Vol. 5 Num 269 Mon. February 28, 2005       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan 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 12 sued for sedition, their leaders spared The Natore police yesterday sued 12 militants of the Islamic outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) for sedition but spared their leaders Dr Muhammad Asadullah Al Galib and Maolana Abdur Rahman.   Police action allowed attackers to escape A high-profile lawyers' investigation into the August 21 grenade attack on Awami League rally questioned the role of the police on that day and observed that the police made way for the attackers to leave   Weapons loaded at HK, S'pore; headed for Indian insurgents Jane's Intelligence Review (JIR), the leading defence magazine of the world, in an investigative report on the Chittagong arms haul in April last has said the arms and ammunition were shipped from Hong   Mass promotion on cards As part of large-scale promotion plan in the civil and police administration, the government has prepared a list of around 1000 officials, to be promoted to the posts of deputy secretary, joint secretary,   Peacekeepers' bodies arrive tonight The bodies of the nine UN peacekeepers from Bangladesh killed Friday in a militia ambush in the trouble-torn Ituri province of Congo are expected to reach Dhaka at 9:00pm today.   Quorum crisis again Quorum crisis continues to bug the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) forcing it yesterday to start business half an hour late while a meeting of the ruling coalition whips aimed at improving the situation also sawa   Rocca on JMJB, JMB crackdown US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca has expressed hope that the recent actions taken by Bangladesh government against the supporters of Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB)   Bangla Bhai plans to go abroad Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB) leader Bangla Bhai has decided to go abroad changing his plan to surrender, a leader of the banned Islamist party said.   Opposition MPs allege bias in uplift fund allocation Opposition lawmakers yesterday accused the government of discrimination in allocation of development funds to the constituencies across the country in last three years.   Dhaka, Yangon, Delhi to sign deal in March A tripartite accord between Bangladesh, India and Myanmar will be signed next month in Dhaka for the proposed trans-border natural gas pipeline.   Finance blasted for foot dragging A parliamentary body yesterday criticised the finance ministry for foot dragging in allocating a Tk 381 crore farm subsidy on diesel while farmers are suffering a high diesel price in the current irrigation   Pvt school teachers must register with govt agency The private schools across the country from April will have to recruit teachers only through a new government agency on non-government teachers' registration and certification.   Global anti-tobacco treaty takes effect A global anti-tobacco treaty came into force yesterday, but a leading expert said it needs strengthening fast if it is to be effective in curbing the killer habit that claims 5 million lives a year.   Pacific to assemble Nissan vehicles at machine tools factory Pacific Motors Limited (PML), a local car distributor, will assemble Japanese Nissan diesel vehicles at the plant of Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory Limited (BMTF) and market those at competitive prices.   Sharon threatens to freeze peace efforts Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said yesterday that peace efforts with the Palestinians would be frozen if they do not crack down on militant groups in the wake of a suicide bombing that killed four   BNP MP for govt action against 2 newspapers A BNP lawmaker in the Jatiya Sangsad yesterday demanded the government take punitive actions against two national dailies for 'peddling propaganda that a panicky situation is prevailing in the northern   Kushtia madrasa closed after Shibir-JCD clash injures 20 Kushtia Aliya Madrasa was closed yesterday for an indefinite period following a skirmish between the activists of Islami Chatra Shibir (ICS) and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) that left about 20 people   35 hurt as land grabbers evict 250 families in Satkhira At least 35 landless people were hurt, four of them seriously, as land-grabbers in separate attacks evicted 250 families and burnt down over 150 shanties in Kaliganj and Assassuni upazilas yesterday.   