Vol. 5 Num 167 Mon. November 08, 2004       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint National International Culture General Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives Today's Index Front Page Eid passengers at mercy of brokers Thousands of people eager to join their near and dear ones away from the capital at Eid are now at the mercy of black marketeers who are allegedly holding a large chunk of tickets of inter-district launches,   BB sees poor FDI show Bangladesh Bank (BB) surveys buck the rising trend the Board of Investment (BoI) claims in the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI).   Iraq declares emergency Iraq's interim government declared martial law yesterday after insurgents killed 23 Iraqi policemen and set off blasts in Baghdad in a fresh show of force before a planned US offensive on Falluja andRamadi.   Revolution, Solidarity Day observed The National Revolution and Solidarity Day was observed yesterday in a befitting manner.   JIC to quizz Al Hiqma 'chief' Self-styled Commander of Shahadat-e-Al Hiqma Sayed Kawsar Hussain Siddiki Raja yesterday asked the government for forgiveness for what he said were his anti-state and provocative remarks and acts.   Arafat has liver failure Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has liver failure and his condition is not improving at the French military hospital where he is being treated, a Palestinian official said yesterday.   No headway into F28 crash probe The probe committees have failed to make any headway even a month into the crash of an F28 aircraft of Biman in Sylhet.   US Dy Asstt Secy of State arrives today Torkel L Patterson, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, is set to fly in today on a five-day trip, apparently to follow up on concerns he expressed during his Dhaka visit in September.   Tk 35cr Zia mausoleum opens in city President Ziaur Rahman Mausoleum Complex built at a cost of Tk 35 crore in Zia Udyan at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital was opened yesterday.   Ensuring security...   AL, allies to stoke up anti-govt movement from December The main opposition Awami League and its allies at a meeting last night decided to further intensify their anti-government movement from December.   Rab nab Tokai Mizan's aide Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) last night arrested an infamous gang-leader and associate of Tokai Mizan with a revolver and five rounds of bullet in the city's Palashi area.   More illegals to leave Malaysia next week More illegal immigrants are expected to take up the amnesty offer from next week after receiving their salaries, Malaysian Deputy Home Minister Tan Chai Ho said.   Kashmiris cautiously welcome India offer Kashmiri separatists gave a cautious welcome yesterday to India's offer to allow them to visit Pakistan and said it could help to restart a stalled dialogue process.   Harkatul Jihad again threatens to kill Hasina Outlawed Islamist outfit Harkatul Jihad has again threatened to assassinate Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina and two local leaders of its Kotalipara chapter.   BSF close to pushing in 250 Indians The Border Security Force (BSF) has detained some 250 Bangla-speaking Indian Muslims in the villages along the northwestern frontiers to push them into Bangladesh at an opportune moment.   2 abducted freed on ransom Two persons have bought their freedom for hefty sums after several days of their abduction in Kushtia and Chuadanga on Saturday night.   Concern founder passes away Raymond F Kennedy passed away peacefully on November 3 at Princess Royal Hospital, Sussex, UK, after a short spell of illness. His wife Dr Yasmin Khan, son Raymond and daughter Miriam were by his side.   Jalil files two GDs Awami League (AL) General Secretary Abdul Jalil has filed two GDs with Tejgaon and Ramna Police Stations in the wake of e-mails recently sent to different dailies threatening to kill AL chief Sheikh Hasina.   N'ganj fire guts 60 shanties A fire Saturday burned down 60 shanties in a slum, a furniture shop and bamboos in Banshpatti in Mandolpara, leaving some 200 people homeless.   Bangladeshi businessman abducted in W Bengal A Bangladeshi businessman named Nazrul Islam was abducted in the Indian border town of Malda in West Bengal on Thursday.   93 boys rescued from Dublar Char Coast Guard yesterday rescued 93 boys engaged in forced labour by fishermen at remote Dublar Char.   Tiger kills fisherman in Sundarbans A fisherman was killed by a Royal Bengal Tiger in Natikhali canal in the Sundarbans yesterday. Business Law ensuring consumer rights yet to be enacted The government has failed to enact Consumer Rights Protection Act in the last one decade despite frequent public and media outcry over violation of consumer rights.   