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Heart attack: Know what youre dealing with

13

Sport

We all should be proud of Hemanta: Rene

Poush 1, 1420 Safar 11, 1435 Regd. No. DA 6238 Vol 1 No 261

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

www.dhakatribune.com SECOND EDITION

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11 killed in political violence

Jamaat-Shibir clash with AL men, police; Noors convoy attacked
n Ashif Islam Shaon
At least 11 people were killed yesterday in two separate incidents of clashes in Noakhali and Nilphamari between Jamaat-Shibir activists, police and Awami League men. More clashes, arson and attack on lawmen and vandalism were reported in many districts including the two as the Jamaat-Shibir men resorted to violence to protest against the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla. In several districts, activists of Jamaats ally BNP joined the mayhem. The Jamaat-e-Islami is enforcing a countrywide dawn-to-dusk hartal today to protest the execution. In the capital, Shibir men torched a bus at Jatrabari, tried to torch an Awami League office in Jurain and blasted several crude bombs in Maghbazar area. Five people were detained in connection with the incidents. Police and witnesses said a fierce clash took place between the Jamaat-Shibir activists and police at Companiganj in Noakhali around 3:30pm yesterday. Five Shibir men were killed after being hit by bullets and at least 40 sustained injuries. However, the local Shibir unit claimed that the number had been seven. Witnesses said the Jamaat-Shibir
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The number now goes up to 151

n Mohammad Zakaria
Amid the threat from the BNP-led 18-party alliance to resist the 10th parliamentary elections, more than 50% candidates are set to be elected unopposed as there are no contenders in their respective constituencies. So far, 151 candidates are set to declared elected unopposed for the 10th parliamentary election slated for January 5, 2014. However, the Election Commission officials yesterday said the number of candidates who are set to be elected uncontested might increase. They said the returning officers were supposed to publish notifications on Sunday declaring
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151 unopposed candidates

ELECTIONS
Awami League Jatiya Party

127 18 3 2 1

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal Workers Party Jatiya Party (Manju)

Law enforcers spring into action after Jamaat-Shibir activists resort to mindless violence in Noakhalis Kompaniganj yesterday FOCUSBANGLA

AH MAMUN/DT INFOGRAPHIC

Pakistan recalls Mollas loyalty in 1971 n Tribune Report

The Pakistan government has expressed sympathy for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Molla, the first ever war criminal to be excuted for committing crimes against humanity during Bangladeshs Liberation War in 1971. Till the very end before the creation of Bangladesh, he [Molla] remained supporter of a united Pakistan and today every Pakistani is saddened and grieved on his death, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said in a statement on Friday, according to Pakistans influential daily the Dawn. Quader Molla was undoubtedly hanged because of his loyalty with Pakistan in 1971, Nesar Ali said. But with this unfortunate incident, an effort is made to revive old wounds of the past. In reality, whenever any country regrettably falls victim to a civil war, then all sides in the conflict resort to violence.
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Rawshan-led Jatiya Party faction to go to polls

Reza Chowdhury, Manik n Kamran Miazee and Mohammad Zakaria
A number of leaders of the Jatiya Party including chief HM Ershads wife Rawshan Ershad have announced that they would contest the January 5 polls. Presidium members Anisul Islam Mahmud, Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Tajul Islam and some other leaders are siding with Rawshan. The announcement came from Tajul Islam after a meeting that lasted several hours at Rawshans Gulshan residence yesterday afternoon. Another Presidium member Kazi Firoz Rashid also attended the meeting. Those Jatiya Party candidates, who have not withdrawn their nomination papers, are going to contest the elections, Tajul told reporters around 4:30pm yesterday. In a sudden reversal of decisions after having participated in the all party interim cabinet led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former military ruler Ershad on December 3, decided to pull out of the polls-time cabinet. He said he and his party could not run in the polls unless the participation of all the political parties was ensured. In an unexpected move on Thursday, law enforcers picked up Ershad from his Baridhara residence and took him to the Combined Military Hospital. They said they had only escorted him to the hospital because he was ill, while Ershad said he was detained. Jatiya Party insiders told the Dhaka Tribune that the leaders had decided to join the polls for saving their party chief. They said the Awami League might revive the corruption cases against Ershad because of his decision to pull out of the polls. According to the affidavit that Ershad placed at the Election Commission last month, at least 12 corruption and criminal cases against him are awaiting disposal.
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INSIDE
Business
B1 Two commercial banks have defaulted repayment of foreign loans against letters of credit, creating a cause of concern that Bangladeshs credit rating might deteriorate as well as the LC confirmation cost would rise further.

Stray-bullet victim loses vision

n Mohammad Jamil Khan
Will I ever see my daughter again, see her dance, go to school and grow up? It was more a passing remark of a soul in torment than a question posed to elicit specific words of assurance. Amena Begum, who received rubber-bullet injuries to her eyes during a police-pickets clash, has only one wish in her life seeing her daughter again, but little does she know that she might lose her vision completely. The stray bullet that struck her on Friday damaged her eyesight badly and doctors at the National Institute of Eye Science and Hospital have already lost hope on her left eye. The right eye was operated on yesterday but stands little chances of functioning again. Prof Dr Din Mohammad Nurul Haque, an eye specialist at the hospital, told the Dhaka Tribune that nothing could be said to be certain. We cannot say anything before carrying out some medical tests. She may or may not be able to see through her right eye again. The 23-year-old woman was injured in a crossfire when the activists of Jamaat-Shibir, in a forewarned reaction to the execution of war crimes convict Abdul Quader Molla, wrought havoc on certain parts of the capital and clashed with police officials as the latter tried to prevent them from doing so. Amena, who hailed from Sundarganj of Gaibandha, worked at a clothing factory in Malibagh at a monthly salary of Tk4,500 and has a four-year-old daughter living with her in-laws in Khulna. On that fateful day, she was going back to work after lunch and struck by a rubber bullet as she neared her office, leaving her unconscious. She is now worried about ever being able to see her little child again. I cannot even cry now; everything about my eyes is so painful. I have always struggled in my life to find some comfort for my family, and now people I even dont know about have ruined my life, for their own interest, Amena said.
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3 Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the election of huge number of candidates uncontested would reduce polls-related violence. 5 The war against narcotics has taken on a new dimension in Chittagong as police nabbed two families of drug-peddlers in the past two weeks, suggesting a new trend in the business of drugs and organised crime.

News

Op-Ed

11 After the spectacular failures of socialism and dictatorships, democracy has been accepted as the most desirable system throughout the world, because democracy is peoples power. It ensures mass participation for determining the absolute power of the state.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Worlds biggest Bangladesh flag to be showcased on Victory Day

n Abu Bakar Siddique
It was a matter of pride and it also brought one joy to be a part of the history, so said Masud Pavez, a cheerful college student and volunteer, rehearsing the origination of the worlds biggest Bangladesh flag. Like Masud, 20 of his other friends joined the yesterdays countdown to the auspicious making of such a flag on December 16, the victory day for the country, at the National Parade Ground. All of them are young and exuberant. The young chaps were in a state of reverie that they were going to make history. We are really lucky as we got a chance to join the squad, Masud said, posing a question how many people can get such an opportunity while talking to the Dhaka Tribune after the rehearsal? Robi Axiata Limited in partnership with the Bangladesh Army successfully concluded the dry run for creating the biggest Bangladesh flag on the red letter day of December 16. Some 8,000 volunteers solely from the armed forces took part in the practice session yesterday, the final countdown before the Victory Day. Thousands of schoolchildren and general people, mostly youths and enthusiastic professionals, joined the rehearsal. The programme will start at 10am on the Victory Day with National Anthem to be sung by artiste Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya. Around 12pm, volunteers mostly students from different academic institutions will form the human flag, following which Ayub Bachchu and Bappa Mazumder will perform at a concert at the National Parade Ground. The main objective of this attempt is not only to celebrate the Victory Day but also show the world the inner strength and unity of the people of Bangladesh. If the attempt is successful it will be recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. Earlier on October 21, 2012, the largest national flag was created in Pakistan with 24,200 participants attending the Punjab Youth Festival at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. A Guinness-accredited auditor will be present to oversee the attempt in Bangladesh. After successful completion of the event all relevant documents and images will be sent to the Guinness World Record committee for validation. Around 10,000 spectators can collect free tickets from any Robi Customer Care centre. Around 1,200 tickets will be available at the entrances of the venue on the Victory Day. Approximately 1,000 guests, celebrities, sportspersons, educationists, businesspersons and other noted individuals were being invited, said Ashikur Rahman, manager, Media Relations of Robi. Members of the Bangladesh Navy, BGB, Police, Ansar and Ari Force will be deployed at the venue to strengthen security. l

Stray-bullet victim loses vision

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Mohammad Sumon, her brother-inlaw, said the cost of the treatment was bearing down on them. We are very poor and totally unable to treat her without any help from outside. The first nights treatment alone cost us around Tk10,000. Meanwhile, the condition of 11-yearold schoolboy Shanto, who received splinter injuries during another clash in Fakirapool on the same day, was known to be improving. Doctors at the neurosurgery unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is being treated, said he was in the process of recovering. Dr Pijush Kanti Mitro, an assistant registrar with the unit, said Shanto was out of danger. There are several bullets inside his body and we will remove those that can harm him. Others would vanish within five years or so. During the series of clashes on Friday between the unruly activists of Jamaat-Shibir and police, a dozen of individuals were injured while a number of vehicles damaged or torched. l Jamaat-Shibir cadres torched the house of a Rajshahi Awami League leader yesterday night
DHAKA TRIBUNE

Shafi clarifies postponing hartal n Tushar Hayat, Chittagong

Shah Ahmed Shafi, ameer of Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam, yesterday said they had postponed the dawn-to-dusk hartal in Chittagong slated for today fearing police action. We became concerned over the security of the leaders, activists and supporters of the organisation and their property, he said in a statement issued late Friday. The death toll was rising day by day due to the firing and attacks of the law enforcement agencies and in this situation, postponing the hartal was a different sort of protest, Shafi said. l

No legal bar to hold elections: Abu Hafiz

n Mohammad Zakaria
Election Commissioner Mohammad Abu Hafiz stressed that there was no major legal complication that could halt the process of holding the January 5 parliamentary elections. No such legal complexities exist. The elections will be held in time and in a fair manner, he told reporters at the Election Commission Secretariat yesterday. Reflecting on the debate surrounding the validity of polls on the scheduled date, he said, The question of validity cannot be raised before the elections are held and reviewed first. That said, I do hope the elections will be accepted by all. It is the duty of the law enforcement agencies to maintain an election-friendly environment so that voters can exercise their franchise without fear or under compulsion. He, however, declined to comment on the controversy over the alleged detention of Jatiya Party chief HM Ershad. l

Rawshan-led Jatiya Party

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11 killed in political violence

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men brought out a procession near Basurhat High School around 3pm. Police barred them as they paraded across the upazilas server station. The marauding men vandalised roadside shops and torched several buildings. At one stage, both police and Shibir engaged in a gunfight resulting in the deaths and injuries. The deceased are Matiur Rahman, 15, Saiful Islam, 22, Rayhan, 22, Russel, 32, Saiful, and Abdus Sattar, 30, said district Police Superintendent Md Anisur Rahman. Five people were arrested during the clash, he said. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Nuruz-

zaman said the Jamaat-Shibir men had torched the offices of Palli Unyayan Academy, land, family planning, and Ansar and VDP. Later, local people said unidentified miscreants had set fire to a Jamaat-operated school around 5:30pm. In Nilphamari, BNP and Jamaat men attacked the motorcade of Awami League lawmaker and noted actor Asaduzzaman Noor at Ramganj Bazar of the district headquarters Tupamari. Noor was unhurt but more than 150 of Awami League men were injured. Following the attack, a clash ensued that left at least five people dead. They are Krishak Leagues union unit

President Khorshed Alam Chowdhury, 55, Abu Bakar Siddique, 42, Forkan Hossain, 25, Murad Hossain, 20, and Khairat Hossain. Jamaat claims that Abu Bakar and Khairat are its members. During the clashes, the Jamaat-Shibir men had torched at least 50 motorcycles, six jeeps and three microbuses. In Pabna, miscreants torched the residence of State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku by hurling petrol bomb in the morning. They also set fire to the house of freedom fighter Baby Islam. In Sirajganj, supporters of Jamaat-Shibir vandalised an idol at a Hindu temple at Sayedabad union. A

union-level office of the ruling party was torched in Bagerhat. In Narayanganj, Shibir men torched two police outposts belonging to Chashara and Hajiganj police stations. An apartment in Chashara was also badly burnt as they hurled three petrol bombs from a rally around 3pm. Police picked up four Jamaat-Shibir men from Chashara. Later, the activists damaged several vehicles in the town. In Satkhira, at least 30 Jamaat men allegedly attacked the houses of nine local Awami League leaders on Friday night. They also set fire to several shops owned by a local Jubo League leader at Nawabeki Bazar in Shyamnagar around

10:30pm. In Jhalakathi, miscreants set a BRTC bus on fire in Brac intersection area on Khulna-Barisal highway around 5:45pm. The Jamaat-Shibir men blasted crude bombs at different points in Chittagong City including Shah Amanat International Airport to create panic last night ahead of its countrywide shutdown for today. OC Md Sahabuddin of Patenga police station said the car of Maj Gen Md Abdus Salam Khan, chairman of Tea Board, had been damaged because of the blast at the car parking place in front of the airport around 8:30pm. l

Pakistan recalls Mollas loyalty in 1971

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Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Quader Molla, well-known as Mirpurer Koshai (Butcher of Mirpur), was executed on Thursday, after nearly 42 years of bloodstained independence. The Pakistan foreign ministry in a statement issued on Friday said: While it is not Pakistans policy to interfere in the affairs of any country, we have noted the concerns raised by the international community and human rights organisations on the way recent trials have been conducted which have added to the current instability in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Pakistani Jamaat leader at the National Assembly Sahibzada Tariqullah the same day asked the House to pass a condemnatory resolu-

tion and adjourn the session for the day in memory of Quader Molla. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq gave time until Monday to Inter-Provincial Coordination Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada, when Tariqullah sought opinion of the foreign ministry and other political parties about the execution. In the statement, Interior Minister Nisar Ali said the Bangladesh government should have considered the greater national interest and shown farsightedness and goodness instead. He said it was necessary for peace and brotherhood that strategy of tolerating each other should be adopted in the larger national interest. It would have been better if the Bangladeshi government had shown farsighted-

ness, bigheartedness and magnanimity instead of opening old wounds. Soon after the execution on Thursday, the official Facebook page of Pakistan Jamaat said it just got one more Shaheed (martyr) in the form of Quader Molla. Earlier, when Jamaat guru Ghulam Azam was sentenced to 90 years imprisonment, Pakistan Jamaat stated on its website: Chief of our Bangladesh branch has been punished. After the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court overruled the tribunals life-term sentence for Quader Molla on September 17, Pakistan Jamaat chief Syed Munawar Hasan said the verdict had been a ploy of Sheikh Hasinas administration to remove pro-Pakistan

politicians from its path in order to avert a clear defeat in the next elections. He also said it was most unfortunate that the Pakistan government, instead of raising a voice against the excesses of the Hasina administration against pro-Pakistan parties, called it an internal affair of Bangladesh, thus giving a licence to Bangladesh government to continue the excesses. Jamaat activists demonstrated on the streets in Karachi protesting the jail term while party chief Syed Munawar Hasan in a Twitter message said: It is tragic to know that the fake tribunal has sentenced Prof Ghulam Azam for 90 years in prison without any legitimate proof and reason. Though the offenses amounted to

death penalty, the International Crimes Tribunal gave Ghulam Azam, the chief of erstwhile East Pakistan unit of Jamaat, jail sentence on July 15 considering his age and ill health. Neither the Pakistan government nor the Bangladesh Jamaat has apologised for their role during Bangladeshs War of Independence. Syed Haider Farooq Maudoodi, a son of Jamaat founder Syed Abul Ala Maudoodi, while visiting Dhaka last October, told the Dhaka Tribune in an exclusive interview, that Jamaat in Bangladesh and Pakistan, even after 42 years of Bangladeshs independence, were just the left and right hands of the same person, there is only one head controlling the both. l

In the meantime, Ershads younger brother and partys presidium member GM Quader, Secretary General Ruhul Amin Howlader and special adviser Bobby Hajjaj have been leading the group that opposes joining polls. Ershads special adviser Bobby Hajjaj is the son of businessman Moosa Bin Shamsher, who came into prominence during Ershads rule in the 1980s. In a press conference at his Gulshan office yesterday, Bobby claimed that he had been appointed the acting spokesperson of the party by Ershad. He told reporters that GM Quader and Ruhul Amin Howlader would now be leading the party in absence of Ershad. Apparently indicating at the Rawshan-led group, Bobby said no matter what other people might say, Ershad had made it clear that Jatiya Party was not going to the polls under any circumstances. GM Quader told the Dhaka Tribune that he was worried about his brothers safety. I have passed on Mr Ershads instructions to party leaders about not contesting the polls; but many of them have defied [his instruction], Quader told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. So far I have not got any instruction [from Ershad] about taking any action against them [who have decided to contest polls], he added. Quader, the commerce minister in Sheikh Hasinas cabinet, also said the candidates could vie in the polls, but not with the party symbol plough. On the other hand, Mujibul Haque Chunnu one of the leaders who decided to join the polls told the Dhaka Tribune: We are taking part in the polls under Ershads leadership. We think the Jatiya Party should take part in the polls for ensuring his safety. I do not bother even if they [JP leadership] take any action [against us], he said. According to the Election Commission, as of yesterday, at least 149 including Ershad and Quader out of 255 Jatiya Party candidates withdrew their nomination papers. At least 18 Jatiya Party candidates have been elected unopposed till filing of this report at 9pm yesterday. The commission yesterday said a total of 151 candidates were elected MPs uncontested. l

