Vol. 5 Num 763 Thu. July 20, 2006       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 WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page 1 contractor for every 140m road work To siphon off huge development fund, the communications ministry inflated a Tk 192 crore road construction project to Tk 349 crore by manipulating all components of the scheme, revealed a government investigation.   EC, finance at loggerheads over voter list budget The Election Commission (EC) and the finance ministry are now at loggerheads over allocation of budget for the task of updating the existing voter list, making smooth start of the task tomorrow uncertain.   HC upholds death sentence of four The High Court (HC) yesterday upheld a lower court verdict awarding capital punishment to four convicts in the sensational Muhuri murder case of Chittagong.   55 killed in Lebanon blitz, foreigners flee At least 55 civilians were killed yesterday as Israeli jets and gunboats pummelled towns and villages across Lebanon and tens of thousands fled an increasingly bloody conflict both sides defiantly warned   RMG workers, owners at odds over wage Garment owners and workers are at loggerheads over fixing a minimum wage for employees as the BGMEA is pursing Tk 1,230 a month while the workers are demanding Tk 3,000.   EC makes fresh bid to justify its earlier move The Election Commission (EC) yesterday made a fresh bid to justify its earlier move for publication of the controversial draft voter list prepared in violation of the High Court directives.   Life-saving drugs become dearer Prices of different life-saving drugs especially those imported for cardiac, kidney, cancer, and surgery patients have shot up in recent months.   Syndicate behind price hike identified Commerce Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed yesterday said intelligence agencies have already traced the syndicate, which is responsible for the skyrocketing price of essentials, and urged the concerned ministry   Shibir planned control on campus long ago Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS)'s latest showdown with two other student organisations in Jagannath University is nothing but a part of the master plan that ICS had plotted years back to establish supremacy   Biotech policy declared The government yesterday declared a National Biotechnology Policy in order to keep pace with the fast advancing field of modern biotechnology and achieve world class competence in the fields of research   Ahmadiyyas relieved as peace restored in Sharishabari Local administration's initiative restored peace in Sharishabari yesterday five days after bigots launched a hate campaign on the Ahmadiyyas of the upazila.   BSP, Noab urge PM to cut import duty on newsprint The representatives of Bangladesh Sangbadpatra Parishad (BSP) and Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (Noab) yesterday urged Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to reduce the import duty on newsprint paper   Dhaka seeks help to evacuate Bangladeshis from Lebanon Bangladesh has sought help from the Geneva-based International Organisation for Migration to evacuate more than 10,000 of its nationals from conflict-stricken Lebanon.   2 JMB men get 48yrs in prison A special tribunal court in Gaibandha yesterday convicted two Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) Ehsar members in an August 17 bomb blast case, sentenced them to 48 years of rigorous imprisonment,and   Top outlaw killed in 'crossfire' A top outlaw was killed in 'crossfire' during a shootout between his cohorts and the police at Shrirampur in Alamdanga upazila of Chuadanga district early yesterday, police said.   US envoy meets Ahsanullah Master's family US Ambassador to Bangladesh Patricia A Butenis yesterday met the family members of slain Awami League (AL) leader and former lawmaker Ahsanullah Master at his Tongi house.   Sylhet BNP MP gets 'threat' over phone Ruling party lawmaker Syed Mokbul Hossain claimed that he has received several threats over mobile phones in the last two days following the death of a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) man in Golapganjupazila.   3 injured in bomb blast in Jessore Three people were injured yesterday when a bomb went off in a den where bombs were being made at Siddhipasha under Abhaynagar upazila in Jessore.   Tsunami body count tops 520 Rescuers dug with bare hands yesterday in a grim search for more bodies after more than 520 people were confirmed killed in the second tsunami to strike Indonesia in as many years.   Bangladesh needs $10b to ease power woes Bangladesh needs 10 billion dollars in investment over the next 10 years to alleviate its massive power shortage, the World Bank said yesterday.   Why recruitment of 89 staff not illegal The High Court yesterday issued a rule on Islamic University authorities to explain within two weeks why its recruitment of 89 employees in 53 ranks will not be declared illegal.   2 probe bodies formed after students-locals clash in Ctg Two probe committees were formed yesterday to investigate the fierce clash between Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) students and locals that left at least 25 injured at Pahartali   5 cops injured in shootout with gunrunners Five policemen and one suspected gunrunner were wounded in an exchange of fire as a police team foiled an arms-smuggling bid at Moghdata in Rashidnagar area of Ramu upazila Tuesday night.   