coach of China after being offered the job following the resignation of Gao Hongbo, reports said yesterday. “Lippi, coach of China,” ran the headline on the front page of Italy’s sports daily Corriere dello Sport. It claimed the Italian maestro was “inclined to accept the offer” and added: “In the coming days, Lippi will travel to Beijing to pore over the details of the Chinese football association’s offer.”

–AFP

DAY’S WATCH CRICKET

BTV, GAZI TV, STAR SPORTS 2 10:00AM England Tour of Bangladesh 1st Test, Day 1

STAR SPORTS 1

2:00PM New Zealand Tour of India 2nd ODI

FOOTBALL

UEFA Europa League

TEN 1 11:00PM Krasnodar v Schalke 1:00AM Roma v Austria Wien

TEN 2 11:00PM Internazionale v Southampton 1:00AM Man United v Fenerbahce

TEN 3 11:00PM Osmanlispor v Villarreal 1:00AM Olympiacos v Astana

STAR SPORTS 2 7:30PM Indian Super League North East v Chennai

HOCKEY STAR SPORTS 4 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 4:00PM Malaysia v Pakistan 6:30PM India v Japan

Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho during training yesterday REUTERS

Rooney expects big things of ‘fantastic’ United n Reuters Captain Wayne Rooney says there is enough talent in the “fantastic” Manchester United squad to launch a serious challenge for the Premier League title despite a mixed start to the campaign.

United, who last won the league in 2013, have displayed flashes of brilliance under Jose Mourinho but their erratic performances have threatened to undermine the Portuguese manager’s maiden campaign at Old Trafford.

“I do think we’ll be challenging this season - we’ve still got that belief and it is even stronger after working with this manager and the players over the last few months,” Rooney told British media.

“I think we’ve got a fantastic squad that is ready and capable of challenging. I’m sure over the next few weeks or couple of months we will have our way of playing, and it will be his (Mourinho’s) way of playing.

“It is a different way of playing, but if you’re an individual you should learn what the manager wants. As a team, it’s going to take a little bit longer. We knew it was going to take a bit of time,” Rooney added.

Following his world record move to United in August, midfielder Paul Pogba has yet to live up to his hefty price tag but Rooney is confident that once the Frenchman adapts to the rigours of English football, he will be well worth the outlay.

“Paul is a fantastic player, I think he is working hard and he is doing well,” the England international added of the former Juventus star.

“It is a different league to what he’s been used to - he didn’t really play last time when he was here so this is all new. He is a fantastic player and he will shine for us this season there is no doubt.” l

was one of a number of players who were “like a tumour, and if we don’t fix it, it’s going to turn into a cancer”.

Watson, who has also retired from international cricket, said it was pointless reopening old wounds.

“For me I think it was more a

reflection of the person he is more than what it was directed towards me,” Watson told Fox Sports late Tuesday.

“In the end it is really disappointing that things like that start to come out two or three years later on when we are all very content in retirement.” l

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

POINTS TABLE P

W

D

L GD Pts

GROUP E Monaco

3

1

2

0

1

5

Tottenham

3

1

Leverkusen

3

0

1

1

0

4

3

0

0

3

Moscow

3

0

2

1

-1

2 7

GROUP F Dortmund

3

2

1

0

7

Real Madrid

3

2

1

0

5

7

Sporting

3

1

0

2

0

3

Legia Warsaw 3

0

0

3

-12

0

GROUP G Leicester

3

3

0

0

5

9

Copenhagen 3

1

1

1

3

4

FC Porto

3

1

1

1

0

4

Club Brugge 3

0

0

3

-8

0

GROUP H Juventus

3

2

1

0

5

7

Sevilla

3

2

1

0

2

7

Lyon

3

1

0

2

1

3

Zagreb

3

0

0

3

-8

0

Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez heads to score the winning goal against FC Copenhagen during their UEFA Champions League Group G match at King Power Stadium, Leicester on Tuesday REUTERS

Foxes closer to last 16, Real win big, Buffon inspires Juve n AFP, Paris

Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon celebrates after winning the Champions League match against Lyon AFP

Riyad Mahrez secured another Champions League victory for Leicester City on Tuesday while big boys Real Madrid, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were also in winning form.

Leicester maintained a perfect record in Group G in their first foray in Europe’s elite club competition by edging FC Copenhagen 1-0 at the King Power Stadium with Mahrez getting the only goal of the game.

