Vol. 5 Num 598 Thu. February 02, 2006       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 WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page If explosives came across border govt to take up issue with that country Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday told parliament that the government would take up the matter through appropriate channel if the explosives came from a neighbouring country for the recent bombings   SC rejects govt's plea for more time The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday turned down again the government petition seeking another four months for the implementation of the 12-point SC directives on separating the judiciary from the executive.   Ekushey Book Fair begins The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair began yesterday on the Bangla Academy premises with a special offer of 30 percent commission for all books, seemingly a special attraction for the bookworms.   14-party 'long march' begins today Awami League (AL)-led 14-party opposition alliance begins marches from different parts of the country towards Dhaka today for their February 5 mass gathering at Paltan Maidan in the capital demandingresignation   Delhi floats tender as Dhaka fears fallout India has finally floated international tender for construction of the much-talked-about 1,500 megawatt Tipaimukh Hydro Electric (multipurpose) Project at the confluence of the Barak and Tuivai rivers   Ashuganj-Manohardi gas pipeline trips on failure to cross Meghna The fate of the under-construction 37km Ashuganj-Manohardi gas pipeline, which is critical to improving the country's gas supply, has become uncertain due to a Chinese contractor's inefficiency in laying   ACC without political will failed to curb graft The Transparency International (TI) yesterday said the Bangladesh government has failed to curb corruption in the country as it formed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) not out of "political will"but   Fuel crisis persists to hurt Boro The fuel crisis due to an acute shortage of supply in the northern districts has not eased yet, posing a threat to jeopardise the Irri-Boro cultivation.   3 JMB men held with grenades Police yesterday arrested three Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) cadres from Gazipur and Tangail and seized two hand grenades and bomb making materials.   EC pleas to SC against HC's observations The Election Commission (EC) yesterday filed an appeal in the Supreme Court (SC) against the High Court (HC) observation over preparing 'controversial' fresh voter list for the upcoming general elections.   Fighting with fire in darkness.....   JP's short JS boycott drama ends by BNP intervention Five lawmakers of the Jatiya Party (JP), including Rawshan Ershad, joined the House yesterday upon the government intervention, ignoring a JP Parliamentary Party (JPPP) decision taken a few minutes back   Saifur irked by waste of public fund Finance Minister Saifur Rahman yesterday expressed utter frustration at the persistent irregularities and wastage of public money he had witnessed in government offices in his 13-year career as a minister,   150 hurt as cops fire on mob demanding Pir's expulsion At least 150 people were injured as police opened fire and lobbed tear gas shells on agitators demanding expulsion of a Pir from Sunamganj on Tuesday night.   Reforms must for fair polls: Hasina Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina yesterday declared that the alliance government would not be allowed to repeatedly play with people's voting right, saying that the opposition's reform proposal must be   Itineraries of PM's Pakistan, India visits being drawn Officials of the foreign ministry and two Bangladesh missions are arranging the itineraries of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia during her two high-profile visits to Pakistan and India in February and March.   Ctg tele link snapped for 11 hours The tele link between Chittagong and rest of the world remained snapped for nearly 11 hours following slash in the optical fibre in three places near Sitakunda since early yesterday.   Hili land port still close for strike Hili land port of Dinajpur remained closed for the third consecutive day as exporters, importers, clearing and forwarding agents [C&F] called for an indefinite strike on Monday last protesting a new rule   Masud Mia, ex-Habiganj SP axed The government has fired two police officials for patronising militancy and Bangla Bhai by one and for failure on another's part to give security of opposition Awami League lawmaker Kibria's life.   Sister files GD against SQ Chy for 'threat' Sister of Salauddin Qader Chowdhury filed a general diary (GD) with Gulshan Police Station on Tuesday stating that her brother threatened her over phone not to come to Bangladesh when she was in US.   