Vol. 5 Num 275 Sun. March 06, 2005       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan National International Culture Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives Today's Index Front Page Govt mulls recast of foreign ministry The government policymakers are contemplating steps to recast the foreign ministry for its diplomatic failure to handle the 'propaganda' against Bangladesh and the ruling four-party alliance, highly placed   Borders remain tense over fencing Situation in bordering Ramgarh of Khagrachhari remained tense as a meeting between Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at Subrum in India ended inconclusively yesterday.   PM calls for farm revolution Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday called for creating a 'new awakening' and 'silent revolution' in agriculture with the united efforts of government, farmers and agriculturists.   Grafts deter Dhaka's drug control bid US State Department has said corruption at all levels in the government, particularly in law enforcement agencies, hampers narcotics interdiction efforts in Bangladesh, used by traffickers as a 'transit   Corruption charge against PM's APS shelved The corruption allegation against one of the assistant private secretaries to prime minister (PM) has been shelved at the dictate of the higher authority considering the image of the Prime Minister'sOffice   Dhabi team happy with scouting result The largest business conglomerate of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dhabi Group, has conveyed to the government its real keen and specific investment plans in a range of sectors including banking, telecoms,   CNG graft probe bites the dust A parliamentary body has failed to probe alleged irregularities in import of CNG-run autorickshaws and allocation of plots for setting up CNG refuelling stations, as the two subcommittees dominated by   Time to think about banning Jamaat politics The time has come for the nation to think about banning Jamaat-e-Islami from politics for its alleged links to Islamist militants both at home and abroad, Awami League (AL) leader Prof Abu Sayeed said   SEC to sue 6 staff for false info The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday asked Premier Bank Ltd Managing Director Kazi Abdul Mazid to send particulars of six officials of his bank who gave false data to the commission's   Kibria's murder linked with Aug 15 killing It is the same reactionary force, which has been carrying out a blueprint against Awami League since 15th August 1975, that has killed Shah AMS Kibria, speakers said at a commemorative meeting organised   India starts probing Galib's links in West Bengal Indian intelligence started enquiry into the connection of Aahle Hadith leader Asadullah Al Galib with some of the madrasas in West Bengal.   Attacks on NGOs to upset dev activities Frequent bomb and grenade attacks in the country have posed serious threats to development activities, said leaders of the Federation of NGOs in Bangladesh (FNB) at a meeting.   Tamabil port opens after 8 days Imports of coal and other goods through Tamabil resumed yesterday afternoon after eight days' suspension that caused Bangladesh huge revenue losses.   BDB to work for 100 seats in next polls Bikalpa Dhara Bangldesh (BDB) will start working in 100 constituencies of the country in a week as preparation for the next parliament election, party leaders said at a press conference in party's Segunbagicha   Unusual life forms found in Atlantic A strange world of see-through shrimp, crabs and other life forms teems around a newly explored field of thermal vents near the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, scientists report.   JMJB waits for patrons' signal to re-emerge under new name The banned Islamist militant group Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB) will turn underground and carry on its operations undaunted by the absence of its operations commander Bangla Bhai, who slipped   who cares?...   Galib's paper spits venom at media The March issue of At Tahreek, the monthly publication of militant leader Muhammad Asadullah Al Galib, issued a harsh editorial against journalists and newspapers at home and abroad yesterday, and also   Quiz Jamaat ministers over religious militancy Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina yesterday demanded of the government to make two ministers from Jamaat-e-Islami face police interrogation to 'unearth the mystery' behind religious militancy and   IO moves to spare Jessore boy from rape case The investigating officer (IO) of a case filed with Jessore Kotwali Police Station (PS) accusing all the members of a family of rape and robbery sought permission form a magistrate yesterday to drop the   4 cops hurt in bomb attack Four policemen were injured as criminals hurled a bomb when they were conducting a check near Belgachhi rail crossing in the town at about 8.30pm yesterday.   Judge Dhaka by development indicators Visiting Bangladesh Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman urged all friends abroad to evaluate the country by its development indicators and achievements in social sectors ignoring anti-Bangladesh   Reshuffle in police admin Sixteen superintendents of police (SP) were transferred yesterday and two same-ranking officials promoted to additional deputy inspector general (DIG) of police.   Dhaka didn't ask for Pak envoy's withdrawal Bangladesh did not make any request to Pakistan to withdraw its High Commissioner to Dhaka Manjar Shafiq, a foreign ministry spokesman said yesterday.   Army arrests one, seizes 2 powerful explosives Army personnel yesterday seized two powerful explosives from a bordering area in Rangunia upazila in Rangamati.   