Vol. 5 Num 861 Mon. October 30, 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 President sworn in as chief of caretaker govt President Iajuddin Ahmed last night assumed the office of chief adviser to the non-party caretaker government in addition to his presidential responsibilities as "major political parties failed to reach   14-party to watch Iajuddin The Awami League-led 14-party alliance last night said it will observe the president's activities as the chief of caretaker government and decide later whether to participate in the next parliamentary   Options not explored The president's being sworn in as the caretaker government chief without strictly following the provisions of the constitution has brought into question the presidency itself, said civil society members.   More violence, more deaths Seven more political activists died and hundreds of others were injured yesterday as rival activists of Awami League (AL)-led 14-party coalition and BNP-led four-party alliance continued to clash violently   Bangabhaban did not strictly follow constitutional provisions A part of the controversy over the appointment of the caretaker government chief was the result of Bangabhaban's not strictly observing the constitutional provisions and could have been easily avoided   Dhaka at a standstill for the second day An eerie calm continued to reign over the city for the second consecutive day yesterday as the political turmoil over appointment of the next caretaker government chief raged on with no immediate resolution   Iajuddin seeks help for free, fair polls President Iajuddin Ahmed, after assuming the office of chief adviser to the non-party caretaker government, sought cooperation from all in holding the general election in a free and fair manner.   Businesses stop dead on political tracks The country's business and economic activities including export-import and functions at banks, insurance organisations and ports have remained almost suspended for the last few days due to Eid holidays   Leaflets, cops rule barren Secretariat The government and private offices wore a deserted look yesterday after a three-day Eid holidays and two-day weekly holidays, as very few people turned up due to the opposition enforced Dhaka siege programme.   Monga hits Kurigram with renewed force More than one lakh extreme poor families in Monga-prone Kurigram district have been experiencing near famine situation due to scarcity of food and employment, according to district administration officials.   Jai Jai Din editor now wants talks with sacked journos from Security personnel yesterday morning took Shafik Rehman, the editor of recently discontinued daily Jai Jai Din, to some hidden place from the airport after his failed attempt to leave the country.   EU, UK, India for democratic solution The European Union, The United Kingdom and India have called for a peaceful, democratic and constitutional solution to the present problem regarding formation of a caretaker government in Bangladesh In   CEC's village home set on fire Unknown people set fire to the village home of Chief Election Commissioner Justice MA Aziz at Agoiljhara in the district early yesterday.   Chiefs of 3 services call on outgoing premier The chiefs of three services yesterday made a courtesy call on outgoing Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office.   Security beefed up...   Force can be applied to ensure peace Outgoing ruling party BNP high command instructed its leaders, workers and activists to ensure control at any cost on the street across the country, sources said.   Blockade to go on until interim govt formed 'as per constitution' Awami League (AL) General Secretary Abdul Jalil yesterday urged the 14-party leaders and activists to continue their present agitation till the formation of the caretaker government as per the constitution.   70 Taliban killed in attack on Afghan military base Nato and Afghan troops killed 70 suspected militants who attacked a military base in southern Afghanistan, while a roadside blast killed one Nato soldier and wounded eight others, the alliance said yesterday.   100 'killed' as plane crashes in Nigeria More than 100 people were feared killed yesterday when a commercial airliner crashed moments after takeoff in Nigeria's capital Abuja, aviation industry sources said.   A train under attack...   Jamaat says its 9 activists died in 2 days Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh at a press conference yesterday furnished the identities of nine Jamaat-Shibir men killed in a series of clashes with Awami League across the country in the last two days.   11 lakh hits for Star online edition The Daily Star online edition received 1,132,043 hits from the readers on October 28 since online news updating has been introduced. Business Bangladesh RMG yet to get duty-free access to India Although India offered a duty free access of Bangladeshi ready-made garments to its market one year ago, it is yet to be implemented.   