Biman's stranded passengers at Brussels sent by other airlines Bangladesh Biman Airlines finally sent the 237 stranded passengers at Brussels to New York (NY) yesterday.   BSF kills 1 Indian Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead a Bangladeshi farmer at Chakpara frontier in Shibganj upazila of the district early yesterday. Business Manpower crisis grips mission in Geneva Dearth of adequate manpower with expertise in WTO issues has handicapped Bangladesh mission in Geneva in playing due part in crucial talks to ensure the country's stake in the world trade, the mission's   Reliable info key to business growth Economist Wahiduddin Mahmud yesterday underscored the need for making reliable information available for the growth of business.   Corporate Bazaar ends on high note The first-ever exhibition of corporate houses ended yesterday amid huge responses as participants expect a large number of business deals.   Ctg apparel, fabric show starts Saturday The fourth Chittagong Apparel, Fabric and Accessories Exposition (Cafaxpo)-2006 begins here on Saturday. Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Choudhury will inaugurate the three-day fair at CJKS Gymnasium.   Premier Bank SMS banking launched Premier Bank's new Short Message Service (SMS) banking was launched on Monday. Bangladesh Bank Governor Salehuddin Ahmed formally inaugurated the new service at a function in Dhaka.   India awards airport modernisation contracts amid protests India's Cabinet was set Wednesday to formally approve Germany's Fraport and the Airports Company South Africa as the winners of contracts to modernise and operate New Delhi and Bombay airports, the aviation   Nepal RMG makers mull product diversification Nepal’s ready-made garment exporters have started thinking that "market and product diversification" may revive the country's already ailing export sector, Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) said here   Opec keeps output unchanged The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries essentially sat on its hands in the face of soaring oil prices by deciding to keep its output steady.   ROK, Singapore to implement FTA from March The Republic of Korea (RoK) and Singapore have agreed to implement a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries as from March 2, local sources said.   Singapore businesses optimistic in first half of '06 Companies in Singapore are optimistic about business conditions in the next six months, building on the momentum of last year's stronger-than-expected economic growth, government surveys showed Wednesday.   China's textile sales hit $407b in 2005 China's textile sales reached 3.3 trillion yuan (407 billion dollars) in 2005, surging 115.7 percent from 2001, the official Xinhua news agency reported Wednesday.   Malaysian, Saudi firms strike deals worth $800m Malaysian and Saudi Arabian companies have signed deals worth some 800 million dollars, in unprecedented economic activity between the two Muslim countries, a business council said Wednesday.   Monitor, Totalgaz sign MoU on chef of the year competition Premier LP Gas Ltd (Totalgaz) will be the title sponsor of the 'Monitor-Totalgaz Chef of the Year Competition 2006' scheduled for April.   Correction In a January 25 photo caption, it was mentioned that Emirates SkyCargo carried a consignment of measles vaccines for United Nations Children's Fund, as mentioned in the press release. Sports Cricket: Another thorny DOHS crown Old DOHS as ex-pected retained the coveted Premier Cricket League title with a five-run victory over Bangladesh Biman in their penultimate Super-Six match at BKSP yesterday.   Cricket: Sonargaon runners-up Sonargaon Cricketers finished runners-up in the Aktel Premier Cricket League on their debut when they inflicted a 43-run defeat on Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Fatullah Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: Pakistan take series with record win Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Asif destroyed India's batting might as Pakistan won the third and final cricket Test by a massive 341 runs to clinch the series 1-0.   Cricket: PCB to probe Chappell's comments on Akhtar The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked match referee Ranjan Madugalle to look into alleged comments made by India coach Greg Chappell that stated he was concerned with paceman Shoaib Akhtar's bowling   Cricket: Rahim's boys face USA today Bangladesh under-19 cricketers will play their first practice match against USA today in Colombo. The Mushfiqur Rahim-led side left Dhaka on Monday to take part in the ICC Under-19 World Cup.   Football: BFF releases '06 calendar Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday released its calendar for the year 2006, but funnily there was no slot for the Dhaka Premier Football League.   Cricket: Div I cricket Prantik Krira Chakra defeated Surjo Tarun Club by 73 runs in the First Division Cricket League at the City Club ground yesterday. Prantik made 225 for nine with captain Aslam Ali scoring highest58.   