Vol. 5 Num 454 Sun. September 04, 2005       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan National International Culture General Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives Today's Index Front Page 6 'robbers' lynched in Chittagong A mob lynched six alleged robbers and wounded another in Patiya following a series of robberies in three villages in neighbouring Anwara upazila in the early hours yesterday.   Huge sums drawn from Ctg bank for buying explosives A huge sum of money was spent on buying explosives used in the August 17 blasts and it was drawn from a personal account with a Chittagong branch of Islami Bank, said an investigator in Dhaka.   Agora fined for selling stale food A mobile court yesterday fined Agora super shop at Rifles Square in Dhanmondi Tk 50,000 for selling rotten fish and flour, mustard oil without expiry date, and internationally banned unhygienic juices.   Tengratila, Feni gas fields wrongly abandoned The process of declaring the Tengratila and Feni gas fields abandoned was faulty, says the report of a three-member enquiry committee.   Women MPs furnish 'dubious' info with EC The 36 candidates, who were declared elected to the women's reserved seats in parliament yesterday, have furnished the election commission (EC) with incomplete and misleading personal information while   BNP holds big rally to mark founding day The ruling BNP yesterday brought out a grand rally in the capital, marking its 27th founding anniversary which was observed on September 1.   Fuel prices hike again Bowing to the donors' pressure, the government has decided to raise the prices of octane, diesel, kerosene and petrol to adjust them global market prices. The new prices come into effect from today.   Two more BDR battalions for Naikkhanchhari Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) is going to deploy two more battalions soon at the border along Bandarban to prevent infiltration of criminals and arms dealers.   Govt to weigh up projects before including in ADP The government will set 'performance indicators' for a particular project and consider its risk factors, including political stability, market conditions and prices, before incorporating it in the annual   PM stresses energy saving measures Stressing the need for maximum utilisation of power in productive activities, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday said multiple 'energy saving measures' should be adopted in preventing waste and misuse   'Criminal, outlaw' killed in 'crossfire' A listed criminal and a leader of an outlawed political outfit were killed in "crossfire" during shootouts between their accomplices and members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Manikganj and Chuadanga   Moudud against ban on hijab Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Moudud Ahmed yesterday said public opinion should be created worldwide to resist western intolerance of hijab (veil).   Thus spake 2 BNP MPs! Two lawmakers of the ruling BNP have blasted journalists in Patuakhali and Jhenidah.   Tigers play for pride today With the one-day series already lost, Bangladesh will be left with only pride to play for in Sunday's third and final game against Sri Lanka.   Shafi points finger at Maruf, Shahid Shafiqul Alam alias Shafi, a suspect in the sensational Jamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury abduction case, yesterday made a statement before a magistrate, indicating again Maruf Nizam's role and Shahid Chairman's   Woman brutally beaten by Khulna Shibir leader A woman identified as Selina Akhter Shahnaj, 40, is fighting for life after being brutally beaten on Thursday afternoon by Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Shah Zubayer Nurullah, son of Jamaat leader Shah   Maoist rebels announce ceasefire in Nepal Nepal's Maoist rebels announced a three-month ceasefire yesterday, their chief said in a statement, in a move to win support of political parties after King Gyanendra seized power in February.   SCBA for legal action against 2 BNP high-ups Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) yesterday called for legal action against Health Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain and BNP Joint Secretary General Gayeshwar Chandra Roy for 'contemptuous' comments   Hasina, Dr Kamal for forging greater unity Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina and Jatiya Oikya Mancha Convenor Dr Kamal Hossain last night had a closed-door meeting at the former's Dhanmondi residence and committed a firm resolve to forgea   Case against Niko chairman dismissed A Dhaka court yesterday dismissed a criminal case filed against Niko chairman and two others for damaging public properties and dwelling houses of Chhatak gasfield area at Tengratila in Sunamganj district.   Aiyar's visit may be deferred again Indian Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar's planned visit to Dhaka might be deferred by a couple of days for his preoccupation in New Delhi.   