Vol. 5 Num 745 Sun. July 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 Lukewarm response to voter list updating Amid lukewarm response from the people, the Election Commission (EC) yesterday began its month-long work of updating the voter list as controversy continues over its opting not to go door to door forthe   CEC, 2 commissioners must go right away Legal experts and civil society members yesterday demanded immediate resignation of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and the two election commissioners on grounds of losing people's confidence in   Strict security blanket planned in city Awami League (AL)-led 14-party opposition coalition is scheduled to blockade the country's highways, railways and waterways today demanding electoral reforms, and resignation of the chief election commissioner   Henry shows Brazil door A Thierry Henry goal handed France a deserved 1-0 win over lacklustre defending champions Brazil in a World Cup quarter-final here early today.   Last dash for making black money white A number of parliamentarians, directors of private television channels, bureaucrats and defence officials, a newspaper owner, and a large number of businessmen and professionals thronged the banks onFriday   Non-govt school, college teachers threaten strike Jatiya Shikkhak-Karmachari Front, an organisation of non-government school, college and madrasa teachers and staff, yesterday announced to go on an indefinite strike from July 8 to press home their eight-point   RMCH interns start indefinite strike Interns at Rangpur Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) yesterday began an indefinite strike protesting attack on the president of the RMCH unit of Intern Doctors Association by some locals on Thursday   Khairuzzaman may become tax ombudsman Chairman of National Board of Revenue (NBR) Khairuzzaman Chowdhury is likely to become the first-ever tax ombudsman of the country this week.   Shujan to upload existing voter list on web Shujan (Shushashoner Janney Nagarik) has taken up a task for uploading the existing voter list to the web. Anyone interested can browse the voter list sitting at home or office by visiting www.shujan.org   SC bar to boycott court today The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) will boycott the both divisions of the court today to protest a contempt of court case filed against its leaders for such previous court boycott programme.   Abdur Rahman, Bangla Bhai sent to jail A Dhaka court yesterday sent Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) chief Abdur Rahman and its second-in-command Siddiqul Islam Bangla Bhai to Dhaka Central Jail on completion of their 10-day remand in   RMG workers block city road for hours Garment workers blockaded Rokeya Sarani at Sheorapara in the city yesterday and halted vehicular movement for four and a half hours protesting the expulsion of 28 workers from their factory and suspension   2 top bureaucrats sent to retirement The government last week sent on forced retirement two senior bureaucrats recently appointed as envoys to the Philippines and Brunei, fearing they might be brought back and reappointed in the administration   Football fans ransack electricity offices Angry soccer fans on Friday night attacked and ransacked Palli Bidyut Samity offices in Comilla and Sirajganj protesting power cuts during the Germany-Argentina World Cup quarterfinal.   Jail guards take revenge on football fans Residents of Nazimuddin Road and its adjacent areas yesterday alleged angry jail guards ransacked their houses to take revenge after agitating football fans attacked them as the fans could not watch a   5 sergeants closed for toll-taking Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) have closed five sergeants and one constable on charges of extortion.   6 bombs found in Satkhira house Police on Friday night recovered six bombs from a house at Kuchpukur village in Sadar upazila.   BDR quizzing 3 arrestees Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) interrogating three indigenous people arrested in connection with the seizure of huge arms and ammunition at Monikura village under bordering Haluaghat upazila on June 30 is yet   Pirates loot 22 trawlers, abduct 35 crews Pirates looted at least 22 trawlers, abducted 13 fishermen along with three trawlers and left 35 crews wounded in the Bay during hours between Friday noon to early Saturday.   Car bombing kills 66 in Baghdad market At least 66 people were killed and 114 wounded yesterday when a car bomb struck the Baghdad Shia district of Sadr City, ripping through a massive security crackdown in the Iraqi capital.   Palestinian PM's life 'at risk' if Israeli not freed Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya's life will be at risk if the wounded Israeli soldier detained by militants in the Gaza Strip is not freed, a senior Palestinian official warned yesterday.   