Cricket: Media people harassed at the BKSP Media persons were harassed at the BKSP gate during yesterday's Premier Cricket League match at the Savar sports institute.   Cricket: Captain Younis being humble Pakistan's acting captain Younis Khan on Wednesday cautioned against blaming India despite thumping them by 341 runs in the final Test here to clinch the series 1-0.   Football: High drama in Group D The so-called Group of Death at the African Nations Cup lived up to its billing on Tuesday as both matches went down to the wire.   Football: The Empire strikes back Cameroon and Nigeria are once again the pride of African football at the Nations Cup, swaggering into the quarterfinals and casting real doubts on the credentials of World Cup-bound Togo and Angola.   Football: Real looking for young blood Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic heads a list of young stars targeted by Spanish giants Real Madrid to join its band of Galacticos, according to sports daily newspaper AS.   Football: Becks hails Robinho Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham has praised the return to form of team mate Robinho, saying the Brazilian forward has a great future.   Football: Bafana Bafana booed on return South Africa's soccer squad, booted out of the African Nations Cup without scoring a single goal, returned home on Wednesday to jeers and catcalls while the coach apologised for the team's dismal performance.   Football: Meril media soccer The Meril Cup Media Football Tournament reached the quarterfinal stage after the group matches ended yesterday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.   Handball: Inter-college handball Imperial College registered a 9-6 victory over Govt Titumir College in the EXIM Bank Inter-college (Men) handball tournament at the handball ground adjacent to Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.   Tennis: Solid start for Hingis Four-time champion Martina Hingis made a perfect return to the Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament on Wednesday, overwhelming Cho Yoon-Jeong of South Korea in just 35 minutes.   Football: Milan out of Italian Cup AC Milan tumbled out of the Italian Cup when they were beaten 3-0 by quarterfinal opponents Palermo on Tuesday.   Football: Cech pens new Chelsea deal Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has signed a new contract that will keep him at the Premiership champions until 2010.   Cricket: Smith urges ICC to get tough on racists South African captain Graeme Smith backed a get-tough approach to fight the racial abuse of players Tuesday, saying cricket authorities needed to crack down on the problem the way soccer had. Metropolitan '28 killed by law enforcers in Jan' The law enforcement agencies killed 28 people in the country during January last while 17 of them were killed in crossfire, said a human rights organisation yesterday.   Pro-opposition students protest Pm's visit, JCD welcomes Different pro-opposition student organisations yesterday staged demonstrations on the Dhaka University (DU) campus protesting the prime minister's visit to inaugurate the month-long Amar Ekushey BookFair,   Hajj formalities to be completed 3 months before annual Hajj An inter-ministerial meeting yesterday decided to complete all Hajj formalities three months before the annual Hajj to avoid harassment to the pilgrims and transportation hassles.   Read more books, develop habit of study Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday called upon the people to read more books developing the habit of reading in every house, inspire children to read books and give book as gift to the loving ones.   Call to raise voice against militancy The Jatiya Kabita Utsab (national poetry festival)-2006 began in the capital amid festivity and enthusiasm yesterday with a call to raise voice against religious extremism.   Hasina's security vehicles are too old The police security vehicles provided for the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sheikh Hasina are too old and unable to closely follow her motorcade while travelling on the highways outside the capital.   Businessman stabbed to death at Uttara Unknown criminals killed a trader at Uttara, while in two other incidents a police constable and two security personnel were stabbed and bullet-wounded at Shyampur and Dhanmondi in the city last night.   Bhuiyan protests media reports on BNP nomination BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan yesterday protested against the media reports regarding nomination of party candidates and urged people not to be confused by such 'misleading propaganda.   