Islam Slimani headed down a Jamie Vardy cross for Mahrez to score with a close-range volley with the outside of his left foot five minutes before half-time.

With Porto winning 2-1 away to Club Brugge in the group’s other game, Claudio Ranieri’s side now know a win away to Copenhagen in their next match on November 2 will secure a place in the last 16.

“We’re in a good position now,” said Ranieri.

“We knew it would be tough.

Copenhagen tried until the end. It was difficult at the start, but the performance was good.”

In Bruges, Jelle Vossen put the home side in front early on but Miguel Layun lashed in the equaliser midway through the second half and Andre Silva scored a stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot.

For Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas it was a 92nd win in the Cham-

pions League, allowing him to surpass Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez and establish a new record.

Leicester’s Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur found themselves hanging on for a point as they claimed a 0-0 draw away to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany in Group E. A Vincent Janssen header that came back off the bar was the closest Spurs came to scoring at the BayArena. The home side piled on the pressure in the second half but Javier Hernandez was denied by a brilliant save on the line by Hugo Lloris and Stefan Kiessling missed a great chance late on.

“We can be pleased with the point,” said Lloris.

“The game turned in the second half, Leverkusen pressed high and we struggled a bit. I think the draw is a good result for us.”

Just three points separate all four teams in the section, but it is Monaco who are on top after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at CSKA Moscow.

Ivorian striker Lacina Traore, on loan from Monaco, scored against his parent club in the 34th minute but Bernardo Silva equalised for the visitors late on.

Reigning champions Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 victory at home to Legia Warsaw in Group F after supporter violence marred the build-up to the game at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Five fans and two police officers were treated for minor injuries following clashes outside the stadium before kick-off.

When the game began, Vadis Odjidja struck the post for the visitors before Gareth Bale fired in the opener and a Marcelo shot went in off Tomasz Jodlowiec.

Miroslav Radovic pulled one back from the penalty spot but Marco Asensio made it 3-1 before the interval and substitutes Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Morata added further goals in the second half.

Zinedine Zidane’s side are level on seven points at the top of the group with Borussia Dortmund, who were 2-1 winners over Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang burst through for an early opener and a superb Julian Weigl strike made it 2-0 but Dortmund were hanging on after Bruno Cesar reduced the deficit midway through the second half.

In Group H Juan Cuadrado came off the bench to score a late winner as 10-man Juventus beat Lyon 1-0 in France.

Gianluigi Buffon was in fine form for the Italian champions as he saved a first-half Alexandre Lacazette penalty, while Juve had Mario Lemina sent off early in the second period.

But Cuadrado netted the winner 14 minutes from the end as the hosts failed to make their man ad-

vantage count.

“I should thank Mario Lemina for his sending-off because I thought we played better with a man less,” said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri.

They are level at the top of the group with Sevilla, who were 1-0 winners away to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, Samir Nasri netting the only goal. l

RESULTS GROUP E

1-1

CSKA Moscow Traoré 34

Monaco Silva 87

0-0

Leverkusen

Tottenham

GROUP F Sporting Lisbon

1-2

César 67

Dortmund Aubameyang 9, Weigl 43

5-1

Real Madrid

Legia Warsaw

Bale 16, Miroslav Radovic 22-P Jodlowiec 19-og, Asensio 37, Morata 84, Lucas Vazquez 68

GROUP G

1-0

Leicester City

Copenhagen

Mahrez 40

1-2

Club Brugge Vossen 12

Porto Layun 68, Silva 90+2-P

GROUP H Dinamo Zagreb

0-1

Sevilla Nasri 37

Lyon

0-1

Juventus Cuadrado 76

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Ship's record (3) 3 Tin and lead alloy (6) 8 Summit (4) 9 Beer (3) 10 Little wave (6) 11 Attack (6) 14 Deserves (5) 17 Agreements (5) 20 Whole (6) 24 Bring into accord (6) 26 Born (3) 27 Close up (4) 28 Examined (6) 29 Tree (3)

DOWN 1 Molten rock (4) 2 Openings (4) 3 Persian fairy (4) 4 Banishment (5) 5 Animal with flexible snout (5) 6 Old cloth measure (3) 7 Emits fumes (5) 12 Mineral spring (3) 13 Liable (3) 15 Perform (3) 16 And not (3) 17 Factory (5) 18 Quotes (5) 19 Sanity (5) 21 Require (4) 22 Not working (4) 23 Dutch cheese (4) 25 Golfing aid (3)

29

DT

Downtime

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODE-CRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 19 represents Y so fill Y every time the figure 19 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

DT

30

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Showtime

Subhra Debnath to perform at AFD’s musical soiree

Babu models for Sheikh Russel video

n Showtime Desk Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) has organised a musical soiree of Rabindra Sangeet featuring Shuvra Debnath on Friday, October 21 at 6.00 pm at Auditorium Nouvelle Vague, in the capital’s Dhanmondi area.

