Vol. 5 Num 1085 Wed. June 20, 2007       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan National International Culture General Views Point-counterpoint Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Star Chittagong Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Hasina has to quit for young leadership Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina will have to quit the post of party chief as she yesterday made a dramatic proposal for allowing young leaders to lead the party.   Rupali buyer silent, handover uncertain Stagnancy has gripped the state-owned Ruplai Bank as its prospective buyer, a Saudi prince, apparently stopped communication with the government creating uncertainty about the bank's handing over.   Reformist BNP leaders in dilemma over Khaleda's fate Pro-reforms leaders of BNP are now in a dilemma whether to keep the party chairperson in place with reduced power or to ask her to quit as the reformists are divided over the issue.   Worn out, they see no light at end of tunnel The clock struck 2:00am declaring to the police constable guarding the entrance of a private office at Karwan Bazar in the capital a few days ago that he had been on duty there for 18 hours at a stretch.   Remembering the genocide The dead bodies were thrown into an underground water tank of a pump house and the killers thought they could sink into oblivion all evidence of the genocide, but almost after three decades an excavation   Falu remanded again in relief embezzlement case Detained former BNP lawmaker Mosaddak Ali Falu was placed on a four-day fresh remand yesterday in a criminal case while Gulshan police filed a case against Barisal City Corporation Mayor Mujibor Rahman   PDB top management running on makeshift arrangements The top management along with about 100 other technical officers of Power Development Board (PDB) is running on makeshift arrangements for many months because the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) is not   Factories polluting water...   DoE officials defy mobile court order for filing case The officials of the Department of Environment (DoE) in Chittagong on Monday allegedly dilly-dallied for hours to file a case, defying a mobile court's orders against an influential business group inconnection   Credible polls by end-2008 Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said the present caretaker government is constitutional and accountable to the people and is moving towards holding a free, fair and credible election bythe   Mohiuddin to apply to SC for a delayed leave to appeal AKM Mohiuddin Ahmed, a condemned killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family, will apply to the Supreme Court for allowing him to submit a delayed leave to appeal against the High   Restriction again on entry to Sudha Sadan Restriction was imposed again yesterday on entering Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina's residence Sudha Sadan.   BB asks for Bank account status of Selim, Helal, his wife Bangladesh Bank (BB) yesterday asked different commercial banks to submit bank account information of Awami League leaders Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Sheikh Helal and his wife Rupa Chowdhury.   Lack of proper maintenance...   Biman's target exceeded as 1,520 respond to retirement offer The number of Biman officials and employees responding to Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) reached 1,520 yesterday, surpassing the target of the Biman authorities, sources said.   Charges framed against Salehi, Prof Mohiuddin A Rajshahi court framed charges against six people including Rajshahi University (RU) teacher Mia Mohammad Mohiuddin and RU Islami Chhatra Shibir President Mahbubul Alam Salehi in the Prof S Taher Ahmed   BDR starts selling vegetables in city Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) starts marketing fresh vegetables in the city today through its 20 open markets as part of the ongoing efforts to stabilise the soaring prices of essentials.   GP unlikely to go public this year GrameenPhone (GP) is unlikely to float shares in the securities market this year and the earliest to do so would be the next year, said GP Chief Executive Officer Erik Aas in Singapore, reports Bloomberg.   3 JMB men held in Satkhira Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested three cadres of outlawed Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in Satkhira Sadar upazila on Monday night.   No taskforce to be assigned to probe Hasina's extortion cases Communications adviser and the chairman of the national coordination committee on checking serious crimes MA Matin yesterday said no taskforce would be assigned to investigate the cases against AwamiLeague   K Mosharraf's wife owns house in Kent Detained former health minister Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain yesterday submitted his wealth statement to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), saying that he owns immovable property worth about Tk 67.   Chief engineer at security printing held over bribe Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) yesterday arrested Chief Engineer of Security Printing Corporation (Bangladesh) Ltd (SPCBL) Anwar Hossain when he was coming out of a private firm with bribed money at Baridhara   4 killed as train rams bus Four people were killed and 25 were injured when a speedy train rammed a passenger bus at Dherua Rail Crossing on Dhaka-Tangail Highway at Mirzapur upazila in the district yesterday afternoon.   