Vol. 5 Num 717 Sun. June 04, 2006       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan National International Culture Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Investors shut DEPZ factories as violence flares again Investors yesterday decided to shut down all their 92 factories in the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) from today following another bout of workers' violence and said they will not re-open those until   Workers damage RMG units, fight with law enforcers: 100 hurt Garment workers yesterday continued vandalism and protests in Gazipur, Savar and Ashulia in a bid to realise their 11-point demand.   Successes overshadowed by raft of negative factors All incremental successes achieved in the economy in recent past have been overshadowed by factors such as price hike of essentials, increase in interest rate, power shortage and currency depreciation,   Economists trash conspiracy theory Leading economists of the country have urged the government and the garment owners to stop looking for the "conspiracy theory" and form a commission to identify and resolve the basic problems of the garment   FDI dips 10.7pc this fiscal year Belying the Board of Investment (BoI) claim of substantial increase in foreign investment, Bangladesh Bank's statistics recorded a 10.7 per cent year-on-year decline during July-March of this fiscal year.   'Torture' victims demand his punishment About 60 victims of alleged torture by BNP lawmaker Shahidul Islam and his men yesterday formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club in the capital demanding his arrest and exemplary punishment.   Feeder vessel operators adamant to impose container surcharge The feeder vessel operators remain adamant on imposing congestion surcharge on Chittagong port-bound containers from tomorrow.   Flare-up at DEPZ   Long-drawn discontent led to the violence Brewing discontent among the Savar EPZ garment workers led to the violent demonstrations yesterday, leaders of garment workers organisations said.   BGMEA wants quick solution Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) yesterday urged the government to immediately solve the problem arising out of workers' agitation at Dhaka Export Procession Zone (DEPZ)   Politicised GDP growth rate Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) yesterday said governments estimate higher GDP growth rate in the election years to show a bright picture of economy but later the rate is revised downward when a newgovernment   Interns continue strike at Mitford, vandalise hospital director's office Striking intern doctors of Sir Salimullah Medical College yesterday went on a rampage at the Mitford Hospital, forcing out patients and doctors of the outdoor department.   Govt planning polls fixing in 100 seats Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina has alleged that the BNP-Jamaat coalition has been pursuing an evil design of election engineering, targeting 100 seats.   CEC should resign, says Oli Ahmed BNP Standing Committee member Oli Ahmed yesterday said the chief election commissioner (CEC) should resign in the wake of the Supreme Court's latest verdict on voter list.   PM discusses EPZ issue with top ministers After receiving a letter from domestic and foreign investors following fresh labour unrest at Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ), Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had a meeting with five ministers yesterday   3 officials of DEPZ removed The government last night relieved three Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEZP) officials of duty for their negligence during workers' agitation in the zone.   Jamaat says opposition trying to split alliance Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Ameer and Industries Minister Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami yesterday said their opponents' main target is to take results of the upcoming general elections in their favour by   Sylhet elite find 'conspiracy' against Saifur A section of the elite of Sylhet yesterday urged the prime minister to stop Finance and Planning Minister Saifur Rahman from tendering resignation, saying there is a "deep-rooted conspiracy" against him.   UK police hunt for 'dirty' bomb British anti-terrorist police are hunting for a "dirty" chemical bomb that could be used in an attack in Britain after a major raid failed to uncover a device they believe exists, newspapers reportedyesterday.   4 Russian embassy workers kidnapped A Russian embassy worker was killed and four of his colleagues were kidnapped in west Baghdad yesterday while seven policemen were killed in insurgent attack on a checkpoint near Baquba, an interior ministry   Iran awaits world powers' proposal Iran said yesterday it was awaiting a new international proposal to ease a crisis over its disputed nuclear programme but stuck by its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment work. Business Karachi chamber sees no headway Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) sees no headway in South Asian Free Trade Area (Safta) agreement implementation in due time.   