Lankan navy averts harbour attack Sri Lankan forces sank a Tamil rebel boat as it approached a strategic harbour in the island's north, rebuffed an attack on an army patrol, and killed a suspected guerrilla in the east, the military said   Nasa space shuttle set to launch today For the first time in almost a year, Nasa was set to launch a space shuttle today on a mission that will test whether the space agency has reduced the risks of flying in the 25-year-old vehicles. Business Experts suggest removal of non-tariff barriers Identifying non-tariff barriers as the main bottleneck in implementing Safta agreement, the country's experts expressed their mixed reaction over the benefit Bangladesh can reap from the deal, which came   Dhaka calls for immediate enactment of TRADE Act Bangladesh made a strong plea that the US Congress would enact the TRADE Act at the earliest to help the least developed countries (LDCs) of the Asia-Pacific region adjust to the emerging new tradingregime.   Future of clothing exports from Bangladesh: Disaggregated scenario The year 2005 witnessed a restructuring of the global supply sources of clothing following the withdrawal of all quantitative restrictions (quota system) imposed under the Multi Fibre Arrangements (MFA).   Warid Telecom opts for Ericsson's charging, value added services solutions Warid Telecom has chosen Ericsson's (NASDAQ: ERICY) real-time charging and value added services (VAS) solutions to be deployed in its Bangladesh network project.   Katalyst signs MoU with four district chambers Katalyst, a project that works in the field of SME (small and medium enterprise) promotion, has signed a one year MoU with four district chambers in a bid to improve public services for business growth.   Oil prices near $74 World oil prices climbed towards 74 dollars per barrel on Friday due to jitters over motor fuel supplies before a long holiday weekend in the United States, dealers said.   Global markets fail to bridge rich-poor divide: UN The United Nations said in a report on Friday that globalisation has failed to narrow the glaring inequalities between rich and poor nations and called for developing countries to be given more spaceto   Russia makes currency fully convertible Russia lifted currency controls Saturday in a sign of new-found economic confidence less than eight years after defaulting on its massive domestic debt, devaluing its currency and wiping out its people's   WTO gathering fizzles out A crucial World Trade Organisation session fizzled out Saturday, as a long-standing rift between rich and poor countries appeared to deepen in the Doha Round negotiations on tearing down barriers to global   Developing countries form united front About 100 developing countries in the World Trade Organisation on Saturday formed a united front to defend the development thrust of global trade talks, but said they were optimistic that agreement could   WTO has two weeks to settle spats: EU Trading nations are running out of time to salvage the floundering Doha Round talks on liberalising global commerce, European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson warned on Saturday.   Pioneer Ins approves 15pc cash dividend Pioneer Insurance Company Ltd has approved a 15 per cent cash dividend for its shareholders for the year 2005.   Weekly Currency Roundup June 25 June 29, 2006 Local FX Market Demand for US dollar was stable in this week and USD rose slightly against Bangladeshi taka. Sports Football: Portugal send penalty-chokers England packing Ten-man England were sent crashing out of the World Cup here Saturday, losing a penalty shoot-out to Portugal after a controversy-packed quarterfinal battle.   Football: Red-faced Rooney Wayne Rooney's World Cup fell apart on Saturday when he joined teammate David Beckham and Ray Wilkins as the only England players ever to be sent off in the finals.   Football: Argentines lament bad luck Argentina lamented their poor luck on Friday after losing their World Cup quarterfinal to Germany on penalties, a loss which saw coach Jose Pekerman resign amid mutual ill-feeling which boiled over at   Football: Argentina betray attacking style Argentina played some of the best football of the World Cup and became the most feared team yet ultimately paid the price for a lack of belief in a potential match-winner like Lionel Messi.   Football: Ugly scenes follow quarterfinal Players and officials from both teams clashed on the pitch and an Argentine substitute was given a red card after Germany beat Argentina 4-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup on Friday.   