PAGE 11Nepal quake toll tops 5,000 as aid reaches

PAGE 7Patuakhali seismograph broken for 3 years

PAGE 5Mujahid’s appeal hearing begins

PAGE 3Police fail to follow up on polls-day violence

PAGE 4Bangladesh-India sign coastal shipping deal

BNP DECIDES TO GO SLOW PAGE 3

BD-US PARTNERSHIP DIALOGUE PAGE 5

DHAKA ONE OF THE WORST-DESIGNED CITIES PAGE 32

SECOND EDITION

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 | Baishakh 17, 1422, Rajab 10, 1436 | Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 19 | www.dhakatribune.com | 32 pages | Price: Tk10

n Mohammad Al Masum Molla

All round rejection of the polls, scores of re-ports, television footage, video clips and wit-ness accounts dispel even the slightest doubt that the city polls were unfair. Even winning candidates have acknowledged the allega-tions, even if partially, saying fouls are inev-itable in a sport.

This, however, sharply contradicts the statements of the Election Commission claiming that the polls in two Dhaka city cor-porations and Chittagong were fair and conse-quently calls its integrity into question.

The ruling government, which saw all its mayoral candidates win, remains the only political camp vouching for the fairness of the polls.

Following the controversial national elec-tions of January 5, 2014, and the recent city polls, the intent of the EC led by Kazi Rakibud-din Ahmad and its ability to cope with pres-sure are in serious doubt.

Critics have branded the election o� ce spineless and subservient to the government, especially because there have been a number of city polls, since the national election, un-der the same commission that were consid-ered fair by and large.

The main political opposition, BNP, PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

All AL-backed candidates win city polls that saw 44% turnoutn Abu Bakar Siddique

All three mayoral candidates backed by the ruling Awami League have won in the elec-tions to Dhaka North and South and Chit-tagong city corporations that are marked by unbridled vote-rigging and only nearly 44% voters.

Annisul Huq has uno� cially been declared mayor of Dhaka North. He bagged 460,617 votes while his closest contender, BNP-backed Tabith M Awal, got 325,080 votes.

Sayeed Khokon, the aspirant in Dhaka South blessed by the ruling party, won the election by defeating BNP’s Mirza Abbas. Son of Dhaka’s � rst mayor Mohammad Hanif, Khokon re-ceived 532,216 votes while Abbas got 294,291.

In Chittagong City Corporation election, Awa-mi League-backed AJM Nasir has been elected the mayor by receiving 475,361 votes while im-mediate past mayor M Manjur Alam, backed by the BNP, stood second with 304,837 votes.

According to documents of the Election Commission, the voter turnout in Tuesday’s polls that came under severe criticisms for rigging was 43.92%.

The lowest voter presence – 37.29% – was seen in Dhaka North City Corporation while the highest – 48.4% – in Dhaka South.

Results of three centres under Dhaka South were withheld due to violence.

Voter turnout was 47.9% in the Chittagong City Corporation election.

PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

EGW: 90% polling centres were dangerousn Tribune Report

Incidents of massive violation of electoral rules including ballot stu� ng, intimidation, booth capture and clashes undermined the integrity of the city corporation polls, the Election Working Group said yesterday.

“The situation at 90% of the polling cen-tres was dangerous,” Kamrul Hasan Manju, an EWG steering committee member, said at a press conference.

The organisation reported a number of such incidents after observing the election process in the capital and Chittagong on Tues-day and disclosed their � ndings before the media at the National Press Club.

Kamrul said 26 EWG observers were not

allowed to enter the polling centres, some ob-servers were ousted while 138 were barred from seeing the vote counting. Two of their observers

PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

EC’s intent and ability in serious doubtCritics brand the commission spineless and subservient to government

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

EC’s intent and ability in serious doubthad swept all those city polls of Rajshahi, Ba-risal, Khulna, Sylhet and Gazipur.

Many have gone as far as to say that this commission is the worst that Bangladesh has seen since its independence in 1971. Some have also alleged that the commission’s ab-ject failure destroyed the image of this consti-tutional body and people’s faith in the elec-toral process.

The Election Commission is the supreme authority and solely responsible for holding free, fair and credible elections. Hence it is empowered by law with ample power to con-duct fair and credible elections.

Although the chief election commissioner made the right of noise on the eve of the city polls saying that irregularities would be dealt with strictly, Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad was si-lent when reporters confronted him even as reports of ruling party’s widespread vote rig-ging were coming in.

Rakibuddin, instead, demanded on Tues-day that the journalists show him where these were going on. Later on Tuesday he went on to say that the elections had been fair, to be echoed only by ruling Awami League leaders.

Mohammad Ali, former election commis-sioner, said city polls plainly showed that people’s apprehension of vote rigging had come true and that the commission should have deployed the army without backtrack-ing from its original directive which called for army patrols on city streets.

“Everything was shown in media. So everybody knows what happened,” he said adding none of the previous city polls had been so controversial under any other com-mission.

Ali, who was commissioner during 2001-2006, said, “We have conducted Chittagong city polls and the Awami League backed can-didate won the polls during a BNP tenure. To maintain law and order, we had transferred the then Chittagong police commissioner as he was biased.”

Imtiaz Ahmed, a professor of International A� airs at Dhaka University and political com-mentator, said, “We can blame the Election commission but I think it is up to the govern-ment whether they want a fair election. Be-cause the problem is those who are in power want to stay on through election. It makes the

job tough for the commission. Yes, the commis-sion can resign but will it bring any change?”

Tofail Ahmed, a local government expert, said, “It does not seem that there was such a body as the election commission during the polls.”

He said the commission could have done a number of things but did not. “They have the army, police and magistrates. What did they do during the polls? The commission has completely failed. That is why voter turnout was poor.”

Salahuddin Aminuzzaman, a teacher of Dhaka University, said: “As a citizen, I am frustrated over the election. Election Com-mission’s role was not visible, and they could have been more active.”

A local government expert seeking ano-nymity said it was not an election at all.

Shakhwat Hossain, former election com-missioner, said that the electoral system seemed to have been non-existent.

He said the Election Commission had no control from the very � rst day that was even more plainly seen on the day of the election. “I also feel sorry for the election o� cials,

with whom I have worked, as they have noth-ing to say.”

Iftekharuzzaman, head of corruption watch-dog Transparency International Bangladesh, said the Election Commission and law enforc-ers had failed to carry out their duties which raised questions about the entire election.

“We are deeply concerned about the fail-ure of a constitutional body like the Election Commission. The commission has embar-rassed itself denying the allegation of mass rigging even after su� cient proof and infor-mation. The Election Commission has not only failed to carry out its role but due to its biased behaviour, this constitutional body’s image and trust was also destroyed.”

Ataur Rahman, a political scientist, said the incumbent commission should be pres-sured to quit the o� ce accepting their failure to hold a fair election and the whole election o� ce should be recast.

“People have lost their trust in the elector-al system and the culture of election has all but fallen � at on its face. This is very alarm-ing. Even gentlemen will not be encouraged to contest polls anymore.”l

All AL-backed candidates win city polls that saw 44% turnoutIn the last election to undivided DCC on April 25, 2002, voter turnout was 34.44% while 54.5% in the CCC election held in 2010.

The number of total voters in Dhaka North was 2,345,374 while 1,870,753 in Dhaka South and 1,813,449 in the CCC.

Massive cancelled votesA total of 121,003 out of 2,648,728 cast votes (around 4.5%) were declared void in the three

city corporations. Of those, 40,130 in Dhaka South, 33,581 in Dhaka North and 47,292 in the CCC.

In 2002, as many as 989,182 voters ex-ercised their franchise in the DCC election when the number of cancelled votes was only 22,438.

42 candidates lose depositsAll but six mayoral aspirants, out of 48, in the

three city elections had to lose their deposits for failing to get 8% of the total cast votes, ac-cording to the Election Commission rules.

Considering the number of voters, the mayor candidates of Dhaka North had to deposit Tk1 lakh while Tk50,000 for Dhaka South and Chittagong.

A total of 1,180 mayoral and councillor candidates contested for 182 posts in the three city corporations.

In DSCC, 20 aspirants took part in the elec-tion for the mayoral post, 97 for 19 reserved councillor posts for women while 390 for 57 general councillor posts.

In Dhaka North, 16 candidates contested for the mayoral post, 89 for 12 reserved seats and 281 for 36 general councillor posts.

In Chittagong, 12 candidates ran for the mayoral post, 62 for 14 reserved seats and 213 for 41 general councillor posts.l

EGW: 90% polling centres were dangerouswere beaten in Dhaka south area while per-forming their duties.

The EWG had deployed 619 observers in the two cities. Against their application for 1,414 ID cards, the Election Commission issued them 828.

It says the transparency of the process was damaged by signi� cant hurdles the EWG had to face in receiving the accreditation and de-ploying observers.

Kamrul said forceful ballot stu� ng, violent incidents, whimsical announcement of clos-ing down polling centres, forcing agents out of the centres and threatening them with arrest, and weak law and order emerged during the polling hours.

“Only one or two polling stations were transparent and could complete the voting process,” he added.

TIB slams ECThe Bangladesh chapter of Berlin-based Transparency International has condemned the widespread vote rigging, violence and ob-struction towards balloting at di� erent polling stations during the city polls.

The corruption watchdog blamed the EC and the law enforcement agencies for their failure to hold credible and peaceful elections.

Moreover, it observes that the opposition parties have created a new risk in restoring a healthy atmosphere in the country’s political landscape by “controversially boycotting the city elections halfway through the polls.”

In a statement yesterday, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said as massive irregularities occurred in the city polls under political shelter � exing muscle, acceptability of the elections has became questionable.

“We are concerned since the EC, as a con-stitutional body, has failed to play its neutral and independent role in holding the elections. The EC itself has fallen in an embarrassing situation by not taking e� ective steps despite creditable information of vote rigging.

“The EC has not only failed to play its due role but also tainted its image by showing po-litical bias,” he added.

Iftekhar also urged all the political parties to demonstrate tolerance and exercise dem-ocratic practices to maintain peace and disci-pline in public life.

AHRC for competent institutionsTerming the city elections fake, human rights defenders associated with the Asian Human Rights Commission yesterday said: “Rigging and ballot stu� ng by ruling party cadres,

polling o� cers, and law-enforcement agents reigned all across the two cities.”

The Hong Kong-based group said wide-spread violence by rival groups of the ruling political camps prevented voters from ap-proaching the booths and casting their votes.

“By mid-day, the police and polling o� cers had asked voters of several jurisdictions to leave the polling centres, informing that their votes had already been cast. Many candidates were themselves not allowed to vote.”

In a statement, the AHRC also questioned the role of the EC since it had failed to take any ac-tion upon complaints lodged by the contestants.

They also condemned the attacks on jour-nalists. “Despite challenges, the media has succeeded in exposing electoral manipula-tions in the newspapers and private television channels,” the statement said. l

PM talks about city polls, terms elections fairn UNB

Observing that Tuesday’s city elections were very much fair, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said this was the victory of democ-racy and mass people as militants and terror-ists could not win the polls.

“This is the victory of democracy, this is the victory of the mass people…at least

this is not the victory of militants, terrorists and those involved in subversive activities,” she said.

She made the remarks when two may-ors-elect of Dhaka North and South city cor-porations Annisul Huq and Sayeed Khokan along with their family members and some councillors-elect met her at her o� cial resi-dence Ganabhaban to greet her.

Hasina mentioned that there were some incidents in some polling centres, but the ra-tio is very insigni� cant. “If we consider the other elections that took place during Khale-da Zia’s and other regimes these elections were very much free and fair.”

About BNP’s election boycott, Hasina said it was BNP’s planned boycott. “This was very much unfortunate, the voting started at 8am,

without any reason they pulled out from the election stating irregularities and rigging in the election.”

She also said in just couple of hours Mirza Abbas of Dhaka South got 294,291 while Tabith Awal in Dhaka North got 325,080 votes. “If there was any irregularity or rigging how they got such huge votes in just couple of hours,” she asked.l

NEWS2DT

NEWS 3D

TTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

BNP decides to go slown Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

Instead of taking a tough stance against the widespread rigging in city polls, the BNP will � rst try to get its detained leaders and activ-ists released and then reorganise for a strong movement.

Moreover, in the coming days, the party will continue holding issue-based programmes to keep the morale up among the ranks instead of enforcing hartals and blockades.

In fact, the party has been thinking about being more careful about using these action programmes for prolonged periods in future because the recent spates have considerably weakened them.

BNP leaders have always said that taking part in the city polls was part of their move-ment strategy.

Now they think that they have not lost an-ything, rather the widespread rigging in city elections has put the government in an awk-ward position and ended up strengthening their demand for fresh national polls under non-partisan government.

Leaders said the next few months are not very conducive for holding political pro-grammes because of the rainy season, the Is-

lamic fasting month of Ramadan and the Eid festival.

So, they want to utilise this time to reor-ganise the party ranks and mobilise public opinion in favour of their prime demand – fresh national election.

Mahbubur Rahman, member of the BNP’s standing committee, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We are yet to decide our strategy for the near future. We will certainly hold meetings and decide our next course of action.”

Seeking anonymity, a senior leader said the BNP will not enforce any major programmes like hartals and blockades right now fearing that public sentiment might go against them.

He also said: “We have got back the pub-lic ‘s favour. Refraining from enforcing action programmes will surely add value to our de-mand.”

The BNP believes that the farcical city cor-poration elections in Dhaka and Chittagong have back� red on the government and will put it under pressure from both in and out-side the country.

Another leader said: “There was a percep-tion within the party that the decision to boy-cott the January 5 [2014] national elections was wrong. Now, the city polls have proved

that decision right.”Political scientist Ataur Rahman said:

“Now the people’s perception [against the vote rigging] has to be mobilised. People must be made to understand that votes will not de-cide election results.”

Seeking anonymity, another senior lead-er of BNP told the Dhaka Tribune last night: “The USA, UK and the UN have already ex-pressed their discomfort with the elections and called for investigation. This election has proved that BNP’s decision to boycott the far-cical January 5 elections was right.”

Halfway through the day’s voting, the BNP had already said they were rejecting the polls. But uno� cial results published by the Election Commission showed that the � ght between the BNP and Awami League-backed candidates was tight.

“When the results were published, we saw that the BNP-backed candidates have got large number of votes. This was done to mislead the grassroots leaders and activists of BNP so that they get the idea that they could have won had they not rejected the polls.”

It was nothing but an evil strategy of the government, said the leader who was closely involved with the election process. l

Khokon: Dhaka Dialogue to be my � rst initiative n Abu Hayat Mahmud

Newly elected Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon yesterday said he would embark on his work with the Dha-ka Dialogue he promised in his election manifesto.

The dialogue will be held with the participation of city corpo-ration authorities, civil society members, urban planners, archi-tectures, engineers, relevant gov-ernment authorities and profes-sionals. It will be aimed at devising a long-term plan to turn Dhaka into a livable and modern city.

Khokon said these at a press conference in Awami League’s Dhaka City unit o� ce in Bangab-andhu Avenue after he was uno� -cially declared as the DSCC mayor.

Replying to a question, Khokon said he would organise the dialogue immediately after the oath-taking ceremony.

“I promise that I will involve not only my party men but also members of opponent parties in

the development activities of the city corporation. I am seeking help from everybody to build a modern city.”

Thanking city dwellers for electing him as a mayor , Khokon said he would work impartially.

After the press conference Khokon along with other Awami League leaders and activists went to Dhanmondi to place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

Awami League-backed mayor-al candidate Sayeed Khokon was uno� cially elected mayor for the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) yesterday.

According to the uno� cial re-sults announced by the Election Commission, Sayeed Khokon defeated his nearest BNP-backed candidate Mirza Abbas by a big margin.

Sayeed Khokon secured 5,35, 296 votes while BNP-backed mayoral candidate Mirza Abbas got 2,94,291 votes. l

Annisul: This is the beginning of a new lifen Tribune Report

Dhaka north’s mayor-elect Ann-isul Huq has said that he would not live in the government-pro-vided accommodation and not take police security unless abso-lutely necessary.

Annisul, who enjoyed the rul-ing party’s backing in Tuesday’s Dhaka North City Corporation election, told this to reporters at his Banani residence yesterday.

That however, was not a formal press conference, it rather was a casual conversation with a group of reporters. He o� cially talked to media early yesterday morn-ing at his central election o� ce at Nikunja, soon after he came to know that he had emerged victo-rious in the election.

The business tycoon spent the most of the � rst half of yesterday in bed, after spending a sleep-less night, waiting for the polls results. Many reporters tried but failed to reach him throughout the daytime.

He was wearing a t-shirt and trousers when he talked to this Dhaka Tribune correspondent and some reporters from other newspapers and private satellite TV channels in his living room. He also separately talked to other such small groups of journalists in the evening.

“Like every other election, this too is also facing questions. But I think there is no scope of raising questions about the mayoral candidates in the north of Dhaka. Some questions may be asked about the councillorcandidates.”

Earlier in the day, he told re-porters at the early morning press conference that it was the begin-ning of a new life for him and he would try to make use of his ex-periences.

“Those who have voted and those who did not or could not are equally valuable to me... Please pray for and cooper-ate with me,” the mayor-electsaid. l

Police fail to follow up on polls violence n Mohammad Jamil Khan and

Kamrul Hasan

The DMP is yet to take any signi� cant action in connection with the violence that broke out between rival groups of Awami League during Tuesday’s Dhaka city polls.

Even though clashes were reported by media from di� erent polling centres across the city, only � ve cases have so far been � led accusing 1,500 unidenti� ed people; the cases were � led in Kafrul, Rampura, Ramna and Kotowali police stations.

A source in the police told the Dhaka Trib-une that a large number of unidenti� ed people had been accused intentionally, so that it would be hard to make any progress in the cases.

Seeking anonymity, a senior DMP o� cial told the Dhaka Tribune that they were unable to � le cases in response to the violence, as most of the clashes were between ruling party men.

Top o� cials of the DMP, however, were now discussing what the next course of action should be and further instructions were expect-ed to come from them soon, the o� cial added.When contacted yesterday, DMP acting dep-uty commissioner SM Jahangir Alam Sarker said the police were yet to receive any speci� c allegations regarding violence, but assured that action would be taken once valid com-plaints are � led. l

Awami League leaders congratulate Sayeed Khokon on his victory in the Dhaka South city election in the party o� ce yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Annisul Huq thanks voters at a press brie� ng yesterday soon after being elected the mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation FOCUS BANGLA

Adorsho Dhaka Andolon seeks polls cancellationn Tribune Report

Adorsho Dhaka Andolon, pro-BNP city elec-tion platform, demanded cancellation of the city polls result and resignation of the incum-bent election commission yesterday.

The BNP-backed mayoral candidates par-ticipated in Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporation polls under this platform and boy-cotted the polls alleging massive vote rigging.

“Yesterday’s (Tuesday) election was a stig-ma on the nation’s history. The Election Com-mission, administration, law enforcers, and Jubo League-Chhatra League activists turned the whole election into a farce. We withdrew our candidacy from this mocking and farcical election. We are now demanding the cancella-tion of this election,” said Shawkat Mahmud, member secretary of the platform.

Addressing a press conference at National Press Club, convener of the platform Emajud-din Ahamed said: “I am an aged person. I have seen many elections since 1946. the election which was held on Tuesday can be compared with only the January 5 election.”

The former Dhaka University VC also said: “People did not accept this election. That is why we are demanding resignation of the Election Commission for the nation’s sake.”

Shawkat said what the Election Commis-sion had done was simply a shameless farce. “We think the Election Commission has made Awami League win, defeating democracy to meet the government’s desire.”

He said in 90% of the polling centres, agents of the BNP-backed mayoral candidates were not allowed to enter; those who did manage to enter were ousted after being beaten up.

Responding to the ruling party leaders’ claim that BNP’s election boycott was pre-planned, Shawkat said: “If the election boy-cott was planned, then the BNP chairperson would not campaign risking her life.” l

NEWS4DTTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Bangladesh, India sign � nal draft on coastal shipping agreementn Shohel Mamun

Bangladesh and India has signed the � nal draft of bilateral agreement on coastal ship-ping to allow river vessels to travel between the neighbouring countries during a secre-tary-level meeting held at New Delhi.

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan con-� rmed it at a press conference in the Secre-tariat yesterday.