Time extended for applications to participate The deadline for submitting application to participate in the 'Expo Bangladesh -2006' has been extended until November 7 due to political unrest in the country.   China, Asean summit today China and Asean leaders are gathering in Nanning, southern China for a high-level summit today, with the aim to pursue regional free trade and enhance political mutual trust.   'Bank for the poor' now in Niger Tucked inside a nook in the capital city's bustling Grand Marche, Niger Mutual Credit (CMI) opened its doors a little over a week ago to a clientele that other banks turn away: the very poor.   Foreign firms bow to Bolivia energy nationalisation Bolivia's leftist president, Evo Morales, took a key step forward in his bold plan to nationalize the country's gas and oil industries on Sunday after foreign energy companies agreed to operate in the   Indonesia, China sign MoU on energy cooperation China and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Saturday concerning cooperation in the energy and mineral resources sectors.   Thai customs, Citibank sign MoU The Royal Thai Customs and Citibank Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for electronic customs tax payment services on Thursday, says a press release.   India's central bank weighs rate hike as economy booms India's economy is growing by nearly nine percent, corporate profits are strong, the stock market is setting new records and the property market is booming.   VoIP set to impact telecoms market in Asia-Pacific The Asia-Pacific telecommunications market is seeing a dramatic change in the business landscape as players look for opportunities in new technologies like Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Internet   Foreign investment plunges in South Korea Foreign direct investment in South Korea has plunged in the first nine months of this year amid a worsening business climate and falling growth potential, official data showed Sunday.   China-France mega deals cover aviation, railways, power China and France last week signed a series of deals covering aviation, railways and nuclear power in Beijing.   Global gas demand to exceed oil by 2020 The world demand for natural gas would increase in the coming decades and exceed the demand for oil by 4.4 percent yearly until 2020, a report issued by Kuwait-based Global Investment House said on Saturday.   Kuwait's crude oil price continues to drop The price of Kuwaiti crude oil slid to 52.83 US dollars per barrel (dpb) on Friday from previous day's 5.357 dpb, keeping the trend of dropping, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said. Sports Cricket: Selectors spring no surprise There was no surprise when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday unveiled the list of 23 probables for the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe.   Cricket: England win at last Kevin Pietersen ruined Chris Gayle's party with an explosive 90 not out as England stunned the West Indies by three wickets in the Champions Trophy here on Saturday.   Cricket: Aussies cruise into semis Favourites Australia knocked Asia's last hope India out of the Champions Trophy with a six-wicket win here on Sunday to take their place in the semifinals.   Cricket: 'It's good to have it now' West Indies captain Brian Lara said Saturday his team's surprise three-wicket defeat against England in the Champions Trophy was a blessing in disguise.   Cricket: Double boost for England England gained a double boost on Saturday, beating West Indies by three wickets in the Champions Trophy and giving captain Andrew Flintoff his first international bowl since June.   Cricket: Gilly's 400th dismissal Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist claimed his 400th victim in the Champions Trophy Group A tie against India on Sunday, cementing his position as the one-day game's leading gloveman.   Cricket: McGrath far from retiring Glenn McGrath says he may be getting towards the end of his cricket career but he still has a lot to offer the Australian team for next month's Ashes series against England.   Cricket: No sign of Dalmiya For the third time in a row Jagmohan Dalmiya, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), failed to appear before the board's disciplinary committee.   Tennis: Maria takes Linz title Maria Sharapova claimed her fifth title of the year at the Linz Open on Sunday when she beat defending champion and number two seed Nadia Petrova 7-5, 6-2 in an all-Russian final.   Tennis: Federer, Nadal have plenty to prove Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal may have 60 titles and banked 30 million dollars in prize money between them, but they still find themselves having plenty to prove at the Paris Masters this week.   