The number now goes up to 151

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the lone candidates elected unofficially across the country. The candidates elected unopposed is going to be a record in the upcoming election as the previous highest was in the controversial February 15 election in 1996 when 49 candidates were elected uncontested. Of the total 151 candidates who are set to be elected unopposed 127 are from Awami league, 18 from Jatiya Party and three from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), two from Workers Party of Bangladesh and one from Anwar Hossain Manju-led Jatiya Party. In the sixth parliamentary elections held on February 15 in 1996, some 49 candidates of BNP were elected as MP uncontested. BNP won 279 seats out of 290. Elections to 10 parliamentary constituencies were not held due to unavoidable circumstances. On January 22 in 2007 election, 18 candidates of BNP were elected uncontested. But the election was cancelled after the emergency was promulgated. In the fourth parliamentary election in 1988 a total of 18 candidates were elected unopposed. Eight political parties participated in the polls while

there were 1192 candidates. In the second general elections in 1979 a total of 2547 candidates participated in the elections while 11 were elected uncontested. In the first parliamentary election in 1973, 11 Awami league candidates were elected unopposed. The Awami League candidates expected to be declared as lawmaker uncontested are Dabirul Islam (Thakurgaon-2), Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury (Dinajpur-2), Asaduzzaman Nur (Nilphamari-2), Naruzzaman Ahmed (Lalmonirhat-2), Abul Kalam Md Ahsanul Haque Chowdhury (Rangpur-2), AN Ashiqur Rahman (Rangpur-5), Fazle Rabbi Miah (Gaibanda-5), Shamshul Alam Dudu (Joypurhat-1), Abu Sayed Al Mahmud Swapan (Joypurhat-2), Abdul Mannan (Bogra-1), Habibur Rahman (Bogra-5), Golam Rabbani (Chapainawabganj-1), Abdul Wadud (Chapainawabganj-3), Shadhan Chandra Majumder (Noagaon-1), Shahiduzzaman Sarkar (Noagaon-2), Israfil Alam (Noagaon-6), Omar Faruk Chowdhury (Rajshahi-1), Enamul Haque (Rajshahi-4), Abdul Wadud (Rajshahi-5), Abul Kalam (Natore-1), Shafiqul Islam Shimul (Natore-2), Abdul Kuddus (Natore-4),

Mohammad Nasim (Sirajganj-1), Habibe-Millat (Sirajganj-2), Ishaque Hossain Talukder (Sirajganj-3), Tanvir Imam (Sirajganj-4), Hasibur Rahman Swapan (Sirajganj-6), Khandkar Azizul Haque Arzu (Pabna-2), Shamsur Rahman Sharif (Pabna-4), Golam Faruk Khandkar Prince (Pabna-5), Sheikh Afil Uddin (Jessore-1), Kazi Nabil Ahmed (Jessore-3), Kabirul Haque (Norail-1), Sheikh Helal Uddin (Bagerhat-1), Mir Shawkat Ali Badsha (Bagerhat-2), Talukder Abdul Khaleque (Bagerhat-3), SM Mostafa Rashidi (Khulna-4), Narayan Chandra (Khulna-5), Nurul Haque (Khulna-6), AFM Ruhal Haque (Satkhira-3), HM Jaglul Haider (Satkhira-4), Tofail Ahmed (Bhola-1), Abdullah Al-Islam Jacob (Bhola-4), Abul Hasnat Abdullah (Barisal-1), Shawkat Hossain (Barisal-5), Amir Hossain Amu (Jhalakati-2), AKMA Awal/ Saidur Rahman (Pirozpur-1), ASM Firoze (Patuakhali-2), Mahbubur Rahman (Patuakhali-4), Abdur Razzak (Tangail-1), Amanur Rahman Rana (Tangail-3), Abdul Latif Siddiqui (Tangail-4), Ekabbar Hossain (Tangail-7), Shawkat Momen Shahjahan (Tangail-8), Mirza Azam (Jamalpur-3), Promod Mankin (Mymensingh-1), Sharif Ahmed (Mymensingh-2), Anwarul Abedin Khan Tuhin (Mymens-

ingh-9), Rebeca Momen (Netrakona-4), Wareshat Hossain Belal (Netrakona-5), Syed Ashraful Islam (Kishoreganj-1), Sohrab Uddin (Kishoreganj-2), Redwan Ahmed Tawfik (Kishoreganj-4), Afzal Hossain (Kishoreganj-5), Nazmul Hasan (Kishoreganj-6), Momtaz Begum (Manikganj-2), Jahid Malek (Manikganj-3) and Mrinal Kandi Das (Munshiganj-3). They also include Qamrul Islam (Dhaka-2), Nasrul Hamid (Dhaka-3), Saber Hossain Chowdhury (Dhaka-9), Sheikh Fazle Nur Taposh (Dhaka-10), AK Rahmat Ullah (Dhaka-11), Asaduzzaman Khan (Dhaka-12), Jahangir Kabir Nanak (Dhaka-13), Aslamul Haque (Dhaka-14), Dr Enamur Rahman (Dhaka-19), MA Malek (Dhaka-20), AKM Mozammel Haque (Gazipur-1), Jahid Hasan Russell (Gazipur-2), Advocate Rahmat Ali (Gazipur-3), Meher Afroze Chumki (Gazipur-5), Nurul Majid Mahmud Humaiyun (Narsingdi-4), Razi Uddin Ahmed (Narsingdi-5), Nazrul Islam Babu (Narayanganj-2), Shamim Osman (Narayanganj-4), Kazi Keramat Ali (Rajbari-1), Zillur Hakim (Rajbari-2), Abdur Rahman (Faridpur-1), Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury (Faridpur-2), Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain (Faridpur-3), Nur-e Alam Chowdhury (Madaripur-1), Shah-

jahan Khan (Madaripur-2), AFM Bahauddin Nasim (Madaripur-3), BM Mozammel Haque (Shariatpur-1), Shawkat Ali (Shariatpur-2), Nahim Razzak (Shariatpur-3), Suranjit Sengupta (Sunamganj-2), AMA Muhith (Sylhet-1), Mahmudus Samad Chowdhury (Sylhet-3), Nurul Islam Nahid (Sylhet-6), Syed Mohsin Ali (Molvibazar-3), Abdus Shahid (Molvibazar-4), Anisul Haque (Brahmanbaria-4), AB Tajul Islam (Brahmanbaria-6), Prof Ali Ashraf (Comilla-7), AHM Mostafa Kamal Lotus (Comilla-10), Mujibul Haque (Comilla-11), Dr Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir (Chandpur-1), Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya (Chandpur-2), Dr Dipu Moni (Chandpur-3), Dr Mohammad Shamsul Haque Bhuiyan (Chandpur-4), Maj (retd) Rafiqul Islam (Chandpur-5), Nizam Uddin Hazari (Feni-2), HM Ibrahim (Noakhali-1), Morshed Alam (Noakhali-2), Mamunur Rashid Kiron (Noakhali-3), Ekramul Karim Chowdhury (Noakhali-4), Obaidul Quader (Noakhali-5), AKM Shahjahan Kamal (Laxmipur-3), Eng. Mosharraf Hossain (Chittagong-1), ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury (Chittagong-6), Mohammad Hasan Mahmud (Chittagon-7), Afsarul Amin (Chittagong-10), Nazrul Islam Chowdhury (Chittagong-14),

Ashekullah Rafik (Coxs Bazar-2) and Saimum Sarwar Kamal (Coxs Bazar-3). The 18 Jatiya Party candidates to be elected uncontested are Roushown Ershad (Mymensingh-4) ,Tajul Islam Chowdhury (Kurigram-2), AKM Maidul Islam (Kurigram-3), Shariful Islam Jinnah (Bogra-2), Nurul Islam Talukder (Bogra-3), Nurul Islam Omar (Bogra-6), Salauddin Ahmed Mukti (Mymensingh-5), Liakat Hossain Khoka (Narayanganj-3) and Nasim Osman (Narayanganj-5), Peer Fazlur Rahman (Sunamganj-4), Selim Uddin (Sylhet-5), Abdul Munim Chowdhury (Habiganj-1), Amir Hossain (Comilla-2), Nurul Islam Milon (Comilla-8) and Mohammad Noman (Laxmipur-2), Nasrin Jahan Ratna, wife of JP secretary general Ruhul Amin Hawlader (Barisal-6), Anisul Islam Mahmud (Chittagong-5) and Md Illius (Coxs Bazar-1). The three JSDS candidates are Hasanul Haque Inu (Kushtia-2), Shirin Akter (Feni-1) and Moinuddin Khan Badal (Chittagong-8). The two Workers party candidates are Rashed Khan Menon (Dhaka-8) and Fazle Hossain Badsha (Rajshahi-2). The lone Jatiya Party (Manju) candidate is Anwar Hossain Monju (Pirozpur-2). l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Huge unopposed good for polls atmosphere: Hasina

n Emran Hossain Shaikh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the election of huge number of candidates uncontested would reduce polls-related violence. Many people have raised question why so many candidates were being elected unopposed. Its aim was to maintain a good atmosphere during the elections. We have sought understanding to prevent violence and killings in the name of elections, she said while addressing a programme at the Agricultural Institution auditorium in the capital marking Martyred Intellectuals Day. and the constitution, we would have done the same. Hasina claimed that the opposition leader had started a war against the country and its people, in a bid to save the war criminals. Warning the opposition leader of consequences for violent activities, the prime minister said: Stop killing people in the name of movement. You have killed a mother and her daughter at the same time by burning them. We will not sit idle and tolerate these anymore. She said the government had showed enough patience. I ask you to stop killing people or the government will not sit idle. If you want to continue with the anti-liberation forces, you can; but stop killing. Otherwise, the people know how to give a good reply, they know how to win the battle. Talking about the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla, the premier said it was her governments objective to hang at least one of the war criminals, ahead of observing the Martyred Intellectuals Day. Now, the other war criminals will also be punished one by one , she said. Regarding caretaker government issue, Hasina said as the court had declared the provision illegal, I phoned her [Khaleda] to start a new beginning. Instead of accepting my proposal, she started killing people. The Awami League president alleged that the BNP had refrained from participating in the polls as Jamaat would not be able to contest the polls following a court verdict that declared the registration of the party illegal. Senior leaders including Amir Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed and Matia Chowdhury addressed the programme with Presidium member Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury in the chair. l

The government has showed enough patience. I ask you to stop killing people or the government will not sit idle. If you want to continue your alliance with the antiliberation forces, you can, but stop killing
I want to set an example of maintaining good atmosphere during the elections, said Hasina, also the ruling Awami League president. The premier said she had urged opposition leader Khaleda Zia to ensure a friendly polls-time atmosphere. But she [Khaleda Zia] has instead aligned with Jamaat-Shibir and got involved in violence and killings, rejecting the polls, said Hasina. In some of the constituencies, our candidates withdrew their candidature, as a sign of compromise for the parties, who joined the [all-party] government. That is why, in many constituencies there was no need of any contests. If the BNP could join the all-party government in the name of democracy

People from all walks of life gather at the Rayer Bazar mass killing ground in the capital to mark the Martyred Intellectuals Day yesterday

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Law enforcers fail to prevent Jamaat-Shibir violence despite intelligence reports

Islam and n Rabiul Mohammad Jamil Khan
Law enforcers failed to prevent Fridays massive violence in the capitals Motijheel and its surrounding areas, despite having prior intelligence reports, sources have said. On condition of anonymity, officials from several state-run intelligence agencies said the law enforcers had been warned that Jamaat-Shibir activists might carry out attacks following the execution of their leader war criminal Quader Molla. Intelligence reports had also suggested that violence might be carried out in areas near Paltan, Motijheel, and Baitul Mukarram Mosque. Law enforcers were kept on high alert on the day after Mollas execution, with a huge number of personnel deployed throughout the capital to ensure security. However, despite all the beefed up security, violence broke out after Jumma prayers when hundreds of Jamaat-Shibir men torched vehicles and vandalised street shops by using petrol bombs and crude bombs near the Motijheel Ideal School and College. The violence soon spread to other areas including Fakirapool, Kamalapur, Malibagh and Paltan. Witnesses claimed that during the initial attack near the AGB colony, the police personnel had to retreat and wait for reinforcement, before being finally able to reach the scene when the Jamaat-Shibir men had fled. After the incident, Ashrafuzzaman, deputy commissioner of police of Motijheel division, on Friday claimed that they had so far arrested five people regarding the violence. However, the number of pickets and activists on the street was over hundreds. The Dhaka Tribune tried to contact over cell phone with Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Benazir Ahmed for comments, but he was unavailable. However, home ministrys Additional Secretary Mainuddin Khandaker said Jamaat-Shibir carried out the violence in a guerilla style which was difficult for law enforcers to understand. They also came in a covered van, he said. A day after the attack, the home ministry held an emergency meeting presided over by state minister for home Shamsul Hoque Tuku. Others present at the meeting included home ministry Senior Secretary CQK Mustaq, Inspector General of Police Hassan Mahmud Khandaker, Border Guard Bangladesh Director General Major Gen Aziz Ahmed, RAB Director General Mokhlesur Rahman and other senior officials. None can foil the election scheduled to be held on January 5 by indulging in violence, Tuku told the Dhaka Tribune at his office after holding a closed-door meeting for about three hours. Law enforcement agencies have been given highest directives to keep the law and order situation under control, the state minister said. l

EC allocates Over 300 disappear, claims BNP election symbols Mohammad Al-Masum Molla n 340 candidates scrapped
n
Mohammad Zakaria
The returning officers of the Election Commission yesterday allocated polls symbols among the contesting candidates in the ensuing 10th parliamentary polls slated for January 5 next year. They allocated Jatiya Partys election symbol Plough to Jatiya Party candidates ignoring party Chairman HM Ershads request for not allocating the symbol to any candidate. Awami League chief and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested the Election Commission to allocate boat symbol to 10 candidates of its allies. She made the request by submitting a letter on Friday to the Election Commission to allocate boat symbol to its nominated candidates in 10 parliamentary constituencies. The party urged to allocate the symbol to four workers party candidates, four Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) candidates and two Tarikat Federation candidates. According to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), an application should be made to EC within three days of publication of the notification, for allotting one prescribed symbol to the candidates of a combination of two or more registered political parties who have agreed to set up joint candidates for election. Candidature of 328 out of 840, had been withdrawn untill filing of this report yesterday around 9:30pm. As many as 149 Jatiya Party candidates withdrew their nomination by December 13 following the party chiefs request. Among the withdrawn candidatures, 149 are from the Jatiya Party, 44 from the ruling Awami League, 31 are independent candidates, 19 are from Jasad, 15 from Anwar Hossain Monzu led Jatiya Party-JP, 10 from Bangladesh Islamic Front, seven from the Workers Party of Bangladesh, six from the newly registered Bangladesh Nationalist Front, six from Tarikat Federation, four from Bangladesh Jatiya Party, three from National Awami Party, two from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish and one from the Islamic Front Bangladesh. Out of 1,107 aspirant candidates, 840 nomination papers were approved after scrutiny on December 5 and 6. On November 25, the EC announced the schedule for the countrys 10th parliamentary election. l Main opposition BNP yesterday claimed that more than 300 opposition leaders and activists had gone missing across the country allegedly from police custody in the last one month. We want to tell the high officials concerned that in the last one month, more than 300 leaders and activists were arrested across the country by people in plainclothes and those wearing uniforms of Rab and DB. Later they went missing, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said. Addressing a press briefing at the party chairpersons Gulshan office, he also said: The people want to know who controls this secret agency. The BNP leader demanded that the repressive acts be stopped and the missing persons be brought back to their families immediately. Nazrul said elite force Rab had been formed in 2004 during the BNP-led four-party government to maintain law and order and to resist terrorism and chaos; but the incumbent fascist government was using this efficient force nakedly as a weapon to kill and abduct opposition leaders and activists. Asking the government to stop the election drama, the BNP leader reiterated the opposition alliances demand for a non-partisan government to hold free, fair and meaningful elections. He alleged that the sequences of the drama was becoming clear gradually as already 142 had been elected uncontested and most of them were from the government alliance. ...after the public announcement of election boycott by Jatiya Party, some leaders including those who lost their deposit money earlier have already won the polls. People of the country have never witnessed such an unbelievable incident; it is also rare in the world, he said. The BNP policymaker also said if the government wanted, many more would be elected uncontested. Nazrul claimed that even after pub-

lic announcement of withdrawal, nomination of some leaders had not been accepted while ministers remained in office despite declaring resignation. Everything is possible here. There is nothing to worry for those who are yet to win. Everyones victory is ensured because the ruling Awami League not only allocates seats for its party and its alliance partners, but also for the socalled opposition Jatiya Party. Meanwhile, at a discussion to mark the National Martyred Intellectuals Day, the BNP leaders asked the government to stop the one-sided elections. The speakers said the spirit of Liberation War had been to establish democracy in the country, but the Awami League wanted to bury the democracy by holding lopsided elections. BNP leaders Hafizuddin Ahmed, Khandakar Mahbub Hossain, Shahjahan Omar and former Dhaka University vice-chancellor Emajuddin Ahmed addressed the discussion among others at the National Press Club. l