“The � nal agreement will be signed when

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Bangladesh,” the minister said.

A 12-member delegation from Bangladesh led by Shipping Secretary Sha� que Alam Mehdi vis-ited New Delhi on April 20-22 for this purpose.

“This agreement will boost the export-im-port trade between Bangladesh and India,” the secretary said.

Earlier, the countries also agreed on ex-tending the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) with the provision of au-

tomatic renewal. The current deal expired on March 31, which was extended until June 30.

This is in line with the proposed amend-ment to the Bangladesh-India trade agree-ment, the secretary added.

The original PIWTT agreement was signed in 1972, and has since been renewed many times.

However, this will be the � rst time that signing a new agreement will allow Bangla-desh the use of channels for trade with other

countries.Until now, Bangladeshi cargo vessels have

been travelling to and from India using the sea route via Colombo and Singapore ports, the minister said.

“The trade route between the countries is around 3,000 nautical miles now. But when the PIWTT agreement comes into e� ect, the direct route will be around 620 nautical miles, which will cut the trade cost by nearly 50%,” he said. l

NEWS 5D

TTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

CITY CORPORATION ELECTION

Govt ready to face US inquiries in partnership dialoguen Sheikh Shahariar Zaman

The government is ready to face any ques-tions related to the city corporation election in the Bangladesh-US Partnership Dialogue.

“We will not raise the city corporation election issue but if the US side does it, we are prepared,” said a senior o� cial of the foreign ministry.

Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque will lead the Bangladesh side in the two-day fourth partnership dialogue while US State Department Under-Secretary Wendy Sher-man her country.

“Our probable response will be that the election is over and the result was announced and if there is any irregularity or complaint, it would be looked into by the Election Commis-sion,” he said.

The US Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday after the election issued a statement saying it was disappointed by widespread, � rst-hand, and credible reports of vote-rigging, intimidation and violence that occurred at polling stations, and the BNP’s decision to boycott the city cor-poration polls.

After the January 5 national election held in 2014, the Foreign Ministry briefed the for-

eign diplomats about the rationality of hold-ing the election.

Meanwhile, the foreign secretary told the Dhaka Tribune that Bangladesh would em-phasis the trade and investment issue in the dialogue.

Development and governance, trade and investment, and security cooperation are the three broad areas where the discussion would be centred.

“Bangladesh would raise duty-free quo-ta-free and GSP issues with the US side,” he said.

Increased US investment in Bangladesh and boosting of Bangladesh export to the US market would also be discussed, he added.

The US is the single biggest export destina-tion of Bangladeshi products with an annual export of about $6 billion.

Another Foreign Ministry o� cial said Bangladesh might seek US help to resolve Ro-hingya crisis in Myanmar.

“We are facing problems due to in� ux of Rohingyas into Bangladesh and it must be stopped. We need US help to resolve it,” he said.

About three to � ve lakh undocumented Rohingyas are living in Bangladesh creat-

ing serious security, environment and social problems. Wendy Sherman and State Depart-ment Assistant Secretary Nisha Desai Biswal will arrive in Dhaka today and scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and For-eign Minister AH Mahmood Ali.

The dialogue is the premier forum for fur-ther expanding and deepening bilateral co-operation on the full range of bilateral and regional activities.

The working session of the dialogue will be held today at the o� cial level while the plenary session will be held tomorrow at the secretary level.

In the working session, investment cli-mate, energy, labour and terrorism issues will dominate, said o� cials.

In the last partnership dialogue held in Wash-ington in October last year, both the parties dis-cussed about strengthening democratic institu-tion, civil society, rule of law, climate change, migration and Rohingya, science and technolo-gy, labour, blue economy peacekeeping and law enforcement in the cluster discussion.

Education, diaspora, culture, regional inte-gration, human rights and security were also discussed. A joint statement had been issued after the dialogue. l

Two suspected bomb makers injured in blastn Tribune Report

A crude bomb blast in a � at in the capital’s Adabor injured at least two people yesterday. The injured are Anowarul Islam and Nuru Miah.

O� cer-in-Charge Azizul Haque of Moham-madpur police station said upon information, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Mahabub Hossain went to the third-� oor � at of a mul-ti-storied building at Road 4 of Dhaka Udyan area in Adabor around 11am and sent the in-jured to National Institute of Traumatology and

Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR). The team also recovered 14 more crude bombs, he added.

When contacted, SI Mahabub said Anowarul is still admitted at Nitor; Nuru is now at the police station after given treat-ment. Police are interrogating the owner of the building to learn more about the incident.

The SI said the cause of the explosion could not be ascertained immediately nor the details of the injured.

Asked about any possibility of terrorist involvement, he said: “We cannot make any such comment before further investigation. l

HC: One can move SC against ICT contempt verdictn UNB

The High Court yesterday observed that a person convicted on contempt charges by the International Crimes Tribunal can go to he Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking justice.

An HC bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo came up with the observation dispos-ing of a writ petition � led by 12 noted citizens.

They � led the petition seeking suspension of the contempt proceedings by the Interna-tional Crimes Tribunal 2 (ICT 2) in connection with a statement made by 49 noted citizens expressing their concern over the punish-ment of British citizen and journalist David Bergman.

Barrister Akhter Imama and Barrister Rashna Imam represented the defence dur-ing the hearing while Attorney General Mah-bubey Alam appeared for the state.

The ICT 2 on April 23 had set yesterday for submitting reply by 23 noted citizens as to why they shall not be punished for contempt of court.

On January 14, the ICT 2 issued a contempt notice against 49, who had expressed con-cern through a statement published on daily Prothom Alo over the tribunal’s judgment to punish British citizen and journalist David Bergman of contempt of court. l

Mujahid’s appeal hearing beginsn UNB

The Appellate Division yesterday started the appeal hearing of condemned prisoner Ja-maat leader Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid against the ICT 2 verdict sentencing him to death for committing crimes against human-ity during the Liberation War.

The hearing started at the four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice SK Sinha.

The other members of the SC bench are Jus-tice Nazmun Ara Sultana, Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain and Justice Hasan Foyez Siddique.

During the hearing, Mujahid’s counsel SM Shahjahan told the bench that International Crimes Tribunal 2 awarded him death penalty after � nding him guilty of � ve charges. Then

he gave statement on behalf of Mujahid. Later, the bench adjourned the hearing till Monday.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam repre-sented the state.

The ICT 2 on July 17, 2013, awarded Ali Ah-san Muhammad Mujahid death penalty for committing crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in collaboration with the Pakistan occupation forces, after � nding the Al Badar boss guilty of � ve, out of seven charges.

The charges included murder of intellectu-als, genocide, abduction and persecution.

On August 11, 2013, condemned prisoner Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid � led an appeal with the Appellate Division against his capital punish-ment in the case for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. l

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

DHAKA NORTH CITY CORPORATION

Candidates Symbol Received votes

Annisul Huq Table Clock 460,117

Abdullah Al Ka� Elephant 2475

AYM Kamrul Islam Cricket Bat 1216

Kazi Md Shahidullah Hilsa Fish 2968

Chowdhury Irad Ammad Siddiky Gourd 915

Tabith Awal Bus 325,080

Nader Chowdhury Peacock 1412

Bahauddin Ahmed Wheel 2950

Mahi Badrudozza Chowdhury Eagle 13407

Moazemmem Hossain Khan Mazlish Flask 1095

Md Anisuzzaman Khokon Dish Antenna 900

Md Zaman Bhuiya Table 1140

Md Zunayed Abdur Rahim Saki Telescope 7370

Md Samsul Alam Chowdhury Leopard 982

Sheikh Md Fazle Bari Masud Orange 18050

Sheik Shohiduzzaman Fire Box 923

DHAKA SOUTH CITY CORPORATION

Candidates Symbol Received votes

Abu Naser Muhammad Musud Hossain

Wheel 2197

ASM Akram Cricket Bat 682

Advocate Mohammad Ayub Hussain Eagle 354

SM Asaduzzaman Ripon Orange 928

Dilip Chandra Elephant 669

Bazlur Rashid Firoz Table 1029

Moshiur Rahman Leopard 508

Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed Mug 294,291

Mohammad Sha� Ullah Chowdhury Peacock 512

Mohammad Sayeed Khokon Hilsa Fish 535,296

Mohammad Saifuddin Sofa 4519

Md Akhtaruzzaman alias Ayatullah Gourd 362

Md Abdur Rahman Flask 14784

Md Abdul Khaleq Cake 550

Md Golam Mawla Roni Ring 1887

Md Zahidur Rahman Laptop 988

Md Baharane Sultan Bahar Shirt 312

Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury Table Clock 2173

Md Shahidul Islam Bus 1239

Shahin Khan Ship 2074

CHITTAGONG CITY CORPORATION

Candidates Symbol Received votes

AZM Nasir Uddin Elephant 475,361

Arif Moinuddin Bus 1774

MA Matin Wheel 11655

Mohammad Monzur Alam Orange 304,837

Mohammad Sha� ul Alam Hilsa Fish 680

Md Abul Kalam Azad Fire Box 1385

Md Alauddin Chowdhury Telescope 2159

Md Wazed Hossain Bhuiyan Table Clock 9668

Md Solaiman Alam Sheth Dish Antenna 6131

Saifuddin Ahmed (Robi) Flask 2661

Syed Sajjad Zoha Cricket Bat 845

Hossain Muhammad Mujibul Haq Peacock 4215

CITY CORPORATION ELECTIONS Father, 2 daughters found dead at home n Kamrul Hasan

A father and his two daughters were found dead at home in the capital’s Kamrangirchar yesterday.

Police recovered the bodies of Md Babul Hossain, 40, and his daughters Mim Akhter, 9, and Jannati, 12, from the house near Rony market on Aloron School Road.

O� cer-in-Charge of Kamrangirchar police station, Sheikh Mohsin Alam, said the three had committed suicide but could not ascertain why they took such a step. He said the father and his daugh-ters might have died from electrocution.

“Their bodies were found fastened with an electric wire and one end of the wire was connected to an electric switch,” he said, adding that they might have tak-

en their own lives on Tuesday night. The policeman quoted one of Babul’s

neighbours as saying that Babul was a tea seller and an occasional rickshaw puller.

“Babul’s wife walked out on the family two days ago and that might be the reason for the three to kill them-selves.”

The bodies were sent to Sir Salimullah Medical College morgue for autopsy. l

Four hurt in Ansar-police clash over election remunerationsn Kamrul Hasan

At least four Ansar members were in-jured yesterday when they clashed with the police during demonstrations demanding outstanding election duty remunerations.

Saifullah Rasel, Ansar command-er of Dhaka city west zone, said Ansar members started protests at the capi-tal’s Technical intersection yesterday evening urging authorities concerned

to pay the dues for election duty. But the police launched a sudden attack on the demonstrating men and injured four of them, Rasel claimed.

Meanwhile, Darus Salam police sta-tion Inspector Kawsar Jahan admitted that the police � red four rounds of bul-let at the demonstrators, but only when protesters started throwing bricks at the police after refusing to move away from the blocked Mazar Road. No one was hurt, he added. l

Fakhrul’s indictment hearing deferred n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

A Dhaka court yesterday deferred again the indictment hearing of BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and 63 others accused in a case � led for torching vehicles in the capital.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magis-trate Alamgir Kabir Raj passed the order following a time petition � led by defence counsel Sanaullah Miah. Yesterday was the scheduled date for the hearing but police did not produce Fakhrul beforethe court. l

NEWS6DT

NEWS 7D

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WEATHER

PRAYER TIMESFajr 4:05am

Sunrise 5:25amZohr 11:56am

Asr 4:22pmMagrib 6:27pm

Esha 7:47 pm

Source: Accuweather/UNB

D H A K ATODAY TOMORROW

SUN SETS 6:26PM SUN RISES 5:25AM

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW35.0ºC 20.3ºCJessore Chuadanga

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

SourceL IslamicFinder.org

F O R E C A S T F O R T O D A YDhaka 30 25Chittagong 31 24Rajshahi 32 23Rangpur 30 22Khulna 30 23Barisal 29 24Sylhet 28 21Cox’s Bazar 31 25

DRY WEATHER

Patuakhali seismograph broken for 3 yearsn Our Correspondent, Barisal

The seismograph at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) seismological centre is out of order and has been in the state for more than three years.

In the wake of the recent series of earth-quakes in the Himalayan region, one of which had devastating e� ects in Nepal, not having a functional seismograph is a little risky since Bangladesh has long been under threat of ma-jor earthquake, sources at the PSTU told the Dhaka Tribune.

“You cannot exactly predict earthquake, of course, but sometimes, before a major earth-quake, there may be some minor jolts that can give us a hint. We can only know that from the readings of a seismograph,” said Dr Munibur Rahman, assistant professor at the universi-ty’s electrical engineering department and in charge of the seismological centre.

A seismograph measures and records de-tails of ground motion, including those of seismic waves generated by activities such as earthquakes.

Dr AKM Mustafa Zaman, dean of the fac-

ulty of computer science and engineering at the university and convener of the seismo-logical centre, said the centre had been trying to contact the authorities concerned to repair the seismograph, but had yet to get a positive response.

This is not the � rst time the PSTU seismo-graph has gone out of order.

Shortly after it was inaugurated on May 27, 2008, it broke down due to con� guration, power supply and other technical problems.

It two years to get the seismograph re-paired, following a visit by Dr Syed Humayun

Akhter, chairman of DU’s geology depart-ment, to the PSTU in September 2010.

But the machine’s sensor and some other parts broke down again in February 2012, and it has been out of order since then.

The seismograph was installed at the PSTU under a joint Bangladesh-US research project at the cost of Tk75 lakh, Prof Munibur said.

The project, between the geology depart-ment of Dhaka University and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, US, saw the instalment of three other seismographs in Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna. l

1 held with 94 passportsn Kamrul Hasan

Customs department o� cials of Shahjalal International Airport early yesterday detained a man and recovered 94 Bangladeshi passports from his possession.

Saiful Islam, 36, is also suspected human tra� cker and smug-gler, says the o� cials.

His suspicious movement drew the attention of the o� cials and they started following him after he landed at the airport around 11pm by a � ight of Malinda Airlines.

The department’s Assistant Commissioner Md Reyadul Islam said the o� cials found 94 blank Bangladeshi passports, both ma-chine readable and manual, in his luggage. The passports might be used for human tra� cking and smuggling.

During interrogation, Saiful claimed that he was playing a role of transporter and a man staying in Dhaka was supposed to re-ceive the consignment upon his call, AC Reyadul continued.

He was later handed over to Airport thana police and a case was booked there in this connection. l

Students block highway over vandalism of RU busn Our Correspondent,

Rajshahi

Rajshahi University students yesterday blocked the Dha-ka-Rajshahi highway to protest the vandalism of a students’ bus of the university and assault on students by local transport workers.

The students said a truck, while overtaking, hit the Bane-shwar-bound Rajshahi Universi-ty (RU) student bus at Katakhali Bazar around 9am. The bus al-most fell into the roadside ditch as a result. Being angered, the students in the bus broke the truck’s windshield.

Later, local transport work-ers stopped the bus and broke the windows of the university bus and also beat up several stu-dents who tried to stop them.

On information, Motihar police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under con-trol.

Hearing the news, several hun-dred students blocked the Rajsha-hi-Dhaka highway near the uni-versity main gate around 9:15am and started their protest. l

‘BNP’s steps over city polls intentional’n Our Correspondent, Sylhet

Terming the BNP’s activities centring the much-hyped city corporation elec-tions staged drama, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has opined that the party deliberately adopted the way of controversial role to create an issue for its movement.

“Actually BNP has taken part in the

Dhaka and Chittagong city corporation elections to make an issue for its ongoing movement. Its participation and boycott are a staged drama. That party has no activists for movement and electoral agents its dream of successful move-ment will not see light,” said Obaidul Quader. The minister and also the ruling party Awami League’s Presidium Mem-ber made the remarks while visiting an

under-construction bridge at Kazirbazar in the city yesterday morning.

Obaidul also continued that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would inaugu-rate the bride and Surma bridge in Su-namganj in June, this year.

During the visit, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam and former MP Soid Jebunnesa Hoque were present among others. l

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Brahmaputra erosion threatens � ve villagesn Our Correspondent, Kurigram

Even before the monsoon has set in, the Brah-maputra River is already wreaking havoc in Kurigram.

The heavy downpour and scattered nor’westers have caused the water level to rise and trigger the erosion.

At least � ve villages of Jatrapur union of Sadar upazila are the worst e� ected.

15 families of Garuhara and Balodipara vil-lages have already lost their land, houses and livestock. Many families are spending sleep-less nights fearing the river erosion.

Villagers have been trying to protect the river banks in a make-shift arrangement but the erosion is too intense to withstand the bamboo structures.

Local people urged the Water Develop-ment Board to act immediately.

Residents of Garuhara and Balodipara Umed Ali, Osman Ali and Mamtaz said the river erosion had become worse in the last

two years. “The villages of Ghanoshyampur, Char

Jatrapur, Garuhara, Balodipara and Farazipa-ra are being gradually devoured by the mighty Brahmaputra.”

“At least 15 families have lost everything in the last 5 days. We are trying our to best to check the erosion but without the govern-ment’s help it is not possible,” they said.

Abdul Gaf-far, chairman of Jatrapur union, said: “More than 800 families, 3-kilometre road and 2-kilometre � ood control dam have been a� ected by the erosion in the last two years.”

“But the Water Development Board has taken no initiative so far,” he alleged.

When contacted, Abdul Kader, an o� -cial of Kurigram Water Development Board’s sub-division 3, told the Dhaka Tribune that the budget they had sent for building the em-bankment had not been approved yet.

“We have sent a Tk8.50 crore budget to the

authorities to build a 1.25-kilometre embank-ment and a 1.50-kilometre � ood control dam to check the erosion. But the budget has not yet been approved. And that is why we could not start the work.”

He, however, hoped the fund would be ap-proved soon and the construction work could be started before the monsoon. l

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

A truck collides head-on with a pickup-van and plunges into a roadside ditch killing one person at Manda of Naogaon yesterday AZAHAR UDDIN

Serial killer Rasu Khan appeals against death sentencen Our Correspondent,

Chandpur

Convicted rapist and serial killer Rasu Khan has appealed against the death sentence he was awarded last week.

The Chandpur jail author-ities had � led the appeal on April 23, just a day after the verdict, in line with a request by the convict, the district pris-on o� cer said yesterday.

The self-confessed killer was sentenced to death on April 22 for killing garment worker Shahida Begum. He was given seven days to appeal to the High Court. He was also given seven years’ jail with a � ne of Tk50,000. Shahida was killed after rape near Nanupur canal of Faridganj in Chandpur

on August 18, 2008.Rasu was arrested on Octo-

ber 7 in 2009 from Nirashpur of Tongi over stealing a fan from a mosque. He later confessed to the killing of 11 women after rape.

He wished to kill a total of 101 women and then take ref-uge at the Shahjalal shrine in Sylhet.

Rasu’s � rst victim was the wife of his brother-in-law in 2007. He used to make rela-tionship with women luring to marry them, but killed them af-ter rape in Chandpur’s remote areas.

Earlier, Rasu was acquitted in a case � led over the rape and murder of teenager Popy in Faridpur. He is facing eight other cases. l

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Five get life term for murdern Our Correspondent, Netrakona

A court in the district yesterday sentenced � ve people, including a woman, to life term im-prisonment and three women to one year for killing a man over land related dispute in 2005.

The lifers are Abdul Hamid, 40, son of Afzal Hossain, Uzzal Miah, 23, son of Rais Uddin, his brothers Helal Miah, 40 and Rabbani, 45, and their sister Rehena Begum alias Rina, 47.

The convicts were � ned Tk 10,000 each, in default, they will have to su� er one year more rigorous imprisonment.

The convicts who were awarded one year jail are Roksana Begum, 28, wife of Abul Ha-mid, Rashida Begum, 30, wife of Helal Uddin, and Nadia Begum, 30. daughter of Abul Hos-sain.

They were � ned Tk1,000 each, in default, they will have to su� er one month more im-prisonment.

According to the prosecution, Abdul Aziz, a farmer of Pabai village of Purba Dhala upazi-la of the district, had an enmity with the con-victs of the village over the ownership of a piece of land. l

61 electricity applicants kept hanging over 2 years in Natore n Our Correspondent, Natore

Sixty-one electricity connection applicants of 27 villages in Gurudaspur, Natore have not yet been given the meter connections even after two years of submitting the consumer’s de-posit to the concerned o� ces.