Rejoinder Former president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury has issued a rejoinder to part of the report headlined "Big shots levelled vast terrain of Ctg hills"   2 more cases filed against ex-MP Gias Two more cases were filed against former BNP lawmaker Mohammad Giasuddin with Siddhirganj Police Station yesterday.   Bombing kills 75 in Baghdad A massive truck bomb exploded near a Shia mosque in the centre of the Iraqi capital yesterday, killing more than 75 people while 22 insurgents and 50 other people were killed in fighting with US-led forces   Iran refuses to rule out use of 'oil weapon' Iran yesterday refused to rule out using oil supplies as a weapon in the standoff over its nuclear programme, saying Washington had never excluded attacking the Islamic republic.   West restores direct aid to Palestinians Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas won the lifting of a crippling Western aid freeze amid efforts to isolate Hamas in its Gaza enclave, where fears are mounting of a humanitarian crisis. Business Adviser opposes long-term tariff protection for local industries Responding to business leaders' demand for reconsidering the duty structure proposed in the next fiscal's budget, the finance and planning adviser yesterday said tariff protection could not be carried   RMG's duty-free issue taken up with Washington Outgoing United States Ambassador Patricia Butenis yesterday informed business leaders that she has taken up the duty- and quota-free access of Bangladeshi ready made garments (RMG) with authorities in   High-tech solutions on display as S'pore ICT show kicks off Communic Asia 2007, the region's formative ICT exhibition and conference, kicked off yesterday in Singapore showcasing a wide range of cutting edge technologies and business solutions.   Tariff proposals to hurt local industries The tariff proposals in the proposed budget will benefit importers and put export- oriented domestic industries into trouble, speakers told a roundtable yesterday in Dhaka.   Key WTO players meet for 'decisive' talks in Germany The four key players in the World Trade Organization -- the United States, the European Union, Brazil and India -- arrived in Potsdam outside the German capital on Tuesday for critical talks to breakdeadlock   Ctg-Sharjah flights of Air Arabia launched Air Arabia, a budget airline based in the United Arab Emirates, launched its operations in Bangladesh on Monday initially offering two weekly flights between Sharjah and Chittagong.   New IMF reform tackles currency manipulation The International Monetary Fund has launched a new surveillance system on exchange-rate policies aimed at preventing a country from jeopardizing the health of the global economy.   WB directors interview Zoellick today The World Bank's executive directors late Monday invited former US trade chief Robert Zoellick, the sole candidate to head the poverty-fighting institution, for an interview on Wednesday.   Oil prices ease Oil prices eased in Asian trade Tuesday on profit-taking after hitting their highest levels since early September 2006 overnight, dealers said.   Temasek to sell three power generating companies Singapore's state-linked investment firm Temasek Holdings said Tuesday it plans to sell all three power generating companies under its stable in the next 12 to 18 months.   S Korea agrees to re-negotiate FTA with US South Korea Tuesday accepted a US demand that it re-negotiate a hard-won free trade deal to reflect Washington's new trade policy guidelines but vowed not to give anything away.   FMO, StanChart sign deal with 3 banks on trade facility Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) Bangladesh have recently signed an agreement on Bangladesh Trade Enhancement Facility (BDTEF) with 3 local private banks   Yen falls to new lows against euro, dollar The yen fell Tuesday to another low against the euro and a four-and-a-half-year trough against the dollar on expectations that Japanese interest rates will stay well below those in other major economies,   Sino investment in ROK lowering China's direct investment in South Korea fell last year for a second consecutive year as its interest in Asia's third-largest economy declined, a report said Tuesday.   Currency Sports Cricket: Tigers aim good show Bangladesh will open their Sri Lanka tour today with a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka A team at the Colombo Colts ground.   Mohammedans battle today Mohammedan will be on a double mission of returning to winning ways in the B.   Football: SAFF football on schedule Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) general secretary Anwarul Hoque Helal yesterday confirmed that the 5th SAFF Football Championship will be held on schedule this December.   Football: FIFA team to inspect BNS A FIFA inspection team will arrive in Dhaka on July 7 to scrutinise the Bangabandhu National Satdium as an international venue.   Cricket: England almost there Monty Panesar took five wickets, including West Indies marathon man Shivnarine Chanderpaul, as England neared victory in the fourth and final Test on the last day at Riverside here Tuesday.   Cricket: Big challenge for Rahul On March 23, India's World Cup challenge ended. In July, India opens its tour of England. Ample time existed to find a new coach.   Cricket: Vaughan quits ODI captaincy Michael Vaughan resigned as England's one-day captain with immediate effect here Monday.   