Rana Plaza victims skull handed over to relative

n Tribune Report
A human skull and bones recovered from the debris of multi-storey Rana Plaza at Savar were handed over to the relatives yesterday. After the skull was found on Friday, police sent it to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Mymensingh. He had been missing since the deadly collapse of the building on April 24. After failing to trace the body of his son, father Hafizur Rahman filed a general diary with Savar police on May 25. Hafiz received the skull from DMCH. On Friday, a skull and 10-12 bones of body parts, an identity card and a SIM were recovered from the Rana Plaza site, said Sub-Inspector Shaheen Sheikh. Some street boys who were scavenging garbage there found the skull from behind the collapsed building. The identity card displays Obaiduls name and his position at the factory. On April 24, the eight storey building at Savar Bazar collapsed leaving at least 1,131 people dead, scores injured while around 200 people are still missing. l

Some street boys while scavenging garbage at the Rana Plaza site found the skull and bones
Savar model police station confirmed that the skull was of Obaidul, a sewing operator of New Wave Bottom on the third floor of Rana Plaza. Obaidul came from Dakirkanda village in Tarakanda upazila under

Jamaat leader found dead in Lakshmipur; Rab blamed

n
Tribune Report
The nayeb-e-ameer (vice-president) of Lakshmipur district unit of Jamaat-e-Islami was found dead early yesterday following a combined raid by Rab and police on his residence. Family members of victim Fayez Ahmed claimed that he had been shot dead by the Rab personnel. On the other hand, Rab claimed that Fayez had slipped off the roof and fell down while trying to escape arrest. Doctors at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital where the body was taken by unknown men said after conducting an autopsy, they had found no bullet injuries to his body. Widow Marzia Begum said a group of people, identifying themselves as Rab personnel, forced their way into their South Temuhoni house. They took Fayez to the rooftop forcefully and shot him in the head. Later, they tossed him from the rooftop. They were also looking for my younger son Belal too but could not find him. Later, we heard that some people took the body in a car to the hospital around 2am. A Rab official, who was present during the drive, requesting anonymity said they had gone to arrest Fayez and his son as they were involved in recent violence in the down. The Jamaat leader, who is a doctor, owns a private hospital where the Jamaat-Shibir men injured in clashes receive treatment. He financed the violence and led the marauding men. His son Belal is a Shibir cadre, he said. After we raided the house, Belal fled through a window but healthier Fayez failed to do so. He ran to the rooftop and jumped onto the adjacent building. Missed, he fell down on the ground, the Rab official claimed. On Thursday, five people were killed and many injured in clashes. Contacted, Resident Medical Officer Abul Fayez Bhuiya of Sadar Hospital said they formed a twelve-member medical team to perform the autopsy of Fayez in the morning. Meanwhile, the activists of Jamaat and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, brought out several processions in Mandari, Zoksin, Battoli, Hazaripara and Chandraganj Bazar areas of the upazila protesting the killing as soon as the news spread. The party men also put barricades on Laxmipur-Choumuhani road felling over one hundred roadside trees in those areas. A tense situation was prevailing in the town following death of the Jamaat leader. l

US congressmen urge AL, BNP to hold direct talks n Tribune Report

Six US Congress members have sent letters to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia against the backdrop of ongoing stalemate over the arrangement of polls-time government. The congressmen called upon the leaders for a free and fair election. Eliot L Engel, Edward R Royce, Steve Chabot, Joseph Crowley, George Holding and Grace Meng sent similar letters yesterday urging the two to engage in dialogue immediately. We strongly urge you to engage in direct negotiations immediately with leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair and viewed as credible by the Bangladeshi people, they said in the letter sent to the prime minister. They also urged the BNP chief to engage in dialogue with the Awami League. We do not see how credible elections can take place unless the parties move quickly to engage in direct negotiations and all sides agree to move ahead. The United States will work with the future, credibly elected, Government of Bangladesh, and we urge that future government to exact no retribution on whichever party loses the election, they said. l

Rab questions Bobby Hajjaj

n Tribune Report
Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershads Special Adviser Bobby Hajjaj was taken to Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) headquarters for interrogation last night, Rab sources said. The elite force, during the interrogation, enquired about his recent activities especially his roles as the spokesperson of Ershad, sources added. We wanted to know from Bobby Hajjaj about the recent activities and movement of Ershad, Additional director (operation) of Rab Col Ziaul Ahsan told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. He said Bobby Hajjaj was trying to draw attention through his statements in the media. He was also creating confusion among people. Hajjaj was neither interrogated nor arrested, Ziaul said adding that he was released later. Bobby Hajjaj, Ershads younger brother GM Quader and Secretary-General Ruhul Amin Howlader are loyal to the party chairman who vowed not to participate in the upcoming parliamentary polls slated for January 5. Bobby Hajjaj is discharging his duties as the chief of research and strategic wing of Jatiya Party and special adviser to Ershad. Hajjajs father Musa Bin Shamsher was the chief of Revival of Islamic Heritage. The organisation was later banned for its alleged connection with international extremist organisations. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Martyred Intellectuals Day observed n Syed Samiul Basher Anik

The countrymen yesterday observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day and demanded that the two key planners of intellectuals killing be executed like war criminal Abdul Quader Molla. The two are Chowdhury Mueen Uddin and Ashrafuzzaman who collaborated with the Pakistani occupation army. People demanded that the masterminds be brought back home from their hideout abroad and be executed. Thousands of people including many wearing black ribbons and carrying national flags visited the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Rayerbazar and placed bouquets there in memory of the countrys great ones. A visitor Murshidul Hasan a student by profession was seen apprising his younger sister about the history of the Liberation War. Murshidul was describing the historic war portrayed at the memorial. We are happy that the verdict against Quader Molla was executed, but the key planners of intellectuals killing are still in their hideouts abroad, he said. Till afternoon, hundreds of people were seen roaming around the place and enjoying the photo exhibition held there. It took 42 years for us to bring the killers to justice. We are not happy with the execution of only one verdict, we want it for all razakars, particularly Mueen and Ashraf for killing intellectuals and for attempting to cripple the nation intellectually, said Munira Chowdhury Rima who visited the memorial with her husband and two daughters. On December 10 and 16, 1971, just before the dawn of Bangladesh, Pakistani occupation forces collaborators like Chowdhury Mueen Uddin and Ashrafuzzaman abducted Bangladeshs intellectuals, killed them brutally and dumped their bodies in many places particularly in Rayerbazar and Mirpur. Prof Munier Chowdhury, journalist Selina Pervin, Dr Rabbee, Dr Serajul Haque Khan, Dr Md Mortuza and Anwar Pasha are some of them. Like Rayerbazar memorial for the martyred intellectuals, the same spirit was observed among people who visited the Martyred Intellectuals Mausoleum at Mirpur with different banners and chanting slogans for the execution of verdicts against war criminals. People of all ages went there and placed wreaths to remember the sacrifice of the countrys intellectuals. President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia paid tributes to the martyred intellectuals by placing wreaths at the Mausoleum in the morning. l

Clockwise from left: President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, opposition chief Khaleda Zia, Projonmo 71, students and war wounded freedom fighters pay homage at the Martyrs Mausoleum at Mirpur yesterday
SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

8,000 receive skill apprentice certificate from ILO n Kailash Sarkar With the existing tension prevailing in n Tribune report the country, special security plans have
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh William Hanna yesterday handed over certificates to 8,000 people who recently completed skilled apprenticeships. The certificates were given under the TVET Reform Project, supported by the International Labour Organisation and funded by the European Union. Six thousand apprentices receive the certificates in the leather sector while 2,000 from trade, said a press release. Three years ago, there were only 98 apprentices registered under the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET). The government supported by the ILO and financed by the EU has been working since 2008 to improve such skill development system in Bangladesh. Hanna and Srinivas Reddy, country director of ILO, spoke on the ocassion among others. l

Special security ahead of Victory Day

been laid out ahead of the Victory Day celebrations with focus on the Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho in Savar and the movement of the prime minister, said sources at concerned security agencies. Intelligence sources said plainclothes personnel will remain vigilant in a comparatively larger number than in previous years, along with the deployment of additional forces from Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh and other agencies. Sources said more than 30,000 additional forces from different law enforcement and intelligence agencies will remain deployed for vigilance, patrolling and at check-posts for security on Victory Day. Security measures will also see changes, as no parade will be held at the National Parade Ground this year. Sources in the police headquarters said the highest security measures have been taken centering the Jatiya Sriti Shoudho, the routes to the memorial and for the people who will visit there to pay respect to the martyrs. The routes of the prime ministers movement on Victory Day have also been given priority, considering the existing circumstances surrounding the war crime trials and the political situation, the sources said. Meanwhile, key points like shaheed minars, airports, railway stations, bus and launch terminals, hospitals and other points where a huge number of people are expected to be gathered would also be given extra importance. According to the police headquarters sources, security for the district level will be maintained by the district administrations, in collaboration with the police, Rab, the BGB and other forces. The state minister for home, Shamsul Haque Tuku, said security agencies have been asked to remain alert for the security and safety of the people, so that the nation could enjoy smooth Victory Day celebrations. Wing Commander ATM Habibur Rahman, director of Rab, said: This year security plans have been projected from a different angle, considering the existing circumstances centering the execution and trial of the war criminals. Although we have no specific information of any subversive attacks, the security arrangements have been made as cautionary measures considering the apprehension of any such incident, said the Rab director. He said dog squads would sweep the key installations and suspected places, while security towers have been installed to continue watch over the areas. Helicopters will remain both on standby and hovering for security purposes, the Rab director added. Masudur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP Media), said for security and discipline purposes, the DMP has projected a special traf ic plan for the smooth movement of the mass people, as well as the president and the prime minister and other VVIPs and VIPs. l

Say no to violence n Abu Hayat Mahmud

People of different professions yesterday urged all to say no to violence that has gripped the nation lately, and demanded that the political parties find a way to reconciliation to put an end to it. The call came from a human chain, mainly organised by Managing Director of Renata Syed S Kaiser Kabir, on the citys Mirpur Road near the Manik Miah Avenue intersection yesterday. More than 300 individuals of different professions, including the Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan, and Chairman Kazi Zahin Hasan joined the human chain. They said since the beginning of this year, the political stalemate has paralysed Bangladesh. People were now tainted with the fear of being burnt alive. They claimed, a petition for peace, named by Amra Ek was being signed by the public and it already had the endorsement of over five thousand people. At the end of collecting signatures it would be presented to the political parties, they said. l

WEATHER

Prof Anisuzzaman: No place for communal violence in Bangladesh

n Muktasree Chakma Sathi
Professor Emeritus of Dhaka University, Anisuzzaman yesterday called on the government to take necessary steps regarding the Jamaat-e-Islami, considering it as a terrorist organisation rather than a democratic political party. He was addressing a programme organised by a platform of progressive and eminent citizens, Bangladesh Rukhe Darao at the Central Shahid Minar. The court has cancelled Jamaats registration. The Election Commission said Jamaat as a party cannot take part in the election. It is now easier to take steps for banning Jamaats politics, Anisuzzaman, later told the media. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Emeritus Anisuzzaman said the forces against the Liberation War was active back in 1971 and are still attacking the innocent peace-loving people of Bangladesh alongside their few political allies. He called upon the conscious people of the country to stand beside those who have become victims of a manmade disaster that is going on in the country because of the anti-liberation forces. Speakers at the programme said any sort of communal violence should not be tolerated in Bangladesh, which had fought for its independence with the dream of a just, equal and non-communal country. Echoing Anisuzzaman, Sarwar Ali, a trustee of the Liberation War Museum and rights activist Sultana Kamal also reiterated the demand of banning all sorts of communal parties, particularly Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. It was totally unacceptable that communal violence was still present in the country, said the platform at a programme observing the Martyred Intellectuals Day. The platform started its journey on April 20 with a five-point demand, including ban on Jamaat and its students wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, execute verdicts of war crimes trials, resist religious intolerance, violence, and stand by the side of victims, allow freedom of thought and resist Talibanisation of the country, and take the country forward with the spirit of the Liberation War and ensuring womens rights. Rights activist Sultana Kamal said: We took part in the Liberation War with a dream of establishing a just and equal country, free from communal violence. She said the dream which the freedom fighters had when they took part in the Liberation War was yet to be fulfilled. We will not stop until we establish a just, and equal country free of communal violence. Liberation War Museum Trustee Ziauddin Tariq Ali and Sarwar Ali, Secretary General of Bangladesh Hindu, Bouddha, Khrishtan Oikya Parishad, Rana Dasgupta, cultural activists Ramendu Majumdar, Academic Muhammad Zafar Iqbal also attended the programme among others. l

Dry weather likely n UNB

Weather is likely to remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country until 6pm today. Light to moderate fog might occur over northern part of the country during late night until morning, Met Office said. Night temperature may fall by 1-2 degree Celisus and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. The sun sets in the capital at 5:14pm today and rises at 6:34am tomorrow. Countrys highest temperature 29.5 degree Celsius was recorded at Coxs Bazar and lowest 10.6 degrees at Ishwardi yesterday. Highest and lowest temperatures recorded in some major cities yesterday were: City Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Coxs Bazar High 26.4 25.2 26.5 24.0 26.7 26.8 25.0 29.5 Low 15.1 14.8 11.5 14.0 14.0 12.8 13.3 14.8

Death anniversary of Quazi Azhar Ali n Tribune Report

Today is the fourth death anniversary of Quazi Azher Ali, an educationist, former secretary of the government and founder president and first vice chancellor of Bangladesh University. He was the founder of many other educational institution and development organisation as well. He died on December 15, 2009 due to old age complicacy. On the occasion, a milad mahful will be held tomorrow at Bangladeh University, 15/1, Iqbal Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka at 2pm. Ali was a teacher at MM College, Jessore, MC College, Sylhet and the University of Dhaka. After completion of his degree from Cambridge University, United Kingdom, he joined the then Civil Service of Pakistan in 1959 and served as sub-divisional officer, additional deputy commissioner and deputy commissioner. During his service period he compelled the then Pakistan government towards meeting the just and right demand of Bangalee nation. Ali was born on March 10, 1934. l

26 shibir men held for plotting subversion

n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong
Members of law enforcement agencies yesterday detained 26 activists of the Islami Chhatra Shibir in Chittagong and Sitakunda upazila under the district for allegedly plotting subversive activities. In an overnight drive, they detained 12 Shibir activists from different areas in Sitakunda upazila for alleged involvement in the recent incident of violence on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway. SM Badiujjaman, officer-in-charge of the Sitakunda police station said they had held the Shibir men from different residences and dorms in the upazila following a tip-off. Protesting verdict of war criminal Delwar Hossain Sayedee on February 28, activists of BNP and Jamaat-Shibir allegedly conducted rampage on the highway in October this year during their political programmes, causing severe damage to public and state properties. The force is providing security to the vehicles on the highway, which is known as the countrys lifeline. There are possibilities that the BNP JamaatShibir men would conduct violence to suspend road communication between Chittagong and other districts, he said. A team from the Panchlaish police station arrested 14 suspecting as Shibir men from the port citys Mecca Hotel at Muradpur intersection around 4:30pm yesterday. Acting on a tip-off, the team arrested them when they allegedly gathered on the spot to plan sabotage, said Shah Mohammad Abdur Rouf, assistant commissioner of Panchlaish circle of Chittagong Metropolitan Police. He said the police followed an SMS from an unknown number that they received on their mobile phones asking them to be present at the spot at that particular hour, he said. Police were trying to identify the number, he said. l

PRAYER TIMES
Fajar Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha 5:13am 6:33am 11:54am 3:38pm 5:14pm 6:34pm

Source: IslamicFinder.org

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Drug trafficking families on the rise

The war against narcotics has taken on a new dimension in Chittagong as police nabbed two families of drug-peddlers in the past two weeks, suggesting a new trend in the business of drugs and organised crime. It has been learnt that a growing number of drug dealers and peddlers are using family members, including children and parents, to rendezvous with addicts and sell drugs in the belief that doing so will strengthen their network and increase reliability. Sources at the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) said the number of such families in the district was not known yet but that it would be pretty large, as a number of drug-peddlers arrested in recent months had confessed to involving their families in their businesses. Officials at the detective branch of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) arrested a member of one such family had been conducting her business with the help of her two sons for the last 10 years, said Babul Akhter, an additional deputy commissioner with the branch. The 56-year-old woman was accused in 11 drug-related cases, while her two sons were accused in several others. Police, on November 25, arrested a couple Manik, 38, and Aklima, 30 who had been selling cannabis for the past two years. According to their confession, they would often use members of their family to create and strengthen their network and boost profits. We arrested them several times before, but they managed to come out of jail every time by securing bail, each time they reverted to their old ways, said Babul. He also said costs related to court appearances had led some of the arrestees to resume their operations and be arrested again subsequently. Achia ery occasion. She has to appear before court 10 to 12 times a month and needs Tk1,000-1,500 for each appearance. Likewise, Aklima, who was arrested on 25 November, was arrested again within a week of her release from jail. The situation was further complicated by a loophole in the existing anti-narcotics law which allows prosecution of only the individuals found in possession of contraband drugs and liquor, allowing safe passage for those behind them. Experts say such leniency only serves to lift the morale of drug ringleaders. Banaz Kumar Majumder, additional commissioner for the crimes and operation division at the CMP, told the Dhaka Tribune that most of the drug-peddlers came from low-income family backgrounds and used their close relatives in the manner. There is the temptation of easy money but there are dangers too. So they need people they can trust. Barisal Colony near Chittagong Railway Station, New Shahid Lane at Ispahani Circle, Kadamtali, Madarbari, Bakalia, Kotwali and the Scrap Colony of Panchlaish. There are also many shanties used as sales points for drugs. The drug business has reportedly boomed in the port city because of a lack of vigilance on the part of the law enforcement agencies, and a prevalence of drug consumption in recent times. Dr Anupam Sen, vice-chancellor of Premier University and a social scientist, said drug-peddling was different from other illegal businesses. All members of a family can become involved with the business, if they want. They are mostly illiterate and unaware of the consequences that their actions might cause. He stressed the need for increased awareness among the people about the adverse effects of drug abuse and trades. l

