Vol. 5 Num 1087 Fri. June 22, 2007       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan Culture General Views Point-counterpoint Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Environment World Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Ex-state minister Aman gets 13yrs, wife 3yrs in jail A Special Court dealing with graft cases yesterday sentenced former state minister Amanullah Aman to 10 years' rigorous and three years' simple imprisonment and fined Tk 10 lakh in a corruption case for   Selim shared extortion money with Hasina Detained Awami League (AL) leader Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim yesterday confessed to a metropolitan magistrate that he shared with former prime minister and AL chief Sheikh Hasina Tk 2.   Amu followers won't hand Hasina their reform plan The pro-reform leaders of Awami League (AL) in their first 'open but informal' meeting yesterday nearly finalised their 25-point intra-party reform proposal and decided to place it to the AL Central Working   BNP reformists to make plan public soon Pro-reform leaders in BNP are determined to make public the much-talked-about reform proposals within a couple of days although party Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Wednesday said she is preparing a proposal   Red tape shoos away prospective investors The prospective entrepreneurs are shying away from investing in the CNG sector due mainly to bureaucratic red tape, although demand for the fuel is increasing fast following skyrocketing prices of petrol   NBR asks banks for account details of 60 individuals, companies The National Board of Revenue (NBR) yesterday asked different commercial banks to submit the transaction reports of 60 individuals and companies, including political leaders, businessmen and their relatives,   2 ex-Jamaat MPs sued on criminal charges Separate criminal cases were filed against former Jamaat-e-Islami lawmakers Maulana Abdus Subhan and Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher in Pabna and Comilla yesterday.   Liberation War memorial opens at Mirpur Another initiative to preserve Liberation War memories from oblivion began with the inauguration of Jalladkhana (Butcher's Den), a memorial site in Mirpur in the capital.   EC drafting rules for controversy- free CEC selection The Election Commission (EC) is drafting the proposed rules of appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners to put an end to the practice of appointing persons to the   Conviction warrant against AKM Mohiuddin sent to Dhaka jail A Dhaka court yesterday sent a conviction warrant to the Dhaka Central Jail against AKM Mohiuddin Ahmed, a condemned killer of Bangabandhu and most of his family members.   Proceedings of graft case against Huda, Sigma adjourned A Dhaka court yesterday adjourned the proceedings of the graft case filed against detained former communications minister Nazmul Huda and his wife Sigma Huda until June 25.   Demolishing illegal establishments   Dhaka, Delhi to sign MoU to remove non-tariff barriers Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon is set to arrive Sunday on a three-day trip, during which Dhaka and New Delhi will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to remove non-tariff barriers and   Works ministry takes charge of 73 NAM flats Ministry of Housing and Public Works yesterday formally took charge of 73 vacant NAM flats reserved for the lawmakers from the Parliament Secretariat.   Shops of food, drugs to remain open after 7pm All small shops mainly selling rice, pulses, vegetables, meat, fish, milk, bread, pastry, sweets and fruits will remain open after 7:00pm, as the shops have been kept out of the purview of the ongoing   DoE director Mosharraf stand released M Mosharraf Hossain, director of the Department of Environment (DoE), Chittagong, was stand released yesterday allegedly for negligence of duties.   Manmohan offers $10m for landslide victims Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has offered $10 million to Bangladesh government for relief and rehabilitation of those affected by the recent Chittagong mudslides.   80 new cases of forgery detected A Dhaka University (DU) committee on admission forgery has identified 80 new cases of suspected forgery in admission to the political science department of the university.   Illegal occupants asked to vacate land by Aug 30 The army has asked the "illegal occupants" on its land in Chakuli Mouza beside Mirpur Cantonment to vacate the land by August 30.   Eight get 38-yr jail for killing student A Dhaka court yesterday sentenced eight persons to 38 years' imprisonment each for killing Tejgaon College student Nurul Islam Rifat.   