Cricketer Durjoy, Bashundhara Vice-chairman Shafayet fined Cricket star Naimur Rahman Durjoy and Vice-chairman of Bashundhara Group of Industries Shafayet Sobhan were fined Tk 30,000 on Tuesday for entering the Sundarbans with firearms in violation of the Wildlife   HC showcause on construction of CNG station at Batali Hill A High Court (HC) bench yesterday served a show cause notice against the construction of a CNG station at the port city's picturesque Batali Hill Railway Estate in violation of Chittagong Metropolitan   Two more Tejgaon factory fire victims die Two more workers, who suffered burn injuries in a devastating fire at a factory in Tejgaon on January 20, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) raising the death toll to four.   Bring contempt charge against PM, law minister The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) yesterday urged the chief justice to bring a contempt charge against the prime minister and the law minister and others concerned for "violating the Supreme Court   Keraniganj Jubo League leader stabbed A union parishad (UP) member, who is also a Jubo League leader, was stabbed allegedly by the men of the UP chairman, also a leader of the ruling BNP, at Keraniganj on the outskirts of the capital yesterday.   BNP grand rally in Ctg today A grand rally of the ruling BNP will be held at 3:00pm today on Chittagong Outer Stadium premises in the port city.   Cabinet body meets to finalise Ekushey Padak A meeting of the cabinet committee on National Award was held yesterday to finalise the nomination for Ekushey Padak-2006.   Second death anniversary of Justice Debesh today Today is the second death anniversary of Justice Debesh Bhattacharya, a champion of democratic and human rights, says a press release.   American Centre cancels concert The American Centre regretted to announce that the "Rhythmic Prophecies" Jazz Ambassadors concert scheduled for February 5 at Shilpakala Academy has been cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances.   Bangladeshi student dies in Sydney road accident Zahid Reza Khan (Ranon), a Bangladeshi student, died in a road accident in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday, says a press release.   World Wetlands Day today Bangladesh, endowed with rich wetland resources, will observe World Wetlands Day today. Different organisations will hold discussions, organise rallies and art competitions marking the day.   Tk 23.57 crore received in donation for cancer hospital Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) has so far received over Tk 23. National Rangamati sees lowest ever tourist turnout in peak time Despite peak season, the picturesque lake district of Rangamati witnessed the lowest ever tourists this year.   Agitation for better education Students of Dinajpur Government Veterinary College (DGVC) barricaded the Dinajpur-Dhaka highway near the institution yesterday, snapping the road link for several hours, demanding transfer of the college   Bridge links Moheshkhali with mainland this month At last Moheshkhali coastal island is being connected with the mainland, fulfilling a long cherished desire of its four lakh people and opening up great prospects for development.   Flag meet on a runaway mare It was amusing for border guards of Bangladesh and India and the people of border villages as well.   Govt out to foil 'long march', Khulna AL says Khulna city Awami League President Talukder Abdul Khaleque MP has alleged that the government was trying to foil the 14-party alliance's February 5 'long march' towards Dhaka from Khulna.   Criminal grabs KDA land in the name of ruling BNP Khulna city unit of Jatiyatabadi Sechhasebak Dal, a front organisation of the ruling BNP, is constructing its new office at Sonadanga after illegally occupying a plot of land belonging to Khulna Development Point-Counterpoint Is CTG reform enough? This time next year, if the general election is held as scheduled, the nation will see either a new government led by the AL or a re-elected one led by the BNP.   Another Farakka? Bangladesh has already made loud protests over the multi-million dollar Indian Tipaimukh Dam project in the river Borak. Culture Shovana Narayan's Kathak spellbinds audience The term Kathak means, "narrating a story". One of the oldest, yet thriving dance forms, Kathak originated in northern India.   Month long programme ends with palagaan It was a palagaan with a difference: The gayens (bards) did not begin the show with a devotional song nor did they focus on the soul or God as the subject of the pala.   Recognising cultural talent On January 31, Ustad Momotaz Ali Khan Music Academy, a reputed music school, celebrated its anniversary at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium, National Museum.   Closeup 1 contestant Rinku accorded reception in Rajshahi One of the leading contestants of the talent hunt Closeup 1, Mashiur Rahman Rinku was recently awarded at a programme jointly organised by Centre for Communication and Development (CCD), Bangladesh General Govt to consider textile, jute workers' demands Textile, jute and yearn leaders and workers postponed their fast unto death yesterday following the assurance of labour ministry to consider their 10-point demands.   