Dealers use children and parents to rendezvous with addicts and sell narcotics According to sources, most of with 40 litres of contraband liquor on was arrested a total of five times; she n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong n Aminur Rahman Rasel Sunday. Achia Begum, the arrestee, came out of jail after 5-6 days on ev- the peddlers make their dens at: The

PGCB energises first 400kV transmission line

Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) yesterday energised the countrys first 400kV transmission line, ranging from Meghnaghat to Aminbazar. We have constructed a 55km-long line, the longest in the country. Today [Saturday] we have started energising it and will continue to do so for the next four months, Md Ainul Haque, chief engineer at the PGCB and project director of Meghnaghat-Aminbazar 400kV Transmission Line told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. The PGCB under the Power Development Board was scheduled to complete the project by June, this year, but was delayed till this month. On both Meghnaghat and Aminbazar ends, we have to build 400kV substations and till then we will not get the benefit of this line. Currently, we have two substations on the both end with 230kV and 132kV capacities which will be used for transmission, acting managing director of the PGCB, Chowdhury Alamgir Hossain told the Dhaka Tribune. The construction of 400kV substations will need three years to complete. The authority has acquired land for the construction, he said. Project Director Ainul said, four months would be spent to connect the two ends of the 230kV substations. After that the line will be ready for transmission. The project cost an estimated Tk597 crore, of which PGCB provided Tk145 crore, Asian Development Bank (ADB) gave Tk271 crore and GOB provided Tk181 crore. The project includes construction of the 55km transmission line, and acquisition and development of 60 acres of land. Another 400kV line from Aminbazar to Mongla and Anwara to Meghnaghat will be constructed he said. On the other hand, the construction of a 27km 400kV transmission line has already been completed to facilitate power import from neighbouring India. l

Sugarcane crushing begins at Mobarakganj Sugar Mills

n Our Correspondent, Jhenaidah

32 held while going to India illegally n UNB, Benapole

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) arrested 32 people while going to India illegally through Putkhali border in Benapole of Jessore yesterday. The arrestees hailed from different areas of Bagerhat, Faridpur, Khulna and Barisal districts. Lt Col Sayed Majharul Islam, commander of 23 BGB, said a team of BGB conducted a drive in Balurmath area of the border acting on a tip-off and arrested 11 men and 21 women while they were trying to enter the Indian territory without valid documents. Later, the arrestees were handed over to Benapole Port police. A case was filed in this connection. l

Mobarakganj Sugar Mills Limited under Kaliganj upazila in Jhenidah, the only state-owned sugar mill in the south-western part of the country, started its operation yesterday. Sugarcane farmer Abdul Kader and an employee of the mill Tamij Uddin jointly inaugurated the operation for the fiscal 2013-14 at a ceremony. The authorities of the mills has fixed a target to produce 9,500 tonnes of sugar by crushing 150,000 tonnes of sugarcane during 120 days of the current crushing season. The mill authorities said they had a stock of sugarcane on a total of 8,000 hectares of land for crushing in the current season. Managing director of the mill, Delwar Hossain, and the senior officials were present at the programme. Delwar Hossain admitted that 9,728 tonnes of sugar produced in the 2011-12 fiscal was still lying unsold at the stores because of the higher rate compared to other brands in the market. Also, the farmers are counting heavy losses as the mill is not being able to pay them because of the loss incurred during the previous fiscal. Currently the mill is due to pay around Tk100crore to different banks and stakeholders, he said. l

Youth kills brother n UNB, Shariatpur

A man allegedly killed his elder brother following a dispute over land at Moktarerchar in Naria upazila on Friday. Police said the dead Motaleb Kazi, aged around 25, had issues with Shahjahan Kazi over the possession of a piece of ancestral land. When Shahjahan went to the land for cultivation in the evening, Motaleb objected after which Shahjahan hit Motaleb with a fishing spear, leaving him critically injured. Later Motaleb was taken to a local hospital where doctors declared him dead. Police could not arrest Shahjahan as he went into hiding after the incident. l

Flower vendors and workers pass a busy time preparing garlands for the Victory Day in the capitals Dhaka University area yesterday

FOCUS BANGLA

Road accidents kill four Aman farmers counting loss as n blockade continues
Tribune Report
At least four people were killed in separate road crashes in Satkhira and Khagrachhari yesterday. A primary school teacher was killed in a road crash in Satkhira. The deceased was Jesmin Khaled, head mistress of Alipur Government Primary School of Sadar Upazila, reports our correspondent. Officer-in-Charge Enamul Haque of Satkhira Sadar police station said she died around noon as a truck collided with the van she was riding. Jesmin was returning from primary education office to her school with books for students. The dead body was recovered and sent to Sadar Hospital morgue for post mortem examination. In Khagrachhari, three people were killed as a truck collided head-on with a motorcycle at Natunpara in Matiranga upazila, reports UNB. The deceased were Alamgir Hossain, 22, driver of the motorcycle, which runs on hire, and its passengers Rabiul Islam, 25, and Mohammad Selim, 20. Police recovered the bodies and sent those to the hospital morgue. Police detained the helper of the truck but could not arrest the driver as he managed to flee. l

13 houses burn down in Faridpur

n Our Correspondent, Magura

The ongoing blockades being enforced by the 18-party opposition combine has raised concern among Aman paddy farmers in Magura as they are counting losses because of fall in the price of Aman paddy. Agriculture Extension Department (DAE) Magura said a total of 54,425 hectares of land was brought under Aman cultivation in the district this year yielding 150,213 metric tonnes of rice.

A bumper production of Aman paddy has been achieved in the district this year, but the success has failed to bring smile on the faces of Aman growers. Aman paddy sold in the local market at tk950-1000 per maund in the last month. The present price of the paddy is Tk680-700 per maund. When contacted, Noim Hosen, a farmer of village Kullia under Magura sadar upazila, said: Earlier we were amused with bumper production and high price of Aman paddy but ongoing blockade has faded our smile.

Abu Reza a farmer of village Norihati under Magura sadar upazila, said: I have got Tk40, 000 from my paddy sale but my production cost was about Tk36, 000. Moreover, I had to pay Tk5, 000 as transport fare to take my paddy to market because of blockade. I had to count a loss of Tk1, 000. Mokhlesur Rahamn, deputy director of Magura DAE, said because of the blockade Aman farmers are being deprived of fair price. The price will go up once the government procurement starts. l

n UNB, Faridpur
At least 13 houses were gutted after a fire broke out at Aurakandi village in Bhanga upazila Friday afternoon. Witnesses said the fire originated from the kitchen of Tipu Matabbar of the village and soon engulfed 12 other adjoining houses in the area around 4pm. On information, fire-fighters went to the scene and doused the flames. The affected house owners claimed that the extent of loss from the fire could go up to Tk50 lakh. l

Vegetables run on waste on field, farmers counting loss

n Our Correspondent, Narsingdi
Thousands of vegetable growers in Narsingdi are frustrated and had to accept financial loss as they cannot sell vegetables because of continuous blockades and general strikes imposed by the BNP-led 18-party alliance. Farmers in Shibpur, Belabo, Polash, Raipura and Narsingdi sadar had to see their vegetables run to waste on the fields as they could not supply the products to the markets. Most of the vegetable growers were forced to sell the vegetables in the local markets at nominal prices as wholesale buyers could not purchase and carry the vegetables to their respective districts because of lack of vehicles. Abdul Jalil, a farmer at Masumpur village under Shibpur upazila, said he cultivated cauliflower, cabbage, bean and radish on around 5 hectors of land. He had to sell almost all his production at lower prices in local markets as no wholesale buyers were able to come and buy the vegetables because of nationwide blockade. Like Abdul Jalil, several farmers of Belabo, Shibpur and Raipura described their miseries Farmers said in one hand they cannot sell their products on time, on the other hand they do not have any cold storage facilities in the districts to preserve these perishable vegetables. Under these circumstances, thousands of farmers have been selling their produce at prices much lower than the production costs. Abdur Karim, a wholesale businessman at Jangi Shibpur bazar of Raipura upazila, said markets, where buyers from different districts come and purchase the goods, are empty as no one can travel from one place to another because of constant blockades and general strikes. Abu Siddique, another wholesaler and one of the leaders of the Samobay Samity of Baroicha bazar, pleaded to the government to ensure security for vehicles carrying commodities like vegetables. The leaders also requested to the opposition leader to keep vegetable loaded vehicles out of the blockade programmes. A number of vehicles loaded with vegetables, rice and daily necessary commodities were burned to ashes across the country during the blockades and nationwide general strikes. Official sources said farmers of Narsingdi district have cultivated winter vegetables on around 9500 hectares land this season and are reaping a good production of vegetables. But the recent political mayhem during blockades and general strikes deprived them to get good prices from their production. Farmers from different upazilas of the district said now their main concern is to find a way out to compensate their losses, otherwise many of them would be in trouble to start cultivation in the next session. An official at Shibpur Upazila Agriculture Department also admitted that vegetables were left to be damaged at the field as there is no transportation facilities to carry the goods to the markets. Now per piece cauliflower is selling at Tk7 to 8, pumpkin at Tk15, cabbage at Tk8 to tk10, per kg bean at Tk15, papaya at Tk8, tomato at Tk35, and aubergine at Tk18 per kg. Besides those, all other vegetables prices are also coming down every day as supply is much higher in comparison to the demand in the local market. l

Piles of cauliflower stacked at the wholesale market as vendors are unable to sell them at expected price FOCUS BANGLA caused by the political activities like blockades and hartals as they cannot send their produce to the capital and other places where the products have higher demands and from where they can get good prices.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Special

Sunday, December 15, 2013

I am Rumana

But how did Rumana escaped everyones notice?

Malalas prominence needs no mentioning. In January this year, Deutsche Welle said Malala may have become the most famous teenager in the world. Yes, Malala somehow became a cult igure. She was also blessed with supporters who literally went crazy to make sure that the yet-to-reach-adolescence girl was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, though it finally went to the OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons). Both Rumana and Malala made international headlines following attacks on them. Nonetheless, its irksome that Malala continually managed to be in the limelight while Rumanas story petered out. Surprising? Not at all. Rumana, compared to Malala, didnt receive the least bit of activism or campaigns that might have made her a well-known figure. This is what went wrong with Rumana but right with Malala. Rumana didnt get UN Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown to launch a petition under the slogan I am Rumana to demand that violence against women be stopped. Time magazine didnt feature Rumana as one of The 100 Most Influential People in the World. She didnt win Simone de Beauvoir Prize, an international human rights accolade for womens freedom. She wasnt invited to the UN to call for worldwide eradication of violence against women. The list of what this Bangladeshi lady missed could be very, very long.

The victor inspires thousands

Women who have never experienced violence will easily ignore Rumanas story the way girls who can go to school every day without any fear or resistance will find no reason to pay heed to Malala. But for 87% of married women in Bangladesh who are subjected to violence by their husbands (according to a recent survey of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics), Rumana will always be an inspirational figure who knows how to win against all odds by keeping your morale at the peak after youve lost your vision for life.

And she could do more

Gordon Browns I Am Malala petition facilitated ratification of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Bill in Pakistan. But Malala as a person exerts a far stronger force on peoples minds than the bill and thats the beauty of embodiment. In Bangladesh, we have the Prevention of Repression against Women and Children (Amendment) Act 2003 and the Domestic Violence (Prevention & Protection) Act 2010. However, what is missing here is embodiment. And all Im suggesting is that instead of publishing a handful of pieces of news concerning a Bangladeshi woman who was blinded in her homeland but was later honoured abroad for her accomplishments, Bangladeshi media can embody her in a way that will raise awareness of violence against women. Such a step will do another magical thing. Many argue that Malala is just propaganda as there are thousands of others who found themselves in the

Could Rumana Monzur be our Malala Yousafzai?

n Mahmudul Islam
June 5, 2011: A 33-year-old lady is assaulted by her other half in Dhaka. The attack by her husband not only leaves the lady with a broken heart but also robs her of eyesight, one of the greatest gifts bestowed upon human beings. A month later, she flies to Canada for treatment after Indian doctors gave up only to learn that the damage will stay with her till she breathes her last. October 9, 2012: A 15-year-old girl is shot in the head by members of a fearsome outfit in Swat, of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The assassination bid leaves the teenager in critical condition, and she is flown to England for better treatment. She survives but the assault confounds her. She never thought advocacy of girls education would lead to such a ghastly incident. If youve identified the second individual but are confused about the first, you are probably not alone. To understand how these two people relate to one another, lets decode the identities. The second person is Malala Yousafzai. The first one is Rumana Monzur.

Juxtaposition of Rumana and Malala

One may argue that both of them are starkly dissimilar. On closer inspection, however, it is revealed that: 1. Both of them are exceedingly passionate about studies and education. After the horrifying experiences they were subjected to, they could have decided to abandon studies and simply get on with life. Instead, they refused to give in to the situation, though it was a bitter pill to swallow. Malala resumed schooling in England and said: Im excited that Ive achieved my dream of going back to school. On the other hand, Rumana victoriously returned to UBC to finish the unfinished war. She was in her thirties and said: I can feel the positive energy of these young people at the university, and that makes me happy. Studies are my passion. I must pursue that. 2. Both of them are shining examples of German philologist and philosopher Friedrich Nietzsches quotation: What doesnt kill me, makes me stronger. Nothing changed in my life except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born. This is what Malala said while speaking at the UN this year. Rumana expressed a similar feeling as well when she said: Im stubborn and told myself that after what Ive been through, nothing can be harder than that. My husbands death wasnt significant to me. My basic objective is to try to live a meaningful life. I cant stop because I became blind.

Does the name ring a bell?

Some of you may have forgotten her partly or completely. Well, she is the woman who used to teach International Relations at the University of Dhaka and was blinded by her own husband in a barbaric attack. Rumana was pursuing a higher degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and was on a visit to Bangladesh at the time of the attack. What was meant to be a pleasant vacation for her eventually turned into a nightmare, as the man who fathered her only daughter bit off part of her nose and inflicted permanent damage on her eyes. And all those acts were, according to Rumana, provoked by jealousy. Jealousy engulfed him the moment I decided to continue my studies in Canada, Rumana said, though her husband accused her of unfaithfulness. Police arrested Rumanas husband Hasan Sayeed after the attack and he died in prison five months later. It was said that the man had taken his own life.

Imagine Sayeed, the guy with whom Rumana dreamed of staying for the rest of her life. As it turned out, this was the guy who left her blind forever. Jewish American stand-up comedian and TV writer Cathy Ladman said marriage is like a 5,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Rumana presumably comprehended the absolute profundity of the statement. But rather than saying that Im at the end of my rope, a resilient Rumana decided to bite off more than she could chew, and thats what helped her reach a far greater height than Malala. The dogged lady fought back and flew to Canada to resume her studies. But the fight took on a new dimension as Rumanas ability to see was completely gone. So how can one study if he cant see? It was a tip of the iceberg to which Rumana responded the skills that come with adapting to blindness would take care of themselves over time. That conviction eventually proved to be a triumph over difficulties. She learned to read Braille as a last resort and got used to adaptive technology to read and write. Apart from learning how to use a cane to navigate her way, she mastered the skill of learning and memorizing study materials by listening to recorded audio and at present, she is learning law by listening at UBC. She has many friends who read out lessons to her. She also amazed her professors, who acknowledge theyve never seen someone adapt to changing circumstances so fast. But dont be tempted into thinking

For the 87% of married women in Bangladesh who are subjected to violence by their husbands, Rumana will always be an inspirational figure

I dont want to stand in front of my daughter as a woman who is a victim of assault. My battle is still on. And my only wish is to make Anusheh say that her mother can do everything
3. Both of them focus on solutions, not problems. Rumana opines that dwelling on what happened only leads to questions without answers. If I think about it, it just leads me nowhere. It was the incident. I dont want people to see me as a victim. I want people to see me as a survivor. This closely resembles Malalas view who, in her UN address, said: I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Im here to speak up for the right of education for every child. Books and pens are our most powerful weapons. Education is the only solution. Education First. that the entire journey was childs play. It was all about leaving your motherland to settle in a foreign country after being ripped apart mentally. It was all about getting up and moving forward after being turned upside down by myriad tribulations. It was all about learning how to live everyday without the opportunity to see your own daughter and parents. Each moment, I miss seeing (my daughter) and not only her, I miss seeing people, Rumana told The Toronto Star. Last but the not the least, it was all about presenting a masters thesis (The impact of climate change and rise in ocean levels in Bangladesh) and then attending the question and answer session as a blind student. I had to present the thesis before my teachers, fellow students and a bunch of other attendees. My whole concentration was on the presentation. Everything else just disappeared from my mind. I was handling the questions. After all that finished, I couldnt believe that Ive successfully done the whole thing, Rumana told a Bangladeshi daily. All in all, the extremity of Rumanas misery beat that of Malala in numerous ways. Malala was shot, received intensive treatment and recovered. As for Rumana, she lost her vision and coped with a whole new ball game.

