Vol. 5 Num 808 Sun. September 03, 2006       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan National International Culture General Views Editorial Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Exports halt as feeder vessels stop operation Country's export trade came to a halt as most feeder vessel operators suspended their operation from yesterday following a High Court (HC) show-cause notice about imposition of congestion surcharges.   Yet another move to favour rookie company The power ministry has finalised a fresh summary with misleading information seeking approval of the Cabinet Purchase Committee for secretly awarding contract for the 450 MW Meghnaghat-3 power project   New EC rebuts claims of bias, dubious past Newly appointed Election Commissioner Mahmood Hasan Mansur yesterday denied the allegation against him of misusing the public office for personal gain while he was the post and telecommunications secretary.   Ruling parties must explain failure before election The political parties should give explanation before a general election in case of failure to fulfil election pledges while in power, said speakers at the regional dialogue in Tangail yesterday.   Experts against deal, not coal extraction Academics, politicians and energy experts at a roundtable yesterday said they are not against extraction of coal or foreign investment in the country, but they oppose any investment or development project   'Black day' observed in Phulbari The people of Phulbari, Dinajpur, observed a 'black day' yesterday by wearing black badges and hoisting black flags protesting the August 26 carnage.   5 JMB men held with jihadi books Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) yesterday arrested five JMB (Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh) leaders and workers who had been regrouping in Gomostapur upazila in Chapainawabganj.   Minu terms it an opposition conspiracy Rajshahi Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu yesterday said the opposition combine's conspiracy to create anarchy over Phulbari incident was thwarted.   Ohio internet healthcare help for Bagerhat women Rural women in Bangladesh now can get advanced medical counselling from the specialists in the US, thanks to the Internet service.   3 killed in "crossfire" in Khulna, Rangpur Three criminals were killed in "crossfire" during separate incidents of shootouts between their accomplices and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Khulna and Rangpur early yesterday.   Dealers stop receiving fertiliser from Zia factory Fertiliser dealers of Zia Fertiliser Company Ltd refrained from lifting urea from the factory since Friday protesting against upazila-wise fertiliser allocation system.   Patients suffer as strike enforced over staff abuse Sufferings of several hundred patients at Shaheed Suhrawardi Hospital in the capital increased as physicians, nurses, officials and staff of the hospital yesterday started a two-hour abstention from work   PM asks party men to work vigorously for polls Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday asked her party's field level leaders to gear up mass contact and organisational activities ahead of the upcoming general elections.   BSF closes Tin Bigha Corridor Indian Border Security Force (BSF) yesterday closed Tin Bigha Corridor preventing movement of cattle from Dahagram-Angorpota enclave to Lalmonirhat.   14 British killed in Afghan air crash Fourteen British military personnel died when their aircraft crashed in Afghanistan, apparently after developing a technical problem, British and Nato officials said yesterday.   South Asian pilgrims shot dead in Iraq Iraqi insurgents slaughtered 14 south Asian Shia pilgrims and 18 Iraqi civilians yesterday after the Pentagon warned that the country was close to falling into a sectarian war.   EU sets deadline for Iran over nukes row The European Union agreed yesterday to try to clarify Iran's stance on halting uranium enrichment within two weeks as the UN secretary general arrived in Tehran to discuss the dispute. Business Developers seek govt action to remove misunderstanding As the new law relating to construction of buildings in the capital city, which will be effective from February 1, 2007, has created misunderstanding amongst the city dwellers, the developers and environmentalists   BoP remains positive on remittance, exports growths in FY06 Growths in remittance and exports have contributed to an overall positive balance of payment (BoP) in the last fiscal year (FY 2005-06).   Develop partnership for economic benefit Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan yesterday urged the private sectors of Bangladesh and Malaysia to develop strategic partnership for mutual economic benefits.   RBI plans making rupee freely available globally A committee set up by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled a plan towards full convertibility of Indian rupee, proposing sweeping changes in policies and reforms to make the national currencyfreely   Students throng career, education expo Entering the third day, the six-day fair on education and career in the capital gained momentum yesterday with huge students flocking to it.   Satellite back-up service in Dhaka for fibre customers Hawaii Pacific Teleport (HPT) has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Genusys Inc of Dallas to provide a satellite back up service in Dhaka, Bangladesh for fibre customers, says a press   Taskforce formed for corporate governance, CSR issues A five-member taskforce was formed yesterday to advocate the issues related to corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR), says a press release.   