One more held for attacking Ctg high official Police yesterday held one of the four miscreants who confessed to his involvement in Thursday's attempt on Additional Divisional Commissioner (general) of Chittagong Golam Kuddus.   India's ONGC discovers gas in Bay An offshore drilling operation by India's state-run oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has discovered natural gas in the Bay of Bengal, a company spokesman said yesterday.   Clarification Bangladesh Biman has sent a clarification of the news item run by The Daily Star under the headline 'Biman crashlands into losses'.   India to push on with Iranian pipeline plan Energy-hungry India said yesterday it would push on with plans to build a $7 billion gas pipeline from Iran, undaunted by the increasing threat of United Nations sanctions against Tehran.   Insurgents kill 20 Iraqi troops Insurgents launched a series of assaults yesterday in a province north of Baghdad, killing at least 20 Iraqi security forces, officials said.   Restriction on visitors at Secretariat The home ministry in an official order on Saturday asked the officials concerned not to issue passes to the visitors of secretariat without official reasons.   PBCP leader arrested in Satkhira A regional commander of outlawed Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP) was arrested on Friday night at Tersi bazaar in Tala upazila of the district. Business ICC-B to host regional seminar on stock market Capital market experts from across Asia will gather in Dhaka late this month for a two-day regional seminar to discuss ways to identify areas of mutual co-operation to pre-empt any repeat of the Asian   IMF team meets NBR to review reforms today The visiting six-member mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will sit today with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to talk on the ongoing reforms under the board.   Diversified jute products eye market on eco-concern Diversified jute products can find a huge market at home and abroad in the wake of growing concern for the environment across the world, speakers said at a function in Dhaka yesterday.   Grameen One's debut on bourses today Grameen One, the first scheme of the Grameen Mutual Fund One, is going to be listed on the country's two stock exchanges today.   Asia growth robust but oil a worry: ADB Asian economic growth will remain strong this year, boosted by China and India, but expensive oil could slow regional activity from next year, the president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Friday.   Banglalink launches new package for women Mobile phone operator Banglalink yesterday launched a new prepaid mobile-to-mobile phone package styled 'ladies, first!' especially for women customers.   Japan trade fair on Sept 8 Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) is organising Japan Trade Fair-2005 at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel on September 8.   7-day Vietnam Food Festival from Sept 8 With a view to giving a savory taste of Vietnamese cuisine to the local food connoisseurs, Hotel Sonargaon is going to organise a seven-day Vietnam Food Festival in Dhaka from September 8-14.   China president hopes to ease trade frictions on US visit Chinese President Hu Jintao heads to the United States next week hoping to patch up economic ties strained by spats over China's ballooning trade surplus, currency policy and surging textile shipments.   India to roll out job plan for rural poor India is launching a massive job guarantee scheme to support millions of rural poor which economists say could strain federal finances and send billions of dollars down a black hole of corruption.   Myanmar inks deal with China for power equipment Myanmar has signed a 45.8-million-dollar deal to buy equipment from China for the construction of a giant hydro power project, a state-run newspaper reported Saturday.   Asian economies must not rely on China, India: UN Asian countries must stop relying on imports by rising giants China and India, the United Nations said Friday.   Asia telecoms firms look beyond borders Asia's top telecoms firms are casting their eyes overseas for acquisitions to drive new growth as their home markets reach saturation, but investors fret the increased competition may hit margins andpile   China firmly opposed to US textile curbs China firmly opposes a US decision to curb imports of two categories of Chinese textiles, the official Xinhua News Agency said Friday.   Phoenix Leasing, Mercantile Bank sign Tk 166m lease agreement Phoenix Leasing Company Ltd has recently signed a lease finance agreement for Tk 166 million with Mercantile Bank Ltd. Sports Cricket: A left-arm solution? Syed Rasel has always dreamed of winning a national cap and after two reasonably good performances against Sri Lanka, many believe that the left-arm pacer has come to stay.   Tennis: Her biggest match With more than a billion people at home in India following her every move at the US Open, Sania Mirza knows what it is like to carry the weight of expectation on her shoulders.   