Vol. 5 Num 809 Mon. September 04, 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 BNP march turns into huge poll campaign Several thousand ruling BNP leaders and activists yesterday brought out a huge colourful mass procession in the capital led by their Chairperson Khaleda Zia who is also the prime minister of the country.   Indefinite strike in all airports from Sept 7 Officials and employees of Bangladesh Biman yesterday called an indefinite strike at airports across the country from September 7 to press for urgent measures to make Biman solvent.   Crisis partly eases as 2 feeder firms to operate The crisis over transporting containers to and from Chittagong Port was partially resolved yesterday as two of the five feeder-vessel operating companies agreed to continue operation following a tripartite   New EC commissioner meets old ones without taking oath The newly appointed Election Commissioner Mahmud Hasan Mansur yesterday paid an unprecedented surprise visit to the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat and held meetings with the chief election commissioner   Injured yet to get govt aid The bullet-hit victims of the August 26 carnage in Phulbari, Dinajpur are yet to get financial support for their treatment even though the government said on Wednesday that it would compensate the victims   Commuters suffer as marchers block streets Unusual traffic jam coupled with fewer motorised vehicles caused immense suffering to the commuters during the founding anniversary procession of the ruling BNP in the capital yesterday.   Bodies of six peacekeepers due today The bodies of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers, who died in a road crash in Ivory Coast on August 25, will arrive in Dhaka this afternoon.   JCD forces DU students to join procession Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) yesterday forced hundreds of Dhaka University (DU) students of different dormitories to join a grand procession organised to mark its parent organisation's 28th founding   Abu Solaiman new cabinet secretary Liberation War Affairs Secretary Abu Solaiman Chowdhury has been made new cabinet secretary replacing ASM Abdul Halim. Abu Solaiman Chowdhury joined the BCS [Administration] cadre in 1973.   Elderly man shot dead inside shop An unidentified criminal shot a 70-year-old man dead inside a shop at Pallabi in the city yesterday apparently over refusal to pay money.   Pirates kill 6 fishermen in Bay Myanmar pirates reportedly killed six fishermen in the Bay on Saturday and looted valuables, including fishing equipment, worth Tk 20 lakh.   PM finalised poll rigging mechanisms Opposition Leader Sheikh Hasina yesterday accused Prime Minister Khaleda Zia of finalising all machinations to rig the next elections.   Dhaka jail guard held with illegal firearms The security at Dhaka Central Jail has once again come into question after one of its guards was arrested with illegal firearms along with four others in the capital on Thursday.   Hasina visits Phulbari today Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina will visit the trouble-torn Phulbari in Dinajpur today along with 14-party opposition leaders, Dinajpur Awami League (AL) unit sources said.   25 injured in factory fire At least 25 people were injured in a devastating fire at a plastic packaging factory at Kanchpur under Sonargaon upazila yesterday.   Two suspects held for grenade attacks on UK envoy, Kibria Investigators yesterday arrested two young men from Habiganj in connection with grenade attacks on the British high commissioner and slain former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria.   Dahagram people protest BSF restriction Bangladeshi citizens in Dahagram and Angorpota enclaves yesterday staged demonstration rejecting the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) proposal to allow only five cattle to pass through the Tin Bigha   Asia Energy still waits for govt decision The government has not communicated any decision or message to the Asia Energy Private Ltd as of yesterday on the Phulbari coal mine deal, protesting against which six people were killed on August 26in   Iran reaffirms support for Lebanon truce UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday reaffirmed support for a UN resolution on Lebanon and his determination to negotiate an end to Tehran's nuclear standoff   No 2 al-Qaeda leader in Iraq captured Iraqi forces have arrested the second most senior operative in al-Qaeda in Iraq, and the group now suffers from a "serious leadership crisis," the national security adviser said yesterday.   British police grill terror suspects British police were questioning yesterday 14 men arrested over the alleged training and recruitment of extremists in the country's latest high-profile anti-terrorism raid.   