Vol. 5 Num 951 Fri. February 02, 2007       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan Culture General Views Point-counterpoint 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 Graft allegations against Huda, Mamun to be probed The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to investigate the allegations of corruption against former communication minister Nazmul Huda and Tarique Rahman's close business partner Giasuddin Al   Falu's quick rise in fortunes in just 31 months The controversial former lawmaker from Dhaka-10 constituency, Mosaddek Ali Falu, had a meteoric rise in fortune in the last two and a half years with his wealth in shares in different companies increasing   Aid flow thinned for poor reform, politics Fourteen out of 22 development partners did not disburse any aid to Bangladesh in the first half of the current fiscal year, resulting in a decrease of 40 percent in foreign aid flow from the preceding   Mamun arrested Tarique Rahman's business partner Giasuddin Al-Mamun was arrested in the capital sometime Wednesday, laying to rest week-long rumours surrounding the high-profile capture.   Interim govt to take policy decisions too Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday said apart from carrying out routine work, the present caretaker government would also take policy decisions.   CA calls for graft-free society Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday called on the people to create a just and knowledge-based society, free from the influence of black money, the corrupt and the criminals.   Govt gets 11 days to submit amended CrPC The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday granted the government 11 days to submit the gazette of the amended Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) for separating the judiciary from the executive.   Activities at Kamalapur ICD come to a halt Handling of export and import goods at the lone public sector inland container depot (ICD) at Kamalapur in the capital came to near standstill as the three main container handling equipment remained out   5 lakh sacks of fertiliser, rotten commodities seized Joint forces yesterday seized around 3.6 lakh sacks of rotten basic commodities including wheat, sugar, lentil and over 1.5 lakh sacks of fertilisers from Chittagong and Khulna.   300 structures knocked down Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) yesterday knocked down around 300 illegal structures along Mirpur Road and the Buriganga riverbank.   Bangladeshi scientists get prestigious award for arsenic filter Sono Filter of Bangladesh has won the one million dollar prize of the US-based National Academy of Engineering (NAE) for inventing a technology to remove arsenic from contaminated water.   Bishwa Ijtema begins today A three-day Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims, begins on the bank of the Turag in Tongi today amid tight security.   UP chairman dies in army custody A union parishad (UP) chairman detained by army personnel yesterday morning was declared dead at Moheshpur hospital in the afternoon.   Jalil demands release of Hasina's APS Awami League (AL) General Secretary Abdul Jalil yesterday demanded immediate release of AL President Sheikh Hasina's assistant personal secretary (APS) Dr Awlad Hossain and two others, who were arrested   Rear Admiral Sarwar new Navy chief Rear Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam has been appointed chief of naval staff of Bangladesh Navy. "He replaces Rear Admiral M Hasan Ali Khan," an official announcement said yesterday.   New rules for govt officials' foreign trip The caretaker government yesterday issued a new order regulating foreign travel by top officials of the ministries, departments, directorates and autonomous bodies.   Yunus opens Grameen Trust India Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday stressed the need for enacting laws relating to the micro-credit programme to make it a success in India.   Rejoinder, our reply Chairman of High Speed Group of Companies KM Mahmudur Rahman in a rejoinder protested a news item headlined "Rajuk evicts lake grabbers" in The Daily Star on January 19 clarifying that "one Nilufar Mustafa"   Manjoor Rahim new foreign secy The caretaker government appointed AB Manjoor Rahim, Bangladesh ambassador to Berlin, as the new foreign secretary, according to an official announcement yesterday.   Sweetmeat shops, bakeries fined for unhygienic condition A mobile court in Dhaka yesterday filed two cases against two bakeries and fined a few bakeries and sweetmeat shops Tk 3,40,000 in total for not maintaining proper hygiene in the stores and using harmful   Fog disrupts ferry, launch services for 11 hrs Ferry and launch services on Daulatdia-Paturia-Nagarbari routes were suspended for 11 hours yesterday due to dense fog.   MRCA to start issuing licence to NGOs next month Micro-credit Regulatory Authority (MCRA) will start issuing licence to the NGOs from next month, as a meeting of the authority decided yesterday.   Fake fertiliser factory busted in city Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) unearthed a fake fertiliser factory at Kajla in the city's Jatrabari area last night and arrested five people on charge of manufacturing and marketing counterfeit   US senators unite against troop surge Democratic and Republican senators have agreed on compromise wording to a resolution opposing President George W Bush's plan to increase US forces in Iraq, as the US war of words with Iran simmers. Business Govt plans NCBs' corporatisation Government is contemplating corporatisation of the nationalised commercial banks (NCBs) in order to enhance the banks' efficiency, said Finance and Commerce Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam.   