Ever since her childhood, Subhra Debnath has been on a musical journey, starting with lessons from the distinguished artist Dilip Das and later from the likes of Murad Ali, Lili Islam, Sadi Mohammad and Rezwana Choudhury Bannya. She released two studio albums till date.

Talking about her work, Subhra said, “Despite the fact that most of the audio companies do not treat Rabindra Sangeet albums in the same way they treat other pop albums, I was confident that the trend of Rabindra Sangeet will see a rise.”

A teacher by profession, Debnath regularly performs in local and international shows. She has received awards and accolades from Egypt, Nepal and Turkey and other countries. l

n Showtime Desk

Bangladeshi wins WSC video competition

On October 18, 1964, Sheikh Russel who is also the younger brother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was born at the historic Bangabandhu’s Dhanmondi residence.

An innocent child of 11 years, Sheikh Russel was brutally killed along with most of his family members, including his father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on August 15, 1975 when he was a student of class IV of University Laboratory School.

In remembrance, a music video has been released on his birthday where Fazlur Babu, the famous actor portrayed the role of a responsible father who brings

his son to Bangabandhu Memorial and make him witness the tragic sacrifices of Bangabandhu and his family. The song is titled “O Russel.”

The singer of the song is Prem Islam, music by Suman Kalyan, lyrics

by Chayan Islam, DOP M Ferdous Reza, Concept and Direction by Abu Tauhid Heron and actors of the video includes Fazlur Babu, Arman Parvez Murad, Anjuman Ara Bokul, Prem Islam. It has been released from CMV banner.

Suman Kalyan, musician says, “this song is like a gift to the Honorable PM, who lost her younger brother in such a tragic way. Nothing can replace her pain, but we tried to feel the same pain on Sheikh Russel’s birthday. l

BUET crowned as champions

n Showtime Desk The World Standards Cooperation (WSC) has launched a video competition titled #speakstandards, inviting entrants to develop 15-second videos demonstrating how difficult life would be without international standards.

A Bangladeshi participant, Khaled Md Shariful Islam won the first prize in the competition.

Khaled describes his video, No Standard Film, to portray that “it is impossible to live or get anything done without the help of international standards. Be it operating a complex modern

digital video camera, or simply sketching an image with a pencil, standards are required for things to function properly and smoothly.”

Islam is a creative director and strategist who also teaches advertising at a university. He uses pencil-drawn sketches in the video to describe how the illustrator aimed to create a video without the use of a camera to portray a world without any international standards. As the film progresses, the illustrator realises that his pencil, too, conforms to international standards.

Showing that he couldn’t make the video without using standards, the filmmaker shows the audience that almost everything we do is built on international standards.

It is a high level collaboration between the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Under the banner, the three organisations preserve their common interests in strengthening and advancing the voluntary consensus-based international standards system. l

n Showtime Desk Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) became the champions at the OP Jindal Global University Annual Cultural Festival 2016. The festival was held in the state of Haryana, India. The University of Dhaka emerged as the runners up

at the fest.

The festival was held from October 14 to October 16. BUET also became the runners up in the “Stage Theatre” category as they romped to win the “Indian classical music” category. BUET was crowned as champions, standing first in the rankings after the overall marks were added. l

PC facing the heat

on people not chosen,” said another tweet from @savitapawnday.

Other Twitter users

When the director becomes the hero

Photoshopped the struck-off words on Chopra’s T-shirt to “COMPASSION”, “EMPATHETIC” and “INCLUSIVE” - leaving only

Ashfaque Nipun, better known as the director who directed the popular drama, Land Phone Er Dingulote Prem, is now busy with another shooting. However, he is not directing it since this time, he is the model.

The shoot took place in Dhaka recently where he was paired with the beautiful model, Suzena Zafar. The

director of the TVC is Amitabh Reza Chowdhury who is now the talk of the town after his recent hit film Aynabazi.

Suzena Zafar was excited at the shoot as she is fond of Amitabh Reza’s works.

