Vol. 5 Num 935 Mon. January 15, 2007       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan National International Culture Views Point-counterpoint Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Special Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page New advisers assert protecting rights The newly formed council of advisers to the caretaker government yesterday started searching for ways to reconstitute the Election Commission (EC), and to update the voter list for holding the next parliamentary   EC to invite 2 major alliances for dialogue The Election Commission (EC) will invite the two major political alliances to discuss how to hold the ninth parliamentary election peacefully after all activities of the January 22 poll were postponed   We can be repressed but not silenced Most regrettably, the newly formed caretaker government headed by Dr. Fakruddin Ahmed seems to be headed in the direction of a confrontation with the independent media, both electronic and print.   Toxic ship barred from Chittagong Port The government yesterday denied ocean liner MT Apsheron entry to Bangladesh until it is decontaminated first somewhere outside the country's boundary.   Court accepts charge sheet against 13 lawyers A Dhaka court yesterday accepted the charge sheet of the case filed against eminent lawyers Dr Kamal, barristers Amir Ul Islam, Rokanuddin Mahmud and 10 others for vandalising on the Supreme Court (SC)   AL, BNP want free, fair polls the soonest The two political rivals of the country--Awami League (AL) and BNP--both want to see a free and fair election and handover of power to an elected government as soon as possible.   Hand over power to elected govt as soon as possible: BNP Immediate past ruling party BNP yesterday hoped that necessary steps would be taken to hand over the power to the elected representatives as early as possible to end the state of emergency that the president   Secretary Akhtar turns into deputy secretary Power Division Secretary ANH Akhtar Hossain finally landed three notches down to deputy secretary yesterday after he was elevated to the prestigious post under the presidential quota during the immediate   Economy to grow 7pc despite unrest Despite recent disruptions caused by the pre-election political unrest, the Bangladesh Bank (BB) estimates a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth of seven per cent in the current fiscal year (FY07).   Ctg port back to life, container jam eases Chittagong port sprang to life with delivery of about 4,000 containers in the last three days thanks to different steps taken by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) to ease congestion.   1,500-yr old temple discovered The remains of an old temple have been discovered at Behar Dhap of Shibganj upazila in Bogra recently, according to the officials of the department of archaeology.   Photojournalists detained at BOU for taking snaps of tree felling The authorities of Bangladesh Open University (BOU) yesterday held and locked up two photojournalists in an office room on its Gazipur campus for around seven hours as they were taking pictures of valuable   3 wounded as criminals spray bullets while looting shop Armed criminals sprayed bullets injuring three people and looted valuables from a motor decoration and accessories store at Bijoynagar in the capital yesterday.   US, UK deny role in domestic politics The United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) yesterday disagreed with some notion that they had favoured the state of emergency in Bangladesh as a means to resolve the impasse over the general elections.   BDR, BSF trade heavy gunshots Tension is mounting along the border areas of Panchagarh, Naogaon and Joypurhat districts following exchange of heavy gunfire between Border Security Force (BSF) of India and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) overnight,   3 JMB cadres held with 28kg power gel Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested three Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) activists from different places of the district and also recovered 56 packs (28 kgs) of power gel from one of the arrestees   2 outlaws killed by rivals Members of the outlawed Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP) Red Flag faction allegedly hacked and shot two rival party members to death at Ataikula upazila in Pabna on Saturday night.   Poush Sankranti   Demolishing a fountain...   DU student strike finally postponed Chhatra Sangram Parishad (CSP), an alliance of 14-party backed student organisations, yesterday postponed its indefinite student strike at Dhaka University (DU), "taking into account the greater interest   HC asks law enforcers not to harass Mamun, his wife The High Court (HC) yesterday issued a rule asking the law enforcement agencies not to arrest or harass Gias Uddin Al Mamun, managing director of a private television channel, Channel 1, and his wifeShahina   Pakistan, India renew peace vow Pakistan and India renewed their commitment to carry forward a peace dialogue during talks between their foreign ministers here Saturday, but no breakthrough emerged on major issues.   