Football: Riquelme change decisive? Juan Roman Riquelme came to the World Cup as a potential player of the tournament but his slow march off the pitch with 20 minutes to go foreshadowed Argentina's quarterfinal defeat to hosts Germany on   Football: WC Briefs Former foreign minister Joschka Fischer says the "wonderful" World Cup has changed Germany to the extent that his countryfolk could now almost pass for being from the Mediterranean.   Football: Leading Scorers World Cup leading scorers after Friday's quarterfinals: 5: Klose (Germany) 3: Crespo (Argentina), Fernando Torres (Spain), Maxi Rodriguez (Argentina), Podolski (Germany), Ronaldo (Brazil), Villa   Football: We deserved it: Ballack Germany captain Michael Ballack said on Friday that the hosts deserved to beat Argentina after winning their quarterfinal 4-2 in a penalty shootout. 'That was sensational,' said playmaker Ballack.   Football: No Need To Worry Against Ukraine   Football: Bierhoff shrugs off Italy Germany's Euro 96 hero Oliver Bierhoff, now team manager, says Italy will be afraid of the hosts heading into Tuesday's World Cup semi-final in Dortmund.   Football: All quiet on D'mondi front As the rain trickled from a fiery sky, a deafening hush descended upon Dhaka on Friday night as Jens Lehmann saved the crucial fourth spot-kick struck by Esteban Cambiasso.   Football: Third Eye If we were playing word associations and you happened to mention the word quarterfinal, the most prompt reply would probably be 'intense.   Tennis: Nadal finishes off Agassi Andre Agassi's epic Wimbledon journey, which began in misery in 1987 and peaked with his 1992 title triumph, came to an end on Saturday when Rafael Nadal sent him crashing out on his farewell appearance.   Cricket: Trueman passes away England fast bowling great Fred Trueman has died at the age of 75, his wife announced Saturday. "We lost Fred at 12.15pm (1115GMT) this afternoon," Veronica Trueman said.   Cricket: Marcus powers England Marcus Trescothick's hundred was the centrepiece of England's 321 for seven against Sri Lanka as they looked to avoid their worst limited overs series whitewash, at Headingley here Saturday.   Cricket: Taylor troubles India Jerome Taylor chose the occasion of a Test on home soil to capture five wickets in a Test innings for the first time, and helped West Indies make India rue their decision to bat first in the fourth and   Football: Pekerboys not men enough Jose Pekerman may have led Argentina to three under-20 world titles, but at senior level it was not to be for Argentina as they slid out of the World Cup on Friday, beaten by Germany on penalties.   Football: European dream alive Germany raised its arms towards the heavens and rejoiced as Argentina stared down at the floor in utter dejection.   Football: Victory Tastes Sweet   Football: Lehmann the toast of Germany Germany's victorious goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had his picture plastered over German newspapers on Saturday after saving two spot-kicks in Friday's 4-2 penalty shootout triumph over Argentina as the hosts   Football: Defeated, not disappointed Ukraine on Saturday forgave its footballers a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Italy in a World Cup quarterfinal, just grateful the team had gotten to the last eight in their debut appearance.   Football: Friendly win counts for nothing, says Lippi Italy humiliated Germany in a friendly four months ago, but Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi insists that result will have no bearing on the mouth-watering World Cup semi-final between the two teams.   Football: Blatter furious over Berlin brawl FIFA chief Sepp Blatter has vowed to take tough action against those responsible for the free-for-all that marred the end of the Germany v Argentina World Cup quarterfinal.   Football: Klinsi wants more suspense! Watching Germany's World Cup quarterfinal victory over Argentina was like sitting through a nail-biting film for Juergen Klinsmann but the coach said he always knew there would be a happy ending.   Football: Sheva laments lack of quality Ukraine captain Andriy Shevchenko said his side lacked a playmaker like former AC Milan team mate Andrea Pirlo after bowing out of the World Cup to Italy on Friday.   Football: Lifeless game planning leads to a lifeless game This was a game that DID deserve to go to penalties. It was awful.   Football: 'Ukraine's future is bright' Oleg Blokhin said Ukraine were leaving their first World Cup with their heads held high after Friday's 3-0 quarterfinal loss to Italy.   Football: Beautiful game fails to win over Americans If you look west from Germany you will see the United States stifling a yawn at the World Cup. Despite a doubling of television ratings for the first-round matches this month, before the U.S.   