Vol. 5 Num 806 Fri. September 01, 2006       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan Culture General Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Environment World Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Death sentence to 7 JMB kingpins upheld The High Court (HC) yesterday confirmed death sentences to seven militant leaders of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) including its five kingpins for killing two judges in Jhalakathi as it foundthe   PM asks army to be alert against division Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has urged members of the armed forces to remain alert against any division, confusion and anarchy that can weaken the national unity and defence.   Govt's handling puts country in sticky stew The BNP-led alliance government is caught between a rock and a hard place over the Asia Energy deal as its cancellation implies serious international reaction and arbitration but its continuation by going   Ex-bureaucrat made new EC In a sudden move, the government yesterday appointed former bureaucrat Mahmud Hasan Mansur as an election commissioner, raising the number of members in the Election Commission (EC) to four.   New agitation from today as deadline expires As the three-month deadline for fixing minimum wage for the garment workers ended yesterday without any settlement on the issue, different workers' organisations have announced fresh programmes including   Telecom Secy hid deal irregularities The telecommunication secretary had misled the government by not revealing gross irregularities in the two deals that were slipped through the cabinet purchase committee on August 21.   New alliance Jatiya Oikya Front launched A new alliance, Jatiya Oikya Front (JOF), made up of Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB), Jatiya Oikya Manch and Tarikat Federation, was launched yesterday.   Saudi prince plans to invest $500m Saudi Prince Bandar Bin Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al Saudi has proposed to invest a total of $500 million in the state-run Rupali Bank, of which $330 million for buying the bank's 67 per cent shares and   Celebrations all around, but doubt about govt pledge Phulbari people yesterday celebrated victory of their movement even though there was an air of doubt among them if the government would actually fulfil their demands which it agreed to on Wednesday night.   Babar sees good reasons for unrest, wants workers demands met State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar yesterday said there were good reasons behind the recent unrest in the garment sector and urged the owners to meet the demands of the workers as per the   550 shanties gutted in slum fire At least 20 people were hurt and over 550 shanties were gutted in a devastating fire at a slum at Basila in Mohammadpur in the capital early yesterday.   Revised voter list sent to BNP leader's house Instead of keeping the updated voter list on public display at his office, as directed by the Election Commission (EC), a city ward commissioner has sent most of the revised roll of his area to the ward   Slain judge's wife wants quick execution Pallabi Pandey Rita, widow of the killed judge Jagannath Pandey, expressed her satisfaction over yesterday's High Court verdict that confirmed the capital punishment of seven Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh   SEC finds insider trading by Jamuna Bank directors The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has found some sponsor directors of Jamuna Bank Ltd to be primarily involved in insider trading of shares of the bank.   8 JMB men get life term Eight militants of banned Islamist outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) were sentenced to life imprisonment in separate cases in Thakurgaon and Rajshahi yesterday.   Jamaat to decide on Ershad issue after Mujahid's return Jamaat-e-Islami will decide on the inclusion of Ershad-led Jatiya Party (JP) in the ruling four-party alliance after its Secretary General and Social Welfare Minister Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid is back   Japan news agency ordered to pay Bangladeshi for false Qaeda report A Japanese court yesterday ordered a leading domestic news agency to compensate a Bangladeshi man for falsely linking him to the al-Qaeda extremist network.   Asia Energy seeking clarification from govt Asia Energy PLC said it is seeking clarification from the Bangladesh government on its proposed 1.4 bln usd open pit coal mine project in the northern town of Phulbari.   Huge gap between info of ministry, local admin The land ministry officials in a meeting of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Land yesterday differed with the local administration on the information about the land grabbers in Dhaka, Narayanganj and   BNP' founding anniversary today The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) celebrates its 28th founding anniversary today. BNP has laid out a three-day programme on the occasion.   