Democrats on a roll in battle for US Congress Democrats enter the fall campaign with a clear edge in the high-stakes fight for control of the US Congress, riding a wave of momentum that has them positioned to retake the US House of Representatives   N Korea may test another missile North Korea may be preparing for another missile test, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, but a government official in Seoul discounted the report.   Australian Muslims under pressure as terror fears grow The Australian government pressured local Muslims at the weekend to denounce terrorism, learn English and accept women as equals, as fears grew of a first attack on home soil.   Pak tribal rebels bomb gas pipeline Tribal insurgents bombed a gas pipeline in southwestern Pakistan yesterday as tension continued over the killing of a rebel chieftain in a military operation, police said. Business Forex reserve hits record $3.6b on strong remittance, exports Country's foreign exchange reserve maintained upward trend rising to US$3.605 billion yesterday after hitting record highest last week, on strong remittance and export earnings.   Petroleum distributors threaten indefinite strike from tomorrow Tank-lorry owners and workers as well as petroleum distributors have threatened to go for indefinite strike from tomorrow if their demand for smooth supply of petroleum is not met by today.   IMF reforms force Europe to rethink its role, say experts Pressure is building on European countries to seriously consider forming a single voice within the IMF after the financial institution decided to give more say to emerging economic powers, experts said.   Warid Telecom reaches interconnectivity deals with 5 operators Warid Telecom Bangladesh, which is set to start its launching in October, Saturday signed interconnectivity agreements with five more PSTN/WLL telephone operators.   NRBs in UAE remit $512.6m in FY06 Remittances sent to Bangladesh from expatriate workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose by 15.9 percent in the last financial year, reaching a total of US$512.   HSBC introduces evening banking at Dhanmondi, Gulshan branches The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Ltd in Bangladesh yesterday introduced evening banking services for the customers at its Dhanmondi and Gulshan branches.   Exporters eye $1.5b frozen food export by 2010 Following a record earning last fiscal year, frozen food exporters now eye $1.5 billion export by 2010 and sought government support to achieve the target.   Malaysia Airlines raises fuel surcharges on int'l routes Malaysia Airlines, which is trying to revive its fortunes, has announced an increase in fuel surcharges on a number of international routes.   Etihad Airways launches reward scheme Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, recently launched its guest programme, which revolutionises airline loyalty initiatives and echoes personalised and customer-focused approach   Federal Ins declares 10pc stock dividend Federal Insurance Co Ltd has declared a 10 per cent stock dividend for the year 2005.   Ocean Jeans to invest $2.6m in Ctg EPZ A Bangladeshi company, Ocean Jeans Limited (OJL), will invest US$ 2.6 million to establish a readymade garment factory in Chittagong Export Processing Zone.   New chairman, vice chairman of UCB Younus Ahmed and Aziz Al-Mahmood have been elected chairman and vice chairman of United Commercial Bank (UCB) Ltd. They were elected at the 240th Board Meeting of the bank recently, says a pressrelease.   Apec finance ministers in Hanoi to secure financial flows Pacific Rim finance ministers will meet in Vietnam this week to discuss ways to strengthen regional growth and ensure increasing capital flows are accompanied by greater protection and security.   N Korea bans most Chinese tour groups North Korea has suddenly banned nearly all Chinese tour groups, citing a need to fix its roads and railways, travel agencies in China said Sunday. Sports Football: N'ganj retain nat'l title Narayanganj retained the national title when they downed neighbours Dhaka 3-1 in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation 90 minutes of the Jubok Phone National Football Championship final   Football: Booters back to training An under prepared Bangladesh football team leave Dhaka early this morning to play their fourth round match of the 2007 Asian Cup qualifiers against Qatar.   Cricket: Bashar to lead Tigers Habibul Bashar will lead Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in India during October-November as the national selectors confirmed his inclusion in the 14-member squad for the tournament.   Cricket: Pak pace overpowers Eng Speedster Shoaib Akhtar set up Pakistan's seven-wicket win over England in the second one-day international at Lord's here Saturday as the tourists went 1-0 up in the five-match series.   