Vol. 5 Num 864 Thu. November 02, 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 Advisers talk ways to make EC effective The council of advisers to the interim government yesterday in its first meeting started searching for ways to make the Election Commission (EC) factually effective by any means necessary to hold thenext   Agitation if Iajuddin fails to do 11 tasks The Awami League (AL)-led 14-party combine yesterday briefed foreign diplomats and donors' representatives in Dhaka about the current political situation, and said failure to carry out the 11-point immediate   Iajuddin retains vital ministries President and Chief Adviser Professor Iajuddin Ahmed last night allocated portfolios to the advisors of his caretaker government, keeping all the vital ministries under his stewardship.   EC reconstitution demand appears new to Bhuiyan BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan said 14-party coalition's demand for restructuring the Election Commission (EC) is 'new' to him.   Poor become poorer despite steady growth Bangladesh saw a steady rise in its annual GDP rate in the five years of the BNP-led alliance government's rule.   No talk before distribution dismays advisers Disappointing some of the newly sworn advisers, there was no discussion on distribution of portfolios in the first meeting of the council of advisers to the interim government.   10 advisers vow to work for fair polls The council of ten advisers to the non-party caretaker government yesterday sought cooperation from all as they vowed to hold a free and fair election through dedication to their responsibilities.   Liquid waste   Adviser Fazlul irked by comment to watch neutrality Adviser to the caretaker government former justice Fazlul Haque yesterday came down heavily on the political parties for setting a deadline for the advisers to prove their neutrality and keeping their   Ershad, wife meet Khaleda over new move to join BNP BNP has taken a fresh initiative to bring HM Ershad-led Jatiya Party (JP) to its alliance and the JP chief and his wife JP presidium member Rawshan Ershad met BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Hawa Bhaban   Yunus gives A+ to chief adviser Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday expressed satisfaction over performance of the chief adviser to the caretaker government.   21 die in Sirajganj road mishap Twenty-one people were killed and more than 50 others were injured in a fatal road accident on the Bogra-Nagarbari Highway in Rayganj upazila of Sirajganj yesterday morning.   Voter list   Taher Thakur among 18 charged with Aug 15 killings A Dhaka court yesterday framed charges against 18 accused, including Taher Uddin Thakur, in connection with the 14 Murder Case of August 15, 1975 in Mohammadpur.   Medicare at public hospitals goes costlier Treatment cost at government hospitals across the country have abruptly become higher as the user fee rates of several items were increased besides imposing the fees on a few other facilities withoutany   Political situation stalls manpower export Manpower export to Malaysia has come to a stagnation due to the transition of power and suspension of the executive committee (EC) of Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira).   Focus on Paltan rally as 14-party readies to declare final stance The Awami League-led 14-party combine is setting the stage for tomorrow's rally at Paltan Maidan in the capital from where it is going to make its "final" stance on the caretaker government.   AL mounts pressure on president with impossible demands BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan yesterday alleged that the Awami League (AL)-led 14-party combine is trying to mount pressure on the president by placing demands that are impossible to fulfil   US envoy hails Khaleda's role for restraint US Ambassador Patricia Butenis yesterday met BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her cantonment residence and stressed the importance of neutral and nonpartisan role of the caretaker government to ensure free   Call to make all contractual, political appointess OSD Bangladesh Civil Service Samannoy Committee yesterday demanded that the chief of the caretaker government make OSD in 24 hours all the officials appointed on contractual basis and those who were involved   Family members of ex-BNP MP Wadud made voters twice Family members of former BNP lawmaker Wadud Bhuiyan have been put on the present voter list twice with the district election officer, a relative of Wadud, failing to explain this.   Jamaat, Jukta Front meet chief adviser President and Chief Adviser to the caretaker government Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday sought cooperation of all concerned to hold a free and fair election.   Verdict in 3 cases not delivered A Dhaka court yesterday could not deliver the verdict of the three cases filed ten years ago against Lt Colonel (dismissed) Syed Farukur Rahman -- also condemned in the Bangabandhu murder case -- as one   'BDR men' beat to death Hatia AL leader Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) men reportedly beat an Awami League (AL) leader to death and wounded 30 others at Hatia upazila Tuesday night as they were watching the oath taking ceremony of the advisers onTV.   