The victims claimed that whenever the o� ces were approached, they were given ex-cuses of corruption by the technicians and the hope that they would be given the electricity connections after completion of investiga-tion. But the victims alleged that the author-ities are not taking any e� ective steps to re-solve the matter.

They had applied for the connections to the Palli Bidyut sub zonal o� ce in Guru-daspur between 2013 and 2014.

After completion of internal procedures the authorities noti� ed them in a letter that once the wiring was done by an allotted elec-trician, they would be given the meter con-nections upon payment of consumer’s depos-it Tk620 each.

Victim Sattar Pk, son of late Patu pk of Jogendranagar village claimed they have completed the wiring with the trained and allotted electrician Ainal Haq. But, even after submission of his report and their deposit, they have not yet received the connection. They contacted the o� ce day after day with-out any result.

Applicant Habibur Rahman, son of Surot Ali, and Abdul Malek, son of Vadu Sarker, of Chanchkoir village claimed they have submitted the consumer’s deposit following

all the rules and direction of the concerned o� ce. If any irregularities are found in their papers then the concerned o� ce is responsible for that.

Contacted, Mosta� zur Rahman, Depu-ty General Manger of the sub zonal o� ce of Gurudaspur con� rmed the matter and said: “The concerned electricians may be causing the delay in this regard. After receiving the investigation report, the consumers might get the meter connections.”

Electrician Ainal Haq refused the allega-tions of corruption and said he submitted his report after completing the wiring. The o� ce is responsible for the delay.

The victims urged the government to take steps in this regard so that they can get the electricity connection soon. l

Jubo League leader shot dead n Our Correspondent, Noakhali

A local Jubo League leader was shot dead and another one injured by their rivals at Amis-hapara Bazar in Sonaimuri upazila yesterday night.

The deceased was identi� ed as Moham-mad Ibrahim, 28, son of late Korban Ali of Dhainyapur village of the upazila and presi-dent of Sonapur union Jubo League.

The injured was identi� ed as Saiful Islam, president of Amishapara College unit of the Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Witnesses said miscreants swooped on Ibrahim and shot him in the area while he was taking tea at a tea stall around 7:45 pm, leaving Ibrahim dead on the spot and Saiful injured. They also vandalized 10-12 shops in the area.

On information, police recovered the body and sent it to Noakhali General Hospital morgue for autopsy. l

Dam collapses, Boro on 5,000 hectare land submerged n Our Correspondent, Kishoreganj

Farmers of two upazilas in Kisoreganj are apprehensive they will incur huge losses, as their standing crops, especially Boro paddy, have submerged due to a collapsed � ood con-trol embankment.

The � ood control embankment at Koishur collapsed three days ago, � ooding the Boro paddy on around 1,000 hectares.

Another embankment, Bijoy Bandh, at Joisiddi union in Itna upazila collapsed � ve days ago due to heavy rains and an onrush of water from the hills across the border, sub-merging all crops on 2,000 hectares of land.

Two other embankments, named Sankir-char and Hashimpur, in Mithamoin upazila collapsed three days ago, submerging around 2,000 hectares of boro cropland.

While visiting the haor areas in Mitamoin upazila, this correspondent found that farm-ers were cutting the green boro plants, as the water level of the di� erent rivers surrounding the district rises day by day due to the onrush of water from upstream.

Habibur Rahman, a farmer, said crops on 7,000 acres of land in the Daki, Charigram, Fulpur, and Kanchanpur areas have been � ooded as the water level in the Daira and Duvi rivers has risen remarkably.

Md Abdullah of Hashimpur village in Itna said he had cultivated Boro paddy on 12 acres of land. But, his crops are now totally dam-aged.

Md Rois Uddin, chairman of Katkal Union Parishad, is concerned that Boro production might be seriously hampered if the situation deteriorates and the farmers fall into hardship.

Another farmer, Arifur Rahman, said: “Everything has gone under water in the un-timely � oods.” Farmers of Pachkanhia village were also seen taking the initiative to repair the dam on their own.

Mahmudur Rahman, a social worker of Itna upazila, said: “Thousands of hectares of paddy in my upazila washed away in this untimely � ood. Boro is the only harvest these low lands have.”

The local farmers will starve if their har-vests wash away, they will have to live on borrowed money, he said. He added, with un-easiness, that none of the governments since liberation have taken any steps to help farm-ers from such � oods in the haors.

The Water Development Board in Kishoreganj found that the water level in the rivers marked a sharp rise following a down-

pour upstream, and the dykes collapsed un-der the heavy pressure of water.

Md Abdullah, UNO of Itna upazila, and Md Aziz Haydar Bhuiyan of Mithamoin upazila, ad-mitting the incident, said: “We visited the areas. A lot of land has been damaged because of the early onrush of water, and we are taking nec-essary steps to remove the stagnant water and repair the embankments as soon as possible.”

Aumitab Das, deputy director of the Agri-culture Extension Department in Kishoreganj, admitted that around 350 acres of Boro crops of the lowlands had indeed gone underwater.

“We urged the authorities concerned, espe-cially the Water Development Board (WDB), to repair the damaged embankment as soon as possible,” he said.

“The situation is not so serious. It will not hamper production target,” he added. l

Farmers are busy processing paddy in the � eld after harvest. The picture was taken yesterday from Goadagari Hatibanda village in Barind area of Rajshahi AZAHAR UDDIN

WORLD10DT

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Austria, backed by 159 nations, calls for ban on nuclear weaponsn Reuters, United Nations

Austria on Tuesday called for banning nu-clear weapons because of their catastrophic humanitarian e� ects, an initiative it said now has the backing of 159 countries.

Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz was speaking at the � ve-year review confer-ence of the 1970 nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). “The only way to guarantee that nuclear weapons will never be used again is through their total elimination,” Kurz told the 191 parties to the treaty, the world’s benchmark arms control accord. l

China � res back at reclamation accusationsn Reuters, Beijing

After facing weeks of criticism about its recla-mation work on disputed islands in the South China Sea, China yesterday turned the tables on Vietnam, the Philippines and others by ac-cusing them of carrying out their own illegal building work.

China claims 90% of the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas, with overlapping claims from Brunei, Malay-sia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Recent satellite images show China has

made rapid progress in building an airstrip suitable for military use in the Spratly Islands and may be planning another.

Those moves, along with other reclama-tions, have caused alarm around the region and in Washington too, with the issue dom-inating a summit of Southeast Asian leaders this week, to China’s displeasure.

At a daily news brie� ng, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei listed recla-mation work being done by other claimant nations in the Spratlys, which China calls the Nansha Islands. l

Hundreds of Arab Israelis protest over home demolitionsn AFP, Tel Aviv

Some 2,000 Arab Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv Tuesday against a wave of house demoli-tions, capping a day in which Arab shops, schools and businesses observed a general strike.

The protesters gathered at Rabin Square in the centre of Israel’s commercial capital, waving Palestinian � ags and wearing headscarves as police o� cers stood by in case of disturbances.

Arab Israelis – the descendents of Pales-tinians who stayed in Israel after the Jewish state’s establishment – had been striking across the country since the morning in pro-test at demolitions of Arab homes, especially in Jerusalem.

“This is one of the most painful issues for the Arab public,” said prominent Arab Israeli lawmaker Ayman Odeh in a statement shortly before attending the rally. l

King’s powerful son: Saudi Arabia’s future crown princen AFP, Riyadh

Saudi King Salman’s youthful son Prince Mo-hammed, appointed yesterday as second in line to the throne, wields enormous power and is leading a war against rebels in neigh-bouring Yemen.

Defence Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in his 30s, was named deputy crown prince thanks to his “massive capa-bilities which became evident to everyone through all the missions he had been as-signed with,” said a statement by his father, King Salman, 79.

Just weeks after taking charge of the king-dom’s armed forces Prince Mohammed as-sumed huge responsibility when a Saudi-led coalition on March 26 began an air war against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen.

His nomination yesterday gained “sup-port from the vast majority of members of the Council of Allegiance,” a committee of 35 descendants of the kingdom’s founder Abdul Aziz bin Saud.

The council was formed in 2006 to decide on succession.

Prince Mohammed also retains his position as head of the economic and development council, a coordinating body, and was named as second deputy prime minister.

But he will no longer hold the crucial posi-tion of head of the royal court, a type of gate-keeper to the king.

“He is the strong man in Saudi Arabia,” a Western diplomatic source said before the reshu� e. “He oversees everything important which is going on in this country.” l

South Korea spy agency: N Korea’s Kim Jong-Un executed 15 top o� cialsn AFP, Seoul

North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un ordered the exe-cution of 15 senior o� cials this year, includ-ing several who complained about the young leader’s policies, South Korea’s intelligence agency said yesterday.

Those executed included two vice minis-ter-level o� cials, the Yonhap news agency re-ported, citing legislators who attended a brief-ing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Both were punished for opposing or com-plaining about Kim’s directives, the legis-lators said, adding a vice forestry minister was executed for complaining about Kim’s forestation plan.

As well as the 15 senior o� cials, the NIS said four members of North Korea’s Unhasu Orchestra, with which Kim’s wife, Ri Sol-Ju, had once been a singer, were executed in March.

The NIS said they were executed by � ring squad on charges of spying.

In 2013, Japanese and South Korean media reported that a number of members of the or-chestra had been executed for violating por-nography laws in a bid by Kim to protect his wife’s reputation.

The Kim dynasty has ruled reclusive and impoverished North Korea for more than six decades with an iron � st and a pervasive per-sonality cult. l

Saudi king resets succession to cope with turbulent timesn Reuters, Riyadh

Saudi King Salman appointed a new heir and made his young son second in line to rule yesterday, a major shift in power toward two princes who have overseen a more assertive stance at a time of almost unprecedented re-gional turmoil.

By making Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef, 55, crown prince and Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman, 30, depu-ty crown prince, King Salman has e� ectively decided the line of succession for decades to come in the world’s top oil exporter.

The appointments signal a tougher foreign policy, particularly toward regional foe Iran, but little change to a � rm hand against dissent at home, where Riyadh this week said it had detained 93 suspected Islamic State militants.

Almost all powers under the king are now concentrated in the hands of the pair, who each chair committees determining all se-curity and economic development issues in Saudi Arabia, and have led Riyadh’s month-old campaign of air strikes in Yemen.

In another big shift, Salman replaced veter-an Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, who had served in the role since October 1975, with the kingdom’s Washington ambassador Adel al-Jubeir, the � rst non-royal to hold the post.

Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who replac-es Prince Muqrin, the successor chosen by the late King Abdullah before his death in January, enjoys closer personal ties with US

o� cials than almost any other senior royal, diplomats have said.

The changes come as Saudi Arabia navi-gates the messy aftermath of the Arab spring and worries that its strategic partner Wash-ington is disengaging from the region. It has broken with decades of backroom politics by bombing Yemen.

The Yemen move, closely associated with

both heirs, is seen by analysts as indicative of a more confrontational foreign policy un-der Salman and his ruling team, who have worked to build a coalition of Sunni allies against Iran.

Riyadh appears increasingly determined to counter Tehran’s allies, including in Syria, where Saudi-backed rebels against President Bashar al-Assad have recently made gains. l

US Senate rejects bid to consider Iran nuclear deal a treatyn Reuters, Washington

The US Senate on Tuesday rejected an e� ort to require an international nuclear agreement with Iran to be considered a treaty, which would have forced any deal to be approved by two-thirds of the Senate’s 100 members be-fore it could take e� ect.

The Senate voted 57-39 to reject the meas-ure, o� ered as an amendment to a bill requir-ing an Iran nuclear deal to be reviewed by Congress. l

Saudi Prince Mohamad Bin Salman has been appointed deputy crown prince AFP

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015WORLD 11

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Indonesian executions spark international angern AFP

Indonesia faced a storm of international pro-test yesterday for putting seven foreign drug convicts before a � ring squad, but Filipinos rejoiced after a compatriot was spared at the last minute.

Australia withdrew its ambassador in pro-test at what it called “cruel and unnecessary” executions, Brazil expressed strong regret and France vowed a diplomatic battle to save a citizen still on death row.

Indonesia staunchly defended the execu-tions as a vital front of its “war” on drugs, as testimony emerged of how the condemned men went singing to their deaths.

The seven – two from Australia, one from Brazil and four from Africa – were shot along with one Indonesian, despite strident foreign appeals and pleas from family members.

Brazil expressed “deep regret” at the exe-cution of its national, who is mentally ill ac-cording to his family, and said it was weighing its next move.

The condemned men reportedly all re-fused blindfolds and sang hymns, among them “Amazing Grace,” as they went to face the � ring squad in a jungle clearing, according to a pastor who was with them.

As the clock ticked down to midnight, a group of tearful supporters also sang hymns, embraced and held candles aloft during a vigil at the port in Cilacap, the gateway to the pris-on island of Nusakambangan.

A Filipina originally set to be executed was given an 11th hour reprieve after a woman who allegedly duped her into ferrying drugs to Indonesia came forward to police in the Philippines. l

Nepal quake toll tops 5,000 as aid reaches area near epicentern AP, Gumda, Nepal

Hands pressed together in supplication, the Nepalese women pleaded for food, shel-ter and anything else the helicopter might have brought on an in-and-out run yes-terday to this smashed mountain village near the epicenter of last weekend’s mam-moth earthquake that killed more than 5,000 people.

Unlike in Nepal’s capital, where most buildings were spared complete collapse, the tiny hamlets clinging to the remote moun-tainsides of Gorkha District have been rav-aged. Entire clusters of homes were reduced to piles of stone and splintered wood. Orange plastic tarps used for shelter now dot the cli� sides and terraced rice paddies carved into the land.

“We are hungry,” cried a woman who gave her name only as Deumaya, gestur-ing toward her stomach and opening her mouth to emphasize her desperation. An-other woman, Ramayana, her eyes hollow and haunted, repeated the plea: “Hungry! We are hungry!”

But food is not the only necessity in short supply out here beyond the reaches of paved roads, electricity poles and other bene� ts of the modern world. These days, even water is scarce. Communication is a challenge. And modern medical care is a luxury many have never received.

Gumda is one of a handful of villages iden-ti� ed as the worst hit by Saturday’s 7.8-mag-nitude earthquake, from which it will almost certainly take years to recover. l

Afghan president reassures India over relationshipn AFP

Afghan leader Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday sought to reassure his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi that Kabul was committed to its close relationship with New Delhi despite warming ties with Pakistan.

Afghanistan’s president arrived in India late Monday on a three-day trip designed to patch up relations with its neighbour, which have frayed since Ghani assumed o� ce in September.

“India and Afghanistan have (a) million ties,” Ghani told reporters at a joint media brie� ng in the Indian capital following talks with Modi.

“Afghanistan was a roundabout where ide-as and goods � owed to Central and South Asia and our vision today is based on that poten-tial,” he added.

Ghani reached out to India’s rivals Paki-stan and China within months of his election as president, embarking on state visits to both countries before visiting India, causing con-cern in New Delhi.

Afghanistan’s recent military and strategic engagement with Pakistan in its � ght against Taliban militants was also seen as a major pol-icy shift from the previous Hamid Karzai gov-ernment, which accused Islamabad of desta-bilising Kabul. Ghani’s maiden visit to India as Afghan leader is also aimed at shoring up Indian investment – he will meet business organisa-tions yesterday in a bid to attract private sector investment in his war-ravaged country. l

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seize cargo ship in Gulfn Reuters, Dubai/Washington

Iranian patrol boats intercepted a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday and forced it into Iranian territorial waters by � ring shots across its bow, prompting the US Navy to send a destroyer and reconnaissance plane to monitor the situation.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats con-fronted the MV Maersk Tigris, a Marshall Is-lands-� agged vessel, as it was traversing one of the world’s most important oil shipping channels and forced it to divert toward Lar-ak Island near Bandar Abbas, where it was boarded by Iranian forces, US o� cials said.

The Iranian action occurred amid height-ened tensions over the con� ict in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition supported by Washington has been bombing Iranian backed Houthi re-bels, who have seized much of the country and sidelined the US-backed president.

Saudi jets bombed the airport in Yemen’s capital on Tuesday to prevent Iranian planes from landing. The ship seizure also came at a sensitive time as Tehran is inching toward a � nal deal with major powers on its nuclear programme.

The Maersk Tigris, which is managed and crewed by Rickmers Shipmanagement, is on-hire to Maersk Line.

Alerted by a distress call from the Maersk Tigris, the US Navy dispatched the destroy-

er USS Farragut toward the scene as well as a reconnaissance aircraft, the Pentagon said. Army Colonel Steve Warren said � ring shots across the bow of a cargo vessel was “inap-propriate” and seemed “provocative.”

The incident came just four days after Ira-nian patrol boats surrounded a US-� agged vessel, the Maersk Kensington, and followed as it was in the same area, a US o� cial said. No warning shots were � red in that incident.

Iranian o� cials sought to play down the ship seizure, saying it was a civil matter with no military or political dimension.

US o� cials said they were concerned and monitoring the situation, but an initial review indicated the United States did not have a le-gal obligation in a maritime environment to defend a Marshall Islands-� agged ship with no American crew.

Reuters tracking data showed the Maersk Tigris, a 65,000-tonne container ship, an-chored o� the Iranian coast between the islands of Qeshm and Hormuz. It had been listed as sailing from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Jeddah, bound for the United Arab Emirates port of Jebel Ali in the Gulf.

Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, quoted a source in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as saying the guard had seized the vessel and 34 crew. Rickmers said there were 24 crew, mostly from eastern Europe and Asia. l

Schools reopen in Baltimore, streets quiet after curfewn AP, Baltimore

Schools reopened and tensions seemed to ease yesterday after Baltimore made it through the � rst night of its curfew without the widespread violence many had feared.

With 3,000 police and National Guardsmen trying to keep the peace and prevent a repeat of the looting and arson that erupted on Monday, the citywide, 10 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew end-ed with no reports of disturbances in the early morning hours. Baltimore’s school system said all schools would be open and after-school sports and other activities would also take place. l

Russian spacecraft plunging to Earthn AFP, Moscow

An unmanned Russian cargo spacecraft ferry-ing supplies to the International Space Station is plunging back to Earth and apparently out of control, an o� cial said yesterday.

“It has started descending. It has nowhere else to go,” an o� cial familiar with the situation told AFP on condition of anonymity, speaking ahead of an o� cial Russian space agency state-ment expected later in the day. The o� cial said the descent likely marked the end of the Pro-gress spacecraft’s mission although the Russian authorities will contact it again to make sure everything has been done to rescue it. l

EDITORIAL12DT

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

We are concerned by the World Bank’s complaints that several of its development projects have been marred by systematic corruption and irregularities.

As a consequence, the government has been asked to return funds because pro-jects have ended up in the hands of unquali� ed companies which failed to execute them to the standards required by their funding agreements.

The allegations range from corruption in the procurement of o� ce equiptment to wholesale non-compliance with formal bidding processes.

In one employment project under the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, it was found that a daughter of the project director was the only bidder in one of the packages of the project and in another under the Environ-ment Ministry, there is evidence that fake bid-ders were created as the documents � led were all printed in the same format with identical spelling mistakes.

The government must transparently investigate the World Bank’s allegations and ensure all wrong-doers are held to account.

According to the � nance minister, it is presently only possible to disburse a � fth of an estimated $24bn worth of funds promised by foreign partners, because of bottlenecks in capacity and procedural delays.

It will not be possible to speed these spending commitments up if funds are misappropriated and key lenders are unhappy with existing projects.

Although foreign aid is now less than a � fth of the 11% of GDP accounted for by remittances, it remains a key component of important development and social projects.

The government must act to ensure proper transparency and accountability for all spending, if the country is to bene� t from these aid commitments.

Ensure proper transparency and accountability for all spending

Account for aid irregularities

Be heardWrite to Dhaka Tribune

FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Sukrabad, Dhaka-1207Email letters.dt@dhakatribune.com

Send us your Op-Ed articles:opinion.dt@dhakatribune.com

www.dhakatribune.comJoin our Facebook community:

https://www.facebook.com/DhakaTribune

Be heardWrite to Dhaka Tribune

FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka-1207Email letters.dt@dhakatribune.com

Send us your Op-Ed articles:opinion.dt@dhakatribune.com

www.dhakatribune.comJoin our Facebook community:

https://www.facebook.com/DhakaTribune

Start with your neighboursApril 8

Dev Saha  Things are seen through the prism of religion in the Indian subcontinent. It was bad in 1947 and even with the passage of 68 years, things have not changed that much.

