22 april, 2015

Female voters demand better commute

PAGE 4Abbas’ bail hearing deferred

PAGE 9‘Climate change is an existential threat’

PAGE 11Lahore court acquits Mumbai attack planner Lakhvi

PAGE 2Bapex seeks EoI for onshore gas hunt

EC DECIDES TO DEPLOY TROOPS PAGE 3

AL, BNP FILE CASES OVER KHALEDA ATTACK PAGE 5

IS LEADER BAGHDADI HURT IN AIR STRIKE PAGE 32

SECOND EDITION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 | Boishakh 9, 1421, Rajab 3, 1436 | Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 11 | www.dhakatribune.com | 32 pages plus 8-page Treehouse | Price: Tk10

Government � outs rules tofavour software vendorn Muhammad Zahidul Islam

In a clear violation of public procurement rules, the government has recently bought software from a � rm cancelling an open ten-der and depriving four other renowned devel-opers.

Sources said that the optical character recognition (OCR) software could have cost the government less had it been procured through open tendering.

In fact, the Access to Information (A2I) pro-ject under the Prime Minister’s O� ce already has fully working OCR software. It would have cost the ICT Division nearly 30 times less had they used that instead of asking a software

� rm to develop a new one.OCR is a special software that allows any-

one to convert scanned PDF and images into editable Word, Text and Excel outputs.

According to documents accessed by Dha-ka Tribune, earlier this year, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Divi-sion purchased three software packages – one for OCR and the others for text-to-speech conversion – at a cost of Tk6.34 crore from a company named Team Engine.

Before that, without citing any reason, the ICT Division de� ed a Finance Ministry directive by cancelling an open tender in which four renowned software � rms – who

PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Khaleda: Shots � red to kill men Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday claimed that the shots � red during Monday’s electoral campaign for mayoral candidate Tabith M Awal at Karwan Bazar were intend-ed to kill her.

“The shots were � red with the intention of killing me. My car still bears marks of the bullet,” Khaleda said yesterday while on the campaign trail for Mirza Abbas, the Dhaka South mayoral candidate backed by the BNP, at Chamelibagh in the capital.

Khaleda Zia was riding in the car she claims to have been hit by a bullet.

Apparently referring to the ruling Awa-mi League, she said: “They thought the BNP would not participate in the city corporation polls. But the BNP is participating, and seeing

the people’s response, the government has gone mad and attacked me.”

The three-time former premier said: “Awami League and Chhatra League goons are involved with the Ashulia bank robbery. If you want peace, please vote for Mirza Abbas. If you want an end to women’s repression, cast your votes for the BNP-backed candi-dates.”

Terming the capital a polluted city, Khale-da said: “This city has turned into a city of � lth and mosquitoes. There is no water, gas or electricity in the city. To change to this situa-tion, cast your votes for our candidates.”

Seeking votes for Abbas, she said: “Abbas is like a son to me. I lost my husband. I lost my son a few days ago. I have came to seek votes despite the pain of losing my son.

PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

RAB, Detective Branch and CID o� cials seal o� the Kathgarha branch of the Bangladesh Commerce Bank in Ashulia yesterday after a robbery attempt there that left eight people dead MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Eight slain in dramatic bank heistn Abid Azad and Nadim Hossain

Seven people were killed by bank robbers and 11 injured in the Ashulia industrial area near Savar yesterday.

Another man, one of the robbers, was beaten to death by an angry mob that got hold of two of the gang. The other was rescued by police in critical condition.

Those killed by the robbers are bank man-ager Waliullah, 45; security guard Badrul Alam, 38; client Palash, 48, a businessman; Munir Hossain, 60, who sells snacks near the bank; Zillur Rahman, a local shopkeeper; Zamir, 38, resident of the Kuturi area; and Nur Mohammad, 35, local rice trader.

Witnesses said that around 2:30pm, a team of eight to 10 armed robbers came in front of the Kathgarha branch of Bangladesh Com-merce Bank Limited located in the Hazi Naz-imuddin Super Market in Ashulia. Three en-tered the branch while the rest waited outside.

Police said those who entered the branch asked the manager to give them cash. When he refused, they held the bank sta� at gun-point and snatched Tk6,94,225. Of the amount, Tk1 lakh was taken from one of the clients and the rest from the bank’s cash.

When the hostages tried to resist, the robbers hacked them, killing manager Waliullah, security guard Badrul and client Polash on the spot.

As area residents learned that a rob-bery was taking place inside the bank, they

PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Government � outs rules to favour software vendorhave a reputation for developing similar com-puter programmes – took part.

Interestingly, Team Engine, the company that eventually supplied the software, never took part in that tender.

The tender storyAccording to documents, the government on December 2 last year published a tender no-tice for the “Bangla Corpus, Bangla OCR and Text-to-Speech Software Procurement” pro-gramme at a cost of Tk8.60 crore.

Before that, on August 6, 2014, the ICT Di-vision invited expressions of interest (EOI) and got response from four interested compa-nies – Grameen Solutions, Bangla Phone Ltd, System Resources Ltd and IBCX Primax Soft-ware (BD) Ltd Team Engine did not submit any EOI at that time either.

In the meantime, the Finance Ministry re-vised the programmes cost Tk6.34 crore. The ministry also said that open tender must be � oated for purchasing the software.

When contacted, Shyam Sunder Sikder,

secretary of the ICT Division, claimed that there was no irregularities in awarding the contract and that they have the authority to cancel the open tender.

“We reserve the right to cancel any tender at any time and go for single source. This is permitted by the law,” he told the Dhaka Trib-une recently.

But referring to the public procurement rules, a senior o� cial said a single source can only be allowed if there are no other interest-ed companies.

Asked why the tender was cancelled, the secretary said: “I was not here when the process began. So I cannot comment on the process.”

Documents prepared by the ICT Division claim that Team Engine is the only company in Bangladesh that can serve these softwares.

Asked how did Team Engine got the job when there were four other interested com-panies, the secretary said: “There are other authorities above me. So all decisions do not come from my table.”

When contacted, Rana Saha, company sec-

retary of Grameen Solutions, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We had information that there were mechanisms behind the tender. So, we decid-ed not to go for the legal � ght after the tender was cancelled.”

A2I’s OCR softwareIn documents, the ICT Division also claimed that the OCR software developed by Team En-gine was the 36th in the world meaning that it was the � rst of its kind from Bangladesh.

But A2I’s OCR – developed at a cost of only Tk23 lakh – came into being long before the one developed by Team Engine is now being used in full swing in 64 districts by 17 minis-tries and divisions, said Anir Chowdhury, pol-icy advisor of A2I.

“Now the government is planing install A2I’s OCR software in 20,000 government of-� ces in the next two years,” Anir said.

When asked, ICT Secretary Shyam Sunder Sikder said that he had no idea that A2I had already developed an OCR software.

But A2I o� cials said the secretary must be

lying because o� cials from his division were involved with the A21 project.

“How can the secretary say that he has no idea about A2I’s OCR? The prime minister her-self inaugurated our OCR three months ago,” seeking anonymity, a senior o� cial of the A2I project under the Prime Minister’s O� ce (PMO) told the Dhaka Tribune.

Very recently, PM Sheikh Hasina, who is now also in charge of the ICT Division, inaugurated the OCR software developed by Team Engine.

When contacted, Team Engine’s Managing Director and CEO Samira Zuberi Himika told the Dhaka Tribune: “We have nothing to do with the process. So I cannot say anything about whether the process [of awarding the contract] was correct or not.”

She also said: “Team Engine is the � rst company in the country to develop OCR soft-ware. Please, do not try to create any confu-sion about that...Finance Minister AMA Mu-hith and State Minister for ICT Junaid Ahmed Palak attended the launching ceremony of our software as the chief and special guests.” l

Khaleda: Shots � red to kill me“Abbas could not come to his own campaign as the government has � led false cases against him. I have come here on his behalf to seek your votes.”

At the Polwel Market, Khaleda told busi-nessmen there: “You cannot do business be-cause of extortion. There is no security in the country right now.”

When Khaleda’s motorcade came in front of Fakirerpool, a few miscreants threw bricks at the motorcade, but no one was hurt.

Khaleda along with the party’s Vice-Chair-man Selima Rahman came out of her Gulshan residence around 5:15pm and went to Shahja-hanpur to canvass for Mirza Abbas, who has been in hiding. Abbas’ wife Afroza Abbas has been campaigning for him.

Khaleda’s security forces were on the mi-crobus damaged from Monday’s attack; a po-lice van was also with the motorcade.

When the motorcade reached Shahjahan-pur, hundreds of leaders and activists of the BNP welcomed her standing on both sides of the road.

BNP briefs diplomats on Monday’s attackThe BNP meanwhile briefed the diplomatic

corps on Monday’s attack on Khaleda’s motor-

cade.Diplomats from the UK, Russia, France,

Australia, Canada, Turkey, Japan, Singapore, Denmark, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Qa-tar, India, Pakistan, the European Union and several other countries visited Khaleda at her Gulshan o� ce yesterday afternoon.

BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan, Khaleda’s adviser Sabihuddin Ahmed and the party’s International A� airs Secretary Gias Kader Chowdhury were pres-ent.

The BNP briefed the diplomats on Mon-day’s incident and then showed them the ve-hicles damaged from the attack.

Neither the diplomats nor the BNP leaders, however, said anything to the media about the meeting.

Meanwhile, Adarsha Dhaka Andolon con-vener Emajuddin Ahamed also alleged yester-day that Monday’s attack had been launched in a planned way to assassinate Khaleda Zia.

“The attack was planned to kill Khaleda Zia. Shots were fired at parts of the vehicle where she was sitting. Luckily, it was a bullet-proof vehicle,” the former Dhaka University VC told journalists at a press briefing. l

Eight slain in dramatic bank heistattempted to gather more people using the loudspeaker of a local mosque.

Hearing the announcement, the robbers positioned outside the branch started � ring indiscriminately and exploded hand-made bombs and one of the three hand grenades that they had with them.

At least 10 people received bullet wounds in the � ring and 20 to 25 others received minor inju-ries from bomb splinters, said Khandakar Golam Faruq, assistant DIG of the police’s Dhaka Range.

Soon, the robbers operating inside the branch came out and together with those covering for them on the outside, tried to � ee the scene on motorbikes and in a brown sedan parked on the highway, some 50 yards from the bank.

Witness Ilias, owner of a local confection-ery, said as locals blocked the street leading to the highway, the sedan sped towards a small alley in Tongabari. They might have come out of the other side of the alley and went in the direction of Ashulia, Ilias said.

Two other robbers who were � eeing on a motorbike had the cash as they sped towards the Amtola area. Locals blocked their way some 400 yards from the bank and they tried � ee, leaving their bike and the sack of cash there.

But residents caught them and beat them mercilessly, killing one of them. Police later recovered one of the robbers alive but in crit-ical condition, even though the mob did not want to hand him over to police, leading to a brief scu� e.

The injured robber, whose identity is still unknown, is currently undergoing treat-ment at the Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar. The three people who were killed inside the bank and those who got injured in and outside the bank were also admitted to the same hospital.

Four of the injured later died in the hospi-tal. A total of 16 people are currently undergo-ing treatment there; of them, 10 are at the ICU, said on-duty doctor Abdul Al Mamun.

He also said that one of the legs of a local raw materials trader Sha� qul, 36, had to be amputated because it was badly injured with bullets.

Police recovered � ve hand-made bombs and a live grenade from the spot. A team from the RAB headquarters later di� used the bombs.

Md Yousuf Ali Howlader, chairman of the board of directors of Bangladesh Commerce Bank Limited, has announced that they com-pensate the victims and their families. l

Bapex seeks expressions of interest for onshore gas exploration n Aminur Rahman Rasel

State-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Explo-ration and Production Company Limited (Bapex) has invited expressions of interest from international oil and gas companies to jointly carry out the exploration and develop-ment of several geological structures.

Bapex hopes to explore a number of well-de� ned four-way anticline closures – Pa-tiya, Jaldi, Kasalong and Sitapahar – situated in Chittagong and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

“We invited expressions of interest (EoI) aiming to explore oil and gas from reputed in-

ternational oil and gas companies to explore and develop four potential onshore gas struc-tures in gas block 22, in the greater Chittagong region,” Bapex General Manager (Geological Division) Md Mijanur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

“Bangladesh does not have the funds or technical capacity to explore these structures. So we are opting for a joint venture. The EoI will be submitted by May 28,” he said.

“Patiya was drilled during the early 50s, Jaldi in the mid-60s and Sitapahar in the late 80s. All of them were considered encourag-ing, while Kasalong was ready to be drilled as

well. These prospects are located very close to the industrial gateway and port city of Chit-tagong, which is an assured gas market that has existing gas transportation infrastruc-ture,” he added.

“It is worth mentioning that most of the power generation plants in Bangladesh are gas based and that current gas production does not meet demand,” he added.

Earlier, several state-owned global oil gi-ants – China National O� shore Oil Corpora-tion and Sinopec, Thai PTTEP and Russian Gazprom – all showed interest in striking joint venture deals with Bapex.

A Bapex invitation for EoI in 2010 met with interest from Sinopec. The EoI to drill a series of wells in greater Chittagong to explore gas under the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Spe-cial Provision) Act 2010 was later cancelled.

Bapex currently has just one joint venture with Canadian Niko Resources. Together, they developed Feni Gas Field, but production has been suspended because of a payment dis-pute. They also undertook drilling at Chhatak.

The country’s lone state-owned oil and gas exploration � rm has so far discovered seven gas � elds – Saldanadi, Fenchuganj, Shahbazpur, Semutung, Sundalpur, Srikail and Rupganj. l

NEWS2DT

NEWS 3D

TWEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

EC decides to deploy troops for polls dutyn Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

The Election Commission (EC) yesterday an-nounced that the army would be deployed from April 26 to April 29 in Dhaka and Chit-tagong city corporations to provide security during the polls.

The opposition BNP welcomed the EC move but said that if the army was not given magistracy powers their presence would be ine� ectual.

“Following a meeting with law enforce-ment and intelligence agencies on April 19, we have determined that the overall law and order situation was good.

“Nevertheless, we have decided to de-ploy the army so that people can cast their votes without fear,” Election Commissioner Mohammad Shahnewaz told journalists at a press brie� ng at the Election Commission Secretariat.

Following the EC’s decision to deploy the army, a three-member BNP delegation led by party standing committee member Moudud Ahmed, held an hour-long meeting with the commission.

“We welcome the Election Commission’s decision to deploy the army during the elec-tions. But if they are not given magistracy

powers, then the objective of army deploy-ment will not be achieved,” Moudud told journalists.

“The army will be used as both a reserve force and a striking force. The number of army personnel to be deployed during the polls will be decided later,” Shahnewaz said.

“Returning o� cers of the three city corpo-rations will decide when and where to deploy the forces during the four days,” he added.

Hinting that magistracy powers would not be given to the army, Chief Election Commis-sioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad told jour-nalists: “There will be su� cient magistrates before and after the election to curb violence.”

There had been uncertainty over a possible army deployment during the polls because the � ve election commissioners were split on the issue, sources said.

Three commissioners, including CEC Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, favoured deployment while the remaining two commissioners ob-jected to it, sources said.

Emerging from an EC coordination meet-ing on security arrangements, the CEC on Sunday said the commission would decide the question of army deployment within a few days.

Law enforcement and intelligence agencies

told the commission that army deployment was unnecessary at the meeting on April 19.

The BNP, Shujan and a number of mayor-al and councillor aspirants, especially BNP-backed contenders, demanded that the army be deployed ahead of the elections.

BNP leader Moudud said his delegation had told commissioners that the attack on Khaleda Zia had hampered election cam-paigning.

Regarding the attack on Khaleda’s motor-cade, the CEC said: “We have made inquiries about it and have urged the police to investi-gate it thoroughly.”

Moudud urged the EC to take steps so that police do not harass opposition leaders and activists at least seven days ahead of the polls.

He alleged that many polling personnel, including presiding o� cers and polling of-� cers, had been appointed taking their po-litical leanings into consideration. He said biased o� cials should be reshu� ed before the polls.

Moudud urged the commission to identi-fy vulnerable polling centres after consulting with all of the aspirants.

The CEC urged everybody to abide by the electoral code of conduct to help the commis-sion conduct fair elections. l

CCC POLL Manjur’s campaign team allegedly attacked by AL men n Tribune Report

A campaigning team of BNP-backed mayoral candidate M Manjur Alam was allegedly at-tacked by ruling Awami League men in the city yesterday afternoon.

Chattagram Unnoyon Andolon, under whose banner the recently resigned CCC May-or Manjur is contesting, alleged in an e-mail sent yesterday evening that followers of Awa-mi League-backed CCC mayoral candidate AJM Nasir Uddin attacked the campaign team of Manjur which consisted of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal men at Chittagong Polytechnical Institute area around 5pm, leaving 10 injured.

The police o� cials concerned, however, could not con� rm the matter.

The statement also alleged that some Awa-mi League men attacked a team of BNP’s fe-male wing that was campaigning for Manjur at Lalkhan Bazar area around 11am, leaving some female campaigners assaulted and mugged.

Khulshi Police Station O� cer-in-Charge (OC) Mainul Islam Bhuiyan told the Dhaka Tribune that he did not hear of such incidents in the area under his jursidiction and no com-plaints were lodged with the police station in this regard.

On April 11, some AL men attacked one of Manjur’s campaigning team at Shershah area where some BNP senior leaders and activists were assaulted and injured.

The Chattagram Unnoyon Andolon urged the Election Commission and Chittagong Metropolitan Police to take strict measures against the incidents. l

Annisul slams attack on Khaleda’s motorcade n Munir Momtaj

Awami League-backed mayoral candidate An-nisul Huq yesterday denounced the attack on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s motorcade.

He said: “We who believe in democracy are all a� ected by this.”

Annisul was speaking to reporters in front of the Awami League o� ce in Gulshan’s Kala-chandpur area before setting out to campaign.

He demanded a proper investigation into the incident and punishment of those involved.

“There is reason to deploy the army for this election,” he said.

Annisul started his campaign with a street rally in front of the Kalachandpur Awami League o� ce.

The DNCC mayoral candidate was joined by Awami League-backed general councillor candidate Zakir Hossain Babul.

He reminded voters that the present gov-ernment had three and half years left in this term, and told them the best candidate was the one with the best ties to the government.

After the rally Annisul campaigned in Kal-achandpur, Nikunja 2, Haji Ashraf Ali High School and Projonmo Chottor in Mirpur.

Awami League central leader and former minister Faruk Khan and local party leaders and activists joined him on the campaign trail.

April 26 is the last day to campaign for the elections scheduled for April 28. l

Khokon � ned Tk7,000 for breaches of polls coden Abu Hayat Mahmud

Awami League-backed mayoral aspirant for Dhaka South City Corporation Sayeed Khokon gave a � ne of Tk7,000 for breaching the polls code of conduct.