Cricket: Injury dogged Tigers Since Bangladesh landed in Sri Lanka, it has been a tale of injuries. Leading fast bowler Mashrafee-bin Mortuza could bowl only six deliveries before breaking down in the Tigers' lone practice match.   Football: School soccer Dolaipar High, Ali Ahmed High, Khilgaon Govt High and Segunbagicha High moved into the group semifinals in the Pran-Cola School Football Tournament after beating their respective rivals at different city   Cricket: Bashar returns to see sick mum Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar will return home after the third and final one-dayer against Sri Lanka on Sunday to be by his ailing mother.   Football: Farashganj win by a whisker A first-half strike by Walid helped Farashganj Sporting Club get away with a solitary goal victory over relegation-bound Youngmens Club in the Premier Bank Premier Division Football League at the Bangabandhu   Handball: Cute handball Bangladesh Rifles and Bangladesh Police recorded convincing wins against their respective rivals in the Cute Premier Division Handball League at the outer stadium handball court yesterday.   Tennis: It's Sharapova v Mirza Serena and Venus Williams set up another all-in-the family clash after both scored straight sets victories in the third round of the US Open.   Football: Brazil almost there Ronaldo will attempt to break a five-match scoring duck for world champions Brazil in their World Cup qualifier at home to Chile on Sunday.   Football: Ronaldo has Pele in his sights Robinho is Brazil's newest sensation, Adriano is the 'Emperor,' and Ronal-dinho is simply the world's best player.   Football: Mourinho's 5-year plan Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has outlined his five-year plan to make the Londoners one of world football's major clubs.   Cricket: Kasper spurs on Aussies Australia fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz hopes his side can draw inspiration from legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and deliver a knockout blow to England's hopes of regaining the Ashes at The Oval next week.   Cricket: India to rest Front-liners Having already assured a place in the final, India would be looking to use their bench strength in the inconsequential Videocon Cup triangular cricket series league match against minnows Zimbabwe here   Football: Kahn, Lehmann feud rages on The long-simmering feud between Germany's two top goalkeepers flared up again Friday on the eve of a friendly against Slovakia.   Football: Amazing shootout An English FA Cup preliminary round replay between Tunbridge Wells and Littlehampton Town was decided after a 40-penalty shootout on Thursday, the third highest ever recorded in a senior match.   Football: 'Rooney's a world star' Brazil striker Ronaldo has singled out England counterpart Wayne Rooney to be the star of next year's World Cup in Germany.   Cricket: Zimbabwe's Tests against India in danger A looming contracts crisis between Zimbabwe Cricket and its players could abort the forthcoming Test series against India later this month. Metropolitan 'Women MPs accountable only to party, not to people' People can't expect anything from parliament members elected in women's reserved seats as they are not directly elected by them, said rights activists.   BIM plagued by corruption, nepotism Mismanagement, corruption and nepotism have allegedly plagued the Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM), but the industries ministry appears to be indifferent to various allegations against the director   Sound rural dev strategy a must for poverty cut A sound rural development strategy can reduce poverty significantly through sustainable rural development, experts told an international seminar in the city yesterday.   Dowry claims another life A woman died in the capital on Friday, nine days after her husband set fire to her by pouring kerosene for her failure to provide him with dowry.   Shibir activists work in guise of JCD men at JU! Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities have taken additional security measures to avert any further untoward incident on the campus following the attack at Shaheed Salam Barkat Hall that left fivestudents   Implement CEDAW Women's rights activists at a discussion yesterday called on the government to implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) without any delay to protect   'Strengthen local govt for good governance' Speakers at a discussion yesterday called on the Union Parishad (UP) chairmen and members to make concerted efforts to strengthen the local government in order to establish good governance.   Financial Express editor, BATB official sued Health directorate yesterday filed a criminal case against British-American Tobacco's deputy managing director (DMD) and Financial Express editor for publishing an advertisement on smoking.   