PBCP cadre confesses to involvement Purbo Banglar Communist Party (PBCP-Janajuddho) armed cadre Iqbal Hossain Shadhin confessed to his involvement in the February 5 bomb attack in front of Khulna Press Club that injured and finally killed   3 missing in boat capsize Three passengers, including a woman and a child, went missing after a boat sank in the Buriganga river at Keraniganj in Dhaka yesterday.   Army seizes AK-22, SMC after gunfight with CHT gang Army personnel yesterday seized two sophisticated firearms and ammunition after a gunfight with an indigenous gang in the hilly area of Kalapahar in Khagrachhari.   IOJ says drive ploy to divide coalition Two top leaders of ruling coalition partner Islami Oikya Jote (IOJ) in a joint statement yesterday expressed the fear that the ongoing crackdown on Islamists might be the result of a "ploy to alienate   AL lawmakers demand speaker's resignation Lawmakers of the main opposition Awami League yesterday said the speaker should resign for his 'inability to protect the rights of the parliament members'. Business SEC asks foreign cos to offload shares The Securities and Exchange Commission chairman yesterday urged the foreign companies operating in Bangladesh to offload a portion of their shares to make the stock market more vibrant.   World Bank urged not to impose tough conditions on Bangladesh Speakers at a seminar here yesterday urged the World Bank not to impose any tough terms and conditions on Bangladesh that are not commensurate with the country's socio-economic potential.   Ecnec okays 10 projects involving Tk 2,192cr The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) yesterday approved 10 development projects with an expenditure of about Tk 22 billion (Tk 2,192 crore) in various sectors.   Relaxed visa regime in South Asia needed to boost tourism Liberalised visa regime in South Asian countries is needed to promote tourism in the region.   India unveils budget today Indians are waiting to see whether Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram can repeat Monday the "dream budget" for which he was famed when he held the same portfolio eight years ago.   Jt venture co to build biodiesel plant JB Bio Diesel Company Limited, a Japan-Bangladesh joint venture concern, is going to build a biodiesel plant in the country soon. “Biodiesel is the name of clean burning alternative fuel.   Eight-day BCS Computer Show begins in Ctg An eight-day BCS Computer Show began here yesterday. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mir Mohammad Nasiruddin inaugurated the show at VIP Tower Auditorium in Kazir Dewri area.   Banglalink, Prime Bank sign deal on bill collection Cell phone operator Banglalink and Prime Bank Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday in Dhaka for automating the bill collection process of the company.   Qatar to sign mega gas deal with Shell Qatar was due to sign on Sunday an eight billion dollar deal with Royal Dutch/Shell to supply liquefied natural gas to the United States after laying the cornerstone for a mega project to supply LNG to   Chinese coal shortage may hurt world market China's breakneck economic growth is causing a dangerous shortage of its most important energy source coal, with potential consequences for the entire world, state media warned Sunday.   Opec signals it wants high oil prices Opec is sending out signals to the global market that the cartel wants oil prices, at near-record highs, to remain there this year.   Wal-Mart Feb sales rise about 4pc Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the world's largest retailer, said on Saturday that sales at U.S. stores open at least one year rose approximately 4 percent in February.   ECB can recover, grow: Fed's Pianalto The European Central Bank is providing the region's economy with enough liquidity to ensure a recovery in growth, the Cleveland Federal Reserve President Sandra Pianalto was quoted as saying on Saturday. Sports Cricket: Shahin, Mehrab star on draw day None of the three National Cricket League matches produced results yesterday but the last day was no less exciting.   Cricket: Smith sets SA alight Captain Graeme Smith hit his third century in seven matches as South Africa punished a depleted Zimbabwe attack in the second one-day international at Kingsmead Sunday.   Cricket: Who is your winner? Never make the mistake of predicting a winner in an India-Pakistan contest, cricket experts have warned ahead of the high-profile series between the arch-rivals.   Cricket: 'Let's work together' The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) directors have urged president Ali Asghar to immediately call a board meeting showing respect to Saturday's High Court verdict.   Cricket: Nobody is a favourite Sourav Ganguly, named Indian captain only for the series against Pakistan, reflected on his years as captain, playing Pakistan and John Wright's future in an interview on Sunday with an Indian newspaper.   