Citizens' group urges CA to remain neutral Expressing deep concern over the volatile political set-up in the country, a group of eminent citizens yesterday urged the caretaker government chief, who is also the President of Bangladesh, to manifest   Pro-BNP doctors get bail A Dhaka court yesterday granted bail to 70 pro-BNP doctors including its Secretary General AZM Zahid Hossain in five cases filed against them for attacking the pro- Awami League (AL) doctors and ransacking   BSF kills 1 The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead a Bangladeshi cattle trader and injured another on Ghiba border under Sharsha upazila of the district yesterday morning.   LDP offers to disclose assets Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Executive President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed yesterday said that all LDP candidates and their relatives will disclose accounts of their assets publicly before the next election   7 Palestinians killed in Israel's Gaza raid Seven Palestinians and an Israeli soldier were killed in Gaza yesterday when Israeli infantry backed by tanks seized control of a town in a major operation in the battered territory.   Home secy given clean chit Establishment Secretary AFM Solaiman Chowdhury yesterday ruled out the widespread allegations against the present home secretary SM Jahirul Islam of being loyal to any particular political party.   Japan to keep North Korea sanctions despite nuke talks Japan will keep up its sanctions against North Korea despite the communist state's decision to return to six-nation talks on nuclear disarmament, senior ministers said yesterday.   Ctg port remains pirates' hotspot Piracy declined globally this year, but Chittagong was now the world's most dangerous port, with a rise in piracy there and in some other key hotspots, a watchdog said yesterday. Business 3 SoEs owe Tk 363cr to Agrani Bank for decades Agrani Bank's several initiatives to realise Tk 363 crore from its three government body defaulters have remained merely a futile exercise for decades.   CSR practices to up profit, productivity By complying with corporate social responsibility (CSR), the corporate houses will not make loss rather their productivity and profit will increase significantly, speakers observed at a roundtable yesterday.   Share indices on DSE continue declining Share indices on Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) continued to decline yesterday as all indices went down slightly for the second consecutive day. DSE All Share Price Index went down by 8.02 points or0.   Turn Mongla Port into an Indo-Bangla business hub Mongla Port can be developed into a hub of business between Bangladesh and India, said outgoing Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri at a function in Dhaka on Tuesday.   BTTB prepaid calling cards now available at banks BTTB pre-paid calling cards worth Tk 200 and Tk 500 are now available at all branches of The City Bank Ltd and Dhaka Bank Ltd, says a press release.   Trade unions create ITUC to go against globalisation Trade unions from around the world set up a new labour giant, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), here on Wednesday to end decades of internal feuding and strengthen their hand against   Islamic Economic Forum to work for generating investment The World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) is planning to develop an institutional mechanism, seeking to generate investment for economic well-being of the Muslim Ummah.   Dollar near one-month low The dollar languished close to one-month lows in Asian trade Wednesday after soft US economic data fanned expectations that the Federal Reserve will hold US interest rates steady for now, dealers said.   WB to finance Nigeria on power project The World Bank is to spend 480 million naira (about 3.   Oil prices slip Oil prices fell slightly Wednesday, extending the sharp declines at the start of the week in advance of U.S. inventory data expected to show increased supplies.   MIDAS Financing recommends 10pc stock, 2pc cash dividends MIDAS Financing Ltd has recommended a 10 per cent stock dividend and a 2 per cent cash dividend for its shareholders for the year 2005-06. Sports Cricket: Aus in final first time Favourites Australia overcame valiant New Zealand by 34 runs here on Wednesday to enter the Champions Trophy final for the first time in five attempts.   Cricket: Akhtar 2 yrs, Asif 1 yr Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was banned for two years and teammate Mohammad Asif for one year after they tested positive for a banned steroid, an official said Wednesday.   Cricket: Volatile WI worries SA South Africa skipper Graeme Smith said Wednesday adaptability would be the key to success against an unpredictable West Indies in the Champions Trophy semifinal here.   Hockey: No pay no play The Mohammedan tent was rocked by players' revolt on the eve of their crucial match against Abahani after key players -- defender Yamin Mia, striker Maksud Alam Habul and midfielder Mamunur Rahman Chayan   Cricket: Debutants' brief sojourn When one of the six debutants StarTel entered the hallway of the Fatullah Stadium three weeks ago to play their first match of this season's GrameenPhone Corporate League, confusion reigned.   Cricket: Full house for Whatmore The national cricket camp saw a full house on the second day at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.   Cricket: BCB meeting postponed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) postponed its Wednesday's executive committee meeting in absence of president Ali Asghar.   