Well, one can argue that Malala had a message and hence rose to a high standing by spreading that. But hey, hang on a minute. I hope other women and girls, including my own daughter, can learn from the horrors I experienced at the hands of my spouse, Rumana told The Toronto Star. When you belong to the privileged class, you never think domestic violence can happen to you. I wasnt sharing my problems, my marriage issues or issues of domestic violence when I was experiencing it. I felt it was a shame for me, but I didnt realize at that time that it is not a shame for me, it is a shame for the people who are doing it. That is the most important message I want to tell women who are experiencing it and keeping silent. Either it wasnt a message worth spreading or it was missed. To me, the second one is true.

same situation like this Pakistani girl but still remain unheard. But if the socalled propaganda can ensure fearless schooling for more girls, then it certainly has done more good than harm. So, by the same token, why not go for the Rumana propaganda, provided it can convey the message that where theres life, theres hope to those 87 Bangladeshi women out of every 100 and eventually help bring down the rate of violence against women in the country? And how do we do that? To my mind, the I Am Rumana book could be the first step.

Want a copy of I Am Rumana?

British journalist Christina Lamb coauthored I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education and Was Shot By The Taliban which is the autobiography of Malala. It was published in early October 2013 and became talk of the town. But lets forget awhile whether this book is really worth reading. All Im saying is the book served its purpose as an essential tool to promote the Pakistani teenager. It embodied her and spread her story across the world. People who arent into news or world events can get the whole picture of Malalas journey once they read the book. Even prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir observes the book contains many good topics. This is exactly that can happen to Rumana, though it will be very cumbersome for a blind person to write down her story. But anyone can resort to dictation to get it done, no matter how long it takes. So here comes the crucial question: Who is going to be the Christina Lamb for Rumana to write I Am Rumana: The Bangladeshi Lady Who Wished To Pursue Higher Studies in Canada and Was Blinded by Her Husband Because of Jealousy? Lamb says she has always wanted to be a writer and has been interested in writing about other people. Hello, is there any ardent individual out there interested in Rumana? Rest assured that it has many elements to become a bestseller. However, even if it fails to reach that level, it will still speak volumes about Bangladesh. l Mahmudul Islam is a journalist at thereport24.com.

From unnoticed to Daughter of the Year

Nearly 15 months after the attack, a rare honour was finally conferred upon Rumana and it came following her masters-level educational achievement. Canadas Citizens For A Civil Society and Indo-Canadian Womens Association jointly organized the first ever Daughters Day in Edmonton on September 1, 2012. And guess what? It was Rumana who won the Daughter of the Year award. The day is observed to honour achievements of women in various fields and to take initiatives to stop all sorts of violence against women. For Rumana, blindness was surely full of pent-up distress. But on September 1, 2012, she might have told herself: Every cloud has a silver lining. A number of Canadian newspapers published Rumanas interview where she, with her eyes closed, was seen holding a cane. Yet, the lady, an unsung hero in Bangladesh, looked confident and determined. I dont want to stand in front of my daughter as a woman who is a victim of assault. My battle is still on. And my only wish is to make Anusheh say that her mother can do everything, she said in the interview.

Where is Rumana now? How is she?

More than two years passed since the attack and Rumana says she is now in her comfort zone. With that, she actually points at the UBC campus, where she lives with her daughter and parents. They were also granted permanent resident status on humanitarian grounds last September. Rumana is currently pursuing a degree in law at UBC after successfully completing postgraduate studies. The blind yet studious lady was accepted into three law schools, though she decided to continue at UBC. Now I earlier hinted at similarity between Rumana and Malala. Is there really any?

Why Rumana is a greater hero than Malala

Notwithstanding the similarities, Rumana, is in essence, a person of much greater stature. Why? Malala protested against restrictions on girls schools imposed by the Taliban and was consequently shot. She was already familiar with the oppressive acts of the Taliban when gunmen attempted to knock her off. On the contrary, Rumana was assaulted by her husband. Attacks by members of a militant group and those of a husband are two utterly disparate experiences. For Rumana, it was unexpected to the highest extent.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Prescription

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Heart attack: Know what youre dealing with

A heart attack is a serious medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked. Lack of blood to the heart can seriously damage the heart muscles permanently
QUICK TIPS

n Dr Mohammad Sayem
Heart attack is also known as Myocardial Infarction. When a part of heart muscle loses its blood supply, it starts to suffer injury. LIFELINE Heart is supplied blood by two arteries, which ultimately become three vessels. When blood flow through these vessels becomes obstructed, it leads to a heart attack. The magnitude of damage depends on the size of area that is supplied by the blocked artery as well as the lapse in time between injury and treatment. After several weeks the heart muscle heals by forming scar tissue and becomes weaker and will not pump as much blood as it used to.

common in elderly persons and in diabetics. Other common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, breathing discomfort, restlessness, clammy and sweaty with a feeling of terror that life is coming to end, face seems gray.

Risk factors

There are two mechanisms of obstruction

1) Atherosclerosis-deposition of fat rich particles inside the lumen leading to gradual narrowing and ultimately complete obstruction. 2) Spasm a sudden and transient narrowing of blood vessel despite patent lumen. Former is the most common process.

There are many risk factors, mentioned below and their effects are multiplicative rather than additive. Age: largest risk factor. More precisely men over 45 years and women over 55 years are at particular risk. Scientists from the University of Copenhagen found fat deposits near eyelid and baldness, ear crease are associated with increased risk. Positive family history: It is said to be present when first degree relatives had this problem at relatively early ages. Hypertension High cholesterol levels in blood Diabetes mellitus Physical inactivity: it roughly doubles the risk. Obesity Alcohol Diet: Diet deficient in fresh fruit, vegetables, and polyunsaturated fat are associated with increased risk. Mediterranean style diet reduces the chance. Other than these work stress, social deprivation, certain blood disorder and personality traits are contributing factors.
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an option here. Aspirin 300mg is given to heart attack patients which helps to stop the clot (obstruction). Thrombolytics: These agents dissolve blood clots but must be advised after considering the contraindications. Pain killers such as Morphine is also used.

Cracked heels
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Treatments after heart attack

Most patients will require further treatment to prevent the further episodes. These medications include Aspirin and other anti platelets, Beta blocker, ACE inhibitors, Statins.

Surgery after heart attack

Depending on specific situation some patients get benefit from this modality of treatment. Angioplasty: It opens up the coronary arteries. In this procedure, a small wire loop is introduced through arm or groin and pushed till it reaches the clot then the narrowed area is dilated by mechanical means. CABG: Obstructed blood vessel is by-passed with grafts taken from blood vessels elsewhere in the body. importance to remember that the patients survival largely depends on how quickly he can be taken to a hospital.

Symptoms

Most common symptom is chest pain, which may radiate to jaw, neck, and hand (more commonly left side). Some triggering factors are physical exertion (during but not after exertion), cold exposure, heavy meal, intense emotion. Changing position, resting or lying down does not alleviate the pain. A heart attack may also occur without causing chest pain; these are more

whether someone has had heart attack or not. Cardiac Enzyme test: Dying heart muscle release some enzymes such as Troponin, CK MB etc into blood, which help to confirm the diagnosis.

Recovery

Treatments during a heart attack:

Diagnostic tools

Treatment

ECG: It is a device which records electrical signal of heart, usually able to say

The faster the heart attack patient can be treated, the more successful the treatment will be. So it is of particular

If patient stops breathing, they do not move or respond, CPR should be started straight away. CPR includes 30 chest compressions and mouth to mouth breathing. Defibrillation is also

It is a slow and gradual process. The patients recovery will generally start in hospital and then continue at home. Physical activity is vital in a patient with heart attack. They should remain active, as it strengthens the heart. It is advised to refrain from driving for at least four weaks. One-fifth of patients suffer from depression after the attack, which should be shared with the doctor immediately. l

Cracked heels or heel fissures may worsen during the winter. People often regard cracked heels as a sign of inadequate foot care and hygiene. For many, the appearance of cracks on the heels is nothing more than an embarrassment or an inconvenience. Fortunately, most cases of cracked heels can be easily treated and sometime you need to consult a dermatologist. The first step in treating cracked heels is getting rid of the excessive dryness in the skin. In order to do this, you need to apply an oil-based cream or moisturiser on your dry cracked heels daily. For best results, you should soak your feet in some warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes, to soften the skin and get rid of the dead skin with the help of a file or a pumice stone. Then pat your feet dry gently and apply the moisturiser. Let the affected feet absorb the moisturiser for about 15 minutes. After that wear a pair of thick socks and leave it on for a couple of hours or preferably, overnight. Use glycerin or petroleum jelly at heel before sleep. Always keep your feet clean. However, it is best to continue this routine regularly even after the cracks disappear. l

FOOD THERAPY

Vegetables that protect skin from UV rays in winter n Dr Sajol Ashfaq

Winter is the season of nutritious and delicious vegetables. In winter farmers fields are decorated with the vegetables of different colour and the sky is painted with its eternal blue. Due to cloudless sky in winter Ultra Violet (UV) rays can directly touch our skin without facing any filtering effect. Usually clouds and humidity act as filters, weakens the UV rays when they come down to the ground. Cloudless sky and less humid environment help reflect the Ultra Violet rays with stronger level. UV rays always damage the skin, darken its tone and makes the skin aged earlier. In winter, the damaging effect of UV rays is more. But the vegetables in winter have really a wonderful capacity to protect your skin from UV rays. Here the few vegetables which can do so.

Diet tips for nausea in pregnancy

n Dr Meherun Nessa
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy affect up to 80% of pregnant women. However these symptoms often disappear in the maWOMENS jority of women by the HEALTH 20th week of gestation. The cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy remains unknown. Psychological, gastrointestinal, infection and hormonal factors are currently being investigated for the role they might play. While there are no proven effec-

Cough and cold of newborns

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Red tomatoes
Tomatoes specially red tomatoes are rich in lycopene. Lycopene is a carotinoid that makes tomatoes red. Consuming more lycopene can protect your skin from sunburn. A study showed that intake of 2.5 tablespoons of tomato paste daily can reduce the UV rays damage up to 50%. The same study also showed, lycopene supplement or synthetic lycopene werent significantly effective against sunburn. l

Ginger has been used since ancient times for treating nausea and vomiting. But one needs to be cautious about using concentrated ginger extracts during pregnancy
tive treatments for this, women with mild symptoms may benefit from the following dietary changes: Eating small frequent meals that

are bland in taste and low in fat Avoiding smells and textures that cause nausea Drinking cold liquids, such as lemonade Eating salty and dry foods in the morning, such as salted crackers

Red bell peppers repair the damage

Colourful Carrots

Carrots are very rich in carotinoids. Carrots contain the carotenoids beta carotene and lycopene both of which may shield your skin against UV damage. In one study, participants who were exposed to UV light

Ginger has been used since ancient times for treating nausea and vomiting. Studies have shown that ginger is effective for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Possible adverse reactions to ginger during pregnancy have been

identified and scientific bodies around the world provide different recommendations on its usage. However, there have been no published reports of an increase in foetal abnormalities associated with taking ginger during pregnancy. At this stage, it seems sensible to be cautious about using concentrated ginger extracts during pregnancy. l The author is Associate Professor, Gynae and Obs Department in Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital, Dhaka.

Newborns are particularly susceptible to winter viruses, as their immune systems are immature and need time to develop. However, it is impossible to keep your baby in a bubble particularly if he or she has older siblings! The most important thing you can do to help your babys immunity is breastfeeding for longer periods. But the first two-three months are crucial as your own antibodies pass to your baby via your breast milk, which helps their own immunity to develop. Other things you can do to help include keeping your child away from family members or friends who are unwell, keeping your baby in an environment where the temperature is constant, and immunising them at appropriate intervals. l

| Compiled by: Shirsho Saaeadat

Early lunch helps you shed weight

n Dr Abdullah Shahriar
If you are trying to lose weight, its well and good to watch what you eat. But a new study showed that keeping an eye on the clock is just DIET TIPS as important as counting those calories. Researchers found that people who eat their main meal earlier in the day have a better chance of shedding weight than those who eat later. Late-lunchers did lose their weight significantly in a slower rate. Researchers said the findings could help develop more effective in weight-loss plans. The researchers found that timing of other meals did not play a role in the success of weight loss, suggesting the timing of lunch was an important and independent factor in weight loss success. Late eaters were also more likely to eat fewer calories during breakfast or skip the days first meal all together, and exhibit risk factors for diabetes. This study emphasises that the timing of food intake itself may play a significant role in weight regulation. Novel therapeutic strategies should incorporate not only the caloric intake and macronutrient distribution, as it is classically done, but also the timing of food intake is now thought as an important point. l

Though it is not easily available but now red bell pepper is grown in our country. A medium-size red bell pepper provides more than 200 percent of the daily value of vitamin C. Eating more vitamin C-rich foods may help protect skin cells from the suns harmful UV rays. Researchers suggested that vitamin C can promote the repair of DNA thats been damaged by UV rays. l

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had almost 50% less skin reddening after they drank about 1 cups of carrot juice daily. l

Tea and coffee is good for skin

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Green spinach
Spinach contains lutein, a carotenoid that protects your skin from UV damage. A new research about spinach, published in theJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, reveals that spinach stored continuously under the light for three days boasted higher levels of vitamin C and preserved levels of vitamin K, E, folate and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. l

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Which food is better organic or conventional?

n Prescription Desk
Consumption of organic food has increased dramatically in supermarkets over recent years because of high demand. The term organic is usually used to describe foods EXPERT grown without pesticides, artificial OPINION fertilizers, hormones or antibiotics. The merit of organic versus conventional foods is one of the most debated health issues at present and Studies have found little difference between organic and conventional foods for the majority of vitamins and minerals analysed, except vitamin organic foods may have higher levels of antioxidants because of the reduced or no use of artificial pesticides and antibiotics. Organic foods are better for the environment. Pesticides and artificial fertilizers can reduce the fertility of the soil, as well as impact on biodiversity by killing non-target insects that arent harmful to the crop. While research hasnt found significant benefits in terms of vitamin and mineral content, but some people are getting a greater sense of wellbeing probably due to natural anti oxidant and vitamins. It is true that organic foods are better for the environment, and organic fruits and vegetables are healthier and safer than conventionallygrown ones. l

Research suggests that caffeine in tea or coffee may help to protect your skin against skin cancer. Caffeine basically kills precancerous and ultraviolet-damaged skin cells by blocking a protein. A study said, caffeine inhibits the formation of skin tumors which is induced by UV rays. l

C, which appears to be higher in organic produce. An emerging area of interest is in the antioxidant content of organic foods. Research also suggests that

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

International
n AFP, Mthatha
Nelson Mandela embarked on the final leg of his exceptional 95-year journey on Saturday, as his remains were transported to his rural childhood home for traditional burial. A C-130 Hercules carrying Mandelas flag-draped casket and escorted by two fighter jets landed in Mthatha, in Mandelas native Eastern Cape province, to thousands of waiting mourners and a full military guard of honour. From Mthatha, Mandelas remains will be carried by a funeral cortege on the short drive to his boyhood home of Qunu. Military personnel lined the route, along with small groups of people singing anti-apartheid songs and songs in praise of the iconic statesman. He is finally coming home to rest, I cant even begin to describe the feeling I have inside, said 31-year-old Bongani Zibi. Part of me is sad but Im also happy

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Mandelas long walk nears its end

that he has found peace. Sundays interment will bring down the final curtain on 10 days of national mourning and global tributes for the prisoner-turned-president who transformed his country and inspired the world. Tens of thousands had packed a soaked stadium in Soweto for a memorial service Tuesday and up to 100,000 people filed past Mandelas open-casket for the three days it was displayed at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The same venue had witnessed his inauguration as South Africas first black leader two decades earlier. Mandelas flag-draped casket was flown to Qunu in Eastern Cape province after a send-off organised by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) which he once led. President Jacob Zuma, flanked by Mandelas widow Graca Machel and ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, said South Africa needed more Madibas -- using Mandelas clan name -- in order to prosper. Yes we are free but the challenge of inequality remains, Zuma said, citing the twin blights of poverty and unemployment on the countrys economic progress. We would like to say, go well Tata (father). You have played your part and you have made your contribution, he added. Mandelas favourite poem Invictus was printed on the back of the memorial programme and a verse was read out during the send-off. Mandelas grandson Mandla recalled how as a young child he would hear people in the then blacks-only township of Soweto shouting Amandla! (power) and Viva Mandela. I thought I must be a very popular kid, he joked. Since Mandelas death at his Johannesburg home on December 5, South Africans have turned out in pouring rain and blistering sunshine to say goodbye to the anti-apartheid icon. l

South Africans watch the hearse carrying the coffin of South African former president Nelson Mandela drive on the streets of Mthatha