Cricket: SMS from Zimbabwe After radio and television here comes SMS (short message service) in the world of sport.   Football: 'India in for a big shock' Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq has fired the first salvo ahead of an away cricket series against India, saying his young team could spring a big surprise on the hosts.   Cricket: Azhar bats for Kaif India were wrong to leave Mohammad Kaif out of their squad for the first Test against Pakistan, according to former captain Mohammad Azharuddin.   Cricket: Bowl beamers, get sued New Zealand cricket coach John Bracewell warned Sunday that Australian speedster Brett Lee risked being taken to court if he continued to fire down beamers.   Tennis: Qatar Open Sharapova's Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova fought back in style to beat Alicia Molik and clinch the WTA Qatar Open crown here on Saturday.   Football: F'pool shoot BAF down Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool moved into the group A final in the Tibet 20th Federation Cup Football Tournament with a 3-0 thrashing of Bangladesh Air Force at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium   Chess: 3 top national chess table Grand Masters Zaiur Rahman and Niaz Murshed were sharing the lead along with International Master Abdullah Al Rakib after the end of the third round of the Mercantile Bank 31st National Chess Championship   Hockey: Mamun hattrick leads Combined Mamun slammed a hattrick to guide Combined Sporting Club to a 4-0 victory over Shantinagar SC in the Green Delta Metropolis First Division Hockey League at the Maulana Bhasani National Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: Russell to help Jones Former England and Glouces-tershire wicketkeeper Jack Russell has been called in to give coaching to current national team gloveman Geraint Jones.   Cricket: Tuffey shown the door Struggling paceman Daryl Tuffey has been made the scapegoat for New Zealand's ineffective opposition to Australia in the one-day cricket series, being dropped for the fourth match on Tuesday along with   JU annual sports The 30th annual sports competition of Jahangirnagar University (JU) will be held on the campus today.   Cricket: Victoria stay in the hunt Victoria defeated Tasmania by 114 runs on Sunday to keep their Sheffield Shield cricket season alive ahead of this week's match with Queensland.   Football: Gazipur soccer Ramchandrapur Eleven of Kaliganj defeated Kamra Masak Krira Chakra 3-0 in the final of the Jubo Football TV Cup tournament at the Moishair Kalibari ground in Gazipur on Saturday.   Tennis: Federer finishes Agassi Roger Federer overwhelmed Andre Agassi in only 52 minutes as he extended his record to 19 wins out of 20 this year and remained on course for his third title of the year at the Dubai Open.   Golf: Kang captures Horlics golf title JK Kang won the Horlics 15th CAS Trophy Golf Tournament at the Bhatiary Golf and Country Club (BGCC) on Saturday.   Football: Barca bad, Real worse Little Numancia, firmly rooted to the foot of the Spanish first division, stunned mighty Barcelona on Saturday by holding the leaders and Champions League contenders to a 1-1 draw.   Football: Deisler's riposte Troubled German international playmaker Sebastian Deisler hit back at his critics Saturday with a second-half goal which lifted Bayern Munich to a 1-0 win over struggling FC Freiburg.   Football: The smartest ball A microchip-equipped ball designed to end disputes over goal-line decisions could be used at next year's World Cup after world football's rule-making body issued a green light for a trial of the new technology   Football: Rooney's night Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Wayne Rooney as "absolutely magnificent" after the teenager kept Manchester United's bid to catch Chelsea at the top of the Premiership on track with a superb double strike against   Football: Rijkaard's prophecy! Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard commented on Friday that the Spanish title would be won not at the Nou Camp, or Real Madrid's Santaigo Bernabeu, but away against teams like Numancia and Deportivo La Coruna.   Football: Mourinho still smelling a rat Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed for the first time that he witnessed Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard enter referee Anders Frisk's dressing room during half-time in their fiery Champions League Metropolitan Five satellite cities to be developed The government is going to develop five satellite cities in Savar, Keraniganj and Gazipur to ease the housing problem facing the middle-income groups.   