Vol. 5 Num 1112 Tue. July 17, 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 Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Hasina arrested, sent to sub-jail The joint forces yesterday arrested Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina at her Dhanmondi residence in the city at around daybreak and later a court sent her to jail on charges of extortion.   This is no way to strengthen democracy The only reason that the caretaker government has survived six months in power, and the chief advisor acknowledges it every time an occasion arises, is because the general public think of it to be aninstrument   She accuses govt of conspiring to disqualify her from election Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the military-backed caretaker government is conspiring to disqualify her from running in the next parliamentary elections by implicating her in   No one above law Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed has categorically said no one is above the law and anybody found corrupt or lawbreaker, whoever he or she may be, will be brought to justice.   Tense hours 2:00am: Hasina's police protection is withdrawn. 4:40am: Around 40 joint forces vehicles enter through Dhanmondi road 5/A towards Sudha Sadan.   Follow due process of law The United States and the United Kingdom have urged the caretaker government to ensure due process of law and international standards in dealing with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was arrested   AL activists enraged Amid the state of emergency leaders and activists of Awami League (AL) and its different front organisations staged demonstrations at different places across the country protesting the arrest of their   27 years in politics no cakewalk for her Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina was arrested and put under house arrest many times before, between 1983 and 1990, for her stance against the erstwhile military ruler and for her role in thefight   Most people decry arrest The majority of people The Daily Star talked to yesterday about Sheikh Hasina's arrest, expressed deep resentment over the government's move while a few termed the arrest as a significant step taken by   Moments before the arrest "Can I use my phone?" Hasina asked as members of the joint forces entered her room on the first floor of Sudha Sadhan at around 6:00am.   The case against her The case in which Awami League President Sheikh Hasina was arrested yesterday was filed on June 12 this year by Azam J Chowdhury, managing director of Eastcoast Trading Private Ltd, with Gulshan Police   Unfortunate, unnecessary Political leaders yesterday said the arrest of Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina is unfortunate and unnecessary.   Joy vows to wage movement at home, abroad Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and younger sister Sheikh Rehana consider her arrest part of a 'conspiracy' and protested this.   Her statement to party men before arrest Awami League (AL) President and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in her pre-arrest statement yesterday, urged the countrymen and the leaders and workers of her party not to lose moral strength and   Arrest, thereafter   11 tax-dodging cases filed against Shajahan Siraj, family A Dhaka court yesterday issued arrest warrants against former jute and textiles minister Shajahan Siraj, his wife Rabeya Haider and son Rajib Siraj after the National Board of Revenue (NBR) filed eleven   Govt firm on establishing honest politics Law and Information Adviser Mainul Hosein yesterday said the government is committed to establishing honest politics and it is not desirable to arrest people on minor corruption charges while leavingthe   US hails EC roadmap to election The United States yesterday commended the Election Commission (EC) for releasing a roadmap to general election in Bangladesh but said a specific, time-bound goal to hold credible elections is the best   SUV, laptop, CDs seized from Sudha Sadan Joint forces yesterday seized a Mercedes Benz sport utility vehicle (SUV), a laptop, some compact disks (CD), two mobile phone sets and some documents from the Sudha Sadan residence of the former premier   ACC official held for bribery An Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) official was arrested here on Sunday night by the joint forces for taking bribe and an extortion case was filed with Shahbagh Police Station in this connection.   Dr Wazed hospitalised Eminent nuclear scientist Dr Wazed Miah was admitted to Labaid Specialised Hospital with chest pain yesterday noon, hours after his wife Sheikh Hasina's arrest.   Authorities asked to serve summons issued against Khaleda, 3 others A Dhaka court yesterday again directed the authorities concerned to serve summons issued earlier upon former prime minister Khaleda Zia and three others in connection with a case filed for not submitting   5 killed in Chittagong road crash Five people died and three others were injured when a bus ploughed through the passengers of another bus that met with an accident on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway in Mirersarai upazila yesterday morning.   