AFP

US school shooting suspect dead; 2 students hurt

n AP, Centennial, Colorado
A teenager who may have had a grudge against a teacher opened fire with a shotgun at a Colorado high school, wounding two students before killing himself. Quick-thinking students at Arapahoe High School on Friday alerted the targeted teacher, who quickly left the building. The scene unfolded on the eve of the Newtown massacre anniversary, a somber reminder of the ever-present potential for violence in the nations schools. One of the wounded students, a girl, was hospitalized in serious condition. The other student suffered minor gunshot-related injuries and was released from the hospital hours later, authorities said. A third person was being treated for unspecified injuries but had not been shot, a hospital spokeswoman said. Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson initially reported that the most seriously hurt student was wounded after confronting the gunman, but he later said that did not appear to be the case. Robinson identified the shooter Friday night as Karl Halverson Pierson. The shooter entered the school armed with a shotgun and looking for a teacher he identified by name, said Robinson. The teacher immediately left the school when he learned the student was looking for him, Robinson said. He knew he was the target and he left that school in an effort to try to encourage the shooter to also leave the school, the sheriff said. That was a very wise tactical decision. Two suspected Molotov cocktails were also found inside the school, the sheriff said. One detonated, though no one was injured. Within 20 minutes of the first report of a gunman, officers found the suspects body inside the school, Robinson said. Students were seen walking toward the schools running track with their hands in the air, and television footage showed students being patted down. Robinson said deputies wanted to make sure there were no other conspirators. Authorities later concluded that the gunman had acted alone. Nearby neighborhoods were jammed with cars as parents sought out their children. Some parents stood in long lines at a church. One young girl who was barefoot embraced her parents, and the family began to cry. Several other Denver-area school districts went into lockdown as reports of the shooting spread. Police as far away as Fort Collins, about a two-hour drive north, stepped up school security. The practice of sending law enforcement directly into an active shooting was developed in response to anotherColorado school shooting that shook the nation: In 1999, two teenage shooters killed 12 classmates and a teacher at Columbine High School before killing themselves. Arapahoe High School is just 8 miles (13 kilometers) from Columbine. More recently, a shooter killed 12 people at a movie theater in Aurora, another Denver suburb, in the summer of 2012. l

At least two UN troops dead in suicide attack in north Mali

n AFP, Bamako
At least two UN troops were killed on Saturday in a suicide attack in Malis northeastern rebel bastion of Kidal, which came a day before the country holds a second round of legislative polls, a UN source said. The soldiers -- whose nationalities were not given -- died when a suicide bomber ploughed his explosive-laden car into a bank that they were guarding. For the moment, we have at least two dead and several wounded among the MINUSMA African troops, the source said on condition of anonymity, referring to the UN mission in the country. The suicide bomber also died, a regional government source told AFP. There are also a number of wounded among Malian soldiers, the source added. A local Kidal official said Senegalese soldiers were among those who guarded the BMS bank. Early this morning, a booby-trapped car was run into the BMS, killing the bomber, said the official. He added that he saw an individual on fire but could not say if it was the bomber or a soldier. A MINUSMA military official said: The bomber came from the east of the city and went straight to the bank before blowing himself up. There was a huge bang that blew out the windows of some houses up to 500 metres (yards) from the bank. He called the attack well-prepared. Mali is battling to restore stability after Al-Qaeda-linked radicals seized control of its northern half, submitting it to a brutal form of Islamic law for nine months before a Frenchled military operation launched in January ousted the extremists. Saturdays attack came a day before Mali was to hold a second round of legislative elections, the fourth time that the former French colony in west Africa has gone to the polls in less than six months. The vote is the final stage in Malis return to democracy after a March 2012 coup that threw it into turmoil and opened a power vacuum that enabled the Islamists to seize the north. l

Karzai hopes US will reframe security agreement n AP, New Delhi

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Saturday that he hopes the United States will reconsider its stand on a security agreement it wants him to sign in the interests of bringing a lasting peace to his war-torn country. Karzai reiterated his position that the Afghan people cannot endorse a bilateral security agreement with the United States without the U.S. agreeing to end airstrikes and raids on Afghan homes and help broker a peace process with the Taliban. Karzai said the two conditions were an absolute prerequisite for his signing the agreement. The United States is pressing Karzai to sign the deal, which would permit a small force of American military trainers to remain in Afghanistan after the planned 2014 withdrawal of U.S. troops. Karzai told reporters in New Delhi, Indias capital, that the Afghan people understood the consequences of defying the U.S. and that it could cost them billions of dollars. l

Egypt referendum on draft constitution on Jan 14 15

n AFP, Cairo
Egypt said Saturday a referendum on a new draft constitution will be held next month, the first step towards elected rule in a country deeply polarised after president Mohamed Morsis ouster. I call upon you to vote in a referendum on the draft revised constitution on January 14 and 15, interim president Adly Mansour said in a speech to the nation, accompanied by high-ranking officials and those who drafted the new charter. The constitutional referendum is to be followed by parliamentary and presidential elections in mid2014, according to a transition road map outlined by the new military-installed authorities. The new constitution was drafted by a 50-member panel after the interim authorities suspended the previous version of the charter written under the Islamist Morsi. Egypts first democratically elected president was ousted by the army on July 3 after massive street protests against his turbulent year-long rule. Morsis removal caused deep divisions amid a sweeping and deadly government crackdown targeting his supporters that has left more than 1,000 people dead and thousands more arrested. Mansour praised the revised draft for its provisions on the securing of human rights, freedoms and the balancing of powers. It is a good start on which to build the institutions of a democratic and modern state, he said. Amr Shobaki, a member of the panel that wrote the draft, told AFP Egypt was at a turning point and its success would mean an end to a transitional phase as right now there are no elected institutions. The revised charter has come under severe criticism from secular movements and rights groups for retaining the powers and privileges of the military. It allows the military to prosecute civilians in some cases, appoint the defence minister and keep its budget beyond civilian scrutiny -- powers held by the legislature, executive and judiciary of most democracies. The fact that the draft would give the military a great deal of autonomy raises concerns about whether this institution will be held accountable for violations, Amnesty International said after the draft was published. It also casts doubt over whether the government will be able to institute desperately needed reforms to ensure that the military, police and security agencies respect human rights and are subject to independent oversight. The rights group said that during the military juntas 17-month rule after the fall of Hosni Mubarak in 2011, more than 12,000 civilians were tried unfairly by military courts. l

A Palestinian worshipper gets ready to pray his Friday prayer in front of the Dome of the Rock in the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalems Old City following a snowstorm December 13. A snowstorm of rare intensity blanketed the Jerusalem area and parts of the occupied West Bank on Friday, choking off the city and stranding hundreds in vehicles on impassable roads REUTERS

Relatives of Yemeni civilians killed demand justice

n Agencies
Relatives of Yemeni civilians killed in a drone strike have demanded an apology and compensation and warned of tribal unrest, an official said. The first demand is an end to strikes, the official said on Saturday. They also want financial and moral compensation. This announcement came following Fridays protests that blocked the road between Rada and Sanaa, the capital city, during the funeral of 13 civilians killed in the attack, the official said. A wedding party was hit in an air strike on Thursday in the south of Yemen after being mistaken for an al-Qaeda convoy and at least fifteen people were killed, according to officials. Two of the dead whose names were released, Saleh al-Tays and Abdullah al-Tays, were on Yemeni government lists of wanted al-Qaeda suspects. The security committee, which President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi oversees, said Thursdays attack targeted a car that belonged on an al-Qaeda leader. Casualties common On board the vehicle were top leaders who plotted several terrorist attacks against the armed forces, police, civilians and vital government installations, said a security committee statement published by state news agency, Saba. The statement provided no death toll and did not discuss civilian casualties. Even if it turns out that this was a case of killing based on mistaken identity or dodgy intelligence, whoever was responsible needs to own up to the error and come clean about what happened in this incident, said Philip Luther, Amnesty Internationals Middle East and North Africa director. Protesters agreed to bury the dead only after a tribal committee promised mediation with the central authorities in Sanaa, according to an official. The US military operates all unmanned aircraft flying over Yemen in support of Sanaas campaign against al-Qaeda and has killed dozens of fighters this year. The US acknowledges using drones in Yemen but does not comment on the practice. Human Rights Watch said in a report earlier this year that US missile strikes have killed dozens of civilians in Yemen. l

Thousands evacuated from flooded Gaza homes

n AP, Gaza City
An official says Gazas rescue service has evacuated more than 4,000 people from homes flooded after four days of heavy rain across the territory. The downpour continued Saturday. Its part of a storm that covered Jerusalem and some of the West Bank with thick snow. In Gaza, some of those trapped by rising waters were evacuated by fishing boats. A local TV station showed a rescuer standing on the shoulders of another man in a boat as they tried to reach people in a third-floor apartment. Mohammed al-Madaina of the Gaza rescue service says efforts were hampered by lack of fuel and power, a result of a tightened Egyptian border closure. Israel and Egypt have restricted access to Gaza since the Islamic militant Hamas seized the territory in 2007. l

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International
n AP, Tehran
Iran says it has canceled a planned $500 million loan to Pakistan to build part of a pipeline to bring natural gas from Iran. Deputy Oil Minister Ali Majedi says Iran has no obligation to finance the Pakistani side of the project and also doesnt have the money. Majedis comments were posted on the oil ministrys website, shana.ir, Saturday. He said Tehran will demand com-

Sunday, December 15, 2013

9
Iran: Second monkey sent into space

Iran cancels Pakistan gas pipeline loan

pensation if Islamabad fails to take Iranian gas by end of next year. Irans former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had pledged the loan. The Iran-Pakistan pipeline is designed to help Pakistan overcome its mushrooming energy needs. Pakistanis experience frequent blackouts. But there are serious doubts about how Pakistan could finance the $2 billion needed to construct the pipeline, which also faces US opposition. l

n AP, Tehran

China attempts rovers soft landing on the moon

n AP, Beijing
Chinas mines are considered to be the deadliest in the world

21 workers killed in gas blast at Chinese mine

n AP, Beijing
A gas explosion at a coal mine in western China has killed 21 workers, an official said Saturday. The miners were earlier reported trapped by the blast in Xinjiang regions Changji prefecture early Friday. Twelve others escaped the explosion. An official at the Xinjiang regions work safety bureau said that 21 miners were confirmed dead and another one who had been trapped was injured. The official, surnamed Wang, refused to give further details and said the incident was under investigation. Chinas mines are the deadliest in the world and suffer frequent explosions, floods and cave-ins. Such accidents are usually caused

REUTERS

by a failure to ventilate methane gas from the shaft. Safety improvements have reduced the number of deaths in recent years, but regulations are still often ignored. The official Xinhua News Agency reported that the mine had been ordered to suspend production in June to make safety improvements, citing the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety. l

China will attempt the worlds first soft landing of a rover on the moon in nearly four decades Saturday, the latest step in the countrys ambitious space program. The Change 3 lander, named after a mythical Chinese goddess of the moon, is scheduled to touch down at 9:40 p.m. (1340 GMT; 8:40 a.m. EST) Saturday, according to state media. The lander carries a moon rover called Yutu, or Jade Rabbit, the goddess pet. After landing, the rover is slated to separate from the Change and embark on a three-month scientific exploration. Chinas space program is an enormous source of pride for the country. If successful, China will become the third country to carry out a lunar soft landing

after the United States and the former Soviet Union. The last one was in 1976. A soft landing does not damage the craft and the equipment it carries. An earlier Chinese craft orbited and collected data before intentionally crash-landing on the moon. The Change mission blasted off from southwest China on Dec. 2 on a Long March-3B carrier rocket. China Central Television, which will broadcast live footage of the landing, said that the Change will come to a stop from a speed of 1.7 kilometers (1.06 miles) per second during the sensitive landing process, which will last more than 10 minutes. China sent its first astronaut into space in 2003, becoming the third nation after Russia and the United States to achieve manned space travel independently. l

US warns N. Korea against provocation following execution

n AFP, Seoul
The United States has warned North Korea against any provocative acts following the shock execution of leader Kim Jong-Uns uncle, as the reclusive state campaigned to rally support behind the young supremo. Washington also sought to step up talks with its Asian allies, voicing concern over regional stability after Jang Song-Thaek -- seen as Kims political regent and the countrys unofficial number two -- was executed on Thursday following a special military trial. Certainly, its something were concerned about, and we would urge the North Koreans not to take provocative acts, not to do so going forward, because its not in the interest of regional stability, US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said on Friday. The comments came after South Koreas defence chief Kim Kwan-Jin pledged to increase military vigilance against any potential provocations, saying the stunning purge indicated Kim Jong-Uns firm resolve to tighten his grip on power. We will heighten readiness against North Korea as (Jangs execution) can lead to provocations against the South, he said in the parliamentary defence meeting on Friday. This case can be seen as part of the reign of terror by Kim Jong-Un as he is seeking to consolidate his power with an iron fist. He said the Stalinist regime risked misjudging the security situation on the peninsula, voicing concern over rivalry among North Korean military leaders eager to prove their loyalty to the young leader. Meanwhile, the reclusive state on Saturday launched a fresh media blitz in a bid to rationalise Jangs elimination and rally support behind the young leader. Rodong Sinmun, the official daily, splashed on its front page a colour photo of Kim, wearing a great coat with his hands in his pockets, touring a military design institute in his first public activity following the purge. He was accompanied by Choe Ryong-Hae, a close Kim Jong-Un confidant who holds the military rank of vice marshal, and trailed by other military officers, one of whom was seen jotting down Kims field-guidance instructions in his notebook. l

Japan pledges billions in aid to ASEAN region

n Agencies
Japan and Southeast Asia must strengthen ties and ensure the region is based on the rule of law and respect, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told Asian leaders at a Tokyo summit, amid heightened tensions over Chinas new air defence zone. He pledged $20bn in aid and loans to Southeast Asia in its latest charm offensive to woo global public opinion in a territorial dispute with China. Together with ASEAN, I want to build the future of Asia where laws, rather than power, rule and people who worked hard will be rewarded - which would lead to a prosperous society with mutual respect, Abe said on Saturday to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). That apparently was an oblique reference to his countrys fractious spat over the sovereignty of a small chain of islands in the East China Sea, where Japan is keen to garner support for its view that Beijings behaviour is aggressive and coercive. The case has taken on a greater urgency since Chinas declaration last month of an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea including the contested archipelago.

Iran said Saturday it has successfully sent a monkey into space for a second time, part of an ambitious program aimed at manned space flight. Irans state TV said that the launch of the rocket dubbed Pajohesh, or Research in Farsi, was Irans first use of liquid fuel and reached a height of 120 kilometers (72 miles). It said the monkey, named Fargam or Auspicious, was returned to earth safely. The TV showed the rocket blasting off and then showed the monkey, strapped snugly into a seat, staring at people clapping to celebrate its safe return. The report said Fargams capsule parachuted safely to earth after detaching from the rocket in a mission that lasted 15 minutes. Iran frequently claims technological breakthroughs that are impossible to independently verify. The Islamic Republic has said it seeks to send an astronaut into space as part of an ambitious aerospace program. The launch of Pajohesh is another long step getting the Islamic Republic of Iran closer to sending a man into space, the official IRNA news agency said. State TV said scientists were able to monitor and measure signals coming from the rocket, including Fargams vital signs, during the flight. Iran said that it sent its first monkey into space in January, reaching the same height of 120 kilometers (72 miles). For Iran, its aerospace program is a source of national pride. Its also one of the pillars of Irans aspirations to be seen as the technological hub for Islamic and developing countries. The US and its allies worry that technology from the space program could also be used to develop long-range missiles that could potentially be armed with nuclear warheads. l

Japan, ASEAN vow to ensure freedom of navigation

n AP, Tokyo

Japan seeks ASEAN backing on China with a $20 bn pledge Beijing said all aircraft entering the zone have to submit flight plans and obey orders issued by Chinese authorities, in an announcement that was widely criticised as inflammatory. Abe said the $20bn in loans and grants is part of a bigger relationship. In this summit, I would like to discuss relations between Japan and ASEAN in the context of not only our bilateral relations, but also in the context of the international community. I hope we will adopt a mid- to long-term

REUTERS

vision that would define the way Japan and ASEAN cooperate in the future. Observers say Japan will find a reasonably willing audience among the four members of ASEAN who have their own territorial disputes with China - the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. But all ten members of the bloc, which also includes Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand, have to tread a fine line to avoid irritating China, whose vast economy is vital to the region. l

Thai military chief rebuffs protesters Vietnam hands 5 heroin traffickers death penalty intervention plea
n AFP, Bangkok
Thailands military chief on Saturday shrugged off an opposition rally leaders appeal to intervene in support of protester efforts to topple the government and install an unelected peoples council. Weeks of boisterous demonstration have gripped Bangkok in the latest political turmoil for the putsch-prone nation, prompting premier Yingluck Shinawatra to call snap elections for February 2 to try and calm tensions. But the vote has been rejected by opposition demonstrators, who have vowed to keep up their fight to rid the country of the influence of Yinglucks divisive brother Thaksin, a former Thai prime minister who was ousted in a 2006 military coup. Responding to calls by protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban to stand by the people, the countrys head of defence forces Thanasak Patimaprakorn said the best way to solve the problem is through negotiation. Neutral observers should oversee the election and make sure it takes place on February 2, he told a forum,