No 'temporary' Palestinian state Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday that he opposes the establishment of a provisional Palestinian state within temporary borders.   Iraq president flies to Syria for security talks Iraqi President Jalal Talabani arrived in Syria yesterday on the first such high-level visit in three decades to a country accused by the United States of fuelling the violence in his homeland.   Rejoinder Former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar yesterday protested a report carried in The Daily Star on Saturday.   India to host global energy confce today Energy ministers from 10 oil-producing countries were expected to attend an oil and gas conference starting today in New Delhi against a backdrop of tumbling oil prices, officials said. Business DSE turnover hits new high as political tension eases Turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday reached Tk 92.   Asean, China sign key economic deal China and Asean signed a landmark economic cooperation deal Sunday that will further open market access in key services sectors.   Jute yarn, twine export on the rise With robust growths in jute yarn and twine exports during the last five years, earning from the spinning sub-sector is on the rise, giving a boost to the jute industry.   US, S Korea resume free trade talks today The United States and South Korea resume long-running free-trade talks on Monday with hopes receding of a deal between two countries whose annual trade already tops 70 billion dollars.   Thailand struggles to maintain economic credibility Poor timing and backtracking by Thailand over amendments to its foreign ownership rules could damage both the economy and the government's credibility, analysts warned.   Asian leaders may pledge oil alternatives today Leaders across Asia will endorse a pledge today to move toward nuclear and other alternative energies to help cut the region's dependence on fossil fuels.   WB warns India againstfull float of rupee without safeguards The World Bank and industry chamber Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have warned the government against full float of rupee without putting in place necessary safeguards.   BracNet launches free online classifieds bracNet, a joint venture between Brac, and US-based gNet DDH LLC, recently launched an online classifieds section on its web portal bracnet.net, says a press release.   Honda to set up second plant in India Japan's Honda Motors plans to set up a 200- million-dollar car plant in India to take advantage of the South Asian country's rapidly-growing vehicle market.   Nine in 10 Singaporeans fear losing jobs to foreigners Nearly nine out of 10 Singaporeans fear foreign professionals will take their jobs, and oppose efforts to woo them to the city-state, the Sunday Times reported.   Tibet to subsidise low-income people More than 230,000 farmers and herdsmen in Tibet with an income of less than 800 yuan (100 U.S. dollars) a year will receive subsidies in 2007, according to local authorities.   Factory in Karnaphuli EPZ to employ 2,025 locals China and Japan will invest US$ 6.598 million to set up a finished leather footwear and leather goods and related component plant in Karnaphuli Export Processing Zone.   India's paperindustry poisedto grow 100pcin 10 years The Indian Paper Industry is poised to grow from 7.2 million tonnes in 2005-06 to 13.   Venezuela to nationalise whole energy sector Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Saturday the country's entire energy sector had to be nationalized, reinforcing his socialist revolution and possibly giving himself more targets for state takeover.   Singer to use resource planning software of Swedish firm Singer Bangladesh Ltd will use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application of Industrial & Financial Systems (IFS), a Swedish company that develops business software.   Venezuela, Iran seek Opec oil cut Venezuela and Iran strengthened their growing ties on Saturday with a stream of anti-US statements, various commercial agreements and a pledge to push for a cut in world oil supplies to counter plunging   Currency Sports Cricket: Contrasting wins for old foes Arafat Sunny pulled pacer Sirajullah Khadem for a six in the last over to take Moha-mmedan Sporting Club to an exciting two-wicket victory over City Club in the Kai-Altech Premier Cricket League at the   Football: Abahani's B. League prep begins Abahani began their training camp yesterday for the inaugural Professional Football League -- the B. League -- which kicks off on February 15.   Cricket: Slim lead for Pakistan Left-arm spinner Paul Harris took three wickets as Pakistan struggled to set a defendable target on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa at Centurion Park Sunday.   Cricket: Aussies roll over Kiwis Australia produced some brilliant fielding as they thrashed New Zealand by 105 runs to remain unbeaten in the triangular one-day series on Sunday.   