BCL calls student Strike today though banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of Awami League (AL), has called a strike at all educational institutions of the country today protesting the arrest of Sheikh Hasina although enforcing   Civil society for equal application of law for Hasina In reaction to the arrest of Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina, civil society members yesterday said the government has to prove that everybody is equal to the law and that nobody is harassed in the   4 Sri Lankan ministers arrive Four Sri Lankan ministers, led by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, arrived in Dhaka last night on a 4-day visit at the invitation of Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.   Hasina's arrest welcomed Sadek Siddique, one of the initiators of a new political party, coming out from sickbed led a procession yesterday under police protection welcoming the arrest of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.   Twin car bombings kill 80 in Iraqi city Twin suicide car bombings exploded within 20 minutes of each other in Iraq's north yesterday, killing at least 80 people and wounding around 150 in attacks targeting a Kurdish political office and ripping   Japan quake kills 7, injures 700 At least seven people were killed and nearly 700 others injured in the powerful earthquake that struck central Japan on Monday, officials said.   Musharraf drops charge against ousted judge Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Monday dropped one of the charges he has levelled against the country's ousted top judge, who has become an icon of opposition to his military rule. Business Steps taken to check misuse of bonded warehouse products The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) has taken a number of restrictive measures so that the duty-free bonded warehouse products cannot be illegally channeled to local market from export   Tight monetary policy to hurt economy: FBCCI The tight monetary policy will cast a negative impact on the country's economy, the country's apex trade body said yesterday.   India faces threat from China India remains the world's top outsourcing hub but is facing increasing threat from rival China due to India's high attrition rate, poor infrastructure and rising wages, a global research group said.   India among largest job creators in UK Indian investment in Britain during 2006-07 created 5,130 jobs -- the second largest number of new jobs created after the USA, whose companies created 13,326 jobs during the year, figures with the department   Oil prices above $74 Oil prices rose Monday amid concerns over production in the North Sea. Opec also said it feared refinery problems may affect the market next year. August Brent rose 9 cents to $77.   Bajaj Auto eyes buying European plants Bajaj Auto, India's second largest motorcycle manufacturer, is looking at forging a partnership with or buying Italy's Ducati or Britain's Triumph, both iconic marques, a report said Monday.   Warid Telecom introduces economy ISD facility Warid Telecom has introduced economy ISD facility allowing subscribers to make international calls at lower rates, says s press release.   China blames US media for fanning food fears China's top quality control official accused foreign media of raising unnecessary alarm about the safety of the country's food and drug exports, complaining in particular about U.S. reports. TheU.S.   Profit up 36pc at India's Tata Consultancy Services India's largest software exporter Tata Consultancy Services said Monday that its first quarter net profit rose by 36 percent despite sharp gains in the rupee this year that hit earnings.   StanChart faces heavy taxes in S Korea South Korean tax authorities have sent bills totalling tens of millions of dollars to a US and a British financial group over the sale of a local bank, a newspaper said Monday.   NZ keen to resume FTA talks with Malaysia New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark on Monday said her government is eager to resume free-trade talks with Malaysia and sees the services sector as a central component of an agreement.   Euro nears 1.38 dollars; pound hits new 26-yr peak The euro neared a record dollar high on Monday, while the British pound struck the highest level since 1981 against the struggling greenback amid ongoing concerns over the US economy, dealers said.   US criticises Turkey-Iran gas deal The United States on Monday spoke out against a preliminary agreement between Turkey and its eastern neighbour Iran to carry natural gas from Iran and Turkmenistan to Europe, the Anatolia news agencyreported.   Yuan hits new high against US dollar China's currency, the yuan, hit a new high against the US dollar on Monday, according to the Chinese Foreign Exchange Trading System.   Currency Sports Cricket: Focus shifts to ODIs Recovering from their nightmarish Test series experience is the biggest challenge facing the Bangladesh team ahead of the three-match one-day series against the World Cup finalists Sri Lanka.   