Football: Germany warned by Italian press After weeks of criticising their team's lukewarm performances, Italy's media finally got behind the Azzurri after a 3-0 win over Ukraine on Friday set up a semifinal against host nation Germany.   Football: England Allover   Football: Mental strength the key Michael Ballack could hardly walk during extra time against Argentina on Friday but the Germany captain showed unflagging strength of character to haul his team into the World Cup semi-finals.   Football: Friend indeed Diego Maradona was not in Berlin's Olympiastadion to see Argentina's World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Germany because a member of his entourage was not allowed in, FIFA said on Saturday.   Tennis: I'll come back stronger, says beaten Hingis Martina Hingis believes she still has a Grand Slam winning future despite a shattering third round defeat at Wimbledon.   Football: Klose-ing in on Klinsmann Germany striker Miroslav Klose now stands seventh in the all-time World Cup goalscorer list with ten after scoring a vital equaliser that helped the hosts go on to win Friday's quarterfinal with Argentina   Football: Not so neutral The German World Cup organisers were left red-faced on Saturday after admitting that the announcer for the Olympic Stadium here had been replaced after encouraging Germany in the quarterfinal.   Football: Zidane didn't do it France midfielder Zinedine Zidane has refuted allegations that he kicked a dent in a door at a World Cup stadium in France's draw with South Korea in the first round.   Football: Owen's knee surgery in US England striker Michael Owen revealed on Friday he will undergo surgery on his knee ligament injury in America next week.   Football: French seek to spice up domestic action French football chiefs on Friday revealed a plan to make their country's top two divisions more entertaining.   Football: ETimor TV station lifts WC threat East Timor's tiny television network Friday lifted its threat to pull World Cup matches from screens on the half-island following a mob attack on its offices.   Football: Drogba's transfer being scrutinised Didier Drogba's transfer from Marseille to Chelsea is being investigated after the French club had its offices searched on Friday, according to a source close to an inquiry into the Mediterranean club.   Football: Dosek joins FC Thun Swiss club FC Thun confirmed on Friday they have signed Czech Republic international defender Lukas Dosek from Sportfreunde Siegen.   Football: No foul so far! Brazil defender Lucio entered Saturday's quarterfinal match against France with a chance to surpass the mark for most consecutive minutes played in a World Cup without committing a foul.   Football: Science fiction! Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin said one of the most interesting things about his country's run to the World Cup quarterfinals on their debut was what people were saying about him and his team. Metropolitan Bangladesh set to get ARF membership Bangladesh is poised to be officially admitted into the prestigious ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) at its 13th Foreign Ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur on July 28.   'University curriculum needs to be reformed' Dr Belal E Baaquie, a teacher of National University of Singapore (NUS), yesterday said current university curriculum in Bangladesh is strongly biased towards specialised knowledge.   'Some pvt varsities fail to provide quality edn' Private universities, except a few ones, have been playing an important role in providing quality education at higher level, as the public universities could not accommodate the increasing number of students,   8 killed in road accidents At least eight people were killed and 43 injured in separate road accidents in Chittagong,Joypurhat and Gaibandha yesterday and Friday night.   I might be killed any time Khulna City Awami League President and lawmaker Talukder Abdul Khaleque said his life is at stake as the government is yet to provide him any security.   Tk 74.55 crore RU budget approved Rajshahi University authorities approved a Tk 74.55 crore budget for the financial year 2006-2007 on Thursday night.   Follow ideologies of Manik Miah Speakers at a seminar at the National Press Club yesterday urged to follow the ideology of Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah, the founder editor of the Daily Ittefaq, in order to establish a balanced and democratic   US hospital ship arrives US Navy hospital ship, the USNS Mercy, arrived and anchored off the coast of Cox's Bazar yesterday to provide humanitarian and civic assistance to the people of Bangladesh.   Rickshaw owners, workers' ultimatum to govt Owners and workers of rickshaw van will lay siege to the prime minister's office on July 31 if their seven-point demand is not met by July 29.   