Election Commission Director (Public Re-lation) SM Asaduzzaman yesterday said, a total of 15 aspirants for Dhaka South, Dhaka North and Chittagong were � ned for breach-ing polls code by a mobile court of the EC.

Responding to question he said Khokon was � ned as his motorcade campaign ham-pered the tra� c movement in the city.

Meanwhile, Sayeed Khokon yesterday brushed aside the need for army deployment in the city corporation polls.

Khokon believes that police are strong enough to tackle election related problems.

He made the statement while campaigning

in Old Dhaka along with his family members.His mother Fatema Hanif and wife Farhana

Sayeed joined Khokon in his canvass. Former Awami League lawmaker of Lal-

bagh Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin and other par-ty leaders also joined the campaign.

But Just a day after BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s motorcade came under attack on Monday evening the Election Commission announced that it would deploy army during the three city corporation polls.

“As no major incidents have so far taken place I think army deployment is unnecessary,” he told journalists while campaigning in wards 22 and 23 of his electoral jurisdiction.

Replying to a question about the attack on Khaleda the ruling party-backed candidate said: “It is between Khaleda Zia and the miscreants who attacked her motorcade.” l

Tabith: Attack on Khaleda proves slack securityn Tribune Report

BNP–backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka North Tabith Awal yesterday said the attack on Khaleda Zia’s motorcade was proof of lack of adequate security measure in the capital.

He said this while talking to journalists during his election campaign in Mirpur-10 area under Dhaka North City Corporation.

“We became speechless after yesterday’s (Monday) incident. It proved that Dhaka is not safe for living any more. The law and order situation has worsened,” Awal told reporters.

Tabith also lodged a complaint with the Election Commission yesterday about facing obstructions by ruling party activists.

He also requested the returning o� cer to take necessary actions against those respon-sible for the attack.

Tabith in his election campaign yesterday pledged to make a clean and green city with drivers honking no more in front of educa-tional institutes.

In front of the Hope International School, Tabith requested waiting guardians to vote for Bus in the coming city poll.

“If I am elected as a mayor I will ensure a green and clean Dhaka,” Tabith promised.

In the afternoon, BNP Publicity Secretary Zainul Abedin Faruk joined the campaign with Tabith.

In Kazipara area of the capital at 2:30pm Faruk said: “The attack on Khaleda was launched to disrupt the election.”

Tabith yesterday carried out his election campaign in Syamoli, Agargaon, Taltola and Sewrapara area with his supporters. l

Sayeed Khokon, the Awami League-backed Dhaka South City Corporation mayor aspirant, carries out his election campaign in the capital’s Azimpur yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

NEWS4DT


Khashru for shifting CCC polls result centre n FM Mizanur Rahaman, Chittagong

The election team of Chittagong’s BNP-backed mayoral candidate has demanded that the proposed venue for the election re-sult announcement centre is changed, citing concerns that the ruling party men might try to manipulate the counting of votes there.

Amir Khashru Mahmud Chowdhury, chief election agent of BNP-backed mayoral candi-date M Manjur Alam, yesterday submitted a proposal to the returning o� cer to shift the venue from MA Aziz stadium’s gymnasium, which had been used to announce results of past city polls.

As alternative venues, Khoshru proposed to set up the announcement centre at Chit-tagong Circuit House or United Nation Park’s gymnasium or at the ground � oor of Jami-yatul Falah Mosque.

In his proposal to Returning O� cer Abdul Baten, Khashru said it would not be fair if the stadium gym is � xed as the announcement centre because the Awami League-baked mayoral candidate AJM Nasir Uddin is the in-cumbent general secretary of Chittagong Zila Krira Sangstha.

“As the ruling party-backed candidate is the authorised person to control the stadium area, the announcement of result is not ex-

pected to be fair at the venue,”said Khasru, also the BNP chairperson’s adviser.

Khashru added that most o� cials of the Krira Sangstha and the stadium were involved with the ruling party’s politics and were work-ing for Nasir.

The returning o� cer, Baten, however dis-missed the BNP’s concern, saying: “We have already directed the law enforcement agen-cies to seal o� the stadium and its surround-ing areas from April 24 in a bid to secure the whole place, while the Krira Sangstha o� ce will also be closed.”

He added that they needed a very secure place for counting the ballots coming in from

719 polling centres.Baten further said entry inside the stadi-

um would be restricted during the counting of ballots, assured there was no chance of the election results being manipulated.

The returning o� cer, however, added that law enforcement agencies would be consult-ed and other venues would also be consid-ered before � nalising the stadium as the an-nouncement centre.

Meanwhile, Khashru accused police and plainclothes DB men of threatening their ward-level leaders and activists by making a list of those playing an active role in election campaigns. l

Kamal: CSF attacked peoplen Tribune Report

State Minister of Home A� airs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has expressed doubt about the authenticity of the reported attack on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s motorcade in the capital on Monday.

He said yesterday that in-telligence agencies found that Chairperson’s Security Force or the CSF had attacked the people.

“The small traders [in Kar-wan Bazar] who were a� ect-ed by her hartal and blockade programmes put a resistance to stop her motorcade. This led to the CSF attacking them, and they retaliated.”

Claiming that no one relat-ed to the BNP or any of its wing were attacked in the incident, Kamal said: “Rather, the BNP men reacted angrily to others.”

Nonetheless, law enforce-ment authorities are investi-gating the incident, he said. “Actions will be taken against the persons responsible if it is proven that it was an attack.” l

MTB and IUB sign MoUn Tribune Report

Mutual Trust Bank Ltd (MTB) and Independent Universi-ty, Bangladesh (IUB) signed a memorandum of understand-ing yesterday at IUB campus in Bashundhara of Dhaka.

This MoU was on a frame-work of mutual interest in the � eld of conducting a research on development of a business model focusing on e� ective approval, monitoring and re-covery process for MTB.

On behalf of IUB, Prof M Omar Rahman, vice chancel-lor, and on behalf of MTB Anis A Khan, group managing direc-tor and CEO, signed the MoU.l

Joy: Angry mob attacked Khaleda for burning peoplen Abu Hayat Mahmud

Prime Minister’s ICT A� airs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has alleged that an angry mob at-tacked the BNP chief’s motorcade on Monday.

“People of Dhaka are quite angry at Khale-da Zia for burning 160 people to death and in-juring many others on buses and public trans-portation during the past three months,” Joy, also son of the premier, said in a Facebook post on Monday night

“I think those who attacked her motorcade with brick bats today [Monday] are probably expressing this anger. Khaleda Zia and her

party BNP must be brought to the book for the arson attacks.”

He, however, said: “Throwing bricks at Khale-da’s motorcade was not the way to do this.”

On Monday evening, Khaleda’s motorcade came under attack at Karwan Bazar when she was campaigning for BNP-backed mayoral aspirant Tabith Awal. The BNP chief escaped unhurt but several members of her entourage were reportedly injured.

Following the attack, the BNP and the AL � led police complaints accusing each other.

The BNP also called a day-long general strike today protesting the incident. l

Abbas’ bail hearing deferredn Ashif Islam Shaon

The High Court yesterday deferred the hearing on an anticipatory bail petition of BNP leader Mirza Abbas until April 27 in a case � led by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The bench of Justice Md Moinul Islam Chowdhury and Justice JBM Hassan gave the order after his lawyer Joynul Abedin prayed for adjournment. He said they were waiting

for decision of the chief justice on the bail pe-titions of Abbas in two other cases.

He said: “As the chief justice is yet to form a single bench to hear the pleas, we sought sev-en more days for hearing the bail petition of the BNP leader in the graft case.”

Khandker Mahbub Hossain and Mahbub Uddin Khokon represented Abbas along with Ehsanur Rahman while ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan represented the plainti� . l

Buet expels 4 BCL leadersn DU Correspondent

The Buet authorities have expelled four lead-ers and activists of the university unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League for assaulting a teacher, sued for sedition last week.

Two of them – Buet unit President Shubhra Jyoti Tikader and General Secretary Abu Syed Kanak – were expelled from the university for life, Teachers’ Association General Secretary Abdul Hasib Chowdhury con� rmed to the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Two other students – Protik Dutta and Ra-hat Imtiaz Ratul – were suspended for di� er-ent terms, he said.

The decision was made at Syndicate meet-ings held on April 18 and 19. Hasib said the ac-cused were informed about the decisions on Monday night through letters.

Vice-Chancellor Khaleda Ekram said they had been expelled for breaching discipline

and spoiling the campus environment. When contacted, Kanak alleged that the

university authorities had taken the decision with a mala� de intention. He said they would appeal with the High Court and also issue an ultimatum to the university for seven days to withdraw the decision.

Meanwhile, the teachers association has announced to resume academic activities from today. They were observing work ab-stention since April 12 demanding punish-ment to those who attacked civil engineering department teacher Jahangir Alam.

The teacher was assaulted by some activ-ists of Chhatra League on April 12 following his comments on a Facebook group criticising the execution of war criminal Kamaruzzaman the previous day.

On April 16, Buet student Siyam Hossain � led a sedition case against Jahangir for mak-ing provocative remarks. l

NEWS 5D


Blogger Rajeeb murder trial deferredn Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

A Dhaka court yesterday � xed May 11 to start trial in a case � led over the killing of blog-ger-architect Ahmed Rajeeb Hider on Febru-ary 15, 2013.

Victim’s father Dr Nazimuddin, also plain-ti� of the case, was present before the court to testify as the � rst prosecution witness.

Judge Ruhul Amin of the Dhaka’s Fourth Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court set the fresh date following a time petition � led by defence counsel Masud Ahmed Talukdar.

The lawyer said a petition � led with the High Court against the indictment order was

pending for disposal.Rajeeb, a war crimes trial campaigner and

vocal against radical Islamists, was hacked to death by the accused near his house at Pallabi of the capital during Shahbagh movement.

Mufti Jasim Uddin Rahmani, chief of mil-itant group Ansarullah Bangla Team, and seven of his followers from North South Uni-versity were indicted in the case on March 18. Ansarullah, the Bangladeshi follower of al-Qa-eda and Taliban, aims at establishing Islamic rule in the country through armed jihad.

Jasim gave confessional statement before a magistrate mentioning that the students in-spired by his sermons might have killed Rajeeb.

“Instigator” Jasim and his six followers – Faisal Bin Nayeem alias Dip, Maksudul Has-san alias Anik, Ehsan Reza Rumman, Nayeem Sikder alias Irad, Na� z Imtiaz, Sadman Yasir Mahmud – are now in jail.

Another accused, “planner” Redwanul Azad Rana, has been on the run. He is a prime suspect in former Buet teacher and US citizen Avijit Roy murder.

The DMP last month announced Tk5 lakh bounty for helping police tracking and arrest-ing Rana. Earlier the DB police sent letters to Immigration Police and the BGB to stop him � eeing the country. However, detectives con-� rm that Rana has � ed the country. l

Chhatra Union submits memorandum to Home Ministry n DU Correspondent

Chhatra Union, a left-leaning student body, yesterday submitted a memorandum to the Home Ministry advocating their six-point de-mand on the sexual harassment at TSC area during Pohela Boishakh celebration.

A six-member delegation team led by Chhatra Union Central President Hasan Tarek handed over the memorandum to State Min-ister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal around noon.

Their demands included the expulsion of Dhaka University proctor, exemplary pun-ishment of the perpetrators of the attack and framing of laws to prevent sexual harassment at universities and a national policy against sexual harassment at home, workplaces and educational institutions.

Earlier in the day, the union staged a demonstration at the DU campus and lat-er brought out a procession to march to the Home Ministry which, however, was barred by the police near the press club area.

Students of Anthropology, English and Inter-national Relations department staged separate demonstration programmes in the campus and demanded exemplary punishment of the cul-prits who were involved with sexual harassment incidents during Pohela Boishakh celebration.

The leaders of Chhatra Union has called for a press conference today at Madhur Canteen to announce further programmes in this regard.

Meanwhile, a probe body formed by the police have sent pictures of suspected stalk-ers, who were identi� ed by CCTV footage, to all police stations in the capital. According to sources, investigators so far were able to identity eight individuals who were seen in a number of spots on the day of the incident.

In this regard, Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque told reporters that they have made progress in the sexual assault cas-es and would able to give an update soon. l

AL, BNP � le cases over attack on Khaleda’s motorcaden Kamrul Hasan

After the attack on Khaleda Zia’s motorcade at Karwan Bazar on Monday, a ruling party leader � led a case alleging that the security personnel of the BNP chief had � red gunshots at them.

Biplob Kumar Sarker, deputy commission-er of police’s Tejgaon division, told the Dha-ka Tribune yesterday that two separate cases were � led over the incident. “We are now in-vestigating both the cases and hope to bring the perpetrators to book.”

Jahirul Haque Jillu, president of ward 26 unit Awami League, � led a case with Tejgaon police accusing 100 unnamed BNP activists and leaders, and members of the Chairper-son’s Security Force (CSF) for injuring � ve leaders and activists of the ruling party.

Jillu claimed that the CSF men had � red six rounds of bullets at him, but he survived. “Another CSF personnel punched me for no reason. When I fell on the footpath, two CSF

men started to beat me up with steel pipe.”The plainti� claimed that the attack on

Khaleda’s motorcade was a result of factional clash between two groups of BNP supporters, backed by councillor candidates Iqbal Pat-wary and Solaiman Nabi.

Asked about the presence of Chhatra league activists on the spot, he claimed that they all were locals.

BNP chief Khaleda’s motorcade came un-der attack in Karwan Bazar area when she was speaking at a rally near the kitchen market around 6pm, seeking votes for Dhaka north

mayoral candidate Tabith M Awal.The party later in the day announced har-

tal for today alleging that the ruling party men had attempted to kill Khaleda.

The Tejgaon deputy commissioner claimed that Khaleda had not informed police before-hand about her visit. “Our o� cials on duty in the area tried their best to quell the situation.”

BNP leader Mahbub Uddin Khokon � led the other case yesterday noon with Tejgaon police accusing 100 unnamed ruling party men for launching attack on Khaleda’s mo-torcade. He lodged the case on behalf of Chief Coordinator of the CSF Maj Gen Fazle Elahi Akbar.

The plainti� alleged that the ruling party men had � red gunshots targeting Khaleda’s vehicle. The case says over 100 youths at-tacked the motorcade chanting “Joy Bangla” slogan in the name of Chhatra League.

It says senior BNP leader Selima Rahman, four CSF members, two drivers and an o� ce sta� were injured in the attack. l

HC summons industries secretary for failure to relocate tanneriesn Ashif Islam Shaon

The High Court has summoned the industries secretary to appear before it on May 19 to ex-plain the failure in relocating tanneries from the capital’s Hazaribagh in line with a previ-ous court directive.

The bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Kashefa Hussain passed the order yesterday after hearing a petition which was moved by lawyer Manzill Murshid on behalf of Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.

Manzill Murshid said the High Court asked Industries Secretary Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan to appear before it by 10:30am on May 19 to explain the reason of not relocating hazardous tanneries from Hazaribagh despite an earlier High Court directive.

On June 23, 2009, the High Court directed the government to relocate the tanneries by February 28, 2010, for saving Buriganga River from pollution. The same court later extend-ed the deadline for six more months.

The project for moving the tanneries to the a new site in Savar was taken in 2003. l

Mahbub Uddin Khokon says over 100 youths attacked the motorcade chanting ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan in the name of Chhatra League

Members of Bangladesh Chhatra Union are barred by police near the National Press Club when they were on their way to the Home Ministry yesterday to submit a memorandum demanding immediate punishment of the Pohela Boishakh sexual assaulters RAJIB DHAR

NEWS 7D


WEATHER

Source: Accuweather/UNB

D H A K ATODAY TOMORROW

SUN SETS 6:23PM SUN RISES 5:31AM

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW37.4ºC 20.8ºC

Jessore & Chuadanga Sylhet

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

SourceL IslamicFinder.org

F O R E C A S T F O R T O D A YDhaka 36 26Chittagong 32 26Rajshahi 39 24Rangpur 33 22Khulna 32 20Barisal 32 25Sylhet 31 23Cox’s Bazar 32 25

PRAYER TIMESFajr 4:13am

Sunrise 5:32am

Zohr 11:57am

Asr 4:31pm

Magrib 6:22pm

Esha 7:42pm

DRY WEATHER

Barisal airport running in the darkn Our Correspondent, Barisal

Flights are operating amid risk at the Barisal Airport due to lack of lighting on the runway and other facilities.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines resumed � ights on the Dhaka-Barisal-Dhaka route on April 8 this year, eight years after the � ight was sus-pended.

On April 12, � ight BG-469 of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines landed on the airport with 74 passengers at 5:55pm and return � ight BG-470 left for Dhaka with 63 passengers within 30 minutes, said Md Hanif Gazi, aero-drome o� cer and manager of the airport.

Nasimul Alam, a journalist and a passenger of the � ight BG-469 said on April 12 the sky was cloudy and visibility was low. The return � ight took o� amid risk. Currently, � ights from Barisal Airport are not allowed to oper-ate after 6:15pm because of lack of lighting on the runway, he claimed.

“The condition will deteriorate further during winter and monsoon,” he said.

Denying such claim, Md Hanif Gazi said on April 12, the � ight BG-470 left for Dhaka before sunset amid clear visibility and upon clearance from the civil aviation.

However, he acknowledged that prop-er lighting on the runway and uncut power supply through IPS were urgently needed for smooth execution of � ights from the airport.

The airport manager and sources at the Biman Bangladesh Airlines said Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashed Khan Me-non had submitted a Tk5 crore project plan for immediate development of the airport on April 8, however, the proposal still lied under consideration of the ministry.

The manager also informed that an air-strip on 50 acres of land was built in the late 60s for operating planes to spray pesticides in Rahamatpur under Babuganj upazila on the Barisal-Dhaka highway, some 17km away

from the city.The civil aviation authority later acquired

more 110 acres of land and constructed 1800ft long and 60ft wide runway in 1968. A STOL (Short Take O� and Landing) service on the Dhaka–Barisal-Dhaka route continued for a few days in January, 1971.

After liberation, in the � scal year 1992-93, Civil Aviation of Bangladesh (CAB) expanded the war-damaged 1800 ft runway to 6000 ft long and 100ft wide with Tk30 crore.

Biman started its � ight operation with ATP aircraft on Dhaka-Barisal-Dhaka route on De-cember 3, 1995 and after many breaks � nally stopped operation on this route on November 16, 2006.

Aero Bengal, Parabat, GMG, United Air-ways also phased out � ights to Barisal due to shortage of passengers. The airport was also used by the foreign cargo planes for sending relief materials to 11 southern districts after the devastating Sidr in 2007. l

ASSAULT ON VC OF RU

Protest continues, PM’s intervention sought n Our Correspondent, Rajshahi

A section of teachers of Rajshahi University have sought intervention of prime minister to resolve the ongoing crisis over assault of vice-chancellor by some Awami League leaders.