Dilshad Banu  India doesn’t think Bangladesh is important enough for Modi to visit, whereas he went wild in receiving Obama and made a cari-cature of himself. Obama also put his guard down and called Modi dosto or something

along that line. What was that? Were they two old school buddies who met up after three decades? For crying out loud! They are representing two countries on opposite sides of the globe! I hate it when world leaders don’t stay in character.

Dev Saha Dilshad Banu: Pot calling kettle black? Grown-ups do not whine about their own shortcomings.

Abdul Hye Dilshad Banu: Dilshad, your rage is a little misplaced. Pallab’s whole piece is about how to bring the India-BD relationship to an even kilter, given the foot-dragging of India on the LBA and Teesta, two issues vital to Bangladesh. Pallab is doing a stellar job in highlighting the issues that need to be resolved, and resolved promptly, to take the India-BD relationship to new heights.

DTLet Biman look after itself

April 10YusufC

Good idea. Better airports is more useful than subsidising Biman. If it can survive pri-

vately, good, but if not, well, there will still be good airlines wanting to use good airports.

Where can RMG go next?April 9Faridul

Very far indeed. Further than we dared to dream. We have to develop our people

more and keep our eyes on the road. Every developing country, from Cambodia to Cameroon, is chasing the same dollars.

Md Harunur RashidFaridul: Thanks for your comments. Our

main problem is negative thinking. It’s important that every person set up a goal

for the future. It may be di� cult, but it must be done. Only then can we achieve

something truly worth achieving.

FaridulMd Harunur Rashid: On the question

of negative thinking, there is little to be gained and a lot to be lost by talking of

conspiracies. Competition is always going to be tough -- that’s life.Customers can be

won by rational arguments and the bottom line. They’re not going to care about con-

spiracy talk and may even be insulted by it.

Obscenity continues under the cover of fairApril 8Dreampie  Viva Las Barisal.

Kaiser Aitch  Really? Lucky Barisal I say -- please can someone prove the shows were obscene by describing them rather than just spout-ing the complaints of people who don’t want others to have fun. I don’t condone gambling, but so long as its only consenting adults seeing and taking part in the obscene shows, can’t we be a little more grown up about our private misdeameanours?

Kmak Kaiser Aitch: The average Bangladeshi’s moral outlook isn’t based on the idea that anything that takes place between con-senting adults is “Halal.” Can’t we be a little more accommodating of how the average Bangladeshi approaches morality instead of presuming that they are wrong for not going by the “consenting adult” outlook?

Salam, Kabari, Bobby quit Dhaka mayoral raceApril 9iWantRealDemocracyNow we are left with all the useless candi-dates. Sad times ahead for us Bangladeshis. :(

The public will be watching carefully to see how well the new mayors of Dhaka and Chittagong ful� ll their campaign pledges.

All residents share a common interest in hoping that they can reverse the legacy of poor planning and mismanagement which have reduced quality of life and blighted the development of the country’s two leading cities.

Between them, the two leading candidates in the Chittagong, Dhaka North and Dhaka South mayoral elections received over 2.25 million votes.

There can be no doubt that turnout would have been far higher had not so many voters been deterred by ballot rigging attempts and the withdrawals of candidates.

As the mayoral debates showed, there is an enormous public appetite for new ideas and meaningful improvements to basic services such as public transport and waste collection.

While some of the long-term improvements to city planning and infrastructure which residents hope to see require signi� cant amounts of funding and negotiation, many issues of concern to citizens do not require major new resources but are about improving day-to-day management.

The new mayors can make a good start in living up to their promises, by rooting out corruption and inertia from the city corporations and tackling the neglect and tolerance of encroachment which has harmed so many of the city’s public green spaces.

It is vital the mayors use their authority and in� uence to bring both the strategic vision the cities need to develop sustainably and the day-to-day improvements in services which citizens crave.

New mayors must deliver on promises

The public will be watching carefully

OPINION 13D

TTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

n Rania Hussain

I began going to Pohela Boishakh festivities on the Dhaka University campus even before I enrolled as a student of DU. As

a non-resident DU student, I used to hang out on campus with my friends everyday till 9pm, mostly in front of the Central Library, and did so for some 5-6 years.

I was also there when Ramna was bombed. Now as a professional woman in my late 30s, I realise I myself have never faced any sexual harassment at these festivities, but I have heard many stories of o� -colour comments, pinching, poking etc. But such an “organised” e� ort to attack women, at such a large scale has never taken place. So my question is: Why did this happen?

And why now? The fact that the women attacked included a mother of two and a 10-year-old girl goes to show this was not about provocation or clothing. This was an organised e� ort to mar the festivities of Boishakhi by people who knew they could get cover from the authorities.

So here are some thoughts and questions: Why was an Islamist war criminal hanged right before Pohela Boishakh? Even as I was organising to go out this year, people warned me of anticipated violence given the hanging, the trend of vengeful petrol bombers and machete-wielders this year, and given that Ramna has been bombed before.

But by evening we were happy to see the day was celebrated without incident. So did the perpetrators decide to instigate this attack on women to create the chaos that was anticipated but didn’t take place? Were women targeted because Islamists seem to make women an issue? I am by no means an Islamist sympathiser, nor do I subscribe to any of the political parties; I am simply presenting you with some salient questions so that you can draw your own logical conclusions.

Obviously, since the authorities are failing to take action, and seem to even be in denial, logic dictates that the perpetrators are either connected to or have some in� uence on the authorities. Such an attack also appears to be congruent with a growing trend where when one party is protesting and creating discord, the ruling party sends out lackeys to create chaos because the protesting party automati-cally gets blamed.

But the most heinous and horrendous part of all this is that the means to achieving their goals was to attack women. Not bombs, not machetes, or organised sexual violence against random women. I saw the CCTV footage: Men were attacking any woman they could regardless of age, clothing, or who they were with.

To think that women are thought of as a tool for creating political discord is unbeliev-ably atrocious.

How disgusting a mentality can that be! People have pointed out that women have become “collateral damage” and have been used as tools in warfare. But we are talking about a sovereign nation led by women leaders and a so-called democracy in the year 2015!

What the perpetrators didn’t count on is social media and candid journalism. I am really glad to see the CCTV footage � oating around online which the authorities claim “doesn’t show anything.” Please circulate the footage and any other pictures available to identify these people.

Many are saying that the footage is old, it is from Boi Mela etc. It doesn’t matter. If a woman has been assaulted at any point in time and there is visual evidence, then identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. As for people posting things like “women deserve it,” please do so even more so that we can identify you too.

And kudos to the likes of Liton and Amit who tried to help these women at the risk of personal injury. This is exactly why bystand-ers fear to help -- because they beat you to a pulp, if not to death, or come after you with the machete. The transgender person who ran after Oyashiqur’s killers thought they were “chhintaikaris” and didn’t realise they were armed.

I don’t support vigilantism because the same mob that beats up a mugger also attacks innocent people who try to help. The mob never stops to � nd out what’s really going on.

But the police are armed, so what excuse do they have? Sadly the police are failing in every instance and in this case they even let some of the assailants go. There has to be accountability for the police and for any of the authorities who are responsible for security and safety. Why are the authorities saying that the gate should have been closed at x or y hour?

That is irrelevant. Women should be able to go there at any time and feel safe to do so. I was at Robindro Shorobor till 3:30am and it was really well organised with pro-active security guards all over the place.

To all the women who are apprehensive of attending these festivities: Don’t be. If need be we will arm every woman with a pepper spray and a stick, but we will all go anywhere we want to at any hour of the day we want to.

Instead of letting these incidents force us to stay home, we need to go and we need to go in droves so that we outnumber the men and enjoy the festivities as we deserve to. l

Rani a Hussain is a DU alum.

n Dwitiya Jawher Neethi

A man was convicted of rape in Jerusa-lem in 2010 by a woman who accused him of posing as a “Jewish bachelor”

with a “serious romantic” interest in her. The sex was not forced upon her but she would not have had sex with him had she not thought he was a Jewish bachelor with a serious romantic interest in her.

The law has an obligation to protect the common man from deceitful criminals and rape-by-deception is a throbbing topic of debate in criminal law circles in many countries. Among other elements, there are disagreements as to whether deception is enough for it to qualify as rape or is there need for force?

Henry Rayhons, 78, a former Republi-can state legislator in Iowa, was charged with sexually abusing his wife. She was an Alzheimer’s patient and the nursing home deemed she was cognitively unable to give consent. The sta� later testi� ed that they had a loving relationship and she was always hap-py to see him. Rayhons was found not guilty.

Such is the nature of cases that take place around the world concerning the right to self-possession, the right to bodily integrity.

The sexual assault that took took place during the Pohela Boishakh celebrations this year is yet another reminder of how far behind we are.

A group of men disrobe a woman in public and attack others who try to save her, and the authorities take no action because they are not sure if it is a big deal.

In a blatant disregard for accountability, the proctor asks: “Why should I resign?” The Vice Chancellor backs the Proctor and says that they are all teachers and that it is not possible for them to control such incidents.

Meanwhile, the vice chancellor’s web page says that “he relentlessly � ghts for democra-cy, rule of law, peoples’ right to information and education through his inspirational speeches and writings. He always upholds the spirit of equality, liberty, peace and fel-low-feeling principles which are essential in a democratic polity.”

What is essential in a democratic polity is accountability. That which our authorities shamelessly turn a blind eye to.

If they are unable to do their job, then they should step down. Make way for more capa-ble people to take o� ce. If the proctor and vice chancellor are not to be held answerable for misconduct in DU premises, then who else should we turn to? Such incidents have been reported before, why did they not have the right foresight and plan accordingly?

Lapse in judgement is one thing, arrogant-ly defending your right to a powerful position,

instead of actively investigating the attack, is a whole di� erent level of shameless entitle-ment that one can only see in Bangladesh. If only it could be preserved into a monument, it could attract hundreds of tourists.

If they truly were “upholders of equality, liberty and peace” they would have shown humility and resigned and the students would surely have pleaded to keep them in their rightful positions. Not the other way around.

And instead of leading the investigations, they are only trying to sweep it under the rug.

Some have made up their minds that “non-secular forces” are behind it. They think that this was an attempt by fundamen-talists to prohibit women from participating in such celebrations. Others think you-know-who (student branch) is responsible for it.

But without an independent in-depth investigation, we shall never know.

And this is not something we can a� ord to not know. If fundamentalist forces are trying to systematically target women, then we have to know. If politically-backed thugs have become so rowdy and out of control that they have decided to not refrain from blatant displays of power and intimidation, then we also need to know.

The concept of self-ownership is enough to understand that what happened was wrong. Everyone, men and women, have the right to bodily integrity. Discussions about morality and virtue are redundant and post-ers or banners saying “what if she was your sister?” is aiming at the wrong emotions.

You cannot pull at someone’s clothes unless you are a toddler asking for attention. Also, since women in our culture are always taught to cover their bodies, especially their chest, the stigma and trauma of the assault can be higher for a woman.

These incidents always draw an array of emotions. And many discussions take place ranging from security to women’s rights to religious fundamentalism to political thugs -- and rightly so. However, what we absolutely need to see right now are the men respon-sible behind bars and the VC and proctor’s resignation.

We are far, far behind when it comes to having discussions on ethics, and women’s bodies are still mythical creatures to many. A mythical creature that many want to see. But when they see it, it is deemed vulgar and they want to attack what they see. No writer ever has been able to come up with a creature that arouses so many con� icting emotions in the beholder.

The discussions must continue with full fervour, but right now -- arrest the men and down with the VC and proctor! l

Dwitiya Jawher Neethi works at Dhaka Tribune.

What about the why? Boishakh disrobedSYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

OPINION14DT

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

n Mamun Rashid

To paraphrase Machiavelli from his book The Prince -- thought to be the � rst leadership advice to the Western world -- “Whether the

prince believes in religion or not, he must pretend to be religious.” There is a certain truth to this. Today, for many of us, if we wish to be seen and treated as intelligent and respected people, we must pretend to be “democracy loving,” trying to champion “democratic values.” Even if we don’t believe in democracy.

The Dhaka City North mayoral candidate from the ruling party ... sorry, “ruling par-ty-supported candidate” ... was Mr Annisul Huq. Annisul is known and loved by many in the business community, also known as the “civil society” folk.

Knowing him, Annisul really has worked very hard for this. His celebrity spouse was his “chief election agent.” His son and his daughter also accompanied him in his door-to-door campaigning, requesting votes for their father.

The media quoted Annisul: “My father and daughter also think that this mayoral position could be the best way to serve the people.” A few years ago, a weekly had reported that he apparently said he didn’t have many known vices other than evading taxes to the national exchequer. He may be like his Chittagong business community friends, who donate a lot as zakat. A good person indeed.

I am very happy Annisul has won the Dhaka City North mayoral election. Late at night, I have watched his wife Rubana Huq speaking to the media, with our former foreign minister Dipu Moni, speaking to journalists, almost showing the V sign. I wish we could also show the victory sign and join in the celebration of his success.

My friends are all asking the looming ques-tion: “Who lost in the Dhaka City North elec-tion?” Whether we blame the opposition for not being close to the people or championing “people causes,” it was not Tabith Awal, Zonayed Saki, or Abdullah Ka� , but “democ-racy” that had lost.

Just after the January 5, 2014 election, my senior friends and teachers were all abuzz asking the same question: “Why won’t the chief election commissioner resign?” I told them that our CEC was a good man, having sided with the liberation forces in 1971, and is known to be a very good civil bureaucrat who

can’t submit to anarchy -- the opposition or civil society are not right all the time.

I am sorry, but I just cannot subscribe to this de� nition of democracy in which you “either vote for the ruling party-supported candidate or get lost.”

Again, I apologise, but this is not democ-racy. I guess Annisul did not truly earn his

victory in that regard. According to money laundering guidelines: “Any unearned money is laundered money.”

This “victory” was thus a laundered victory.

I know, almost for sure, that if BNP was in power they would have tried to do the same thing. In fact, they tried to do the same thing during the early 2007 national election -- when we had an interim government backed by the armed forces for almost two years. They were brought in to reform our politics, our political system, our political parties, and also free the judiciary, administration, and

the Anti Corruption Commission from the clutches of manipulation. When we look back now, I can’t tell if we have achieved much between now and then.

Democracy has not delivered much in Bangladesh. The people have made many sacri� ces, while young, vibrant entrepre-neurs have picked up a lot of the slack. We had our military forces almost emerge as an institution. Many of us once thought of them to be our “saviours.” But soon, we were told that it was not their job. Democracy must grow on its own in Bangladesh.

A senior military friend of mine recently gave me a book as a gift -- Managing Defence in a Democracy, by Laura Cleary and Teri McConville. I have yet to read it though. Our political parties have their own de� nition of democracy, our judiciary is yet to make a � rm stance on “where to intervene and where not,” our civil society is divided on the “spirit of liberation,” our teachers have been divided by political gains, and our economists are trying to � gure out the right choice between development and democracy.

And many of us are trying to sort out if we are supposed to be too bothered about democracy at all.

Look at Malaysia, Indonesia, or even the Philippines. Do they possess a better demo-cratic model? Let us all oil our own machines. Good luck to democracy. l

Mamun Rashid is a business professor and � nancial sector entrepreneur.

Who won and who lost?

It was not Tabith Awal, Zonayed Saki, or Abdullah Ka� , but ‘democracy’ that had lost

RAJIB DHAR

15D

TBusiness THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Art of the Japanese company apology: it’s all in the bow

17 Panic sell-o� sends stocks into volatility19

Strong demand to rebalance oil market by early 2016

16BGMEA for keeping 0.3% tax at source

20

Forex reserves cross $24bnn Tribune Report

The country’s foreign exchange reserves crossed US$24bn mark yesterday, setting a new record.

“The country’s foreign currency reserve has reached to a new height thanks to the stable in� ow of remittance and export growth,” said Kazi Sayedur Rahman, general manager of Forex Reserve and Treasury Management Department of Bangladesh Bank.

The reserves, which had earlier crossed the $23bn mark for the � rst time on February 26 this year, are currently strong enough to meet the country’s import bills for more than six months. The country’s foreign currency reserves had crossed $23bn again on March 31 for the second time in a month.

Currently, Bangladesh is ranked second in South Asia in forex reserve, right behind India, which has a reserve of $339.99bn.

Stable remittance in� ow is considered, as the major contributor in the recent forex reserve hike. The in� ow from middle-eastern countries increased signi� cantly during the last two months from the middle-eastern countries due to the lifting of the bar on manpower export from Bangladesh.

The in� ow of remittance rose by 7.6% in the � rst nine months of the current � scal year while the country had experienced a fall of

13% in remittance earnings during the same period of the last � scal year.

The country received remittance of $6.68bn in July to March of the � scal year 2014-15 from the gulf countries compared to $6.21bn in the same period of 2013-14, according to the Bangladesh Bank data.

The expatriates sent remittances worth $7.12bn in the � rst nine months of the � scal year 2012-13. After a long break, the Ministry of Labour of Saudi Arabia � nally overturned

the ban on the recruitment of Bangladeshi manpower in February 2015.

The number of manpower export into the middle-eastern countries rose by 30% to 25,883 in February, just after lifting the restriction on Bangladeshi workers, compared to 19,928 in the same period of the last year.

The current reserves will help keep the Taka stable against the US dollar, the central bank said. l

The reserves are currently strong enough to meet the country’s import bills for more than six months

Moody’s rates Bangladesh’s outlook stable for 6th straight year n Tribune Report

The global rating agency Moody’s has rated Bangladesh’s outlook as stable for the sixth consecutive year.

Moody’s Investors Service has projected Bangladesh’s outlook as stable again for the cur-rent year saying that the country’s growth vola-tility is lower than for almost all other countries rated by the global credit rating agency.

“Bangladesh is rated Ba3 with a stable out-look,” the Moody’s said in its latest analysis, released yesterday.

The Moody’s said that Bangladesh’s Ba3 foreign currency government bond rating re� ects its track record of macroeconomic stability, a modest debt burden, and limited external vulnerabilities with an ample foreign reserve bu� er.

“But a fractious political environment, narrow tax revenue base, and a very low level of per capita income constrain the rating.”

The agency forecast that growth expanded by 6.1% in the � scal year ended 30 June 2014, and is expected to rise at a similar pace this year.

At these levels, gross domestic product (GDP) growth is signi� cantly above the 3.5% median for peers in the Ba-rating category, it said.

And – despite natural disasters, political tensions, and a global slowdown – growth vol-atility is lower than for almost all other coun-tries rated by Moody’s.

However, it found that potential growth is constrained by infrastructure de� ciencies. “Although � scal de� cits are manageable, public � nances are constrained by weak rev-enue collections. Authorities have recently embarked on wide-ranging revenue reforms based on automated systems.”

“Such reforms, if successful, would result in a considerable widening of the tax base,” the Moody’s noted. Tensions between Bang-ladesh’s ruling party and the main opposition escalated early this year, on the anniversary of national elections held in January 2014. l

Children’s Place to give $2m to Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fundn Ibrahim Hossain Ovi

The Children’s Place has pledged to contribute $2 million to the Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund to compensate the victims of the factory disaster that killed over 1,135 people.

The Children’s Place, in a statement on Monday, said it would make a $2-million contribution to help the trust fund meet its goal of raising $30 million for the injured and victims’ families.

Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund is very close to reach its much-needed $30 million, which would be $29.5m after realisation of the Chil-dren’s Place fund. According to the coordi-nation committee, the fund already received $27.5m as of April 24.

On April 23, Children’s Place – working with International Labour Organisation (ILO) – convened a conference call of major brands and retailers in an attempt to � ll the funding gap by the second anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster, said Clean Clothes Campaign.

This call raised over $1 million in dona-tions to the fund and in addition to the dona-

tions, Children’s Place contributed another $2 million to the fund, said the Campaign.

The Children’s Place is an American special-ty retailer of children’s apparel and accessories.

“We have been calling on brands to work to-gether to collectively resolve the funding crisis for months, and we welcome the initiative of The Children’s Place in doing so now,” said Sam Maher of the Clean Clothes Campaign.