Saudi Arabia tightens visa processing for Bangladeshi workers In the wake of malpractices in visa processing for Bangladesh workers at individual levels, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has decided to tighten the process.   Apparel makers urged to up competitiveness Textiles and Jute Adviser Geeteara Safiya Choudhury yesterday urged the country's apparel manufacturers to enhance their competitiveness in terms of productivity, cost and quality to face the challenges   Changes in Indian income tax rules in the offing Seeking to ease access of the rural poor to micro credit, a committee constituted by the Indian government is understood to have recommended for changes in the Income Tax rules to promote micro finance   All air carriers switch over to BSP system Biman Bangladesh Airlines and all foreign carriers operating in Dhaka have completely switched-over to IATA Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) with effect from yesterday.   WTO backs call for full-scale Doha talks resumption The World Trade Organization's (WTO) 150 states backed on Wednesday a call for a full-scale resumption of the Doha round of free trade talks, suspended six months ago due to deep divisions between members.   DSE turnover down, indices up Turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday dropped slightly, coming down to Tk 144.82 crore from Tk 158.74 crore on Wednesday.   DSE fines 27 listed firms Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has slapped a daily fine of Tk 500 on 27 listed companies for failing to submit half-yearly financial reports to the premier bourse on time.   Int'l medical expo in Dhaka from March 22 The fourth International Medical Equipment and Healthcare Services Exposition (MEDEXPO) 2006 will begin at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel from March 22, 2007, says a press release.   Un-audited half yearly MIDAS accounts okayed As per the un-audited accounts, the net profit and earning per share of MIDAS Financing Ltd stood at Tk45,878,143.77 and Tk17.74 during the last six months of 2006 compared to Tk29,318,785.00 and Tk12.   British Airways statement on calling off strike British Airways has welcomed the decision by the cabin crew branch of the Transport and General (T&G) Workers' Union to call off the strike, which was scheduled for January 30 and January 31, says a press   ICE Today, Aqua Paints launch interior design award Monthly magazine ICE Today and Aqua Paints Bangladesh signed an agreement yesterday to initiate an interior designing award styled 'ICE Today-Aqua Paints Interior Design Award', says a press release.   World Islamic Economic Forum in May The 3rd World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) will be held in Kuala Lumpur from May 28-29, says a press release.   Currency Sports Cricket: Shahjada savages Sonargaon Fast bowler Mohammad Shahjada blew Sonargaon to bits as his devastating six-wicket haul propelled Abahani to an eight-wicket victory in the Kai-Altech Premier League at the Fatullah Stadium yesterday.   Football: Mohammedan upbeat Although Mohammedan Sporting Club high-ups claimed that they had instructed their 'football management committee' to build a youthful team for the coming Professional Football League, the frustrationof   Football: Friendly match today Bangladesh's Under-23 football team will play their last preparation match today ahead of their Olympic pre-qualifiers against Hong Kong when they take on visiting Ulsan Hyundai Mipo Dockyard FC of Korea.   Cricket: Tigers safely in Harare The Bangladesh cricket team reached Harare safely at afternoon local time yesterday for the four-match Croco Motors Series. The Tigers landed in Harare following stopovers in Doha and Johannesburg.   Football: BFF's Sylhet crisis not over The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) was hoping against hope that one team from Sylhet will play in the B.   Cricket: Ansar, Bhola register wins Ansar and VDP and Bhola posted big wins in the first-ever Women's Cricket Championship yesterday.   Cricket: Court probing Malik ban Pakistan's supreme court wants an explanation from cricket authorities about a life ban on former captain Salim Malik for his alleged involvement in match-fixing, an official said Thursday.   Cricket: England facing disaster Embattled England received another injury setback on Thursday, losing fast bowler James Anderson for the rest of the tri-series ahead of their do-or-die clash against Australia.   Cricket: Coach doubted Akhtar Controversial Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar on Wednesday said coach Bob Woolmer believed he had feigned injury during his short stint in South Africa.   Cricket: Sehwag set for return Virender Sehwag is being tipped to play in the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka as the selectors explore all options before naming their World Cup squad.   Cricket: Ponting slams Vincent Australian captain Ricky Ponting on Thursday hit back at Lou Vincent's sledging claims and accused the New Zealand opener of "yapping" in the field.   Cricket: Styris joins Kiwis Versatile New Zealand batsman Scott Styris has only just arrived in Australia, but he says he has immediately sensed a growing confidence among his teammates.   