Football: Fiesta comes to London Any gathering of the world's finest players is a cause for celebration, but when it is Brazil and Argentina showing off their skills the party can be as frenzied as the football.   Table Tennis: UIU TT on United International University (UIU), BRAC University and Presidency University all won their respective matches on the opening day of the UIU Bangla-link Table Tennis Championships at the university   Cricket: Super Sixes postponed The First Asian Super Sixes Challenge has been postponed under unavoidable circumstances.   Cricket: WI & India to tour England next year West Indies and India will tour England next year, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed Saturday with the release of the international fixture list of the 2007 English season.   Cricket: PCB set to settle Inzy selection With the deadline for announcing the team for the Champions Trophy fast approaching, the top brass of the Pakistan Cricket Board will hold a series of meetings with the national selectors to decide the   Hockey: Bachelors on a roll Bachelors Sporting Club registered their fourth victory in the Green Delta Insurance First Division Hockey League when they defeated Dhaka Wanderers Club by a solitary goal at the Maulana Bhasani National   Football: Lithuania hold Italy World champions Italy began their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign with a hugely disappointing 1-1 draw against Lithuania.   Football: Cannavaro denies WC hangover Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro denied his side were suffering from a World Cup hangover after they opened their qualifying campaign for Euro 2008 with a 1-1 draw against Lithuania.   Football: Revamped France impress World Cup runners-up France began the post-Zinedine Zidane era in impressive fashion by crushing Georgia 3-0 in their opening Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday.   Cricket: English confidence on the rise England have extended Steve McClaren's honeymoon period as manager by trouncing Andorra before Wednesday's trickier Euro 2008 qualifier against Macedonia.   Football: Five-star England England marked Steve McClaren's first competitive game as national coach by coasting to a 5-0 victory over European whipping boys Andorra at Old Trafford on Saturday.   Football: Hammers paid nothing for duo West Ham did not pay anything for the services of Argentinian duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, it was reported Sunday, as more details over the mysterious transfer deal emerged.   Football: Italy parade trophy The World Cup trophy was paraded around the field Saturday before Italy's first official game since winning the title.   Football: Thuram rails against slave outburst Lilian Thuram says Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was ill-advised to use the term 'slave' to describe the way his player Claude Makelele was called up against his wishes to play for France on Saturday.   Football: FIFA to outlaw anonymous takeovers Football's world governing body FIFA will force individuals trying to take over clubs to reveal their identities as part of a drive to increase transparency in the sport, it was reported here Sunday.   Athletics: Three share the bonanza Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell and American 400m runners Jeremy Wariner and Sanya Richards blitzed their rivals Sunday to share the Golden League jackpot for a perfect six wins in the six-meet series.   Football: Donadoni not discouraged Italy coach Roberto Donadoni said there was still plenty of room for improvement after his team was held to a surprise 1-1 draw by lowly Lithuania in their opening Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday.   Cricket: 'I'm only at 80 per cent' Shoaib Akhtar believes he has still to find his best form in the run-up to next year's World Cup after starring once more against England.   Cricket: India spring no surprise Veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble has not been picked in the Indian squad for next month's Champions Trophy because of doubts over his fitness, it was announced here on Sunday.   Football: Germany up and running Germany gave new coach Joachim Low the perfect start to his reign with a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in their first Group D qualifying match of the Euro 2008 campaign.   Football: Viva Villa for Spain Striker David Villa scored twice to help Spain overcome stubborn Liechtenstein 4-0 in their Euro 2008 Group F qualifier on Saturday.   Football: Lafata breaks Welsh hearts Czech David Lafata scored two goals on his international debut against Wales to return his country to winning ways in this Euro 2008 Group D clash.   