RU teacher assaulted A planning committee (PC) member of the Folklore department of Rajshahi University (RU) was assaulted by section officers and local BNP leaders yesterday for rejecting the application of their party man International Maoist rebels kill 20 law enforcers Nepal's King Gyanendra marked the first anniversary Wednesday of his seizure of power with a promise to push ahead with controversial local elections, as Maoist rebels launched major raids which killed   Israeli forces, settlers clash at West Bank outpost Israeli riot police clashed with stone-throwing settlers trying to block the demolition of part of an unauthorized Jewish outpost in the West Bank in violent scenes reminiscent of Israel's Gaza pullout.   Bomb kills at least eight in Baghdad At least eight people were killed on Wednesday when a suicide bomber strapped with explosives attacked a crowd of labourers in central Baghdad, an Interior Ministry source said.   US must kick the oil habit President Bush said on Tuesday "America is addicted to oil" from the Middle East and must break its dependence, in a State of the Union speech that promised aggressive US engagement around the world in   Parliament defeats question Blair's authority British Prime Minister Tony Blair faced fresh questions about his authority Wednesday after his government suffered a shock double defeat over a key part of new legislation to combat religious hatred.   Saddam trial opens with closed session The trial of deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein began on Wednesday after a delay of three hours with a closed session between defendants and the judge to discuss "procedural matters", said a courtsource.   Captors of Germans in Iraq issue ultimatum The kidnappers of two German engineers in Iraq have threatened to kill their captives unless Berlin cuts all links with Baghdad within 72 hours, according to a video aired by Al-Jazeera satellite news   Iraqi, Iranian and Pakistani 'terrorists' seized in Afghanistan Counter-terrorism police have arrested an Iraqi, an Iranian and three Pakistanis allegedly planning attacks in insurgency-hit southern Afghanistan, the interior ministry said Wednesday.   Be brave on Kashmir, Musharraf tells India Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has asked India to take "brave decisions" on his self-governance and demilitarisation proposals to resolve the Kashmir issue. Editorial Editorial: CEC's observations before the press THE CEC has finally broken his long standing silence to the media to opine that the recent High Court directive, that the preparation of a fresh voter list be based on the existing voter list, is notbinding   Editorial: A year after Gyanendra takeover THE political crisis in Nepal has deepened further with King Gyanendra stepping into his second year of assuming all powers of the state on a promise of restoring democracy which remains a far cry.   Damned if you do and damned if you don't This is exactly what the Palestinians must be feeling after the barrage of threats of dire consequences from the US and the West following their recent elections.   Putting together a survival kit for Pakistan Look at what is happening in Sindh. The decibal of nationalist rhetoric is rising and sounds irreconcilable; the loudest is the new entrant to nationalist ranks: Muttaheda Qaumi Movement. Letters to Editor Onslaughts on Ahmadiyya community I thank Mr. Shamsher Chowdhury for his well written opinion regarding the onslaughts on Ahmadiyya community in the past few years. What is annoying is that, the story of persecution has not ended yet.   Fake voters! A BNP leader in an interview with a newspaper disclosed that NDI, an organisation led by Jimmy Carter, found 64 lakh fake voters on the voter list.   BTRC steps One gentleman wrote in his letter in a Bengali daily..."The British could not take in over 200 years what the mobile phone companies have taken from our country in the last few years".   IDB loan The news item published in a Bangla daily on 25th January 2006 drew my attention. The report was on the interest rate of Islamic Development Bank (IDB)'.   Fresh voter list The row over the new voter list has made us perplexed, we do not understand why the Awami League is opposing the preparation of it.   Road accidents Road accidents are nowadays as common as political processions in the country. Every day eight to ten people die because of road accidents on the highways.   Party before country On February 1, you came up with a very interesting headline. It read, "Forget internal feuds, work for boat: Hasina".   Happiest nation in the world My letter is a reflection in the wake of a recent report by London School of Economics that found Bangladeshis as the happiest people on Earth.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.