Membership to Atab made mandatory for travel agents The government has made it mandatory for all travel agents to become members of Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (Atab) to bring discipline and prevent agencies from practising 'unethical' businesses.   GP nets 60,000 new subscribers in 4-day mobile fair GrameenPhone (GP) has sold 60,000 new connections during the past four-day mobile fair which concluded on Saturday.   Deficits may stumble Bush economic plans: Analysts With the outlook fuzzy and the US economy saddled by big deficits, President George W. Bush will face a tough road implementing his ambitious economic agenda in a second term, analysts say.   Filipino youths showing entrepreneurship Last Oct.   Eurozone data to show economy slowing in Q3 Eurozone indicators to be released in the coming week should confirm that the pace of economic growth slowed in the third quarter, economists say.   China's crude oil output to hit 200m tonnes in 2015 China's crude oil output will peak at 200 million tonnes annually in a decade, but even that will be far from enough to cover the country's voracious energy needs, state media said Sunday.   Name of tax evaders to be made public in KL Malaysia will publish the names of tax dodgers in newspapers beginning January 1 next year, a report in the New Sunday Times newspaper said.   China to cut deficit, curb govt investment in 2005 The Chinese government will try to cut its huge deficit next year and curb investment financed from public coffers, state media said Sunday, quoting Vice Finance Minister Lou Jiwei.   Outsourcing to dominate UK businesses meet Britain's business leaders gather for their annual conference in the country's second city Birmingham this week, with the thorny issues of European bureaucracy and jobs outsourcing set to dominate debate.   India hails EU's proposal for partnership Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday welcomed the European Union's proposal for a strategic partnership with India, as he left for a summit with EU leaders in The Hague.   South Korea plans huge spending to revive economy The South Korean government is preparing a huge "New Deal" spending package in the next few years to revive the country's sagging economy, Yonhap news agency said Sunday.   Asian currencies strong against dollar after Bush re election Asian currencies were mostly up against the dollar during the week as markets returned to focus on the US trade and budget deficits after the re-election of George W. Bush. Sports Cricket: Black Caps' 3-0 cruise Bangladesh ma-de their highest score of the series, played out the full 50 overs which was a preliminary target and yet the effort was simply not enough to prevent an 83 run thrashing at the hand of New   Cricket: Clarke keen to play at home Australia will be fresh and ready to take on New Zealand in a two-Test series even though they have only just returned from a successful Indian tour, new cricketing hero Michael Clarke said on Sunday.   Cricket: Series Salad The Tigers had a strange experience an hour before the third and final one-day international starting at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: A Flemo revelation New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming claims he was offered 200,000 pound (370,200 US dollars) during the 1999 World Cup to join a match-fixing syndicate which hinted at links to prominent sportsmen.   Cricket: WI name probables for Aussie tri-series West Indies have named a provisional squad of 25 for a triangular one-day series in Australia in January.   Tennis: Safin, Stepanek to face off Russian sixth seed Marat Safin overcame an injury scare to beat Argentina's 13th seed Guillermo Canas 6-2, 7-6 on Saturday to move just one match away from winning his third Paris Masters title.   Football: Barca remain unbeaten Spanish leaders Barcelona beat Deportivo La Coruna 2-1 to extend their unbeaten streak in the league to 10 games on Saturday.   Football: Robben takes Chelsea to top Chelsea went two points clear at the top of the Premier League after they beat Everton 1-0 and struggling champions Arsenal were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by promoted Crystal Palace Saturday.   Football: Bayern roar back Bayern Munich put their painful midweek European defeat to Juventus behind them with a 3-0 triumph over Hannover at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday, a result that lifts them to second in the table.   Football: Juve run ends Juventus suffered their first defeat of the season after losing 2-1 at Reggina on Saturday.   