Poor governance, taka depreciation lead to price hike of essentials Lack of good governance, high cost of doing business and depreciation of taka against dollar are the primary reasons behind the price hike of the essentials, speakers at a seminar said yesterday.   Bank deposit rate fails to protect real value: CPD Bank deposit rate could not protect its real value as it still remained negative, according to Independent Review of Bangladesh's Development (IRBD), a series of reports carried out by the Centre forPolicy   Selected trends in Bangladesh economy in FY06   India's aid package for Nepal high on agenda India's economic aid package will be high on the agenda when Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala holds talks with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh here early next week.   Malaysians look for joint ventures in Bangladesh Malaysia looks for partners for joint venture projects in Bangladesh to produce auto parts, textiles and halal food items in buyback arrangements or for third country export.   African economic forum spins optimistic outlook Encouraging economic growth, good prospects, and an attractive climate for investment: that is the picture the World Economic Forum in Africa has painted of the poorest continent as it seeks to boosta   US to forge future of European financial markets The possible arrival of the New York Stock Exchange in Europe via the planned acquisition of Euronext strikes at the heart of ambitions to create a vast European financial market strong enough to challenge   Beximco Pharma raises £6.5m thru' further GDR issue in London Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd (BPL) announced that it has raised 6.   Malaysian trade surplus down 25pc in April Malaysia's trade surplus in April fell 25 percent to 7.21 billion ringgit (1.98 billion dollars), a sharp decline from 9.   Japan, Vietnam to launch free trade talks Japan and Vietnam have agreed to open talks later this year to establish a free trade agreement (FTA), media reports said.   7th raffle draw of 'Coca-Cola Fun Island' programme held The seventh raffle draw of 'Coca-Cola Fun Island' under the 'Crown Program 2006' was held yesterday in Dhaka under the aegis of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Kalyan Trust. Sports Football: The 1998 final: An enigma The final of the 1998 World Cup at the Stade de France -- a decisive contest within a contest bet-ween Ronaldo and the French back four -- simply wasn't one.   Football: Bits and Bobs Mineiro joins up with Brazil squad Afp, Weggis Sao Paulo midfielder Mineiro joined Brazil's World Cup squad Friday as replacement for knee-injury victim Edmilson.   Football: Germany dispatch Colombia Germany wrapped up their World Cup preparations here Friday with a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Colombia in a pre-tournament friendly.   Football: Lippi happy despite draw Italy coach Marcello Lippi praised his team after a morale-boosting performance in their final warm-up before the World Cup finals ended in a 0-0 draw with Ukraine.   Football: FIFA denies commercialisation One week before the World Cup starts, the head of football's world governing body Sepp Blatter on Friday fought off accusations that the tournament will be ruined by big business.   Football: Akram tips England for football glory Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram backed England on Saturday to win the World Cup, saying he expected Sven-Goran Eriksson's men to triumph against the odds.   Football: Chile foil Swedish preps Sweden drew 1-1 with Chile on Friday in their final warm-up match before the World Cup and coach Lars Lagerback said his side would need to play more aggressively in the tournament.   Football: Let's do the Crouch! Hands outstretched, elbows rigid at right angles and jerkily moving to an imaginary beat, it is the goal celebration-cum-dance craze that is shaking England.   Football: "Dumb Americans" Bruce Arena and the U.S. soccer team quickly settled into the role of World Cup outsider.   Football: 'Raul will bounce back' Spain coach Luis Aragones has defended his captain Raul as he looks set to alter his tactics to incorporate the striker for the World Cup warm-up match against Egypt in Elche on Saturday.   Football: Becks assured of key personal role England skipper David Beckham believes his dead-ball skills could prove to be the key to World Cup success.   Cricket: Bowlers dominate youth cricket final Wickets fell like ninepins on the first day of the evenly poised two-day final of the Dhaka Bank Under-19 Cricket Championship at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.   