Int'l peace award for Mainudin Maizbhandari Leading spiritual and religious personality Syed Mainuddin Ahmed Maizbhandari returned home yesterday from Ghana's capital of Accra attending an international peace conference that conferred on him the   HC rule on govt The High Court yesterday issued rule upon the government to show cause why a direction should not be given to constitute vacation court for civil cases during civil court vacation in the subordinate courts   Canadian HR leader calls on Hasina Canadian Human Rights leader William Flown called on Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina at her Sudha Sadan residence in the city yesterday.   Ershad doubts about holding election Jatiya Party chairman H M Ershad yesterday expressed doubt about holding the general elections because of the prevailing situation in the country. "The situation is indeed fragile.   Meet to fix date of Shab-e-Barat today The National Moon Sighting Committee will hold a meeting at the Islamic Foundation office in the city at 7:00pm today to fix the date of holy Shab-e-Barat.   Three killed in Gazipur road accident Three people were killed and two others injured in a road accident at Masterbari on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Sadar Upazila yesterday.   Rape of child condemned Bangladesh Mahila Parishad yesterday in a statement condemned the rape of a minor girl by a fake pir in Narayanganj. It demanded the arrest of and punishment to the pir (a religious guide).   AL leader Abidur Reza passes away Former Awami League lawmaker Abidur Reza Khan passed away due to prolonged illness yesterday morning at Samarita Hospital in the city at the age of 78. National RU Syndicate sits today to finalise appointments The Rajshahi University (RU) ÊSyndicate at a meeting today is likely to okay the process of recruitment of three teachers for Islamic History and Culture Êdepartment, ignoring objection by the departments'   3 held for selling adulterated spices in Rangpur A mobile court in a drive in Rangpur town yesterday arrested three persons on charge of selling adulterated food and spices.   10 hurt in JCD factional clash in Rangamati At least 10 BNP activists were injured, one of them critically, as two factions clashed at an arbitration meeting, held at Kathaltoli party office Friday night, police and party sources said.   Fully execute CEDAW Charter Women rights activists in Barisal yesterday called for full implementation of the Charter of Convention on Elimination of all form of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).   Bullets seized, 3 held Army personnel recovered 72 bullets of 303 rifle from a Khagrachhari-bound bus from Ranagamati and arrested three indigenous youths yesterday.   SI suspended on charge of moral turpitude A police sub-inspector (SI) has been was suspended on charge of developing relations with a woman taking the scope of investigating a case filed by her. Point-Counterpoint Flushing out the ugly truth The nightmare in New Orleans has a lot to tell us about poverty: the desperate poverty of the city's African-American population, of course, but also the poverty of political debate in the US today.   Why Bush should apologise Don't say that a hurricane destroyed New Orleans. Hurricanes do not drown cities.   Foreign funding for Islamist outfits The series of bomb explosions that rocked Dhaka and other parts of the country on August 17, leaving two people dead and more than 300 injured has become a matter of grave concern for the nation. Culture Hashem Khan's exhibition Hashem Khan's exhibition "The sweet and the sublime" begins at the Bengal Gallery today. Hashem says about his work," These paintings have been done in the last two years.   Back with a new image When Nusrat Yasmeen Tisa, popularly known as Tisa, made her re-entry in the entertainment world in 2004 after a break of six long years, she did not expect to regain her popularity.   Dazzling the audience The campus of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) was drowned in a sea of euphoria on September 1, courtesy the RC Cola open-air concert.   Blues musician RL Burnside dies Mississippi blues musician RL Burnside died recently in a Memphis hospital at the age of 78.   Cultural scene abuzz in N'ganj The sixth convention of the Narayanganj branch of the cultural organisation, Udichi Shilpi Goshthi began with the slogan Durdiney Darao Aji Shahoshey Shangramey at the Ali Ahmed Chunka auditorium General Resignation of govt demanded Awami League presidium member Amir Hossin Amu yesterday demanded resignation of the BNP-Jamaat coalition government by taking all responsibilities for its failure to pre-empt the August 17 countrywide   Mobile courts realise Tk 6.47 lakh in fines, file 218 cases in Aug BSTI mobile courts in special drives filed 218 cases and fined Tk 6,47,800 against petrol pumps for weight manipulation in the capital and other 15 districts in the last month, says a BSTI press release.   AIB executives Architect Khadem Ali and Architect Dr Mahbub Rahman have been elected president and general secretary of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (AIB) recently, says a press release. International Rape, murder, mayhem in New Orleans' shelter With the rotors of President George W.   Health crisis grips disaster zone Lethornia J. Whiticar was lying all alone in the end zone of New Orleans' famed Superdome stadium, very sick and in great need of help.   