Train derails in Lalmonirhat, 10 injured Three compartments of a local passenger train derailed in between Burimari and Patgram stations yesterday, leaving 10 people injured.   Uninterrupted power supply demanded Diehard supporters of Brazil and Germany have warned authorities of Western Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) of a dire consequences in case of power failure during semi-final and final   Doa mahfil for Birshrestha Matiur A doa mahfil for Birshrestha Flight Lieutenant Shaheed Matiur Rahman was held at the Falcon Hall of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) in the city after Maghrib prayers on Friday.   'Shawkat was strong voice against fundamentalism' Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee expressed deep shock at the death of Barrister Shawkat Ali, a member of its Central Advisory Council.   Countrywide CPB protest today Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) will stage countrywide demonstrations today to press its 53-point demands, including electoral reforms and resignation of the chief election commissioner and two other   DU exams postponed All the examinations of Dhaka University (DU) scheduled for today have been postponed due to unavoidable reasons. However, schedule of other examinations will remain unchanged.   Mahfuz Ullah IUCN national committee chair Mahfuz Ullah, an environmentalist and secretary general of the Centre for Sustainable Development (CFSD), has been re-elected chairperson of the Bangladesh National Committee of IUCN unopposed for a two-year   Dr Serajul joins Eastern University Dr Serajul I Bhuiyan, professor and director of mass communications and journalism at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, USA has joined Eastern University as a visiting professor of business for summer National None enrolled in Nilphamari, officials mum in Khulna Not a single new voter was enrolled in Nilphamari district yesterday, the first day of updating the voter list.   2cr affected by unplanned shrimp farming in S-W dists Speakers at a day-long workshop here yesterday stressed the need for evolving environment friendly shrimp cultivation to protect the bio-diversity as unplanned cultivation destroys the ecological imbalance.   RU reopens amid fear of violence: Police deployed Rajshahi University reopened yesterday after a 38-day summer vacation amid fear of violence. The university halls were opened Friday. As usual, police remained deployed on the campus.   Diarrhoea kills four in Gaibandha Diarrhoea has claimed four lives including two children and attacked 50 others in remote shoal areas of Shaghata and Fulchhari upazilas in last two days.   Illegal signboards cause accidents in Sirajganj Over 100 illegal signboards erected on the both sides of Dhaka-Bonpara highway in Hati Kamrul area in Sirajganj are causing problem in vehicular movement and road accidents.   Day long strike by RMCH interns Rangpur Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) internee doctors yesterday observed a strike and stayed off from their duties causing immense sufferings of patients.   Nagorik Committee demands withdrawal of Khagrachhari DC Khagrachhari Parbattya Zila Nagorik Committee, a citizens' committee, at a meeting held at its office here yesterday gave an ultimatum to the government for withdrawal of the Deputy Commissioner (DC)by   200 fall sick after taking food at Matlab temple Over 200 Hindu devotees yesterday fell sick after eating fruits served as 'prasad' at a Roth fair at Locknath temple at Kaladi village in Matlab upazila. Point-Counterpoint Good governance: Does it start midway? It is an undeniable fact that in recent times the uproar for good governance has approached unprecedented proportions in Bangladesh.   Barrister Shawkat Ali Khan The high pitched laughter will not be heard any more. My wonderful friend Barrister Shawkat Ali Khan has said good bye to this world.   RMG buyers are migratory birds The ready-made garments manufacturing (RMG) business started in this country back in the late seventies. With the help of the Late Mr.   Presidency: Endless smokescreen In the just concluded budget session of the parliament, the prime minister and the opposition leaders exchanged rather humorous remarks regarding our presidency. Culture The 'soul' searching artist My music is my soul and my soul sings my music." Those were the words of Nasim Ali Khan -- composer and co-vocalist in one of Bangladesh's most popular bands Souls. The band was formed in 1973.   ntv turns three The channel ntv celebrates its third anniversary. Kicking off on July 2, viewers will be treated to an array of tele-films, a feature film, single-episode plays, talk shows and musical soirees.   