Cricket: Symonds's admission Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds has revealed he is on his last warning from Cricket Australia if he gets into more trouble.   Cricket: Warne coming good Shane Warne said his bowling is coming together well ahead of next month's highly anticipated Ashes cricket Test opener with England in Brisbane.   Tennis: Roger moves into final Roger Federer squeezed through his toughest test of the week as he fought off Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 to reach the final of his home Swiss Indoors event on Saturday.   Football: Rooney treble keeps United atop Wayne Rooney ended his barren spell with a first Premiership hat-trick as Manchester United stayed top of the table with a 4-0 win away to Bolton on Saturday.   Football: Blatter's apology to Aussies FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has apologised to Australian fans -- saying the Socceroos should have played in this year's World Cup quarterfinal instead of eventual champions Italy.   Football: Barca ride on Ronaldinho World Player of the Year Ronal-dinho scored twice to help reigning champions Barcelona extend their lead at the top of the Spanish first division with a 3-0 win over Recreativo Huelva on Saturday.   Football: Mourinho happy with win Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was happy with his side's resilience after the English champions won 2-0 away to struggling Sheffield United at Bramall Lane here on Sunday.   Football: Inter snatch thrilling derby Inter Milan edged city rivals AC Milan 4-3 in a pulsating derby on Saturday to move three points clear at the top of Italy's Serie A.   Cricket: Warne puts Victoria in charge Test leg-spinner Shane Warne claimed five wickets and opener Nick Jewell neared a century as Victoria took charge of their Sheffield Shield cricket match against South Australia here Sunday.   Cricket: 2nd Afro-Asia Cup in India India will stage the second Afro-Asia Cup one-day series next June, the Asian Cricket Council announced on Sunday.   Cricket: Bravo in the clear West Indies' Dwyane Bravo has been cleared of any wrongdoing in claiming a catch which appeared to have bounced first in the match against England.   Cricket: Bermudans turn to yoga Bermuda are turning to yoga to boost their fitness levels ahead of the 2007 World Cup.   Tennis: All-French final Richard Gasquet and Marc Gicquel both survived three-set marathons Saturday to set up an all-French final at the 850,000 dollar ATP event here.   Football: Del Piero strikes 200th Alessandro Del Piero scored his 200th goal for Juventus to secure a 1-0 home win over Frosinone on Saturday as the scandal-hit Turin club chalked up their seventh consecutive Serie B victory.   Football: Three cheers for Rooney Wayne Rooney said it was good to be back amongst the goals after his first Premiership hattrick saw the England striker end a run of 10 scoreless games as Manchester United stayed top of the Premiership   Football: Bayern in the hunt Double winners Bayern Munich kept pace with league leaders Werder Bremen with a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.   Football: Nantes edge out Monaco Nantes finally lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with a narrow 1-0 victory in the basement battle against Monaco on Saturday.   Football: Fresh chaos hits Kenyan football Kenyan football was thrown into fresh chaos on Saturday as delegates to a special assembly of the governing board, called off its by leaders, went ahead with the meeting and sacked its top two officials.   Football: Chelsea short of strikers Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted he is facing a striker crisis ahead of his side's Champions League group game against title-holders Barcelona in Spain next week.   Football: Gerrard going nowhere Liverpool have no intention of allowing skipper Steven Gerrard to leave the club, manager Rafael Benitez has said.   Football: Celtic interested in Beckham David Beckham's frustrations at his lack of first-team appearances at Real Madrid have renewed speculation about his future with both Tottenham and Celtic being touted as possible buyers.   Football: Mancini a relieved man Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini said the dismissal of Marco Materazzi almost cost his side victory in Saturday's pulsating 4-3 derby win over AC Milan. Metropolitan EC concerned about violence Head of the delegation of the European Commission (EC) yesterday expressed his concern about the ongoing violence and said solution to the present political problem is there in the constitution, which   Islami Oikya Jote dissolved Founder Chairman of Islami Oikya Jote Shaikhul Hadith Azizul Huq formally dissolved the jote yesterday.   