61 promoted as joint secy The government yesterday promoted 61 deputy secretaries to the post of joint secretary breaking seniority of many eligible officials.   SC stays HC order on DMP The Supreme Court yesterday stayed until March 31 a High Court order about requisition of private cars by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).   Withdraw Rajshahi SP Left-leaning 11-party combine yesterday demanded immediate withdrawal of the superintendent of police (SP) of Rajshahi for 'not carrying out' the government order to arrest militant kingpin Bangla Bhai.   Rice condoles death US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has expressed deep condolences at the death of nine Bangladeshi peacekeepers in an ambush in Congo.   Child burnt to death in Faridpur A child has been burnt to death in a house and 15 shops were gutted elsewhere in Nagarkanda upazila. Business BB issues warning against errant auditors The central bank will take action against errant auditors, said Governor Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday. "Auditing standard has to be improved.   Tourism growth hinges on public-private efforts Collaboration between public and private sectors is needed to boost tourism in Bangladesh, speakers at a seminar said yesterday.   Taiwanese keen to invest in Ctg Taiwanese trade delegation has expressed its interest to invest in the port city and take part in the next Chittagong International Trade Fair.   Yuan won't rise sharply: China A sharp appreciation of China's yuan is unlikely and the currency will be kept in a small range as the country gradually implements a more flexible exchange rate, China's foreign exchange chief said on   Central bank restricts fresh LC opening for some importers Bangladesh Bank in a circular yesterday restricted fresh LC (letter of credit) opening in favour of certain importers as it smells anomalies between the amounts of foreign currencies sent abroad and actual   Garment machinery show bags $3b orders The five-day international textiles and garment machinery exposition that concluded yesterday received a record order of $3 billion.   Bank Asia opens new branch in Sylhet Bank Asia Ltd opened its 18th branch at Sylhet Upashahar on Thursday. Enam Ahmed Chaudhury, chairman of Privatisation Commission, inaugurated the branch, says a press release.   Prime Bank, Placid NK Corp sign deal on remittance Expatriate Bangladeshis in the US now can send their money to home through Prime Bank Ltd.   Acme celebrates golden jubilee, holds annual sales confce The Acme Laboratories Ltd, a drug manufacturing company, celebrated its golden jubilee and held annual sales and marketing conference on Wednesday in Dhaka.   IMF okays emergency aid to Lanka, Maldives The International Monetary Fund approved immediate emergency funds for Sri Lanka and the Maldives in the wake of last December's tsunami.   China pledges more help for poor Premier Wen Jiabao Saturday admitted China faced "glaring" social problems and pledged more help for the poor to deal with simmering unrest as he forecast economic growth of eight percent this year.   India takes stake in Venezuelan oil field Fuel-hungry India signed a deal Saturday to take a 49 percent stake in a Venezuelan oil field, boosting energy ties between one of Asia's biggest consuming economies and one of the world's largest exporters.   Norway takes EU salmon dispute to WTO Norway has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against new European Union restrictions on salmon imports, the trade body said on Friday.   Microsoft overcharges in Korea: survey Microsoft Corp. is overcharging Korean customers for its software, a government survey showed Friday. The US-based software giant sells its Windows XP Pro software for $400. Sports Cricket: Mahmud puts Dhaka atop Khaled Mahmud defied a sore shoulder when he bowled holders Dhaka into a commanding position against hosts Rajshahi on the second day of their Ispahani Sixth National Cricket League match at the Shaheed   Cricket: Weather hits Pak preps Pakistan's preparations for the first Test against India suffered a setback as only 11.4 overs were bowled due to bad weather on the third and final day of their drawn practice match here on Saturday.   Cricket: Aussies keep it clean A belligerent batting display by captain Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist steered Australia to a 122-run win over New Zealand in a record-laden one-day match here Saturday to give the world championsa   Cricket: Zim humbled in two days Zimbabwe became only the third team in modern times to lose a Test inside two days when they were beaten by an innings and 21 runs in the first Test by South Africa here at Newlands on Saturday.   Cricket: Records roll in Cape Town South Africa's first innings of 340 for three declared scored against Zimbabwe at Newlands on Friday was the fastest in the history of Test cricket.   Cricket: WI drop Lara & six others West Indies captain Brian Lara is one of seven senior players who will not be selected for the home series against South Africa and Pakistan because of a sponsorship dispute.   Football: Arambagh through The lineup for the final round of Tibet 20th Federation Cup football tournament was completed yesterday when Arambagh Krira Sangha booked their place with a solitary goal victory against Bangladesh Army.   Cricket: BCB constitution challenged in HC The High Court yesterday issued rule upon the Sports Secretary, National Sports Council (NSC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to explain why the BCB constitution-2003 should not be declared illegal.   Cricket: India-Pakistan series on Sony Pakistan's Test and one-day series in India will be televised internationally by Sony Entertainment Television after a last-minute deal.   