Football: Real after Robinho Real Madrid are targeting Brazil striker Robson de Souza Robinho as their next high profile catch, local media reported here Saturday.   Cricket: Rafique passes Mahmud Mohammad Rafique overtook Khaled Mahmud as the leading wicket-taker in one-day internationals for Bangladesh when the ace left-arm spinner finished with his career best 4-63 against New Zealand yesterday.   Hockey: MSC third by default Mohammedan Sporting Club were handed third place in the Club Cup Hockey Tournament after yesterday's third-place play-off was cancelled due to Usha Krira Chakra's refusal to play.   Cricket: Lee eyes return Discarded fast bowler Brett Lee will waste no time this week in pushing for a return to the Australian team for the opening Test against New Zealand.   Cricket: England keep HK Sixes title Darren Maddy hit a blistering 34 as England beat Sri Lanka in the final of the Hong Kong Sixes Cup to retain the event they won in 2003.   Cricket: Surrey close to signing Harbhajan Surrey are waiting for approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) before announcing Harbhajan Singh as an overseas signing for 2005.   Tennis: Mauresmo meets Zvonareva in final Top seed and defending champion Amelie Mauresmo reached the final of the 585,000-dollar WTA indoor tournament here Saturday without lifting a racquet when Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova withdrew.   Football: Mutu offered coaching job Adrian Mutu, banned this week for seven months for testing positive for cocaine, has been offered a job as Romania's assistant coach.   Australian legend passes away The Australian football fraternity was on Sunday looking for ways to honour the memory of former Australian captain and respected commentator Johnny Warren, who died over the weekend aged 61.   Football: Klinsmann to blame for Kahn gaffe! German national coach Jurgen Klinsmann is to blame for goalkeeper Oliver Kahn's late error in Bayern Munich's 1-0 Champions League defeat to Juventus on Wednesday, according to Munich vice-president Karl-Heinz National RAKUB's special loan for poor The Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) has launched a loan programme for day labourers and landless people in five northern districts affected by monga every year.   Marooned in dry season Over 35,000 people in 15 villages in Kalaroa upazila are still marooned as the floodwater from Kabodak river remained stagnant there.   Meet demands or face tougher agitation Six left leaning student bodies at Rajshahi University yesterday brought out a procession and held a rally in Rajshah city demanding removal of Vice- chancellor Prof Faisul Islam Faruki and Proctor Prof   Sharp slide in Kushtia law and order Law and order situation has deteriorated in Chuadanga, an outlaw infected district in southwestern region. Killings in the district last month crossed all previous records, which worried law enforcers.   Workshop for newsmen on AIDS prevention A workshop for journalists on HIV/AIDS prevention, organised by Marie Stopes, Bangladesh, was held at Brahmanbaria Press Club recently.   Tributes paid to Garpara UP chairman Thousands of people in Garpara union on Friday paid rich tributes to Garpara Union Parishad (UP) Chaiman late Nasirul Haque Khan Patal who died recently.   Order to attach property of 18 accused outlaws A court in Rajbari has ordered attachment of properties of 18 alleged outlaws accused in the Pangsha thana OC murder case. The court order came after submission of charge sheet on Tuesday. Point-Counterpoint Ah, Bush again! Ah, Bush again' -- appeared to be the sudden reaction of a Gaulist MP of France when he told a Television (BBC) interviewer that he thought 'Bush was a temporary disease...   Heart disease linked to traffic jam All health information to keep you up to date Scientists in Germany have found another risk factor for heart attack. Heart disease is now a deadly problem the whole world is facing today. Culture Sweet delights For Bangalees no moments of merriment are complete without sweets. Treating sweets on occasion of getting good news has become a part of the lifestyle of people in this region.   Hakim debuts as mega serial director What is an actor's ultimate goal? Obviously putting in his or her best foot forward to create a space in people's hearts.   Telefilm Dui Prantey on ntv It's the auspicious occasion of Eid and ntv brings a star-studded telefilm Dui Prantey to its viewers on the 3rd day of Eid at 2:30pm.   Fashion from the hearts A touch of sartorial elegance was in evidence at the 'Citycell Young Designer Exhibition 2004', held at the WVA gallery recently.   