Leaders from Japan and 10 Southeast Asian countries on Saturday pledged to cooperate in ensuring freedom of navigation during a summit overshadowed by concerns over Chinas growing assertiveness in the region. A joint statement issued after the summit meeting refrained from an explicit mention of Chinas recent declaration of a maritime air defense zone over the East China Sea. But it was the backdrop behind the promise to cooperate to ensure freedom of overflight and aviation safety in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law. To the Chinese, we are calling on the withdrawal of all the measures that violate these general principles, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said. He said Japan would stick to its decision advising airlines to continue their operations as they had before Chinas announcement. Raising tensions in this region is to nobodys advantage, Abe said in a nationally televised news conference showcasing what he called Japans special partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The summit marks 40 years of ties between Japan and ASEAN, a resource-rich region of more than 600 million people. Abe has visited all 10 ASEAN countries in the past year, seeking to boost both security and business ties, a warm contrast to frosty relations with China. l

Now top US diplomat, Kerry returns to Vietnam

n AFP Hanoi

Thai anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban addresses the press in Bangkok AFP which was also attended by the powerful army chief as well as the heads of the navy and airforce -- but not the government or pro-Thaksin groups. Suthep used the Bangkok meeting, the first public talks between the generals and protesters, to ask the military to step in on his side and finish the stand-off. The military has a long history of political involvement in Thailand, which has had 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932. But the army has indicated a reluctance to intervene directly in the current political crisis, although military chiefs did facilitate private talks between Suthep and Yingluck on December 1. l

Vietnam sentenced five members of a drug trafficking gang to death and handed another person life imprisonment for smuggling heroin into the country from neighbouring Laos, state media said Saturday. The six members of the smuggling gang were found guilty of making ten trips to impoverished Laos and trafficking at least 95 kilos (209 pounds) of heroin into communist Vietnam, the official Thanh Nien newspaper reported. The leaders of the gang remain at large, the report said, adding the six -- one man and five women -- were put on trial in central Nghe An province on Friday. The golden triangle region of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar was formerly one of the worlds top producers of illicit opium and heroin but has been overtaken by Afghanistan, which now accounts for some 90 percent of global illicit opium production, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Communist Vietnam has some of the worlds toughest drug laws. Anyone found guilty of possessing more than 600 grams of heroin, or more than

20 kilograms of opium, can face the death penalty. Convictions and sentences are revealed only by local media which is strictly under state control. In August this year, a Thai woman was sentenced to death for smuggling two kilos of cocaine. The same week, a 31-year-old Nigerian man was sentenced to death for smuggling 3.4 kilos of methamphetamine from Qatar. In November, Taiwan police said they had cracked a major drug ring and seized more than 500 pounds of heroin -- with a street value estimated at up to $300 million. The 600 heroin bricks were discovered in 12 amplifier boxes in a container airlifted from Vietnam. The bust was one of Taiwans largest seizure of the drug for 20 years. Customs officials and airport security staff in Vietnam are still blaming each other for lapses of oversight in the case, which saw the drugs move through southern Ho Chi Minh City airport apparently undetected. No major sanctions have been announced for officials involved in the case, media reports said. l

n AP, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Forty-four years after first setting foot in the country as a young naval officer, John Kerry returned once more to Vietnam on Saturday, this time as Americas top diplomat offering security assurances and seeking to promote democratic and economic reform. Making his 14th trip to the communist Southeast Asian nation since the end of the war that profoundly influenced his political career and foreign policy thinking, Kerry is trying to bolster the remarkable rapprochement with the former US enemy that he encouraged and helped to engineer as a senator in the 1990s. I cant think of two countries that have worked harder, done more and done better to try to bring themselves together and change history, to change the future, to provide a future for people that is very, very different, Kerry told a group of businesspeople, students and others at the US Consulates American Center in Ho Chi Minh City. The visit is Kerrys first to Vietnam since 2000 when he was part of then-President Bill Clintons historic trip here, the first by an American president since the end of the war in 1975 . l

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Editorial
LETTER OF THE DAY
December 13

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Letters to

the Editor

Uncontested seats bode ill

We profusely thank Hussein Muhammed Ershad

Our heartiest congratulations to Jatiya Party Chairman Hussein Muhammad Ershad for taking a very wise decision. He declared that his party will not participate in the January polls as the atmosphere for an inclusive election is absent. He had asked his party candidates to withdraw their nomination papers and Jatiya Party Minister to come out of the Sharba Daliya Sarkar. We hope and trust that this time he will stick to his words and will not flip-flop again. If he remains steadfast, he will be able to erase from the peoples minds many of his past wrongdoings, because of the saying, Alls well that ends well. Thank you for taking the right step in the critical moments when the country is on the verge of collapse. Nur Jahan Chittagong

PM: Lift blockade for Mandela

December 8 PA What about mourning for all the deshi victims of political violence? When Mandela was here in 96, he requested the two women to stop bickering and talk to each other. How about doing that to honour his memory? Mohammed Abdullah Lmao I was waiting for some political autocrat to drop the Mandela bomb!! hahahaha lame lame lame, its a shame. Syed Fazle Farhan Oh, this is rich. Sanjay Saldanha How about rather mourning for those who died as collateral damage on our own soil? Elizabeth Bass Really? Mandela? As if we dont have enough excuses of our own. Mizanur Rahman Haha. What a funny demand of the PM. After all, she does practice democracy and humanity.

t latest count, 127 candidates of the ruling AL will be automatically elected in the upcoming elections, as they are running uncontested in their constituencies. At least 151 seats, more than one in two, will remain uncontested in the upcoming elections. It is surely self-evident that an election in which half the seats remain uncontested creates a severe crisis of credibility. This is not simply a question of the elections being boycotted by the BNP, but is a clear indication that the polity as a whole lacks confidence in the electoral process. Lets go to the numbers. In 2001 and 2008, no seats were uncontested, which is what one expects from a legitimate election. An uncontested seat means that voters in that constituency do not have a choice, and ipso facto suggests that there is something amiss in the proceedings. Even the February 15, 1996 election, which was boycotted by all major parties expect the It remains highly then-ruling BNP saw only 49 doubtful whether seats uncontested, less than a the results will be quarter of the number this time. accepted by the The cancelled elections slated for general population January 22, 2006 saw only 18 seats uncontested. In short, what we have here is an unprecedented lack of confidence in the upcoming elections. It is surely significant to note that the upcoming elections have massively less participation than earlier elections that were contemporaneously and historically regarded as unacceptable. Even setting aside the issue of the boycott by BNP and other major parties, we do not see how elections in which one in two of the races will be uncontested can even claim to reflect the will of the populace. Since the credibility of the election has been compromised to such a degree, it remains highly doubtful whether the results will be accepted by the general population. As things stand now, elections on January 5 will resolve nothing. l

What do the Bangladeshi people want?

December 6 Z As our country sinks deeper and deeper into crisis, the bickering politicians are not going back to find the original meaning of democracy as rule of the people. Public opinion polls never played an important role in Bangladeshi politics. The politicians so far only managed to convince people that the system is broken. At this point there are no viable candidates from other parties since their goal is to boycott the upcoming election. People are disoriented and do not know what is going to happen from one day to the next, and it is obvious that the election will not be about people and what they want. If the political leaders were interested in having a fair election then it would become indispensable to finding out what people want. It is unacceptable that the leaders failed to understand something so elementary! Right now the ruling party is not making any decisions that impact the civilians and must have concluded that public opinion doesnt matter. So the people are realising that their elected representatives do not really represent them. It is crystal clear that our citizens will not get a chance to participate in the decisions that affects their lives. So I am not going to get livid when I hear that people didnt vote. Adnan Great, honest piece that hints at years of frustration and letdowns. Its difficult for erstwhile kingdoms to adjust to democracy. People continue to behave like serfs and blindly support one party (read: worship one leader). Our parties, our conflicts are not ideology-driven, but based on personal legacies. Three patriarchs and a religion remain our political options. We, the people, cant influence their decisions, but only who makes them. That isnt people power. As a first step to breaking out of this false dilemma, people must be able to vote No to all options. Theres simply no other way to send a message. And even if this can be done, I fear that a vast majority will continue to stick to hereditary political affiliations, putting tribe before issue. Yet, it will be a start. Thats the next agenda.

PM meets president
December 8 Sbua Joy I hope our honourable prime minister and president live long. Sheikh Jinat Mahmid What is the result of the meeting? Another hartal is waiting for us tomorrow.

Ershad arrest makes mockery of election

e must not be distracted by the drama of reported differences of opinion within the Jatiya Party about HM Ershads detention at the Combined Military Hospital. The JP chairman hasclearly stated that he is not ill and is being unlawfully detained. We condemn this illegal confinement and call for his immediate release. Law enforcers took Ershad to the CMH on Thursday night. The commanding officer of Rab-1 said Rab was only providing a security escort to Ershad for his journey to hospital after he had fallen sick. Ershads statement on Friday that he is being detained for arrest has been discussed by some media in the context of reports about splits within his party on his deciForcibly detaining him sion to withdraw from the election. in a transparent move Such speculation deflectsfrom to keep him and his the fundamental right at stake party members from here. A citizen has been detained withdrawing does against his will without any legal serious damage to the justification. credibility of the polls Official excuses that he has been confined for his health do not only ring untrue, but smack of media manipulation and newspeak. This confinement cannot be justified in any way. It is a disturbing breach of basic rights. Even worse is the fact that it seems apparent that he has been detained to prevent him and his party members from withdrawing their candidacies for the upcoming election. Forced participation in an election is a first, as far as we are aware, and does nothing for the credibility of the electoral process. We have editorialised earlier that Ershads participation in the election, or lack thereof, should not, in and of itself, determine the acceptability of the elections. But forcibly detaining him in a transparent move to keep him and his party members from withdrawing does serious damage to the credibility of the polls and makes a mockery of government claims that they can be trusted to oversee the process. l

UN asks if polls can be deferred

UNs Taranco in talks with AL top brass

December 8 Mr Taranco, please save our country. Our expectation is very high from you (UN). Our leaders cannot be trusted anymore so we want your (UN) help. Thank you. Bangladeshi

Be Heard
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December 8 Did they have to wait for the UN to ask? Parveen Ahmed

Another bus helper burnt in sleep

December 8 Lives have no value here. None. Period. Esha Aurora

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PEANUTS

CROSSWORD
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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Op-Ed

Sunday, December 15, 2013

11

For a better democracy

Still in the stalemate

n M Masud Hossain Khan

he people of Bangladesh are in this grinding machine created by our major political parties at the moment. We are all concerned about a way out, sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, we the common people, are not feeling enough hope. The source of the stalemate was the 15th amendment of the constitution that was made without taking the major opposition parties into consideration.

We have never seen such violence in any opposition protest in recent times, not in the four decades since our independence

Not the good kind of democracy

DHAKA TRIBUNE

A
n MH Bari

fter the spectacular failures of socialism and dictatorships, democracy has been accepted as the most desirable system throughout the world, because democracy is peoples power. It ensures mass participation for determining the absolute power of the state. According to MacIver: Democracy is no way of governing whether by the majority or otherwise, but primarily a way of determining who shall govern, and broadly, to what end. Lincoln has given the most acceptable definition of democracy: The government by the people, of the people, for the people. Though, theoretically speaking, democracy is the best form of government, in practice it is toughest. Sir Henry Maine, had opined: In all forms of government, democracy is the most complicated. Thus Bangladesh is practising the most complicated and sophisticated system of government. Almost one third of its existence of 42 years has been wasted under military rule. It is unfortunate that people Bangladesh could not taste real democracy even under the democratic system because the democratically elected government ran more dictatorially than democratically. For running successful democratic governments, there are obviously some pre-requisites to be fulfilled:

political parties teach the general people about their rights and privileges in order to make them vigilant against undemocratic forces. This needs good political organisation and honest leadership. In Bangladesh there is serious scarcity of honest and good politicians. Conditions should be created for such infusion.

understand that democracy is the best system of governance. Education will enable them to understand the meaning of democracy and to choose right persons to represent their interest.

to work independently to ensure establishment of rule of law.

Freedom of expression

Economic liberty

Degree of acceptability of democratic practices

To make democratic governments successful, the people must cherish the democratic spirit. They must realise that all democratic rights are obligations that must be reciprocated in a democratic society. Voltaire said long ago: I may disagree with what you say, but I shall defend your right to say till my death.

Democracy cannot flourish in a poor society. It is indeed difficult for democracy to thrive in a society with more than 31% of the population below the poverty line. Eradication of poverty, therefore, must be given top priority in the development effort of the government.

Rule of law

Democracy cannot exist without the operation of rule of law. The present condition of law and order is extremely unhelpful not only for growth but

There is hardly anyone who would disagree with the statement that democracy is not running properly in Bangladesh. Our parliament is ineffective. We believe in negative politics

The community as a whole is to be restrained, tolerant and committed to fair play towards others. Bangladeshi people must practice self-restraint to make foundation of democracy.

Education

Organised political party and benevolent leadership

In a democratic system, organised

I have already mentioned that democracy is a very sophisticated system. This needs knowledgeable public and political leaders. People must

also survival of democracy. Among other serious ills prevailing in our society are corruption, nepotism, and terrorism. These must be immediately brought down to a tolerable limit, if not eradicated altogether. Our politicians must realise that without their concerted and sincere efforts, these cannot be eliminated. Putting the blame on bureaucracy is simply no remedy. The judiciary must be allowed

Without free media, a democratic government tends to run like a dictatorship. This is particularly true in the case of developing countries where usually money rules. Hopefully, there exists a sort of semblance. The government must encourage further freedom of media to develop its efficiency. Constructive criticism in fact helps them to be effective in both economic and political fields. Even the socialist regimes had realised, if a little too late, that it is a good policy to allow criticism of the government to some extent. There is hardly anyone who would disagree with the statement that democracy is not running properly in Bangladesh. Our parliament is ineffective. We believe in negative politics. Instead of helping economic growth, we are encouraging stagnation. Strangely enough, governments in a position to do something, try to follow the bad instances left by their predecessors. We fail to understand why the party (or parties in power) in their bid to punish the opposition, actually punishes the general public. It is time for all the politicians, particularly of the major parties, to think positively for the establishment of true democracy in Bangladesh. Let us not let problems override prospects. l MH Bari works in the global marketing of seafood from Bangladesh.

The ruling coalition could not have done this, had there been enough strength of leverage on the part of the opposition. Can we conclude that a landslide victory in favour of one party, or a likeminded group of parties, is bad for democracy and the people? There is another allegation that the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee was not heeded and cared for in the process of the amendment of the constitution. So there is another question of maintaining proper procedure relating to the parliamentary activities. What is the use of establishing parliamentary committees if they are not listened to? However, taking the opposition into consideration for such matters is very important in a democracy, especially when their strength is not so insignificant that they can be ignored. Now, the common people are paying the price for this exclusion. We would like to vehemently condemn the way the opposition parties are protesting the governments actions. In no way is it acceptable for them to vandalise and torch vehicles and to burn the people. It seems that the opposition is taking revenge not for scrapping the caretaker system of polls-time government, rather for the verdicts of the war crimes trials. It seems so because we have never seen such violence in any opposition protest in recent times, not in the four decades since our independence. Now, what would be the way out of the current stalemate? One way would be giving in to the oppositions demands either by scrapping the 15th amendment, or at least handing over the prime ministers position of the polls-time government to a person

accepted by both sides. Otherwise, the writer of this piece does not believe the current situation of our political and public life will improve much. One-sided polls wont be acceptable to the general public of the country, or the larger international community. Playing the JP (Ershad) card cannot give the expected outcome. Its already a blunder. Even if JP (Ershad) goes into polls, the opposition wont stop their violent protests, and they will continue as long as they can, as it is observed. Much of the oppositions strength comes from Jamaat. You simply cannot detach their partnership, not too soon at least, when they need each other most. We dont know if BNP would be ready to go for polls even without their blessed partnership with Jamaat. We cannot conclude whether that is one of the main reasons for them not to accept the all-party polls-time government, given that Jamaat has been declared ineligible for polls. Is it not a good solution to get a neutral person as the polls-time chief executive of the government? Why not someone like the speaker of the Jatiyo Shangshad, or any other person who satisfies both sides? We know that the government is able to go ahead with the election no matter what. But we fear that without the participation of the main opposition parties, the people of the country will not be able to get free from these violent protests, killings, arson attacks, blockades, and countrywide strikes. Everything good that has been achieved so far will diminish in the long run. Shouldnt we do what is the best for the country and the people?

Everything good that has been achieved so far will diminish in the long run. Shouldnt we do what is the best for the country and the people?

There is another important factor to consider regarding the proceedings of the war crimes trials. If Sheikh Hasina steps down and someone else is put in charge, the fate of the tribunal remains uncertain. At least, the writer of this article feels that way. We all understand what might happen if the AL is defeated in the upcoming election, as it would need at least a few more months to complete the ongoing proceedings. l M Masud Hossain Khan is a technical writer at a software firm.