IMF wants India to focus on financial reforms The International Monetary Fund has said India should make its financial system more efficient and hasten structural reforms to sustain high economic growth, which averaged about eight per cent in the   Sino-Pak FTA talks this month Pakistan, China are scheduled to hold fourth round of negotiation on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Beijing later this month.   BEI workshop on corporate governance Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) yesterday organised a workshop on corporate governance for the board members and senior management of Prime Bank Limited yesterday as part of its initiatives to raise   Toyota, GM vehicle sales jump in August Toyota reported a 17 percent rise in its U.S. sales in August, while GM sales increased 3.9 percent from a year ago as the companies said buyers looked to more fuel-efficient offerings.   Oil below $70 Oil prices fell below $70 a barrel on Friday, hitting a 10-week low, as Iran's defiance of the U.N. request to stop its nuclear enrichment program didn't lead to immediate sanctions.   Walton power tiller hits market Walton self-start power tiller, a new addition to Walton product range, has hit the market with its many high-tech features.   US still out of line on WTO cotton ruling, alleges Brazil Brazil on Friday accused the United States of failing to fall fully into line with a World Trade Organisation ruling ordering Washington to remove its contested subsidies for cotton producers.   UN warns Asia-Pacific against bubble burst The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has warned the region's governments to protect and prepare against sudden or unexpected market downturns rather than   US welcomes deal to reform IMF voting The US government welcomed Friday an agreement to redistribute IMF votes in favour of booming but under-represented countries like China.   China aims for greater influence over commodity prices China wants a greater say in the setting of global resource prices and hopes to achieve this by creating unified industry negotiating groups, the Financial Times reported Friday.   Iran sees no Opec quota change Iran on Saturday predicted Opec would not change its output quota at its next meeting in September, saying the cartel would keep the market well supplied in order to quash criticism it wanted to keepprices   US economy adds 128,000 new jobs US employers created 128,000 new jobs in August, the government said Friday in a release that showed consensus-beating growth to non-farm payrolls. The jobless rate dipped to 4.7 percent from 4.   New chairman of Islami Bank ANMA Zaher has been elected chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd, says a press release. Sports Cricket: Javed yes, Javed no? When the national selectors sit in a day or two to pick the final squad for next month's International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy, the fate of veteran opener Javed Omar would be the main agenda   Football: Both sides confident of win Defending champions Narayanganj take on Dhaka in the final of the Jubok Phone National Football Championship at the Sylhet Stadium today.   Cricket: 'Moody the man' Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody has the credentials and runs on the board to become the next coach of the Australian cricket team, according to former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga.   Cricket: Akhtar restricts England Shoaib Akhtar took four for 28 as England were bowled out for 166 in the second one-day international at Lord's here Saturday.   Football: Booters boycott practice The national footballers stayed away from practice yesterday to protest Bangladesh Football Federation's (BFF) failure to fulfil their demand of starting the players' transfer for the first-ever Professional   Cricket: Final one-day washed out The third and final one-day match between Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) National Academy and hosts Pakistan Cricket Academy was postponed due to heavy rain at the Bagh-e-Jinnah Stadium in Lahore yesterday.   Football: Hosts clinch title Subol became the toast of Khagrachhari as he scored the winning penalty against Dighinala in the final of the DC Cup football tournament at the Khagrachhari Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: Older Rikki is wiser Rikki Clarke is ready to take any chance he's given in England's one-day series against Pakistan after two years in the international wilderness.   Cricket: Dav join the camp Bangladesh cricket team resumed training for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy in India after a day's break with a gym session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.   Cricket: Holding quits WICB post Michael Holding has resigned from the cricket committee of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) following differences with the WICB.   Tennis: Roger coasts before storm The remnants of Hurricane Ernesto brought an early end to proceedings at the US Open on Friday but not before Hurricane Roger had swept into the third round.   Football: Hammers recruits add spice Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, whose move to West Ham United stunned English soccer on Thursday, will make their first appearance as Hammers players on Sunday -- playing for Argentina against Brazil.   Football: Jorgensen inspires Denmark Martin Jorgensen helped Denmark stun World Cup semifinalists Portugal 4-2 on Friday as the teams warmed up for their opening Euro 2008 qualifiers.   