Plight of survivors just begins Exhausted and bedraggled, tens of thousands of survivors of Hurricane Katrina may have escaped death, but they face the stark prospect that the lives they knew may be gone forever.   Black victims spark US race debate The horrifying television images of the ravages wrought by Hurricane Katrina have sparked a thorny race debate in the United States as it becomes clear that most of its victims are black.   India happy with progress of talks India said on Friday it was pleased with progress in South Asia peace talks, despite concerns over infiltration of Islamic militants in Kashmir, but Pakistan urged greater focus to resolve the dispute   US fails first major test after Sept 11 attacks The United States appears to have failed the first major test of new security arrangements since the September 11 attacks as the superpower struggles to cope with the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina.   Sharon-Abbas will hold summit this month Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet this month, their first summit since Jewish settlers were evacuated from occupied Gaza, an Israeli newspaper saidyesterday.   300 US airmen on way back from Iraq, Afghanistan Three hundred US airmen deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have begun returning to Mississippi to help their families cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a spokesman for US Central Command Air Editorial Editorial: Another arms seizure Once again congratulations are in order for the seizure by a joint Rab and BDR team of a cache of 20 AK-47 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition in the remote forested area of Naikhangchhari in   Editorial: Unlocking new possibilities The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the Board of Investment has signed with Abu Dhabi Group -- which will invest $1 billion in Bangladesh -- is a significant development for a host of reasons.   Will Iraq survive as a nation state? The Iraqi draft constitution, to be placed for referendum in mid-October over the rejection by the minority Sunni Arabs, raises some troubling questions.   Politicians' writ or police raj THAT police is meant to maintain law and order still holds good in the West, although the 9/11 attacks have drastically changed its meaning. Letters to Editor Intolerant A man took the initiative to stop the Kirtan (religious song) festival of the Hindus in Keshobpur.   Small economies Many problems lie within small economies; that is why they are small. However small could be well managed.   Habiganj-Hiala road We, the inhabitants of the low-lying areas of Habiganj district, have been facing an acute problem due to the absence of communication from Habigonj to Hiala.   Child abuse The Daily Star published two recent stories of child abuse. The first one was on a 12-year-old girl, Aklima, who had been sent to prison as she was accused of stealing goods from her employer's house.   Sugar free products I would like to reply to AA of Dhaka's letter headed "Carcinogenic sweetener".   Unhygienic food business First of all, let me thank you for making your newspaper available online, which gives us a good chance to keep ourselves informed about our home country. Star Health People living with HIV/AIDS still struggling Bangladesh is now considered as a high risk country for HIV/AIDS infection. It is at a critical moment in the course of its AIDS epidemic.   Monsoon and ENT problems Monsoon with its cloudy skies, sudden rain, and sudden sunshine makes it one of the beautiful seasons of Bangladesh.   Olive oil may have pain-relieving powers Have a headache? No aspirin or ibuprofen handy? Try some olive oil -- actually, freshly pressed extra-virgin olive oil would be best, according to a group of chemists, who have discovered that it contains   Myocardial infarction can occur even at childhood Atherosclerosis is the main cause of a group of diseases called cardiovascular diseases -- diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Star City CID accuses private security guards Robbers working at shopping centres in the guise of private security personnel are behind the recent looting of gold shops in the city, suspect the investigators of the Criminal Investigation Department   Government to re-consider two-day weekly holiday Government's consideration to re-introduce the two-day weekly holiday has created mixed reaction among service holders.   Faulty start of BTTB's e-governance project Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board's (BTTB) latest e-governance project, aiming to provide the subscribers with online information service, hardly benefits the subscribers due to lack of publicity   Local bus drivers take advantage of commuters Commuters in the city complain that they are held hostage by local service bus operators who charge a higher fare during rush hours or inclement weather in the name of providing direct or sitting service.   © thedailystar.net, 2005. All Rights Reserved.