Football: Loew relieved Relieved Germany coach Joachim Loew can look forward to a perfect six-point start in Euro 2008 qualifying after his side showed a gap of almost three years had not dulled their qualifying instincts.   Football: Dutch struggle to win Deprived of several players through injury and suspension, and others through the manager's selection, the Netherlands struggled to a narrow Euro 2008 qualifying 1-0 win over Luxembourg.   Football: Qualifier Results Collated results of Euro 2008 qualifiers on Saturday: Group A At Belgrade Serbia 1 (Zigic 71) Azerbaijan 0 At Bydgoszcz Poland 1 (Gargula 90) Finland 3 (Litmanen 54, 76-pen, Vayrynen   Football: Ballack admits culture shock German international captain Michael Ballack admits he is still coming to terms with his new life in England with Premiership champions Chelsea and revealed that he was still living in a hotel as he searches   Football: United turned Mascherano down Manchester United turned down the opportunity to sign Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano twice before his surprise move to Premier League rivals West Ham, the Old Trafford club said on Sunday.   Football: Atletico set to sue Reyes Spanish championship side Atletico Madrid are set to sue Jose Antonio Reyes for two million euros after the former Arsenal striker signed for rivals Real Madrid.   Football: Mendes optimistic Portsmouth's Portuguese midfielder Pedro Mendes expects to be back in action next week after being knocked unconscious last month in a brutal elbowed challenge from Manchester City's Ben Thatcher.   Football: A Real agreement Real Salt Lake and Real Madrid reached a 10-year agreement that includes the joint training of young players and games between the teams every other year.   Freddie likely to be included David Graveney has suggested Andrew Flintoff could play in next month's Champions Trophy in India, as he continues to recover from his second ankle operation earlier this summer.   Tennis: Ernesto sweeps US Open Eight-time Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi got an assist from Mother Nature Saturday as his third round match at the US Open was moved back to Sunday.   Olympics: BOA, Tata sign MoU The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) and Tata Steel yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Dhaka in a bid to enhance the level of Bangladeshi athletes.   Football: M'ganj clinch summer title Munshiganj High School beat Sonarang Pilot High School 2-0 in the final of the 35th summer football tournament at the Rampal NBM High School ground on Saturday. Metropolitan 7 die in road accidents At least seven people were killed and 17 injured in separate road accidents in Faridpur, Tangail and Munshiganj on Saturday night and yesterday.   40 BCL men hurt in JCD attack in Sylhet Govt Vet College At least 40 activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) were injured in an attack by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists at the Sylhet Government Veterinary College dormitories in the early hours   Govt college teachers vow to continue strike Teachers of government colleges under the banner of BCS General Education Association yesterday refrained from work for the second consecutive day and vowed to continue their six-day strike programmeprotesting   Patients' suffering increases Patients at Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital in the city continued to suffer immensely as doctors, nurses, officials and staff of the hospital yesterday observed their two-hour abstention from daily work for   CMM issues show cause on parents A Dhaka court has issued a show-cause notice upon parents of Naimul Hassan Badhon, one of the three victims whose throat was slotted by his friends, to explain why charges for negligence in taking care   DU considers appointment of teacher despite 'note of dissent' The Dhaka University (DU) authorities are considering appointing a candidate as lecturer at the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology despite 'note of dissent' by two of five selectors on   Help save Labib National Committee for Treatment Assistance for Labib appealed to the generous people of the country to come forward with financial assistance to help save the life of 12-year-old Ahmad Hamim Labib.   Students agitate for recognition of physiotherapy department Students of a private university in the city yesterday urged the vice-chancellor to seek approval of the authorities concerned for its physiotherapy department.   Buet reopens tomorrow Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) is going to resume its academic activities tomorrow after a five-week unscheduled closure.   18 AL leaders acquitted of charges A Dhaka court yesterday acquitted 18 Awami League leaders in a case filed under the Speedy Trial Act for laying siege to the local power office demanding uninterrupted power supply.   '350 incidents of violence against women in Aug' Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA) yesterday revealed the monthly report on the violence against women compiling the news items published in 10 national dailies.   Photojournalist Salahuddin passes away Md Salahuddin, chief photojournalist of the daily Inqilab and member of the National Press Club, passed away yesterday at Birla Heart Foundation in Kolkata at the age of 54, says a press release.   Khaleda goes to Tangail today Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will visit Mirzapur and Dhanbari upazilas in Tangail today.   CPB calls for protection of rail service The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) yesterday observed 'Rail Rakkha Dibosh' (Day to protect rail). "Save the rail, save the workers and enhance the commuters' facility" was the slogan of theday.   Develop yourselves as ideal citizens Vice-chancellor (VC) of Dhaka University (DU) Prof SMA Faiz yesterday called upon students to develop themselves as ideal citizens of the country through concentrating on study.   Buet students get IEEE awards Two student groups from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of Buet have got first and second prizes in the IEEE Region-10 Student Paper Contest in undergraduate category, says a press   'Fix minimum wage for RMG workers' Karmojibi Nari (KN) expressed concern over the uncertainty to fix the minimum wage for the garment workers. National Jamaat worried as Haris eyes its lone seat in Sylhet divn Difference between BNP and Jamaat is widening in Sylhet over nomination in Sylhet-5 constituency, now represented by Farid Uddin Chowdhury, the lone Jamaat lawmaker from the division.   No move to remove a persisting problem Water-logging has imperiled livelihood of about 50,000 people in 21 villages in Satkhira Sadar upazila.   Kushtia BNP leader calls party MP a godfather BNP leader and industrialist Nasir Uddin Biswas has urged party high command not to nominate incumbent lawmaker Reza Ahmed Bachchu Mollah from Kushtia-1 constituency (Daulatpur) in the coming parliamentary   Poor rain hits life of haor people in Kishoreganj It is an awesome sight in Kishoeganj haor (water body) areas this monsoon. Vast sheets of water dotted with boats negotiating turbulent waves is not seen.   Summer tomato opens door to fortune for farmers Farmers Manzurul Haque and Aminul Islam are rejuvenated and all smiles.   Prof Musharraf new BAU VC Prof Dr M Musharraf Hossain Mia has been appointed new vice-chancellor (VC) of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) here. He took over his charge on August 31.   RU teachers demand arrest of Shibir cadre The Progressive Teachers Associ-ation of Rajshahi University yesterday brought out a silent procession on the campus and held a rally protesting the death threat to eminent litterateur Prof Hassan Azizul   JMB cadre held A cadre of outlawed Jama'atul Mujahideen, Bangladesh (JMB) was arrested in Islampur upazila in Jamalpur district Saturday evening.   None can declare me unwanted in Khulna BNP Whip Ashraf Hossain yesterday said none has the right to expel him or declare him unwanted in Khulna as he is an elected member of parliament.   Zia Fertiliser resumes operation Ashuganj Zia Fertiliser Factory resumed operation Saturday night after two days of disruption in production.   BNP leader held with arms Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) Sunday night arrested two people including a BNP leader for possessing arms with them at Hadipur in Debhata upazila. Point-Counterpoint Democracy is the basis of our national existence: We can not afford to fail Just months before the ninth parliamentary elections, we find ourselves in a dangerous bind.   What the United Nations needs The United Nations is a 20th-century organization facing a 21st-century challenge -- an institution with impressive achievements but also haunting failures, one that mirrors not just the world's hopes   Naguib Mahfouz: An appreciation The story of Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz is the story of modern Egypt itself. Culture 'Bengal Bikash' final round begins THE final round of Bengal Bikash, Bengal Foundation's talent hunt in creative songs, is underway. The finals began with the competition of Tagore songs on September 2 at the National Museum Auditorium.   Lives of fakirs through the eyes of a Lalon devotee With the death of most Lalon maestros in the country, Fakir Bazlu Shah stands apart as one of the few singers who render authentic Lalon songs. With his stentorian voice modulation he can move the audience.   Beauty in simple things of life Bakin Rabbi, whose exhibition of photography was recently held in Gallery Zoom, at Alliance Francaise, learnt his skill from his father, who was the editor of the weekly Amod at Comilla.   