President of Chairman Council, a platform of 52 departments of Rajshahi University, Prof Harun-Ar-Rashid sought the intervention through a statement.

The statement said as the university was an autonomous institution, the intervention of ruling party leaders in di� erent issues is a great concern for the prestige of the universi-ty as well for all quarters of the university.

The statement, however, demanded fair investigation into the incidents and proper action to the ruling party leaders.

Meanwhile, teachers and students of the

university continued their agitation pro-grammes for third consecutive days demand-ing exemplary punishment of the leaders of ruling party.

University’s Central Sangskritik Jote and teachers and o� cers separately formed hu-man chains in this regard.

From the human chains, speakers de-manded exemplary punishment to the peo-ples who assaulted VC.Students of sociology department formed a human chain on the campus and boycotted classes which will be continued today.

On Thursday, a group of local leaders led by the ruling party’s Rajshahi city unit Gener-al Secretary Dablu Sarker and Vice-President Shahadat Hossain barged to the o� ce of RU VC Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin and report-edly demanded recruitment of their preferred

candidates as employees and o� cers in di� er-ent university posts.

When VC said the recruitment process would take place as per the university rules, the ruling party men started hurling abusive words at the VC. During the incident, the lead-ers also physically assaulted science faculty Dean Prof Habibur Rahman and RU Student Adviser Prof Sadequl Are� n Matin while the teachers come forward to calm down them.

On Wednesday, Rajshahi 1 lawmaker Omar Faruk Chowdhury allegedly assaulted VC ver-bally and threatened to depose VC Mizanud-din over the university’s � ne of Tk25 lakh to one of its a� liated institution Shah Makhdum Medical College for alleged irregularities in admission process. MP Faruk, the Rajshai dis-trict unit AL president is the governing body chairman of the institution. l

VC: BSMMU to take all responsibilities of patients after admissionn Tribune Report

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical Universi-ty (BSMMU) plans to take all the responsibili-ties of admitted patients so that family mem-bers are not required to attend to them.

The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of BSMMU Kamrul Hasan met with the press for the � rst time after his appointment on March 24 in a meeting held yesterday at the BSMMU head-quarters where he shared his plans and asked for suggestion to resolve existing problems.

“We want to take the full responsibility so that family members can remain free of ten-sion and not be required to spend so much time with the patient,” the VC said, adding that infrastructure development and more government � nancing is needed to imple-ment this plan.

He demanded 10-12% of budget allocation for the health sector where the government now al-locates only 5-6% of the budget every year.

VC Kamrul focused on increasing the num-ber of postgraduate doctors to bring balance between the number of patients and doctors as he claims the current doctor-to-patient ratio is the main obstacle in ensuring proper medical care. Kamrul is the secretary general of pro-Awami League Bangladesh Peshajibi Samannoy Parishad and a professor of pathol-ogy department of BSMMU. l

Through musical performance, the Rajshahi University Kendriyo Sangskritik Jote stage a sit-in in front of the university’s central library yesterday, protesting the alleged misbehaviour of local Awami League leaders with RU vice-chancellor AZAHAR UDDIN

NEWS8DT


Four die as nor’wester sweeps over B’baria, Netrakona n Tribune Report

At least four were killed in nor’wester in Brah-manbaria and Netrakona districts yesterday.

Our Brahmanbaria correspondent reports: A man was killed and over 500 houses de-stroyed as massive storm lashed several vil-lages of Nabinagar and Sadar upazilas of the district yesterday snapping power and com-munication lines and uprooting trees.

The storm broke out around 10.30pm and swept 25 villages of the district, leaving thou-sands homeless and twisting trees with its ferocity.

Local people said Mannan Miah, 60, a resident of Narayanpur village in Nabinagar upazila died on the spot and � ve others suf-fered injuries as a wall of a house fell on them at Narayanpur village during the storm.

Besides, 60 other people were injured in Konikara and Monipur villages of Sadar upazi-la during the storm.

Over 500 houses, 3 schools were reported to be damaged and huge trees uprooted in dif-ferent villages of the two upazilas due to the storm.

Deputy Commissioner Md Mosarraf Hos-sain con� rmed the incident.

In Netrakona, three people including a school student were killed in Kendua upazila during storm, reports our correspondent.

One of the dead was identi� ed as Ariful Haque, 14, a Class IX student of Mojlishpur High School. He was the son of Alimuddin of Sundrakanda College under Paikura union.

Identities of the two others are Atiqul Is-lam, 25, son of Sowad Mia of Roypur village, and Russell Mia, 12, of Goishachia village.

Lightning in storm hit Ariful while he was returning home from his school around 4pm. Atiqul and Russell also died by storm when working on their paddy � eld.

Mizanur Rahman o� cer-in-charge of Ken-dua police station con� rmed the deaths. l

Alleged robber killed in ‘gun� ght’ with policen Tribune Report

An alleged robber was killed in a gun� ght be-tween his cohorts and police at Chuniapara � eld in Mirpur upazila early yesterday.

The deceased was identi� ed as Milon,32, son of Abdus Sattar, a resident of Lax-midhardia village of the same upazila.

O� cer-in-charge of Mirpur Police Station Kazi Jalal Uddin said on a tip-o� that a gang of robbers was taking preparation to commit robbery on the Kushtia-Mirpur road by plac-ing logs, a team of police launched a drive in the area at about 2:30am.

Sensing the presence of the law enforc-ers, the gang members opened � re on them prompting the police personnel to retaliate with � ring that triggered a gun� ght, leaving

Milon injured with bullets.Milon’s other associates managed to � ee

the scene.Later, police recovered injured Milon and

took him to Kushtia General Hospital where on-duty doctors declared him dead.

Police also recovered woodcutters and four machetes from the spot.

There are four murder cases � led against Milon, the OC added.

Yeasmin Akter, wife of Milon, said police had picked up her husband from their house at about 10:00 pm on Saturday.

Milon had started tobacco trading after being back from abroad where he stayed for long, she added.

She also claimed police did not admit her husband’s arrest. l

None receives body of alleged killer of in-laws n Our Correspondent, Chandpur

The body of a man, who became victim of mob beating for killing his in-laws, was hand-ed over to Anjuman Ma� dul yesterday for burial as no relatives of his approached to re-ceive it.

On Monday evening, infuriated locals in Kamranga village in Sadar upazila allegedly beaten Suman Sheikh to death for murder-ing his father-in-law Iqbal Hossain Bulu and mother-in-law Momtaz Begum together.

Earlier, killing the in-laws Suman hid himself in nearby cropland and the angry villagers around 6pm found him there, who

later killed him by beating.In the incident, Bulu’s brother Zakir

Hossain Miji � led a murder case against Suman. Besides, Sadar police station SI Hamidul Hoque booked another murder case against 300-400 unidenti� ed persons for the mob beating.

When asked, the cases’ investigation of-� cer Hamidul Hoque acknowledged the inci-dent, saying the higher authorities made the direction as no relatives of Suman agreed to receive the body despite their repeated ap-peals.

Police said Suman used to live in Khulna and he had been involved in smuggling. l

A farmer is seen harvesting peanuts along with his family members in Jamuna char area of Bhuapur upazila, Tangail yesterday. Farmers of the district are happy as peanuts have grown abundantly in the district this year DHAKA TRIBUNE

WORLD10DT


Mursi jailed for 20 yearsn Cairo

Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Mursi was sentenced to 20 years in pris-on without parole on Tuesday on charges arising from the killing of protesters, nearly three years after he became Egypt’s � rst freely elected president.

Mursi stood in a cage in court as judge Ahmed Sabry Youssef read out

the ruling against him and 12 other Brotherhood members, including sen-ior � gures Mohamed el-Beltagy and Essam el-Erian.

The men were convicted on charg-es of violence, kidnapping and torture stemming from the killing of protest-ers during demonstrations in 2012. They were acquitted of murder charg-es, which carry the death sentence.

A lawyer for some of the defendants said they would appeal.

Amnesty International described the ruling as “a travesty of justice” that “shatters any remaining illusion of independence and impartiality in Egypt’s criminal justice system.” The rights group called for Mursi to be re-tried in a civilian court “in line with international standards” or released. l

Captain blamed for migrant shipwreckn Catania, Italy

Prosecutors blamed the Tunisian captain of a � shing boat for caus-ing the deaths of hundreds of migrants locked below decks when his vessel capsized in the Mediterranean, in the weekend ship-wreck that has shocked Europe.

Prosecutors said on Tuesday that Mohammed Ali Malek, 27, ar-rested under suspicion of multiple homicide, had steered his se-verely overloaded boat into a collision with a merchant ship that was coming to its rescue.

Only 28 survivors have been brought to Italy from the hundreds of mainly African and Bangladeshi migrants on board. Police have quoted the survivors giving death tolls that range from 400 to 950 in what appears to have been the worst disaster ever among mi-grants � eeing across the Mediterranean to Europe.

So few survived because most of the migrants on board, includ-ing women and children, had been locked in the hold and lower decks of the three-deck � shing boat, said Catania chief prosecutor Giovanni Salvi. That also made it impossible so far to reach the bodies and verify the toll.

The captain has been arrested on suspicion of multiple homi-cide and people-smuggling, and he and his 25-year-old Syrian � rst mate, Mahmud Bikhit, are also suspected of causing a shipwreck. It was not immediately possible to reach lawyers representing them for comment.

Under Italian law, prosecutors outline the charges they believe a defendant should face before the defendant is formally charged by a judge. Both men are in police custody, while investigations continue, the prosecutors’ o� ce said. l

Rouhani: Yemen strikes show Saudi ‘mental imbalance’n AP, Tehran

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says a Saudi-led o� ensive in Yemen was prompted by the kingdom’s failures elsewhere, caus-ing what he called a “mental imbalance”.Speaking to reporters Tuesday before heading to Indonesia, Rou-hani mocked Saudi Arabia by calling it a country with dashed dreams in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

“All the failures have accumulated and caused mental and emo-tional imbalance for that country,” Rouhani said.

Iran has long accused Saudi Arabia of supporting militants, in-cluding the self-styled Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and Iraq. Meanwhile, Saudis accuse Iran of supporting Yemen’s Shia Houthi rebels who overran the capital and later forced the country’s West-ern-backed president into exile. Tehran and the rebels deny any military links, though the Islamic Republic has provided political and humanitarian support to the group.

Clashes between rebels and pro-government forces and Sau-di-led air strikes killed at least 85 people in Yemen last week.

The United Nations says hundreds of people have died and thousands of families have � ed their homes since the coalition air war began on March 26 at the request of embattled President Abe-drabbo Mansour Hadi.

The UN agency for refugees says that up to 150,000 people have been displaced over the past three weeks, while more than 300,000 had already � ed their homes because of unrest in past years.

Last month, the Kingdom and its allies launched air strikes in Yemen against Houthi � ghters, who have tightened their grip in southern city of Aden where the country’s president had taken ref-uge, the Saudi envoy to Washington had said.

The kingdom’s ambassador to the United States announced from Washington last month that a coalition of 10 countries, in-cluding the � ve Gulf monarchies, had been set up to protect the Yemeni government. l

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015WORLD 11

DT

Churchill’s French saboteur deadn AFP, Paris

French secret agent Robert “Bob” Maloubier, a sabotage specialist for Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executive during World War II, has died at the age of 92, his wife said yesterday.

“His � nal battle was against his illness and he fought to the end,” widow Marie-Helene France told AFP, adding that Maloubier died late on Monday.

Maloubier was a key asset for the SOE, set up in 1940 by prime minister Churchill to car-

ry out spying and sabotage mis-sions behind German lines.

“Bob”, as he was known by his British handlers, twice par-achuted into occupied France, once the day after D-Day, and had a string of narrow escapes from capture by the Nazis.

One of his missions was de-signed to help convince the Germans that the D-Day land-ings would take place at Calais instead of Normandy.

“The war for me represented the best years of my life, because I survived,” he told AFP last year. l

Lakhvi acquittedn ISLAMABAD

A local court in Islamabad on Tuesday acquitted Mumbai at-tacks mastermind Zakiur Reh-man Lakhvi in a case pertaining to the abduction of an Afghan national.

The Islamabad police had booked Lakhvi for the alleged kidnapping of the Afghan na-tional after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had suspended his (Lakhvi’s) detention in the 2008 Mumbai attacks case on December 26, 2014.

As per the FIR that the Is-lamabad police registered on December 29, 2014, Moham-mad Daud complained that his brother-in-law Anwar Khan, an Afghan national, was kidnapped by Lakhvi over six years ago.

During today’s hearing, po-lice lawyer Amir Nadeem Ta-bish presented his arguments, saying that Lakhvi had been di-rectly nominated in the abduc-tion case. He claimed that the

plainti� and the abducted per-son’s brother were eyewitness-es in the kidnapping incident.

Nadeem requested the court to summon Lakhvi and indict him in the kidnapping.

However, in the ruling, the court said that the case was � led after a hiatus of six years. It said that the plainti� in the case did not appear before the court even once and no one was aware of the whereabouts of the kidnapped person. The court subsequently acquitted Lakhvi in the kidnapping case.

Earlier in February, the judi-cial magistrate had dismissed a petition seeking the acquittal of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in a kid-napping case.

Lakhvi, who is also facing trial for being the alleged mastermind in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was released from Adiala jail on April 10 following the Lahore High Court’s dismissal of detention orders issued against him by the Okara DCO on March 14. l

Xi Jinping: Pakistan was with us when China stood isolatedn Tribune Report

President of the People’s Repub-lic of China Xi Jinping departed Pakistan after a historic two-day visit to the country’s capital.Jinping hailed Pakistan and China’s long-standing ties, say-ing Islamabad stood by Beijing at a time when it stood isolated on the world stage.

Jinping began his address by extending warm greetings and best wishes to the “brotherly people of Pakistan” on behalf of the 1.3 billion people of China.

“Pakistan and China’s strug-gles have brought their hearts and minds together,” he said, as lawmakers applauded.

He said Beijing and Islama-bad have been of tremendous support to one another, saying both countries have stood by each other in times of need. He also referred to the assistance o� ered by the two countries to one another in the events of natural disasters.

Pakistani President Mam-noon Hussain hosted a lunch-eon in honour of the Chinese President Xi Jinping which was also attended by senior military and civil leadership.

During the investiture cere-mony, President Mamnoon Hus-sain conferred upon President Jinping Pakistan’s highest civil award, the Nishan -e- Pakistan. l

EDITORIAL12DT


The police must hold to account those responsible for Monday’s attack on the motorcade of BNP party chief, Khaleda Zia.

Vandalism and violence are never acceptable and have no place in democratic politics.

It is deeply concerning that several people were injured by the throwing of bricks and makeshift weapons during the incident. Political parties have to take responsibility for restraining their own members when they break the law in this way.

It is disappointing that rather than leaving this matter to be investigated and acted on by the police as it should be, both the AL and BNP are using it as an excuse to escalate political confron-tation.

The AL has � led its own competing case in relation to the incident, while the BNP is using it to call a new hartal on Wednesday.

Although the Dhaka and Chittagong elections are stated to be outside the purview of this hartal, its call is a setback to hopes that the city corporation polls would create a more peaceable political atmosphere.

The harm done to the country by political violence in terms of human lives lost and economic damage is unconscionable. The public badly needs the leading parties to engage in dialogue and negotiate a path to long-term polit-ical stability, not to escalate their di� erences by contriving new confrontation and drama.

We hope calmer heads can prevail and build the goodwill and co-operation which is needed to lift the crisis a� icting the nation.

Public needs parties to engage in calm dialogue to end crisis

Escalating confrontation serves no one

Be heardWrite to Dhaka Tribune

FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Sukrabad, Dhaka-1207Email [email protected]

Send us your Op-Ed articles:[email protected]

www.dhakatribune.comJoin our Facebook community:

https://www.facebook.com/DhakaTribune

Be heardWrite to Dhaka Tribune

FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka-1207Email [email protected]

Send us your Op-Ed articles:[email protected]

www.dhakatribune.comJoin our Facebook community:

https://www.facebook.com/DhakaTribune

Freedom of expression: A myth or a right?April 4

Sammy In a one-party totalitarian system, the constitution is what the “prime minister” says it is ... regardless of what is written. One would think that graduate law students would be delving into reality by now ... but, maybe in the near future!

Dr RKD Goel Not in Gujarat from 7.10.2001. All powers are with Mr Narendra Modiji, Hon BJP Prime Minister of India from May 2014.

DTDon’t delay on bus rapid

transitApril 3

RetiredBUETThe BRT should be a showpiece for buses

at their best and only be the start. With a bit of branding, re-usable vehicles,

organisation, and bus lanes, getting bus services up to international standards

will be far quicker and will take much less investment than trains and metros (which

we also need).

BCB-BCCI relation not strained: Nazmul

April 3Prithvi

Good on you, Nazmul, for talking sense. We have nothing against BCCI and hope the feeling will be mutual from the BCCI

side. Let the spirit of the game prevail.

Khaleda to attend hearing, provided safety ensured

April 3

Molla A. LatifWhen a fugitive needs the state to ensure

her security, well, then there is no need for any trials against her. Let her be above

all accountability. The arrest warrant has not travelled from Bakshi Bazar to Gulshan

yet. Her o� ce was full of equipment and the search warrant could not look into

it. Then why should a court issue such war-rants which have no power? If she appears in the court with state security, what good is the trial? The government has set some

unique examples with this lady. Good, and should be better for the future if things go

on this way.

No more tolerance?April 3

luluWhat is this?

obviouslulu: An article on religious intolerance

DB: Mastermind of Avijit-Rajeeb killing � ed the countryApril 3Mohammad Zaman How did he leave the country?

Joshim Uddin Arrest that man!

Youths rescue girl from rapists, then rape her themselves

April 4Naveed Hossain Are atrocities like these ever going to end? I hope justice is served.

Joshim Uddin Naveed Hossain: Me too. These people are Bangladesh’s shame

Pilot Tamanna buriedApril 3

maisha Thank you for being the only news site that got the instructor’s name right.

We condemn Monday’s mob attack against Khaleda Zia’s motorcade in Karwan Bazar.

It is fortunate that damage and injuries were not worse when the BNP party chief’s vehicle was attacked by a large crowd of people.

Witnesses report bricks and various makeshift projectiles being wielded against vehicles by dozens of attackers who were reported to have been drawn from a crowd campaigning for an AL candidate nearby.

Although peace was restored and the police have now duly opened a case, the ruling party needs to answer for the disgraceful actions of some of its supporters.

There is never any excuse for violence and intimidation. For people to engage in vandalism for political purposes is beyond the pale.

AL leaders and candidates need to be unequivocal in condemning this incident. They must support the police in taking action against any of their supporters found to have engaged in vandalism or breaking the law.