Chess: Zia keeps lead Grand Master Ziaur Rahman won the eighth round board against national junior champion Mehdi Hasan Parag to maintain his solo lead in the Mercantile Bank 31st National Chess Championship at the federation   Hockey: Victoria blank Shantinagar Victoria Sporting Club handed Shantinagar Sporting a 4-0 defeat in the Green Delta First Division Hockey League at the Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: Musharraf waits for invitation from India Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf would consider going to watch his country's cricketers on their first tour of rival India for six years if he is invited, officials said Friday.   Football: Beckham going nowhere England captain David Beckham has ruled out a return to the English Premiership by saying he wants to end his career at Real Madrid.   Football: Fergie begs to differ Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Chelsea the title race is far from finished.   Football: Henry not happy Thierry Henry has told world soccer governing body FIFA to step in and increase the severity of Spain coach Luis Aragones's punishment for racism.   Tennis: Serena suffers painful exit Serena Williams' unbeaten record in 2005 came to a bizarre and unhappy end when an arm injury caused her to serve at snail's pace for three-quarters of an hour before retiring in the semifinals of the   Football: Chelsea want $15m from Mutu Chelsea are seeking 8 million pounds (15.4 million dollars) in compensation from former striker Adrian Mutu, the London Evening Standard reported here Friday. Metropolitan List of new joint secretaries The government yesterday elevated 61 officers, mostly from the administration cadre, to the post of joint secretary.   Memo to PSC chairman for cancellation of a BCS exam Six opposition-backed student organisations yesterday submitted a memorandum to the Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman demanding immediate cancellation of the examination of General Mathematicsand   Kids' Carnival on Mar 11 A daylong Kids' Carnival will be held at Banani Vidya Niketan in the city on March 11, says a press release. Neptune Advertising Ltd.   Hearing on bail petition of chief whip's son tomorrow A Dhaka court will hear a bail petition of Akhter Hamid alias Paban, son of Chief Whip Khondoker Delwar Hossain, tomorrow in an attempt to murder case.   DU exams postponed Dhaka University authorities have postponed all examinations scheduled for today due to unavoidable circumstances, says a press release. National Lifting food subsidy will affect tea production A government decision to withdraw the subsidy on wheat for tea garden labourers has caused a commotion in the sector. About one lakh labourers with their 3.   Anukul Thakur's birth anniversary observed The 117th birth anniversary of Thakur Anukul Chandra, a Hindu religious leader, was celebrated here with due fervour.   Summer onion holds hopes for farmers Cultivation of high yielding variety of summer onion holds good prospect for farmers and the country as well.   Join 'war' against cheating in exams State Minister for Education Ehasnul Haq Milon has said the government has launched a 'war' against cheating in public examinations and urged all teachers and education department officials to join the   Ban religion based politics Anti Imperialism Teachers Forum at Rajshahi University in a statement yesterday expressed its concerns over the rise of fanatics and recurring bomb blasts in the country.   Gas supply in Bogra by June Pipeline laying work in Bogra town will be completed next month and gas will be supplied by June this year.   He married 16 women in 2 yrs for trafficking A man married 16 women with an ulterior motive to hand over them to Indian traffickers in last two years, according to police.   Four more held in Kulaura shrine blast Four more persons have been arrested from Sylhet for their alleged involvement in the grenade blast at a shrine on the premises of Prithim Pasa Nawab Bari in Kulaura upazila during an Ashura programme   Allow rice import thru' Bhomra port Traders in Satkhira have reiterated their demand for allowing rice import through Bhomra land port again, saying it will involve lesser cost than through other ports.   Ananda Mela begins in Rajshahi A month-long Anando Mela began at Rajshahi Stadium on Friday. Point-Counterpoint A leader remembered GREAT men come and go. History is written and rewritten, men are remembered and forgotten and life goes on. Greatness cannot be placed in a bottle and shown to others. Culture Showcasing the universal language of music Before human civilisation developed, before the first human even walked on earth, there were sounds. Even before we are born, our heartbeat asserts our existence.   Aesthetic presentation of our alphabet Calligraphy, practiced from the Far East to the West, has great artistic appeal. The calligraphy of some middle-eastern countries, in particular, ranks high because of the shape of the alphabets.   First ever magic festival in Bangladesh The lure of magic is universal. The enchanting and awe-inspiring qualities of magic cut across age and education barriers.   Saif steps towards non-mainstream movies Saif Ali Khan has made his name in the domain of mainstream Hindi movies but now he wants to demonstrate his acting skills through non-commercial movies.   