Football: Real architect at dead end? Fabio Capello, who guided Real Madrid to the Spanish league title on Sunday, could quit coaching altogether if the club decide to sack him, media reported Tuesday amid speculation on who might replace   Football: Carlos excites Turks Thousands of fans cheered Roberto Carlos here on Tuesday as the Brazilian full-back formally signed with Turkish champions Fenerbahce.   Football: Lalas slams Premiership Stung by suggestions David Beckham is heading into semi-retirement in Major League Soccer (MLS), the President of LA Galaxy has branded the English Premiership an over-hyped, "inferior product.   Football: 'No change at Barca' Barcelona chairman Joan Laporta said Tuesday that he expected Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard and top stars Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o to stay at the club next season.   Football: Schuster pleads for Real deal Former Real Madrid player Bernd Schuster said Monday he has primed himself to become a possible replacement for Fabio Capello, the current coach of the Spanish giants, as of next season.   Cricket: M upsets another M Mahela Jayawardene expressed disappointment that Marvan Atapattu had decided to opt out of the upcoming three-Test series against Bangladesh starting on June 25 at the SSC.   Cricket: Nielsen to leave Tait alone Tim Nielsen has ruled out tinkering with Shaun Tait's bowling action despite the fact Tait was forced to have surgery on his right elbow on Tuesday.   Asif for World shooting meet Bangladesh's Commonwealth Games gold medallist shooter Asif Hossain Khan will take part in the World Shooting Competition in Germany.   5 new sport fed bosses The Youth and Sports Ministry yesterday appointed new presidents of five sport federations.   Cricket: 3 fight to fill Marvan void Three Sri Lankan batsmen are competing for the void created by the self-imposed absence of former captain and opening batsman Marvan Atapattu for the series against Bangladesh.   Cricket: Butt named vice-captain The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Salman Butt as Pakistan's vice-captain until December.   Chess: Prize distribution The prize distribution ceremony of the Destiny International Rating Chess Tournament-2007 was held at the National Sports Council (NSC) conference room yesterday.   Cricket: Harmy to have hernia surgery England fast bowler Stephen Harmison is to undergo surgery for a "non-serious hernia" operation, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced Tuesday. Metropolitan Make concerted moves to push thru' RTI Bill A workshop on media concluded yesterday with a call to make concerted moves to adopt the Right to Information (RTI) Bill and to make politicians, bureaucrats and the people aware of the need for greater   SSC exams begin Feb 1,HSC Apr 1 from 2010 SSC and its equivalent examinations will begin on February 1, and HSC and its equivalent examinations will begin on April 1 from 2010, says a press release.   Major reshuffle in Railway Bangladesh Railway administration has been reshuffled thoroughly, giving its high officials a June 26 deadline to swap their workstations.   Rehabilitation of 8,000 families in 6 months The District Disaster and Relief Rehabilitation Committee yesterday decided to allocate khas lands in Hathazari upazila for the rehabilitation of some 8,000 families living at foothills in the port city.   UN to help Bangladesh achieve development goals The United Nations will extend every possible support to Bangladesh to achieve its development goals as the county has a special place at the UN system.   Husband to die, father-in-law and mother-in-law get life A court here in Chittagong yesterday sentenced one to death and two others to life-term imprisonment in a case for instigating a housewife to commit suicide.   Dhaka University Day July 1 Forgotten 'Dhaka University Day', an annual celebration for all of the university family, is going to be revived after 18 years, as the authorities yesterday decided to celebrate the Day on July 1.   Probe body finds 10 more involved in enrolment A fact-finding committee formed to investigate the incidents of enrolment of fake students at Dhaka University (DU) yesterday identified 10 more people involved in the cheating.   Irregularities found Joint forces conducted a drive in different departments of Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) yesterday and found irregularities in providing treatment to patients of outdoor and emergency wards.   Trial of 8 JMB men begins Trial of the first sedition case against eight Jama,atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) leaders and activists of Dhamrai area began with deposition of the complainant at a Dhaka court yesterday.   Citigroup quiz contest launched to promote financial edn With a view to promote financial education among the young generation in the country, Citigroup Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Citigroup, yesterday announced the launching of a financial quiz competition   Rajshahi city beautification begins Banglalink, one of the popular mobile phone operators of the country, began a city beautification programme in Rajshahi yesterday.   Birth anniversary of poet Sufia Kamal today Today is the 96th birth anniversary of poet Begum Sufia Kamal, a champion of women's rights. Sufia Kamal, a major literary figure, dedicated her life to achieving empowerment of women.   