Homage to Debu Bhattacharjee by Swapnokuri On June 30, cultural and literary organisation Swapnokuri organised a musical soiree along with a discussion session. The venue: Narigrontha Probartona, Mohammadpur.   Musical performance by finalists of Bengal Bikash Bengal Foundation organised a reception to the upcoming talents of Bengal Bikash at the District Council Auditorium in Rajshahi on Thursday last.   Quiz competition on AIDS awareness The lucky winner in a recent AIDS awareness raising quiz competition was Maksuda Farzana Rani. General Kyoto climate pact backers waver as emissions rise Five years after berating Washington for pulling out, many backers of the UN's Kyoto Protocol are wavering in the fight against global warming.   India unveils cash plans to stop farmer suicides India on Saturday announced millions of dollars in one-time handout and debt relief to cotton farmers after thousands killed themselves unable to repay loans taken for their crops.   Sri Lankans dying daily, but no big war for now Someone is killed almost every day in the crossfire of Sri Lanka's undeclared war with Tamil Tiger rebels, but the island is likely to be tormented by low-intensity attrition rather than all-out war --   Politics impedes WMD controls: Russia Russia's defence minister, in an apparent swipe at the United States, said Friday that international efforts to rein in the spread of weapons of mass destruction are being impeded by politics.   Violence kills 1,000 Iraqis in June Officials say At least 1,009 Iraqis, including civilians, soldiers and policemen, were killed in rebel attacks in June, government officials said Saturday.   Philippines, Spain sign defence accord The Philippines and former colonial masters Spain signed an agreement yesterday aimed at boosting defence ties and at increasing cooperation in the fight against terrorism and international crime.   US warships dock in former Saigon Two US Navy warships docked yesterday at Vietnam's southern port of Ho Chi Minh City, a month after US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Hanoi to reinforce military ties. International Pakistan, India spar over prisoner swap Pakistan and India accused each other yesterday of not releasing enough prisoners under an exchange agreement concluded earlier this year.   US hints changes in nuke deal with India The US State Department said Friday it was pleased with two congressional committees' quick approval of a controversial nuclear deal with India, but hinted changes in the law may be made before it takes   Arabs slam world inaction over Israeli offensive Israel's offensive in the Palestinian territories drew fierce criticism Friday from Arab countries, which also lambasted world leaders' inaction amid fears of a regional conflict.   US rebuffs Iranian calls for more time The United States rejected on Friday Iranian calls for more time to study an offer of incentives to curb its nuclear fuel programme, insisting Tehran must respond by a G8 deadline next week.   Guantanamo ruling heralds political showdown Democrats see the Supreme Court's Guantanamo ruling as repudiation of a power-hungry White House. Republicans say it shows how tough President George W. Bush is on terrorists and voters will eat it up.   US brushes off new Laden tape warning The CIA authenticated a new audiotaped message Friday in which al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden vows to wage holy war in Iraq and Africa, while the White House brushed off the message as old news.   China opens 1st train service to Tibet The first train service to Tibet opened Saturday on the world's highest railway, an engineering feat protesters say could threaten the restive Himalayan region's environment and Buddhist culture.   Thai election could be delayed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday that the country's election, tentatively set for October 15, could be delayed due to the political crisis facing his party and its rival.   N Korea ready to counter US aggression North Korea accused the United States of driving tensions on the Korean Peninsula "to the brink of war," and said it is fully prepared to counter any US aggression.   Saboteurs narrowly miss blowing up Pak train Saboteurs blew up yesterday part of a railway track in troubled southwestern Pakistan just 20 minutes before the arrival of a train heading for neighbouring Iran, officials said.   Ex-Japan PM Hashimoto dies Former Japanese prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, an outspoken politician who jousted with US officials over the auto trade and brought "Big Bang" financial reforms to Tokyo, died on Saturday at the age   Japan passes Italy as most elderly nation Japan said Friday it had surpassed Italy as the world's most elderly nation, fuelling concerns over the effects of a rapidly aging population on the world's second-largest economy.   