Intimidation and thuggish behaviour have no place in democratic politics. The government has a duty to ensure there is no repeat of this type of fra-

cas. Most importantly, it needs to take steps to bring down the political tem-perature and not further fan the � ames. Denying responsibility for the attacks -- in the face of strong evidence to the contrary -- is unhelpful. Dismissing or belittling the incident is even worse.

All citizens and politicians should be free to move around and engage in political campaigning without fear of vandalism and intimidation.

AL must take attack on Khaleda seriously

Be unequivocal in condemning mob attacks

OPINION 13D


n MJ Akbar

Education comes in many forms when experience is your teacher. I recall the day when I was part of a delegation to

some muscular regional satrap. There was only one point on our agenda: The extent, quality and depth of education among minor-ities, with a stress on how to do far more for the Muslim girl child.

A worthy cause brought together a worthy lot -- an assortment of editors, educationists, NGO heads, marginal do-gooders. We sat in the room adjacent to the satrap’s o� ce with beati� c smiles on our faces. After the compulsory wait, we entered his sanctum in a solemn � le.

The smiles became a tri� e stretched in the presence of the honoured leader. A throat cleared. Something subdued was said. A paper was presented. The Great Man read it with a look of sincere attention, as if each sentence of our collective wisdom was leaving an indelible mark on his ideological compass. He nodded.

Then all heaven broke loose. Uncertain half-smiles were replaced with fawning by delegates that verged on froth, and man-aged to shock every cynical � bre in my very cynical nervous system. Everyone demand-ed, brazenly, something for himself. An editor-owner of a small newspaper wanted more advertising. Someone else wanted to � ll a vacancy at the head of some institution. The passion and diligence with which they

pursued their individual greed was worth a chapter in the book of trade.

I learnt, later, that quite a few of these requests were honoured. As for the commu-nity’s education, nothing much changed. Perhaps we can take some satisfaction from the fact that if it did not get better, it did not get worse either.

It was most interesting, therefore, to learn that the group of Muslim clerics who called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi about a week ago discussed something quite outside the traditional box of engagement issues. They went to talk about a reality that has been building up for some time, but has acquired quiet momentum in the last few years: The rising in� uence of a well-funded Wahabi movement in the daily life of Indian Muslims, as well as control of their symbolic institutions.

The extraordinary strength of India’s inter-faith harmony lies in principles that are as old as faith: In sarva dharma sambhav and in verses of the Qur’an that say, with simple clarity, your faith for you and my faith for me. This was the inclusive message at the heart of our great struggle for an independ-ent, modern India, in the famous speeches of faith-and-community leaders like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, visionaries for whom a strong and united India was far more impor-tant than any partisan interest.

The British, who were certainly not fools, recognised very quickly that their rule could never be sustained against the power of a united India. They encouraged organisations, within all religions, that worked for separation rather than harmony, and nurtured the politics of division long before the concept of Pakistan came to the forefront. The partition of Bengal in 1905 is certainly not the sole example.

This bred a reaction. What is remarkable is that the broad mass of Indians remained committed to co-existence despite pressure and periodic outbursts of violence that often peaked to vicious levels.

But advocates of social separatism have refused to accept defeat; they lurk in corners of our demographic and political framework, waiting to pounce upon a chink and turn it into a chasm. This remains the primary challenge for India’s Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians.

It is conventional, in policy discourse, to

use the term “socio-economic”. This phrase has an extra resonance on our subcontinent, for cultural and faith factors have contributed more than their share in keeping sections of the people trapped in educational deprivation, inequity, indignity, and horrendous poverty.

The problem is at the roots, the answers must also be found there. Nearly seven decades of freedom have been frittered away, as far as this dilemma is concerned, by outsourcing the management of minority problems to middlemen who have enriched themselves at the cost of the community. Their names are littered across the political horizon. Since their primary interest is per-sonal welfare, these pseudo-leaders ally very readily with those who preach separatism, because their own shop � nds customers only in the politics of bonded control.

Here is the good news. This old politics has a new enemy: The young of the 21st century. Today’s young recognise something that was either unavailable, or obscured, to their par-ents -- the prospect of economic prosperity in an equal, shared, and dynamic India. Give the young a chance through that great instru-ment of hope, education, and an opportunity through that formidable source of empower-ment, an expanding, job-rich economy, and India will grasp that destiny promised so long ago, and elusive ever after. l

MJ Akbar is an Indian journalist. He is the founder of The Sunday Guardian. This article was � rst published in The Sunday Guardian.

A root problem needs a root answer

n Aminul Islam Sujon

Dhaka is one of the densest and most polluted cities in the world. As the ur-ban population surges, the city strug-

gles to cope with the changes due to internal constraints and management limitations. Its air, water, land, sound -- all are polluted. Horrible tra� c jams are also common.

The DCC su� ers from inactivity, resulting in poor delivery of its services such as water and sanitation, sewerage, waste manage-ment, and maintaining footpaths and roads. Most citizens struggle for their survival. Due to the poor planning and enforcement of laws/policies, and a lack of leadership at the top political levels, Dhaka has become one of the worst cities in the world.

Let’s start with water: Sewage (both human and industrial waste) is being dumped into the canals and rivers. Powerful locals, backed by political leaders, continue to build illegal structures on the water bodies. The leather industry remains one of the biggest culprits, having polluted the Buriganga beyond repair.

The High Court had issued an order in 2010 to tackle the issue, but the order has yet to achieve fruition. This comes as no surprise, with the government itself building roads by destroying the canals (the Paribagh khal is a worthy example).

The water and sanitation problem will become a big threat in the coming days, with ground water having gone down more than 70 metres, leading to the destruction of the ecological balance and leading to increase in temperature and diseases. The UN predicts

that by 2025, Dhaka will be home to more than 20 million people -- larger than Mexico, Beijing, and Shanghai. This will inevitably put further pressure on Dhaka’s already strained water management system.

To tackle the increasing demand for water, alternate, sustainable options must be looked into immediately to avoid disaster. The problem is not merely one of water availa-bility, but of waste management, held back by ine� ciency. With 80% of potable water ending up as waste-water, recycling becomes essential, a solution many developing coun-tries have already implemented.

Then there’s the issue of tra� c; it is by far one of the worst in the world. In an article pub-lished by the BBC, Joshua Martin reports that “it lacks a mass transit system or a major free-way to support the 15 million people who live and work here. A 15km ride in an auto-rick-shaw can take two to three hours in heavy tra� c, during which one has to contend with dust, exhaust fumes, extreme heat, and noise pollution. Tra� c laws aren’t usually enforced and vehicles move in a terrifying dance rou-tine.” In a piece by Michael Hobbes in The New Republic on July 2, 2014, it was reported that tra� c jams cost Dhaka an estimated $3.8bn.

The number of � yovers will indubitably increase in the next 15 years, increasing transport costs with little or no e� ect on the amount of tra� c. It mostly bene� ts private car owners, who make up a mere 5% of the population. In the greater Dhaka Metropol-itan Area, walking remains the main form of transport (37.2%), followed by rickshaws (28.5%), public buses (24.4%) and private

cars (3.8%). However, those who use public transport still have to walk a certain distance to reach their destination.

With only 400 kilometres of footpaths in the DCC area (according to DevCon), the plight of the pedestrian remains problematic. Ideally, Dhaka needs about 2,600 kilometres of footpaths. A study done by Work for a Bet-ter Bangladesh and HealthBridge reports that the most dangerous activities were cross-ing the road (46%) and walking along the road edge (35%). With only 3% of fatalities occurring at designated zebra crossings, it is evident that they provide e� ective protection for the pedestrian.

City-dwellers also su� er from a lack of public transport. There is no bust rapid

transit, despite e� orts to establish one from Gazipur to Sadarghat. Additionally, the recklessness of the bus drivers remains a constant menace. Comparatively, in other cities, safer and quicker modes of transport are provided in the form of trams or metro-rails.

With Dhaka being divided into two and having had no mayor since the sacking of Sadeque Hossain Khoka, there remains some potential for positive change. We, as citizens, can do little but hope for two new mayors who will provide us with the leadership to ensure safety and security for all of us. l

Aminul Islam Sujon is a member of Poribesh Bachao Andolon.

Challenges ahead for Dhaka

This old politics has a new enemy: The young of the 21st century. Today’s young recognise something that was unavailable, or obscured, to their parents

SYED LATIF HOSSAIN

OPINION14DT


n Omar Chowdhury

Annisul Huq was a no-show at the UNDP sponsored debate for the DNCC mayoral aspirants last week.

Mahi B Chowdhury very cor-rectly stated: “Annisul Huq is the de-facto mayor of DNCC. He is already protected by state security and does not deem it necessary to answer to the voters. But he cannot hide forever -- he has to appear before you and answer to you.”

In the ensuing debate, Mahi and Zonayed Saki were clearly a class apart. They both were charismatic, con� dent, and intelligently articulate. In my assessment, they outclassed all the other mayoral aspirants present.

After the debate, it was interesting to see most of the audience (comprised mainly of students) clamouring around Saki and Mahi to take photos/sel� es, whereas the other candidates were more or less ignored.

It then occurred to me that BNP had made another strategic blunder. Mahi had sought BNP’s blessing for DNCC mayor, but the BNP high command decided to back a newcomer candidate instead. I can only speculate that there was no green light from London for Mahi.

Every voter in Dhaka city knows of Mahi. He is a seasoned politician in his own right, besides being the son of former president B Chowdhury. At one time, he was a rising star of the BNP and a part of the inner circle of Hawa Bhaban.

Tarique Rahman has always viewed Mahi as a direct threat to his leadership in BNP. That threat was neutralised with the ouster of President B Chowdhury, followed by the formation of Bikalpa Dhara.

If Mahi had BNP’s blessing, he would have won by a landslide. If Mahi stays in the race, he is expected to substantially cut into the BNP vote, and it remains to be seen how far anti-incumbency can take the BNP candidate.

BNP keeps making one blunder after another. The election results will tell how voters respond to BNP’s re-entry into mainstream politics through participation in these local elections, after three months of petrol bombs, oborodh, and hartal. Or will BNP fall into another trap and withdraw from elections?

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina plays one masterstroke after another. The controversial January 5 elections in 2014 were preceded by the hanging of war criminal Quader Mol-

lah. Hasina then came to power through a one-sided election with the full support of the state machinery, a feat that BNP attempted twice and failed both times (1996 and 2007).

Hasina established the legitimacy of her government with an iron � st and unprece-dented development, and then cornered BNP into the ill-advised petrol bomb campaign.

After three months of non-stop oborodh and hartal, BNP had no choice but to capitu-

late and re-enter mainstream politics through these mayoral elections. The potential DNCC mayor front-runner Mahmudur Rahman Manna of Nagorik Oikya was trapped and neutralised.

Hasina’s choice of political outsider Annisul Huq was another brilliant tactic. War criminal Kamaruzzaman was executed on the eve of the mayoral elections -- no doubt that some executions will be saved for the national elections.

As our lives return to normal and we

thrash Pakistan in cricket, the public has lost interest in the disappearance of BNP’s Sala-huddin. Sheikh Hasina is by far the best polit-ical strategist we have seen in this century.

This mayoral election is viewed as more of a referendum of AL and BNP/Jamaat. Mayors have no real power other than garbage collec-tion -- all the power remains with the central government, directly under Sheikh Hasina.

Assuming that Hasina remains in power till 2019, Annisul Huq is the only DNCC may-oral candidate that can deliver. Annisul Huq needs no introduction -- he’s a good guy with a proven track record. If you want to see real development in Dhaka North, vote for Annis.

However, if you have had enough of Awami League and BNP/Jamaat, and want to see real change, vote for Zonayed Saki. Saki has been doing three talk shows per week for the last two years, courageously speaking out against the injustices perpetuated on the people by our own government and our own opposition.

From the time he was elected president of DU Chhatro Federation, he has spent his whole adult life as a politician with the peo-ple, on the street, in every movement from the fall of Ershad to the trial of war criminals, and seeking compensation for victims of Rana Plaza.

Elect Saki as mayor of DNCC, and watch the change in the political culture of Bangla-desh. l

Omar Chowdhury is CEO of Jukto Front.

Voting for change

The election results will tell how voters respond to BNP’s re-entry into mainstream politics through participation in these local elections, after three months of petrol bombs, oborodh, and hartal.

BIGSTOCK

15D

TBusiness WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 2015

Indonesia’s Widodo to investors: If you have a problem, call me

Saudi oil production near record high in April

DSEX slips to 16-month low17 1916

Center of Excellence launched to improve RMG productivity

20

Financial supports remain elusive to Rana Plaza victimsn Tribune Report

Rana Plaza victims and their family members are still su� ering from various kinds of physical and mental problems despite several initiatives taken to improve their living conditions over the last two years, say � ndings of a leading local think tank yesterday.

Besides, the amount of � nancial support received by the victims and their families so far is insu� cient to meet their needs, although they were promised complete � nancial support to cover their monthly expenses as well as medical expenses for their treatment.

The � ndings were disclosed at a dialogue on “Rana Plaza Tragedy: Two Years After” arranged by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) at the city’s BRAC Centre Inn to mark the second anniversary of the collapse of the Rana Plaza building that housed garment factories in which more than 1,100 people died.

The victims and their families have spent a signi� cant amount of money for the treatment of their conditions over the years although many of them were constrained by inadequate � nancial capacities, according to the fourth monitoring report of CPD presented by additional research director Khondaker Golam Moazzem at the function.

The monitoring report was prepared by taking telephone interviews this month of a selected number of victims and their family members to evaluate the current state of their physical condition, treatment for their injuries and the source of � nance for their current state of their employment and income, and the status of � nancial support.

The report said most of the victims have children who require essential services like education, which is di� cult to provide them from their limited income.

They are not at the same level compared to their condition prior to the collapse of Rana

Plaza, it said. “The living condition is very poor for the

severely injured workers, and for families whose members were deceased but are yet to be identi� ed. Among the injured workers, a few are employed locally in o� -farm jobs after receiving training under various initiatives founded by di� erent organizations.”

However, it said in most cases, their income is below what they received earlier. They are unemployed due to their poor physical condition and inability to engage in daily work.

At the function, victim and traumatised garment worker, Jesmin, described her ordeals since the Rana Plaza tragedy with

choking voice. “I was under the rubble

for two days. My backbone has completely broken. I got back my sense at the CMH Hospital, Savar, after six days into the incident. After six months, I was released from the hospital.”

She said, “Now, I cannot work. High buildings still scar me. I got Tk50,000 from BILLS and Tk10,000 from Prime Minister’s fund over the last two years.”

After the death of her husband in 2010, Jesmin had to join the garment work. “Still, I have to take medicine worth Tk3,000-Tk4,000 per month. But the money what I received is not enough. Days are going somehow.”

Monowara Begum’s husband died at the Rana Plaza incident. She said, “I got Tk20,000 for burial of my husband. “After that, I got nothing. The life is so hard...the future is dark.”

The CPD report said during the second year, no additional missing workers have been identi� ed through the use of DNA test or through veri� cation of documents submitted by victims’ family members.

However, it said during the second year, considerable progress has been made in the areas, including commitment of the global clothing retailers’ towards providing long-term support to the victims.

Labour and Employment Secretary Mikail Shipar, former president of BGMEA Abdus Salam Murshedy, BGMEA Vice-President Md Shahidullah Azim, Assistant Executive Director of BILS Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, President of Sommilito Garments and Dorji Sromik League Roy Ramesh Chandra and CPD distinguished fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, among others, spoke at the programme. l

CPD distinguished fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya speaks at a dialogue on Rana Plaza tragedy on its two years completion in Dhaka yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

TIB: Disburse PM’s fund for Rana Plaza victimsn Abid Azad

The Bangladesh chapter of Transparency In-ternational yesterday said about Tk108 crore in the prime minister’s fund for Rana Plaza victims had remained unused.

“It has been two years since the Rana Pla-za collapse. But still Tk108 crore out of Tk127 crore deposited in the PM’s fund for the vic-tims is yet to be disbursed,” TIB Trustee Board Chairperson Sultana Kamal said.

“We received complaints that many of the victims have not been given compensa-tion while many others did not get adequate amount of money as compensation. The money meant for the victims is shown as the PM’s fund,” she said at a press conference at Midas Centre in the capital.

She demanded punishment of those re-sponsible for the deadly building collapse, caused due to negligence.

Over 1,138 workers, mostly women, were killed while over 2,500 others injured in one of the world’s deadliest disasters on April 24, 2013.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzam-an said: “Rana Plaza collapse is an example of how people sacri� ce their lives because of corruption. Even after two years, an appro-priate compensation mechanism is yet to be adopted to distribute the money among the victims and their families.”

He said the wage of garment workers was not su� cient while the garment owners’ body BGMEA on di� erent occasions take ben-e� ts from the government showing excuses.

Iftekhar also proposed that the govern-ment establishes a separate ministry to en-sure good governance in the RMG sector in the long-run.

The TIB demanded that the fund authorities make public the list of victims who got com-pensation and the amount already distributed.

At the programme, the Berlin-based cor-ruption watchdog also disclosed � ndings of a follow-up research on the steps made by the government and other organisations in the last one year and the implementation process.

The � ndings show that $15m out of the $21m collected by the Rana Plaza Donor’s Fund have been distributed among the vic-tims in phases.

The study � nds that the government and oth-er stakeholders had partially implemented the initiatives they had taken in the previous years.

It says there have been no work towards establishing a separate ministry, formulating rules for trade unions and federations, and raising a workers’ welfare fund.

Around 220 small and medium factories were closed last year for not meeting require-ments with 1-1.5 lakh workers losing job, TIB says. l

BUSINESS16DT


Indonesia’s Widodo to investors: If you have a problem, call men Reuters, Jakarta

President Joko Widodo urged investors on Monday to come to Indonesia, promising “incredible pro� ts” and assuring them that if they run into any problems they can give him a call.

Widodo, who was elected president six months ago amid hopes that he would bring much-needed reform to Asia’s � fth-largest economy, has come under � re recently for failing to deliver radical change and a series of policy reversals.

Addressing a World Economic Forum meeting in Jakarta, he conceded that Indo-nesia now faced signi� cant challenges, and compared them to the country’s over-reli-ance on crude oil exports when oil prices crashed after the 1970s boom.

“Today we are in the same situation,” he said, referring to the push needed after the collapse of oil prices to build industries from textiles and garments to paper and palm oil.

“Commodity prices have crashed. Our currency has been hit. But let me tell you, we have done it before and we shall do it again.”

He said the Indonesian economy now needed to shift from consumption to produc-tion and to investment in infrastructure, in-dustry and human capital.

The president wants to raise growth in Southeast Asia’s largest economy to 5.7% this year from 5.02% in 2014, and attain 7% growth on average in his � ve-year tenure.

Widodo, making a rare speech in English at the start of a week during which Jakarta will also host an Asia-Africa Conference, said he had told his cabinet ministers to be honest about their challenges.