When she was asked if she wants to do movies, she gave an ambiguous answer. Suzena Zafar took a break from TVCs for two years before working for Amitabh Reza’s latest. l

the word “OFFENSIVE”.

Conde Nast Traveller said in a statement that the message was aimed at challenging stereotypes and how the labelling of people as immigrants, refugees and outsiders is creating a culture of xenophobia.

About 1.3 million refugees and migrants fleeing war, poverty and persecution in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere arrived in Europe last year, creating the continent’s biggest migrant crisis since World War II. Without safe routes to sanctuaries, thousands more have drowned at sea.

“At Conde Nast Traveller, we believe that the opening up of borders and the breaking down of walls can help us discover the world and open up our minds and hearts,” said the magazine.

“So, when we had actor Priyanka Chopra wear a T-shirt we created on the cover of the 6th anniversary issue, we had a point to make.”

PC was named as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential people and is an ambassador for the United Nations children’s agency Unicef, said the message on the T-shirt was aimed at addressing racism and had been misunderstood. l Source: Internet

Jude Law thinks ‘Young Pope’ will spark debate

nShowtime Desk

nShowtime Desk

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

WHAT TO WATCH

nShowtime Desk Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra apologised for a glossy travel magazine cover after it sparked outrage among social media users accusing her of insensitivity to refugees and migrants, on Monday. The former Miss World was featured on the cover of the October edition of Conde Nast Traveller India wearing a white T-shirt with the words “REFUGEE”, “IMMIGRANT” and “OUTSIDER” crossed out in red - leaving only the word “TRAVELLER”.

Conde Nast Traveller tweeted the cover photo on October 7 with the tagline, “Bold and fearless, @priyankachopra makes a statement on our 6th anniversary issue cover. #WhyWeTravel”.

The message on her T-shirt prompted a flurry of criticism on microblogging site Twitter, with users accusing Chopra of belittling the plight of refugees forced to leave their homes.

“Maybe your editors need taste editing. I get what you are trying to say. But you just trivialised a serious refugee issue,” said one tweet from @1plur1.

“Extremely insensitive in midst of biggest #refugeecrises.

All other options listed are forced

31

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Showtime

Jude Law, who is playing lead in the upcoming TV series The Young Pope, has insisted that his new series does not judge the Vatican, but welcomes discussion into conservative Catholicism.

In the ten-part fictional TV series, created by the Oscar winning The Great Beauty, famed Paolo Sorrentino, the British actor plays the ‘troubled and conflicted’ Pope Pius XIII, which is set to air on Sky Atlantic later this month.

Law told Radio Times, that he did consider whether it would cause offence but decided the series was not a critique of the religion.

“I’m sure someone

somewhere is going to be offended by it, but that’s what storytelling is about. Opening discussions, openly, freely and diplomatically... I’m all for that,” said Law. The show follows the ascent of Lenny Belardo to the head of the Catholic Church - a young, chain-smoking, Cherry Cokeswilling Pope struggling with responsibilities.

“It’s not The West Wing in the Vatican,” said the 43-year old actor, when asked about the show’s message.

“The themes are more about how an individual survives one’s relationship with faith - as opposed to accurately portraying Vatican politics” he added.

The Young Pope premieres on Sky Atlantic, on October 27. l

The Dark Knight HBO, 8:30pm It is about a year since Bruce Wayne saved Gotham City in the form of Batman.

Everything is peaceful with the disappearance of the Scarecrow. Bruce is enjoying being a millionaire and planning to revive his romance with Rachel. But all hell breaks loose, when The Joker begins to terrorise the city with his eerie grin and maniacal laughter.

Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb Star Movies, 7:14pm

At the Museum of Natural History, there’s a new exhibit being unveiled. Larry Daley, who manages the night exhibit where the exhibits come to life because of the Tablet of Ahkmenrah, is in charge of the presentation. When the magic that brings the exhibits to life begins to fade, Larry rallies his historical friends for a trip to London and the adventure of a lifetime.

Cast: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Ben Kingsley Superman Returns WB, 4:49pm Superman had left on a long vacation to explore the leftovers of his destroyed home, Planet Krypton. He returns to become Clark Kent and finds out that Lois Lane has not only written a Pulitzer Prize-winning work called ‘Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman’, but is also married with a child. Lois still has feelings for Superman, and it looks like the world needs the absent superhero after all.

Lex Luthor is out of prison, and his only ambition is to kill Superman. When Lex comes up with a new plot to destroy a large part of the USA and turn it into the Mall of Luthor, Superman must defeat his greatest enemy all over again..