Unauthorised blood bank sealed off A mobile court yesterday sealed off an unauthorised private blood bank in the capital and found around 50 bags of blood collected from professional donors.   6 to die for killing son, mother A court in Moulvibazar yesterday sentenced six people to death in a sensational double murder case. Two others in the same case were awarded life imprisonment and fined Tk 25 thousand each.   AL leader dies in cop custody An Awami League (AL) leader was allegedly beaten to death in police custody here on Wednesday.   Stay order on 52 ACC officials' posting vacated The High Court (HC) yesterday vacated a stay order on posting of 52 deputy assistant directors (DAD) of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).   One killed in Ctg gas explosion A beggar was killed and two pedestrians were wounded when a serious explosion due to leakage of gas from the underground supply line blew up part of a footpath at the city's Station Road area yesterday.   US, EU get ready to push for sanctions on Iran US and European officials appeared ready to push for low-level sanctions against Iran like travel bans yesterday as country's president made clear he would not compromise on the day of a UN deadline.   22 bombs explode in Thailand: 2 killed Nearly two dozen bombs exploded almost simultaneously yesterday inside commercial banks in southern Thailand, killing two people in a region bloodied by a Muslim insurgency, police said. Business Handover of Ctg airport to Thai airline uncertain Handover of the management of Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong to a foreign company, which was due today, has now become uncertain as the government is still undecided over the matter on   DSE turnover hits Tk 80.92cr Turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday reached Tk 80.92 crore, the highest after 1996's bubble and bust.   NBR asks PSI firms to punish offenders National Board of Revenue (NBR) yesterday asked the four pre-shipment inspection (PSI) companies to award punishment to those officials who were involved in the recent container scam.   Good e-governance can help reduce corruption' It will be possible to reduce corruption, improve efficiency and ensure transparency in the administration if there is a good e-governance, observed the principal secretary to the prime minister yesterday.   6-day career, education fair kicks off A six-day fair on education and career began at Bashundhara Expocentre in Dhaka yesterday.   Saarc chamber to lead business team to WTO in Sept The Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) will lead a delegation of business representatives from South Asia to the WTO headquarters in Geneva in September to undertake a stock-taking of the multilateral   Tourism fair to begin in Dhaka Sept 7 Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) will hold a three-day 'Bangladesh Tourism Fair 2006' in Dhaka to give a boost to the tourism industry.   Thai experts warn against early take-off for new airport Bangkok's much-delayed new international airport is due finally to open next month, but following years of setbacks Thai travel industry experts still question whether it is really ready.   Regional co-op stressed to face Asian financial downturn High oil prices and further spikes in US interest rates pose risks for robust Asian economies, a UN report said Thursday, calling for more regional cooperation to weather financial downturns.   Samsung sees higher global handset sales Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. said on Thursday it sees global mobile phone sales growing faster than expected this year while its own handset sales would meet its target.   India to launch industrial research with Japan India will launch a joint initiative with Japan for industrial research and development, aimed at bringing the industries of the two countries together to identify innovation driven projects.   UN predicts fragile growth for poor nations in 2006 Developing countries should post a high economic growth rate of 6.2 percent this year but the pace of their expansion needs to be sustained, the UN's trade and development agency said Thursday.   Djuice, Project Bangladesh to work jointly for better community Djuice, the youth brand of GrameenPhone Ltd, and Project Bangladesh, an initiative to bring the youths of the country to work for a better Bangladesh, have recently joined hands to promote community service Sports Football: Dhaka stun Noakhali Dhaka reached the final of the Jubok Phone National Football Championship with a 2-1 win over star-studded Noakhali in the first semifinal at the Sylhet Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: India will support move to reduce umps' power India will support any moves to dilute cricket umpires' powers following the forfeited Test between England and Pakistan, an official said on Thursday.   Cricket: Rain saves England Rain ended England's run of seven straight limited-overs defeats as the first one-day international against Pakistan ended in a no-result at Sophia Gardens here on Wednesday.   