There remains hope that brands and retail-ers will continue to step up and make addi-tional contributions in order for entirely mak-ing up the fund of $30 million, the amount required to provide the survivors and vic-tims’ families as compensation, said Maher.

Walmart has for months been delaying any further donation, claiming that the Alliance would instead be making a signi� cant pay-ment, Maher said, adding that with only $2.7 million left, the Alliance is presented with a unique opportunity to � nally close the gap by making good on its promise by May Day and there is no excuse for any further delay.”

“We have received $27.5 million from do-nors and need another $2.5m to complete the

compensation, Ramesh Chandra Roy, secre-tary general of IndustriAll Bangladesh Coun-cil, and member of the coordination commit-tee, told the Dhaka Tribune.

“We are negotiating with Mango, a retailer, for $2m to make full-� edged compensation.”

Prime Minister Skeikh Hasina has so far distributed over Tk15.38 crore as compensa-tion to 976 deceased victims’ family while Tk4.10 crore to 38 severely injured victims.

The Rana Plaza Coordi-nation Committee also paid Tk76 crore, which is 70% of the compensation to the in-jured and the family mem-bers of deceased and miss-ing workers.

On April 24 in 2013, Rana Plaza, which housed � ve garment factories, a shop-ping complex at Savar, col-lapsed, killing 1,135 work-ers and injuring over 2,500 workers. l

BUSINESS16DT

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Strong demand to rebalance oil market by early 2016n John Kemp

Global oil demand is set to rise by 1 million or even 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2015, according to a range of forecasters.

Coupled with a fall in shale output in the second half of the year, as the decline in the US rig count takes e� ect, that should be enough to bring the oil market near to balance by early 2016.

Worldwide consumption will increase by a little over 1 million bpd in 2015, according to forecasts published this month by both the International Energy Agency and the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Ian Taylor, chief executive of Vitol, the world’s largest oil trader, has also predicted demand will grow by around 1 million bpd, at a conference hosted by the Financial Times.

Paul Reed, who heads oil trading for BP, put growth at up to 1.5 million bpd, according to the Financial Times (“BP, Vitol: oil demand will be stronger than forecast” Apr 22).

Consumption has increased by more than 1 million bpd in 11 of the last 20 years, according to the EIA, so growth of 1 million to 1.5 million bpd would not be exceptional.

Moreover, a 1 million bpd increment in demand would represent a much smaller percentage increase than it did 10 or 20 years ago.

Extra consumption of 1 million bpd would represent an increase of just 1.1 percent, a growth rate exceeded in 12 of the last 20 years.

In the last two decades, oil demand growth has only failed to reach this rate when the advanced economies were in recession and in the immediate aftermath of the Asian � nancial crisis.

In a normal economic expansion, oil consumption has almost invariably grown by at least 1 percent or 1 million bpd, sometimes much more.

Forecasts by IEA, EIA, Vitol and BP therefore appear realistic, provided the global economy does not fall into recession, something which appears unlikely at this point.

TransportOil consumption is inextricably linked to the demand for transportation. The transportation sector accounts for 60% of oil consumption worldwide, OPEC estimated in its 2014 World Oil Outlook.

In the United States, three-quarters of the oil consumed was used as fuel for cars, trucks, railroads, ships and aircraft in 2012.

The global aviation and shipping industries each consume more 5 million bpd of fuel moving people and goods around the world.

Private motorists and trucking � rms in the United States consume more than 11 million bpd and the global � gure for road transport is around 36 million bpd.

Relatively small shifts in the demand for freight and passenger transport can therefore have a large impact on oil demand.

In recent years, global transportation demand has been restrained, � rst by the sharp rise in fuel prices between 2004 and 2008 and then by the lingering e� ects of

the recession in the advanced economies between 2008 and 2012.

Many individuals and businesses travelled less and focused on travelling using less fuel to reduce costs.

But the price of oil has halved since June 2004, thanks to the shale revolution, and the outlook for the global economy is of steady if not spectacular growth.

With these sources of restraint removed, global transport demand is set to grow strongly in 2015 and 2016, and with it the demand for fuel.

Travel boomThere are plenty of reasons to think that demand for both passenger and freight transport will grow strongly this year and next, provided oil prices remain low and the global economy avoids another slowdown.

World trade volumes will rise by 3.3% in 2015 and 4% in 2016, the World Trade Organization has predicted (“Modest trade recovery in 2015 and 2016 following three years of weak expansion” Apr 14).

This is below the long-term trend of 5% in growth in trade volumes per year since 1990, but it is still faster than the 2.8% achieved in 2014, when oil demand nonetheless increased by around 850,000 bpd.

In aviation, the number of passengers is set to increase by more than 6.5% from 2014 to 3.53 billion in 2015, according to

the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Airlines will also carry an extra 2.2 million tonnes of freight, an increase of more than 4% compared with 2014.

As a result, IATA has predicted airlines’ fuel consumption will rise by the equivalent of 260,000 bpd compared with 2014.

At sea, fuel consumption could rise by the same amount, or even more, as freight volumes rise. Cheaper fuel prices are also encouraging an end to slow-steaming, which was introduced as an economy measure during the years of high prices, which will boost fuel demand even more.

On US roads, tra� c volumes are up by 3-5% compared with 12 months ago, according to statistics from the Federal Highway Administration and state tax collectors. If the increase in private motoring and freight activity is sustained, it could translate into an increase of 250,000 or even 500,000 bpd in gasoline and diesel consumption.

Rebalancingjust these three sources - shipping, airlines and US roads - could easily account for between 750,000 bpd and 1 million bpd of extra oil demand in 2015.

If cheaper fuel stimulates private driving and road freight in other advanced economies, and transport demand continues to grow in emerging markets across Asia and Latin America, it is easy to see how total oil

consumption could rise by 1 million bpd or even 1.5 million bpd this year.

In the � rst three months of 2015, US crude oil stocks by an average of 1 million bpd and most analysts put the global supply-demand imbalance at around 1.5-2.0 million bpd.

With global demand set to rise by 1.0-1.5 million bpd this year and US shale output set to fall by perhaps 150,000-300,000 bpd in the second half, it is possible to see a pathway for the oil market to return near to balance by early 2016.

Nonetheless, there are several potential obstacles to rebalancing. First and foremost is the potential rise in Iranian exports if sanctions are lifted. Iran could add an extra 500,000 to 1 million bpd of extra crude to global supplies within a fairly short space of time if and when sanctions are lifted.

A second source of risk to the rebalancing scenario would come if the expected drop in US shale output fails to materialise. Domestic oil prices have already risen by more than 20% from their recent lows and may be nearing the level at which much of the industry could breakeven.

But subject to these risks, the oil market should return to balance by the end of 2015 or within the � rst half of 2016, provided oil prices remain relatively low and the global economy avoids another recession. l

John Kemp is an oil analyst at Reuters. The article was initially published at Reuters.

A man cleans the windshield of his car whilst waiting to � ll up with fuel at a Shell gas station in Vina del Mar city, northwest of Santigo REUTERS

BUSINESS 17D

TTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Art of the Japanese company apology: it’s all in the bown AFP, Tokyo

Imagine you’re the head of a US fast-food chain in Japan that has been scandalised by a tooth-in-french-fries disaster. How do you repair the damage? Bow deeply - and be convincing.

So it was for Sarah Casanova, the Cana-dian president of McDonald’s Japan, whose less-than-textbook corporate mea culpa this month was an attempt at the tightly choreo-graphed script routinely used by crisis-hit or-ganisations.

With cameras rolling and reporters at the ready, apology press conferences are a must-do piece of theatre for Japanese � rms that wandered from the straight-and-narrow in a country that has a dozen expressions for say-ing sorry.

Act 1 Wear dark colours, look grim and apologise profusely. Add a liberal sprinkling of words like “unfortunate” and “deeply regrettable”.

Act 2Take a deep bow - better keep limber since you have got to make like a right angle or you will look like an amateur.

Act 3Forget about buying a Porsche this year. You’ve got to cut your pay temporarily or for-go a bonus. Senior managers too.

Acts 4 and 5Optional add-ons (depending on circum-stances) - quit outright, or more likely step aside and put someone else in as CEO. Prom-ise sweeping changes to avoid further scan-dals.

“This is part of a broader cultural phe-

nomenon where the leader takes a hit for the team, then hopefully... society at large moves on,” says Jun Okumura, an independent ana-lyst and visiting researcher at the Meiji Insti-tute for Global A� airs.

But what’s most important? “I don’t know. All of it? After all, it’s a script. I don’t think Shakespeare said, ‘So-and-so got killed in a � ght? Okay, we’ll just drop all the scenes with Mercutio’,” he adds.

“The bow should be as close to 90 degrees as anatomically possible.”

A group of pharmaceutical bosses once took bowing to a legendary level when they

dropped to their knees and touched their noses to the � oor after supplying HIV-tainted blood products.

‘No bow low enough’ Television and social media have made it

all the more important to convince a Japanese public sensitive to visual cues, says Mitsuru Fukuda, a professor of crisis management and risk communications at Nihon University in Tokyo.

“A big di� erence is that in the West, facts matter,” he says.

“Japanese journalists... focus on top lead-ers’ apologies.”

Business communication specialist Yas-

uyuki Mogi adds: “Unless words of apology are at the forefront, many Japanese feel (it) lacks sincerity.”

The boss of disgraced auto parts maker Takata chopped his own pay in half for sever-al months after an exploding airbag crisis was linked to at least � ve deaths, while the top brass at Sony went without bonuses to atone for awful � nancial results.

“Well, you need something other than ‘O� with their heads’, don’t you?” says Okumura.

“It’s a � nancial hit, but as long as they are restored before retirement, the hit to their severance pay and pensions will be small.”

But it will certainly sting in the short run. Japanese CEOs tend to be rank-and-� le com-pany veterans who worked their way up the ladder and are paid much less than overseas counterparts with their boatload of stock op-tions - and egos to match.

“US CEOs are typically hired guns... who market their expertise to the highest bidders - that is not an environment conducive to tak-ing a hit for the company,” Okumura says.

Casanova’s performance got mixed reviews from apology watchers. Some say her foreigner status doomed her chances of being convinc-ing, but others thought her gender could mean reporters would have been easier on her.

But even a picture-perfect e� ort on Cas-anova’s part might not have helped much to make up for mounting losses and allay public concerns after a string of food scares, includ-ing the human tooth found in a box of french fries, says Je� Kingston, a professor of Asian Studies at Temple University’s Tokyo cam-pus.

“When you are in the business of selling food and your food is found wanting and considered unhealthy there is no bow low enough to right what is wrong.” l

Study: News industry turning mobilen AFP, Washington

The news industry is struggling with a shift to mobile, getting scant revenues as more read-ers turn to smartphones and tablets for infor-mation, a research report showed yesterday.

Those are among the � ndings of the lat-est Pew Research Center’s “State of the News Media” report released yesterday, highlight-ing an ongoing shift in the US media industry landscape.

The report found 39 of the top 50 digital news websites had more tra� c from mobile devices than from desktop computers in ear-ly 2015, although researchers said people gen-erally spend more time reading news on PCs.

Overall, the news media is seeing much of the same trend as it has over the past few years - declines in print circulation and adver-tising, and a rise in digital news, albeit with limited revenues, Pew found.

Among the bright spots for the industry was television news, where some segments managed to gain viewers.

Pew said broadcast network newscasts boosted viewership by � ve percent last year, but cable news channels had another di� -cult year - with prime-time viewership down

eight percent across the three major news channels.

Bad news for printFor newspapers, it was more bad news: daily and Sunday circulation fell another three per-cent in 2014.

Advertising revenue dropped four percent to $19.9bn - less than half of what it was a dec-ade ago.

That was only partly o� set by a one per-cent rise in circulation revenue, which sug-gests rising prices for print editions and sub-scriptions.

Pew said that for “legacy” media like news-papers, data is not available to separate the digital-only segments at each organization.

But the report said digital revenues “re-main largely on the wish list” for news organ-izations, and o� ered no breakdown on mo-bile ad revenues for news properties.

The news media, however, is unlikely to get much from mobile ads since � ve � rms - Apple, Facebook, Google, Pandora and Twitter - took in two thirds of mobile ad revenue, the report said.

Digital ad revenue across all media grew to $50.7bn in 2014, according to eMarketer � g-ures cited by Pew.

Mobile ad spending now accounts for 37% of all digital ad spending, with Facebook get-ting 24% of all display ad revenue and 37% of mobile display.

Digital ‘bumps’The Pew researchers found the digital side of the news industry is continuing to grow, but unevenly.

Large capital injections were reported by Vice News - which raised a reported $500m last year - and Vox Media, which publishes Vox.com and The Verge and is valued at some $380m after its $46.5m funding round.

Meanwhile BuzzFeed, which has been expanding with its own new capital, had to deal with “ethical questions surrounding the removal of posts that spoke negatively of key advertisers,” the Pew report said.

And longtime tech journalism outlet Gi-gaom shut down in March when it was unable to pay its creditors.

Pew said the number of entries in digi-tal news are now “so numerous and varied that they are di� cult to keep track of” and that “the pace of technological evolution and the multiplicity of choices... show no sign of slowing down.”

The researchers said the top “digital news entity” was Yahoo-ABC News, with more than 127 million users, including 93 million who access from a mobile device.

The others in the top 10, in order, were CNN, NBC News, Hu� ngton Post, CBS News, USA Today, BuzzFeed, The New York Times, Fox News and Mail Online. Each of the top 10 had more users on mobile than desktop.

For large newspapers, digital audience numbers far outpace circulation: The New York Times, for example, had an aver-age weekday print circulation of less than 650,000, while its website and apps attracted nearly 54 million visitors in January 2015.

But Pew said online visits averaged just 4.6 minutes for the Times, indicative of the “� y-by” nature of online news.

Newspapers have done little to alleviate their � nancial woes.

Overall advertising revenues fell to $20bn last year, down from a peak of $47bn in 2005. But digital has failed to make up more than $3.5bn of the total.

Newsroom employment was down anoth-er three percent in 2013, the latest year for which data was available, Pew said, after a six percent drop in 2012. l

McDonald’s Japan president Sarah Casanova bowing her head as she announces the company’s restructuring plan AFP

BUSINESS18DT

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

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

Bank 347.43 10.99 8.72 2.24 356.15 10.03NBFI 66.46 2.10 123.23 31.60 189.68 5.34Investment 15.65 0.50 0.89 0.23 16.54 0.47Engineering 448.10 14.17 52.76 13.53 500.86 14.10Food & Allied 106.87 3.38 3.91 1.00 110.78 3.12Fuel & Power 712.87 22.55 85.85 22.01 798.72 22.49Jute 0.42 0.01 0.00 0.42 0.01Textile 284.50 9.00 22.32 5.72 306.83 8.64Pharma & Chemical 642.12 20.31 29.40 7.54 671.52 18.91Paper & Packaging 7.04 0.22 1.18 0.30 8.22 0.23Service 116.69 3.69 12.01 3.08 128.70 3.62Leather 33.50 1.06 0.12 0.03 33.62 0.95Ceramic 22.10 0.70 1.06 0.27 23.15 0.65Cement 42.43 1.34 4.52 1.16 46.95 1.32Information Technology 58.81 1.86 5.91 1.51 64.72 1.82General Insurance 12.57 0.40 0.45 0.12 13.02 0.37Life Insurance 29.61 0.94 1.16 0.30 30.77 0.87Telecom 90.05 2.85 16.60 4.26 106.65 3.00Travel & Leisure 39.90 1.26 5.17 1.33 45.07 1.27Miscellaneous 80.06 2.53 14.73 3.78 94.79 2.67Debenture 4.58 0.14 0.00 0.00 4.58 0.13

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 biasl@bol-online.com or call 01552153562 or go to www.biasl.net

News, Analysis and Recent DisclosersRANFOUNDRY: 22% cash dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 3.20, NAV per share of Tk. 20.00.PREMIERLEA: No dividend, AGM: 11.06.2015, Record Date: 20.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 0.07, NAV per share of Tk. 11.35.BDFINANCE: 5% cash dividend, AGM: 29.06.2015, Record Date: 10.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 0.94, NAV per share of Tk. 14.49.NFML: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 04.06.2015, Record Date: 12.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.77, NAV per share of Tk. 14.41.PHENIXINS: 20% cash dividend, AGM: 10.06.2015, Record date: 11.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 3.42, NAV per share of Tk. 32.63.BXSYNTH: No dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. -0.31, NAV per share of Tk. 24.72.SONARBAINS: 6% cash and 6% stock dividend, AGM: 25.07.2015, Record Date: 19.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.65, NAV per share of Tk. 15.34.PARAMOUNT: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 11.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.47, NAV per share of Tk. 14.13.SPCERAMICS: No dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. -0.02, NAV per share of Tk. 29.02.BEXIMCO: 15% stock dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.06, NAV per share of Tk. 83.93.GENNEXT: 15% stock dividend, AGM: 16.06.2015, Record Date: 11.05.2015. Weighted EPS of Tk. 1.76, Fully Diluted EPS of Tk. 1.54, NAV per share of Tk. 14.04.BXPHARMA: 10% cash and 5% stock dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 4.15, NAV per share of Tk. 56.87.DHAKAINS: 8% cash and 7% stock dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.84, NAV per share of Tk. 17.89.ASIAPACINS: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 16.08.2015, Record Date: 30.06.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.50, NAV per share of Tk. 16.74.FASFIN: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 30.05.2015, Record Date: 12.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.22, NAV per share of Tk. 14.54.STANDARINS: 12% stock dividend, AGM: 16.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 2.66, NAV per share of Tk. 17.15.ACIFORMULA: 30% cash dividend, AGM: 11.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. Basic EPS of Tk. 4.14, NAV per share of Tk. 40.08.REPUBLIC: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 16.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.71, NAV per share of Tk. 13.98.BATASHOE: 105% � nal cash dividend in addition to the 175% interim cash dividend declared and paid in December 2014 thus making a total 280% cash dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 10.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 51.22, NAV per share of Tk. 187.94.FEDERALINS: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 29.06.2015, Record Date: 18.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.09, NAV per share of Tk. 12.06.