Football: Chelsea angry at rift reports English Premiership champions Chelsea were reported to have consulted lawyers on Friday after suggestions the club's manager Jose Mourinho had been involved in a row with his chief executive Peter Kenyon.   Football: UEFA clamps down on protests Protesting referees' decisions will be punished more severely during the opening Euro 2008 qualifiers this weekend after UEFA on Friday ordered officials to clamp down this season.   Football: Ronaldo on comeback trail Real Madrid star Ronaldo has resumed light training after a knee operation but it is too early to say when he will start playing again, the Spanish giants have revealed.   Tennis: Ticket no worry for Ben Not having a ticket won't be a problem for Benjamin Becker when he faces Andre Agassi in the third round of the US Open.   Tennis: Murray in a hurry What a difference a year makes -- just ask rising British star Andy Murray.   Football: 'Anelka deal a steal' Former Liver-pool boss Gerard Houllier is tipping Nicolas Anelka to be a hit with new club Bolton.   Football: Egyptian int'l died of heart failure Egyptian international Mohamed Abdelwahab died from heart failure when he collapsed on Thursday during a training session in Cairo, his club Al Ahli said on Friday.   Basketball: Bogdan slam dunks NBA Turkey coach Bogdan Tanjevic will welcome National Basketball Association stars to his nation for the 2010 World Basketball Championship, but he wants the NBA to stop plundering global talent.   Football: UEFA concern over Hammers deal European football chiefs have expressed their concern over the shadowy transfer deal that saw Argentinian stars Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez join English outfit West Ham.   Football: Transfers of power The transfer market closed on Wednesday, which means it's report card time. Increasingly, titles and trophies are won not by what happens on the pitch, but what happens in the transfer campaign.   Football: Atletico demand Reyes payment Atletico Madrid say Jose Antonio Reyes owes the Primera Liga club two million euros (2.   Football: Iran salvage draw Striker Vahid Hashemian scored deep into injury time to earn Iran a 1-1 draw with South Korea in their Asian Cup 2007 Group B qualifying match on Saturday.   Football: Red Star sign Ailton Serbia's champion side Red Star Belgrade signed Brazilian striker Ailton and Ecuador's Segundo Castillo, officials said on Friday.   Football: Bristol City trio jailed Wales defender Dave Partridge was jailed along with two of his Bristol City teammates on Friday for their part in a drink-fuelled brawl.   Tennis: Open Secrets Robby Ginepri played consistently long matches last year in reaching the US Open semifinals. This year, he's once again struggling to find any consistency at all.   Cricket: Kumble might get the nod Anil Kumble is widely tipped to make it to the 14-member Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy but the selectors are unlikely to cast the net outside the 16 chosen for the ongoing rolling camp when   Cricket: Police ban Chappell demon Indian police have asked sculptors not to make religious statues depicting national cricket coach Greg Chappell as a demon for a major Hindu festival this month, officials said Saturday.   Hockey: Bachelor on a merry run Jami Hossain and Azam Miah struck twice as Bachelor Sporting Club absolutely outclassed Mukta Bihanga Tarun Sangha 7-0 to notch their third victory in the Green Delta Insurance First Division Hockey League   Football: Hanif sinks Nasirabad Shadhinota Krira Sangha thrashed Nasirabad Krira Sangha 8-0 in the Pioneer League Football tournament at the Basabo Tarun Sangha ground yesterday. Metropolitan 'WB, IMF aggravate situation' Behind the veil of poverty alleviation programmes, the World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) - the two predatory organisations, are actually aggravating the situation in the country, said   Call to change attitude towards women Speakers at a seminar yesterday called for a change in the attitude towards women to stop all forms of violence against them.   Court frames charges against 11 JCD men tomorrow A Dhaka court will frame charges against 11Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders and activists tomorrow.   Rickshaw owner found dead in city A rickshaw owner, who has been missing from Dakkhin Shahjahanpur since Friday, was found dead at Uttar Shahjahanpur under Motijheel Police Station in the city yesterday.   Housewife kills herself under train in Gazipur A housewife committed suicide by jumping under the wheels of a running train at Gazipur yesterday morning.   Abul Mansur Ahmad's 108th anniversary of birth today The 108th birth anniversary of Abul Mansur Ahmad, a renowned litterateur, journalist and statesman of the sub-continent, will be observed today, says a press release.   Further hearing on petition for withdrawal of case Sept 28 A Dhaka court yesterday fixed September 28 for further hearing on the government petition for withdrawal of the Constable Abu Naser murder case filed against Housing and Public Works Minister Mirza Abbas,   AL lawmaker's first public rally at Raozan in five years Fazle Karim Chowdhury, an Awami League lawmaker from Raozan, yesterday appeared in a public rally at his constituency for the first time in nearly five years since the BNP-led four-party alliance government   Opening of new Ruet hall demanded Students of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (Ruet) yesterday threatened to enforce tougher movements against the university authorities demanding opening of a newly constructed hallfor   Implement electoral reforms Leaders of the Jatiya Oikya Front (JOF) yesterday called on the government to implement the proposals for reforms in the caretaker government system and the Election Commission.   