Balok Balika on Channel i The famous duo--popular writer Anisul Haque and director Mustafa Sarwar Faruqui--are set to launch another comedy for Eid. The drama will be telecast on the second day of Eid at 7:50pm.   Oscar battle for animation giants DreamWorks and Walt Disney have three films each in the running for best animated feature Oscar. General Zia's emergence in politics was inevitable President Iajuddin Ahmed said soldiers and patriotic people from all walks of life in a united uprising vested late Ziaur Rahman with the onerous responsibility of running the country by protecting its   'Observance of Nov 7 sans Col Taher is a farce' Observance of November 7 as a day of civil-military revolution glorifying Ziaur Rahman as a national hero is a distortion of history, said the speakers at a discussion yesterday.   Judicial probe into RU violence demanded Speakers at a rally yesterday demanded immediate removal of the vice- chancellor and proctor of Rajshahi University (RU). They also called for withdrawal of false cases against 54 general students.   Sweater factory gutted, property worth Tk 5 cr damaged A sweater factory was gutted by fire yesterday at Tejgoan Commercial Area and damaged machines and properties worth around Tk five crore.   Decision to stop subsidies to public varsities protested Samajtantrik Chhatra Front (SCF) and Progressive Teachers' Forum (PTF) yesterday protested the government decision to stop subsidies to public universities.   Muggers stab constable in city Two persons, including a police constable, were stabbed in separate incidents in the city yesterday. Muggers stabbed Md Faruque, a constable of riot police (South), early hours of yesterday at Agargoan.   Fire at Ctg port shed A fire broke out following an electric short circuit in a shed of Chittagong port yesterday and caused a bit of damage of imported goods, including clothes and plastic items, port and fire brigade sources   FM leaves for Lanka Nov 10 Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan leaves for Colombo on November 10 to hand over Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's letter inviting Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga to attend the coming Saarc Summit   Rab nabs listed criminal in city Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested a listed criminal along with a revolver and four bullets from Plassey crossing in Lalbag area of the city yesterday. The arrested was identified as Jabbar,32.   Garment worker killed in road accident One garment worker was killed in a road accident at Airport Road in the city yesterday. A vehicle ran over Mohammad Kajol, an employee of a factory at Export Import Zone (EPZ) at Savar, at 12.   FIR named accused arrested Police yesterday arrested one of the five FIR named accused in a housewife murder case. Khulshi thana police arrested Khaza Moinuddin alias Titu from PO Shaheber Colony at Nasirabad in the earlyhours.   HEJFB committee formed A 15-member executive committee of Health and Environment Journalist Forum, Bangladesh has been formed on Friday in the city.   Smuggled Indian goods worth Tk 26 lakh seized Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) seized huge quantities of smuggled Indian goods worth over Tk 26 lakh during the past 48 hours from bordering areas of Dinajpur, Joypurhat and Naogaon.   Biswas visits ailing Rajib Former President Abdur Rahman Biswas visited ailing film actor Wasimul Bari Rajib at Holy Family Red Crescent Hospital on Saturday night. International EU-Iran strike nuke deal The European Union's three big powers and Iran have reached a preliminary deal over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme which could be finalised in the next few days, a senior Iranian security official   Palestinian leaders for restoring law & order Palestinian leaders decided in the absence of Yasser Arafat yesterday to carry out a plan to restore law and order in the West Bank and Gaza, a government minister said.   High-speed train hits car in UK: 6 killed Six people have died and 11 are seriously injured after a high-speed train hit a car on a level crossing on Saturday evening in United Kingdom.   Insurgents gear up for Fallujah street battles As thousands of US and Iraqi forces prepare for an imminent assault on Fallujah, rebels holed up inside geared up for what may be the fight of their life.   France warned of long war in Ivory Coast The Speaker of the Ivorian parliament Mamadou Coulibaly issued a stark warning to France yesterday that it faces a "long war" in Ivory coast after its intervention against government forces, and thatFrench   Manmohan hails EU proposal for strategic partnership Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday welcomed the European Union's proposal for strategic partnership with India to be finalised at the summit in The Hague today.   