Japanese volunteers' role lauded Japanese volunteers have been playing laudable role in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh for long, said the speakers at a seminar yesterday.   State of emergency due to failure of political leaders Khulna City Mayor and BNP leader Shaikh Tayebur Rahman yesterday said state of emergency was declared to avert imminent civil war in the country.   Incident of hill cutting unearthed A mobile court unearthed an incident of hill cutting in Bagghona area at Lalkhan Bazar in the port city yesterday.   World Refugee Day today World Refugee Day 2007 will be observed in the country as elsewhere in the world today with a call for ensuring shelters for all refugees. This year's theme of the day is "A New Home, A New Life".   15 injured in ferry collision in Paturia Fifteen people were injured in a head-on-collision between two BIWTC ferries at Paturia Ghat in the Padma River in Paturia in the early hours of yesterday.   Flood-affected Bangladeshis in Oman to get free passports The government has decided to give passports free of cost to the Bangladeshi workers affected by recent floods in Oman.   Expulsion of Col Oli demanded Twenty-seven national executive committee members of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) yesterday demanded expulsion of Executive President Col (Retd) Oli Ahmed and Shahadat Hossain Selim.   1,362 more held Police, in separate drives, arrested 1,362 people on various charges across the country in 24 hours ending at 6:00am yesterday.   CG urged to withdraw restriction The central committee members of Shadhinota Chikitshok Parishad urged the caretaker government to withdraw restriction on Sheikh Hasina's going to the United States, says a press release.   Dialogue with writers tomorrow A dialogue with writers, translators and readers organised by The Reading Circle Dhanmondi will be held at Omni Books, Genetic Plaza, Level 3, House 16, Road 27 at Dhanmondi in the city from 4:30 to 6:30pm   Dhaka to increase cooperation with Yangon: Iftekhar Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday said Bangladesh has been broadening cooperation with Myanmar in a number of areas, including trade and agriculture. National Flood situation worsens as most rivers burst banks More areas reeled under flood in Moulvibazar and Sylhet yesterday as rivers in the districts burst their embankments at several points Monday night.   Akhaura land port earns a lot, gets little attention Export of nine items through Akhaura land port that came to a halt on Saturday following Indian importers' refusal to take delivery protesting price increase, resumed yesterday.   Ex-Satkhira MP accused of grabbing water body Complaints were lodged with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Satkhira Deputy Commissioner and law enforcement agencies on Monday against former BNP lawmaker Habibul Islam Habib and his brother Rajibul   Poor but meritorious Rouf needs a boost Young Abdur Rouf was away when the headmaster of his school went to his home to tell that he scored Golden-A+ (over 80 percent marks in all subjects) in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination.   Relief for landslide victims Nishkriti and Concern Bangladesh jointly distributed relief among the affected people of landslides in Chittagong.   Dighinala UNO, two staff sent to jail Dighinala Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and his two staff who were arrested on Monday from their office for allegedly taking Tk 2,500 bribe from a timber trader and keeping illegal arms were sent to jail   Darshana municipality chairman held Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) yesterday arrested Matiur Rahman, chairman of Darshana municipality and general secretary of Alamdanga upazila Awami League (AL).   Noakhali Poura chairman, 4 others sued Noakhali Pourasabha chairman Harunur Rashid Azad and four others have been sued for allegedly demanding illegal toll.   Hundi trader held: Tk 4 lakh recovered Members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) yesterday evening arrested a hundi trader and recovered Tk.4 lakh from his possession at a check post in Benapole.   BDR, BSF trade fire on Satkhira border Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) traded gunfire on Hijaldi border in Kalaroa upazila early morning yesterday. Point-Counterpoint Media, transparency, and combating corruption For the past several months we have been enthralled by the saga of the amassing of incredible wealth by our former ministers and political leaders through larceny, extortion, and abuse of office.   Land of refuge Bangladesh has been hosting thousands of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar for the last 16 years.   Sufia Kamal: The legend Some years have passed since our dear Khalamma left us. But the legacy of this legendary figure remains. Culture An introduction to Chhow dance The classical Indian dance forms -- Kathak, Orissi, Manipuri and Bharat-natyam -- are widely practiced in Bangladesh. Certain dance forms however, have remained underexposed.   Concert at Shilpakala ends As band music has become a popular genre amongst the younger generation of the country, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) should take initiatives to promote the music, said discussants on the closing   Shanglap Theatre Festival '07 begins To celebrate its 29th anniversary theatre troupe Shanglap has arranged a four-day theatre festival at the Experimental Theatre Stage. The troupe members brought out a colourful procession on June 18.   "Jononi Shahoshika": A tribute to Sufia Kamal on channel i Channel i will air a special programme titled Jononi Shahoshika on poet Begum Sufia Kamal on her birth anniversary on June 20 at 4:30pm.   Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on first tour in 400 years Shakespearean actors from London's Globe Theatre are going on tour for the first time since the Black Death stalked Europe. General 2 murdered in city Two people including a housewife were killed in the city on Monday night. A husband allegedly killed his wife at their DOHS residence in Dhaka Cantonment.   Internal feud behind Malibagh double murder Internal feud might have played a role behind the Monday night double murder at Malibagh in the city, police sources said.   JCD attack on JU SCF activists condemned Different organisations yesterday condemned the attack on the agitating activists of Samajtantrik Chhatra Front (SCF) of Jahangirnagar University (JU) by the cadres of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD),student   Skilled human resources must to survive Skilled manpower is imperative for survival in the competitive world of the twenty-first century, said Attorney General Barrister Fida M Kamal yesterday.   2nd round raffle draw held The second round raffle draw of 'Steeltech Shining Offer', part of a three-month promotional programme by Steeltech Industries Ltd. International Taliban overrun Afghan district Taliban militants overran a district in southern Afghanistan and are pushing for control of another key area, sparking fierce clashes with Nato and Afghan forces that have left more than 100 people dead   US voices concern over Pak political crisis US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Monday that Washington was concerned about the political crisis in Pakistan and underlined the need for "free and fair" elections.   Troops kill over 250 Afghan civilians this yr Foreign and Afghan troops have killed nearly 250 civilians in Afghanistan this year and squandered goodwill towards the international military presence, non-government groups charged yesterday.   Sale of Russian fighter planes to Syria alarms Israel Israel is concerned about reported Russian deliveries of advanced MiG-31 fighter planes to its enemy Syria as part of an armaments drive, the top-selling Hebrew daily reported on Tuesday.   110 people killed in N Korean explosion A South Korean aid group said yesterday that about 110 people were killed in a gasoline pipeline blast 10 days ago in the northwest of North Korea.   US urges N Korea to act quickly US envoy Christopher Hill called yesterday on North Korea to act quickly on its promises to shut a nuclear reactor, saying a long dispute over frozen funds had finally reached its end.   China slave labour scandal widens amid rampant labour abuses China's slavery scandal widened yesterday with the state-run press reporting that young girls had been forced into prostitution at a brickyard work camp where abuse and beatings were routine.   15 killed in China storms Torrential rains in southwest China have triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving 15 people dead and two missing, the government reported Tuesday.   Assam sounds flood alert The Assam government on Tuesday sounded an alert after heavy monsoon rains and flash floods inundated more than a hundred villages, displacing nearly 150,000 people.   India completes talks on huge warplane deal India has completed negotiations over an order for 126 fighter jets that could cost up to nine billion dollars, Defence Minister AK Antony said Monday.   Global warming brings early spring to Arctic: Study In the upper reaches of Greenland, the Arctic spring comes several weeks earlier than it did a decade ago, according to a study released Monday that underscores the far-reaching impact of global warming   Sarkozy reshuffles French cabinet President Nicolas Sarkozy yesterday shook up his cabinet, putting a woman in charge of the French economy for the first time and naming a new government number two, after his party lost seats in parliamentary   Night flights to resume at main Lanka airport Sri Lanka's only international airport is to resume around-the-clock operations after air raids by the Tamil Tiger rebels forced its closure at night, an official said yesterday.   Thailand to nominate former FM as ASEAN chief Thailand will nominate a former foreign minister as the new secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional body, a government spokesman said.   Pakistan summons UK envoy over Rushdie award Pakistan summoned the British ambassador to the foreign ministry yesterday, officials from both sides said, amid mounting anger at the award of a knighthood to author Salman Rushdie.   French police free hostages held by robbers in Paris bank French police yesterday freed hostages held by armed robbers in a bank in a south Paris suburb after persuading the men to end their siege.   China surpasses US in 2006 carbon-dioxide emissions China for the first time spewed out more carbon-dioxide emissions last year than the United States, a Dutch government research body said yesterday.   Court delays Sanjay Dutt's sentencing An Indian anti-terror court yesterday delayed its sentencing of Bollywood film star Sanjay Dutt following a legal challenge by others convicted in connection with a series of bombings in Mumbai in 1993. Editorial Editorial: Return of the convict We are happy that one of the convicted killers in the Bangabandhu assassination case, who had been a fugitive so long, has been deported to Bangladesh.   