Cricket: N'ganj school in final Laxminarayan Cotton Mills High School of Narayanganj managed a solitary goal victory over Faridpur High School to reach the final of the banglalink tiger trophy National School Football Championship yesterday.   Cricket: Talent hunting goes southeast The talent hunt programme titled 'cricket medhar khoje' will start its journey in the southeast zone of the country tomorrow.   Chess: Qatar humble men's team Bangladesh men's team stumbled but the women made the eleventh round of the 37th Chess Olympiad a successful one at Turin, Italy on Friday.   Football: All districts to take part in nat'l football All the 64 district teams have sent their entries for the Jubok Phone National Football Championship that will begin on July 15 at regional venues across the country.   Football: DRU seminaron WC today The Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) will organise a discussion seminar titled, "Football World Cup 2006: Bangladesh Perspective" at the VIP Auditorium of the association at 10am today.   Football: Mourinho fancies Brazil Chelsea's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho believes defending champions Brazil are the favourites to win the World Cup as their squad is in even better shape than four year ago.   Football: Cafu confident of repeat No one has played in four consecutive World Cup title games. Brazilian defender Cafu already is thinking about being the first.   Football: Ballack was right: Klinsi Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann says captain Michael Ballack was right to express concerns about his team's defence before they beat Colombia 3-0 on Friday.   Cricket: Sachin set for August return Sachin Tendulkar looks set to be fit for India's triangular one-day series in Sri Lanka in August.   Cricket: Windies in command West Indies took control on the opening day of the first Test against India here on Friday after a fine bowling display from Dwayne Bravo and Corey Collymore kept the tourists batsman on the back foot.   Tennis: Henin wins with vengeance Defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne took revenge on the only woman to have beaten her at Roland Garros in the last three years on Saturday to set up a French Open fourth round clash with 2004 winner   Cricket: Spinners put SL on top Paul Collingwood stood firm as Sri Lanka spinners Muttiah Muralidaran and Sanath Jayasuriya maintained their grip on the second day of the third and final Test at Trent Bridge here Saturday.   Cricket: Confusion over Akhtar injury To nobody's great surprise, confusion reigns supreme over the exact status of Shoaib Akhtar's ankle injury, and whether or not it will allow him to participate in this summer's tour to England.   Cricket: Vaughan in the runs England captain Michael Vaughan has signalled his improving fitness with his first first-class half-century since returning from his knee injury.   Cricket: Vettori down again New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right lower back and will return to his homeland for treatment, the English county Warwickshire confirmed Friday.   Football: Juventus duo questioned Italy skipper Fabio Cannavaro and his Juventus teammate, France international David Trezeguet, appeared before prosecutors investigating alleged corruption in Serie A here on Saturday.   Football: Mikel seals Chelsea move Chelsea have agreed a 16 million pounds (30 million dollars) fee for John Obi Mikel after Manchester United and the Nigerian midfielder's former Norwegian club Lyn Oslo reached a settlement with the west   Football: Lyon snap up Kallstrom French champions Lyon confirmed Friday the signing of Swedish international midfielder Kim Kallstrom from rivals Rennes. Metropolitan Grabbers out to occupy vast Ctg Wasa land A group of land grabbers is out to occupy a vast area of land of Chittagong Water and Sewerage Authority (CWASA) illegally in connivance with some unscrupulous employees of the public utilities.   'Restore Women Dev Policy '97' Speakers at a meeting yesterday reiterated their demand for the restoration of National Women Development Policy (NWDP) 1997 for immediate implementation.   Implement 6-point education agenda Teachers and employees of private schools, colleges and madrasas demanded implementation of the revised 6-point 'Education Agenda' including salary equal to the teachers of government institutions.   World Environment Day tomorrow Setting the goal to save the greenery from desertification, the World Environment Day will be observed globally tomorrow.   'Introduce national ID card to curb terrorism, corruption' Speakers at a roundtable yesterday called for introducing 'national identity card' to combat terrorism, check corruption and ensure smooth functioning of the state.   UZ agri officer, wife killed in Khulna road accident Two people were killed in a road accident at Dumuria upazila in Khulna district yesterday.   