CG headed by President himself unconstitutional Describing the caretaker government led by President himself as "unconstitutional", some 880 teachers of different universities yesterday urged him to act as per constitution.   It's all for a neutral caretaker chief 1) The city streets look almost deserted on the second day of Dhaka siege programme enforced by the 14-party opposition combine. The picture was taken from Farmgate area yesterday.   JCD attack on AL procession Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, still keeps a hold on the reins of control on the Dhaka University (DU) campus as no activities of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student   'Ensure security of people' Shushashoner Janney Nagorik (Shujan) and Bangladesh Manobadhikar Samonnoy Parishad (BMSP) formed a human chain in the city yesterday with a call to ensure security of the people during this critical situation   Prof Yunus returns tomorrow Nobel Peace Prize winner Prof Muhammad Yunus will return home tomorrow, concluding his visit to Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo, says a press release of Grameen Bank.   DU exams postponed till Nov 11 All examinations under course system of Dhaka University (DU) have been postponed till November 11, said an urgent press release.   Death anniversary Today is the 7th death anniversary of Iqbal Ansari Khan, a freedom fighter and eminent social worker, says a press release.   NU Eid vacation extended National University authorities have extended the Eid vacation for three days due to unavoidable circumstances, says a press release. The University will now reopen on November 5.   Free eye care for acid victims Free eye care will be provided to the acid victims at the Acid Survivors' Foundation (ASF) in the city until November 2, says a press release. National Violence flares up as politics goes downhill As political uncertainty dragged on, violence between the four-party and the 14-party alliances rolled into the second day yesterday across the country, leaving scores injured and properties damaged.   RU Eid vacation extended till Nov 9 The Rajshahi University (RU) authorities have extended the Eid vacation for more nine days due to 'unavoidable circumstances'.   Cancel controversial appointments at RU Progressive Teachers' Society (PTS) yesterday demanded of the Rajshahi University (RU) authorities to cancel the 'controversial appointments' made during the Eid vacation.   Two banks torched in Jaldhaka Awami League and Jamaat-e-Islami activists clashed in Jaldhaka yesterday leaving at least 50 people injured. Another 20 people were injured in Saidpur in clashes between Awami League and BNP activists.   5-day Katyani Puja begins in Magura A five-day Katyani Puja began here on Saturday. Six puja mandaps have been erected in the town to mark the occasion. Many colourful arches have also been built on the streets of the town. Point-Counterpoint President's decision: How correct is it? [This piece was written prior to the assumption of the office of chief adviser by the president.   Prof Yunus and politics Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, on the eve of his departure for Korea to receive the Seoul Peace Prize, said that he plans to be in politics and may float a new political party.   Putting the cart before the horse? At long last Justice KM Hasan stepped aside. Culture National Museum highlights global civilisation Dignitaries speaking at the National Museum recently had all praise for opening of the World Civilisation Gallery.   'Kathin Chibar Dan Utsab' observed in Rangamati 'Kathin Chibar Dan Utsab', one of the biggest religious festivals of the Buddhist community was celebrated at Ananda Vihar recently in the Rangamati hill town.   Doing the catwalk around the world "Having walked the ramps of Paris and Milan, why not New York as well?" questions gutsy model and VJ Tabassum Shaon on a visit to Dhaka from Mumbai.   'Color of the Cross': New Jesus film puts race into religion The life of Jesus has always provided controversial subject matter for filmmakers. General 6 killed in road accidents A total of six people were killed in separate road accidents in Pabna and Sirajganj in the last two days.   Kofi Annan concerned UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has expressed the concern that some political developments in Bangladesh may lead to a possible stalemate among the political parties with a danger of conflict that could   President's takeover as CG chief condemned Pro-liberation teachers of Dhaka University (DU) yesterday protested the takeover of President Iajuddin Ahmed as the chief of the caretaker government.   Abducted youth rescued in Sirajganj Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) members rescued an abducted young man and also arrested two abductors from Paikganj village at Kamarkhanda in the district last Monday.   