Tennis: Sharapova in quarters World number one Maria Sharapova qualified for the Pan Pacific Open quarterfinals on Thursday with an error-strewn 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 win over the unseeded Francesca Schiavone.   Football: MU turn on the style Cristiano Ronal-do inspired Man-chester United's four-goal rout of bottom-club Watford to maintain Sir Alex Ferguson's side's six-point advantage over Chelsea at the head of the Premiership table.   Football: Hitzfeld back at Bayern German giants Bayern Munich sacked manager Felix Magath on Wednesday after the 20-time champions slipped to fourth in the Bundesliga.   Football: Liverpool secure late signings Liverpool were the most significant players on deadline day for the January transfer window with Rafael Benitez scoring a hat-trick of new signings.   Cricket: Inzy doubtful for T20 clash Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq is doubtful for the Twenty20 international against South Africa on Friday which precedes a five-match one-day international series starting in Centurion on Sunday.   Cricket: No Mexican waves! Australian cricket chiefs on Thursday banned spectators from launching a "Mexican wave" at all remaining one-day international matches in the country.   Cricket: Jhankar beat Adhunik Jhankar Krira Chakra beat Adhunik Sporting Club by three wickets in the Second Division Cricket League at the Gaibandha Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: We were outplayed: Lara West Indies captain Brian Lara admitted his side had been outplayed by India, as the home side sealed a 3-1 one-day series triumph in Vadodara.   Cricket: Moody eyes England job Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody would be "very interested" in taking on the same role with England if it became available, says his former county boss.   Football: 'Ronaldo exit a mistake' Real Madrid have made a mistake in selling Ronaldo to AC Milan, according to former coach Vicente del Bosque.   Football: Beckham mourns cancer patient David Beckham was mourning the death of a Canadian teen cancer patient whom he bolstered last week with a surprise telephone call, his agent told the Hamilton Spectator.   Football: Young guns lift Arsenal Jeremie Aliadiere scored the decisive goal as Arsenal reached the League Cup final with a 3-1 extra-time victory against Tottenham on Wednesday.   Football: Chelsea win but pay dear Chelsea kept pace with leaders Manchester United with a 3-0 win over Blackburn but their defensive resources were hit once more when Ashley Cole was stretchered off in agony with a knee injury.   Football: Marseille sink Lyon Late goals by Mickael Pagis and Mamadou Niang gave Olympique Marseille a remarkable 2-1 victory over Ligue 1 leaders Olympique Lyon and a place in the French Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.   Football: Barca relive Zaragoza nightmare Real Zaragoza gained the upper hand in their King's Cup quarterfinal against Barcelona when defender Carlos Diogo headed in 12 minutes from time to earn his side a 1-0 win in the first leg at the NouCamp   Football: Now Doll gets the sack German club SV Hamburg on Thursday sacked coach Thomas Doll after sliding to the bottom of the league, making him the third Bundesliga managerial casualty in 48 hours.   Football: Hertha sign Mineiro Hertha Berlin on Wednesday signed veteran Sao Paulo midfielder Carlos Luciano da Silva on a two-year contract. 'Mineiro', 31, will join his friend and fellow Brazilian Gilberto at the Bundesligaside.   Football: Dubai out of Liverpool takeover Dubai International Capital (DIC), the investment arm of the Gulf Emirate, on Wednesday pulled out of negotiations on a takeover of Liverpool after the club's board asked for more time to examine a rival   Football: Coco loaned to Torino Inter Milan defender Francesco Coco on Wednesday joined Serie A rivals Torino on loan until the end of the season. Metropolitan 260 species of freshwater fish extinct World Wetland Day will be observed today in the country as elsewhere in the world emphasising the wise use of all wetlands and their protection from illegal encroachment for preserving ecosystem and resolving   Amar Ekushey Book Fair begins The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2007 kicked off on the Bangla Academy premises in the city yesterday amid festivity and enthusiasm.   RU Shibir procession to undermine Prof Taher's death anniversary In violation of the emergency ordinance, Islami Chhatra Shibir yesterday brought out a procession on the campus of Rajshahi University (RU) in a covert attempt to undermine the first death anniversary   Mitford student nurses on strike for security Some 110 student nurses of Mitford hospital went on strike from yesterday demanding security at their dormitory causing sufferings to patients.   Nairobi meet on climate change Feb 5 Commonwealth environment ministers will meet in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on February 5 to discuss concerns in adapting to climate change.   Valuables worth Tk 12 lakh gutted in Ctg At least 37 tin-shed houses and properties worth around Tk 12 lakh were gutted in three separate fire incidents at different city areas yesterday.   Street drama festival not held due to cop objection Group Theatre Federation, a member of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, could not inaugurate its street drama festival scheduled to begin at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city yesterday as the police did   332 incidents in Jan A total of 332 incidents of violence against women occurred in the first month of the new year, according to a report of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.   