UAE to provide compensation for injured camel jockeys The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will give Tk 60 crore in financial assistance to the children of four countries, who were injured in accidents while being used as camel jockeys in that   Depression on the Bay gets stronger The well-marked low over west central Bay and adjoining east central Bay intensified into a monsoon depression yesterday.   14 more US soldiers killed in Iraq At least 14 more US soldiers have been killed in Iraq in the past two days, the military said yesterday, taking its losses to 59 this month alone.   ME summit takes shape to bolster Abbas' position Preparations were under way yesterday for a four-way Middle East summit to bolster embattled Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas after his Hamas rivals seized the Gaza Strip.   US nuclear envoy visits N Korea The chief US nuclear envoy made a rare trip to North Korea yesterday in a surprise bid to accelerate international efforts to press the communist government to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Business Budget implementation tough without finance ministry reform The proposed budget for FY '08 is too tough to implement, unless there is a full-fledged reform in the finance and planning ministry, observed MK Anwar, a former minister of the immediate past four-party   Investment cost in Bangladesh reduces, but hidden expenses rise Although cost of investment in Bangladesh is getting cheaper because of its competition with other countries to reduce the cost, which is related to cost-component of investment, some hidden expensesare   Singapore businesses keen to invest in composite textile A business delegation from Singapore yesterday expressed interest to invest in Bangladesh's composite textile sector.   Emerging market countries becoming big investors elsewhere: OECD Companies from emerging market countries such as China and Brazil invested a record 115 billion dollars in cross-border transactions last year, half of which flowed to western industrialised powers, the   Doha deal still possible next year despite US polls A global trade deal is still within reach by 2008 after years of fruitless talks and despite possible domestic pressure from next year's US presidential election, former World Trade Organisation chief   Dollar rallies against yen, euro The dollar hit a fresh four-year high against the yen on Thursday and climbed against the euro in European trading, as currency movements continued to be dictated by interest-rate expectations.   Nitol Insurance declares 8pc dividend Nitol Insurance Company Ltd has declared an 8 percent dividend for its shareholders for the year 2006.   Japan's trade surplus up 9.3pc in May Japan's trade surplus rose 9.3 percent from a year earlier to 389.5 billion yen (3.15 billion dollars) in May on strong exports of cars and steel, the government said Thursday. Exports expanded 15.   Currency Sports CA for dynamic sports arena Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said that the caretaker government wants to make room for the competent and responsible persons in the country's sports arena to keep it healthy, fair and dynamic.   Cricket: Rahim shines in rain Only 26 overs were possible as rain marred the second day's play of the three-day warm-up match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka A at the Colts Cricket Ground in Colombo yesterday.   Cricket: McInnes wants Tigers job Australian team's performance analyst Richard McInnes has confirmed his interest in the Bangladesh coaching vacancy created by Dav Whatmore.   Football: Brothers stay alive Brothers Union crushed Arambagh 3-0 yesterday to put pressure on the B.League title chasers with their second successive victory of the second leg.   Local Snippets Sheikh Russell beat Brothers Union in straight sets in the AB Bank Senior Division Table Tennis League at the Woodenfloor Gymnasium yesterday.   Cricket: Inzy days over? The illustrious career of former captain Inzamamul Haq might have come to an end as far as the national selectors and cricket board is concerned, as he has not been recommended for the new central contracts.   Cricket: Malinga knocks out Tharanga Sri Lankan left-hand opener Upul Tharanga injured a foot and has been ruled out of the first two Tests against Bangladesh compounding problems to secure the top order, an official said Thursday.   Cricket: Pietersen rules out captaincy Kevin Pietersen has ruled himself out of the running to be England's one-day captain, saying the "time is not right" for him to accept the job.   Football: Riquelme guides Boca to glory Juan Roman Riquelme scored a pair of second-half goals and Boca Juniors defeated Gremio 2-0 to win its sixth Copa Libertadores title on Wednesday.   Football: Thaksin wins City bid Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, facing corruption charges at home, won acceptance on Thursday for an 81.6-million-pound bid for English Premiership football club Manchester City.   