CPD launches book on 'WTO and Bangladesh' The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) yesterday launched a comprehensive book on 'WTO and Bangladesh: Post-Cancun Evaluation'.   Diabetes Awareness Day today Diabetic Association of Bangladesh has chalked out various programmes to observe the "Diabetes Awareness Day" today. National 'Long march' towards Indian border starts tomorrow Protests by different political parties and socio-cultural organisations are mounting in Sylhet against India's planned Tipaimukh embankment and hydro-electric project on Barak river in Manipur.   Inauguration today amid Bangalee-Bihari stand-off State Minister for Education ANM Ehsanul Haq Milon is scheduled to inaugurate the Uttara Housing Project at Saidpur today, mid tension between Bangalees and Biharis over share of the housing units.   Govt's fall is imminent Awami League front ranking leaders Zillur Rahman and Tofael Ahmed has said the fall of the government is imminent as it has lost people's support and is sheltering criminals and terrorists to cling to   Salinity increasing in SW districts alarmingly Salinity in soil and water is increasing alarmingly in southwestern districts, affecting agriculture, fishery and the eco-system. It is displacing thousands of people.   No gas from Bibiana unless supplied in Nabiganj An all-party public meeting in Nabiganj on Friday resolved that gas supply from Bibiyana Gas Field to other areas would not be allowed unless it is supplied in Nabiganj.   2 Jama'atul Mujahidin men held Two Jama'atul Mujahidin Bangla-desh members were arrested by Shibganj police in Chapainawab-ganj on Friday.   Bomb attack on newsman: ASP Mofazzel brought back to Khulna jail Additional SP Mofazzel Hussain who was allegedly involved in a bomb attack on Khulna bureau chief of the Jugantor, Dip Azad was brought to Khulna jail on Saturday.   Shock wave in Barisal A shock wave swept Barisal when the death news of the eminent composer, musician and singer Abdul Latif reached Barisal city Saturday night.   ASI among 50 hurt in Magura BNP factional clash At least 50 people including a police officer were injured in a BNP factional clash here on Saturday.   'Ban religion based politics' The leaders of Rajshahi University (RU) units of Chhatra League (BCL) and Samajtrantrik Chhatra Front (SCF) on Friday demanded immediate ban on politics based on religion.   Jhenidah 'crossfire' kills 8 in 42 days Eight alleged outlaws were killed in 'crossfire' with police in Jhenidah district from January 11 to February 22 this year, according to official sources and newspaper reports. Point-Counterpoint Why Davos is still useful Davos is a small German-speaking mountain town , situated more than 1500m above the sea level, in the eastern part of Switzerland, where Thomas Mann wrote his famous novel The Magic Mountain.   Four more wars, er, years! Ultimately President Bush will do absolutely nothing to punish North Korea for its declaration that it is a nuclear power. Culture Subhash Dutta Subhash Dutta, an icon of evocative Bangla movies, has always been a believer of the age-old saying, 'Art imitates life'.   Quaint, cute and cuddly images in batik Liudmila Yakovleva's recent exhibition at the Russian Culture Centre brought quaint motifs in batik.   Rani reigns, Shah Rukh rules Nostalgia walked hand-in-hand with modernity at India's oldest and most coveted cine awards. The 50th year of the Filmfare Awards was marked by a glittering ceremony on February 26.   Tourism Festival.... Performers from Sylhet presenting a folk dance on the second day of Tourism Festival at the Shishu Academy. General AL concerned at govt's failure to nab culprits International affairs sub-committee of the main opposition Awami League (AL), at a meeting yesterday, expressed its deep concern over the government's failure to arrest the perpetrators of January 27grenade   3 outlaws get death Three outlaws were sentenced to death in the sensational Ayub Ali murder case yesterday. District and Sessions Judge Syed Ishtiaque Hussein handed down the verdict on Ajmal, Helal and Shailen.   Skop announces fresh programmes Sramik Karmochari Oikya Parishad (Skop) yesterday announced fresh programmes demanding full implementation of the agreements that it signed with the government on January 8 of last year.   Govt's inaction blamed Family members, different student bodies and Sammilita Nagorik Samaj yesterday reiterated their demand for immediate arrest and punishment of the culprits who critically chopped eminent writer and Dhaka   British MP castigates Blair in Dhaka Visiting British opposition lawmaker George Galloway yesterday said Prime Minister Tony Blair has put Great Britain on top of the three most hated countries in the world.   