Stop eviction from Phulbari Indigenous people urged the government to stop eviction of their people from Phulbari coal mine areas in Dinajpur in the name of coal extraction.   Akij Bidi Factory shut down Akij Bidi Factory in Jessore was shut down yesterday following a clash over the retrenchment of a worker.   Teachers demand removal of director Teachers of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, Dhaka University (DU), yesterday demanded removal of the director of the institute, blaming him for various irregularities and financial anomalies.   Evict encroachers from water bodies Environmentalists yesterday called for evicting the illegal encroachers from all water bodies in the city to remove waterlogging.   3-hour work abstention today Sangbadik Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SSKOP) called a three-hour work abstention from 11:ooam to 2:00pm protesting attack on journalists in Kushtia and killing and repression on journalists across   Baishakhi director Bulu's wife demands security Hosne Ara Naznin, estranged wife of MNH Bulu, director of private satellite channel Baishakhi, yesterday said her husband's men are pressuring her to withdraw the case she filed against Bulu.   President improves further The condition of President Iajuddin Ahmed, now undergoing treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, has improved further, with post-operative infections under control.   World Cancer Survivors' Day today World Cancer Survivors' Day will be observed as a celebration of life in Bangladesh for the first time today, says a press release.   Workshop held to empower victims Nari Unnayan Shakti, a national women development organisation, held a workshop at its Banasree office in the city yesterday for prosecutors, victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, complainants   IT Festival begins in city today A weeklong IT Festival 2006 of International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC), Dhaka Campus begins in the city today, says a press release.   BUET gold medal distribution on June 13 The gold medal distribution ceremony of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) will be held on June 13.   'Create awareness about safe driving' Speakers at the concluding session of a two-day workshop on 'Safe Driving Awareness' yesterday emphasised the need for creating awareness among the drivers for an accident-free road, says a press release.   Gen Musharraf doing an excellent job: Rumsfeld US Defence Secretary Donald H Rumsfeld yesterday lavished praise on the Pakistani president's campaign against terrorism, but sidestepped charges he has not done enough to flush out Taliban fighters   3 students get AF Mujibur Rahman Gold Medal Award Three students of Dhaka University were awarded AF Mujibur Rahman Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Mathematics at a ceremony on the university campus recently, says a press release.   Tributes paid to Zakaria Milon A memorial meeting on journalist Zakaria Milon was held at Jatiya Press Club in the city yesterday. National Strike, rallies held in support of Saifur in Moulvibazar BNP held public rallies in Moulvibazar Sadar and seven other upazila headquarters yesterday expressing solidarity with Finance and Planing Minister M Saifur Rahman and protesting the "audacious comments"   SUST crisis likely to ease With joining of the newly appointed treasurer today, the crisis-stricken Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) may return to normalcy after about three weeks, campus sources expect.   One dies, 2 fighting for life An elderly landless man died here yesterday afternoon while two others are fighting for life at a local hospital following their abduction and torture by miscreants at Bairagirchak in Kaliganj upazila   Token mass hunger strike for arrest of cops A token 'mass hunger strike' was observed at the call of Gaibandha Nagorik Committee yesterday demanding arrest of Sadar thana Officer-in-Charge and others accused in the case for 'murder' of Sajid in   Amra Sylhet Bashi calls it a conspiracy against Saifur A section of leading people in Sylhet city under the banner of newly formed Amra Sylhet Bashi (we the people of Sylhet), at a press conference in the city yesterday alleged that a deep rooted conspiracy   Accused teacher threaten victim, 2 teachers A Botany Department teacher of Rajshahi University (RU), accused of sexually abusing a fourth year female student has allegedly threatened the victim to withdraw her complaint.   UPDF man hurt in attack by PCJSS activists A United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) activist was critically wounded in an attack by armed activists of Parbattya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) at the Kutukchhari Bazar office of UPDF in   Star Readers' Club discusses career planning for youths A discussion on 'Career Planning for Unemployed Youths', was held at Jnanadayini High School hall room in Sirajganj town. Friday evening.   