Football: Barca dream of Henry The best attack by a distance, the joint best defence and the most exhilarating football proved a recipe for failure for Barcelona this season as they went from kings of Europe and Spain to empty-handed   Football: Why Spain so lucrative Foreign footballers plying their trade in Spain enjoy a relative tax boon given their special income tax rate of 24 percent which was introduced in 2004, financial newspaper Cinco Dias said Wednesday,   Football: Capello adamant about Real stay Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello insists he will not resign despite reports in the Spanish media suggesting his days at the Bernabeu are numbered.   Football: San Siro to host Italy-France tie Milan's San Siro stadium will host the crucial Euro 2008 Group B qualifying match between world champions Italy and France, Italian football federation (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete said on Thursday.   Cricket: Harmison sounds warning England quick Steve Harmison is determined to ensure India get an extended taste of his best bowling before he undergoes surgery for a hernia problem uncovered earlier this week.   Cricket: Dav keen on Pak job Former Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore said Thursday he would be up to the challenge of being Pakistan's next cricket coach and is confident he can guide the team to better results.   Cricket: Adam eyes T20 glory In cricket's worst-kept secret since Michael Vaughan resigned as England one-day captain earlier this week, Adam Hollioake has signed up to make his Twenty20 return.   Table Tennis: TT camp from tomorrow Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation will organise a training camp from tomorrow in a bid to develop standard of the young players.   Cricket: 'Edwards swore too loudly' Fidel Edwards has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for swearing loudly enough that he could be heard by spectators at the Chester-le-Street Test, and by television viewers.   Cricket: Atapattu goes scot-free Former Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu will not be subjected to a disciplinary inquiry despite his self-imposed absence from the home series against Bangladesh, officials said here Thursday.   Football: Aussies seek Asian glory Australia deserve to be favourites to win next month's Asian Cup and if the Socceroos do not make the Jakarta final it will be considered a failure, national coach Graham Arnold said Thursday.   Cricket: C'wood set for hot seat Paul Collingwood is expected to be named captain when England name their one-day squad on Friday.   Cricket: Marshall to earn more Hamish Marshall's decision to stay in England's county cricket as a local player could earn him four times the salary he would receive for staying in New Zealand.   Tennis: Henin crushes Vaidisova Confident top seed Justine Henin schooled teenaged Nicole Vaidisova on the grass, administering a 6-2, 6-2 lesson to reach the semifinals of the WTA Eastbourne Championships on Thursday.   Football: Real interested in Tevez Spanish champions Real Madrid, looking to cement their league dominance next season, may bid for West Ham's Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, AS sports daily reported on Thursday.   Football: Atalanta release Vieri Former Italian international Christian Vieri has been released by Atalanta, the Bergamo-based Serie A club Atalanta confirmed on Thursday. Metropolitan Ensure quality edn to develop intellect, morality in society President Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday urged the universities to impart contemporary knowledge in consonance with up-to-date curricula and moral values to ensure quality education and develop intellect and   'Women's empowerment a must for sustainable development' Women should be brought into the mainstream of society to ensure their empowerment, which is crucial to sustainable development of the country, speakers at a view exchange meeting said yesterday.   10 Ctg firms fined for pilfering Wasa water A mobile court fined 10 industrial and commercial establishments in the port city Tk 13.91 lakh in the last three days for pilfering Wasa water.   Guidelines for admission into 11th class The government has announced the guidelines for admission into the 11th class for the academic year 2007-08. According to the guidelines, no selection or admission test will be held for admission.   