Hockey: Usha gun down Mariners Defending champions Usha Krira Chakra joined Abahani on top of the Green Delta Insurance Premier Hockey League table with a 4-1 win over Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club at the Maulana Bhasani National Hockey   Cricket: Sangakkara for Beximco Beximco Group confirmed the service of Sri Lanka vice-captain Kumar Sangakkara ahead of the semifinals of the GrameenPhone Corporate Cricket League in a bid to retain the title.   Cricket: Speed's snide at India India's long-running dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC) flared up Wednesday after the world governing body poked fun at the losing Indian team.   Cricket: Monty ducks Glenn banter Monty Panesar has played down suggestions made by Glenn McGrath that he was "soft" for seeing a sports psychologist ahead of England's upcoming Ashes tour of Australia.   Cricket: Bite won't deter Hayden Matthew Hayden is certain his recovery from a broken finger and a dog bite will not disrupt his preparations for the Ashes.   Cricket: Zim kits burned down The Zimbabwe cricket team lost its training kit and equipment in a suspected arson attack that also damaged offices at a training academy in Harare, the national governing body said Wednesday.   Cricket: ICC at peace with Azhar The International Cricket Council on Wednesday sought to put an end to the dispute over Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) felicitation function for India's former captains including Mohammad   Football: Chelsea leave Barca reeling Didier Drogba scored deep into stoppage time to earn Chelsea a dramatic 2-2 draw at Barcelona in a highly charged Champions League Group A match at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.   Football: Cruz missile hits Spartak Italian giants Inter Milan kept their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League alive here on Tuesday as a Julio Cruz goal gave them a 1-0 win over Spartak Moscow in their Group   Reds ease into last 16 Luis Garcia further enhan-ced his reputation as Liver-pool's European saviour as Rafa Benitez's side secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 3-0 win over Bordeaux at Anfieldon   Football: Draw suits Bayern fine Bayern Munich qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare despite firing blanks in a 0-0 group B draw with Sporting Lisbon here on Tuesday.   Football: Magpies dismiss Eriksson link Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd on Tuesday dismissed reports that the former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson could be on his way to the English Premiership club.   Football: Media poke fun at Spartak Russian media poked fun at Spartak Moscow after they were forced to use the underground to reach the stadium for Tuesday's Champions League match against Inter Milan.   Football: This could be our year: Ferguson Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's exhilarating current form can carry them all the way to Champions League glory next May.   Football: Valencia held but still progress Valencia came back twice to earn a 2-2 draw at Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday to seal their passage into the knockout stages of the Champions League.   Football: Levski give in to Bremen Levski Sofia coach Stanimir Stoilov gave his backing to teenage goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov after the Bulgarian side slipped to a 3-0 home defeat to Werder Bremen in the Champions League.   Football: Totti makes amends Francesco Totti made up for missing a first-half penalty by scoring a 66th minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Olympiakos here Tuesday which moved the Serie A club to the brink of the Champions League's   Football: Kone fires PSV into last 16 Eindhoven shot into the Cham-pions League knockout stages after earning a 2-0 victory over 10-man Galatasaray here on Tuesday night.   Football: Inter back on track Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini said his side were shaking off their inconsistent early-season form after they beat Champions League rivals Spartak Moscow 1-0 to close in on the knockout phase of the   Football: Magath smiling Felix Magath lost his selection gamble in Bayern Munich's Champions League game against Sporting but the coach still came away smiling as a goalless draw made certain of his side's place in the last 16. Metropolitan Appoint new CA as per constitution, recast EC Leaders of the 11-Party yesterday called on the President to appoint a new chief adviser (CA) to the caretaker government as per constitutional provisions.   'Remove CEC by Nov 3' Steps taken so far by President and Chief Adviser to the caretaker government Iajuddin Ahmed do not prove his neutrality, said civil society members yesterday.   Mayor tried to create a reign of terror in Ctg: Noman Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury enforced the blockade programme and indefinite hartal in Chittagong before the handover of power to the caretaker government in a bid to create a reign of terror in the name   3 killed in Sylhet road accidents Three people were killed in separate road accidents in Sylhet yesterday.   'Bring ex-education minister to book' Teachers of non-government high schools, colleges and madrasas yesterday demanded that the caretaker government should bring immediate past education minister, state minister and secretary to book for   Hasina sick, advised full rest for three days Awami League President Sheikh Hasina fell sick with viral infection causing fever, throat pain as well as deterioration of her ear problem, her personal physician said yesterday.   