80 houses gutted in Ctg At least 80 slum houses were gutted and properties worth around Tk 10 lakh damaged in a devastating fire in the port city yesterday.   Two killed in Satkhira road accident Two people were killed when a bus ploughed through an engine-run van in Kolaroa upazila on Satkhira-Jessore Road yesterday.   Terry Fox Run to raise fund for cancer research Terry Fox Run was held in the city yesterday to raise money for cancer research in the country, says a press release.   Obituary Shahana Anis, wife of Tarek Anis Ahmed, deputy managing director of K-Line Bangladesh Limited, passed away due to a cardiac arrest on September 1. She is survived by her husband, one son and threedaughters.   Prof Mosharraf new BAU VC Prof Dr Mosharraf Hossain has been appointed Vice-chancellor (VC) of Bangladesh Agriculture University (BAU), Mymensingh for the next four years, says a BAU press release.   Joy arrives today Sajib Wazed Joy, son of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, arrives in Dhaka from the USA today, AL sources said. Joy, 35, visited Bangladesh last month. National Make reforms if you have courage to test popularity Central leaders of 14-party alliance yesterday threw a challenge to the ruling coalition asking it to test its popularity by holding the coming election after reforms of the caretaker system and the Election   25 hurt as Patuakhali BNP factions clash At least 25 people including the Patuakhali district Jubo Dal president were injured as rival factions of BNP were locked in intermittent clashes in the town yesterday, ransacking each other's officeand   Hasina's inervention sought to end crisis Disgruntled leaders of Awami League here yesterday sought interventiuon of party chief Shiekh Hasina to end the crisis in the party created after formation of the new 71-member Gaibandha district committee,   JP wants Ershad, BNP sees conspiracy Criticising the incumbent BNP lawmaker in Satkhira-1, Jatiya Party (JP) leaders and activists are demanding party chief Eshad's candidature from the constituency (Tala- Kalaroa) in the coming election.   BNP-Jamaat discord over ticket triggers tension BNP and Jamaat-e-Isami, two main partners in the ruling 4-party alliances, are in a face-off situation over nomination in Sirajganj-4 and Sirajganj-5 constituencies in the coming election.   Death threats by outlaws for toll in Sirajganj Telephone callers identifying themselves as cadres of outlawed Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP) demanded toll from at least 35 people including professionals and businessmen in Sirajganj town in last   Section 144 in Dashmina Dashmina upazila administration imposed Section 144 in and around Abdur Rashid Degree College yesteday as the college authorities and the college unit Chatra Dal, a student wing of ruling BNP, calledfreshes'   One missing as boat capsizes One person is missing and two others were injured when a fishing boat capsized after being hit by a launch on Gazaria river in Darir Char Khajuria area of Mehendiganj upazila in Barisal Friday night. Point-Counterpoint A glimpse of the UK Bangladeshi community In 1925, an early settler had been hungry, thirsty, cold and lost in London. He was desperately looking for his own people. He asked a policeman for help. The policeman replied: 'I don't know.   New world order? A truce has come into effect. But Lebanon lies devastated and occupied. The month-long Israeli offensive has killed Lebanese civilians by the thousands. Culture Gracing the stage with Odissi at National Museum CLASSICAL dance in India originated as a spiritual expression of devotion to the higher being.   Fakir Durlav Shah talks on 'maner manush' Ami kothay pabo tare Amar maner manush je re --Verses by Fakir Lalon Shah Where will I find my maner manush (ideal being)? Fakir Lalon Shah has raised this question several times   Stories of world literature dramatised on Channel 1 Based on stories by the greatest writers of world literature, a series of TV plays titled Bishwasahitya Shambhar begins today on Channel 1, says a press release.   Mamunur Rashid and Keramat Moula honoured Eminent theatre personalities Mamunur Rashid and Keramat Moula were honoured in Kolkata at a three-day theatre festival jointly arranged by Utpal Dutt Foundation and cultural organisation Samalay.   Cultural event and discussion in Tangail The Satodal Sangskritik Sangstha, a well-known cultural organisation in Tangail, held a cultural programme and discussion on music at the Central Shaheed Minar premises in the town recently. General Conflicts among political parties obstacle to Ctg development Speakers at a roundtable here yesterday said the main obstacle to development of Chittagong is the ugly conflict among the political parties.   BCU memo to DU VC Bangladesh Chhatra Union (BCU) yesterday submitted a memorandum to the Vice-chancellor of Dhaka University (DU) to press home their 13-point demand.   Workshop to create awareness among young debaters held With a view to creating awareness among the young debaters of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a daylong debate workshop was held at UNDP auditorium in the city on Thursday, says a press release.   Fishing boat capsizes in Gazaria river A fisherman was reported missing as the fishing boat capsized in the Gazaria River early hours of yesterday. Chandu Bepari, 35, is feared drowned. International Lankan navy sinks 12 rebel boats Sri Lanka's navy said yesterday it sank 12 Tamil rebel boats, including five suicide craft, and killed as many as 100 rebel fighters during a fierce six-hour sea battle off the country's northern coast.   