Olympics: Tata to sign MoU with BOA Tata Steel Limited will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) on September 3 to boost sports relationship between the two neighbouring countries.   Cricket: Bond raring to go Injury-prone New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond says he had fully recovered after breaking down on his country's tour of South Africa in April and was looking forward to spearheading his team's bowling   Hockey: Uttara thrash Mukta Bihanga Bappi struck twice as Uttara Hockey Club thumped Mukta Bihanga Tarun Sangha 6-1 in the Green Delta Insurance First Division Hockey League at the Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.   Football: Dighinala win on penalties Dighinala forced their way into the final of the DC Cup football tournament after a penalty shootout against Panchhari at the Khagrachhari Stadium yesterday.   Kabadi: School kabaddi from Sept 12 The 14th NZ Textile Mills school kabaddi competition, organised by Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF), will begin at the Kabaddi Stadium on September 12.   Cricket: They are not retiring Australia's senior cricketers are playing down suggestions they might retire en masse if they win back the Ashes.   Tennis: Top two off the mark Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both took confident first steps towards an eventual third straight Grand Slam final showdown in the first round of the US Open on Wednesday.   Tennis: It's only rumours Andy Roddick was not in party mood after marking his 24th birthday with victory at the U.S. Open, trying to put to rest rumors he is romantically linked with Russian Maria Sharapova.   Cricket: Bell tolls at right time England may have been saved by rain from an eighth straight one-day defeat against Pakistan but at least they had the consolation of seeing Ian Bell come good against an impressive attack in the opening   Tennis: Open Secrets Count Roger Federer among those against the idea of on-court coaching.   Basketball: NBA stars look to perk up US stars know they must improve to beat Greece on Friday and qualify for Sunday's World Basketball Championship final, where either 2004 Olympic champion Argentina or title-hungry Spain will await.   Tennis: Nadal goes to Ground Zero For Rafael Nadal, playing at the U.S. Open also presents an opportunity to make an annual visit to ground zero.   Football: Germans confident despite crisis Germany have a defensive crisis as they prepare to face Ireland in their first qualifying match in almost three years on Saturday.   Football: Spain aim for flying start Still smarting from the disappointment of yet another premature exit at a World Cup, Spain are looking for a convincing win against Liechtenstein in their opening Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday.   Football: 'We have to be ruthless' Steven Gerrard insists England must show no mercy against European whipping boys Andorra in Steve McClaren's first competitive match in charge of the national side.   Football: Gunners want Reyes exchange Arsenal were last night on the brink of a swap deal that will see Jose Antonio Reyes move to Real Madrid in exchange for Julio Baptista, the Brazilian who rejected a move to the club a year ago.   Football: Portugal face FIFA sanctions World football's ruling body FIFA could sanction the Portuguese football federation (FPF) for its part in the demotion of former top -flight side Gil Vicente, according to reports Thursday.   Football: Rossi a Toon on loan Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi has gone to Newcastle on loan until January but will not be allowed to play against the Old Trafford club.   Football: Champs get together Italy's opening Euro 2008 qualifier against Lithuania in Naples on Saturday promises to be as much a welcome back party for the World Cup winners as a competitive football match.   Football: Mood light in England camp Steven Gerrard believes England will benefit from the light-hearted atmosphere encouraged by new coach Steve McClaren.   Football: Ronaldo - Adriano swap? Real Madrid have agreed in principle a swap deal with Inter Milan with Ronaldo going back to his former Italian club and fellow striker Adriano going in the other direction, according to Cadena Ser radio   Football: Hammers pull off Tevez, Mascherano stunner In one of the most surprising transfer deals ever sealed in English football, West Ham have signed coveted Argentina stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano - beating off competition from ManchesterUnited,   Football: Inter-Viola on day one The Italian football league on Wednesday announced the fixture lists for the forthcoming Serie A and Serie B seasons.   Football: Japan head to Saudi Arabia Asian champions Japan left Thursday for Saudi Arabia in their bid to retain the Asian Cup, adding under-21 international Shusaku Nishikawa and three other new players to the squad.   Cricket: Dhoni doesn't mind a bit of tinkering Wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni is fully in line with the team management's move to experiment with players' positions in order to have the best team fielded at the World Cup in the Caribbean   Cricket: England stick to same side England may not to replace injured Steve Harmison for the remainder of the one-day series with Pakistan.   