Distribution of DU admission forms begins today Distribution of admission forms of Dhaka University (DU) for first year honours for the session 2006-2007 begins today. Sales and submission of admission forms will continue until November 16.   BDR intensifies patrolling across border at Juri UZ Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) has strengthened its patrolling across the border at Juri upazila to check the notorious criminals so that they can't cross the border.   'President was right to take charge of caretaker chief' Twelve senior lawyers of the Supreme Court yesterday said President Iajuddin Ahmed has rightly taken additional charge of the chief adviser to the caretaker government as per the constitution.   College student shot dead in city A college student was gunned down in front of a restaurant at Elephant Road in the city last night.   BNP men ransack Khagrachhari AL leaders' business centres, houses At least three activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) were injured and business centres and houses of several Awami League leaders were ransacked and torched in attacks by alleged BNP activistsover   BSF returns 5 kidnapped Bangladeshis Border Security Force (BSF) of India yesterday returned five Bangladeshi farm labourers.   Lalmonirhat chamber observes hartal The dawn-to-dusk hartal called by Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Lalmonirhat was observed peacefully in the town yesterday.   Minu hits out at civil society members Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu yesterday came down heavily on civil society members and demanded arrest of those who term unconstitutional the President's assumption of office asthe   Invite BJP Bangladesh Jatiya Party (Naziur) leaders in a meeting with its presidium members, central executive committee and other front organisations urged BNP Chairperson and four-party alliance leader Khaleda   'Global Contest to Strengthen Bangladesh' The Center for International Development at Harvard University (CIDHU) is holding an "Annual Global Contest to Strengthen Bangladesh" to seek innovative and practical ideas that would improve the lives   Work neutrally Info secretary asks staffs Information Secretary Kamal Uddin Ahmed yesterday urged the officials of his ministry and its different wings to work sincerely and neutrally.   Nari Sangram submits memo to president Nari Sangram Committee, a women's organisation, yesterday submitted a memorandum to President and Chief Adviser Iajuddin Ahmed to press their 11-point demand.   Month-long breast cancer awareness programme begins A month-long programme for raising awareness about breast cancer among people started at Ahsania Mission Cancer Detection Centre and Hospital at Mirpur in the city yesterday, says a press release. National BNP factions hold separate rallies in three districts Rival BNP factions held separate rallies and brought processions in Gaibandha, Chandpur and Patuakhali yesterday.   Former BNP MP's car attacked by party men in Sylhet A group of BNP activists vandalised a vehicle of former party lawmaker Shafi Ahmed Chowdhury in the city's South Surma area yesterday.   20 hurt in AL-BNP clash in Baufal At least 20 people were injured as BNP and Awami League (AL) activists clashed at Boga market in Baufal upazila of the district Tuesday night.   Khulna leaders assure peace in politics Leaders of Awami League, BNP, Jamaat and Jatiya Party (Ershad) assured KMP Commissioner Khan Saeed Hasan that they would help police maintain law and order in city and try to avoid political violenceduring   Poor Rabeya saves lives, sets example Honesty of a poor housemaid saved life of some leaders and activists of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Inu) in Moulvibazar on Tuesday. But she had to pay for it by sustaining physical torture.   Buddist festival begins today A tow-day Kathin Chibar Dan Utsab, a major religious festival of Buddhist community, will begin here tomorrow. The main programme will be held at Rangamati Rajban Vihar in the hill town. Point-Counterpoint Is it possible in three days? The nation must thank the 14-party alliance for, at least conditionally, accepting the decision of the president to take over as the head of the caretaker government, despite their reservations.   He must deliver The president of Bangladesh, Professor Iajuddin Ahmed, has taken over as the chief adviser to the neutral caretaker government (NCG), in addition to his duty as the president of the state.   Politics is a dirty game In the underdeveloped and developed countries alike politics has become a dirty game, indeed.   A civil servant's story Experience shows that although a government tries to find skilled and efficient officials, ultimately only political allegiance becomes the criterion for promotion, posting and recruitment. Culture Art gallery in Mymensingh kindles memory of Zainul Zainul Abedin Sangra-hashala (art gallery and museum), located at Shaheeb Quarter Park Area in the Mymensingh district town, is a reputed institution.   "I can do all types of work from fixing electrical appliances to cooking and cleaning..." -- Afroza Banu Afroza Banu has won appreciation amongst the viewers for her bold performances on TV and stage.   Harry Houdini: The enigma remains Trick or treat? The fun festival of Halloween was observed on October 31 in the US and many parts of the world.   