Govt-teachers talks delayed as minister sick Dialogue between the government and teachers on indefinite strike is being delayed as the prime minister's Political Secretary Harris Chowdhury and Education Minister Osman Farruk have fallen sick, sources   Pakistan peace process hit by Mumbai blasts, but not stopped India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said the peace process with Pakistan had been hit but not halted by the deadly train bombings in Mumbai, the media reported Wednesday. Business Task force proposes 10pc cash incentives for textiles A textile task force headed by Textiles and Jute Minister Shajahan Siraj has decided on a 12-point proposal that includes updating of the existing textile policy formulated in 1995.   No job cuts after purchase of Rupali Bank, say Saudis A Saudi investment team, now in the capital to participate in a bidding to buy Rupali Bank, yesterday made an assurance that they would not go for retrenchment of any employee of the bank in case of its   Guideline for banks suggested to handle ACU transactions Experts from Asian Clearing Union (ACU) members have recommended formulation of a guideline for commercial banks to handle ACU transactions in accordance with the union's mechanism.   Moscow authorities plan image make-over to woo tourists Moscow city authorities are to spend 27 million dollars (22 million euros) by 2009 on making the Russian capital more welcoming to tourists and polishing the city's rough image, newspapers said Wednesday.   SEC disposes of 85.71pc of complaints in FY06 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disposed of more investors' complaints against listed companies and brokers/dealers in the last fiscal year compared to the preceding one.   China pursuing reforms to narrow wealth gap The Chinese Government is pushing a reform in the "interest of the broadest masses" to reduce income gaps and redress social inequity.   New chief executive of Duncan Group Imran Ahmed took over as the new chief executive of Duncan Group's Bangladesh operations on July 1, 2006, says a press release.   GP offers free int'l MMS until July 31 GrameenPhone Ltd is offering its subscribers the facility to send international and local multimedia messaging service (MMS) free of charge until July 31, 2006, says a press release.   Oil prices fall Oil prices sagged Wednesday as traders held the view Israel's offensive with Lebanon would not engulf the region, and ahead of fresh US crude inventories data, dealers said.   Yahoo profits plunge Internet search engine Yahoo Tuesday reported a massive dive in second-quarter profits, sending its shares plunging despite a surge in sales on the back of the football World Cup.   Rangs Group ventures into Chinese car business Rangs Group has recently ventured into Chinese passenger cars business in Bangladesh following an agreement with Geely International Corporation, China, says a press release.   Tata investment seen to cast positive impact on N-region Uttarbanga Janakalyan Samity (UJS), an organisation of the inhabitants of the northern region, yesterday demanded of the government to sign the deal with Tata Group on its proposed US$ 3 billion investment   Bimstec for new deadline for FTA enforcement Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), an economic bloc consisting seven South and Southeast Asian countries, is resuming trade negotiations next week   Japan to cut foreign aid budget by 3pc Japan plans to cut its budget for foreign aid, long a top tool of Tokyo's foreign policy, by three percent in the fiscal year starting in April 2007 due to financial constraints, officials said Wednesday.   Cut in 75,000 jobs in ROK manufacturing industry South Korea's manufacturing sector shed about 75,000 jobs in the first half of this year, countering government expectations of a rise in employment due to strong exports. Sports Cricket: Tigers pack up for safari Africa-bound Bangladesh cricket team completed their home preparation yesterday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur relishing the prospect of recording their first-ever away series victory.   Football: Enough for Joy, Arman Arman Mia and Arif Khan Joy have decided not to join the national camp for Bangladesh's 2007 Asian Cup qualifying home match against Qatar.   Football: Pro League in Nov The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) will launch their first ever Professional League in the first week of November in Dhaka, it was decided after an executive committee meeting of the football governing   Cricket: Under-strength SA land in Sri Lanka South Africa, led by their first non-white captain Ashwell Prince, arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday to play two Tests and a one-day series also featuring India.   Cricket: Bashar doesn't know who is the captain! It had already been made public that Habibul Bashar was retained as Bangladesh cricket captain until next year World Cup.   Football: Real's RvN bid stalled Real Madrid's prospective capture of Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has stalled after United boss Alex Ferguson rejected their offer, Press Association reported on Wednesday.   