Cricket: Shabbir case not forgotten Pakistan have not given up hope of pace bowler Shabbir Ahmed playing international cricket again despite a 12-months ban for having an illegal bowling action, an official said on Thursday.   Cricket: CA defends cancelling tickets Australian cricket organisers on Thursday defended a decision to cancel Ashes tickets sold for inflated prices over the Internet, saying they were trying to protect fans from scalpers.   Football: Ballack pays the penalty German international captain Michael Ballack has been ordered to pay a 70,000-euro (90,000 dollars) fine for failing to declare goods he bought in Dubai, Landshut district court said Wednesday.   Football: Basile plans big Argentina's new coach Alfio Basile said he would settle for a 4-0 win over Brazil in his first match in charge on Sunday.   Football: Egyptian int'l dies Egyptian international defender Mohammed Abdel Wahab died of a heart attack while training with his club, champions Al-Ahly, on Thursday.   Football: Brazil set Swiss date World Cup finals flops Brazil have lined up another friendly which will see them play Switzerland in a friendly on November 15 in Basel it was announced by the Brazilian Football Confederation on Wednesday.   Football: Thatcher handed six-match ban Manchester City on Wednesday handed Ben Thatcher a six-match suspension and fined him six-week's wages for the horrific challenge that left Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes in hospital.   Football: Kohler turns down Ivory Coast job West Germany's 1990 World Cup winner Juergen Kohler said Thursday he had turned down the chance to become the new manager of Cote D'Ivoire.   Football: Boro sign Huth & Woodgate Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate completed a double defensive swoop for Real Madrid's Jonathan Woodgate and Chelsea's Robert Huth on Wednesday. Metropolitan Restore people's trust in medical service Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday urged the health professionals to bring back confidence of the people in the country's healthcare system.   Suhrawardi Hospital staff observe work abstention Medical and administrative works in Shaheed Suhrawardi Hospital, the third largest general hospital of the country, came to a halt yesterday causing immense sufferings to hundreds of patients following   7 project employees hurt in police action At least seven development project employees were injured when police charged baton on the agitating employees to disperse them during their road march towards Prime Ministers Office (PMO) yesterday.   Two sides agree to resolve major disputes thru' talks A regional level Indo-Bangladesh Border conference ended in Shillong yesterday with officials of both the countries agreed to resolve the major disputes through discussions and timely actions.   8th Annual Bonsai Exhibition begins The 8th Annual Bonsai Exhibition began at the Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the city yesterday with a view to popularising bonsai among people in the country.   All accused acquitted All the six accused in businessman Mosharaf Hossain Anwar murder case were acquitted yesterday as the prosecution failed to prove the allegations against them.   JMB member granted bail A Dhaka court yesterday granted ad-interim bail to a Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) member arrested in connection with a bomb blast case filed with Kotwali Police Station in the capital on August   No headway in customs officer murder case No headway has been made in the investigation of Chittagong customs officer murder case. None was arrested so far for the killing of Akbar Saeed Chowdhury.   Two die by snakebite Two people died by snakebite in the district yesterday. A snake charmer died by snakebite yesterday when he was performing snake show to people at Budhata Bazar in Assassuni upazila in the district.   Expat Bangladeshi files writ Challenging the inaction of the Election Commission (EC) for including the expatriate Bangladeshi nationals in the voter list, an expatriate Bangladeshi in the United Kingdom filed a writ petition yesterday.   New series of 'Bangladesh Sanglap' begins tomorrow The BBC Bengali Service kicks off a new series of debates and discussions titled 'Bangladesh Sanglap' tomorrow.   NGOs urge introduction of microcredit course Leaders and representatives of Mircrofinance (MF) NGOs of Barisal division have underscored the need for a structured academic curriculum for microfinance through relevant disciplines under recognised   Health System Action Network launched Thirty-one health system leaders from all over the world have agreed to launch a Health System Action Network (HSAN) to increase the understanding of health issues at both the global and national level   Culture of personal attacks should be changed: Reza Kibria The mission of 'Blue for Peace' is to change the prevailing culture in Bangladesh politics of 'attacking someone personally', said Reza Kibria, son of slain former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria atthe   Jamaat-Shibir leaders burn copies of Prothom Alo Jamaat-Shibir leaders burned a large number of copies of the Prothom Alo at Bagmara yesterday protesting a news item.   