“Please come and invest in Indonesia. Be-cause where we see challenges, I see opportu-nity,” he said. “And if you have any problem, call me.”

‘Don’t squeeze investors’ Widodo, who came to o� ce last year partly on a pledge to revive the economy, has vowed to improve the business climate and bring new investment.

He sees the WEF as a key platform to push his agenda, where delegated included Co-ca-Cola and US oil giant Chevron as well as Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Rus-

sian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvork-ovich.

However, Widodo, who took power in Oc-tober, has his work cut out to improve the investment climate, with investors put o� in recent years by policies seen as nationalistic in the banking and mining sectors, and com-plex bureaucracy.

Indonesia came a dismal 114th in the World Bank’s latest rankings on the ease of doing business, out of 189 countries.

The president has already taken some steps. He almost entirely axed fuel subsidies that gobbled up a huge chunk of the econo-my in the early months of his administration, freeing up billions of dollars.

But analysts said momentum appears to have slowed and accused the government of sending mixed signals. They pointed to a ban introduced last week on the sale of beer at small shops across the Muslim-majority country, which sparked anger from interna-tional brewers.

“If you want to roll (out) the red carpet, don’t squeeze them when they come,” said Yose Rizal Damuri from Jakarta think-tank the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

A major focus for Widodo is improving in-frastructure, with potholed roads and ageing ports a key complaint of investors - a prob-lem all too clear for delegates arriving in the chaotic capital Jakarta, which su� ers chronic tra� c jams and has scant public transport. l

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo gestures as he delivers a speech during the interactive session of the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Jakarta REUTERS

India’s rupee management undermines hedging pushn Reuters, Mumbai

The Reserve Bank of India’s intervention to temper the rupee’s rise is in� ating foreign exchange hedging costs, impeding its own e� orts to bolster Corporate India’s defences against potential currency turbulence.

For long, one of the biggest concerns for the RBI has been the risk of a destabilising out� ow of funds as the US Federal Reserve edges closer towards raising interest rates from historic lows.

However, it is the rush of foreign money coming into Asia’s third-biggest economy - about $14.3bn has � owed into debt and equity markets this year - that is putting the central bank in a tight spot, forcing it to buy dollars in the spot market and sell them in the forward market.

The e� ect of removing excess rupees from the system as the RBI sterilises the in� ation-ary e� ect of money supply has further driv-en up rupee interest rates above dollar rates. This means banks and companies have to pay more rupees to hedge their dollar liabilities in the futures markets.

Ashish Vaidya, head of trading, asset liabil-ity management at DBS in Mumbai, said the RBI has to walk a � ne line as it looks to ensure price stability while taking the upward pres-sure o� the rupee from capital in� ows.

“The RBI is buying dollars in the spot mar-

ket and then paying forward to remove the surge of rupee liquidity, as it has to maintain price stability,” he said.

Corporates must now pay upwards of 7.6% to buy dollars and sell rupees to meet future obligations. The six-month forward premium on the dollar versus the rupee has risen by around 35 basis points so far in 2015.

“The implication of higher forward dollar/ru-pee premium is importers are hedging less than they should, which is a risk to the banking sys-tem,” said Anindya Das Gupta, managing direc-tor, head of trading at Barclays in India - precise-ly the kind of risk the RBI wants to minimise.

Underscoring the perils of inadequate hedging, the rupee fell 0.9% intraday on Mon-day - its steepest slide since Dec 16.

Last October, RBI Deputy Governor H.R. Khan warned the hedge ratio for overseas loans and foreign convertible debt had halved to around 15% in July-August from the previ-ous � scal year.

Capital flowsThe rupee was the third best performing currency in Asia in the March quarter, rising 0.85% - backed by rising in� ows on optimism over economic growth, stable in� ation and structural reforms. It has retreated since then and is up around 0.2% so far in 2015.

The robust capital in� ows have boosted importers’ con� dence that any rupee depreciation will be less costly than a hedge, while most exporters have also been lax about hedging on the view the currency will move in a tight band.

“If we hedge, we will lose a lot of money,” a senior o� cial at a state-run oil company said, noting the short import payments period.

The stubbornly strong rupee has ramped up RBI’s operations in the spot forex market - it bought a net $20bn in January and February. The central bank has also been swapping rupees for dollars in the forward market, adding $260m in up to one-year dollar contracts in February. In contrast, the RBI’s net dollar holdings in tenors up to one-year fell sharply by $6.49bn in December.

“We are not going to maintain any particular level for the rupee and so they (� rms) have to recognize that they are taking on a big risk,” Governor Raghuram Rajan said earlier this month, sounding a warning to � rms that aren’t hedging their currency exposure. l

India’s reserves rise $20bn in Q1, buck slower reserve growth trendn Reuters, London

India has posted the biggest gain in hard cur-rency reserves of any major emerging econ-omy in the past year, bucking the weaker trend in fellow BRICS states Russia, Brazil and South Africa.

Indian reserves stood at $343bn at the end of March 2015, up more than $20bn from end-2014 levels and a jump of almost $40bn from a year ago.

Reforms after a pro-business government took o� ce last May triggered huge foreign in-� ows into Indian markets, which the central bank used in order to rebuild reserves.

But Russia’s reserves fell $130bn or 27% from last March after authorities spent bil-lions defending the rouble amid last year’s oil crash and the con� ict in Ukraine. Reserves are $30bn below end-2014 levels.

Some of this, however, is down to valua-tions - the euro, comprising 40% of Russian reserves is down 23% in the past year against the dollar.

“Capital in� ows into emerging markets have slowed compared to pre-crisis years, hence a slowdown in reserve accumulation,” said Man-ik Narain, a strategist at UBS, referring to inves-tors’ wariness over slower growth and worsen-ing politics in the developing world. l

The RBI is buying dollars in the spot market and then paying forward to remove the surge of rupee liquidity, as it has to maintain price stability

BUSINESS 17D


‘Saudi oil production near record high’n Reuters, Seoul

Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi says Saudi Arabia is producing near record levels of crude in April, underscoring the kingdom’s willingness to defend market share at a time when oil markets have staged a fragile recovery.

There are worries that grow-ing production from Saudi Ara-bia and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) could snu� out a recent re-bound in oil prices, particularly with economic growth in key oil consumer China the slowest in six years in the � rst quarter.

OPEC had said its overall out-put surged to 30.79 million bar-rels per day in March, up 810,000 bpd from the previous month, with demand higher than ex-pected due to lower prices.

Naimi said that oil pro-duction in Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude exporter, was “around 10 million” bpd in April.

“I have said many times we will always be happy to supply to our customers with what

they want. Now they want 10 million,” Naimi said in an inter-view in the South Korean cap-ital, where he is due to attend a board meeting of the state oil � rm Saudi Aramco.

Naimi earlier this month said that Saudi Arabia produced some 10.3 million bpd of crude in March, eclipsing a previous high of 10.2 million bpd in Au-gust 2013, according to records going back to the early 1980s.

Oil prices have risen around 17% this month, pushed up by reports of a possible dip in US output, but Morgan Stanley warned on Monday that Saudi production could be more im-portant than developments in the United States.

“We worry about the mar-ket’s � xation on the US ... OPEC production may be more impor-tant as production increased 1 million barrels per day month-on-month in March. Saudi Ara-bia alone added the equivalent of half of Bakken (the largest US shale oil � eld) production in a matter of months – far beyond any US slowdown,” the bank said in a note. l

Saudi Arabia’s Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi talks to journalists before a meeting of OPEC oil ministers at OPEC’s headquarters in Vienna REUTERS

China slowdown to lower steel demand growthn Reuters, London

Global steel use should grow at a slightly slower pace this year than last because of China’s slow down, although elsewhere steel use is mostly improving and 2016 prospects look bright-er, the World Steel Association said on Monday.

“We hear increasingly posi-tive use from developed econ-omies, especially ... the euro zone. In the developing world we see increased optimism about India and growth in the MENA and ASEAN countries,” said Hans Jurgen Kerkho� ,

chairman of the group’s Eco-nomics Committee.

Global apparent steel use is expected to grow by 0.5% this year to 1.544bn tonnes, com-pared with growth of 0.6% last year, Worldsteel said.

This primarily because use in China, which accounts for about half of the world’s steel consump-tion, is expected to fall 0.5% to 707.2m tonnes from last year.

Next year, however, global apparent steel use is expected to grow 1.4% to 1.566bn tonnes. Emerging and developing econ-omies should be up 4 percent, developed economies 1.8%. l

BUSINESS18DT


SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

Sector DSE CSE TotalMillion Taka % change Million Taka % change Million Taka % change

Bank 274.87 6.25 10.71 2.88 285.58 5.99NBFI 114.84 2.61 9.18 2.46 124.02 2.60Investment 24.64 0.56 1.36 0.37 26.00 0.55Engineering 595.53 13.54 53.84 14.46 649.37 13.61Food & Allied 154.37 3.51 5.72 1.54 160.08 3.36Fuel & Power 1144.97 26.03 104.57 28.08 1249.54 26.19Jute 36.80 0.84 0.00 36.80 0.77Textile 425.48 9.67 44.42 11.93 469.89 9.85Pharma & Chemical 654.75 14.89 38.71 10.40 693.46 14.54Paper & Packaging 13.58 0.31 1.49 0.40 15.07 0.32Service 195.19 4.44 11.48 3.08 206.67 4.33Leather 17.93 0.41 0.72 0.19 18.65 0.39Ceramic 32.72 0.74 4.34 1.17 37.06 0.78Cement 57.49 1.31 7.45 2.00 64.93 1.36Information Technology 196.45 4.47 8.85 2.38 205.31 4.30General Insurance 21.59 0.49 0.72 0.19 22.31 0.47Life Insurance 47.77 1.09 2.62 0.70 50.39 1.06Telecom 155.41 3.53 25.56 6.87 180.97 3.79Travel & Leisure 108.46 2.47 20.80 5.59 129.26 2.71Miscellaneous 105.97 2.41 19.77 5.31 125.74 2.64Debenture 19.40 0.44 0.03 0.01 19.42 0.41

Prepared exclusively for Dhaka Tribune by Business Information Automation Service Line (BIASL), on the basis of information collected from daily stock quotations and audited reports of the listed companies. High level of caution has been taken to collect and present the above information and data. The publisher will not take any responsibility if any body uses this information and data for his/her investment decision. For any query please email to [email protected] or call 01552153562 or go to www.biasl.net

News, analysis and recent disclosuresBDTHAI: The Board of Directors has recommended 10% stock dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2014. Date of AGM: 22.06.2015, Time: 11:30 AM, Venue: Trust Milonayaton 545, Old Air-port Road, Jahangir Gate, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka-1206. Record Date: 04.05.2015. The Company has also reported net pro� t after tax of Tk. 73.20 million, EPS of Tk. 1.54, NAV per share of Tk. 51.63 and NOCFPS of Tk. 6.05 for the year ended on December 31, 2014.PIONEERINS: The Board of Directors has recommended 5% cash dividend and 25% stock dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2014. Date of AGM: 21.05.2015, Time: 11:00 AM, Venue: O� cers Club, 26 Baily Road, Dhaka-1000. Record Date: 04.05.2015. The Company has also reported EPS (after tax) of Tk. 3.90, EPS (after tax and reserve) of Tk. 2.02, NAV per share of Tk. 26.33 and NOCFPS of Tk. 5.13 for the year ended on December 31, 2014.PIONEERINS: (Q1 Un-audited): Pro� t after taxes from Jan15 to Mar15 was Tk. 69.04 million with EPS of Tk. 1.36 as against Tk. 65.44 million and Tk. 1.28 respectively for the same period of the previous year. How-ever, considering proposed bonus share 25% for the year 2014, restated basic EPS will be Tk. 1.09 as on 31.03.15 and Tk. 1.03 as on 31.03.14.Board Meeting: PARAMOUNT on April 27, 2015 at 3:00 PM, NTC on April 21, 2015 at 6:00 PM, CITYBANK on April 25, 2015 at 11:00 AM instead of April 22, 2015.IPO Subscription: Olympic Accessories Limited Subscription 19.04.2015 TO 23.04.2015, NRB UPTO 02.05.2015. O� er Price per share Tk. 10.00, Market Lot (Shares) 500.

Dividend/AGMPROVATIINS: 12% stock, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 04.05.2015. IBNSINA: 30% cash and 5% stock, AGM: 06.06.2015, Record Date: 10.05.2015.AGRANINS: 10% cash, AGM: 30.05.2015, Record Date: 29.04.2015.ABBANK: 12.50% stock, EGM and AGM: 17.05.2015, Record date for EGM and AGM: 23.04.2015.IFIC: 15% Stock dividend, AGM: 17.06.2015, Record Date: 20.05.2015. MERCINS: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 09.06.2015, Record Date: 22.04.2015. NORTHRNINS: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 22.04.2015. CITYGENINS: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 15.06.2015, Record Date: 22.04.2015. SHASHADNIM: 20% cash and 15% stock dividend, AGM: 21.05.2015, Record date: 23.04.2015. POPULARLIF: 40% Stock dividend, AGM: 11.06.2015, Record Date: 23.04.2015.

CSE GAINER

Company Closing (% Change)

Aver-age (%

Change)

Closin-gAvg. Closing DHIGH DLOW Turnover

in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

BD Submarine Cable-A 9.92 7.60 123.43 124.10 124.10 117.00 9.982 0.76 162.4Sonargaon Tex -Z 9.82 9.82 12.30 12.30 12.30 12.30 0.163 -0.84 -veAlltex Industries -Z 9.80 3.46 26.01 26.90 26.90 23.60 6.220 2.02 12.9WesternMarine -N 9.41 2.76 50.71 52.30 52.50 47.40 32.913 1.76 28.8Standard Insurance-A 9.20 9.20 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 0.001 3.07 6.2AsianTigerSandhani GF-A 8.62 3.19 6.15 6.30 6.30 5.90 0.528 0.00 -ACI Formulations-A 8.45 4.27 138.76 143.70 145.00 130.00 5.577 3.27 42.4ACI Limited- A 7.50 2.66 524.95 539.20 539.20 488.50 14.448 9.57 54.9United Power-N 6.63 9.53 224.52 226.70 229.90 215.00 55.895 7.11 31.6Shinepukur Cera-Z 4.35 7.59 12.34 12.00 12.60 11.40 0.213 0.39 31.6

DSE GAINER


Aver-age (%

Change)


in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

BD Submarine Cable-A 9.93 8.34 123.49 124.00 124.00 117.60 34.201 0.76 162.5Alltex Industries -Z 9.76 4.60 26.13 27.00 27.00 24.10 59.760 2.02 12.9Sonargaon Tex -Z 9.73 9.56 12.38 12.40 12.40 12.30 1.734 -0.84 -veWesternMarine -N 9.39 2.67 50.69 52.40 52.60 47.50 215.913 1.76 28.8AsianTigerSandhani GF-A 8.47 4.36 6.22 6.40 6.40 5.90 1.865 0.00 -ACI Formulations-A 7.76 2.88 137.84 143.00 144.80 130.00 72.410 3.27 42.2ACI Limited- A 7.52 1.70 519.00 536.40 536.40 485.00 168.331 9.57 54.2United Power-N 6.66 9.30 224.49 225.80 228.70 216.00 526.741 7.11 31.6Samata LeatheR -Z 5.85 5.53 18.14 18.10 18.80 18.00 0.039 -0.46 -veModern Dyeing -Z 5.61 10.45 74.07 69.70 70.00 69.00 0.004 -0.50 -ve

CSE LOSER


Aver-age (%

Change)


in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

Grameen M F One-A -9.72 -9.72 19.50 19.50 19.50 19.50 0.008 1.50 13.0Fareast Finance-Z -8.62 -9.15 10.63 10.60 11.00 10.50 0.797 1.88 5.7Reliance1 M.F.-A -8.33 -6.94 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.50 0.003 0.62 8.9Anlima Yarn -A -7.82 -7.67 16.50 16.50 16.50 16.50 0.040 0.74 22.3S.B. 1st M. F.-A -7.59 -7.59 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 0.001 1.54 4.7Standard Ceramic -A -7.25 -7.25 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 0.048 0.52 61.5Saiham Tex.A -7.23 -7.11 21.83 21.80 22.00 21.60 0.011 2.42 9.0Apex Foods -A -6.45 -6.45 87.00 87.00 87.00 87.00 0.026 3.20 27.2Imam Button -Z -6.45 -4.67 8.77 8.70 8.80 8.70 0.052 -1.48 -veGreenDeltaInsu -A -6.35 -5.42 47.63 47.20 50.00 45.40 0.014 2.96 16.1

DSE LOSER


Aver-age (%

Change)


in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

Fareast Finance-Z -9.40 -9.59 10.65 10.60 11.00 10.60 5.274 1.88 5.7Aziz PipesZ -7.25 -6.54 17.86 17.90 18.00 17.50 0.025 -0.37 -veGSP Finance-A -6.67 -5.87 11.55 11.20 12.10 11.10 6.166 1.02 11.3Prime Textile -A -6.25 -7.63 15.01 15.00 16.00 14.80 0.107 1.00 15.0Metro Spinning -A -5.88 -5.66 9.83 9.60 10.20 9.60 1.970 0.44 22.3BGIC -A -5.73 -5.28 14.88 14.80 15.50 14.50 1.137 1.31 11.4BD. Autocars -Z -5.71 -5.70 16.54 16.50 17.20 16.30 0.091 0.14 118.1Hakkani P& Paper -B -5.69 -5.14 20.10 19.90 21.40 19.60 0.348 0.42 47.9The Peninsula CTG.-N -5.56 -4.54 19.12 18.70 20.40 18.50 15.373 1.46 13.1Rahima Food -Z -5.45 -5.01 24.46 24.30 25.00 24.10 0.314 -0.42 -ve

DSE key features April 21, 2015Turnover (Million Taka)

4,398.20

Turnover (Volume)

98,418,370

Number of Contract

110,334

Traded Issues 311

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

63

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

244

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

4

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,453.45

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

29.74

CSE key features April 21, 2015Turnover (Million Taka)

372.33

Turnover (Volume)

10,139,604

Number of Contract

18,342

Traded Issues 238

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

50

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

181

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

7

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,371.89

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.75

BUSINESS 19D


DSEX slips to 16-month lown Tribune Report

Stocks extended losses for the second straight session yesterday, with the bench-mark index DSEX sinking 16-month low.

The benchmark index DSEX lost 25 points or 0.6% to settle at 4,283. It was the low-est level since December 30, 2013, when it was 4,266.

The Shariah Index DSES dropped nearly 4 points or 0.4% to 1,045. The compris-ing blue chips DS30 was mar-ginally down 2 points or 0.2% to 1,632.

Chittagong Stock Ex-change (CSE) Selective Cate-gories Index, CSCX, closed at 8,053, shedding 33 points.

Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Ltd (BSCCL) shone, gaining the highest al-most 10% following the news that the Cabinet on Monday approved an agreement with India to export bandwidth that will fetch Bangladesh $1.2m every year.

The United Power Genera-tion and Distribution Compa-ny Limited continued to rally abnormally, as it rose 6.7%, making it also the most trad-ed scrips.

The total turnover on DSE also declined Tk439 crore, registering a fall of 4.5% over the previous session.

Lanka Bangla Securities said, “After previous day’s terrible trading session the market went through anoth-er harsh day as investors still

seem to be in a selling mood”.It said the opposition par-

ty’s announcement of strike today (Wednesday) added fuel to the � re, said the stock broker.

IDLC Investments said “After previous day’s helpless submission, the market saw a volatile session which ulti-mately yielded to sellers.”

Exploiting current trend of investors’ mass-migration to select a few stocks, United Power has recently emerged as the largest cap stock in power sector, ousting long term champion Titas Gas.

The shaky con� dence level in � nancial system is more pro-nounced in bank sector as it gradually fell behind from the largest market capitalisation sector to be the 4th largest within past one year, it said.

Large-cap sectors posted mixed performance. Fuel and power experienced the highest gain of the session 1%. Telecommunication and pharmaceuticals closed � at. l

The Shariah Index DSES dropped nearly 4 points or 0.4% to 1,045. The comprising blue chips DS30 was marginally down 2 points or 0.2% to 1,632

ANALYST

Daily capital market highlightsDSE Broad Index : 4283.24700 (-) 0.58% ▼

DSE - 30 Index : 1632.24690 (-) 0.13% ▼

CSE All Share Index: 13225.05330 (-) 0.27% ▼

CSE - 30 Index : 10763.60090 (-) 0.43% ▼

CSE Selected Index : 8053.37740 (-) 0.21% ▼

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS

Company Volume-Shares

Value in Million

% of Total-Turnover ClosingP Change % ClosingY DHIGH DLOW AvgPrice

United Power-N 248,951 55.89 15.01 226.70 6.63 212.60 229.90 215.00 224.52WesternMarine -N 649,079 32.91 8.84 52.30 9.41 47.80 52.50 47.40 50.71MJL BD Ltd.-A 145,480 19.08 5.12 130.60 2.92 126.90 133.80 126.30 131.16Grameenphone-A 46,246 15.58 4.18 332.80 -0.09 333.10 346.80 331.30 336.93UNITED AIR-A 1,996,614 15.35 4.12 7.90 3.95 7.60 8.10 7.30 7.69ACI Limited- A 27,523 14.45 3.88 539.20 7.50 501.60 539.20 488.50 524.95BEXIMCO Ltd. -A 420,041 12.86 3.45 30.30 -1.62 30.80 31.10 30.20 30.61Khulna Power-A 174,546 11.24 3.02 64.70 0.78 64.20 65.40 62.80 64.40BD Submarine Cable-A 80,871 9.98 2.68 124.10 9.92 112.90 124.10 117.00 123.43SAIF Powertec-N 121,442 9.06 2.43 74.60 2.75 72.60 76.00 72.00 74.60Shasha Denims -N 172,290 7.40 1.99 42.30 -2.98 43.60 44.00 41.80 42.94Moza� ar H.Spinning-A 196,875 6.69 1.80 34.00 -0.87 34.30 34.50 33.60 34.00Ifad Autos -N 84,647 6.68 1.79 78.20 0.90 77.50 81.00 77.50 78.92Square Pharma -A 24,740 6.32 1.70 254.50 -0.78 256.50 258.00 254.00 255.45Alltex Industries -Z 239,097 6.22 1.67 26.90 9.80 24.50 26.90 23.60 26.01

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS

Company Volume-Shares

Value in Million

% of Total-Turnover ClosingP Change

% ClosingY DHIGH DLOW Avg-Price

United Power-N 2,346,340 526.74 11.98 225.80 6.66 211.70 228.70 216.00 224.49WesternMarine -N 4,259,694 215.91 4.91 52.40 9.39 47.90 52.60 47.50 50.69Square Pharma -A 712,638 181.91 4.14 254.40 -0.63 256.00 257.80 254.00 255.26ACI Limited- A 324,335 168.33 3.83 536.40 7.52 498.90 536.40 485.00 519.00Khulna Power-A 2,559,207 165.33 3.76 64.70 0.94 64.10 65.60 62.90 64.60MJL BD Ltd.-A 1,200,762 155.72 3.54 131.20 3.55 126.70 132.00 126.00 129.69Ifad Autos -N 1,773,021 140.64 3.20 78.90 1.81 77.50 81.60 77.50 79.32Agni Systems -A 3,958,065 125.74 2.86 31.90 2.57 31.10 32.40 30.80 31.77Grameenphone-A 363,281 121.21 2.76 332.60 0.18 332.00 342.00 331.00 333.65SAIF Powertec-N 1,547,532 115.37 2.62 74.40 1.92 73.00 76.00 72.20 74.55Brac Bank -A 3,328,856 115.23 2.62 34.90 1.16 34.50 35.90 34.30 34.61Shasha Denims -N 1,945,301 84.00 1.91 42.30 -3.86 44.00 46.00 41.70 43.18SummitAlliancePort.-A 1,323,126 72.94 1.66 54.50 -1.80 55.50 56.40 54.00 55.13ACI Formulations-A 525,307 72.41 1.65 143.00 7.76 132.70 144.80 130.00 137.84Shahjibazar Power-N 377,314 61.75 1.40 161.40 -2.89 166.20 169.90 159.00 163.66

The total turnover on DSE also declined Tk439 crore, registering a fall of 4.5% over the previous session

BUSINESS20DT


Center of Excellence launched to improve RMG productivityn Tribune Report

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Ex-porters Association has launched Center of Excellence for Bangladesh Apparel Industry (CEBAI) to improve productivity through re-search and development.

The CEBAI is designed to establish a rep-licable industry-driven training and support service model for Bangladesh garment sector.

It will also provide certi� ed training to im-prove the quality of workers and productivity in the RMG factories to enable them to have their skills formally recognised.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed un-veiled the logo of the Center at a city hotel yesterday.

Earlier on December 7 last year, Prime Min-ister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Center.

“The CEBAI can play a signi� cant role by providing the garment industry with skills and need-based training for the workers,” said Tofail Ahmed.

He added: “Most importantly, the Center will also regularly conduct research on the industry to keep it in the right track of the de-velopment and act as the think-tank for the apparel industry.”

The objectives of the project are to boost workers’ productivity through skill develop-ment, strengthening management at factory level, setting market strategy for further val-ue addition, suggestion for policy directives,

economic forecast, said Prof Syed Forhat An-war.

Prof Anwar, who teaches at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of Dhaka Uni-versity, made a presentation on the CEBAI.

“Expansion of RMG market is very impor-tant for Bangladesh to achieve the export tar-gets,” he said suggesting setting up of export zones abroad as the country lacks enough land.

BGMEA Vice-President Reaz Bin Mahmood said the CEBAI would work to device curric-ula for workers’ training, make policy direc-tives and conduct exclusive research works for the sector to achieve $50bn export target by 2021.

Country director of International Labor Or-ganisation Srinivash B Reddy said the CEBAI is aimed at building skills that the industry needs.

It also would reduce gap between suppli-ers and buyers, he added.

The CEBAI is the � rst integrated approach in the country to address the issues of the RMG industry both as a think tank and also as an institute where training will be provide to develop various skills, said BGMEA president Atiqul Islam.

Sate Minister for Foreign A� airs Shahriar Alam, AAMS Are� n Siddique, Vice Chancel-lor, University of Dhaka, Tomoko Nishimoto, Assistant Director General and Regional Di-rector for the Asia Paci� c, ILO were present at the programme. l

HSBC holds workshop on hedging forex risksn Tribune Business Desk

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Cor-poration Limited in Bangladesh yesterday organised a workshop on hedging of interest rate and foreign exchange risks.

It was facilitated by head of global mar-kets, HSBC Bangladesh, Bashar M Tareq and head of corporate risk advisory, global mar-kets, HSBC Asia Paci� c, Anita Mishra.

HSBC sta� and clients attended the work-shop and took part in interactive sessions, said a press release. The speakers discussed about relevant risks in foreign exchange and the tools to minimise the risks. Head of com-mercial banking, HSBC Bangladesh, Bhu-vnesh Khanna and CEO of HSBC Bangladesh, Francois de Maricourt, also spoke. l

Uddipan CEO Emranul elected CDF chairmann Tribune Business Desk

Emranul Huq Chowdhury, executive director and CEO of Uddipan, has been elected chair-man for Credit and Development Forum (CDF).

The new chairman won uncontested in the election held at BRAC INN on April 18, 2015.

Emranul has long been involved in a se-ries of national, regional and international

networks and organisations like PKSF, BSAF, CRGA, INAFI Bangladesh, and Asian Resource Foundation.

Family members of UDDIPAN extend wishes to his latest victory for greater success in the days to come.

Credit and Development Forum is the net-work of NGOs across the country dealing with Micro Finance. l

21D

TWEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015T

-JUN

CT

ION

INSIDE22 Trial room Picture perfect: Asif Azim

Turn up the heatPhoto courtesy: Sailor

24 DecorRenovation: Round Two Finishing touches

Trial RoomWEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

T-JUNCTION22DT

Picture perfect: Asif Azim“If you know me, you have to love me.”

n Baizid Haque Joarder

One look at him, and you know that he portrays the image of the quintessential man. An ideal jawline and Greek god-like physique, Asif Azim is rightfully among the top 100 models in the world. The only Bangladeshi in the list, he has represented our country on a global platform. He’s been in the fashion scene for over a decade and has worked all around the world, modelling for industry heavyweights like Calvin Klein, FCUK, Tommy Hil� ger, Zara, Boss, Puma, Reebok and Levis, to name a few. Asif has been on the cover for other reputable magazines as well.

Currently residing in India’s major fashion city Mumbai, Asif is among the top tier of models there. Working with household names such as Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and other fashion bigwigs, he’s a household name at Fashion Week.

Asif was recently spotted walking the ramp as the brand ambassador for Sailor, a new fashion brand. Baizid Haque Joarder joined him for a cup of co� ee to share a side of him very few people are aware of.

What comes naturally to you, modelling or acting?I believe that in order to become a good model, you need to be a good actor. The two

mediums may be di� erent but they require similar skills like body-language, emotions and so on. It is also harder to portray a story through one photograph than an entire movie. No matter what you are going through in your personal life, the job requires you to get up and smile at the cameras. And that needs a great deal of acting skill – skill that you constantly need to build on.

All that being said, men have three things they need to work for: their job, food and …“fun.” If you are focused and enjoy what you’re doing, you are bound to do good!

There’s a common misconception that certain parts of our modelling industry is “shady” and unprofessional. This has become so widespread that it has given birth to a stigma – what is your take on this? No, it’s really up to you. I have worked with many reputable brands and never faced anything of that sort. I don’t believe that our industry is shady, at least not more so than any other. If you really think about it, there will be “unprofessionalism,” for the lack of a better word, in places that have room for it. People love to take shortcuts to success and do what is required to climb the ladder as fast as possible. This never does anyone any good. They may succeed till a certain point, but they can never really reach the heights of success. At most they may live a comfortable

life, but that will be all there is to it. As for perceptions, they change with time.

Previously, people believed that “good” jobs could only be found when you found work in the foreign service or became a doctor or an engineer. However, times are changing. The fashion industry has grown with quality brands like Sailor in the market. More jobs have been created over time. Right now, it’s all up to your upbringing. If that is right, one can go very far in the industry. I hope parents don’t discourage their children because of these misconceptions and they can shine in the � elds they want.

Everyone seems to know about your plans for Bollywood...

A smile breaks out across Asif’s face. Let’s not talk about that now. All I’ll say is that I am working my way there. If there is

any news, you will know soon enough. Right now, I want to focus on Bangladesh and want to make my countrymen proud. I am constantly trying to work as hard as possible to do just that. I believe in hard work and I know it pays o� – I just hope I have the support of my fans along the way.

Your recent participation at Bigg Boss brought you to the limelight, sometimes for controversies that still have not been spoken about. No one really knows Asif Azim’s side of the story. It’s a reality game show and people play over there. There are two perspectives to it: one positive and another negative. You have to choose between them. Even if you lost the toss doesn’t mean you’ve lost the game. It’s just the beginning. Everything about the journey has been a positive experience for me.

I knew I was representing Bangladesh, and I tried to showcase what I learnt from my upbringing here, by being myself. It was still very di� cult though. Living in that house was a very di� erent experience, the bright lights above your head, rationed food and sleep would be enough to make just about anyone feel disturbed. Sometimes people went crazy, unable to take it all.

I would like to say that I am not disappointed, rather, I’m thankful for the experience. People who didn’t know me at � rst, especially in the rural areas, now know about Asif Azim and the love is overwhelming. People love me and that is all that I wanted.

Asif Azim, the womaniser?

Another million-dollar smile breaks out.

Yes, I do bear that scandalous tag, but even though I was brought up here, truth be told, I never dated anyone here.

You have always wanted to work for the betterment of our modelling industry. Any future plans? As a matter of fact, yes. I intend to make a modelling school for which I’ll need everyone’s support, especially the government. Not in terms of � nancing the project, but I’ll need help in general from the government. Institutes are very important to train people in all areas and for modelling, proper grooming is essential. I want to do something phenomenal, something for the good of the country. Something that the next generation will remember me for. Fashion week, Mr/Ms Bangladesh contests could be a platform for models to attend global contests like Mr/Ms World and Mr/Ms Universe.

I want to create a similar platform, an opening for aspiring models. I want to encourage more talent to join the industry, change their perspective, or else we can never go beyond our national Boundaries. We can never take Bangladesh’s name to the global arena.

PHOTOS: SAILOR

I believe Bangladesh isn’t far behind but actually ahead of many. Given our youth’s hardworking stance on life and how they strive for success through hard work, we will be there.

Trial Room T-JUNCTION 23D

T


Asif’s picksFor funI do anything and everything. Spending time with kids makes me happy. I love visiting the seaside in the middle of the night. This is a stress-reliever for me since my profession is very action packed and stressful.

Favourite brandsRight now it’s Sailor - I have complete faith in them. Apart from that Diesel has always been a favourite.

Favourite musicLalon geeti and folk music in general.

Favourite foodAny meal prepared by my mother. When you are away from something you dearly miss, you tend to appreciate and develop more love for it.

Where do you want to see the fashion industry?I have a dream about Bangladesh and it is partially coming true with Sailor. They are a part of the dream and I believe they have the potential to prosper internationally. Our brand, around the world. That is my dream.

Anything for our readers?Try to read about me, know me as a person and you’ll like me. Looks will fade away but as an honest human being, I think what is important for me is to reach a place in life that everyone can be proud of. I’d like to

give readers similar advice: everything you do, do with honesty and put your 100% into every venture because you might not get that opportunity again. Anything you do, treat it like it’s your last and one and only job, and you will do your best.

Wise words from Asif Azim?Create yourself as a brand and work on your leadership qualities. Build your reputation so that other brands want to collaborate with you. Reach heights that will make others proud. l

Yes, I do bear that scandalous tag, but even though I was brought up here, truth be told, I never dated anyone here.

Tucked InT-JUNCTION24DT


Renovation: Round Two

news

decor

Finishing touches

n Adila Hoque

You remodel your home over and over again, you change the wallpaper and lighting on a yearly basis but you still can’t happen to change the ambiance of the room. Your new mirror sparkles with glory while the comfy new mattress lies on the bed, looking as persuasive as ever. Even then, there’s nothing to spice it up.

What’s missing in your home is ideal soft furnishing, namely cushions and curtains. We often tend to go with the same curtains for years in a row, never once thinking that changing it around a little will only do us good. Have you ever imagined what it will be like to trade your bright cotton hues for a monochromatic trend - or even a splash of neon here and there?

Ditch the old cushion coversCushions are a practical item, but it doesn’t stop them from being stylish. They are one of the easiest ways to complete any unexplained spaces and give it just a dash of home-sweet-home. The comfy ones on your bed will make you want to will the hours away until bedtime so you can be cozy and comfortable in that warm irresistible nest once again. Cushions are more than just bed garnishing: they are used on top of

� u� y chairs and on the � oor to give a kind of Feng Shui touch. Because of the widely available range of cushions, you are free to experiment with pattern, colours and fabric. If it’s possible, try pulling the look together by matching your cushions with your curtains. They may have matching designs or symphonic colours.

Revamp your curtainsDon’t be afraid to experiment with di� erent types of curtains: muslin, silk, neon – they are all still in fashion as long as you know how to make the best of it. As for the bedrooms, keep it as simple as possible, and

try not to use too much colour since you probably want to make sure your personal space has a soothing feel to it. However, a touch of color here and there will bring back a playful feel to your bedroom. Yes, monochromes do get old sometimes.

Think out-of-the-boxIf you think your room is missing that comfy vibe, try getting a leather bean bag and watch it go from boring to downright welcoming. Added advantage: spillages are easier to clean up on leather bean bags. Another item that should be on your list is luxurious blankets. A stylish, but comfy

duvet can easily take the heat o� even on the worst days. Thanks to soft furnishings, your room can be transformed into a snug little mass of bliss so start accessorising!

Play with colourWhen it comes to curtains, it is usually best to select them according to the type of room. Your living and dining space represents you and your ideas. Play with colours as much as you like: cotton blues or loud neon. Anything goes as long as it’s not too bright – that will just look cheap. l

Trace My Fashion is an initiative that will be launched on April 24, marking the day as Fashion Revolution Day. Two years ago on the same day, the largest industrial mishap in history, known as Rana Plaza Disaster took place in Savar, claiming 1,133 lives as a result of the negligence of factory owners. The day has now become Fashion Revolution Day to commemorate the workers who lost their lives and the survivors in a single day and to call for a positive change so that such an incident is never repeated. Fashion Revolution Day is an opportunity to celebrate fashion as a positive in� uence, raise awareness of the fashion industry’s most pressing issues, show that change is possible and celebrate those who are on a journey to create a more ethical and sustainable future for fashion. Together they intend to rally the high street, the high end, the innovators, the fashion students, the media, the public, the activists, the makers, the wearers and everyone in between. The Fashion Revolution believes in a fashion industry

that values the people, the environment, creativity and pro� t in equal measures. Their mission is to bring everyone together to make that happen.

The event will highlight QR Code project #tracemyfashion in order to promote transparency in the Fashion Industry. Fashion Revolution Bangladesh in partnership with BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology – BUFT and Hong Kong-based non-pro� t, Lensational will launch an interactive platform to answer #whomademyclothes and Norway based organisation Fashion Footprint. RMG industry giants like BexTex (Upcycle Project) and Desh Garments and social initiatives such as Living Blue and Friendship Bangladesh, have stepped forward to open up about their brand and supply chain, the steps they are taking to rectify and improve their worker and environment standards, wages and safety issues of their workers. They have also partnered up with Lensational will also help to tell stories about the workers through

their lenses. Workers from a factory were given digital cameras after a workshop on how to use cameras by Lensational in collaboration with BUFT.