Cycling: Rasmussen wins 16th stage Michael Rasmussen of Denmark mastered some of the highest passes in the Alps, including the Col du Galibier, to win the 182-km 16th stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday.   Football: Calciopoli appeal date set The four top Italian soccer clubs found guilty in the Serie A match-fixing scandal will begin their appeals on July 22, the president of the appeals court has said.   Football: 'No excuses for Zidane' Marco Materazzi said on Tuesday Lilian Thuram should not make excuses for Zinedine Zidane's headbutt after the French defender described Italy's Materazzi as "an illness that should not exist".   Football: Kezman hails Clemente Atletico Madrid's Serbia striker Mateja Kezman has hailed his country's decision to appoint former Spain boss Javier Clemente as coach. "He is a great coach with a lot of experience.   Football: Pekerman confirms resignation Argentina coach Jose Pekerman has confirmed he will not carry on in the job, the football association's president said in a newspaper interview on Wednesday.   Football: Drunken Baros runs amok Czech Republic striker Milan Baros went on a drunken rampage during his post-World Cup vacation, according to Czech newspaper reports on Wednesday.   Football: Real apologise for website blunder Real Madrid have apologised for a blunder that made a profile of Ruud van Nistelrooy appear briefly on their website as if the Manchester United striker had signed for the club.   Football: Freddie close to full fitness Andrew Flintoff's chances of playing for England against Pakistan in next week's second Test at Old Trafford have improved after returning for county duty with Lancashire.   Tennis: Roddick routs Delgado Former world No 1 Andy Roddick lost just 13 points on serve as the second seed hammered Ramon Delgado 6-3, 6-2 to reach the third round of the Indianapolis Open.   Tennis: Serena off to a flier Serena Williams got off to a strong start in her first tournament in six months, by dominating second seed Anastasia Myskina 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the Cincinnati Open.   Cricket: Ford's fear The subject of the number of overseas players in English cricket has been argued over for years, but the recent influx of players under the Kolpak ruling has taken the debate onto a new level.   Cricket: Gough done in by the dance! Darren Gough believes England's selectors are holding a grudge against him after his TV dancing antics.   Cricket: Liam needs batting practice England will allow fast bowler Liam Plunkett to play for Durham this week to let him work on his batting.   Cricket: Fidel's fast aspiration Fidel Edwards has set his sight on becoming the first West Indies bowler to smash the 100mph barrier and admitted he likes nothing better than spying fear in a batsman's eyes.   Cricket: Razzaq to miss tour match After losing several of their key players because of injuries earlier this summer, Pakistan are now facing further fitness problems with all-rounder Abdul Razzaq suffering from a back problem following   Renault keen on Kimi Renault have set their sights on signing Kimi Raikkonen to replace world champion Fernando Alonso in 2007.   Cricket: Sreesanth ready for challenge India paceman Sri Sreesanth says the triangular series in Sri Lanka involving the hosts, his team and South Africa should be highly competitive.   Football: Bent extends Charlton stay England striker Darren Bent on Tuesday pledged his future to Charlton by signing a new four-year contract with the Premiership club.   Cricket: Otieno happy to be back Kenyan top-order batsman and wicketkeeper Kennedy Otieno Obuya said Wednesday he was happy to be recalled into the national team for the upcoming ICC Intercontinental Cup against Canada after making up   Sports Journos Day observed The Bangladesh Sports Writers' Association (BSWA) accorded reception to journalists Moazzem Hossain and Aminul Haider Chowdhury at National Sports Council yesterday.   Cricket: SLC still in quagmire Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga on Wednesday slammed the sports minister for the delay in naming a committee to oversee the sport in the island nation.   Football: Mikel granted UK work permit Nigerian midfielder Jon Obi Mikel, a 16 million-pound (23.4 million-euro) Chelsea signing from Norwegian club Lynn Oslo, has been granted a work permit.   Football: Donadoni relishing the challenge Newly-appointed Italy coach Roberto Donadoni said on Tuesday that he relished the pressure of taking over the world champions.   Football: River fans riot over Cup exit Rioting River Plate fans forced the match to be called off in the 80th minute as the Argentine team were knocked out of the Libertadores Cup by Paraguay's Libertad on Tuesday.   Football: Ferguson backs China's Dong Alex Ferguson has backed Dong Fangzhou to emerge as a Manchester United player within the 'next nine months' after the Chinese striker's late goal sealed a 1-0 friendly win against Kaizer Chiefs in Cape   Football: Arena appointed Red Bulls coach Four days after the United States men's national team coach learned his contract would not be renewed, Bruce Arena on Tuesday was named the coach and sporting director of the MLS New York Red Bulls.   