Wife beaten to death in Satkhira A housewife was beaten to death by her husband at village Rajarbagan in the town over quarrel with small amount of money.   Jalaluddin new president of East West University Jalaluddin Ahmed has taken over as the president of the board of directors of East West University on Tuesday, says a press release.   Hartal observed in Rangpur for gas supply A dawn-to-dusk hartal, called by Rangpur Unnayan Parishad to press home its four-point demand, was observed in the district yesterday amid spontaneous participation of people from all walks of life.   Death anniversary of Justice Ahsan today The 5th death anniversary of former president Justice AFM Ahsan Uddin Chowdhury will be observed today. On the occasion, a doa mahfil will be held at Dutabash Road Mosque after Juma prayers. Point-Counterpoint Newton's third law GORE Vidal is a gold mine of quips and zingers. And his vast knowledge of literature and history -- particularly American -- makes for an impressive figure. His razor-sharp tongue lacerates the powerful.   Railroad(ed) to death: The China-Tibet train WITH the inauguration on July 1 by Chinese President Hu Jintao of the New Tibet railway which links Golmud to Lhasa, the assimilation of the "Tibetan Autonomous Region," as Tibet is known in the Orwellian   Digital Bangladesh EACH day for Bangladesh should be part of a well-crafted national strategy, but the point is, who is there to make this strategy? More pertinently, will the masses buy into this grandiose plan of action? Culture Heart to heart with Bijori-Emon While at the peak of her career, she tied the knot with music director Shawkat Ali Emon Emon embarked on his career as a keyboard player. He is now an established music composer and director.   Tisha: Making waves on the small screen From being a child artist to bagging the top model's award in Meril Prothom Alo, Tisha has achieved much in a very short time. Young, bubbly and energetic, she has her wings spread for much more.   Italian Fashion Night JPR Events, in conjunction with the Italian Embassy, is to present the first ever Italian Fashion Night in Bangladesh, on September 6 at the Radisson Hotel. The mega fashion event is by invitation only.   Old wine, old bottle, tacky new label For months, endless barrage of previews, clips and promos have built up a mass hype regarding Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar's latest production Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (title definitely checked   'Teensho Bochhor Por': An adaptation of Tagore's 'Kudhito Pashan' on Channel i Lux drama of the week Teensho Bichhor por will be aired today at 7:50 pm on Channel i. Directed by Asrafur Rahman, the play is an adaptation of Tagore's classic Khudito Pashan.   'Citycell Let's Move' in Sylhet The popular entertainment game show Citycell Let's Move is currently running on channel i. The programme includes lively, fun-filled games in locations throughout Bangladesh.   'Black Dahlia' opens Venice film fest Brian De Palma's The Black Dahlia opened the 63rd Venice Film Festival on Wednesday, the first of 21 films vying for the coveted Golden Lion award that will also be making their world debuts here. General Road accidents kill 4 At least four people were killed and 50 others injured in two separate road accidents in Sirajganj district yesterday morning.   Channel i, Citibank make donations to Liberation Channel i and Citibank N.A. Editorial Editorial: Phulbari decision This is no commentary on the pros and cons of the Asian Energy coalmine project nor is it an attempt, overt or covert, being made to support the agreement that successive governments had reached withthe   Editorial: Police rigours Policemen in general, particularly those in the lower ranks, have had long hours of duty, often stretching up to 14 hours under extremely pressured circumstances.   Time to choose Amidst the tragedy of the five killed and 300 injured in the BDR firing on protesters demonstrating against Asia Energy Corporation's open-pit coal-mining project at Phulbari on August 26, and the subsequent   Let us go against the stream Give it a name if you will, but we need to go against the stream. In 1989, people did that in Czechoslovakia, which ended the communist rule. They called it the Velvet Revolution.   The message is loud and clear The US government officials are very important to us. We value what they say and think about us. To be frank, we consider them our "godfathers. Letters to Editor Israel, Palestine and Muslims The Muslim world was seething with impotent rage as they were unable to stop the killing of the Palestinian and Lebanese Arabs and destruction of latter's civilian infrastructure by the Israeli armed   Hezbollah's victory--the flip side Prof. Karim Makdisi, lecturer in the Department of Political Studies and Public Administration at the American University of Beirut, and Timur Goksel, former advisor for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, recently wrote.   