CSE GAINER

Company Closing (% Change)

Aver-age (%

Change)

Closin-gAvg. Closing DHIGH DLOW Turnover

in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

Paramount Insur-A 17.27 15.80 12.90 12.90 12.90 12.90 0.000 1.13 11.4ACI Formulations-A 9.91 8.25 150.89 154.10 156.90 144.00 15.557 6.80 22.2United Power-N 9.84 3.28 186.03 189.70 189.90 177.20 42.802 7.11 26.2Ambee Pharma -A 8.26 8.27 286.91 286.90 287.00 286.90 0.010 4.68 61.3Uttara Finance -A 7.63 9.86 53.60 53.60 53.60 53.60 0.000 9.43 5.7ACI Limited- A 7.49 8.07 544.23 547.10 547.10 516.20 5.661 9.57 56.9Generation Next Fashions-A 5.41 7.34 11.85 11.70 12.10 11.40 2.929 1.84 6.4JMI Syringes MDL-A 4.53 3.27 172.05 172.90 174.00 170.10 0.548 4.48 38.4IFIL Islamic M.F.1-A 4.17 4.17 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 0.023 1.04 4.8BD Building Systems -A 3.74 4.50 39.49 38.80 40.20 38.50 0.607 2.72 14.5

DSE GAINER

Company Closing (% Change)

Aver-age (%

Change)

Closin-gAvg. Closing DHIGH DLOW Turnover

in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

ACI Formulations-A 10.09 8.61 151.30 153.80 157.00 136.00 246.797 6.80 22.3United Power-N 9.75 3.25 186.61 190.30 190.70 176.00 307.659 7.11 26.2Standard Ceramic -A 8.72 8.35 34.90 34.90 34.90 34.90 0.001 0.52 67.1Bangladesh Lamps -A 8.27 5.68 101.47 103.40 104.90 95.40 3.577 3.20 31.7ACI Limited- A 7.41 7.99 545.60 553.60 554.00 517.00 205.882 9.57 57.0Libra Infusions-A 7.25 6.45 330.00 330.00 330.00 330.00 0.002 3.38 97.6FAS Fin. & Inv. Ltd-B 7.21 5.68 11.73 11.90 12.20 11.50 0.488 1.27 9.2ICB AMCL 1st NRB -A 7.14 7.08 18.00 18.00 18.30 17.80 0.180 2.86 6.3Monno Sta� lers -A 6.17 4.27 285.06 289.30 291.00 271.00 1.927 1.17 243.6Rahim Textile -A 5.50 4.69 203.40 205.40 207.50 199.00 0.922 9.98 20.4

CSE LOSER

Company Closing (% Change)

Aver-age (%

Change)

Closin-gAvg. Closing DHIGH DLOW Turnover

in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

Standard Insurance-A -50.00 -49.77 8.64 8.60 5.00 13.00 0.001 3.07 2.8Beximco Syn.-Z -22.68 -21.79 7.68 7.50 8.20 7.40 0.387 0.08 96.0Nitol Insurance -A -20.70 -17.58 18.00 18.00 18.00 18.00 0.002 3.14 5.7Shinepukur Cera-Z -20.54 -20.20 8.93 8.90 9.00 8.70 0.068 0.39 22.9BSRM Ltd. -N -13.18 -7.97 70.69 67.20 79.80 66.20 25.461 1.59 44.5Premier Leasing-Z -12.16 -12.03 6.51 6.50 6.60 6.40 0.158 0.08 81.4aamra technologies-A -9.97 -7.61 29.73 28.90 30.60 28.90 2.586 2.04 14.6Popular Life Insu. -A -9.91 -9.93 90.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 0.036 2.89 31.1R. N. Spinning-Z -9.88 -8.26 22.87 22.80 23.50 22.80 1.525 2.19 10.4Rangpur Dairy-N -9.15 -4.92 13.54 12.90 14.20 12.80 1.231 1.11 12.2

DSE LOSER

Company Closing (% Change)

Aver-age (%

Change)

Closin-gAvg. Closing DHIGH DLOW Turnover

in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

Beximco Syn.-Z -18.09 -19.25 7.80 7.70 8.40 7.30 1.599 0.08 97.5Shinepukur Cera-Z -18.02 -16.53 9.44 9.10 10.00 8.90 4.659 0.39 24.2BSRM Ltd. -N -14.62 -7.63 70.67 66.60 80.00 65.30 97.785 1.59 44.4Premier Leasing-Z -12.00 -15.75 6.42 6.60 7.00 6.20 2.211 0.08 80.3Atlas BD-A -9.76 -8.16 98.27 97.10 102.00 96.90 1.532 -1.24 -veR. N. Spinning-Z -9.76 -9.02 22.20 22.20 22.20 22.20 5.318 2.19 10.1aamra technologies-A -9.57 -7.52 30.00 29.30 32.00 29.20 17.500 2.04 14.7Samata LeatheR -Z -8.93 -9.90 15.02 15.30 15.40 15.30 0.015 -0.46 -veAlltex Industries -Z -8.53 -2.42 24.58 23.60 25.90 23.30 22.067 2.02 12.2Dulamia CottonZ -8.00 -7.20 6.96 6.90 7.00 6.80 0.008 -4.02 -ve

DSE key features April 29, 2015Turnover (Million Taka)

3,161.76

Turnover (Volume)

78,624,243

Number of Contract

91,391

Traded Issues 311

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

132

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

174

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

5

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,360.20

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.61

CSE key features April 29, 2015Turnover (Million Taka)

389.98

Turnover (Volume)

16,492,612

Number of Contract

14,744

Traded Issues 218

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

82

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

132

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

4

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,300.65

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

27.89

BUSINESS 19D

TTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Panic sell-o� sends stocks into volatilityn Tribune Report

Stocks ended marginally lower with panic-driven sell-o� and high volatility yesterday just a day after three city cor-poration polls marred by allegations of massive rigging.

The trading resumed after a general holiday due to elec-tions in the country’s two major cities – Dhaka and Chit-tagong.

The market moved between positive and negative heav-ily with more than 70 points intraday volatility, as investors released their holdings while state-owned organistions, including ICB, bought shares to prevent free-fall, market sources said.

The benchmark index DSEX lost 19 points or 0.5% to close at 4,099. The Shariah Index DSES was down over 8 points or 0.9% to 1,005. The comprising blue chips DS30 inched near-ly 5 points down or 0.4% to 1,562.

Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories In-dex, CSCX, closed at 7,681, falling 12 points.

Selling pressure dominated the morning trade. Howev-er, the sellers got exhausted after � ve days of selling frenzy and late buying interest helped the market close marginally higher, dealers said.

Trading activities continued to decline as investors’ wor-ries intensi� ed over the course of political situation after the controversial corporation polls, according to them.

Dhaka Stock Exchange turnover stood at Tk316 crore, slightly down over the previous session.

LankaBangla Securities said the market continued to struggle below the 4150 mark amid panic sell throughout the day.

It said stocks opened negative in the � rst hour after BNP’s pulling out of Tuesday’s city polls.

“Market has currently reached to an oversold position on continual selling pressure after breaking 4200 psychological level in the last week.”

IDLC Investments said as investors remained pessimistic about a stable political calm in coming days, they continued liquidating their holdings in adverse prices.

Multiple corporate declarations entered the market and played vital role in price movements. Notably, ACI Formula-tions appreciated 10% following positive declarations, while Beximco Synthetic and Shinepukur Ceramics plunged 18% respectively with disappointing earnings coupled with no dividend declaration. l

Market has currently reached to an oversold position on continual selling pressure after breaking 4200 psychological level in the last week

ANALYST

Daily capital market highlightsDSE Broad Index : 4099.20548 (-) 0.47% ▼

DSE - 30 Index : 1562.93464 (-) 0.31% ▼

CSE All Share Index: 12644.31690 (-) 0.33% ▼

CSE - 30 Index : 10365.46890 (+) 0.66% ▲

CSE Selected Index : 7681.77850 (-) 0.24% ▼

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS

Company Volume-Shares

Value in Million

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

Intl. Leasing-B 10,021,500 120.27 30.84 12.90 0.78 12.80 12.90 12.10 12.00United Power-N 230,085 42.80 10.98 189.70 9.84 172.70 189.90 177.20 186.03BSRM Ltd. -N 360,170 25.46 6.53 67.20 -13.18 77.40 79.80 66.20 70.69MJL BD Ltd.-A 157,326 20.04 5.14 125.70 -0.16 125.90 130.00 122.00 127.39ACI Formulations-A 103,097 15.56 3.99 154.10 9.91 140.20 156.90 144.00 150.89BD Submarine Cable-A 109,057 12.65 3.24 115.80 1.31 114.30 118.80 112.60 116.03BEXIMCO Ltd. -A 455,306 12.21 3.13 27.00 3.05 26.20 28.10 25.70 26.81WesternMarine -N 257,039 12.11 3.10 45.90 -5.94 48.80 49.40 45.00 47.10Khulna Power-A 141,310 8.93 2.29 62.30 -1.89 63.50 64.70 62.00 63.17SAIF Powertec-N 101,462 7.12 1.83 70.00 3.24 67.80 72.00 67.00 70.22Shahjibazar Power-N 37,175 6.47 1.66 174.70 2.16 171.00 176.70 168.00 174.15ACI Limited- A 10,401 5.66 1.45 547.10 7.49 509.00 547.10 516.20 544.23SummitAlliancePort.-A 92,830 4.81 1.23 50.40 -3.45 52.20 53.80 50.00 51.87Grameenphone-A 12,035 3.94 1.01 326.80 -1.33 331.20 330.00 326.00 327.54UNITED AIR-A 545,481 3.82 0.98 7.00 -1.41 7.10 7.10 6.90 7.01

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS

Company Volume-Shares

Value in Million

% of Total-Turnover ClosingP Change

% ClosingY DHIGH DLOW Avg-Price

United Power-N 1,648,706 307.66 9.73 190.30 9.75 173.40 190.70 176.00 186.61ACI Formulations-A 1,631,201 246.80 7.81 153.80 10.09 139.70 157.00 136.00 151.30ACI Limited- A 377,352 205.88 6.51 553.60 7.41 515.40 554.00 517.00 545.60Social Islami. B-A 8,200,093 102.40 3.24 13.90 1.46 13.70 13.90 12.40 12.49WesternMarine -N 2,117,259 99.73 3.15 46.00 -5.93 48.90 49.40 45.60 47.10BSRM Ltd. -N 1,383,626 97.79 3.09 66.60 -14.62 78.00 80.00 65.30 70.67Shasha Denims -N 2,438,759 94.92 3.00 38.50 -1.79 39.20 39.90 38.10 38.92Ifad Autos -N 1,155,586 92.00 2.91 79.00 0.51 78.60 82.10 77.10 79.61MJL BD Ltd.-A 720,625 90.99 2.88 125.90 -0.16 126.10 127.80 122.60 126.26Khulna Power-A 1,407,464 89.06 2.82 62.30 -1.89 63.50 64.50 61.70 63.28Shahjibazar Power-N 480,996 83.85 2.65 174.50 0.75 173.20 176.90 168.00 174.32SAIF Powertec-N 1,082,089 75.13 2.38 70.00 2.34 68.40 71.40 67.00 69.43Brac Bank -A 1,864,402 61.55 1.95 32.90 -0.90 33.20 33.50 32.50 33.01BEXIMCO Ltd. -A 2,253,110 60.71 1.92 27.00 3.45 26.10 28.20 25.60 26.94Square Pharma -A 228,675 56.81 1.80 247.80 -0.60 249.30 251.00 247.00 248.42

BUSINESS20DT

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Novo Nordisk has recently launched new generation insulin named Ryzodeg® for people with type 2 diabetes in Bangladesh. Maziar Mike Doustdar, senior vice president for international operation of Novo Nordisk was present at the press conference among others, said a press release DHAKA TRIBUNE

BGMEA for keeping 0.3% tax at source n Tribune Report

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Ex-porters Association (BGMEA) has urged the Na-tional Board of Revenue (NBR) to continue and settle down the existing 0.30% tax at source on export for the next � ve years.

The leaders of the apex body have also re-quested the NBR to exempt the apparel makers from all kind of tax including import-duty, Val-ue Added Tax (VAT) and Advance Income Tax (AIT) on the import of construction materials for the factories to be constructed in Garment Economic Zone.

BGMEA President Atiqul Islam came out with a set of recommendations to the NBR for considering in the budget for the � scal year 2015-16 at a meeting with revenue body held at its headquarters in the capital. NBR Senior Member Farid Uddin chaired the meeting.

He also demanded same sort of tax bene� ts for importing Fire Proof Colour Coating to be used as pre-fabricated building materials.

Attending the meeting, Atiqul said: “We’ve introduced a website called ‘fair factory clear-ing house’ to meet the demand from the buy-ers following devastating Rana Plaza collapse.”

“Buyers representing 220 brands from across the world can now have updated infor-mation on 1700 factories under the platform of BGMEA. They can also be informed about any crack or any error in the factories from our website, so no factories excepting the compli-ant ones can run business in Bangladesh,” he said.

Regarding the upcoming budget, the BG-MEA President opined that the budget was set

to be a challenging one.Demanding special bene� ts for RMG sector

from NBR in this coming budget, he also rec-ommended the NBR to continue income tax at a minimised rate of 10% for the next � ve years.

The other demands from the apparel mak-ers include duty free import of � re preventing and energy saving machinery for a compliant and green industry, withdrawal of authority from ‘Custom Valuation and Internal Audit Commissionerate’ in regard to the inspection of bonded warehouse bene� ts enjoyed by ex-port oriented apparel factories, � nalisation of 3% interest rate on loans against E� uent Treat-ment Plant construction, etc.

In case of VAT, the association proposed to-tal exemption of VAT on the use of gas, water and electricity.

Atiqul Islam requested the NBR to exempt the due VAT piled up on the purchase of local products from 2005 to 2012.

“We are enjoying VAT exemption on pur-chase of products from local market since 2013, but now, the NBR is claiming VAT from us for the previous years that we are unable to pay now,” he said.

Atiqul asked the NBR to exempt them from VAT on di� erent services including laboratory test charge, consultancy charge, compliance audit charge, legal consultancy charge, CSR-re-lated charges, building construction charge, courier service charge etc.

The NBR should allow the apparel export-ers to get 2% special cash incentive, instead of current 0.25% on free on board (FOB) prices, opined the BGMEA.

In response, NBR member Farid Uddin

praised the apparel manufacturers for three reasons-contribution to the country’s foreign currency income, employment generation and women empowerment, and also for branding Bangladesh abroad.

He also stressed on a partnership among NBR, Bangladesh Bank, Banking Institutions and businesses to go forward with integrated approach.

At the same meeting, the NBR also dis-cussed with the representatives from Bang-ladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BKMEA), Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) and Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Ex-porters Association (BGAPMEA).

BGAPMEA President Rafez Alam Chowd-hury urged the NBR to authorise the associa-tion to give Utilisation Permission (UP) to its members.

He also noted that NBR should allow the organisations to avail continuous or extension of the bond facilities for the members of BGAP-MEA to boost export.

BGAPMEA’s other demands include du-ty-free import of materials for pre-fabricated building construction, incentive package for exporters, allowing each export-oriented fac-tory with duty free import of a delivery van for product distribution, and consideration of whole factory premises as bonded area.

Meanwhile, the BKMEA requested NBR to introduce tax at source on cost of making, in-stead of free on board prices, increase of cash incentive at 8% from existing 5%, duty and VAT free import of � re safety equipments, and duty free import of all retail machinery. l

Muhith: Economic impact of political unrest not signi� cantn Tribune Report

Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday said there was no signi� cant economic losses dur-ing three months of political unrest in the country and the GDP growth would be around 7% this � scal year.

“The damage was not serious and equiva-lent to just one month’s loss,” he told a pre-budget discussion with the leaders of the Economic Reporters’ Forum at his secretariat o� ce in Dhaka.

Muhith said the growth of gross domestic product in the � scal year 2014-15 would be close to 7% while the government’s previous growth forecast was 7.3%.

However, World Bank, International Mon-etary Fund and Asian Development Bank cut their GDP growth forecasts to 6% as the econ-omy was hit hard by the nationwide non-stop transport blockade and frequent shutdowns called by BNP-led alliance during the Janu-ary-March period demanding a credible gen-eral election. l

No fund to build new roads in FY16 budgetn Tribune Report

Finance Minister AMA Muhith said the upcom-ing national budget would not include any allo-cation for construction of new roads and high-ways in the country.

“Both in terms of demography and distance, we’ve the highest road availability. So, no new road will be constructed. Only the old ones will be repaired,” he said at a pre-budget views exchange meeting with the members of Eco-nomic Reporters Forum (ERF) at his secretariat o� ce yesterday.

Besides, Muhith said the budget for next two years will be prepared on the basis of the economists’ forecast that the global economy will come out of recession during the time.

“The global economy has been in recession for last couple of years, but the economists say that the economy will improve in next two years. Finance division will prepare the budget on the basis of the forecast.”

Muhith said they had laid emphasis on the country’s infrastructure and transportation sector in last six years and would continue to focus on human development, health and san-itation in the next budget.

He said the government gave facilities re-garding corporate tax in the current � scal year, which is, however, not rational.

Muhith said it is also not good for companies who are going to be listed with the country’s capital markets. “We will review the corporate tax position of them.”

Besides, the surcharge will also be reviewed before announcement of next � scal year’s budget.

“Wealth tax is yet to be implemented. It will be introduced as property tax from next � scal year,” Muhith said.

The meeting also discussed political situa-tion, lack of infrastructure, increased foreign in-vestment, lack of land, investment in the project of Public-Private Partnership initiatives, bank-ing sector’s reform, simplifying the process of tax return submission and clarifying the govern-ment’s position on whitening of black money.

Finance minister said they had decided to put emphasis on collection of local resources in the next � scal year’s budget.

During last 26 years, the country’s local re-sources have increased by 3% of GDP, he said.

Bank Division secretary M Aslam Alam, Finance Division’s senior secretary Mahbub Ahmed, National Board of Revenue chair-man Najibur Rahman, ERF president Sultan Mahmud and secretary Sajjadur Rahman, among others, were present. l

ICT taxation in Bangladesh highest among 125n Tribune Report

Bangladesh has the highest rate of ICT taxa-tion among 125 countries, holding back its ICT development, said a study.

A study by Miller and Atkinson under the auspices of International Technology Infor-mation Foundation (ITIF) showed that Chi-na imposes the lowest taxation of 3% while Bangladesh slaps 58%, which is the highest taxation on primary basket of ICT goods and services used in the study.

The second highest taxation is in Turky imposing 26%, followed by Congo, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nigeria and Kenya.

The survey consists of taxes and customs duties on basic mobile phones, smart phones, computers and other digital cameras and au-

dio services.ICT taxation in 40 of the countries are low

ranging between 3%-5% while the rest im-pose 5%-20% tax.

Policy Research Institute (PRI) Vice-Chair-man Sadiq Ahmed highlighted the study re-port in his presentation paper at a seminar on Strengthening the ICT Revolution in Bangla-desh in a city hotel yesterday.

Analyzing the study report, he said the Miller and Atkinson study looked at price elas-ticities of ICT demand and concluded that this elasticity is quite high for Bangladesh.

These taxes are a major reason for the low use of ICT services in Bangladesh compared to other countries, according to the study report.

Using alternative price elasticity assump-tions of demand, the study concluded that the

negative e� ects of high ICT taxation is reduc-ing the demand for ICT services.

“This is a very worrisome � nding and raises serious concerns about the government prior-ity given to the spread of the ICT revolution,” Sadiq Ahmed said.

He added that the high taxation issue has now come to the fore and foreign investors are reluctant to further investing into new mobile network or acquiring additional radio spectrum in Bangladesh in view of low prof-itability.

The presentation paper suggested that a special challenge will be to further increase the mobile tele-density and to expand internet and bandwidth connectivity through investments in network infrastructure as well as to lower access cost through reductions in ICT taxes. l

21D

TTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015T

-JUN

CT

ION

22Hot Topic

The need for an international degree

23adornment

When roses aren’t rednews

Crimson Cup Co� ee and Tea now in Banani

INSIDENEWS

Photo: Bigstock

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10% discount at Laser Medical Center

The need for an international degree

Hot TopicTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

T-JUNCTION22DT

“Internationalisation is a source of di� erentiation and competitive advantage”

nSumaiya Afreen

Although there are a number of reputed local universities in Bangladesh, no one can negate the importance of international experience for the modern leaders of Bangladesh. Today’s doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers and all other professionals have the need for a comprehensive international education experience.

After all, it is no longer just about the education. Leaders today need to � nd solutions to social problems in growing up, which are only possible through attaining knowledge and perspective about how di� erent cultures have succeeded. International education enables students to widen their perspectives and experience an array of di� erent cultures by studying with people from various socio-cultural backgrounds, which eventually results in better leadership qualities.

An internationally recognised degree also opens doors to a lot more future career opportunities by allowing students to build strong personal connections and providing diverse life experiences. Most international universities are accredited and have their alumni in prominent positions both in Bangladesh and abroad.

Hence, employers place higher trust upon international degrees than local ones.

In this era of globalisation where knowing one language is not su� cient at all, international education accelerates and complements � uency in reading, writing and learning new foreign languages. Studying at a local university, regardless of how reputed it is, cannot relatively provide someone with as many personal growth opportunities and life experiences as going to a university abroad can. Bridging the cultural and linguistic di� erences is possible only with the experience international education can give you.

How a foreign degree can help you achieve greater heights

“That’s how during our first of many intimate conversations, my academic advisor at the University of Manchester summarised my upcoming experience as an international student. In this historic university, I was slotted to be one of the members of the Class of 2014, which was said to be the most diverse pool of recruited students in the entire history of the university.”

Hot Topic T-JUNCTION 23D

T

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

How do you get into universities abroad?For one option, you may choose to consult with international education and career intelligence firms like GradConnect. At GradConnect, they make it possible for the youth of Bangladesh to pursue education at accredited universities worldwide. Their reach is global, and they pride themselves on their abilities to assist students to find and apply to the perfect university according to their profile. They do not act as an agent to any particular university, but are rather professional guidance counsellors who act on behalf of the students unlike agents of universities. For reference, go to www.grad-insights.com.