Football: Nigerian FA dissolved The board of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) was Tuesday dissolved by an extraordinary congress of the organisation.   Football: Anelka reveals Pompey interest French striker Nicolas Anelka on Wednesday revealed he has been offered the chance to join English Premiership club Portsmouth.   Football: Tommasi, Cesar moving to Levante Primera Liga side Levante have agreed a deal to sign Italian midfielder Damiano Tommasi from AS Roma. "Tommasi is a Levante player," club president Pedro Villarroel told a news conference on Tuesday.   Football: Nowotny to join Dinamo Zagreb German international defender Jens Nowotny is set to join Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb, the Croatian club said on its website on Wednesday.   Football: Okocha, Popovic move to Qatar Former Nigeria international Jay-Jay Okocha has signed a one-year contract with Qatari first division team Sports Club, while Australia's Tony Popovic is also moving to the Gulf state. Metropolitan Children still deprived of legal rights Speakers at a roundtable yesterday called for establishing a child-friendly society through a change in attitude towards them, proper implementation of the Children Act, 1974, establishment of juvenile   'Formulate policy to avoid serious health hazards’ Formulate a national policy for the management of hospital wastes which are putting public health at high risk, urged the speakers at a press conference yesterday.   Saifur for life oriented research works Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman advised researchers to do life-oriented researches instead of doing researches that have little attachment to reality.   Tougher agitation if govt goes ahead with pillar-based one City Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury has warned the government of waging tougher agitation if it does not refrain from its move to construct a pillar-based bridge instead of a suspension bridge on the river   Indoor air pollution main cause of infant deaths The World Bank has proposed a pilot project to reduce indoor air pollution which is now one of the leading causes of the infant deaths after waterborne and sanitation-related diseases.   No scope for spending money from block allocation before Nov Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman said there is no scope of spending money from block allocation before November-December this year against the projects approved in the Executive Committee of the National   Swiss govt donates 150 pieces of art and crafts The government of Switzerland donated 150 pieces of art and crafts to the National Museum in the city yesterday.   B Chowdhury to contest from Dhaka-7 Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) President Badruddoza Chowdhury and Secretary General Abdul Mannan will contest the next parliamentary election from Dhaka-7 and Dhaka-10 constituencies respectively, Organising   Come to the aid of children with disability: Hasina Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sheikh Hasina yesterday called on the affluent section of the society to come to the aid of the children with disability.   Police can't work efficiently due to govt control A senior police official of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) yesterday said the police cannot work efficiently as they are controlled by the government.   Projects worth Tk 1589cr okayed The Executive Committee on National Economic Council (Ecnec) yesterday approved eight projects with an outlay of Tk 1589 crore, including Tk 408 crore in project aid.   Bulu gets bail in cheque bounce case A Dhaka court yesterday granted bail to industrialist MNH Bulu in a cheque bounce case. With this, he got bail in all four cases filed against him.   Body to probe irregularities soon Khulna Citizens' Forum (KCF) showed black flags to State Minister for Power Anowarul Kabir Talukder when he visited Goalpara Power Station and the office of West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited   Asian University students withdraw agitation Asian University students of Uttara campus yesterday withdrew their agitation after the authorities concerned assured them of meeting most of their demands. It was decided at a meeting with the vice-chancellor.   Four arms dealers held at Cox's Bazar Police yesterday arrested four and recovered eight arms at Cox's Bazar.   No severe floods this month The country may experience no severe floods or natural calamities this month, as no such indication was traced in the information received by Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) through various   BWDB projects help produce addl 90 lakh mt food last fiscal The irrigation projects of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) helped produce additional 90lakh metric tons food during last fiscal year.   Two found unconscious Two people were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in unconscious state in different incidents in the city yesterday.   