Oprah gives $300,000 to audience Oprah Winfrey has famously given members of her audience new cars, paid off their debts and fulfilled their wildest dreams. Now she's given them what she calls the "gift of giving back.   fan mail! For this month's fan mail we turn the spotlight on popular music diva Runa Laila. General 28 killed, 2000 injured during movement A total of 28 people died and more than 2000 received injuries during October 27 to 31 centring nationwide movement over the appointment of chief adviser to the caretaker government, says a report ofhuman   FFs' children submit memo to President Amra Muktijoddhar Shantan (Children of freedom fighters) formed a one-hour human chain at the adjacent road of Bangabhaban in the city yesterday urging the president and chief adviser of the caretaker   No 'real change' for Afghan women An international women's rights group says guarantees given to Afghan women after the fall of the Taleban in 2001 have not translated into real change.   Nepal postpones "bikini killer" appeal again Nepal's supreme court has again postponed an appeal hearing of French national Charles Sobhraj, dubbed the "Bikini Killer" over a string of grisly murders in the 1970s, a lawyer said yesterday.   Suicide car explodes in Afghanistan A suicide car bomb exploded near a convoy of foreign troops outside southern Afghanistan's Kandahar city yesterday, with first reports saying three soldiers were hurt, police said.   British FM to press India on climate change during trip British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said yesterday she plans to press India on tackling climate change during a week-long visit to the country.   'Kyoto Protocol a symbolic failure' Australia, a major coal exporter and producer of greenhouse gases, said yesterday it would use new technologies to make fossil-fuels cleaner and tackle climate change, but continued to reject the Kyoto   South Africa's apartheid-era leader Botha dies The leaders of the new multi-racial South Africa paid tribute Wednesday to their former enemy PW Botha, saying the late president deserved credit for paving the way to the end of the apartheid era.   Bangalore city renamed Bengalooru India's technology hub of Bangalore changed its name to its vernacular original Bengalooru yesterday in what is seen as a bid to appease locals upset at the influx of outsiders. International Lanka accuses Tigers of breaching truce Sri Lanka's military yesterday accused Tamil Tiger rebels of carrying out artillery and mortar attacks against troop camps in the east of the island, despite a pledge to stick to a truce.   Swapping guns for brooms Swapping guns for brooms, hundreds of rebel Maoists have started a clean-up campaign in Nepal's polluted and often filthy capital in a bid to gain wider respectability.   Pak troops seal off troubled town Pakistani troops yesterday sealed off a troubled frontier zone amid a third day of tensions over a deadly air raid on an Islamic school that was visited by al-Qaeda number two Ayman al-Zawahiri.   Iraq issues veiled threat to 'plotting' neighbours A senior Iraqi security official issued a veiled threat Tuesday to neighbouring countries whom he accused of sponsoring insurgents who carry out deadly attacks.   No quick deal in sight on N Korea nuke row Three weeks after its nuclear test, North Korea said on Wednesday it was returning to six-party talks because Washington had agreed to discuss the financial sanctions Pyongyang says drove it from thenegotiating   Rice urges major powers to speed up Iran sanction US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called her major power counterparts Tuesday in a bid to spur tough negotiations at the United Nations over a sanctions resolution against Iran, a senior US official   Bush-Kerry rivalry revived An embarrassing faux pas by 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry sparked President George W Bush's Republicans yesterday, six days before key Congressional elections.   Muslim mother, 4 daughters die in UK fire A mother and her four daughters, aged from under one to 16 years old, have died in a house fire in Lancashire.   Blair still on the rack on Iraq war probe British Prime Minister Tony Blair faced fresh pressure Wednesday to hold a new inquiry into the Iraq war despite winning a crunch vote, after a key minister suggested a probe will be held after all.   NATO chief for bigger EU, UN role in Afghanistan NATO chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer urged the UN and the European Union to beef up their role in Afghanistan, calling the mission there "the most important operation" for the Atlantic alliance. Editorial Editorial: Advisors take oath With the 10 advisors of the caretaker government headed by President Iajuddin Ahmed taking oath, a solid step has been taken towards resolution of the on-going political crisis.   Editorial: Media must be treated better It is not right to bar journalists from seeking information.   Profit and loss The two major political parties are perhaps shaking off their battle fatigue and counting their respective gains and losses due to the turmoil that resulted from their positions on the chief of the caretaker   Nothing this time The crunch talks, in Geneva on October 28 and 29, between the government and the Tamil militants to resolve the civil war in Sri Lanka failed to produce any tangible results, but the very contact mayimprove   A divided Iraq As the sectarian violence escalates, it is reported that Shiite politicians last month introduced legislation to divide the country into autonomous regions.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.