Dinajpur vet college closed sine die Dinajpur Government Veterinary College was closed sine die yesterday following a non-stop student agitation. The college authorities also urged the students to leave their dormitories by night. Point-Counterpoint Proposal for an elevated metro plus railway line What is PLUS FIFTEEN? It is a term generally used by planners and urban Designers to indicate a structure or physical element that carries or connects traffic and or people 15 ft above grade, to allow   Corrupts and clowns! Corrupts and clowns! Arguably, many more words can be added to the list. No, I do not claim that they are synonymous. Culture A medley of songs, dance and recitation Rabindra Bharati Praktoni, an organisation of graduates from Rabindra Bharati University, India arranged a cultural programme titled Pathochala at the Experimental Theatre Stage on June 2.   Yet another private organisation enters the field of filmmaking Till date there is no full-fledged government institution to provide academic curriculum on filmmaking in Bangladesh.   Jhunu's sculptures draw attention Jhunu Akter, who has studied at Shantiniketan, is holding a solo sculpture exhibition at Alliance Francaise. It is called 'The inner story of life.   Comilla comes to life with seminar and cultural event The launching ceremony of 'Rabindra Sangeet Sanskriti and Parimal Dutta Sharok Grontha' was held at the Comilla town hall auditorium recently.   Ontorjatra hits the big screen Tareque Masud and Catherine Masud's latest feature film, Ontorjatra, was released on June 2 at the Star Cineplex in Bashundhara City. The chief guest at the press show was Professor Anisuzzaman. International 30 Taliban killed in fighting Nearly 30 Taliban rebels were killed in the latest strikes in Afghanistan while Afghan and coalition troops took back a district that had been in rebel hands for days, officials said.   US studying Iran's retaliation options If cornered by the West over its nuclear programme, Iran could direct Hezbollah to enlist its widespread international support network to aid in terrorist attacks, intelligence officials say.   US probe clears troops over Iraq killings A US military probe yesterday cleared troops of wrongdoing in one of three cases of alleged killings of civilians in Iraq, which have raised worldwide concern over US conduct in the war-torn country.   Arrest warrant against Benazir, spouse A Pakistani court has issued arrest warrants against former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and her spouse for not responding to its summons in connection with submitting a false statement of assets, aday   India won't play active role in Lanka peace India fully supports the peace process in Sri Lanka but will not play an active role because it may "complicate" the situation, Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said yesterday.   'Millions breathe cancer-causing air in India' Millions in India breathe air loaded with cancer-causing chemicals and toxic gases present at levels that are thousands of times higher than permissible limits, an independent report said yesterday.   Australia wants UN police force for East Timor Australia wants the United Nations to provide a police force for East Timor that will eventually take away responsibility for security from the mostly military peacekeeping force deployed last week.   Afghan president sacks top cops after riots Afghan President Hamid Karzai has fired dozens of top police officials, including the Kabul police chief, days after anti-US riots raged out of control in the capital for hours, officials said Saturday. Editorial Editorial: Another round of trouble in RMG sector? It is unfortunate that in spite of the two tripartite agreements reached among the garment industry owners, workers and the government, violence still rankles in the sector.   Editorial: Subsidy question It fits in with the current pre-budget ambience that some eminent economists have highlighted the anomalies in the disbursement of agriculture subsidies and loans to the farmers.   Comedies unparalleled The cynics are saying it rather emphatically that humour in the socio-political dramas that are being enacted in the Land of Hope has reached a classic proportion.   Bangladesh in global community Regardless of universal concern and opposition by many one may have to accept the fact that the asymmetric world of today, like society from time immemorial, is divided into groups based on power, beliefs   RMG workers: The force behind the growth I have come across the article of "The plight of the RMG workers" by Mr. Nizam Ahmed from UK. Letters to Editor Natural disasters in Indonesia The recent earthquake in Indonesia that claimed about 10,000 lives has left the country in dire straits.   