Businessman gets 32 yrs' RI A Dhaka court yesterday sentenced a businessman to 32 years' rigorous imprisonment for importing mobile phone sets of Tk 37 lakh by evading a huge amount of revenue to the government in September 2003.   3 cops, 2 Khair Group officials sent to jail Three police officials and two officials of Abul Khair Group, arrested on Tuesday for taking Tk 15 lakh as bribe, were sent to jail yesterday.   CA urged to start trial Teachers, students and staffs of Rajshahi University (RU) yesterday urged the chief adviser (CA) to caretaker government to start trial of the murder case of Prof S Taher Ahmed of geology and mining department   Saarc Editors' Confce begins in Delhi Feb 9 Promoting understanding among the people of the region and core media values are among the subjects that would come up for discussion at the first-ever South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation   Grameenphone nominated for GSM award Grameenphone Ltd. has been nominated for the GSM Association Award 2007 for its HealthLine Service initiative, says a press release.   Travel advice for US citizens The US government yesterday urged its citizens to closely monitor current information regarding Bangladesh before travelling to the country.   Bail petitions of 2 arrestees rejected A Dhaka court yesterday rejected the bail petitions of two arrestees, including the prime accused in connection with killing of young jewellery trader Turya Ghosh Roni in October last year.   Valuables worth Tk 5.6 lakh looted from city shop Unknown thieves stole valuables worth around Tk 5.6 lakh from a shop at Sutrapur in the city in the early hours of yesterday.   Watercolour art camp launched Eminent artists along with promising young artists launched a three-day watercolour art camp titled 'Renewal of nature' at Jamuna Resort in Bhuapur yesterday.   Grabbing of playground by Ansar-VDP protested Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) yesterday in a statement protested grabbing of a playground at Khilgaon in the city by the members of Ansar and VDP on Wednesday.   JU botany dept exam postponed The third-year final examination of 2002-2003 academic sessions at Botany department of Jahangirnagar University (JU) has been postponed for sine die following leakage of question paper.   Award giving ceremony today Unilever Bangladesh Ltd will honour the winners of 'Shada Moner Manush' at a ceremony at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel at 6:30pm today, says a press release.   New courses at British Council Teaching Centre Some exciting new changes have been brought to the British Council Teaching Centre for 2007, says a press release.   Mizan Chowdhury's death anniversary today Today is the first death anniversary of former prime minister Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, says a press release. He was also an organiser of liberation war and veteran parliamentarian.   Debesh Bhattacharya Today is the third death anniversary of Justice Debesh Bhattacharya, an eminent jurist and champion of human rights, says a press release. Point-Counterpoint Taking stock Whatever the positive vive going around after the new interim government took over, 2007 continues to prove to be an unpredictable year for Bangladesh and the recent performance of the country's stock   Daylight Savings Time for power conservation As the caretaker government is implementing a yearlong comprehensive plan for the power crisis, as part of this plan, I would like to propose the introduction of Daylight Savings Time.   Toward a healthier democratic practice, and thereafter Can I make a few suggestions toward trying to improve the quality of democracy in our country as far as this objective of the nation goes? 1. Culture Bangladeshis: Happiest people in the world? According to a survey by the London School of Economics a few years ago, the happiest people in the world live in Bangladesh.   "I have always been an introvert and been on my own" -- Ankhi Alamgir Once upon a time when people heard the name Ankhi Alamgir, they immediately associated her with famous actor Alamgir.   Four-day classical dance and instrumental recitals end at Shilpakala Leading instrumentalists of Bangladesh presented classical recitals on the last two days of the four-day programme featuring classical dance and instrumental music, which ended on February 1.   'Shundoritoma': Lux Drama of the week Lux Drama of the week Shundoritoma will be aired tonight on Channel i at 7:50pm.   Chekhov's penetrating insight for theatre lovers To mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations of Russia and Bangladesh, two Chekhov plays, A Malefactor(Bhar) and The Proposal(Paigam) were recently presented at the Russian Cultural Centre. General 5 killed in road crashes At least five people were killed and 33 others injured in separate road accidents in Gazipur, Chittagong, Gaibandha and Satkhira yesterday.   Jamaat against weekly holiday on Sunday Jamaat Ameer Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami yesterday expressed deep concern over the issue of changing Friday as weekly holiday. Editorial Editorial: Big task before the new EC The acting chief of the Election Commission with his four commissioners quitting the Election Commission after the resignation of CEC Justice MA Aziz on leave, the deck has been cleared at last for areconstituted   Editorial: Slum-dwellers' eviction As many as 5.4 million people live in the slums spread over six metropolitan cities of the country, namely, Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet and Barisal in as many as 9048 slums.   