Menon reelected president The Workers' Party of Bangladesh (WPB) yesterday elected its 37-member central committee, with Rashed Khan Menon as president and Bimal Biswas as general secretary.   National debate festival concludes The 5th National Debate Festival ended yesterday with exciting rounds of intense arguments between media men and poets, sportsmen and sports journalists, and actors and politicians.   Cop found dead in Rangpur A police constable was found dead in a narrow lane at Guptapara in Rangpur town yesterday. Police claimed that Constable Rafiqul Islam, 50, died of a cardiac arrest while answering nature's call.   Cancellation of a BCS exam demanded General students of Dhaka University (DU), BCS examinees and six opposition-backed student organisations yesterday demanded immediate cancellation of the examination of Elementary Mathematics and Everyday   'Pranta Swar' launched Shamunnay, a non-government organisation (NGO), yesterday launched a magazine with the objective to raise the voice of marginalised people in the process of poverty reduction.   One beaten to death A man was beaten to death in the city yesterday.   PM happy over Dhaka's election to UNCRC Prime Minister Khaleda Zia expressed her happiness over Bangladesh's election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and termed it a "victory of the people".   Rab team off to Malaysia for training A twenty-member team of the elite force, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), left Dhaka for Malaysia on Saturday night to participate in a weeklong training programme.   Art exhibition begins at JU today A three-day art exhibition organised by Anandan, a cultural organisation of Jahangirnagar University, begins today at the corridor of the proposed Zahir Raihan auditorium on the campus.   1,889 more held Police arrested 1,889 people, including three listed criminals, on various charges during their countrywide drive in the last 24 hours till 6.00am yesterday.   Court asks CID to submit report by March 8 A Dhaka tribunal has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to submit an investigation report of an attempted rape case by March 8 against a deputy director (DD) in-charge of the Directorate   Court summons two cops A Dhaka court has issued summons to two policemen of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to appear in the court on March 12 in connection with a sexual harassment case. International Cong storms back to power in Haryana India's ruling Congress party yesterday stormed back to power in the northern state of Haryana with a landslide victory.   Iran, Russia sign nuclear fuel deal Iran and Russia yesterday signed a landmark nuclear fuel accord that paves the way for the firing up of the Islamic republic's first atomic power station, a project the United States alleges is a cover   Nepali troops continue to escort vehicles Nepalese troops and police yesterday maintained armed escorts for trucks carrying supplies to the capital despite a decision by Maoist rebels to call off a nationwide transport blockade.   KL launches crackdown on migrants tomorrow Malaysia is set to crack the whip on hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants tomorrow, with a force of about half-a-million officials to be deployed to hunt them down.   'Aides of Pak scientist offered Iran nuke kit' Investigators have found evidence of a meeting 18 years ago between Iranian officials and associates of the scientist dubbed the father of Pakistan's nuclear programme that resulted in a written offer   Interpol mobilises against bioterror International police chiefs gather this week at the Interpol headquarters in Lyon to grapple with the threat of bioterrorism.   50 British troops face prosecution Almost 50 more British troops are facing prosecution for murder, manslaughter, assault and other crimes in Iraq, a newspaper reported yesterday, after three soldiers were jailed for abusing Iraqis.   Lebanon opposition locks horns with govt A top US envoy seeking a Syrian troop pullout from Lebanon held more talks yesterday as the opposition locked horns with the pro-Damascus regime on the eve of a showdown in parliament Washington'snumber   Saddam's half-brother detained A half-brother of ousted Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, a former intelligence chief who figures on the US list of Iraq's most wanted, has been arrested, officials said yesterday.   Queen thinks Charles puts personal life before duty Queen Elizabeth II has distanced herself from the wedding of Prince Charles because she believes her son is putting "personal gratification before duty," a newspaper reported yesterday.   