They have partnered up with local media Dhaka Tribune, Daily Ittefaq, Colours FM, ICE Today, and ICE Business Times. l

Fashion revolution : Trace My Fashion Concept

25D


ENGLAND WOMEN’S FAST BOWLER STARS IN MEN’S LEAGUE

HAFEEZ CLEARED TO BOWL IN INT’L CRICKET

KALPAGE BATS FOR BANGLADESH WHITEWASH

26 2928

Kevin Pietersen admitted to being ‘� attered’ at the interest shown in

him by Steve Waugh after the latter told England to steer clear of giving

KP a Test recall. ‘may have been a great player but I wouldn’t class

him as one now,’ said Pietersen

FLATTERED

Sportn Minhaz Uddin Khan

Hosts Bangladesh have been nothing but clin-ical in the � rst two ODIs and will be looking for more of the same when they encounter Pakistan in the third and � nal match today in Mirpur. The day-night match will get under-way at 2:30pm and the BTV and GTV will tele-cast the game live.

The Tigers will have a clear intention to-day – hammer the � nal nail on the co� n and register yet another whitewash. Previously, Bangladesh posted series sweeps over Ken-ya, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Ireland and the West Indies and Pakistan will do well today if they are able to refrain the home side from adding their name to the list.

On the eve of the bilateral home series against Pakistan, several Bangladesh cricket-ers including ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan asserted that they would start as favourites as opposed to the tourists. Shakib’s assertion raised quite a few eyebrows and many thought if Bangladesh were being over-con� dent fol-lowing their success in the 2015 ICC World Cup.

However, to everyone’s utter surprise, the Tigers were largely unhindered as Pakistan experienced convincing defeats in the � rst two ODIs.

Tamim Iqbal and Mush� qur Rahim starred with the bat in both the matches, inspiring the Tigers to a solid position through their double century-run stands. Tamim blasted twin hundreds while Mush� q chipped in with a quick� re ton and a � fty.

The promising Soumya Sarkar, who is a makeshift opener these days, is well capable of providing fast starts but Mahmudullah, Bangladesh’s best performer with the bat in the World Cup, will be eyeing a big knock to-day after failing in the � rst two ODIs.

The home side’s spinners have also been successful in sti� ing the opposition with Shakib and left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny leading the way. The spinning duo have clev-erly varied their pace while Nasir Hossain has also been accurate with his slow right-arm spin. The Tigers’ pace-bowling department, meanwhile, will be marshalled by skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Rubel Hossain and Taskin Ahmed.

Pakistan, in contrast, are su� ering. The visitors will target a much-needed consola-tion win today before taking on the hosts in two Test matches.

Pakistan’s journey so far in the series has been inconsistent to say the least. Under the leadership of Azhar Ali, the new-look side have blown more cold than hot. Their bowl-ing let them down in the � rst ODI while in the second, it was their batsmen who failed to capitalise after deciding to take � rst strike.l

Whitewash or consolation?

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal (L) and Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali might have been the best performers for their sides in the ongoing ODI series but both are plotting di� erent strategies. While Tamim will look to guide his side to a series sweep, Azhar will try to salvage some consolation for his depleted team MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

CONTRASTING MOODS

Sport26DT


Kalpage bats for whitewash n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Bangladesh assistant coach Ruwan Kalpage believes the Tigers are very much on their way to a series sweep when they face Paki-stan in the third and � nal ODI today at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

In their pursuit of a 10th series white-wash, Kalpage informed that the Tigers will be at full-strength today as they also seek to improve on their ninth position in the Inter-national Cricket Council rankings for one-day internationals.

“It is important for us to better our one-day ranking. So, this is not the time to do ex-periments though we have already won the series. We are always looking forward to the ranking. I think the game tomorrow (today) is really important for Bangladesh and it is important for the team to win every game at the moment because that’s the only way we can better our one-day ranking. I think it is a good opportunity and if we have this winning combination going, it is good for the future of the Bangladesh one-day team,” Kalpage told the media in the pre-match press conference yesterday in Mirpur.

Bangladesh previously registered series sweeps over Kenya, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Ireland and the West Indies and Kalpage said they are gunning to add Pakistan to the list.

“The team performed really well in the World Cup and everybody held on to that

coming into the series. So, the boys are real-ly happy winning the one-day series against Pakistan and now they are looking forward to the third ODI,” said the former Sri Lankan all-rounder.

While the whole country is buzzing fol-lowing Bangladesh’s dominant performance

against Pakistan in the � rst two ODIs, Kalpage stated that he is not at all surprised with the outcome.

“I am not surprised. We are really happy at the way the team have progressed. Everyone knows there are talented cricketers in Bangla-desh and the team have played very well as a unit in the last three-four months. Now, you will see one player stepping up if someone else fails. That is the main thing you need to have in a team, the support. Tamim [Iqbal] scored two hundreds and he is in good touch, so yes, we are pleased with everybody at the moment,” said the 45-year old.

Pakistan’s right-arm o� -spinner Saeed Ajmal was touted as one of the players to watch prior to the start of the bilateral se-ries against Bangladesh but he has proved to be expensive, giving away 123 runs in the � rst two ODIs. Kalpage, however, said it is not easy for an international cricketer to per-form straightaway after returning following an eight-month absence due to an incorrect bowling action.

“He has gone through a tough time in the last three-four months or so. And, he has done some remedy as well which he has to prove in front of the TV and media. So, he has got to prove a lot. Naturally, he will always be un-der pressure. He gave away 74 runs in the � rst ODI but bowled better in the second game. It will be really tough for him but all depends on the individual,” explained Kalpage. l

Nasir explores himself as a handy bowler n Mazhar Uddin

The last six months have been a top-sy-turvy one for Bangladesh cricketer Nasir Hossain. Dropped from the national side for the bilateral home series against Zimbabwe last November, the immediate future looked bleak for Nasir. Many said he had lost his focus while some were already starting to write eulogies of the man often called “Mr Finisher” due to his game-changing exploits.

However, the cricketer from Rangpur was not yet � nished and came back strong after performing heavily in the domestic circuit. Nasir was duly rewarded, earned himself a place in the Tigers’ � nal World Cup squad. The rest as they say is history as he capitalised his opportunities, rein-venting himself as a handy bowler, a skill which he never appeared to utilise before. Two important wickets against Scotland in the World Cup went a long way in en-hancing his reputation as an all-rounder.

And against co-hosts New Zealand, who � nished as the runners-up, the right-arm o� -spinner not only picked up two signi� cant scalps but at the same time bowled at a very tight line and length.

These days, Nasir is the complete cricketer, having realised his full potential as a handy bowler. Skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza will no doubt be con� dent now while deploying Nasir as one of his bowling options.

In recent times, Nasir is starting to pay more attention on his bowling. Besides his batting, he is spending more time in the nets bowling his slow o� -spinners. In the second ODI against Pakistan last Sunday, he initiated an important breakthrough for the Tigers when he dismissed Fawad Alam and conceded only 17 runs from his � ve overs.

According to the Tigers assistant and spin bowling coach, Ruwan Kalpage, who was once the head coach of the Bangladesh National Cricket Academy from 2008-10, the growth in con� dence paved the way for Nasir to come back strongly.

“Nasir has been with me for a long time now, from the Academy. We all know he is a very good all-rounder. So, when the player has his con� dence, he is able to do many things in the correct way. He has done re-ally well if you ask me, it was unfortunate he couldn’t play the � rst few matches in the World Cup,” said Kalpage.

However, the 45-year old informed that he did not change any particular technique and they only worked on the mental aspects, which worked really well for Nasir.

“No, I don’t think so as we did not change any particular thing on his bowl-ing. We, the coaches, don’t change the player but there are some things we do change - the mental game-plan and at the same time trying to bowl by reading a batsman,” he said.

The Tigers’ current team set-up favours an all-round player like Nasir and if he is able to utilise his new-found talent, Bang-ladesh can see a set of versatile players in their starting XI more often than not. l

Bangladesh cricketers Abul Hasan, Shakib al Hasan, Mush� qur Rahim and Soumya Sarkar play football during training in Mirpur yesterday MI MANIK

Sport 27D

T


Imposing junior Tigers take 5-1 leadBangladesh Under-19 cricket team registered their � fth victory in the seven-match youth ODI series following their 45-run win over the visiting South Africa U-19 side in the sixth game in Chit-tagong yesterday. Batting � rst, Sha� ul Hayet’s 96-ball 83 and Mehedi Hasan’s 57 propelled the junior Tigers to 219-allout in 46.2 overs. Dean Foxcroft was the pick of the visitors’ bowlers with three wickets. In reply, the junior Proteas fumbled to 174-all out in 45.1 overs with Saled Ahmed’s � ve-for causing the most damage. Ri-valdo Moonsamy’s 61 runs o� 78 balls turned out to be the highest score for the tourists. The two teams will take on each other in the seventh and � nal youth ODI tomorrow at the same venue.

–Minhaz Uddin Khan

Goal-machine Sabina returns homeStar Bangladesh striker Sabina Khatun returned home from Maldives yesterday after taking part in the Maldives Women’s Football Fiesta. Sabina spent around one-and-a-half months featuring for Police Club. Sabina, the country’s most proli� c goal-ma-chine in women’s football, showed her amazing talents in Maldives where she netted a total of 36 goals in six matches. She averaged an astonishing six goals per game and slammed a sensational 16 goals in one game. Sabina’s sparkling displays inspired her side, Police Club, to a runners-up � nish. Sabina became the � rst female footballer of the country to play in a foreign club when she left Dhaka on March 4 this year. Following her return, she expressed her delight with her goal-scoring exploits in Maldives. “There are many Bangladeshi people living in Maldives. They came to the stadium and gave their continuous support. I am happy that I managed to make them happy. I also tried to enhance the image of the country,” said Sabina after returning home yesterday afternoon.

–Shishir Hoque

Brave BD U14 girls dominate IndiaBangladesh Under-14 girls national team put up a praiseworthy display but their mis� ring attacking line saw them earn only a 1-1 draw against India in the opening match of the AFC U-14 Girls Regional Championship 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal yester-day. Following a couple of missed chances in the � rst quarter of the game, Marzia put Bangladesh ahead in the 20th minute. Marzia’s corner was blocked by Indian defender Shanti but the for-mer collected the rebound and placed home into the back of the net. Indian skipper Sonia Kumar equalised just � ve minutes later from a free-kick. Bangladesh goalkeeper Taslima though could have done better as the ball slipped from her gloves and into the net. Bangladesh continued to dominate the game and created four more opportunities but failed to convert any of them.

–Shishir Hoque

QUICK BYTES

BRIEF SCORE, 6th Youth ODIBD U19 v SA U19 in Chittagong

Bangladesh U19219-allout in 46.2 overs (Sha� ul 83, Mehedi 57; Foxcroft 3/44, Senokwane 2/51)South Africa U19174-allout in 45.1 overs (Moonsamy 61; Saleh 5/25, Nihaduzzaman 3/23)

BD U19 won by 45 runs, lead series 5-1

BU stun MSC, Rahmatganj prevail in Old Dhaka derbyn Shishir Hoque

A late goal from Haitian striker Augustine Wal-son helped Brothers Union stun Mohammed-an 1-0 in the Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League at Bangabandhu

National Stadium yesterday. In the day’s oth-er match, Rahmatganj MFS earned a comfort-able 2-0 victory over Farashganj SC in the Old Dhaka derby at the same venue.

Both the Mohammedan and Brothers goal-keepers put up a brilliant display to keep the scoreline goalless till the 85th minute before Walson netted the all-important goal to seal Brothers’ second victory in the league this season. The Gopibagh out� t shocked the Black and Whites � ve minutes before the end of stipulated time when Walson found the back of the net.

The victory lifted Brothers to fourth place with seven points from four matches, leap-frogging sixth-placed Sheikh Russel, while Mohammedan stepped down to � fth with six points from the same number of matches.

Meanwhile in the Old Dhaka derby, Gideon Solomon put Rahmatganj ahead in the 13th minute before Nurul Absar doubled the lead in the 33th minute.

Rahmatganj are seventh in the 11-team standings with four points from three match-es while Farashganj are third from bottom with nil points from their three matches.l

RESULTSRahmatganj 2–0 FarashganjGideon Solomon 13Nurul Absar 33

Brothers Union 1–0 MohammedanAugustine Walson 85

Pakistan con� rm Zimbabwe tourn AFP, Lahore

Zimbabwe will tour Pakistan to play a short limited over series next month, becoming the � rst Test team to visit the terror-hit country in six years, a top cricket o� cial said Monday.

“Zimbabwe will visit Pakistan from mid-May for a one-week tour,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan told reporters, without announcing the venues.

A security team from the African nation will visit Pakistan to assess the situation before a � nal itinerary is announced, said Khan. For-eign teams have refused to tour Pakistan over security fears since a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.

Pakistan has had to host all its home matches in United Arab Emirates instead.

E� orts to revive international cricket in the country su� ered a blow in 2012 when Bangladesh twice refused to tour Pakistan after initially agreeing for short limited over series, citing security fears.

Another limited over series against Ireland was also deferred in September last year after a terror attack on the airport in Karachi that came three months before the tour.

Khan said Zimbabwe would be provided with top-level security during the tour.

It is likely that the team will stay at the Na-tional Cricket Academy in Lahore, a few me-tres away from the Gada� Stadium, and play

all the matches at one venue.PCB chief operating o� cer Subhan Ahmed

said that if the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not agree to send o� cials then um-pires from Pakistan and Zimbabwe will step in.

“We have a special dispensation from them to appoint Pakistani and Zimbabwean umpires and the matches will be of interna-tional status,” said Ahmed.

Khan said an Australian army team will visit Pakistan from next week, helping to open the doors to international cricket, and a women’s team from Bangladesh next month.

The PCB is also in talks with the Nether-lands, Ireland and Nepal to send their nation-al teams in the near future.l

The England squad wearing their T20 Blast County kits during the nets session at the NCG Stadium in St George’s, Grenada on Monday AFP

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder poses for a portrait in Grenada on Monday AFP

Sport28DT


Mushtaq says Pakistan hurtingn Mazhar Uddin

Pakistan spin bowling coach and former leg-spinner Mush-taq Ahmed yesterday said they are hurting after conced-ing the three-match ODI series to Bangladesh but praised the

home side for their recent resurgence.“We want to give compliments to Bang-

ladesh. They won against New Zealand 4-0. They are a good team now. At the moment we are in a rebuilding situation. We are try-ing lots of youngsters. It will take time for guys to understand things like � ve � elders inside the circle, two bouncers per over and two new balls. These guys have no idea. But, things will change,” the 44-year old told the pre-match press conference previewing the third and � nal ODI.

“It is hurting. The game moves on. The brand of cricket is totally di� erent now. When you’re hurt, you look at positive things. We have two newcomers (Saad Nasim and Mo-hammad Rizwan) who got � fties in the two games. There are plenty of positives in our dressing room so we have to focus on those rather than the negatives,” he said.

Mushtaq defended his disciple, right-arm o� -spinner Saeed Ajmal, who made a disap-pointing return in the � rst ODI leaking 78 runs from his quota of 10 overs. Ajmal remained wicket-less in that game but picked up a soli-tary wicket in the second ODI.

“I will tell you one thing. He is a tough cookie. He came out when people thought he could not make it. He changed his action with which he has been bowling for the last 20 years. Suddenly he has to change. Credit goes to all the people who worked with him – the NCA (National Cricket Academy), the analysts, Saqlain [Mushtaq], etc,” he added. l

Hafeez cleared to bowl in int’l cricketn AFP

Pakistan right-arm o� -spinner Muhammad Hafeez has cleared the bowling action test which was conducted in Chennai on April 9, Express News reported.

Another Pakistani women cricket team o� -spinner Javeria Wadood has also cleared her bowling action in a test conducted on the same date alongside Hafeez.

The 33-year-old was expected to undergo o� cial testing before the start of the 2015 World Cup in Sydney, but a hamstring injury forced him to miss the test and the rest of the tournament as he was sent back by the tour-ing selection committee and was replaced by Nasir Jamshed.

During the � rst Test between Pakistan and New Zealand in the UAE last year, Hafeez was reported for suspect bowling action by the umpires and was put through an independent biomechanical analysis at the National Crick-et Performance Center in Loughborough on November 24, 2014.

The test concluded that Hafeez’s elbow extension exceeded the 15-degree level of tol-erance permitted by the ICC regulations and was thus declared illegal.

Consequently, Hafeez was suspended from bowling in international cricket and has since been working with PCB’s panel of experts to remodel his bowling action to bring his elbow extension within the permissible limits.

Likewise, Javeria was reported after the 2010 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 match against Sri Lanka in St Kitts on May 6, 2010 and had failed the initial test, which was performed on June 16, 2010.

She also got her retesting done and suc-cessfully cleared the test with her remodeled action. Muhammad Hafeez thanked his fami-ly and everyone who supported him through his Twitter account. l

MAHMUDULLAH

The stylish Mahmudullah came into the bi-lateral home series against Pakistan on the back of a brilliant run in the 2015 ICC World Cup where he struck back-to-back centuries. However, the Mymensingh lad has been una-ble to repeat his heroics in the � rst two ODIs against Pakistan, departing early for scores of � ve and 17. The 29-year old cricketer, who is an elegant driver of the cricket ball, struggled to settle down in the � rst two matches and will be eager to return among the runs today in the third and � nal ODI. Form guide (last � ve ODIs): WWLLW

Probable XIs (Bangladesh)

1 Tamim, 2 Soumya, 3 Mahmudullah, 4 Mush� q (WK), 5 Shakib, 6 Sabbir, 7 Nasir, 8 Mashrafe (C), 9 Sunny, 10 Taskin, 11 Rubel

MOHAMMAD HAFEEZ

Hafeez, also known as Mr Professor, made a dis-appointing start to the Bangladesh series hav-ing been dismissed cheaply for four and a duck in the � rst two ODIs. Having said that, with 4546 runs to his name from 157 ODIs, including nine hundreds, few will bet against Hafeez to come good in the third and � nal ODI today.Form guide (last � ve ODIs): LLLWW

Probable XIs (Pakistan)

1 Sarfraz (WK), 2 Azhar (C), 3 Hafeez, 4 Haris, 5 Rizwan, 6 Fawad, 7 Saad, 8 Wahab, 9 Junaid, 10 Ajmal, 11 Gul

Shakib al Hasan will play his 150th ODI for Bangladesh today. Bangladesh have so far reg-istered nine series wins in ODIs via whitewash

–MAZHAR UDDIN

PLAYERS TO WATCHBANGLADESH v PAKISTAN, 3rd ODI, Mirpur

Imran replaces Sohail for Bangladesh Tests n AFP, Karachi

Pakistan’s injury setbacks continued Tuesday as paceman Sohail Khan was ruled out of the Test series in Bangladesh and was replaced by anoth-er fast bowler Imran Khan, an o� cial said.