CDA held meeting with owners of illegal structures Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) yesterday held the first of a series of meetings with the owners of illegal or unplanned structures, people who have been encroaching roads or footpaths deviating   'Solve problems of 56 Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait' Relatives of 56 Bangladeshi workers, now living in Kuwait, yesterday sought government intervention to solve their problems that they are going to face due to a restriction of the Kuwaiti government on   President visits landslide-hit areas in Ctg President Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday visited the landslide-ravaged Lebu Bagan area in Chittagong. He talked to the affected people and asked the authorities concerned to provide them "all kinds ofassistance".   Journo gets 17 years in arms case A Dhaka court on Wednesday sentenced Kazi Nasiruddin Babul, editor of the Barisal-based daily Ajker Barta, to 17 years' imprisonment in an arms case.   Another case filed against ex-minister Shahjahan Omar A case has been filed against former state minister for law Shahjahan Omar and nine other BNP leaders and cadres by a Jatiya Party (JP) activist on charges of terrorism.   105 DU teachers shocked at Mainul's remark A total of 105 teachers of Dhaka University (DU) yesterday expressed surprise and shock at Law Adviser Mainul Hosein's comment that the Bangabandhu murder case is not on the government's priority.   Tk 152.18cr RCC budget announced A Tk 152.18 crore budget has been announced for Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) for 2007-08 fiscal. Announcing the budget yesterday acting mayor Rezaunnabi Dudu said no new tax has been imposed.   $23m IDA loan for urban poor, village community The government has signed two separate agreements worth US$ 23 million with the International Development Association (IDA) to support village community as well as underserved segment of the urban poor   2 new PSC members take oath Two newly appointed members of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) M Nurunnabi and Suraiya Begum took oath here yesterday.   'Withdraw ban on Hasina's US visit' As many as two thousand women in a statement yesterday urged the caretaker government to withdraw ban on Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's going to the United States.   Bhotapara Girls' School emerges champion Bhotapara Girls' School in Godagari, Rajshahi clinched the title of Brac's Post-primary Basic and Continuing Education (PACE) programme's inter-school debate competition, says a press release.   Over 57000 die due to smoking every year More than 57000 people die of eight fatal diseases due to smoking every year, speakers at an anti-tobacco discussion said yesterday.   Engr Bayazid sent to jail Mohammad Bayazid, superintending engineer of roads and highways department who was arrested by joint forces on Wednesday night with bribed money, was produced before a magistrate's court here yesterday.   Minor boy killed in road accident A minor boy was killed in a road accident on Brahmanbaria Comilla highway at Radhika village under Sadar upazila of the district yesterday morning.   Ctg port CCTVs not functioning All the CCTVs (close circuit television) installed at different yards of Chittagong port stopped functioning as power supply to them was snapped due to an electrical short-circuit yesterday.   Viqarunnisa becomes champion Viqarunnisa Noon School became champion in UNESCO ASP Net School Debate Competition, says a press release.   Train Jamboree from June 28 Bangladesh Scouts is going to lunch Jamboree on the Train for the first time in the country to mark the centenary of scouting, says a press release.   Director of construction firm arrested Joint forces arrested a director of a construction firm yesterday in the wake of allegations that his firm did not follow the Rajuk-approved design during the construction of an apartment building inthe   College student shot in city A college student was shot by a gang of unidentified criminals at Santinagar in the city last night.   Phensidyl seized Members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) seized 59 bottles of phensidyl stuffed inside a huge jackfruit and arrested a drug peddler at Amrakhali in Benapole yesterday afternoon.   DCC names road after FF Sabu Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) renamed the road from Arambagh Police Box to Kamalapur Station and from Rajarbagh intersection to New Circular Road at Motijheel Colony as "Muktijoddha Mesbah Uddin AhmedSabu   BATB launches free sapling distribution British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) launched a free sapling distribution programme 2007 at Krishibid Institution at Farmgate in the city yesterday as part of its annual afforestation programme.   Dr Saiful made envoy to Spain The government has decided to appoint Dr Mohammad Saiful Amin Khan, currently serving as the principal in Foreign Service Academy, as the country's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain.   39-yr-old ship detained in Chittagong A 39-year-old vessel was detained yesterday noon from Chittagong Port for sailing with vulnerable deck and hull that poses risk for lives and properties and the channel.   