Arabs call for new ME peace move Arab countries have formally asked the UN Security Council to acknowledge that efforts to end the Arab-Israeli conflict have failed and to resuscitate and reshape the peace process.   Anti-Taliban drive launched Afghan and Nato troops kicked off a major anti-Taliban offensive in southern Afghanistan Saturday, as 28 people including a British soldier were killed in a new wave of attacks.   Talks go on for Israeli prisoner swap Three Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, sources said, while talks were reportedly taking place to exchange an Israeli soldier for Palestinian women and children.   Nepali Maoists threaten protests for early polls Nepal's Maoist rebels threatened yesterday to launch street protests to press the multiparty government for early elections to an assembly that would draw up a new constitution. "The government islingering.   Scientists challenge Pluto's demotion Hundreds of US scientists have challenged a recent decision by an international astronomy group to strip Pluto of its planetary status with a petition rejecting its definition of what constitutes a planet.   Abu Ghraib now under Iraqi control Iraq has regained control of the notorious Abu Ghraib prison, known for a prisoner abuse scandal involving US troops, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said on Saturday.   UK cops net 16 in anti-terror raids British police said yesterday they had arrested 16 men in two separate anti-terrorism operations just three weeks after uncovering a suspected plot to bring down US-bound airliners over the Atlantic.   US seeks UN actions against Myanmar The United States on Friday asked the UN Security Council to deal with Myanmar, whose junta government has jailed opponents, persecuted minorities and sent refugees fleeing into neighbouring states. Editorial Editorial: A significant anti-terror verdict We welcome the confirmation by the High Court of the death sentence of seven JMB militants delivered by the trial court in Jhalakhati. This is the first major judgment related to terrorist acts in Bangladesh.   Editorial: Another election commissioner The decision of the government to appoint yet another election commissioner has sent worrying signals across the political spectrum in the country.   Madrasa misadventure A debate on madrasa education has cropped up recently in the country following the government's decision equating Dawra degree of qawmi madrasa with Master's degree in general education.   America '68 Washington: America has returned to 1968. On August 31, a vital deadline at the very top of George Bush's agenda passed, and no one died. Instead, the intended victim was frisky to the point of beingcocky.   Should the MFIs pay tax? Micro-credit has been defined as a credit for the poor without collateral to help them realize their productive potentials. It is a credit of trust, and targets primarily the poor women for their empowerment. Star Health Understanding prediabetes Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes should not be taken lightly.   Don’t suffer in silence Women's health all over the world is a matter of great concern.   Aluminum salts may increase breast cancer risk A new report raises the possibility that the aluminum salts contained in many underarm deodorants could increase a woman's breast cancer risk.   Exercise may have benefits in colon cancer Vigorous physical activity following a diagnosis of colorectal cancer substantially reduces the risk of death due to cancer or other causes, two studies indicate.   Calcium may help women keep weight in check Getting plenty of calcium might help fight middle-aged spread, a new study shows.   Jet lag, how to reduce it? Jet lag affects individuals in different ways and to different degrees. Flying across three or more time zones often disrupts your normal sleep-wake cycle.   Insect stings and bites The two greatest risks from most insect stings and bites are allergic reaction (which may occasionally be fatal) and infection (more likely and less serious).   Your Doctor Send your health related queries to Your Doctor, Star Health, The Daily Star, 19, Karwan Bazar, Dhaka 1215 or e-mail your problem to starhealth@thedailystar. Star City Waning public confidence in healthcare system Public in general are fast losing confidence in the healthcare system with frequent seizure of date-expired drugs and contaminated blood during inspections by the mobile courts in leading private hospitals   Construction work faces its first hurdles Basement construction of Gulistan-Jatrabari flyover is taking more time than it was predicted, as they are facing problem in locating the existing underground utility infrastructure that they have tokeep   Elusive monsoon hovers over Dhaka sky The sky above the city yesterday afternoon was enveloped in heavy clouds raising hopes of a belated monsoon downpour.   Corruption boomerangs on Titas' good intentions Gas authorities' efforts to legalise illegal connections did not fully materialise as corruption once again sneaked its way into the process further weakening the safety of the gas network in the capital.   Steering education towards career "This is a wonderful exposure for students looking for prospective colleges and universities of further studies both at home and abroad," said Imran who is about to complete the Higher Secondary Certificate   © thedailystar.net, 2006. 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