Sumaiya Afreen is the lead manager, International Education at GradConnect. She can be reached at sumaiya@grad-connect.com

“I, as the GradCoach, am a mentor to these students who have so many potentials in life. I assist them in realising their dreams and establishing a perfect pathway through which these young and talented people can achieve great things in life. When I see how highly ambitious yet practical today’s young people are, and how much they have already achieved in their short life, I feel inspired to work tirelessly with them to help them capitalise on their capabilities. I am now � lled with a great deal of hope, even in all this chaos, for the future of Bangladesh, which I believe will go into the hands of these talented youth who will de� nitely give their best for our beloved motherland.”

Phot

os: B

igst

ock

TicketT-JUNCTION24DT

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 2015

news

adornment

When roses aren’t redSo it’s not Valentine’s Day or even your boo’s birthday. You don’t need a special occasion to surprise your loved ones with a beautiful bouquet. There is nothing better than getting the gift of � owers on a regular old day. How about a new twist on those old blooms? Blue roses anyone? Zonayed’s Luxury Designer Flowers just don’t stop at the calming hues of the sea. Check out the myriad of shades and adorable packaging they’ve got going on. You can pick them up at their outlet in Banani or even have them delivered to your desired destination. What are you waiting for? Make the call now!

Contact them at:Telephone: 01757-573706zonayeds.com/

Can you paint with all the colours of the wind?

Crimson Cup Co� ee and Tea now in BananiCrimson Cup Co� ee – the popular co� ee brand based in Columbus, Ohio in the United States of America is now available in Bangladesh.

People who love co� ee know that the best co� ee beans in the world are extracted from the South American lands. The taste of Latin American co� ee is a little bit di� erent and better than co� ee that is brought from other countries.

For people who have not yet tasted this special brand of coffee would shortly have the opportunity to taste this at Columbus Coffee, which is going to present the famous Crimson Cup Coffee right here in Dhaka.

Columbus Co� ee, situated at Banani-11 in Dhaka will o� er di� erent varieties of specialty espresso based co� ee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, mocha and other special Crimson Cup’s iced and frozen drinks. Besides, they will also be o� ering delicious bakery items such as brownies, donuts, cheese cakes and red velvet cakes.

Rehanur Rahman, director of Columbus Co� ee Shop said, the co� ee shop will start operation in full swing from May 15, 2015.

Radisson Blu ChittagongRadisson Blu Chittagong Bay View is located at the heart of Chittagong, 40 minutes’ drive from the Chittagong International Airport and in close proximity of the business hub of the city. With 241 spacious rooms, the hotel is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers, and an attractive venue for banquets, weddings, conventions, seminars and small meetings. For more information call +88 031 619800, radissonblu.com/hotel-chittagong.On the inaugural ceremony on that day, an

attractive discount will be o� ered for the customers. For more details, visit House 25, (2nd � oor), Road 11, Block H, Banani, Dhaka. Hotline - 01936 000208. Facebook page: facebook.com/columbusco� eebd. l

Photos: Courtesy

25D

TTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

MUSHFIQ INJURES RIGHT RING FINGER

BEST SINCE BRADMAN MAKES HISTORY

I SHOULD NOT HAVE PLAYED THAT SHOT: SOUMYA

26 2827

Sunil Narine has been banned from bowling his o� reaks in any match organised by the BCCI, including in the IPL. He may, however, continue

to bowl his other deliveries

NO OFFBREAKS

SportSCORECARD, DAY 2

BANGLADESH 1ST INNINGS R BTamim Iqbal c Azhar b Yasir 25 74Imrul Kayes c & b Hafeez 51 130Mominul Haque lbw b Babar 80 162Mahmudullah c Sarfraz b Wahab 49 123Shakib Al Hasan c Sha� q b Babar 25 61Mush� qur Rahim c Misbah b Yasir 32 71Soumya Sarkar c Sha� q b Hafeez 33 55Shuvagata Hom not out 12 11Taijul Islam b Yasir Shah 1 11Mohammad Shahid c Misbah b Wahab 10 15Rubel Hossain c Sarfraz b Wahab Raz 2 10Extras (lb 5, nb 7) 12Total (all out; 120 overs) 332

Fall of wickets1-52 (Tamim), 2-92 (Kayes), 3-187 (Mahmudu-llah), 4-236 (Mominul), 5-243 (Shakib), 6-305 (Soumya), 7-310 (Mush� q), 8-312 (Taijul), 9-329 (Shahid), 10-332 (Rubel) Bowling Junaid 16-2-40-0, Wahab 26-7-55-3, Hafeez 18-5-47-2, Babar 32-3-99-2, Yasir 28-4-86-3PAKISTAN 1ST INNINGS R BMohammad Hafeez not out 137 179Sami Aslam c Mush� q b Taijul 20 36Azhar Ali not out 65 136Extras (lb 2, nb 3) 5Total (1 wicket; 58 overs) 227

Fall of wickets1-50 (Sami) Bowling Rubel 11-0-50-0, Shahid 7-0-29-0, Taijul 16-2-43-1, Shuvagata 8-0-34-0, Shakib 12-0-57-0, Mahmudullah 2-0-9-0, Soumya 1-0-2-0, Mominul 1-0-1-0

Pakistan trail by 105 runs with 9 wickets remaining in the 1st innings

Batting collapse hands Pakistan initiativen Minhaz Uddin Khan from Khulna

A high-� ying Bangladesh were brought right back down to earth following the conclusion of the sec-ond day of the � rst Test at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium as Pakistan posted 227/1

in their � rst innings, replying to the Tigers’ 332-allout.

The visitors dominated the proceedings yesterday, starting right from the morning session when the home side lost four wickets resuming on their overnight score of 236/4. The hosts lost their remaining two wickets in the afternoon session to end their � rst in-nings on a disappointing note, conceding six wickets on the second day for the addition of 96 runs.

Later, Pakistan rode their luck whilst pro-gressing at a brisk scoring rate as veteran

campaigner Mohammad Hafeez smashed his eighth Test hundred, and his third in as many matches. Trailing by 105 runs with nine wick-ets remaining, Pakistan would look to drive home the advantage when they come out to bat today.

Earlier, it all started with Shakib al Hasan’s dismissal as the all-rounder danced down the pitch to left-arm spinner Zul� qar Babar only to present an easy catch to Asad Sha� q sta-tioned at leg-slip.

Shakib added only six runs to his overnight score of 19 but the SANS crowd were still hopeful as debutant Soumya Sarkar arrived to the crease to join skipper Mush-� qur Rahim.

The sixth-wicket duo provided some res-pite, putting on 62 runs to take the home side past the 300-run mark for only the third time against Pakistan in nine Tests.

Even though Soumya made 33, he ini-tially appeared apprehensive. The majestic

left-hander tried to blast his way out of hes-itance and was somewhat successful, striking � ve crisp boundaries. However, like Shakib, Soumya too had to pay dearly for going for one shot too many.

And when Soumya departed, it was only a matter of time before Bangladesh crumbled their way to 332-allout.

Eight balls after Soumya’s departure, it was Mush� q’s turn to make his way to the dressing room. Mush� q, who scored 32 from 71 balls, was an extremely dejected man as the hosts were depending on him to rescue them at a crucial juncture of the game.

The rest of Bangladesh’s � rst innings was a mere formality as the Pakistan bowlers mopped up the tail.

Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz was awarded for his persistence as he scalped three wickets while right-arm leg-spinner Ya-sir Shah also bagged three.

In pursuit of a below-par 332, Pakistan

made an energetic start as their batsmen complemented the e� orts of their bowlers perfectly.

Hafeez, alongside debutant Sami Aslam, posted 50 runs for the opening wicket before left-arm spinner Taijul Islam removed the lat-ter for 20. This proved to be the only success for the Bangladesh bowlers on a hot and hu-mid day under clear blue skies.

The Bangladesh bowlers lacked bite and enthusiasm as Hafeez took charge. Azhar Ali, coming in at No 3, provided valuable support to his senior teammate as they added an unbroken 117-run stand for the second wicket.

Hafeez, who had a terrible run in the lim-ited-over leg of the bilateral series, rediscov-ered his mojo and led Pakistan’s strong reply, making an unbeaten 137 o� 179 deliveries. The right-hander struck a dozen fours and two sixes while Azhar, on the other end, re-mained undefeated on 65 from 136 balls.l

Bangladesh Test captain Mush� qur Rahim leaves the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in disappointment following his dismissal on the second day of the � rst Test against Pakistan yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Sport26DT

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

TOUR TIDBITSBANGLADESH v PAKISTAN, 1st Test, Day 2, Khulna

Rubel Hossain brings crowd on their feetThe Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium crowd experienced a disappointing sec-ond day as Bangla-desh lost their last � ve wickets for the addition of only 27 runs to end their � rst innings on 332-allout. Resum-ing on 236/4, the majority believed

that the Tigers’ lower half would bat out most of the second day only to be dejected as they conceded four wickets in the � rst session alone.

The stands and galleries, all peace and qui-et, however, soon erupted in joy when fast

bowler Rubel came out to bat. The noise in-creased when Rubel was marking his stance.

It continued when Rubel bowled his � rst delivery when Pakistan came out to bat in their � rst innings. Whatever happens in the rest of the Test match, local lad Rubel can rest assured knowing that he will receive a stand-ing ovation every time he bowls or bats.

Wicket-keeper Imrul KayesThe second day was a dreadful one to say the least for wick-etkeeper-batsman Mush� qur Rahim. Despite being in tre-mendous form of late, the Test skip-per managed only 32 when his team

needed him to go on and make a big score.His misfortune continued as he dropped

top-order batsman Azhar Ali twice, � rst in the 23rd over bowled by Shakib al Hasan and then in the 35th over bowled by debutant Moham-mad Shahid.

The second drop turned out to be disas-trous as he also hurt his right ring � nger in the process.

Mush� q left the � eld immediately and remained in the dressing room for the rest of the day as Imrul padded up as the proxy keeper.

Mohammad Hafeez’s reliefHafeez came into the Test series with im-mense pressure on his shoulders. The veteran Pakistan cricketer only scored 34 runs in the three-match ODI series and the lone Twen-ty20 international. Among those matches, he

only bowled twice, and had gone wick-et-less. The second day of the � rst Test, however, changed all that.

He was the centre of all the attraction as he not only came back to form but also revived Paki-

stan’s cause. First, the right-arm o� -spinner accounted for the scalp of debutant Soumya Sarkar to go with his � rst-day dismissal of Im-rul. Then, he struck an unbeaten 179-ball 137 to take his side to a strong position following the second day’s play. Hafeez added an un-broken 177-run stand alongside Azhar on his way to his eighth Test hundred and third in as many matches.l

I should not have played that shot: Soumyan Minhaz Uddin Khan from Khulna

With Bangladesh resuming the second day of the � rst Test against Pakistan on 236/4, many thought the hosts would kick on and post an imposing total in their � rst innings. The Tigers’ two mainstays – Shakib al Hasan and Mush� qur Rahim – were there at the crease when the day’s proceedings began and the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium crowd were hopeful that the middle- and the lower-order would be able to chip in with their contributions.

Shakib, however, departed early, adding only six runs to his overnight score of 19.

Mush� q was then joined at the crease by debutant Soumya Sarkar and the sixth-wicket pair put on 62 runs to provide a glimmer of hope to the fans. From a relatively good po-sition of 305/5 though, it went horribly wrong for Bangladesh and many thought Soumya’s departure triggered the collapse.

The Tigers were guilty of throwing away their wickets as they crumbled to 332-allout, their last � ve wickets falling for just 27 runs.

In reply, the Pakistan batsmen made mer-ry of the opposition bowling attack which lacked bite and verve. The feather-bed that is the SANS o� ered plenty of runs and had bare-ly any purchase for the bowlers as the visitors racked up 227/1 by the end of the day’s play, trailing the home side by 105 runs.

Seeing the way the Pakistan batsmen ap-plied themselves at the middle, Soumya must have been ruing his dismissal as he crafted a start but failed to capitalise, departing for 33 after attempting one shot too many.

And, in the post-day press conference, the

elegant left-hander said exactly that, inform-ing that he should not have gone for the ex-pansive shot that had led to his departure.

“I should not have played that shot at that time. I thought it was a bad shot after I had played it. I do not want to repeat the same mistakes from before,” Soumya told the me-dia after the conclusion of the day’s play.

“I was very excited before I went out to bat today (yesterday). But, there was a change when I went to the middle. I wanted to play how I usually play. I was not focusing on who I was playing against or the circumstances of my debut.

The budding cricketer from Satkhira, how-ever, expressed his belief with regards to a possible comeback from the Tigers.

“We are waiting for one good session to come back to the game. If we can do that to-morrow (today) morning, the momentum will swing back in favour of us,” said Soumya.

Pakistan spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed, on the other hand, informed that the visitors were surprised at the way the Bangla-desh batsmen conceded their momentum in the Test match.

“We didn’t believe that Bangladesh would collapse this way as the pitch was slow. But, I should credit my bowlers who did very well and the � elders today (yesterday) supported them to make it their day,” said Mushtaq.

“The idea today (yesterday) was to avoid losing wickets and get the � ow of runs as much as we can. This wicket requires some caution. [Mohammad] Hafeez did very well with his approach and I will give him full credit for his outstanding performance,” said Mushtaq. l

Bangladesh Test debutant Soumya Sarkar (R) congratulates Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez on his eighth hundred during the second day of the � rst Test in Khulna yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Gasquet, Kyrgios open with Estoril winsFifth seed Richard Gasquet and Austral-ian number seven Nick Kyrgios made winning starts on Tuesday at the Estoril Open, as both players began gather-ing con� dence for the clay-court run to Roland Garros. Gasquet marked a victorious return after nearly six weeks out with a back injury as the Frenchman beat Marinko Matosevic of Australia 7-6 (9/7), 6-1.

–AFP

Iran defender banned for nine monthsIran international Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh has been handed a nine-month ban by the Iranian Football Feder-ation (FFIRI) after being found guilty of attacking a fan in Qatar last week. Video footage showed the 23-year-old reaching out to strike a fan with his left hand fol-lowing Persepolis’ 3-0 AFC Champions League defeat to Lekhwiya.

–Reuters

Rory still the best: SpiethMasters champion Jordan Spieth says he would welcome a long-term rivalry with Rory McIlroy but insists that he has still got some way to go to match the world number one. The 21-year-old American, who captured his � rst major title at Augusta National earlier this month, is seeded second behind McIlroy at this week’s WGC-Matchplay Championship in San Francisco.

–AFP

Taylor to skipper England in ODI against IrelandEngland batsman James Taylor concedes it was “massively disappointing” to be left out of the squad for the ongoing tour of West Indies but the blow has been softened by news he will captain the side in a one-day match against Ireland next week.

–Reuters

Carpi promoted to Serie ATiny Carpi, playing � fth division football only � ve seasons ago, completed a remarkable rise on Tuesday when they were promoted to Serie A for the � rst time after a 0-0 draw with Bari. Carpi, whose Sandro Cabassi stadium holds only 4,144 people, made sure of their place with four matches to spare as they moved 12 points clear of third-placed Bologna, with a better head-to-head record.

–Reuters

Wigan relegated to 3rd tierWigan Athletic, whose meteoric rise saw them reach the Premier League and lift the FA Cup, will play in the third tier of English football next season after a second relegation in three years was con� rmed on Tuesday.

–Reuters

QUICK BYTES Mush� q injures right ring � ngern Hedait Hossain, Khulna

Bangladesh experienced a below-par day yes-terday at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, losing their last � ve wickets for just 27 runs to end their � rst innings on 332-allout. The Pakistan top-order then concluded the day’s play on a commanding 227/1, trailing the Tigers by 105 runs heading into the third day’s play today.

The home side’s miseries compounded when skipper Mush� qur Rahim injured his right ring � nger while attempting a catch of Azhar Ali o� the bowling of debutant Moham-mad Shahid.

The 26-year old left the ground during the � nal drinks break and was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital where he un-derwent x-rays. The results, however, were not serious as previously thought.

According to Bangladesh Cricket Board media manager Rabeed Imam, Mush� q is still feeling some pain although he is expected to return to the � eld today as the home side bid to come back in the � rst Test.

Opener Imrul Kayes donned the gloves in Mush� q’s absence while vice-captain Tamim Iqbal captained the side in the � nal hour of the day’s play.

Yesterday was a bad day in the o� ce for Mush� q who dropped Azhar twice, on 11 and 28. All-rounder Shakib al Hasan was the un-lucky bowler on the � rst occasion while Sha-hid was deprived of his maiden Test wicket the second time. l

Mohammedan edge Muktijoddha in thrillern Shishir Hoque

Guinean striker Ismail Bangoura netted a brace as Mohammedan staged a brilliant comeback to defeat Muktijoddha 3-2 in the Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

A goal each from mid� elder Mohammad Biplob and in-form striker Enamul Haque put the All Reds in a comfortable position in the � rst half before the traditional Black and Whites came from behind to seal victory in the second half following a brace from Bangoura and a lone strike from Mohammad Ibrahim.

It was Mohammedan’s second consecutive victory while the Muktis fell to their second defeat in a row after winning their � rst four matches. The vital three points lifted Moham-medan to third in the 11-team standings with 12 points from six matches while Muktijoddha are fourth with the same number of points and matches as their yesterday’s opponent.

The � rst half was all about the All Reds who had to wait till the 40th minute to break the deadlock. Veteran striker Enamul set up the goal with a lovely through pass that found Biplob, who slotted home past Nehal to open the scoring. Enamul continued his � ne goalscoring form as he doubled the lead three minutes later. Senegalese forward Camara Sarba received a through pass from Faisal be-fore providing a low cross for Enamul inside the box. Enamul made no mistake placing home his sixth league goal of the season.

Mohammedan appeared a di� erent side after resumption and Bangoura gave them the breakthrough from a penalty ten minutes into the second half.

Ibrahim equalised the margin in the 80th minute when the substitute mid� elder smashed home past Titu from a low Towhidul Alam Sabuj cross from the right � ank.

It took the Black and Whites only three minutes to stun the Muktis and seal victory as well. Bangoura was felled inside the box by Muktis defender Ashraful Karim and was duly awarded a late penalty. Bangoura sent the ball crashing into the net to grab his � fth league goal this season.

Meanwhile in the day’s other match, Chit-tagong Abahani registered their � rst points of the campaign as they edged past Rahmat-ganj MFS 1-0. Forward Sumon Ali slammed a sensational goal in the 18th minute to make all the di� erence. Sumon unleashed a power-ful strike from 30 yards, leaving Rahmatganj goalkeeper Masum stranded.l

Bangladesh Test skipper Mush� qur Rahim grimaces in pain after injuring his right ring � nger during the second day of the � rst Test against Pakistan in Khulna yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

RESULTSMohammedan 3-2 MuktijoddhaIsmail Bangoura 55 – P, 83 - P Mohammad Biplob 40Mohammad Ibrahim 80 Enamul Haque 43

Chittagong Abahani 1-0 RahmatganjSumon Ali 18

TODAY’S MATCHESFarashganj v Soccer Club, Feni, 5PM

Blatter re-election set for Asian boostn AFP, Manama

FIFA chief Sepp Blatter will take a big step to-wards a � fth term in o� ce when he watches Asia’s football boss, a key ally, seal re-election unopposed on Thursday.

Just four weeks before FIFA’s presidential vote, Blatter can shore up crucial Asian sup-port when he addresses the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) congress in Bahrain.

It is likely to be a triumphant trip for the 79-year-old, with AFC president Shaikh Sal-man bin Ebrahim al Khalifa, a vocal support-er, set to be handed a fresh, four-year term.

Kuwaiti powerbroker Sheikh Ahmad al Fa-had Al Sabah, another Blatter ally, also looks likely to win one of three seats on FIFA’s exec-utive committee which are up for grabs.

Meanwhile Blatter’s presidential rival Prince Ali bin al Hussein will lose his post as a FIFA vice president, which is being absorbed into the Asian leader’s job title. Blatter has al-ready been assured of African support for the May 29 FIFA poll, and with Asia’s 46 votes he would be all but at the � nish line.

His rivals - Jordan’s Prince Ali, Dutchman Michael van Praag and former galactico Luis Figo - face a last-minute scramble for support ahead of the ballot in Zurich.

Shaikh Salman will tighten what is be-coming an iron grip on Asian football when his � rst full term is rubber-stamped by the congress in his home country of Bahrain. He swept to power in 2013 promising a clean slate after his predecessor Mohamed bin Hammam was banned from football mid-term over al-leged bribery and � nancial wrongdoing.l

Sport28DT

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Best since Bradman makes historyn Martin Smith

His average is second only to Sir Donald Bradman’s in the history of Test cricket, but there’s a good chance many of you have not heard of Bangladesh’s Mominul Haque.