Shibir attack on BCL rally condemned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) Rajshahi University unit yesterday staged a demonstration on the campus, protesting Islami Chhatra Shibir attack on a BCL rally at Government BL University College in Khulna   Automation system for SSF The activities of Special Security Force (SSF) were brought under complete automation system yesterday to enhance its proficiency.   BPRA founding anniversary on July 22 The 27th founding anniversary of Bangladesh zPublic Relations Association (BPRA) will be held on July 22, says a press release. National Crisis at SUST deepens Reopening of the Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has become uncertain as a section of senior teachers are not accepting return of the Vice-chancellor Prof Musleh Uddin Ahmed tothe   IU teachers non-cooperate with acting VC A new deadlock started at the Islamic University yesterday as the teachers association at a meeting decided to non-cooperate with the newly appointed acting vice-chancellor Prof Anwarul Karim.   AL, Sramik Dal activists murdered in Khulna An Awami League leader and an activist of Jatiyatabadi Samik Dal were killed in separate incidents in Dumuria and Digholia upazilas of Khulna Tuesday night.   Two 'police sources' killed in Kushtia, Chuadanga Three people, two of them reportedly police sources, were killed in separate incidents in Kushtia and Chuadanga on Monday.   Demonstration for power in Satkhira Over 500 leaders and activists of Chhatra Sangram Parishad, a combine of student fronts of 14-party opposition alliance brought out a procession in Satkhira town and held a rally in front of the Deputy   SI arrested for abetting snatching A police sub-inspector (SI) was arrested on Tuesday for abetting snatching of Tk one lakh and cell phone from a person at Gopalpur upazila in the district.   Boat looted on Padma Pirates looted cash and valuables worth about Tk 2 lakh from an engine boat in the Jamuna river near Natuarpara Bazar at Kazipur upazila in Sirajganj district yesterday morning.   Workshop for newsmen held A three-day training workshop on 'Gender Discrimination and Violence Against Women' was held at Mymensingh Press Club auditorium yesterday.   Son abducted as father refuses to pay toll Miscreants abducted a person from Durlovepur village of Gangni upazila in Meherpur district yesterday following his father's refusal to pay them toll of Tk 1.00 lakh. Point-Counterpoint Asset disclosure and millionaire ministers Politicians are the most corrupt professional class in the world. This hypothesis was released by Transparency International from London on December 9, 2005 on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day. The hypothesis was substantiated based on a two-year survey which included 55,000 respondents from 69 countries.   US and rule of law The protection of individual rights is one of the pillars of the US constitution and due process is the means by which this protection is effectively guaranteed. Culture Mingling designs with forms Qayyum Chowdhury says, "The artist who influenced me most is undoubtedly Zainul Abedin, my teacher. Before coming to the Dhaka Art College, I met him in Mymensingh where my father was posted.   Discussion on the ace light designer Late Indian light designer Tapas Sen is known for his immense contribution to the theatre arena in Bangladesh. The 'magician of light', as he was dubbed, passed away on June 28 in Kolkata.   'Sunsilk Hair Style Show' on ntv It was a field day for the city's glitterati as they made a beeline for the recent extravaganza of the year--the Sunsilk Hair Style Show by Jawed Habib at the Winter Garden, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel,   'Taxi Driver': New TV serial on Channel 1 New drama serial Taxi Driver will be aired every Friday at 8:15 pm on Channel 1. The play is written and directed by Ashutosh Sujon. General 4 drug peddlers arrested in Chuadanga Four drug peddlers, including three women, were arrested from Hoquepara and Farmpara in the town on Monday.   Weeklong tree fair ends in Mymensingh A weeklong tree fair jointly organised by Forest Department and Agriculture Extension Department at town hall ground ended here on Tuesday.   BR demolishes 20 illegal fruit shops Bangladesh Railway (BR) authorities demolished 20 illegal fruit shops at Joypurhat level crossing on Monday.   Valuables worth Tk 2.26 lakh robbed A group of criminals robbed valuables worth Tk 2.26 lakh from a house at Mirpur in the city yesterday. The miscreants, eight to ten in number, cut the balcony grills to enter the house at around 3:00pm.   Winners of SMS voting receive prizes The award giving ceremony of SMS voting for Meril-Prothom Alo Taroka Jarip 2005 was held at the Spectra Convention Centre in the city recently, says a press release.   Over 2 lakh tonnes of spicy crops in Rangpur More than two lakh tonnes of various spicy crops are expected to be produced in eight districts under Rangpur Agriculture Zone (RAZ) this year as the department concerned have taken special measures.   Tribute paid to journo Mizan Speakers at a discussion yesterday said the contributions of Mizanur Rahman in ensuring the rights of journalists and building the society and state will be remembered forever. International Maoists want to extend truce for 'lasting peace' Nepal's Maoist rebels pledged Wednesday to extend a ceasefire in a bid to "establish lasting peace" in the Himalayan nation.   