Cast: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Stalkers assault 4 girls n Tribune Desk

Barely two weeks into the gruesome attack on college student Khadiza Akter Nargis in Sylhet, miscreants beat up and hacked four more girls in Dhaka’s Mirpur, and Munshiganj and Barisal districts.

At Mirpur, stalkers beat two female college students with a bamboo stick near Dhaka Zoo yesterday for protesting harassment.

The victims are aged about 17. They are students of Mirpur BCIC College.

Masudur Rahman, principal of the college, said: “Some local youths, who were hanging out in a shop on the pavement in front of the college, called them “farm chickens”, while the two were returning home from the college around 11am. When the girls protested, two youths named Babu and Jibon beat them with a bamboo stick and left the spot.

“Later, we rescued the girls and informed police,” said Masudur.

They were taken to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation.

Father of the victims filed

a complaint with Shah Ali police station. Anwar Hossain, officer-in-charge of the police station, confirmed the incident.

In Munshiganj, a school girl was hacked by miscreants at Chormodon area in Sirajdikhan upazila of the district as she refused a love proposal of an unidentified youth.

The victim girl was Tahmina Akter, 15, a class X student of Roshunia High School in the upazila and daughter of Md Tofijuddin of the area.

Yeardous Hasan, officerin-charge of Sirajdikhan police station, said: “A group of miscreants stormed into Tahmina’s room and hacked her indiscriminately on Tuesday evening when she reached her home after an examination, leaving her critically injured.”

Later, family members rescued her as she was lying in a pool of blood and rushed her to a local hospital. As her condition deteriorated, she was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital later.

“Being informed police rushed to the spot. Police are trying to arrest the miscreants,” added the OC. Leaders of Bangladesh

Mahila Parishad yesterday urged law enforcers to arrest the culprits and bring them to book as soon as possible.

Ayesha Khanam, president of the organisation, said: “Law enforcement agencies should take immediate action to stop attacks on girls.”

She also said: “Law enforcement agencies should provide gender sensitive training to the members working on such matters.”

Earlier, on October 3, Khadiza, a 2nd year Degree student of Sylhet Govt Women’s College, was brutally hacked by BCL leader Badrul Alam of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) unit on her way back home after her examination at the MC College following the refusal of his advance.

Meanwhile, another incident of hacking a girl by her stalker took place in Barisal.

On Saturday, Razim, a stalker, hacked Niharika Haider Sathi, a second-year student of Barisal Government Women’s College, as she refused to accept his love proposal.

Later, locals rescued the girl and sent her to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. l

KALPANA CHAKMA ABDUCTION

Amnesty condemns closing of investigation n Muktasree Chakma Sathi The international human rights organisation Amnesty International expressed concern over the police’s application to the court asking closer in investigating the Kalpana Chakma abduction.

Amnesty in a statement published on Monday said such prayer to the court seeking “closure of Kalpana Chakma investigation is the final nail in the coffin for justice.”

Kalpana Chakma, an indigenous and women rights activist was abducted from her village home at New Lalyaghona village in Baghaichari upazila of Rangamati, just hours before polling to the seventh national elections on 12 June, 1996.

Through the statement Amnesty International urges to the government to ensure that the investigation into Kalpana Chakma’s disappearance is

continued, and that those suspected of criminal responsibility are held to account.

The statement also says: “Amnesty International is dismayed by the Bangladeshi authorities’ failure to ensure justice for Kalpana’s family and to hold to account those suspected of criminal responsibility for her enforced disappearance… This failure to shed light on what happened to Kalpana is deeply disappointing.”

Kalindi Kumar Chakma,

brother of Kalpana, also an eye witness of the abduction, alleged that law enforcement agency member Lieutenant Ferdous along with the help of Nurul Haque and Salah Ahmed, members of Village Defence Police (VDP), abducted Kalpana.

Later, Kalindi filed a case and Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) has been providing legal help in this case after its filing.

“Under international law, the Bangladeshi authorities have a duty to hold anyone suspected of criminal responsibility for human rights violations to account in fair trials. This should be before ordinary civilian courts and without recourse to the death penalty. They must also provide victims and their family members with truth and reparation. By closing this investigation, the authorities have failed on both counts,” the statement also reads. l

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed on behalf of 2A Media Limited at Dainik Shakaler Khabar Publications Limited, 153/7, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207. Phone: 9132093-94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: news@dhakatribune.com, info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com