Generating social awareness Peoples' Theatre Association (PTA) in association with Rakhal, Swedish ITI and Swedish SIDA have embarked on a school theatre programme. General Hartal called in Paikgacha today Angry people damaged four passenger buses and a truck yesterday on Khulna-Paikgacha road disrupting vehicular movement from 6:00am to 2:00pm yesterday protesting the death of a college teacher in a road   Punishment to JCD cadre demanded Female students of Fazilatun-Nesa hall of Jahangirnagar University (JU) brought out a protest procession on the campus yesterday demanding punishment to the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) cadres who assaulted   Day-long Nazrul symposium in US Sept 9 The Asian American Studies and the American Cultural Centre of Connecticut University, USA will jointly hold a daylong Nazrul symposium on September 9, 2006, says a press release of Nazrul Institute. International 200 Taliban killed in major Nato offensive Around 200 insurgents were killed in the first two days of a major anti-Taliban operation under way in southern Afghanistan, a Nato military source said yesterday.   Pro-Taliban militants ink peace deal with Pakistan Pro-Taliban militants encouraged by tribal elders signed an agreement with Pakistan's government Saturday to ensure "permanent peace" in this volatile northwestern tribal region near the Afghan border,   Floods make 1.5 million homeless in Orissa Flooding triggered by monsoon rains in the past few days has left 1.5 million people homeless and damaged thousands of acres of paddy crop in Orissa, officials said yesterday.   Lanka fighting hits lull A lull in fighting yesterday between Sri Lankan troops and Tamil rebels near a strategic port allowed mobile phone lines in the area to be restored and aid supplies to be rushed in, residents said.   Palestinians to form unity govt in 10 days A Palestinian national unity government will be announced within 10 days, a spokesman for president Mahmud Abbas said Saturday following weeks of wrangling between his Fatah party and the ruling Hamas   Israel could release 800 Palestinians for hostage soldier Under secret talks being brokered by Egypt, Israel could release up to 800 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a soldier captured by Gaza militants in early June, a report said yesterday.   Israel to lift blockade of Lebanon in a week Lebanese Defence Minister Elias Murr said Saturday he had been assured Israel would lift its air and sea blockade within a week, during a meeting with UN special envoy Geir Pedersen.   US sanctions threat a psychological game Iran said yesterday the threat of sanctions was a "psychological game" aimed at putting pressure on the Islamic Republic over its nuclear programme, which the West fears is aimed at producing atomic weapons.   European probe smashes into moon Europe's first spacecraft to the moon ended its three-year mission yesterday with a planned crash, hitting its target after ground controllers had to manoeuvre it around a looming crater rim.   US Muslims plagued by discrimination after 9/11 attacks Discrimination and harassment by law enforcement have come to plague American Muslims in the years since the terrorist attacks of September 11.   Iraq, US lock horns Talks between the United States and Iraq over the transfer of operational command of Iraq's armed forces were deadlocked yesterday, with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki demanding more independence fromthe   US policies fuelling terrorism: Khatami Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami said late Saturday that US foreign policy was fueling terrorism and warned a conference of Muslims in Chicago of the dangers of allowing "narrow minded viewpoints   al-Qaeda deputy urges Americans to convert to Islam al-Qaeda number two Ayman al-Zawahiri urged Americans to convert to Islam in a video featuring a converted US national sought by the FBI, who spoke particularly to American soldiers, but the US said it   Scientists begin human tests on 'bionic eye' Australian researchers developing a "bionic eye" say early tests have succeeded in stimulating limited visual sensation in people suffering a rare form of genetic blindness.   Blair's ministers do the dirty work to prove they are 'in touch' British government ministers are hurling themselves into filming video diaries of them doing everyday jobs to show they are "in touch" with ordinary workers, The Sunday Times newspaper reported. Editorial Editorial: Pre-Ramadan market The Bangla daily Prothom Alo reports it is widely believed in the business circles that except for sugar, prices of all other commodities are likely to increase in the month of Ramadan beginning September   Editorial: Agitating garment workers Garment workers have begun to agitate once again in support of their demand for the minimum wage, after the deadline for fixing the same ended on Thursday last.   