By their deeds shall ye know them Once upon a time, the conventional wisdom went, the Bangladeshi polity and society were divided largely along bi-polar BNP-AL lines.   Fumes of remorse The portly woman of middle age, who was the mother of two grownup daughters, started to walk in the morning after the doctor told her that she needed to watch her weight.   Democratic dictators Democracy is a system of governance where people are supposed to rule themselves through their representatives, who honestly, diligently and selflessly run the system according to the views expressedby Letters to Editor 'Chander Gari' Part jeep, part pick-up van, ''Chander Gari'' is a strange vehicle that has a miraculous carrying capacity.   Prof. Yunus' comments Prof. Yunus' comments must have touched a real raw nerve among political leaders.   Evicting illegal business We thank the caretaker government for its effort in evicting illegal business vendors and demolishing outlawed structures all over the country.   Fatwa 'Fatwa' is a much discussed subject in our country, especially in the recent past when AL signed an MAU with BKM.   Guantanamo and beyond Secret torture camps have become the symbol and order of the US politics in international arena.   National ID card Bangladesh is going through a crisis in holding a free and fair election. For a credible election, a correct voter list is mandatory.   As you sow ... It is interesting and funny too to hear the reaction of the four parties and fourteen parties to CA's address to the nation for which they took much longer time.   Voter ID is a must In (possibly) 1973 parliamentary election, I went to vote in the designated polling centre BAWA School in Chittagong and found that my vote was already cast.   Terrorists' godfathers We should immediately halt the proposed execution of the pseudo-Islamic fundamentalists and instead invite the FBI in and interrogate them to find out who are their backers.   Illegal arms for students I was reading "Daily Sangbad" internet edition. There I read a news item about Sheikh Hasina. She was exchanging greetings on Saraswati Puja with students of different educational institutes.   'Monumental mistakes' This is in response to the letter by Shapan Biswas with the above title, 24 Jan. Interesting letters and articles appear in The Daily Star every day.   Rajuk's awakening On behalf of the thousands of city-dwellers who are thankful that Rajuk and the DCC have finally started the demolition of illegal structures around Gulshan Lake and other areas, I would like to register   Term limit for politicians The craziness we saw in Bangladesh is unbelievable; some politicians treat the country as their property. Perhaps flaws in our constitution have created them.   Shuffling of civil servants The politicisation and subsequent removal or frequent shuffling of civil servants are going to have a serious impact on our civil administration. Environment Ecotourism : An effective tool for nature conservation Many definitions of "ecotourism" have been emerged since the term was coined in 1987. World US warns Iran to stop aiding Iraqi insurgents Iran is supplying Iraqi insurgents with weapons technology used to kill American troops, a senior US diplomat said on Wednesday, sending another warning to Iran against interfering in Iraq.   Grenade hits office of Kashmiri separatists Suspected Muslim militants threw a grenade at the main office of Kashmir's separatist alliance nearly a week after a senior leader called on guerrillas to support peace moves, but no one was hurt,   Nepali PM promises federal state Nepal's prime minister promised on Wednesday to turn Nepal into a federal state after this year's constituent assembly elections, a move to stem protests by ethnic Madhesi people in which 11 people have   Blair quizzed again British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been questioned by police for a second time over a "cash-for-honours" probe clouding his final months in office, his Downing Street office said yesterday.   Palestinian truce enters third day A truce between warring Palestinian factions entered its third day yesterday, marred by sporadic shootings.   Mass arrests after Lanka blasts kill 12 Tamil Tiger rebels set off a roadside bomb in Sri Lanka's troubled north yesterday, killing a soldier as police carried out mass arrests after a similar blast killed 11 people, officials said.   Musharraf lobbies OIC to back his ME plan Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf lobbied the head of the Islamic world's largest grouping yesterday to back his idea for Muslim nations to come up with a new Middle East peace initiative.   Israel PM quizzed by Lebanon war commission Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was being grilled yesterday by an Israeli commission probing failures of the Lebanon war, amid a string of scandals that have left his government teetering.   India extends Taslima Nasreen's visa for 6 more months Indian government has extended the visa of controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen for six more months.   Putin seeks advice from family dog, Persian poet When the going gets tough, President Vladimir Putin turns to his labrador Connie and 11th-century Persian Poet Omar Khayyam for advice, the Russian leader said at his annual press conference yesterday.   © thedailystar.net, 2007. 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