Cricket: Rafique again! Mohammad Rafique has a history of picking up a fight on every overseas tour and this trip to Sri Lanka is no exception either.   Football: Muktijoddha host Russel today The 19th weeks of the B. League begins in Dhaka today with the clash between struggling heavyweights Muktijoddha and Sheikh Russel.   Football: New coach Nayeem picks young squad Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday officially appointed Syed Nayeemuddin as the national football coach till December this year.   Football: Brazil belittle Argentina Brazil stunned bitter rivals and overwhelming favourites Argentina 3-0 to win their eighth Copa America title on Sunday.   Cricket: India's practice match drawn Dinesh Karthik warmed up for the first Test at Lord's with 51 against England Lions on the final day of India's tour match here Sunday.   Cricket: Lawson new Pak coach Former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson has been named as Pakistan's new cricket coach, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Monday.   Football: Pragmatism beats romanticism The romantics met the pragmatists in the final of the Copa America. Brazil's 3-0 win means that it was a resounding triumph for the pragmatists.   Football: New buys delight Casillas Real Madrid, who pipped Barcelona at the wire for their first title in four seasons, have laid down solid foundations for the future with a clutch of top summer signings, goalkeeper Iker Casillas says.   Tennis: Italy set up Russia final Defending champions Italy defied 40-degree temperatures to come back from 2-1 down to beat France 3-2 and reach the Fed Cup final on Sunday.   Cycling: O'Grady's tour over Australian Stuart O'Grady escaped serious spinal injuries, according to hospital officials who treated him after a crash in the eighth stage of the Tour de France on Sunday.   Football: Henry unties the knot French striker Thierry Henry has split with his wife of four years, his lawyers said in a statement released late on Sunday.   Football: Torres set for Reds debut Liverpool's record 20 million pound signing Fernando Torres is set to make his debut for his new club in a pre-season friendly in Switzerland on Tuesday.   Football: Japan, Australia in qtrs Defending champions Japan stormed into the Asian Cup quarterfinals Monday, and were joined by Australia, minnows Vietnam, and Iraq.   Cricket: ZC slams few ICC nations Peter Chingoka, chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), has hit out at certain boards who, he claimed, tried to block Zimbabwe's return to Test cricket.   Cricket: SA's tour on: PCB The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has insisted that South Africa's tour to Pakistan later this year will continue despite the ongoing political crisis in the country.   Cricket: Either Broad or Anderson England's selectors are set to decide between the uncapped Stuart Broad and James Anderson for the final place in their pace attack to take on India in the first Test at Lord's starting on Thursday.   Chess: Sharif, Sayantan chasing title Sharif Hossain of Nakhalpara School and Sayantan Das of Kolkata Scottish Church School shared lead in the 9th Standard Chartered School Chess Tournament (Class VI-X Group) with full five points afterthe   Cricket: PCB not with ICL Officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have distanced themselves from the Indian Cricket League (ICL).   Football: MU pushing hard for Tevez Manchester United are hopeful of sealing the "over-complicated" transfer of Argentina striker Carlos Tevez from West Ham within the next week or so, according to chief executive David Gill.   Football: Mourinho warns Ballack Jose Mourinho warned Michael Ballack yesterday that he has lost his "untouchable" status and is facing a difficult fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.   Football: Advocaat tipped for Aussie role Dutchman Dick Advocaat is to be installed as Australia's new football coach in time for next year's 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Australian media reports said Monday.   Football: Cops raid London clubs British detectives raided three football clubs Monday as part of a probe into alleged corruption in the game, police said.   Football: Erratic form worries Iran coach Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei admits he is concerned after another Jekyll-and-Hyde performance from the three-time Asian Cup champions.   Tennis: Santoro takes Newport title Fabrice Santoro captured his first ATP title in five years here Sunday, defeating Nicolas Mahut in straight sets in an all-French final at the 416,000-dollar Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. Metropolitan Declare ship breaking an industry Speakers at a view exchange meeting in the port city yesterday demanded the caretaker government should declare ship breaking an industry and formulate a policy in this regard.   7 killed in road crashes Seven people were killed and 29 others injured in separate road accidents in Magura, Satkhira, Netrakona and Faridpur yesterday.   