Imperial tyranny or implosion of western powers? Only three years ago, amid predictions that the US soldiers would be greeted with sweets and flowers, the ebullient commentators promoted the notions of a new Pax Americana, commonwealth of freedom,and   Lessons from Amsterdam: How not to fight terrorism The harassment and humiliation of 12 Indians travelling on a Northwest flight from Amsterdam to Mumbai has shocked the public's conscience because it revealed gross racial and religious prejudice. Letters to Editor Phulbari issue Do not understand why the government allowed the situation to drift so far, where some innocent lives were taken in such a cruel way. It's a development project and a huge FDI in a neglected area.   Hair controversy Hair said that the decision, which he later withdrew, was not spontaneous, a spur of the moment thing. He said, "This correspondence (regarding $ 50,000.   Inspired and inspiring Nazrul To evaluate Nazrul it is not wrong to say that Bangla literature has progressed to a great extent with the emergence of such a great figure in the literary sphere.   Sri Lanka bleeds Sri Lanka is embroiled in a bloody conflict. It has been a major problem for nation building and peacekeeping in Sri Lanka. And there is yet no solution in sight.   Story of Rina As I read the story of Rina and her father's reunion I felt like I was reading a fairytale. I am a regular newspaper reader and very much concerned about our country.   Congratulations! Congratulations, Roney & Mithu. You have saved Bangladesh from the blushes. You have pulled up Bangladesh from the black hole of failure. You're our heroes.   Retirement age According to a report published in a Bengali daily, a decision is about to be taken in the parliamentary committee on the retirement age of government employees.   Extra fare charged by drivers Auto rickshaw and cab drivers charge extra money from the passengers in addition to the bill shown on the meter. They just force the unable-to-do-anything passengers to pay extra money.   Little rainfall Bangladesh has experienced very little rainfall this year in the monsoon months- a record minimum in 25 years.   Our peacekeepers Despite a lot of bad things we say I am happy and proud of my nation providing 2,000 peacekeepers.   Milk Vita price It is learnt from a reliable source that Bangladesh Milk Producers Cooperative Union Ltd., a govt.   Why warrant of arrest? I was shocked to learn through the media that the court straightway issued the warrant of arrest against five illustrious personalities of the country over the trifling issue of a defamation suit filed   No longer a gentleman's game After Hair's hairy incident at the Oval, cricket has ceased to be a gentlemen's game.   BNP's policy Today the BNP lost one of its biggest supporters and apologists - ME...   Demise of a hope It has taken one life to be wasted in a tragic way to make us aware of the problems that the female students face while they come to the university.   Road digging A few days ago, the BTTB dug all the roads of Chittagong for the submarine cable project. But the roads have not been repaired properly.   Voter's dilemma Vote to elect whom? I think we all know that the candidates are almost the same, as we have seen in the last 35 years.   BSF atrocities The killing of innocent people by the Indian BSF and the inaction of the Bangladesh government raise some relevant questions. Star City Go up, leave adequate open space With the withdrawal of six-storey height restriction from buildings in the city's planned residential areas, plot owners now will be able to build more floors beyond six but they have to keep open space   Seized rickshaws end up in constituencies Unlicensed rickshaws seized by the police in Dhaka City play a significant role in the election campaign of the influential BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami lawmakers who are distributing the three-wheelers among   Dhaka: Yesterday, today and tomorrow Star City (SC): What memory of Dhaka you cherish most? Ahsan Habib (AH): I studied in Segunbagicha School. At that time we used to live at Babar Road in Mohammadpur.   An ancient sanctuary in Armanitola 'God be merciful to me a sinner' reads the epitaph on the gravestone of Nicholas Peter Pogose of Dhaka who died in 1876 at 47 while one-year-old Arnold rests peacefully bedside Sydney, his two-year   Vehicles outrun roads Around 74 new or recondi-tioned registered vehicles, on an average are added daily to the existing vehicle fleet of Dhaka while the city's road space and network remains the same with no expansion..   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.