Performance of finance minister M Iqbal Karim deserves special thanks for analysing the performance of the Finance Minister (DS-26May). Mr. Saifur Rahman is responsible to a great extent for the economic debacles.   Unforgettable Raj Kapoor The article 'The unforgettable Raj Kapoor' by your cultural correspondent (June 2) was quite interesting. However, he has failed to mention the name of R.K.   Allah/ Khoda Hafez This letter is in response to the letters written by Jamsyd Osman and Moniruddin Ahmed on 26th May on the above mentioned subject.   Private university Private universities are being criticised nowadays. But in my opinion, even though there are some problems in management, private universities are making good contribution to higher education.   Voter list It appeared in the various news media that the CEC has shown a positive attitude to adhere to the directives of the SC in preparing the voter list.   Failure of democracy! Recently, the Chief Justice commented at a seminar that corruption has reached such a point where it has become an acceptable behaviour or norm.   Garment sector in turmoil Now it's rather quiet on the garment front. After four days of anarchy, vandalism, accusations and counter -accusations, the garment industry is going to be operative again.   Conspiracy! There are enemies everywhere who are trying to destroy Bangladesh and its image abroad.   Why should they call it weird? There was news about Bangladesh in an Australian newspaper in the "WEIRD" news category.   Our national flag Flags are everywhere. Flags of Brazil, Argentina, Italy and Germany are in the apartments, streets and malls. Flags are there in our football-loving hearts.   Erratum The name of the writer of the letter "Cartoons and satire" in our June 2 issue was inadvertently dropped. The writer's name is Angela Robinson (address: Lalmatia, Dhaka). Star Health Distressing pain of anus and anal fissure Lots of people suffer from pain in anal canal. It is a distressing and annoying symptom. Anus means the passage through which we pass motion and wind. Fissure means an ulcer or a crack in anal canal.   The unbearable headache All health information to keep you up to date In today's stressful life headache is one of the most frequent discomforts. Lots of us suffer from terrible headache during or after day-work.   Herbal extract shows promise for diabetes An herb long used in traditional Indian medicine appears to control the rise in blood sugar that follows a meal -- suggesting, researchers say, that it could help treat or even prevent type 2 diabetes.   Olive oil and palm olein are beneficial against coronary heart disease Olive oil is touted as the gold standard among all edible oils today.   US first lady proposes worldwide HIV testing day The United States plans to propose a global annual HIV Testing Day modeled on a US campaign encouraging at-risk individuals to determine if they have the AIDS virus, first lady Laura Bush said on Friday.   Checklist on breast cancer * A variety of disease may affect the breast. * A lump in the breast does not always means cancer. So you need not get worried if you experience a lump or pain in the breast.   Lighting the path to a brighter future Every year the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial draws thousands of communities together across the globe to light candles and demonstrate support for those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS.   Antioxidant combo may prevent some migraines Daily doses of antioxidants may reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches for patients who don't response to drug treatment, a small new study suggests.   Your Doctor On coming issue "Your Doctor" will respond to problems of skin and venereal diseases. Star City Lack of co-ordination hinders progress The management plan for preparedness and risk reduction of earthquakes is in utter disarray with lack of initiatives and co-ordination among the officials concerned, leaving the disaster-prone city'srescue   Obscenity in the guise of remedy While Mrs Nahar was travelling in the city with her daughter Samia, a leaflet was thrown at her from an outsider. Her curious little 8-year-old started questioning her.   Of spiritual crafts and mythical designs The 200-year-old tradition of bronze, brass and silver crafts of Dhamrai Metal Craft moulded into flawlessness reflections of South Asian myths and folk tales of Bengal was displayed at a 10-day longexhibition   New police stations yet to be set up Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is yet to start operations of the 12 new police stations approved by the government in March this year.   No bus service connecting east and west of Dhaka Almost 10 lakh people in the city's eastern part have been, for many years, facing various ordeals travelling downtown in the absence of proper bus services and the lack of direct communication connecting   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.