Exhibition of clothes designed by Chakmas begins With a view to promoting designs of Chakma community, Nogordola, a concern of Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM), is organising a month-long exhibition of clothes suitable for rainy season in the city.   CA inaugurates indigenous fish preservation campaign Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday formally inaugurated a countrywide campaign to preserve indigenous fishes, many of which are becoming extinct due to destruction of their natural habitats andunplanned   Release of Hasina demanded Different organisations at home and abroad condemned the arrest of former prime minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina and demanded her immediate release.   'Initiate master plan to save jute industry' Speakers at a press conference yesterday called for immediate initiation of a master plan to save the country's jute industry from destruction.   Dropout rate at primary level still alarming The dropout rate at the primary level is still alarming although several initiatives like the second primary education development programme (PEDP-II) have been taken, Directorate of Primary Education   32 girl students fall unconscious at Savar school At least 32 girl students and a teacher fell unconscious in classes of Polashbari Hajee Joyenuddin High School in a mysterious disease yesterday.   Outlawed party leader arrested in Khulna The police arrested a leader of outlawed New Biplobi Communist Party (NBCP) from Dumuria upazila parishad compound in Khulna yesterday morning.   Buddha's hair relic to be handed over tomorrow Most of the members of the Sri Lankan delegation including Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollagama and five other senior ministers are likely to arrive here in the port city today to collect hair relics of   Police prevent journos from holding memorial meeting The police did not allow journalists to hold a meeting in memory of slain journalist Shamsur Rahman at the IDEB auditorium in Jessore yesterday.   Appeal for help Syed Rahadh Amin, a patient of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), has appealed for financial assistance to save his life.   Photo exhibition of Bangladeshi Diaspora in UK A photo exhibition of Bangladeshi Diaspora in the United Kingdom began at British Council in the city yesterday.   Rath Jatra celebrated Hindu devotees yesterday celebrated the annual Jagannath Rath Jatra (chariot procession), one of their major religious festivals, across the country amid festivity and religious fervour.   Iajuddin undergoes medical checkup President Iajuddin Ahmed underwent a medical check-up at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore yesterday. National Blood crisis hampering emergency treatment, surgery at SBMCH Crisis of blood in Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) is seriously hindering emergency treatment and surgery.   1 killed as land subsides in Nilphamari One person has been killed as an agricultural land near a rock extraction site subsided at a village in Dimla upazila.   Tornado lashes 2 dists About 400 houses were damaged and several hundred trees uprooted by tornado that lashed Rangpur and Sirajganj areas yesterday.   A school for underprivileged children in Pirojpur A school has been established for underprivileged children who earn a living by collecting leaves at a remote area in Pirojour.   JMB militant arrested Police yesterday arrested an active member of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) from Bhogdaburi Patwari Para village in Domar upazila, police said.   20 injured by highwaymen in Netrakona Twenty people were injured and valuables worth Tk 15 lakh looted by highwaymen from the passengers of 20 transport vehicles at Baghra in Atpara upazila on the Netrakona-Madan Road in the early hours of Point-Counterpoint Private universities: Balancing the debate Private universities have suffered sustained criticism over the last few years. While the state of the sector has warranted scrutiny, the criticism has, until now, been quite imbalanced.   Mercy, forgiveness and honour As a judge and magistrate I was trained not to prejudge any event. I have tried to live up to that basic training till now. But I see and hear prejudgements of all varieties. Culture Ashraful Hassan on similes between man and tree Artist Ashraful Hassan has won the Honourable Mention Award for his work Tree-man and Wall 3 at the 17th National Art Exhibition organised by the Department of Art, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.   Dhaka Film Society: Focusing on Asian cinema Since its inception in 2001, Dhaka Film Society, a wing of Centre for Asian Art and Culture, is working to create an encouraging environment for film enthusiasts in the country.   Raju Alim receives "Rtv CGFB Performance Award '06" TV producer Raju Alim recently received the "Rtv CGFB Performance Award-2006", held at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre. The jury board selected him for the Critics' Award.   