Bogra cop suspended for demanding bribes A sub-inspector of Sherpur Police Station was temporarily suspended yesterday for demanding bribes from a plaintiff of a woman repression case.   BHEF quiz competition With a view to providing assistance to the poor and meritorious students in continuing their education, Bela Health and Education Foundation (BHEF) organised a quiz competition at Savar Girls' High School   Orientation on first aid for acid victims ends An orientation programme for doctors and nurses on administering instant treatment to acid victims ended in Gazipur yesterday.   JMB militant arrested in Natore A militant of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) has been arrested in Natore. Point-Counterpoint Where do we stand, and what we are heading for? If the constitutional provision for a caretaker government (CTG) in Bangladesh is unique in the system of constitutional governments around the world, the extra-ordinary situation in which the present   How can they work wonders? Reform is, no doubt, the most popular buzzword these days. Arguably, never before had calls for reforms gathered such momentum.   Putin has upper hand Since their very first summit in Slovenia in June 2001, when US President George W. Culture The illustrious career of a playwright Poet, dramatist and novelist Syed Shamul Haq is also one of the major playwrights of Bangla literature. Since his first play, Payer Awaaj Paowa Jaye he has blazed a distinctive trail.   "Aha" goes to Munich Film Festival Architect turned filmmaker Enamul Karim Nirjhar's film Aha has been selected to participate at this year's Munich Film Festival, which starts today and will continue till June 30.   Sufia Kamal's 96th birth anniversary observed Chhayanat Chhayanat arranged a musical soiree at its Sangskriti Bhaban on June 20 to commemorate poet Begum Sufia Kamal's 96th birth anniversary.   Natyajon to stage 25th show of "Aleek Babu" Natyajon will stage the 25th show of its production Aleek Babu on June 23 at the Indian Cultural Centre in Gulshan.   Bankimchandra's "Rajani" on ATN Bangla Based on Banikmchandra Chattyopadhyay's novel, single episode TV play "Rajani" will be aired on ATN Bangla tonight at 8:45pm.   "Sisimpur": Reaching out to children all over Bangladesh Sisimpur, a popular programme on BTV, is designed specifically for children to provide pre-school lessons in a simple way. General 'Include biography of Sufia Kamal in textbooks' Speaker at a discussion yesterday demanded inclusion of the biography of late Poet Sufia Kamal, a pioneer of all progressive movements, in textbooks. Editorial Editorial: Force has little place in a free market The adviser for food Tapan Chowdhury has told the media that the government would seek intervention from the law enforcement agencies if its efforts to keep prices of essentials under control do not achieve   Editorial: Voting rights for expatriate Bangladeshis The Election Commission has floated the idea of giving voting rights to expatriate Bangladeshis.   No quick fix If there is one thing that has become painfully apparent to the nation over the past six months, it is that there is no such thing as a quick fix.   Circle without centre May be that is the way of the world. Destruction and creation go hand in hand. Death and birth, union and separation, condolence and congratulation go in lockstep.   Massive negotiations for what? Last week, three senior US emissaries descended upon Islamabad and conducted fairly intensive negotiations with senior Pakistani interlocutors. Letters to Editor Arable land In our country of 147,570 sq km with 144 million inhabitants, the arable land for cultivation is steadily diminishing not only for the dense population but also for high costs and higher standard ofliving.   Books and budget Apparently, a small but very important point was not noticed by the present caretaker government of Bangladesh (CTG) in the national budget 2007-2008.   New Israel president As if to bring together the warring Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah amid the huge explosions, Nobel laureate Shimon Peres became the President of Israel on 13 June.   Rickshaws I feel that some points made by Mr. Ziaur Rahman in his article about rickshaws call for sincere reevaluation.   Taxation I would like to take this opportunity to comment on tax increase on telecommunication equipments and computer.   Politicians and ambassadors I cannot but applaud Mohammad Badrul Ahsan for his article ("Eating out of foreign hands," Dated Fri, June 15, 2007) rightfully pointing out how our politicians have become shameless in ignoring ournational   Deals with India It is fashionable to criticise any deal with India.   