Grenade attack on Pak radio station, no casualties Suspected insurgents lobbed a hand grenade into the grounds of a state-run radio station in the restive southwest Pakistani city of Quetta, police said yesterday.   India likely to hike defence budget India is expected to sharply hike its defence spending in today's budget, despite peace talks with rival Pakistan, as it goes on a shopping spree for new military hardware to update its ageing arsenal, Editorial Editorial: PM's welcome resolve ALTHOUGH belated, the PM's directive to the law enforcing agencies to root out elements with extremist agenda deserves commendation.   Editorial: An irreparable loss WE deeply mourn the passing away of music legend and language movement veteran Abdul Latif at the age of 78. He was one of the vanishing breed of folk music legends in the country.   Once bitten, twice shy Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province covering 43 per cent of the country's landmass, has also been its problem constituent.   Initiating steps to end quorum crisis in parliament Once again, the Speaker had to adjourn the sitting of parliament on February 22 due to quorum crisis.   1984 anti-Sikh riots were organised RIOTS were "organised," some Congressmen instigating the anti-social elements to "target the Sikh community" without any "meaningful intervention" by the police. Letters to Editor Hartal I think it has now become a fashion to write against hartal. We do not even think why the opposition is calling hartal. Like us, opposition parties know that hartal is very much unpopular.   'Islamic thinkers’ Strange things are happening since the government's apparent crackdown on Islamist terrorism in very recent days.   Buy deshi campaign The government (in a developing country which is changing fast) is too distracted with political issues and tides, and its policies are mostly short, interim or ad hoc.   Nepal scene The Royal Nepal Embassy, Dhaka, Bangladesh organised the celebration of the Democracy Day and King Tribhuwan Jayanti on the 18th of February.   Poor coverage Our media is not reader friendly. There are huge gaps in analytical coverage on important issues relating to correction of trends and fashion in our rising and changing society.   Parallel justice This letter is not in response to the editorial published today (15 February 05), rather an echo of million souls. There is euphoria among general people for returning to relatively safer social environment.   Is Rab a solution? A lot has been spoken, written about this. There have been heated debates, and are still going on, about the legitimacy of the Rab's action.   A suggestion First of all, I am heartened to see all the opinions in The Daily Star, it goes to show us and the authorities concerned that we have a conscious citizenship.   Export Promotion Bureau Fabric producers of the country enjoy the GSP facility (Generalised System of Preferences) from the government as well as the buyer from its own government.   Nepal editorial Your editorial of 22 February on Nepal is based on incomplete information resulting in an inaccurate assessment of the situation prevailing there.   A better tomorrow Bangladesh was always famous for its rich tradition and culture, but now we are more famous for corruption. If we can focus on our positive qualities, surely one day the world will follow us.   An expatriate's thoughts As an expatriate born and educated in the UK, I am working relentlessly to try and use my know-how to return to Bangladesh and assist in development related activities. Star City Curtain falls on Ekushey Book Fair today The month-long Ekushey Book Fair 2005 ends today with book lovers and publishers showing huge response despite fear of bomb blast against the backdrop of recent attacks on cultural functions across the   More privileges for a privileged A road in Dhanmondi in the city has been made off-limits to rickshaws allegedly at the directive of a high government official who lives in the area.   Education Fair with a difference ends successfully The 3-day Australian Education exhibition saw over a thousands students along with their parents throng the exhibition grounds each day.   Integrated rapid mass transit system proposed The Strategic Transport Plan (STP) has proposed an integrated rapid mass transit system to meet the overall transport requirement of the capital.   Mosquitoes persisting at domestic terminal Passengers and visitors to the domestic terminal of Zia International Airport suffer because the mosquito menace has increased. On an average, 18 flights take off from the terminal a day.   Boats At Work..   © thedailystar.net, 2005. All Rights Reserved.