Cricket: Best back with vigour Focus is the buzzword for Tino Best during the 2007 season. The West Indies fast bowler has bounced back with an impressive start to the new regional season after the disappointment of last year.   Cricket: Yuvraj eyes last 2 ODIs Yuvraj Singh, the Indian middle-order batsman, has targeted the last two one-dayers against West Indies to stage his international comeback, three months after he tore a ligament in the knee while training   Cricket: Ponting firm on KP issue Australian captain Ricky Ponting has sought to defend his team's action in the wake of criticism that none of his players rushed to check on Kevin Pietersen's well-being when he was struck in the ribs   Cricket: Woolmer quizzed The uneasy relationship between Pakistan Cricket Board and Bob Woolmer was highlighted again on Sunday with some of its officials questioning the authority of the foreign coach.   Cricket: Mixed messages from Dubai So Darrell Hair has been appointed to stand in the triangular one-day series in Mombasa next week, the first time he will don the white coat since that gloomy Sunday afternoon at The Oval in August when   Cricket: Joyce to be himself Ed Joyce insists he will not try to replicate the exploits of Kevin Pietersen when he replaces the injured batsman in the England middle-order.   Cricket: We're not biased: PCB The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to charges in a local newspaper of nepotism and cronyism among journalists while asserting that Nasim Ashraf, chairman of the board, remains committed to   Football: United keep their distance Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said it was critical the Premier-ship leaders did not become distracted by title talk after a 3-1 win against Aston Villa saw them stay six points clear atthe   Football: Rampant Inter set record Inter Milan won 3-1 at Torino on Saturday to set a new Serie A record of 12 consecutive victories and open up a 10-point lead at the top of the table.   Football: Invincible Inter Inter Milan won 3-1 at Torino on Saturday to set a new Serie A record of 12 consecutive victories and open up a 10-point lead at the top of the table.   Football: Real axe stuns Beckham David Beckham admitted on Saturday that he was stunned by Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello's decision to call time on his career at the Spanish giants.   Tennis: Roger, Kim favourites Roger Federer, a rare loss to Andy Roddick notwithstanding, is all the rage to chase down his third Australian Open title over the next fortnight.   Cricket: Pakistan to complain against Nel The Pakistan cricket team is unhappy with the antics of South African pacer Andre Nel and is planning to lodge a formal complaint with the match referee after the first Test at the Centurion.   Cricket: Proteas may tour Lanka South Africa are likely to visit Sri Lanka later this year to make up for abandoning the tri-series (Unitech Cup) with India and Sri Lanka in August last year.   Cricket: Ponting pleased Skipper Ricky Ponting was pleased with Australia's resounding win over New Zealand but insisted there was still room for improvement.   Football: Mancini plays down record Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has played down the significance of his team's record-breaking 12-match winning streak.   Football: Terry firmly behind Mourinho Chelsea captain John Terry firmly backed manager Jose Mourinho to say he was the best in the business and that senior players would do their best to ensure he stays with the Premiership champions.   Football: Davids set to follow David Tottenham's Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids is following David Beckham's path to the United States, signing with FC Dallas of Major League Soccer, La Opinion Spanish language newspaper reported Saturday.   Football: England snub drove Becks: Robson Former England manager Bobby Robson has claimed it was David Beckham's ousting from the national side which resulted in him moving to semi-retirement with Los Angeles Galaxy.   Football: Espanyol rule Catalunya Reigning Spanish and European champions Bar-celona crashed to their worst defeat of the season when they went down 3-1 to local rivals Espanyol on Saturday.   Football: Wenger elated with Gunners Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger paid tribute to his team's commitment as they continued their amazing start to the New Year with an impressive 2-0 victory away to Blackburn Rovers.   Football: 'Crisis, what crisis?' Jose Mourinho dismissed talk of a crisis at Chelsea after his side's 4-0 win over Wigan at Stamford Bridge.   Football: Lyon slump, PSG free-fall Lyon slumped to only their second league defeat of the season on Saturday as the five-time French champions as well as fallen giants PSG caught a severe winter chill.   Football: Rijkaard admits wake-up call Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard tried to look on the bright side of life on Sunday after the reigning Spanish and European champions' worst defeat of the season less than 12 hours earlier.   