NAM calls for deployment of int'l force in Mideast The Non-Aligned Movement on Wednesday condemned Israel's offensives in Gaza and Lebanon and called for an international force to be deployed to prevent the violence from spiralling into a regional conflict.   Mumbai now probes if the deadbody is bomber's Indian police Wednesday were investigating if the sole unclaimed body from the Mumbai train attacks was a bomber after a little-known group said a member of a 16-strong terror team was killed in the operation.   Latest tsunami was small but 'very violent' Compared with the giant Asian tsunami of December 2004, the walls of water that lashed Indonesia's Java island this week seemed small but the waves were powerful and fast, an expert said Wednesday.   Suu Kyi barred from honouring father Myanmar's military junta barred pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi from honoring her father Wednesday at annual ceremonies paying tribute to him and other slain independence leaders.   India orders for 3 Russian frigates Russia is to build three warships for India's navy under a 1.6 billion-dollar contract signed Tuesday, the Interfax-AVN military news agency said, quoting an unidentified defence industry source.   Java rattled by 52 strong aftershocks Indonesia's Java has been rattled by 52 strong aftershocks since a major quake triggered a tsunami this week, four of which on Wednesday caused panic among survivors, officials said.   Sweden's fresh bid to salvage Lankan truce Sweden launched Wednesday a fresh effort to salvage Sri Lanka's faltering ceasefire ahead of a Tamil rebel deadline for European Union peace monitors to quit by September 1, officials said.   N Korea scraps North-South family reunions North Korea said Wednesday it would scrap cross-border family reunions on the divided peninsula, accusing South Korea of siding with its Western allies in the standoff over Pyongyang's missile launches.   6 killed in fresh Kashmir shoot-outs Two policemen and a six-year-old boy were among six people killed in a fresh surge of violence in Indian Kashmir that also saw a bloody shooting near a revered shrine, police said Wednesday.   Uganda rejects ceasefire with LRA rebels Ugandan negotiators have rejected a ceasefire call from Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels as a first step in talks to end one of Africa's longest conflicts, officials said yesterday.   Palestinians sidelined as war rages in Lebanon Israel's war on Hizbollah has sidelined conflict with the Palestinians, but whatever emerges from the fighting with the Lebanese group could help decide what happens in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.   French Socialist wants Chirac's post, not palace France's next president could live in a Paris apartment rather than the official Elysee Palace, walk to work every day and draw from his experience in organising music festivals when setting out policies.   Quake shakes Pak-Iran border A moderate earthquake jolted an area along Pakistan's border with neighbouring Iran yesterday, but there were no reports of injuries or any damage, an official said. Editorial Editorial: Wanton aggression in Lebanon As Israel wreaks its wrath on Lebanon, apparently to settle scores with the Hezbollah, civilian casualties are rising sharply in an uneven battle where the innocent people are pitted against the sophisticated   Editorial: Another onslaught on Buriganga The story of our river banks being encroached upon and filling up of the adjoining areas to grab parcels of land is nothing new.   Reaping the whirlwind The Mumbai blasts are once again very painful reminders of the utter helplessness of the many to the ill motives and the wicked actions of the few.   A time to unite The terrorists who strike South Asia (mainly India) from time to time have a precocious propensity to do so close to a noteworthy event, e.g.   Can there be a BNP-JP election alliance? With no prospect in sight for any dialogue between the BNP-led four-party alliance and the AL-led 14-party alliance on preparation of an accurate and acceptable voter list, as well as caretaker government Letters to Editor Lebanon situation Israel is bombing the Lebanese civilian facilities and infrastructures at its will on the excuse that the Hezbollah fighters are hiding their weapons under civilian shields.   Police do it again Our police force has retained their tradition of ruthlessly beating anybody and everybody, and this time they did it to the ill paid and impoverished schoolteachers.   Islamic fundamentalism, extremism and the sharia Md. Anwarul Kabir's article, "Fundamentalism, extremism and Islam" (The Daily Star, July 7, 2006) is replete with inanities which are so common in writings on Islam.   Investment for whom? Today we live in a global economy, therefore, every country welcomes foreign investment. We don't know how many countries have changed their fortune by foreign investments.   Life in slums When life is shattered with oppression and sufferings, can we expect any prosperity from that life except futility, distress and disappointment? Because, human life is restrained by the basic demands   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.