No state honour for the poet Bengalees around the world are deeply shocked at the death of poet Shamsur Rahman, the greatest name in contemporary Bengali literature.   Bismillah Khan The towering musical personality and 'Shehnai' maestro, Bismillah Khan, has left us forever. The national flag flew half-mast in all the government offices of Uttar Pradesh in India.   Weapons of math instruction! A public school teacher was arrested at Bergstrom International Airport as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a slide rule, and a calculator.   Indulgence or incompetence? Headline news items (Aug 20) on the grenade attack investigation and HuJi's regrouping are very important eye openers for all of us.   Plight of an Air India passenger Experiences of Bangladeshis travelling abroad by Air India have been far from satisfactory.   Our identity We are proud citizens of independent and sovereign Bangladesh.   Election fever At the moment the country is getting ready for the national elections.   Garment industries It is not possible to develop our country overnight, rather we have to go ahead gradually for its development. Our garment industry is one of the most important sources of foreign currency earning.   A growing concern A university teacher is a nation builder who helps produce worthy citizens. If such people, holding very respectable positions in society, become corrupt, then the country's image is shattered.   Don't distort history Bangladesh is a small country, but indisputably it has a glorious history of independence movement.   Buet scene Buet is drifting. The VC clearly failed to tackle the undue pressure of the students.   Politics and education The recent decision of upgrading 'Dawra' as an equivalent degree to B.A. is politically motivated. The decision has been taken without any prior assessment and preparation.   Muslim countries It is time the Muslim countries should really think whether to quit the UN, as it is no longer a neutral world body to deal with the problems and conflicts that are savaging this world every day.   Reform within the parties The next general election will take place sometime in January-2007. The big political parties have already formed alliances to contest the election.   Disgraceful The recent disgraceful act and utterances by a government high-up is a shame to the nation. Environment Blood-stained coal of Phulbari WE will not spare a single particle of our land. We shall protect Phulbari even with our blood. We will not allow anybody to destroy Phulbari in the name of implementing the so-called coalmine project.   Noise pollution: Need for appropriate laws NOISE pollution is a growing concern nowadays, especially in the cities of Bangladesh. The inhabitants of Dhaka city are the major victims of this pollution.   The green devolution THE Furnace Australia sailed into Chennai recently carrying a load of wheat and, some warned, ill tidings. World South Asia: UN threatens to halt aid work in Lanka The United Nations threatened overnight to suspend aid operations in Sri Lanka after truce monitors accused the security forces of executing aid workers.   South Asia: Disappearances up in Asia Several hundred people in Pakistan have disappeared, apparently taken into detention in connection with the war on terrorism, human rights group Amnesty International said on Wednesday.   South Asia: Pakistan troops find tribal chief's body Pakistani soldiers searching a cave found the body of a fugitive tribal leader whose death in a military raid sparked large-scale unrest, but it was pinned under a boulder and will take days to retrieve,   South Asia: India sees progress in battle against Maoist despite jump in toll India is moving forward in its battle against Maoist rebels despite a sharp jump in casualties in the worst-hit state, a government official said Wednesday.   South Asia: 30 Indian drown as boat sinks in Ganges river More than 30 people drowned after a crowded ferry capsized Thursday on the Ganges River in eastern India, officials said. The boat capsized 70km from Patna, the capital of the state of Bihar.   South Asia: Indian diplomat named special envoy for US nuke talks India's top diplomat Shyam Saran was named yesterday special envoy for negotiations with the United States on their controversial civilian nuclear energy deal.   Annan blasts Israel over cluster bombs UN chief Kofi Annan lambasted Israel Thursday for using cluster bombs during the war in Lebanon, on the latest leg of a mission to shore up a fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah.   Iraq prepares to take charge of military Iraqi insurgents killed at least 15 people yesterday and attacked a British diplomatic convoy, as Iraq took steps toward taking over operational military command from US-led coalition forces.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.