30,000 tourists still stranded in Cox's Bazar Cox's Bazar district administration took a step to help the 30 thousand stranded tourists, who went to Cox's Bazar on Eid holidays but could not get back home due to political violence and unrest.   Bangladesh envoy presents credentials to Gyanendra Imtiaz Ahmed, the newly appointed ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal, presented his letter of credence recently to King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev at a simple ceremony at Narayanhity Royal Palace in   Eid gift for underprivileged children Int'l Turkish Hope School arranged its 4th "Eid Gift Distribution" programme this Eid-ul-Fitr and distributed more than 2000 packets of clothes, toys, stationery, biscuits and candies to underprivileged   20 shops burn down at Karwan Bazar At least 20 cloth stores burned down in a fire at Karwan Bazar Tinshed Market in the city last night. The blaze broke out at about 10:30pm, but it could not be known what caused the fire. International Nepali Maoists extend truce to boost peace Nepal's Maoist rebels plan to extend a ceasefire that expired yesterday in a bid to boost peace talks that have slowed due to differences over the future of the monarchy and the management of rebel arms,   Little progress in Lankan talks Sri Lanka's warring parties were wrapping up two days of crunch talks in Geneva yesterday with both sides reporting little progress despite foreign pressure to save a collapsing peace process.   Women's seat reservation bill uphill task: Sonia Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday hinted that passage of the women's reservation bill in Parliament would be an uphill task, saying that "she has to convince several people from within and outside   Qaeda threatens Canada over Afghanistan The al-Qaeda network has threatened Canada with terrorist attacks if Ottawa fails to withdraw its troops deployed in Afghanistan, the National Post reported on Saturday.   Blair facing two-front attack on Iraq, Afghan policies British Prime Minister Tony Blair's military policies were attacked on two fronts Sunday as a leaked memo linked them with terrorism at home and his favourite general called the Afghanistan war "cuckoo.   22 killed in Pak bus and tanker collision At least 22 people were killed and 20 others injured Sunday when a bus collided with an oil tanker in central Pakistan, police said.   Man arrested for email threat to kill Indian PM, president Police yesterday arrested a man in southern India for sending an email threatening to kill Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Abdul Kalam.   Bootleg liquor kills 23 in Pakistan At least 23 people have died this week after drinking home-made liquor in central Pakistan, police and hospital officials said Saturday.   Official arrested under India's new domestic abuse law An Indian official was arrested under a new law against domestic abuse for allegedly torturing his wife, a report said Saturday, in the first case of enforcement of the legislation introduced this week.   Blair facing two-front attack on Iraq, Afghan policies British Prime Minister Tony Blair's military policies were attacked on two fronts Sunday as a leaked memo linked them with terrorism at home and his favourite general called the Afghanistan war "cuckoo.   Defiant Iran scents world split on nuclear issue Iran yesterday remained defiant over its nuclear programme despite the threat of sanctions, saying it was detecting splits between world powers on whether to punish Tehran for intensifying atomic work.   Troops kill 17 in Iraq US and Iraqi forces said they killed about 17 guerrillas in a battle north of Baghdad early yesterday, after President George W Bush promised Iraq's prime minister more military aid in a bid to soothe   Thousands march in US against Iraq war Thousands of protesters marched against the Iraq war and the government of President George W. Bush on Saturday in Los Angeles and San Francisco, just days ahead of crucial congressional elections.   US is world's biggest threat to peace, Swedes believe: Poll The United States is a greater threat to world peace than North Korea, according to Swedes surveyed in a poll aired Sunday.   Race casts shadow over tight US polls One of the tightest races in the US legislative elections has devolved into racially-charged mudslinging aimed at a man who hopes to become the first African-American elected to the senate from a Southern   Hope grows of ME prisoner swap deal Palestinian officials voiced hope yesterday that a prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Palestinian militants could be sealed soon amid a flurry of high-level contacts in Cairo.   