India test-fires nuke-capable missile India yesterday tested a short-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead off its eastern coast, defence sources said. Editorial Editorial: Outlaws 'out of law'? We are at a loss to understand how a self-styled leader of an outlawed organisation having been on bail in three cases including sedition could go about his business under the nose of the law with cheerful   Editorial: Investment in power sector That donors may be shying away from investing in our power sector is definitely not good news, especially in view of the current energy scenario, both internal and external.   Eid-thoughts of the year Last year on the occasion of Eid this column was dedicated to those 'for whom the bell tolled' in monga-hit northern districts where near-famine conditions were prevailing.   The White Revolution The relevant question about Michael Moore's Stupid White Men, who took their revenge upon liberal hectoring and New York Times bestseller lists by electing George Bush, is not whether they arewhite,   Quest for good governance Striving for democracy by increasing number of countries during the last three decades has resulted in impressive progress in the attainment of the system of governance, rule of law and human rights. Letters to Editor Flyovers and traffic jam I'm writing in response to your headline coverage of the Mohakhali Flyover opening (Friday, November 5, 2004) That even the prime minister expressed apprehension that the Mohakhali Flyover may cause   "Ohio has failed the world" It is very unhealthy to promote articles like "Ohio has failed the world" by Zaied Ali.   Newspapers and paper boats I learned how to make a paper boat when I was four years old. The paper boat has many complex folds and it takes a lot of skill to make a paper boat.   Pakistan PM's visit You note that the Pakistan PM's visit to our country was useful and upbeat. They want to do more trade with us as well. As a Bangladeshi who lost many relatives in 1971, I condemn this position.   Friends or enemies? Even six months ago I was thinking that President Bush would not be re-elected in 2004 elections, because of his foreign policies and Iraq issue. But I was wrong.   AL's election strategy On November 5 in Rajshahi AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil warned that the AL would not get any seat in Rajshahi, if internal chaos was not contained and internal foul play not stopped.   The truth and its depiction The US election result has surprised the whole world as well as US citizens. The election has divided the country into two camps i.e. the conservative Americans and the secular Americans.   Public holidays Public holidays should be celebrated by the entire population of a nation for the existence of that nation.   Cricket at its worst The development of Bangladesh Cricket is now in question. The International Cricket Council is worried about improvement of Bangladesh cricket.   Fundamentalism wins in the US The US Presidential election result was for most of the world disappointing, to say the least. A world leader with such arrogance can only spell disaster for a world looking for unity. Star City 687 buildings vulnerable to collapse Urban planners have classified at least 687 buildings mostly in Old Dhaka as vulnerable to collapse, with 165 of them as creakiest from age and decay.   Imported clothes flood markets ahead of Eid Local clothes especially fancy attire for men and women are outclassed by imported clothes that have invaded the bustling markets in the city ahead of Eid.   Mobile Mela creates a stir The GrameenPhone sponsored mobile phone fair 'Mobile Mela' has created such unprecedented excitement among prospective customers that the organisers announced that special show prices would be available   A new improved Banga Bazaar Bongo Bazar, the popular market where customers belonging to all the spheres of the society flock to shop, is shifting to new complexes in Gulistan and should be operating in full swing soon, according   Beggars pester commuters at intersections Putrefied hands of beggars coming through a car's window or an autori-ckshaw door imploring passengers for money at every traffic signal has become a common experience of commuters going to workplaceor   Housing plan for govt employees curtailed The housing and public works ministry has reduced the number of flats for sales to government employees in hire-purchase schemes from 500 to 360, sources said.