Russian comedy master Gaidai's films in Dhaka The famous Russian filmmaker Leonid Gaidai's comedies of the 1960s owed their phenomenal success to his visual style of humour, which starkly contrasted with the verbal insinuations of official Soviet International US forces wound, freed Italian journalist in Iraq Freed Italian hostage Giuliana Sgrena flew into Rome yesterday, a day after she was wounded in a shooting incident by US troops in Baghdad in which an Italian secret agent was killed, airport officials   Syria an obstacle to ME peace US President George W. Bush said Saturday that Syria is an obstacle to securing peace across the Middle East, making a new demand that Syria withdraw its troops from Lebanon.   China premier outlines year ahead The annual session of China's parliament, the National People's Congress, has opened in Beijing. Some 3,000 delegates heard Premier Wen Jiabao's two-hour opening speech, bursting into applause 26 times.   Release of Italian hostage good omen for French journalist The editor of the French left-wing daily Liberation on Saturday welcomed the release of the Italian journalist kidnapped in Iraq, hailing it as a "good omen" for the paper's own correspondent, abducted   Nine objections against Charles and Camilla's marriage: Report Nine objections have been officially lodged to the marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles within the legal time-limit which expired on Friday, the BBC reported Saturday.   Militant wanted for 130 killings arrested in Pakistan Police in southwest Pakistan have arrested a suspected Sunni Muslim militant wanted for the killing of more than 130 rival Shiites, an official said Saturday.   US trying to kill me: Chavez Venezuela President Hugo Chavez renewed charges Saturday that Washington is trying to kill him, adding that his country's quarrel with the United States is with its government, not its people.   Rice to visit Pakistan in mid-March US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is due to visit Pakistan, a frontline state in its global war against terrorism, in mid-March, an official said Saturday. Editorial Editorial: Taking advantage of religion There can be no doubt that Bangladeshis are, by and large, a religious people.   Editorial: An inexplicable nosedive The railway is the oldest institution in the communications sector which still can play an important role in accelerating the pace of trade and commerce, alongside carrying passengers.   Reflections on Bush's visit to Europe It would be difficult to assess the results yet of the most recent visit by President Bush to Europe, the first since his reelection, aimed at cementing the fractures in the transatlantic alliance caused   Ought we to dissolve our dead parliament? With sustained quorum crisis and the intermittent absence of main opposition, the 8th parliament has lost its efficacy for a long time now. Letters to Editor Distribution of wealth Bangladesh has got a population of 140 million. Fifty per cent of the total population live below poverty line. Almost every year people of Gaibandha and Kurigram districts are hit by Monga.   Pond fish culture Being a protein deficit nation, we are struggling with a lot of problems of nutrition which could not be solved in a day. Having a lot of rivers and water bodies, we may be a nation with surplus fish.   Learning English Since I started reading English newspapers, particularly 'The Daily Star', I came across so many articles and letters on learning English. Star Health Too much stress is harmful; relaxation relieves Stress can mean different things to different people. Stress is often defined as a mismatch between the demands placed on us and the way we view our ability to cope with these demands.   Milestones of child’s growth Every parent involved in the caring and nurturing of their offspring are at times quite confused or unaware of the proper growth and development of their children.   Advancement in ultrasound technology The Sonoline Antares ultrasound system provides best-in-class Doppler, 2D and 3D imaging, and for real-time premium performance 4D studies, new fourSight 4D imaging ultrasound technology.   Early Detection Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. Normally, the prostate is quite small. It is nearly the same size and shape as a chestnut.   Surveillance found a major cause of childhood death in Bangladesh Child mortality rates from infectious diseases in under-five years old children in Bangladesh have declined dramatically.   Cochlear implant can help even profoundly deaf patients Normal hearing is essential for an individual to perform his activity as well as speech and development of personality. People with hearing disability suffer a lot during their lifetime.   Pelvic exercises may treat persistent incontinence Physical therapy aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles may help many women who suffer lingering incontinence months after giving birth, a study suggests. Star City Woes of a once serene Dhanmondi The once serene Dhanmondi area has lost much of its residential characteristics due to gradual invasion of non-residential and commercial organisations.   Retailers, customers fall prey to cellphone card forgery An organised gang is involved in deceiving the cellphone card retailers in the city in the guise of customers to earn money in an illegal way.   Sparingly used bridge becomes haven for miscreants The police box beside the recently constructed foot over bridge at the Science Laboratory intersection seems to have no effect on muggers operating on the bridge.   Muggers lurk around bookworms Large numbers of students of Dhaka University (DU), Eden and Home Economics Colleges and other educational institutions who frequently visit the Bakushah Market at Nilkhet to purchase books and stationery,   A busy road remains in dilapidated condition The road behind the New Market kitchen market that is used by hundreds of people everyday remains in a dilapidated condition for long.   © thedailystar.net, 2005. 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