Ang Lee eyes Venice comeback Filmmaker Ang Lee has said his latest movie will compete for the main prize at this year's Venice Film Festival. International Pakistan in talks to save peace deal with militants Pakistan held crisis talks with tribal elders yesterday to save a peace deal with pro-Taliban militants, amid fears of fresh violence after three weekend suicide attacks left more than 70 dead.   Ethiopia slaps life sentences on 35 opposition figures Ethiopia's high court yesterday sentenced 35 opposition leaders to life imprisonment for inciting rebellion, after the prosecution had asked for the death penalty.   'Pak al-Qaeda zone poses dilemma for Musharraf' With Pakistan at boiling point, President Pervez Musharraf faces a tough dilemma in the rugged and militant-infested frontier zone where al-Qaeda's leaders are allegedly holed up, analysts say.   Lanka seeks foreign aid for captured province The Sri Lankan government said yesterday it would seek foreign aid to rebuild a key province recently wrested from the Tamil Tiger rebels after months of fighting.   Bush admn battles to keep Iraq strategy on track The White House Sunday dismissed calls by two respected Republicans to refashion its unpopular Iraq strategy, but the drumbeat of demands for an early withdrawal of US troops grew louder.   Quake kills 7 in Japan At least seven people were killed and nearly 700 others injured in the powerful earthquake that struck central Japan on Monday, officials said.   Pyongyang confirms closure of N-reactor North Korea confirmed Sunday that it had shut down its Yongbyon atomic reactor under UN supervision, the first step in a process designed to rid the communist state of nuclear weapons.   Britain believes 30 Islamist militant cells plotting attacks Britain's security services believe up to 30 Islamist militant cells are plotting attacks and they are monitoring 2,000 suspects and another 2,000 sympathisers, the new security minister said yesterday.   US to pour $750m into Pakistan's tribal areas The administration of President George W.   Peres sworn in as Israeli president Israeli elder statesman and Nobel peace laureate Shimon Peres was sworn in Sunday as president, pledging to keep up peace efforts in his new post that crowns an unparalleled career lasting more than half   Viral fever claims 193 lives in India's Kerala state India's southern coastal Kerala state is reeling from an outbreak of mosquito-borne Chikungunya viral fever infections that have claimed 193 lives, a minister said yesterday. Editorial Editorial: Sheikh Hasina's arrest Politics enters a heightened state of tension and confrontation with the arrest of former prime minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina.   Editorial: Ghastly crime If acid-throwing is a ghastly crime, and everyone will agree that it is, its enormity increases further when it is committed by a pir -- a spiritual leader. That is what happened in a village in Brahmanbaria.   Clean candidates remain elusive With the roadmap given by the Election Commission (EC) on Sunday, the prospect of holding the next general election(s) looms large before the nation.   Stagflation and monetary policy The controversy surrounding Bangladesh Bank's (BB) recently announced contractionary monetary policy to hold down inflation and Centre for Policy Dialogue's (CPD) contention that the "menace" isn't demand-push   Time for soul-searching The arrest of three Indians for attempted terrorist bombings in London and Glasgow is landmark. Letters to Editor Population boom The other morning, as I was travelling by a local bus, I came across a shabby, young woman dressed in a dark veil.   Lal Masjid tragedy The eventful drama at Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) by a section of hard core Islamic fundamentalists was finally over, after hectic maneuvering by Pakistani law enforcing authorities who subdued the highly   Motia Chowdhury's stand I was really shocked at the sudden outburst of Motia Chowdhury for democracy, being herself collectively responsible for destruction of democracy in the country (during the AL rule).   "Impatient" reformists It is very amazing to watch how the discredited politicians turned reformists are trying to come out with formulas for inter-party reforms.   Smoking on campus A few years ago, the government framed a law that no one would be allowed to smoke in public places, transports and in the streets. It was a very bold step which was appreciated by all.   Should political parties be banned? The article written by the DS Sr. Asst. Editor reflects peoples' views, except the most unscrupulous and most corrupt politicians. Yes, the political parties and politics should be banned for ever.   Comments The analytical article "The 'Confessional statements' and journalistic ethics" written by Mr. Anwarul Kabir has inspired me to write this short note. Like Mr.   Sheikh Hasina's arrest Sheikh Hasina's arrest has not come as a surprise to the country. It has been rumoured for the last few days that both the ladies ( Hasina & Khaleda) would be interrogated by JIC.   Attention: NBR Last year, as you are aware, the NBR allowed whitening of black money (money earned in illegal ways) through payment of 7.5% tax to the govt.   © thedailystar.net, 2007. All Rights Reserved.