Editorial: Reforming the police service The government plans to bring about some fundamental changes in the administrative and operational structure of the police force. This will be done through amending the Police Act of 1861.   Political reforms must go beyond party leaders There is a lot of talk about political reforms going around these days. The reasons are, of course, obvious.   Master of the game? Thirty six years ago almost to the day a good friend, Capt (later Maj Gen) Amin Ahmad Chaudhry (of Bangladesh), told me about Telemachus, a Christian monk who jumped into the ring at the Roman Coliseum   The Spanish miracle Spain has just celebrated with joy and pride the 30th anniversary of its first democratic elections after the end of the Franco regime. The Spaniards have every reason to be proud of this occasion. Letters to Editor Shia-Sunni violence Since the "surge" of US troops four months ago, Shia-Sunni bloodlettings in Iraq seem to have gone beyond control.   Chittagong scene The rains, water-logging and mudslide made Chittagong a place unfit for human habitation. It is the most cataclysmic rainfall and landslide in the history of Chittagong. People are homeless and helpless.   Agriculture subsidy It is often complained that the subsidy to the agriculture sector given by the government does not reach the farmers.   National ID card Collecting necessary information for the National ID card is a time consuming task. National ID card is applicable for the youngest child and the oldest person who are valid citizens of the country.   No garbage disposal! Nearly three million people live in Agargaon and Taltola. So the quantity of the household garbage collected each day from this area is easily imaginable.   Voter ID to contain corruption As we know that the present government is serious about rooting out corruption from society, I would like to suggest the following steps:   ID card project If the government steps back from its earlier decision to implement the ID card project, it will be the first major sign of its weakness and will send a wrong message to the people who are waiting for   Taxes on textile machinery Bangladesh, unfortunately, manufactures low-value goods.   Lost canals Heavy rain has destroyed the sewerage system. Dhaka City Corporation has decided that they will change the system and its water extraction plan.   Poor Dhaka ! I'm presently residing in Sudbury On, Canada. I am a regular reader of your newspaper. I am a management professional. I want to share some views and ideas with you.   Mugging Incidents of mugging by drugging commuters or pedestrians have been rising sharply in the city.   Human rights The government cannot gain the confidence and trust of the people unless they have discipline and order in their own house.   Language Everyone knows that the role of language in communication is very important, especially when communicating with the public.   Arrests I don't think I would be in the minority if I were to say that I was quite skeptical when the first batch of arrests was made in February.   Hasina and her foreign tours Sheikh Hasina goes overseas every now and then. Even if you travel like a commoner, the minimum you have to spend per trip is half a million in our currency for a seven-day stay.   An English medium school As I look up from my desk in my Head's office, I see my girls having their Song and Dance classes. The songs and dances are, of course, Bengali, and the standard is extremely good.   Corruption I am living in the UK for the past 40 years. Star Chittagong Over 500 people risk lives at CU foothills Over 500 family members of fourth class employees of Chittagong University (CU) are now living in the vulnerable foothills and in hill pockets on the campus with constant fear of fresh devastating landslides   Move to develop city drainage system The authorities concerned have started pursuing development of a proper drainage system in the port city with the launch of massive crackdown on the perpetrators of hill cutting and encroachers of Chaktai Star City Recovery is not enough! Dhaka Water and Sewerage Authority's (Wasa) efforts to recover the 12 city canals from illegal occupancy may bring a little respite from waterlogging in the city due to lack of appropriate measures to   Irregularities halt construction work Construction work on the third Buriganga Bridge at Basila has come to a halt with complications arising from unspecified deviation from the original plan and irregularities in land acquisition, sources   Rajuk to go tough on DU Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) will serve a notice on the Dhaka University (DU) authorities to stop the construction of all buildings without Rajuk authorisation, said Rajuk Chairman KAM Haroon.   'Judiciary played a vital role in protecting urban environment' Ritwick Dutta is a young environmental lawyer and activist from India. He has been practising at the Supreme Court of India since 2001. His focused areas include forest and wildlife issues.   NAM flats to be rented out to government officials The NAM flats, which were allotted to the lawmakers of dissolved eighth parliament, will now be rented out, cancelling earlier allocation that permitted the former lawmakers to stay in the flats until   City hawkers ...   © thedailystar.net, 2007. All Rights Reserved.