Bangladeshi missions overseas I believe the current government needs to have a good look at the activities if its foreign missions. The missions are simply not supporting the government the way they should.   Message of love The Messianic King, promised by Scripture, went unrecognised by the Jews. In this Messiah, Jesus Christ, God is no longer tied to a specific geographical area which, in the case of Zionism, is Israel.   Education sector I wonder why our national newspapers tend not to go any deeper while doing news coverage of examinations such as the SSC or the HSC.   Nayar's article Please refer to the letter to the editor by Shah Abdul Hannan on June 15 on Kuldeep Nayar's article of 26 May. I would like to add a few points to clarify the matter.   Political party reforms The other day Law and Information Advisor told that the government should not be held responsible if national election is not held in time as per its commitment due to delay in carrying out the   Arabs need a peacemaker Prof. Fawaz A. Environment Global warming and Bangladesh I hear the waves on our island shore They sound much louder than they did before A rising swell flecked with foam Threatens the existence of our island home. World Abbas trashes talks with Hamas 'terrorists' Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas delivered a withering attack on Hamas Wednesday in his first public speech since the Islamists' takeover of Gaza and ruled out any dialogue.   Kasuri rules out imposition of martial law in Pakistan Notwithstanding the unabated protests against the suspension of the Chief Justice, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri has ruled out imposition of martial law in the country while conceding that   'Taliban hunt spies, target Kabul’ The Taliban in Afghanistan are hunting Nato spies who they say have infiltrated the movement and are aiming to mount more Iraq-style suicide bombings on Kabul, a spokesman told the BBC on Thursday.   Protests against Rushdie go on Muslim anger flared yesterday after Britain defended Salman Rushdie's knighthood, with fresh protests against the novelist and Pakistani clerics bestowing a title on Osama bin Laden in response.   Glacial lake vanishes in Chile A five-acre glacial lake in Chile's southern Andes has disappeared and scientists want to know why.   Laden may have arranged family's US exit: FBI docs Osama bin Laden may have chartered a plane that carried his family members and Saudi nationals out of the United States after the September 11, 2001 attacks, said FBI documents released Wednesday.   Corruption charges against Thaksin Thai prosecutors filed corruption charges against ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the Supreme Court yesterday, in the first formal charges lodged against the exiled former premier.   Riots in Pakistan over power outage Hundreds of people protesting against power cuts ransacked a KFC outlet and two banks in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, police said yesterday.   Now Lanka can shoot down rebel jet Sri Lanka's military now has the capacity to shoot down Tamil Tiger light airplanes which have bombed four targets on the island this year, the government said Wednesday.   Prince William turns 25, entitled to share of Diana's wealth Britain's Prince William turned 25 yesterday and became entitled to part of the multi-million pound inheritance left to him by his late mother, princess Diana.   10 die in Russian retirement home fire Ten people were killed yesterday in a suspected arson attack on a retirement home in the Omsk region in Siberia, Russian news agencies reported, citing officials.   Left Front celebrates 30th anniversary in power Next only to the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan which ruled the island nation for 38 years, CPI(M)-led Left Front on Thursday, earned the rare distinction of completing 30th year in power uninterruptedly   Indian police charge 3-yr-old for rioting, shooting Police in India have charged a three-year-old boy for allegedly leading a group of rioters and firing at security personnel, the toddler's uncle said yesterday.   Pak traders offer reward for Rushdie beheading Pakistani traders yesterday announced a reward of 10 million rupees (165,000 dollars) for anyone who beheads Salman Rushdie following Britain's decision to award the novelist a knighthood.   Saudi king meets Sarkozy to discuss cooperation Saudi King Abdullah, on a week-long visit to Europe, met yesterday with France's newly elected President Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss bilateral economic cooperation.   © thedailystar.net, 2007. 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