Football: Cech poised for comeback Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech is poised to make his long-awaited comeback from serious injury, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said on Saturday. "On Monday I have a 50 million pounds ($96).   Football: Liverpool takeover soon Dubai International Capital (DIC) should complete its takeover of English Premier League club Liverpool soon, club chief executive Rick Parry said on Sunday.   Football: MLS, Mexico to square off in SuperLiga Major League Soccer and the Mexican First Division announced the formation of SuperLiga, a tournament involving four clubs from each league that will compete for a one million-dollar first prize. Metropolitan 2 brothers strangled in Keraniganj Two brothers were strangled by their cousin following an altercation with their mother over a sewing machine in Keraniganj on Saturday night.   Incorporate indigenous people's issues into election manifestoes Leaders of indigenous community have called on the political parties to incorporate the issues of the constitutional recognition of the ethnic people and separate land commission for them into election   4 die in road crashes At least four people were killed and seven others injured in separate road accidents in Gopalganj, Keraniganj and Gaibandha yesterday.   5 murdered in 24 hrs A trader was shot dead, two brothers were strangled and two others were found dead in Savar, Keraniganj and Dhaka within a span of 24 hours.   'Work overtime to offset losses' International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) yesterday urged all business organisations, including ports, banks and industries to work overtime to recoup the losses caused by recent political programmes,   Juta polls uncertain Election to Jahangirnagar University Teachers' Association (Juta), scheduled to be held on January 27, has become uncertain due to probable rules being formulated by the government to impose a ban onthe   Schoolgirl found dead in Satkhira A schoolgirl was found dead in a beel of Nakipur village in Shyamnagar upazila yesterday noon.   Ex-commissioner held by army Army men yesterday arrested Motiur Rahman Mashik, a locally influential political leader, but the reason of his arrest could not be known.   RMP employee held, 30 bullets seized Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) yesterday held an employee of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) and seized 30 bullets of shotgun from him.   Unanimous 'development prescription' to emerge Cellphone operator Grameenphone and Channel-i are jointly producing and airing a fortnightly talk-show programme on development issues of Bangladesh.   Six muggers on 3-day remand Six muggers who snatched Tk 17 lakh from the manger of Bulbul Textile Mills Ltd inside a bank in Motijheel were taken on three-day remand yesterday. Of the amount, Tk 2.   Recruitment process of edn project suspended The recruitment process of Secondary Education Sector Development Project (SESDP) has been suspended following The Daily Star report headlined 'Move on to recruit 782 in education project on political   Guardians protest admission fee hike Guardians of the students of Motijheel Ideal School and College yesterday staged demonstration in front of the school protesting the increase of admission fees for class six.   Cotton, property worth Tk 9.5 lakh gutted in Chittagong Around 100 bales of cotton and property worth around Tk 9.5 lakh were gutted in a fire at a cotton mill here yesterday.   BNP-backed UP chairman arrested in Ctg Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) yesterday arrested a BNP-backed union parishad (UP) chairman, who is accused in more than one dozen of criminal cases, with a pistol and bullets from Raozan upazila   'Enact laws to protect HR of indigenous people' Adibashi (indigenous) leaders yesterday demanded enactment of appropriate law to protect their human rights including culture and heritage.   'Help cold-hit people' Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) yesterday called upon benevolent people to extend their helping hand to cold-hit people by donating warm clothes and cash.   Newly married couple donate Tk 1.45 lakh to cancer hospital Rezwan Sharif and Rupsha Iqbal, a newly married couple, have set a wonderful example by donating the money they received from the guests at their wedding reception to Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital (AMCH),   1518 arrested During countrywide raids in last 24 hours, members of police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested 1518 people for having direct involvement in criminal activities.   OIC hails Fakhruddin's appointment Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has welcomed the appointment of Fakhruddin Ahmed as the new chief adviser to the caretaker government.   JU classes resume today Academic activities at Jahangirnagar University (JU) will resume today after a 17-day vacation on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Azha.   Trader robbed of Tk 8.5 lakh Miscreants snatched away Tk 8.5 lakh from a trader in Chittagong city yesterday morning.   