The 23-year-old scored 80 on the opening day of the � rst Test against Pakistan on Tues-day, his 12th score of 50 or more from just 13 Tests.

He now boasts an average of 63.90 from 24 innings, the second-highest in the history of Test cricket for players with a minimum of 20 innings.

He has also scored a half-century in 10 con-secutive Tests, two short of the record held by South African star AB de Villiers.

Mominul’s streak of scoring at least a half-century in 10 Tests in a row has him in elite company; Sachin Tendulkar and John Edrich also achieved the feat, while Sir Viv-ian Richards, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir did it in 11 consecutive matches.

And Mominul is just the third batsman in history to have 12 scores of 50 or more from their � rst 13 Tests; Mark Taylor and Sunil Gavaskar both scored 13 in their � rst 13 matches.

But the left-hander is unfazed by his place amongst some of the game’s greats.

“I didn’t know about this feat, and I don’t even want to know,” Mominul said.

“I am playing a Test match after four months. I try to remember the routines of the previous game and follow it. If it goes hay-wire, it becomes di� cult.

“I try to stay mentally positive. I don’t listen to what is being said. I will do what I have to do, and not worry about the conse-quences.”

Mominul debuted against Sri Lanka in Galle just over two years ago, scoring 55 in a drawn match, before posting 64 and 37 in the second Test.

His maiden Test century came later that year against New Zealand in Chittagong, a magni� cent 181, before he scored an unbeat-en 126 against the Black Caps in the second Test in Dhaka.

He followed it up with two centuries in 2014; an unbeaten 100 against Sri Lanka in Chittagong and 131 not out on the same ground against Zimbabwe later that year.

While Mominul has dominated Test crick-et, he hasn’t had the same e� ect in the short-er forms of the game.

He has three half-centuries from 26 one-day internationals, and tellingly a career strike rate under 75, and played just two matches at the recent World Cup before he was dropped for the ODI series against Pakistan earlier this month.

But Bangladesh needed Mominul’s patient approach on Tuesday as they � nished with 4-236 at stumps on a slow wicket in their � rst Test since November.

“The ODI place is not in my control. Maybe I will get an opportunity if I make regular runs in Test cricket,” he said.

“We didn’t set to bat slowly. It is quite hard to score in this wicket. It keeps low, comes to the bat late. You can survive in this wicket but scor-ing runs is di� cult.

“Shakib (Al Hasan) and Tamim (Iqbal) were attack-ing in ODIs but even they couldn’t force the pace.

“We would have lost more wickets had we forced the issue. It is better to stay at the wicket, which will be good for the team.

“One has to work hard to score runs here. I thought I would need 100 years to score 80 on this wicket.”

Australia will play two Tests in Bangladesh in October this year, their � rst against the subcontinental nation since 2006.l

Martin Smith is a writer for cricket.com.au. He previously wrote for Yahoo!7 Sport and Fox Sports.

HIGHEST AVERAGES IN TEST HISTORY(minimum 20 innings)

99.94 Sir Donald Bradman (Aus)

63.90 Mominul Haque (Ban)

60.97 Graeme Pollock (SA)

60.83 George Headley (WI)

60.73 Herbert Sutcli� e (Eng)

SCORES OF 50 OR MORE IN CONSECUTIVE TESTS

12 AB de Villiers (South Africa)11 Virender Sehwag (India)11 Gautam Gambhir (India)11 Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies)10 Mominul Haque (Bangladesh)10 Sachin Tendulkar (India)10 John Edrich (England)9 Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)9 Simon Katich (Australia)9 Jacques Kallis (South Africa)9 Matthew Hayden (Australia)9 Alec Stewart (England)9 Everton Weekes (West Indies)

Liverpool paying price for squandering cashn Reuters, London

Liverpool’s half-baked pre-season transfer dealings have come back to bite them with Brendan Rodgers admitting his side have lacked the quality to � nish in the Premier League’s top four.

Monday’s tepid 1-0 defeat by relega-tion-threatened Hull City left Liverpool in � fth place and all but ended their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

That represents a sharp decline from last season when the goals of Luis Suarez and Dan-iel Sturridge propelled the club to within a whisker of a � rst English league title since 1991.

Rodgers was powerless to stop Uruguay-

an Suarez joining Barcelona for 75 million pounds and has been unlucky to be deprived of Sturridge through injury, but the manager must take some of the blame for failing to in-vest his sizeable war chest on players capable of taking the club forward.

Supporters are asking why those marquee signings did not arrive last summer when Liv-erpool could have built on the momentum they established last season.

Chile’s Alexis Sanchez was on Liverpool’s radar but moved to Arsenal. Instead Rodgers splashed out 50 million pounds on South-ampton trio Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren.

Mario Balotelli joined from Milan for 16 mil-

lion pounds but the Italy striker has shown only � eeting glimpses of his best form, registering more yellow cards (seven) than goals (four).

Left back Alberto Moreno, signed from Se-villa, has probably been Rodgers’s best busi-ness but the jury is still out on Emre Can and Lazar Markovic.

The most damning statistic this season has been Liverpool’s lack of � repower. Suarez and Sturridge scored 53 league goals between them last season as Liverpool notched up 101.

With four games left they have managed a paltry 47. No wonder Rodgers is on the look-out for strikers with PSV Eindhoven’s Mem-phis Depay top of the list of players being linked with a move to An� eld.l

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BTV, Gazi Tv, Star Sports 110:00AM Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 1st Test Day 3 Sony Six8:30PM Indian Premier League Kolkata v Chennai Star Sports 212:45AM Italian Serie A 2014/15Empoli v Napoli Star Sports 4Spanish La Liga11:30PM Rayo Vallecano v Valencia 2:00AM Granada v Espanyol

DAY’S WATCH

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Record-setting ‘MSN’ � ring Barca’s treble chargen Reuters, Barcelona

Barcelona’s formidable attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar seem to be scoring at will just as the club’s bid for a treble of titles reaches a crucial stage.

Known collectively in Spain as ‘MSN’, the South American trio reached 102 goals for the season in all competitions in the La Liga leaders’ 6-0 drubbing of Getafe on Tuesday, two more than the club record set by Messi, Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry when Barca won the treble in 2009.

Messi struck twice, including a dinked

‘Panenka’ penalty, Suarez also hit a double and Neymar scored once as Barca pulled � ve points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top with four games remaining.

Argentina captain Messi is on 49 goals, Uruguay striker Suarez, whose ban for biting an opponent at the World Cup expired at the end of October, has 21, and Brazil forward Neymar 32.

With that kind of return, it is little wonder that the three have a market value of 260 million euros ($286 million), according to website Transfermarkt.com.

All six of Barca’s goals, including a superb curling e� ort into the top corner from captain Xavi, delighted the Nou Camp faithful and Barca’s dazzling performance suggested they could be peaking at just the right time.

The play their Champions League semi-� nal, � rst leg at Bayern Munich next Wednesday and will seek a record-extending 27th King’s Cup crown when they play Athletic Bilbao in the � nal at the Nou Camp at the end of May.l

Dortmund stun Bayern in shootoutn Reuters, Munich

Holders Bayern Munich slumped out of the German Cup semi-� nals 2-0 on penalties to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday after failing to score any of their spot kicks as their hopes of repeating their 2013 treble were dashed.

Bayern, who won the Bundesliga title on Sunday, had captain Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso slip as they sent their penalties into the stands as the Munich side missed all four of their e� orts after a 1-1 draw following extra time.

Dortmund were reduced to 10 men in extra time following the dismissal of Kevin Kampl but kept their cool and keeper Mitch Langerak made the save of the game by stopping Bas-tian Schweinsteiger’s point-blank header.

They then converted two penalties, as Bayern’s hopes were dashed when their � rst two takers missed after slipping before Mario Goetze’s spot kick was saved and Neuer rat-tled the bar. l

Inter win to bolster European hopesn AFP, Rome

Inter Milan beat nine-man Udinese 2-1 in Serie A on Tuesday to close in on a European place next season.

A penalty by Mauro Icardi and Lukas Po-dolski’s � rst league goal since moving on loan from Arsenal put Robert Mancini’s Inter back on track after their seven-game winless streak.

They are now up to seventh, overtaking Torino and Genoa having played one game more, and temporarily sit just one point be-hind sixth-placed Fiorentina, who occupy the � nal European spot.

Antonio Di Natale scored for Udinese for his 205th goal in the Italian elite to join Ju-ventus and Italy legend Roberto Baggio as the sixth top goalscorer in Serie A history.l

PSG go top thanks to Pastore artistryn AFP, Paris

A standout performance by Argentinian Javi-er Pastore inspired Paris Saint Germain to a 3-1 win over relegation-threatened Metz on Tuesday and saw the winners open a three point lead at the top of Ligue 1.

Pastore, one of three players pin-pointed as not going anywhere in the close season by club president Nasser Al-Khelai� in an inter-view in Tuesday’s Le Parisien, was in devas-tating form, setting up all three PSG goals for Marco Verratti, Edinson Cavani and Gregory van der Wiel.

The win gives the two-time defending champions a three point cushion over Lyon, who have a slightly better goal di� erence with four matches remaining.

Metz by contrast saw a four match unbeat-en run come to an end and are still without an away win since September -- they lie second bottom, eight points from safety and just 12 still in play.

“One forgets often that Paris has been on the go non stop for the past two months,” said Blanc, whose side could seal a domestic treble this sea-son having won the League Cup and a date with second tier Auxerre in the French Cup � nal.l

Real Madrid, Atletico facing transfer bansn AFP, Madrid

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atletico Ma-drid could be banned from registering new players for a year for irregularities in the sign-ing of minors, Spanish radio station Cadena SER reported on Wednesday.

Barcelona are currently banned from reg-istering players after they were handed the same ban for similar reasons a year ago.

The Catalan giants unsuccessfully ap-pealed that ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), however, the appeal did delay the application of the ban until January which allowed them to sign seven players, including Luis Suarez last summer.

The same route of appeal would be open to both last season’s Champions League � nalists.l

Lewandowski fractures cheek, Robben’s season overn AFP, Berlin

Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski is doubtful for next Wednesday’s Champions League semi-� nal at Barcelona with a fractured cheek-bone from their cup defeat to Dortmund while Arjen Robben’s season is over.

Lewandowski, who has scored 23 goals this season, spent the night in hospital with con-cussion and also a broken nose after a goal-mouth collision with Borussia Dortmund’s Australia goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak.

Having missed the last � ve weeks with torn abdominal muscles, Dutch winger Rob-ben, who has scored 19 goals, is now out for the rest of the season having lasted just 16 minutes in the second-half after coming o� the bench. l

RESULTBayern Munich 1-1 Borussia DortmundLewandowski 29 Aubameyang 75

Dortmund win 2-0 on penalties

RESULTSBarcelona 6-0 GetafeMessi 9-P, 47, Suarez 25, 40, Neymar 28, Xavi 30

Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Real SociedadAduriz 52-P De la Bella 60

Levante 1-0 CordobaBarral 41

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (R) walks past celebrating Borussia Dortmund players after they won their German Cup (DFB Pokal) semi-� nal match in Munich on Tuesday REUTERS

Barcelona’s attacking trio of Luis Suarez (L), Neymar and Lionel Messi (R) celebrate a goal against Getafe during their Spanish � rst division match at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona on Tuesday REUTERS

DOWNTIME30DT

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

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 22 represents U so � ll U every time the � gure 22 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 Narrow beam (3)3 Probability (4)6 Self-satis� ed (4)7 Corded fabric (3)9 Gratis (4)10 Extinct bird (3)11 Bird (4)13 Letting contract (5)16 As before (5)18 Weathercock (4)19 Groove (3)20 Cripple (4)21 Slender stick (3)23 Turn away (4)24 Supplicate (4)25 Spoil (3)

DOWN1 Bucolic (5)2 Mature (3)4 Highland dagger (4)5 Prosecute (3)6 Dance (5)8 Evident (5)9 Worry (4)12 Plant (5)14 Dutch cheese (4)15 Sacri� cial table (5)17 Command (5)18 Passport endorsement (4)20 Cleaning implement (3)22 Eggs (3)

SUDOKU

n Tausif Sanzum

Theatre and movies are two completely di� erent media and the actors working in these � lms have di� erent methods of approaching them. The experience of sitting in a theatre and observing actors performing live might not be equally entertaining when replicated on the big screen. However over the years, there have been some wonderful big screen adaptations of some classic plays.

Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)This big screen adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ one-act play got both its actresses, Katharine Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, Oscar nods in the leading actress category. The story involves a wealthy widow, Violet Venable who hires the service of a talented surgeon, Dr. John Cukrowicz to perform the controversial procedure of lobotomy on her niece, Catherine Holly. The catch being her niece seems to know something about the controversial manner in which Violet’s son died.

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)Hollywood seems to have a soft spot for

adapting Tennessee Williams’ plays. Aging high school teacher, Blanche DuBois moves to live with her sister, Stella Kowalski who is expecting. Blanche is surprised by the condition in which her sister who once belonged to an aristocratic family is living in, and she also develops a disliking towards Stella’s husband, Stanley Kowalski whom she considers sub-human. The story takes an interesting turn when Blanche has to live alone with her brother-in-law when her sister goes to the hospital for child birth.

A Man for All Seasons (1966) One of the most famous plays of modern times by Robert Bolt got it big screen adaption in 1966 and is listed as one of the greatest movies of all time. Sir Thomas More to Hampton Court seems to be the only man in England to oppose King Henry VIII of England’s decision to divorce his wife and marry Anne Boleyn. But standing against royalty comes with its own share of problems. What is the fate of this man considered by many as the ultimate man of conscience?

The Importance of Being Earnest (1952)This movie based on the play by Oscar

Wilde is the most fun one in this list. Just imagine two men pretending to be someone else they are not and to spice things up we have two love stricken women who feel that there is nothing more important than being earnest. The movie based on the famous play of errors is de� nitely a fun watch.

Honourable mentions - Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? (1966), Doubt (2008), Romeo and Juliet (1968), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) l

SHOWTIME 31D

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Natyakendra to stage Dui Je Chhilo Ek Chakor today

WHAT TO WATCHTELEVISION

Stealth CHBO 5:02pmDeeply ensconced in a top-secret military program, three pilots struggle to bring an arti� cial intelligence program under control before it initiates the next world war.Cast: Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biel, Josh Lucas, Sam Shepard

300 B+WB 7:35pm King Leonidas and a force of 300 men � ght the Persians at Thermopylae in 480 B.C.Cast: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham

Terminator 2 AStar Movies 5:31pmA cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her young son, John Connor, from a more advanced cyborg, made out of liquid metal.Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong

CELEBS ON SOCIAL

n Showtime Desk

Theatre troupe Natyakendra brings the two days of staging of its acclaimed production Dui Je Chhilo Ek Chakor. The show will be held today and tomorrow at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at 7pm.

The play is an adaptation of Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni’s Comedia dell’arte genre play The Slave of Two Masters. The comedy is about a desperate man who takes two jobs at a time to meet his needs. The story proceeds with twists and turns as he tries to keep both jobs.

Tarique Anam Khan has adapted and

directed the play. Bringing up the cast are Sharif Hossain Imon, Lucy Tripti Gomes, Ariq Anam Khan and Yusuf Hasan Arko.

Starting its journey back in 1990, the troupe has already staged the play more than 30 times at home and abroad and which makes the play one of the most popular o� erings of the troupe. l

Big screen adaptations

Azmi Shabana @AzmiShabana Talking Cinema:Conversations with actors & � lmmakers now on stands. Catch@bhawanasomaaya 92.7 Big FM 09:15 every morning and 19.00 evening

Joseph Gordon-Levitt @hitRECordJoe Been doing so many biopics lately, � gured I’d do another one. It’s gonna be called: “TOM WAITS FOR NO MAN”.

Jacob Taio Cruz @TaioCruzI’m excited to team up with @wavome and give my fans an opportunity to remix #DWYL. Get details here: http://ow.ly/Mc3Rg

BACK PAGE32DT

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

WHO WON AND WHO LOST? PAGE 14

BATTING COLLAPSE HANDS PAKISTAN INITIATIVE PAGE 25

FOREX RESERVES CROSS $24BN PAGE 15

Dhaka one of the world’s worst-designed citiesn Rajib Bhowmick

Let’s say someone was told that good old Dha-ka, the capital of Bangladesh, has made it to a list alongside Boston, Atlanta and Dubai. It is bound to trigger a wonder what in the world could Dhaka have in common with these pic-turesque cities.

US-based lifestyle web portal Thrillist has recently talked to several renowned urban planners and come up with a list titled “The 9 Worst Designed Cities in the World,” and Dhaka has made it to that list as the worst of the lot.

The Thrillist article, published on April 17, shows that alongside other things, Dhaka shares a transportation system that is messy to say the least, with Boston, Atlanta and Mis-soula in the USA, Dubai in the UAE, Jakarta in Indonesia, Naypidaw in Myanmar, and Sao Paulo and Brasilia in Brazil.

It describes Dhaka as: “If there’s one city that symbolises what total planning and de-sign failure look like, it’s Dhaka.”

Writer Gianni Jaccoma, a New York City na-tive and a tech junkie, says that the transpor-tation system in Dhaka is “virtually non-exist-ent” with only 60 out of the city’s 650 major intersections having tra� c lights.

He wondered how the millions of rick-shaws, cars, motorcycles, buses and bycles share the same roads everyday and how “any-one gets anywhere in less than a lifetime.”

The article says the oozing population in Dhaka owes a lot to the poor commute, forc-ing many to “endure slum conditions within city limits just to be able to get to work.”

Jaccoma was similarly brutal on other en-tries on the list. Dubai appears to him as a “kind of a disjointed nightmare of skyscrap-ers,” the tra� c in Atlanta “is legendarily aw-ful,” and Brasilia is a “Frankenstein’s monster of a city." l

Only 30% progress made in ADP energy projects in seven monthsDuring the same July-January period of the FY2014-15, self-� nanced projects have achieved only 30.49% ADP implementation target

n Aminur Rahman Rasel

Only 30.53% progress have been made in im-plementing the energy sector ADP projects during the � rst seven months of the ongo-ing � scal year, compared to 42.38% progress made during the same period last � scal year.

Meanwhile, between July 2014 and Janu-ary this year, the self-� nanced projects have been able to achieve only 30.49% of its Annu-al Development Programme (ADP) implemen-tation target.

The numbers were disclosed in a working paper released at a recent meeting of the En-ergy and Mineral Resources Division, where its Secretary Md Abu Bakar Siddique ex-pressed deep dissatisfaction and asked all the heads of the companies and agencies to � nish their work as soon as possible.

According to the working paper, the ADP expenditure (government and foreign loans

and aids) during the seven-month period – except for the self-� nanced projects – was Tk18.3804 billion compared to Tk21.129bn

during the corresponding period of 2013-14 � scal year. The ADP size for the self-� nanced projects in the current � scal is Tk18.5888bn.

According to the paper, during the � rst

seven months of the ongoing 2014-15 � scal year, the Energy Division spent Tk5.6124bn or 30.53% of the ADP expenditure to implement 24 ADP projects under the energy sector.

Of the total � gure, Tk4.4835bn had been al-located by the government, while Tk1.1288bn was spent from foreign loans and aids.

Besides, during the same period of the ongoing � scal, the Energy Division spent Tk5.6616bn or 30.49% of the total allotment to implement 32 self-� nanced projects in the energy sector.

Of the total ADP projects, the Bangladesh Oil, Gas & Mineral Corporation (Petrobang-la) is implementing 16, Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) two, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation � ve and Bangladesh Petroleum Institute is implementing one.

Besides, of the self-� nanced projects, Petrobangla is implementing 26 and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation is implementing six. l

Energy Division Secretary Md Abu Bakar Siddique expressed dissatisfaction and asked all the heads of the companies and agencies to � nish their work as soon as possible

A man smirkily stares at a transgendered person unloading sand along with other men and women workers from a vessel at Amin Bazar ghat in Savar. It is not common to see transgendered people engaging in mainstream work since they are not given such opportunities. But Bikash Sarkar proves that they too can toil away and contribute no less. The photo was taken yesterday RAJIB DHAR

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