Russia, France overtake US as top arms sellers The United States ceded to Russia and France last year its role of the top arms supplier to the developing world as it failed to take full advantage of emerging markets and opportunities created by booming   Fidel Castro walks, talks on state television Convalescing Cuban President Fidel Castro appeared on state television Saturday speaking to Cubans as he browsed the day's newspapers, his first public appearance in 40 days.   Israeli president urged to stand down Israel's attorney-general recommended on Sunday that President Moshe Katsav stand down until an investigation of rape allegations against him runs its course, the Justice Ministry said.   No climate action may spark economic crisis Ignoring climate change could lead to economic upheaval on the scale of the 1930s Depression, underlining the need for urgent action to combat global warming, a report on the costs of climate change said.   Charles, Camilla leave for Pakistan Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have left Britain for a politically sensitive trip to Pakistan amid controversy over the planned hanging of a British man.   Strong typhoon rips northern Philippines One of the strongest typhoons to hit the storm-prone Philippines in years battered the mountainous north late Sunday as the country braced for a possible disaster.   Call for expulsion of Arabs in Niger Hundreds of people took to the streets in southeastern Niger on Saturday to protest against the government's decision to halt the deportation of thousands of Mahamid Arabs back to Chad. Editorial Editorial: President's gamble In a move that surprised most except for those who might have been privy to it, President Prof Iajuddin Ahmed has taken over as Chief Advisor to Caretaker Government in addition to his responsibilities   Editorial: Brutal killings We condemn the recent killings on the roads in the name of political demonstration.   Violence cannot be the arbiter of political problems [This piece was written prior to the assumption of the office of chief adviser by the president.   A slide towards the brink Churchill believed that politics was almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous.   FM music FM must be music to Pranab Mukherjee's ears. Defence is a curious ministry in Delhi, demanding responsibility without power. Letters to Editor A setback to BNP It is no doubt an irreparable and irreplaceable loss for the BNP to let Col. (retd) Oli go.   Nuclear North Korea and America North Korea apparently has become the 9th nuclear power.   Nobel laureate and politics Every Bangladeshi was overwhelmed with joy when the announcement came that Dr. Muhammad Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize.   Nepal's future After the historic revolution of Nepali people, Nepal has landed into a different ground. Monarchy has already ended. Now the future of Nepali people is in the politicians' hands.   Western devices and moon-sighting If you want to know the time, you have to resort to the wristwatch made in some western country. If one desires to improve his sight, he has to take glasses and artificial lens made in the west.   Kuldip Nayar's article This is in reference to Mr. Kuldip Nayar's article about incoherence of activities of the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil war published in your daily on the 10th October 2006.   The lost children It is matter of great concern that lots of young boys and girls go missing for reasons unknown every now and then. The matter is unfortunately an age-old phenomenon in our society.   Attention: drama scriptwriters I currently reside in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. You must be wondering, what my purpose of writing to you is. Before I go on further, I will introduce myself to you briefly. Star City Stranded and anxious millions pray for peace The uncertain political situation and lack of transport facilities have left thousands of Dhaka dwellers stranded at their home districts and many of those returning to the city after the Eid holidays   Supply down, demand up Long Eid holidays followed by turbulent political situation has virtually stopped supply of rice, fish, chicken and vegetables to the city as transport system has almost collapsed.   Dhaka: Yesterday, today and tomorrow Sajahan Sarder is a bird specialist, president of Bangladesh Bird Watcher's Society and Secretary general of Nature Conservation Committee spoke to Wahida Mitu.   Overheard in the last two days ... Last week the air of the city was filled with gossip and speculations.   Unruly pedestrians ignore over bridge The majority of pedestrians prefer to cross streets in an undisciplined manner ignoring the 40 odd foot-over bridges that have been built across the city for their use.   Eid sees smooth supplies of power and water The consumption of electricity, water and gas that was reduced by half with an estimated five million dwellers away, rendered a well deserved interval in the series of supply shortages.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.