US offers $5m reward for info on al-Qaeda leader US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has authorized a reward of up to five million dollars for information leading to wanted al-Qaeda leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri, in Iraq. Editorial Editorial: Arms haul once again The law enforcing agencies and the paramilitary forces, particularly the BDR must be commended for unearthing another cache of arms and ammo, this time in the border region of Haluaghat.   Editorial: Wanton Israeli aggression ISRAELI overland incursion into Gaza since Wednesday assumed a lethal character two days down the line by her 30 air raids on Hamas installations along the strip.   Strange indeed is this land ... Alexander the Great allegedly uttered the words: "Strange indeed is this land, Selucus," while observing the behaviour of the people of the land called Bengal.   Colour of the world At least five times in the last three weeks I have been told that the world is gray. Black and white are the primary colours of the moral universe, but the world is primarily a blend.   China's growing influence in Latin America While Rome was burning, Nero was playing his fiddle. That is exactly what has been happening in Latin America these days.   Parallel paradigms LONG-term acute financial hardship permanently affects our thinking patterns. Even among the wealthiest, memories of financial hardship live large. Letters to Editor Bir Sreshtha Matiur Rahman I am very pleased and happy to see that finally the remains of Bir Sreshtha Flt. Lt. Matiur Rahman's body has been brought to Bangladesh.   Dr. Yunus as next FM Whichever the party or alliance comes to power in Bangladesh in the next general elections, Dr. Muhammad Yunus as their Finance Minister can be given serious thought. Dr.   Israel issue In response to Oneil Osman's latest submission, I must correct some of his statements. It is true that Israel's electronics industry is one of the best in the world, but they are certainly not a richnation.   HSC and hartals On 13 and 14 June our HSC-exams (Geography 1st and 2nd paper) were cancelled because the Opposition did not care to call off hartal on these days.   "Dilemmas of foreign currency reserves" I am a Chinese citizen living in Dhaka and a loyal reader of your valuable paper. I want to draw your attention to the article titled “Dilemmas of foreign currency reserves" by Dr. Abudul A. Star Health Treatment recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis Today, we are blessed with a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis and characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and the availability of safe and effective medications that can alter the natural   Sugar is not always sweet All health information to keep you up to date Too much sugar in the diet can make you put on weight and it is not good for health.   Facts about pleural effusion A pleural effusion is a collection of fluid between a lung and the chest wall. The pleura is the thin membrane that covers the lungs.   Glucose control exercise Sometimes, it may seem easier to pop a pill or even take a shot than to put on your walking shoes and hit the trail.   Counseling better than drug treatment for insomnia Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a counseling method that emphasises the role of thinking and behavior modification, is more effective than zopiclone for the short- and long-term treatment of chronic   Health News Dr Mazharul Mannan has recently joined CRP (Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed) at Savar as consultant Neurologist -- says a press release.   Your Doctor Dear Doctor, I have been suffering from chronic gastric ulcer for the last 12 years. Following the advice of gastroantrologist I have done endoscopy, conoscopy, CBC, IgG. H. Star City Rickshaw lifting rampant in city Rickshaw lifters have become very active in the city snatching the three-wheelers. There have been incidents of even killing or injuring the rickshaw-pullers to snatch the vehicles.   Some trying to make rules ineffective The much-awaited Dhaka City Building Construction Rules gazetted on April 16, will remain useless for an uncertain period, as the government has further extended effectiveness of the 1996 rules.   Festival of many shades, countries Kalapahar, Lalpahar, Dobaz, Churidar, Petkata, Chumki, Pankhiraj and Prajapati -- these are the names of some of the kites made by Sona Mia, a kite maker of Hazaribagh.   Ship of the desert in the city For a first timer inside an alley behind Bangladesh Bank, you would be taken aback by a signboard that reads 'camel milk for sale'.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.