Sohail, 30, su� ered back spasm two days before the team’s departure and was initially ruled out of the ongoing three-match one-day series.

On Tuesday the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced he would not recover in time for the two-match Test series.

“After consulting with the PCB medical department it was con� rmed that Sohail has still not been able to recover su� ciently so the selection committee was unanimous on Imran as replacement for him,” chief selec-tor Haroon Rashid was quoted as saying in a press release.

Imran, 27, played three Tests against Aus-tralia and New Zealand last year and took sev-en wickets.

Pakistan have been badly hit by injuries on the current tour with batsman Sohaib Maqsood also ruled out before the tour start-

ed because of an arm injury.Leg-spinner Yasir Shah meanwhile injured

his thumb in a practice match in Bangladesh, while paceman Ehsan Adil su� ered a ham-string injury. Shah will remain part of the Test squad, but Adil will return home.

Left-arm spinner Zul� qar Babar replaced Shah and Umar Gul replaced Adil for the one-day series.

Pakistan trail the three-match series 2-0 with the � nal match in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Another paceman Rahat Ali was also side-lined with a hamstring injury but the team management said he is expected to recover for the two Test series.l

Pakistan veterans Shahid Afridi (L) and Mohammad Hafeez converse with each other during training in Mirpur yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Sport 29D

T

BTV, Gazi TV, Star Sports 12:30PM Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 3rd ODI Sony SixIndian Premier League 4:30PM Hyderabad v Kolkata 8:30PM Bangalore v Chennai Star Sports 24:30PM AFC Champions League Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma v Buriram United Ten Action12:45PM UEFA Champions League QFs Leg 2: Real Madrid v Atletico Ten Sports12:45PM UEFA Champions League QFs Leg 2: Monaco v Juventus

DAY’S WATCH


Real tasked with breaking down ATM walln AFP, Madrid

Real Madrid have the unenviable task of beating city rivals Atletico Madrid at the eighth attempt this season if they are to progress to a � fth con-secutive Champions League semi-� nal.

The European champions have failed to overcome Atletico in seven games since beat-ing Los Rojiblancos in last season’s Champi-ons League � nal, including last week’s 0-0 draw in the � rst-leg at the Vicente Calderon, and have also been struck by a series of inju-ries and suspensions to key players.

Luka Modric and Gareth Bale will miss out after limping o� with knee and calf injuries

respectively in the 3-1 win over Malaga at the weekend, whilst Marcelo is banned and Ka-rim Benzema faces a race against time to be � t due to a knee problem. Given those absences, the return to � tness and form of James Rodri-guez is a huge boost for Los Blancos.

The Colombian World Cup star has scored twice in four games after a two-month inju-ry layo� due to a broken foot to take his tally to an impressive 14 in his � rst season at the Bernabeu.

However, Real will be faced with arguably the best defence in Europe on Wednesday. Atletico have conceded just once in their last eight Champions League games and have

shutout their local rivals in four of their pre-vious seven meetings this season.

By contrast, Atletico have a clean bill of health with striker Mario Mandzukic expect-ed to shake o� an ongoing ankle problem to start alongside the in-form Antoine Griez-mann up front.

Diego Simeone’s men remain the under-dogs in just their second Champions League quarter-� nal in 18 years, but mid� elder Raul Garcia refuted the suggestion they have less to lose than the holders.

Garcia maintained the Atletico party line of recent weeks in insisting there is no thirst for revenge. l

Juve have semis in sight against goal-shy Monacon AFP, Monaco

Juventus head to Monaco on Wednesday for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-� nal looking to clinch a place in the last four for the � rst time in over a decade.

An immovable force at the top of the Euro-pean game in the 1990s, when they reached three consecutive � nals, including beating Ajax in the 1996 showpiece, Juve were also Champions League runners-up in 2003, los-ing to AC Milan.

But they have not got beyond the last eight since, failing to translate their domestic dom-inance to the European stage.

Nevertheless, while they close in on a fourth consecutive Serie A crown, they are now primed to secure a spot in the semi-� nals in Europe after Arturo Vidal’s penalty gave them a 1-0 victory against the Principality club last Tuesday.

Crucially, Juventus did not concede an away goal in that game, meaning Monaco will now be obliged to come out and attack at home, something which is not their forte.

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim has admit-ted his team are better suited to playing away from home, when they can hit teams on the break, as they did so devastatingly in London in the last 16 when they defeated Arsenal 3-1, that result allowing them to progress on away goals despite losing 2-0 at home.

Evra knows that as well as anybody, having spent four years in the Mediterranean Princi-pality, helping Monaco reach the Champions League � nal in 2004 before eventually mov-ing on to Manchester United.

Monaco are third in Ligue 1 and have lost just one of their last 18 league games, but too many draws at the Stade Louis II, where the lack of atmosphere and crowds that rarely reach the 10,000 mark remove any sense of a home advantage, have held them back.l

England women’s fast bowler stars in men’s leaguen AFP, London

England women’s pace bowler Kate Cross marked becoming the � rst female cricketer to play in the 123-year-old Central Lancashire League by taking three wickets on debut on Sunday.

Cross’s haul of three for 19 in a seven-over spell for Heywood men’s 1st XI away to Clifton helped the north-west side to to an eight-wicket win in the � rst match of the 2015 CLL Premier Division season.

The 23-year-old Cross, who has played two Tests, nine one-day internationals and four Twenty20s for the England women’s team, might have had even better � gures had not older brother Bobby dropped a catch o� her bowling.

“I never thought I would get the chance to play for the � rst team at Heywood, the club in which I grew up and learnt my cricket,” said Kate Cross in an England and Wales Cricket Board statement issued Monday.l

Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti (top) looks at his players during a training session in Valdebebas, outside Madrid yesterday. Real Madrid will play their Champions League quarter � nal second leg soccer match against Atletico Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Wednesday REUTERS

DOWNTIME30DT


CALVIN AND HOBBES

PEANUTS

DILBERT

How to solve: Fill in the blank spaces with the numbers 1 – 9. Every row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain all nine digits with no number repeating.

CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

CODE-CRACKER

How to solve: Each number in our CODE-CRACKER grid represents a di� erent letter of the alphabet. For example, today 16 represents M so � ll M every time the � gure 16 appears.You have two letters in the control grid to start you o� . Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters go in the missing squares.Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.As you get the letters, � ll in the other squares with the same number in the main grid, and the control grid. Check o� the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

CROSSWORD

ACROSS1 Exhibit (4)6 Vigour (3)7 Sword handle (4)9 Regrets (4)10 Retard (5)11 Allude (5)12 Strange (3)14 New and strange (5)17 Building material (5)20 Land measure (3)21 Arti� cial silk (5)23 Not hollow (5)25 Passport endorsement (4)26 Support (4)27 Feline (3)28 Old stringed instrument (4)

DOWN1 Sadness (6)2 Carry too far (6)3 Sagacious (4)4 No score (3)5 Place for pigs (3)7 Brave man (4)8 Light beer (5)10 Lair (3)13 Giver (5)15 Excessive pride (6)16 Papal ambassador (6)18 Fall in drops (4)19 Sorrowful (3)22 Egg-shaped (4)23 Mineral spring (3)24 Fate (3)

SUDOKU

SHOWTIME 31D


Satyajit Ray Film Fest to begin

WHAT TO WATCHTELEVISION

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: CThe Cradle of Life Zee Studio 7:10pmCast: Angelina Jolie, Gerard Butler, Ciarán Hinds, Chris Barrie

Ocean’s Eleven AMovies Now 7:05pmDanny Ocean and his eleven accomplices plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously.Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts

The Hobbit: An unexpected journey A HBO 8:30pm This movie follows Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon SmaugCast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage

CELEBS ON SOCIAL

Akshay Kumar @akshaykumarThoda darr ke reh beta...#WarnaGab-barAaJayega! Pre-senting the title track of @TheGabbarIs-Back! Enjoy! http://bit.ly/WGAJzmc

kunal kohli @kunalkohli E.K a fashion like by Ekta Kapoor.Is there anything the multi talented Ekta can’t do? https://twitter.com/balajimotionpic/status/590425656434892800

Paris Hilton @ParisHilton Peace out Coachella I love you See you next year @ Coachella Music Festival https://instagram.com/p/1u_hr6KgMe/

n Showtime Desk

To mark the birth and death anniversary of Satyajit Ray, a four-day-long film festival will be inaugurated on April 26, at EMK Center, Dhaka.

Jointly organised by EMK Center and International Academy of Film and Media, the festival features two of Ray’s finest work along with a tribute film to Subir Banerjee, the actor who played

Apu in “Pather Panchali” and a writing venture by Ray which is directed by his son Sandip.

“Pather Panchali” and “Ashani Sanket,” the two films by the honourary Academy Award winner in 1992, will be screened on April 26 and 27 respectively while Kaushik Ganguly’s “Apur Panchali” and Sandip Ray’s “Uttoran” will be screened on April 29 and 30 respectively. Besides for these screenings, a workshop

on Satyajit Ray’s screenplay analysis will take place at the Sirajul Islam Lecture Hall, Dhaka University on April 1 and 2. In collaboration with the Television and Film Studies Department of Dhaka University, the workshop will be conducted by Anindya Sengupta, a faculty member of Jadavpur University’s Film Studies Department. l

n Showtime Desk

In this years 47th annual Directors’ Fortnight program at the Cannes Film Festival, several new works by Jaco Van Dormael, Takashi Miike, Jeremy Saulnier and Sarunas Bartas, alongside Sundance entries “Dope” and “Songs My Brothers Taught Me,” are set to be featured.

Set to be held on 14 May, up to 19 features will be unspooled this year, including new work by Jaco Van Dormael, Takashi Miike, Jeremy Saulnier and Sarunas Bartas. The news was announced by artistic director Edouard Waintrop at a press conference held on Tuesday. Of the 19 features, three will be directed by the acclaimed Portugese filmmaker Miguel Gomes whose six-hour-plus trilogy, “Arabian Nights,” was announced by the Fortnight. French auteur Arnaud Desplechin’s “My Golden Years” will also be screened.

This year the line up took a competitive turn when both Gomes and Desplechin’s work was rejected from the main competition. Unwilling to accept a slot in Un Certain Regard, they took their films to another side of the Croisette. It

was clear that this year has been one of the most competitive, with the official selection being particularly choosy. Waintrop stated that they had to review 1,623 feature-length submissions, a stark increase from last years submissions.

This years line up will include several American independent titles, the world premiere of “Green Room,” Chloe Zhao’s Native American drama “Songs My Brothers Taught Me,” Fortnight alum Jeremy Saulnier’s “Blue Ruin,” and two acclaimed dramatic competition entries from the recent Sundance Film Festival: Rick Famuyiwa’s Los Angeles-set comic thriller “Dope.” “Dope” is set to close the Fortnight on May 24.

There will be three female filmmakers, including Chloe Zhao with “Songs My Brothers Taught Me,” Turkey’s Deniz Gamze Erguven’ debut “Mustang,” and Chile’s Marcia Tambutti will be presenting “Allende, mi abuelo Allende,” a documentary portrait of her grandfather Salvador Allende. A good 24 years after winning the Camera d’Or, Belgian filmmaker Van Dormael will present “The Brand New Testament,” a film that Waintrop described as one

that made them “laugh tremendously.” Another noteworthy film is “Yakuza Apocalypse: The Great War of the Underworld,” a gangster-horror mash-up from Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike. The program will be concluded with “Peace to Us in Our Dreams,” the eighth feature from Lithuanian director Sharunas Bartas and “The Here After,” Swedish director Magnus von Horn’s debut. The French Directors Assn will present the Carrosse d’Or prize to China’s Jia Zhangke, whose latest, “Mountains May Depart,” will be screened in the final competition. l

Cannes: Directors’ Fortnight 2015 lineup

BACK PAGE32DT


FINANCIAL HELP REMAINS ELUSIVE FOR RANA PLAZA VICTIMS PAGE 15

SATYAJIT RAY FILM FEST TO BEGIN PAGE 31

WHITEWASH OR CONSOLATION? PAGE 25

Female voters demand better commuten Shadma Malik

While last-minute campaigning is in full swing for the Dhaka and Chittagong city cor-poration polls, city dwellers are also voicing their expectations from the future mayors.

There are a number of issues that common people believe need immediate attention of the mayors to be elected next week. However, it seems an improved public transportation system is topping the list, especially when fe-male professionals are concerned.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, several fe-male commuters in the capital expressed their displeasure at the current state of public transport system. The most com-plained-about issues were the unreasonable fare charged by CNG-run autorickshaws and fear of being harassed in public buses.

“The autorickshaw drivers automatically raise fare when they see female passengers; it’s unfair,” said Sadia Doha, a public relations professional.

Another problem is people’s overall re-luctance to adhere to the tra� c laws, which makes safe and timely movement around the capital very di� cult, she said.

“Also, walking from one place to another is not easy in Dhaka. Women, especially, can hard-ly walk on the footpaths without fearing harass-ment. I expect the future mayor to resolve these issues when he takes o� ce,” she said.

Sadia also believes that a positive mindset among people is a necessity to have safe travel-

ling environment in public buses – a sentiment shared by Sabrina Karim, a young journalist.

“Travelling on a public bus is demoralis-ing. Female passengers are frequently sub-jected to discrimination and harassment, which should not be the case. The environ-ment in general is very anti-female, which

makes it di� cult for professionals like us to commute,” she told the Dhaka Tribune.

“Modes of transport such as CNG autorick-shaws and taxis are unnecessarily expensive. Buses are no better either. The situation of public transport improved a little during the tenure of the last caretaker government, but

it did not last long.“Personally speaking, however, I don’t

think any mayor can make any di� erence; they lack honest intention, their only goal be-ing earning money,” said a young profession-al, who sought anonymity.

Manhaz Rahman, an interior designer, thinks CNG-run autorickshaws need to be monitored more strictly. “They hardly fol-low meter readings and demand fare as they please. I have even heard that some police of-� cials own these autorickshaws, which is why they do not follow their meters.

“The government needs to devise a system where the autorickshaw drivers get a reason-able fare, and passengers do not have to pay more than is required,” she said.

Laju Akther, a private service holder, said travelling on public buses was a horrifying experience for her. “Men travelling with us throw vulgar comments at us. Sometimes they even try to grope women. The newly elected mayor needs to address this issue as soon as possible and ensure safe travel for women in the city.”

While safe commuting got the most pri-ority in these professionals’ list of improve-ments they expect to see in their cities, they addressed other issues as well, such as better and environment-friendly waste manage-ment, strict monitoring of high-rise construc-tion to make sure the building guidelines are followed, and e� ective rehabilitation of homeless people and slum-dwellers. l

Moja losss? to turn into troll pagen Tribune Report

Facebook-based social campaigning page Moja losss?, which recently became vocal against sexual attacks on wom-en at the TSC on Pohe-la Boishakh, has an-nounced that they will

change its entire admin panel following death threats.

“After receiving multiple death threats from various political entities, we have decid-ed to move back to Toronto. Bangladesh does not seem to be the right place for social aware-ness e� orts, it often gets misinterpreted,” the satirical page said in a post on Monday night.

“We will leave the page to a complete set of new admins who will take over the page in a week or so and turn this into just a troll page.”

They alleged that some groups of people had questioned their “neutral stance.”

The page, started as an entertainment page two years ago, became popular with their jokes and commentaries on social issues. It often worked as crime busters by circulating photos of crime scenes and suspects, having helped � nd a car-jackers’ gang and a hit-and-run driver.

Following the April 14 sexual assaults of women and children, the page � rst started campaigning to identify Latif Rony, who was spotted as a member of the gang that molest-ed a teenager on February 21 on Dhaka Uni-versity campus, by uploading a photo of the incident and Rony’s Facebook pro� le.

Soon they circulated some photos of April 14 and identi� ed some faces, mostly as lead-ers and activists of DU unit Bangladesh Chha-tra League, the ruling party’s student wing.

The page, now having over 542,000 fans, also set a new cover photo on April 17 with a call to re-sist Chhatra League portraying them as wolves.

They faced severe criticism for those pho-tos, especially for a photo that asked fans to boycott the TSC on the next Pohela Boishakh.

On Sunday, the page updated a status claiming that they were being threatened. However, when contacted, they did not re-spond to queries from the Dhaka Tribune.

Monday’s decision to withdraw the cur-rent administrators, led by Chowdhury Sha-heb (pseudonym), frustrated many fans who requested them not to give up upon threats.

Moja losss? replied: “We used to receive threats all the time from individuals of Jamaat/Shibir/BNP/League. But this time we are moving out due to � ags raised by ‘higher o� cials.’” l

IS leader al-Baghdadi seriously wounded in air-striken Tribune Desk

The leader of Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has been seri-ously wound-ed in an air strike in west-ern Iraq, the UK’s Guardian newspaper re-ported.

A source in Iraq with connections to the terror group revealed that Baghdadi su� ered serious inju-ries during an attack by the US-led coalition in March.

The source said Baghdadi’s wounds were at � rst life-threatening, but he has since made a slow recovery. He has not, however, resumed day-to-day control of the organisation.

Baghdadi’s wounding led to urgent meet-ings of IS leaders, who initially believed he would die and made plans to name

a new leader.Two separate o� cials – a western diplomat

and an Iraqi adviser – separately con� rmed the strike took place on 18 March in the al-Baaj a district of Nineveh, close to the Syrian border.

There had been two previous reports in November and December of Baghdadi being wounded, though neither was accurate.

The diplomat con� rmed an air strike on a three-car convoy had taken place on that date between the village of Umm al-Rous and al-Qaraan.

The attack targeted local Isis leaders and is believed to have killed three men. O� cials did not know at the time that Baghdadi was in one of the cars.

Hisham al-Hashimi, an Iraqi o� cial who advises Baghdad on Isis, told the Guardian: “Yes, he was wounded in al-Baaj near the village of Umm al-Rous on 18 March with a group that was with him.”

Baghdadi is understood to have been spending much of his time in al-Baaj, about 200 miles west of the Isis strongholdof Mosul. l

A woman struggles to get on a bus during the evening rush in the capital’s Farmgate area yesterday. Public transport has been a constant cause of concern, especially among female commuters, and is one of the priority issues in the ongoing mayoral campaign in Dhaka RAJIB DHAR

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed on behalf of 2A Media Limited at Dainik Shakaler Khabar Publications Limited, 153/7, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208. Editorial, News & Commercial O� ce: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207. Phone: 9132093-94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], Website: www.dhakatribune.com