Schoolboy murdered in Khulna Police recovered a body of a school student yesterday from the bank of Kobadak River near Agarghata bazar under Paikgacha upazila of Khulna district. His hands and legs were found tied up with rope.   Fishing boat with urea seized Members of Bangladesh Coast Guard seized a fishing boat with 230 sacks of urea fertiliser while being smuggled to Myanmar early yesterday.   Coast Guards strengthen security Bangladesh Coast Guards have strengthened their security measures across the country to combat crimes through water ways. They conducted search operations in 235 cargo boats in last 72 hours.   NU exams rescheduled The National University has rescheduled its postponed examinations, says a press release.   Former AL MP Bari passes away MA Bari, former Awami League lawmaker, passed away due to a cardiac arrest at Apollo Hospitals in Dhaka on Sunday morning at the age of 70.   Birth anniversary of Mohiuddin Ahmed today Today is the 82nd birth anniversary of late Mohiuddin Ahmed, a language movement veteran and organiser of the Libera-tion War, says a press release. National BPC fuel depots in Balashi, Chilmari empty for 3 weeks Two floating fuel depots in Gaibandha and Kurigram districts are dry for about three weeks as oil tankers can not approach them because the Jamuna channel has silted up.   Unabated illegal sand lifting from Meghna, Titas river beds Illegal sand lifting from Meghna and Titas river beds near Brahmanbaria town is threatening the river banks with erosion and damaging the ecology.   Hide traders in Rangpur, Dinajpur hostage to Dhaka tanners The quality of hides and skin collected in greater Rangpur and Dinajpur districts during Eid-ul-Azha this year may fall as local traders were compelled to preserve those in traditional unscientific process   Rais Uddin's Tk 60,000 fish Rais Uddin came to the traditional fish fair again this year. From his boyhood, he never missed the annual fair on the bank of Kushiyara at Sherpur, about 22 kilometers from Moulvibazar district town.   Ex-state minister Milon among 129 sued At least 129 leaders and activists of Kochua BNP and front organisations including former state minister for education A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon were sued in three separate cases filed with a magistrate   Another injured in BSF firing dies border in Tetulia upazila in Panchagarh district Friday morning, died at Rangpur Medical College Hospital in the early hours of Saturday, BDR sources said here yesterday.   HSTU classes now to begin on Jan 21 First year Honours classes at Haji Danesh Science and Technology University (HTSU), scheduled to begin yesterday, will now begin on January 21. Point-Counterpoint Political bankruptcy: A threat to state sovereignty Our major political parties, only because of their lust for power, have thrust the nation into a state of emergency.   President Bush's irreconcilable attitude on Iraq I cannot resist the temptation to offer my hats-off to the president of the United States, George W Bush for his steadfast and unshakeable determination to continue the course in Iraq, whatever mightbe Culture A multifaceted artiste Anational award winning actress and dancer, Chandni was a student of Viqarunnessa Noon School and College and is currently completing her Masters in marketing.   Austro-Bangla book on lyrics An interesting bilingual book-- a collaboration by the Austrian poet of renown, Manfred Chobot and Bangladeshi poet, Anisur Rahman --was recently launched at the BRAC Centre.   'Bhalobasha Mondobasha' on ntv Mega-serial Bhalobasha Mondobasha will be aired tonight at 9:50pm on ntv. In Bhalobasha Mondobasha, every character is in search of love, peace and happiness in life.   'Kath Koylar Chhobi' on ATN Bangla Based on Selina Hossain's story, 17th episode of the drama serial, Kath Koylar Chhobi will be aired tonight at 8:00 pm. An expatriate Dulal returns to Bangladesh to find his mother.   Bollywood glitz in a Times Square debut The red-carpet event for the movie Guru was a rare American treatment for a feature from Bollywood, the Mumbai-based film industry. International Asean urges N Korea to desist from further nuclear tests Southeast Asian nations urged North Korea yesterday to cancel any plans for a second nuclear test and to address the world's humanitarian concerns about the secretive country.   China, Japan , S Korea find common ground on N Korea, mending ties China, Japan and South Korea yesterday held their first summit together in two years, finding common ground on North Korea and on mending their own fractured relations.   11 killed in Sri Lanka as Tigers, troops trade fire At least five soldiers and six civilians were killed in Sri Lanka as Tamil Tiger rebels and government troops traded long-range artillery fire in the island's restive east, officials said yesterday.   Nato-Afghan operation kills 30 Taliban A military operation in which a British soldier died in Afghanistan at the weekend left about 30 Taliban fighters dead, Afghan police said yesterday.   Maoists in Nepal set to enter parliament The transformation of Nepal's Maoists from rebels to mainstream politicians moved closer yesterday after the cabinet approved an interim constitution giving the ultra-leftists seats in a new parliament.   Troops raid Somali rebel hideouts, seize arms Troops carried out fresh raids on suspected rebel hideouts in Somalia's capital Mogadishu yesterday after the transitional government was handed the power to impose martial law.   Asia on high alert for bird flu resurgence Four bird flu deaths in Indonesia and a spate of new poultry outbreaks in Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia are signs the virus could make a resurgence this northern winter, health experts warn.   Myanmar continues to dog Asian diplomacy Myanmar has once again dogged the best efforts of Asian diplomacy after Southeast Asian leaders bridled at US attempts to have the UN Security Council condemn the army-ruled state.   Hillary Clinton in Afghanistan US Senator Hillary Clinton was in Afghanistan yesterday for talks with President Hamid Karzai including discussions on whether more US troops should be sent to fight the Taliban insurgency, officialssaid.   10 ex-Nazis convicted in Italy An Italian military court Saturday convicted 10 former Nazi SS officers and soldiers for the massacre of 955 people in a northern Italian town during World War II.   New genetic clue to Alzheimer's found Researchers have identified a second gene responsible for the most common form of Alzheimer's disease, a development that may make it easier to screen for, and ultimately treat, this devastating brain   Buddhist man beheaded in Thai south A Buddhist man was beheaded after he and his wife were gunned down early yesterday in Thailand's Muslim-majority south, police said.   Bomb hits petrol tanker in Pakistan A bomb attached to a petrol tanker travelling from Pakistan to supply US forces in Afghanistan exploded yesterday but caused no casualties, officials said.   Hindus swarm to Ganges to wash away sins Tens of thousands of Hindu devotees plunged joyfully into the frigid Ganges river yesterday to cleanse away their sins on an auspicious day at a huge religious festival in northern India.   India swears in first 'untouchable' chief justice India yesterday swore in its first Supreme Court chief justice from the oppressed group at the bottom of India's caste hierarchy once known as "untouchables". Editorial Editorial: Press censorship We notice with a sense of regret and serious concern that attempts are being made to censor the press.   Editorial: Carry on with the raids The drive by the army, Rab and police against some listed terror elements, black money holders and sponsors of criminal elements, better known as godfathers, has indeed gone down well with the publicas   Oh, those meddling foreigners ... We are not happy at all. On the contrary, we are now very, very angry at the turn of events.   Anger mismanagement Winter is no longer the only season of discontent. April is going to be cruellest month, and for the same reason.   The rape of Iraq Iraq is not just a US electoral issue. It's human tragedy of celestial proportions. The time has arrived when it will be quite in order to situate the tragedy in a historical context. Letters to Editor Place the country above politics The four-party alliance and the grand alliance are not working for the welfare of the people of Bangladesh, rather they are more interested in grabbing power for the next five years so that they can rob   Iraq needs its own Gandhi US president George W.   Death of a sacred ideal The AL has put coffin on the greatest ideal for which Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman struggled all his life.   Ershad factor Former President H.M. Ershad was deposed 17 years ago. Several cases were filed against him. Some were resolved and he endured jail sentences.   Election-a suggestion Today (10. 1.07) I was reading the newspaper with a heavy heart. We live so far away from our family and relatives that every time something is happening in our country, it makes us worried and sad. Special Rise all the brave warriors of sal forest Once there was no chu in habima's (motherland) Mandi locality in the natural sal forest. Chu is the traditional drink (liquor) of the Mandis. Star City Govt decides to build approach road The government has in principle decided to construct an approach road from the Rayerbazar embankment to Satmasjid Road to facilitate movement of vehicles from the city to the 3rd Buriganga Bridge at Basila,   Coldest winter in years Last week was the coldest for dwellers of Dhaka in recent years as spells of cold wave enveloped the whole country.   Dug Up And Abandoned   Dark streets pave haven for muggers To the sufferings of thousands of commuters and locals, streetlights on a stretch of 5 kilometre-long road between Malibagh and Mugda are still not operational although the lights were installed in March   A glimpse of hope for slum children When politics takes centre stage, glimpse of hope beacons at Kathalbagan area of the city. At Free School Street, around 250 slum children find their way to education.   © thedailystar.net, 2007. All Rights Reserved.