Interfaith monologues

n FS Aijazuddin

brahamic religions have a patrimony of persecution. Over millennia, Judaism has been persecuted by history, Christianity by the Romans and its own sects, and Islam by its Samuel Huntingtons. Victimisation has been not simply the cost of difference. It has been the price exacted for faith. The 20th century has seen a change that would have been unthinkable a hundred years ago. Religionists have moved away from defending their beliefs or reinforcing their religious conviction with revivalist movements. Instead, they have followed modern medical practices. They have inserted stents to improve the flow of the corpuscles of thought and the platelets of ideas within their own systems. The result of this reinvigoration has been a quickening of interest in inter-faith communications as realists began to acknowledge a truth: If you cannot lick them or join them, at least talk to them. Hence, interfaith dialogue. Interfaith conferences are to the 21stcentury what post-World War II peace conferences were to the 20thcentury, valves designed and engineered to relieve pressure before it accumulates and explodes into confrontation. At the highest level, after centuries of doctrinal and ecclesiastical dissen-

sions, the various Christian churches which followed the same saviour decided to reach out to one another. From the 1960s onwards, particularly, the heads of the Church of Rome, the Church of England, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Coptic Church, and the Russian Orthodox Church (to name only a few), met and in doing sofor the first time addressed each other as equals.

The need for interfaith understanding today remains unarguably acute. It is sharpened by the polarisation that has infected politics

In 1965, Pope Paul VI and the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Athenagoras made a Catholic-Orthodox Joint Declaration by which they regretted past mistakes and lifted the mutual excommunication that had been their weaponry against each other for over 800 years. Since then, interfaith communication has found a number of voluntary flag-bearers. Perhaps the best known in recent years has been Ms Karen Armstrong, a former nun who, since turning her back on her convent, has achieved fame (and fortune) publish-

ing books on comparative religion. She has created a niche market for her well-researched and readable summaries of the worlds major religions and their founders. She has divined that her readership prefers its religion in small doses. Her pithy products remind one of those mini-jars of breakfast marmalade, enough for one serving at a time, but for which the customer pays more for the package than its content. The nearest equivalent to Karen Armstrong in Islam would have to be Dr Akbar Ahmed. As an author he is as prolific, and he is equally articulate and persuasive as a speaker. His commitment to the promotion of inter-faith understanding lies as deep as hers. Ever since he turned his back on the constrictive seminary he had joined in 1966 the Civil Service of Pakistan Dr Akbar Ahmed, like Karen Armstrong, has found a new career for himself. In fact, not one, but a number of careers. He has been Pakistans High Commissioner to the UK and more productively, he now serves as an ambassador for Islam in the United States where he lives and teaches. Islam in his hands is like a Rubiks cube. He can rotate it with dexterity, and with each flick of his wrist he is able to present a fresh configuration, similar to and yet different from a previous pattern. His television seriesJourney into America(2009) was

a carefully crafted outreach program in which he took Islam to places in the United States where other faiths do not always reach. In the 17thand 18thcenturies, no education was regarded as complete unless one had done a grand tour of classical Europe. Modern television has replaced the rigours of that sort of cultural foot-slogging. Through such series asCivilisationhosted by Kenneth Clark in 1969 or Dr BronowskisThe Ascent of Man(1973), culture like fast-food is now canned and home-delivered. Dr Ahmeds television series provides his sedentary audiences with the same convenience. He knows he cannot convert them to his faith. It is his conviction though that he can at least carry them to an intermediate stage of thought, even if he cannot transport them to the destination of belief. Dr Ahmeds latest bookThe Thistle and the Droneis an interesting step away from his usual path. It is an interesting, provocative application of the tools of academic anthropology to modern politics. In it, eyeless drones are pitted against the indomitable thistle of tribal victims. A few days ago, after receiving an honorary doctorate from Forman Christian College University (his alma mater at Lahore), Dr Akbar spoke about it to an audience of academics. He lectured as he always does, mellifluously and with feeling, about the

need for Muslims to reach out to co-religionists and to other religionists. One was reminded immediately of the talk on similar lines by Karen Armstrong a few years ago. She had spoken in the ballroom of a five-star hotel; Dr Ahmed gave his talk in the auditorium of a private Christian university.

Interfaith conferences are to the 21stcentury what postWorld War II peace conferences were to the 20thcentury, valves designed and engineered to relieve pressure before it accumulates and explodes into confrontation

There was no danger in either venue of hostile invective being hurled by a radical lurking in the hall. The surroundings in both places were as safe and secure and risk-free as swimming in a Washington think-tank. The need for interfaith understanding today remains unarguably acute. It is sharpened by the polarisation that has infected regional and international politics. For it to succeed, though, it needs desperately to move beyond the singularity of interfaith monologues. l FS Aijazuddin, OBE, is the author of more than a dozen books.This article was first published in Dawn.

12

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Entertainment

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Bangladesh gets its first Idol

n Mahbub Hassan Joti
Mong Uching Marma became the first ever Bangladeshi Idol. On Friday, the grand finale of the popular global franchise was aired on SATV and this is the first time an indigenous person won a reality show in Bangladesh. coming nostalgic for the time when I used to play my guitar stealthily. My father wanted me to concentrate on my studies only and once he threw my guitar on the road beside my home. I am grateful to the audience of Bangladesh and to everyone who sent an SMS to make me the winner of such a great show. I am grateful to the judges for selecting me in the first place and finally as the winner. On the finale, the three finalists Monti, Mong and Arif performed songs specially written and composed by the lead musicians of Bangladesh. Monti, the second runner up presented a song written by Gazi Majharul Anwar and composed by Foad Nasser Babu. The winner Mong sang a song with lyrics by Shahan Kabondhs and music by Bappa Majumder. And the first runner-up Arif performed a number written by Kabir Bakul and composed by Partha Barua. Famous singers and celebrities made the program more lively and colorful. Sabina Yasmin, Kona and many other singers rocked the stage. But the main attraction was the performance by Shakib Khan and Apu Biswas. l

Emon and Achols first film on the way

Hrithik and Susannes separation official

The programme has gained rapid fame since it started to air in Bangladesh and gradually came to an end with two more names: first runner-up Arif and second runner-up Monti. Mong is a student from Bandarban Government College. He is the vocalist of a band named Chikkhhok. In a conversation with Dhaka Tribune, Mong said: In this grand occasion I am be-

Swapno Je Tui, a new movie featuring Emon and Achol is on its way. This is their first movie together as a couple and the audience are in for a treat as both the actors seem to set the screen ablaze with their sizzling chemistry. Directed by Monirul Islam Sohel, the movies shooting will continue till December 20 and will later resume according to schedule convenient for both the actors. The story of the movie is about a simple young man who moves into the city and tries to adjust in the new environment. It shows the evolution of a rural man into an urban one and highlights the struggle he faces in all aspects including love. About the film, Emon Said: Achol is a great co-worker and she is very co-operative. I am enjoying my role in the movie and is thankful to the director for providing me with such a wonderful role. Achol said: The storyline of Bangla films are changing with time and I really like the way in which matters are presented in the movie. Emon is a great actor and I am really enjoying myself, as we have already established a harmonious working rapport. l

n Entertainment Desk
Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan on Friday announced that he is separating from his wife Sussanne Roshan. The relationship that lasted for around 17 years has been in news for quite long for getting sour over personal differences. According to the statement, his wife Sussanne had decided to end the relationship. Hrithik Roshans full statement: Sussanne has decided to separate from me and end our 17-year relationship. This is a very trying time for the entire family and I request the media and the people to grant us our privacy at this time. I do not wish this news to demoralise my fans and the people about the institution of marriage in any way. I am a firm believer in this institution and respect and honour it at the highest level. And Once again I thank my fans for all the concern and prayers for my health, my treatment is going well and I should be able to resume my life in every way very soon. Thank you. After Hrithik Roshans shocking announcement about the split, wife Sussanne Roshan too has released a statement confirming the same. Her statement says: We are two individuals who respect and care for each other and have made our own individual choices. We are parents to two wonderful kids and our responsibility remains to protect and take care of them. However, just as Sussanne validated the couples separation, the Bollywood heartthrob, posted a heart wrenching message on Facebook calling the interior decorator the love of his life. This is my greatest tribute to love. Sussanne is and always will be the love of my life for the rest of my life. If her smiles are brighter without me my love for her must accomplish that. Unconditional, read the 38-year-olds emotional post. Hrithik and Sussanne announced their separation days before their 13th marriage anniversary, which is on December 20. The couple has two sons Hrehaan, 7 and Hridhaan, 5. l

Hindi movie on 1971 war ready for release

n Entertainment Desk
The Bastard Child is an upcoming dramatic Hindi movie, based on the liberation war of Bangladesh. It is a gripping and compelling reconstruction of the events that took place in Bangladesh, in 1971. is a term merely used for a child born out of wedlock and not as an abusive connotation. Mrityunjay as well as his films producer Soumya Devvrat believed in their content and hence suggested their title as extremely relevant. On receiving this letter of approval, the diBangladesh but I will release it there as I spent part of my childhood in the country. This is a small token from my end, he says. About the movie, Raima Sen said: A large number of Bangladeshi women were abused by the Pakistani army during the war, the film focuses on the suffering of the women. A se-

Jibondhulis release pushed back

n Entertainment Desk
Seasoned filmmaker Tanvir Mokammels upcoming film Jibondhuli has received the censor certificate last week. The film was initially scheduled to release countrywide sometime in the running week marking the Victory Day, but the current political unrest pushed back the release date, said the director. However, Mokammel still optimistic about releasing the liberation war based film in December. The film has recently been nominated in the competition category of Jaipur International Film Festival. The event will take place from February 1 to 5 in the coming year. The film, narrating a touching story on the milieu of the Liberation War, has been submitted to the censor board recently and the director is hoping to release the film countrywide on the Victory Day. The film revolves around Jibonkrishna Das, a poor Hindu lower-caste drummer, whose wife and children get killed by Pakistani armed forces. It depicts how he struggles to survive against the brutality of the Pakistanis and local collaborators. Shatabdi Wadud, Wahida Mallik Joly, Jyotika Jyoti, Ramendu Majumder and Paresh Bhuiya play the lead roles in the movie. l

Lead actors of The Bastard Child: Farooque Sheikh, Raima Sen and Indraneil Sengupta The film is directed by Mrityunjay Devvrat and features Raima Sen, with Indraneil Sengupta as her counterpart. Featuring actors like Farooque Sheikh, Pavan Malhotra and Victor Banerjee, The Bastard Child is slated to release soon in India. Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) had earlier rejected the title for being derogatory. However, Mrityunjay then reapplied for approval and managed to persuade officials to approve his title. According to him, bastard rector said: I am elated and extremely grateful that IMPPA has reconsidered and cleared our title. The film would have been something else to me if it wasnt called The Bastard Child. It is a truly relevant title. It is a story about the Bangladeshis and their struggle for independence in the Liberation War. What these affected women have gone through is truly unimaginable. I am happy to see the support I have on this project, he added. Mrityunjay hopes the film releases smoothly in India. It might face protests in ries of separate stories come together to portray the bigger picture. The plot of the movie has three parallel stories, which bifurcate into smaller stories. In the end, the lives of the characters come together. The first is in rural Bangladesh, it is the journey of a family through troubled times, guided by their father. In the other, a journalist converts to a militant. His wifes story, which makes up the center of the film, is about the women of Bangladesh at that time, unfolding in captivity. l

Esrajs melancholic tune gives Why Oprah never new look to Tagore songs embraced motherhood
n Entertainment Desk
Promising Tagore singer Shwapnil Shojib has come up with his latest release Neel Atal. After the last two massive hits -The Tagore Treasury and Bhanga Goray Rabindranath, Neel Atal is a compilation of Tagore numbers tuned with Esraj only. The album comes under the label of G series and Agniveena. With a graceful voice, Shwapnil has already conquered hearts of Tagore music lovers which levels up the bar of expectation from the latest release. Anjan Basu has played esraj for the album containing a total of eight numbers. Neel Atal is a bouquet of Tagore songs. It is unique in the sense that, for the very first time in Bangladesh, an attempt has been made to compose Tagore songs only with Esraj. Tagore was fond of Esraj and therefore it has been used in his songs, says Shwapnil. It has Brahmo devotional flavour in the compositions like Yademi Prasfurang, elements of raga are blended in the numbers Kotha Hote Baje Prem Bedona, and Kar Milon Chao Birohi. Tomarei Koriyachi Jiboner Dhrubotara is yet another happy tune revamped with fresh spells of folk style. Ke Bosile Aaji Hridoyashone gauges emotions with range of Toppa.

n Entertainment Desk
Oprah Winfrey has said she has no regrets about not having children because her busy career came first in her life. The 59-year-old talk show host actress and businesswoman has famously never married or started a family, although she has been in a relationship with businessman Stedman Graham since 1986. Oprah was honoured with a leadership award at The Hollywood Reporters Power 100 breakfast at the Beverly Hills Hotel where guests included Jane Fonda, Demi Lovato, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. She told The Hollywood Reporter: If I had kids, my kids would hate me. They would have ended up on the equivalent of the Oprah show talking about me, because something (in my life) would have had to suffer and it wouldve probably been them. The Butler star revealed even as a child, the idea of starting a family one day was far from her mind. Referring to her best friend and mother of two Gayle King, Oprah said: Gayle was the kind of kid who, in seventh grade home economics class, was writing down her name and the names of her children. While she was having those kind of daydreams, I was having daydreams about

For the fashionistas of the country, ATN Bangla will showcase a special show Trend, today at 3:45pm. Hosted by Nusrat Faria, the programme is directed by Queen Rahman. The show focuses on current fashion and lifestyle trends

how I could be Martin Luther King. But despite not being a mother, Oprah dedicates a great deal of time to the students attending the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, the school which she opened in 2007 and to which she has contributed more than $100m. She revealed she begins her day every morning emailing the girls. Im responding to everything from Im feeling lost to I need advice about a boy, she revealed. l

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The album is serene and arouses inquisitiveness to listen further. It does have an distinctive assemblage of soundtracks targeted towards the intense music lovers. Shwapnil, a regular artist on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, has appeared in the Indian television channels recently. His has also performed at concerts in Bangladesh, India, U K and Australia. l

11:00pm Zee Studio

The Last House on the Left

TODAY IN DHAKA
Exhibition
Woman in Gossamer By Nurun Naher Supti Time: 3pm 9pm Alliance Francaise de Dhaka Return to Eden By Nasima Khanam Queenie Time: 10am to 8pm Alliance Francaise, Dhanmondi, Quest for Reality By Rafiqun Nabi Time: 12pm-8pm Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts
House No 42, Road No 16, Dhanmondi

COMEDY
12:30pm Comedy Central
Awkward Friends

9:00pm Z Cafe

To live is to be slowly born An architectural exhibition of some current works By Kashef Chowdhury Time: 12 8pm Bengal Art Lounge 60 Gulshan Avenue Circle 1

Did you know?

Arsenal have conceded 5+ goals in a Premier League game for only the third time yesterday (after losing 1 6 & 2 8 at Old Trafford)

Sport

Sunday, December 15, 2013

DHAKA TRIBUNE

13

0 9 1
DAYS TO GO
14 Australia claim key English wickets 15 City slickers hit Gunners for six

National side A washed

It was just the name that separated the sides in the star-studded T20 Challenge series as the Bangladesh national side was handed a 3-0 thrashing in the three-match series against the Bangladesh A team yesterday. After sealing the series earlier, the A team beat the Tigers by eight wickets at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday. Mushfiqur Rahim, in the absence of star players Shakib al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, once again tinkled with the batting line-up, but the result was not satisfactory again. Soumya Sarker failed to put an impression yet again as he was out for a duck in the first over. However, number three Shamsur Rahman and Mushfiq clobbered some lusty blows to keep the national side on the right track. Shamsur faced just 12 deliveries for a blistering 37 that included four fours and three sixes while Mushfiq struck four fours and two maximums for 38 off 24 balls. Veteran left-arm spinner Abdur Razzaq came in lower down the order and slogged his way to an unbeaten 36 from 15 balls that took the national side to 188-9. Muktar Ali was impressive with his medium pace as he claimed three wickets for 21 runs. The A side also tested a new opening combination in Marshal Ayub and Mominul Haque, who batted in number three and four in the Tests, and the pair provided a flying start by adding 74 runs in quick time. Mominul was the dominant off the two as he fired nine fours and two sixes to score 55 from just 23 balls while Marshal made 25.

BRIEF SCORES
Bangladesh: 188/9 in 20 overs (Mushfiqur 38, Shamsur 37; Muktar 3/21) Bangladesh A: 190/2 in 16.3 overs (Mithun 67*, Mominul 55; Al Amin 2/28) A team won by eight wickets

Bangladesh A team celebrates with the T20 Challenge series trophy after beating national side at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday

MUMIT M

Mithun Ali and Sabbir Rahman made sure they capitalised on the start and they put on 103 runs for the third wicket to achieve the win in just 16.3 overs. Mithun, who was later adjudged as the man of the match, hit three fours and six sixes and remained not out on 67 from 30 balls. Sabbir accompanied him with an unbeaten 37. l

Faruk happy with Challenge Series

n
Newly appointed national chief selector Faruk Ahmeds two-year tenure began with the T20 Challenge Series between the national and the A team that ended yesterday. The Mushfiqur Rahim led national team was convincingly beaten in the series by 0-3 and though the result raised many eyebrows, Faruk thought the A team deserved the wins for playing better cricket. You cannot say A team was a weak side or a second tier team because there were at least 8 to 9 cricketers who played for the national team in the recent past. So it was actually two national teams playing against each other, Faruk told the media at Sher-eBangla National Stadium yesterday. The chief of the selection panel stated that the matches played in the series were nothing more than practice matches to them. However it would have been better if the national side could have managed one or two wins. A team played very well in all the three matches and they got the result and won all the three games very comfortably, added Faruk. I think Nasir (Hossain) as captain and Mominuls (Hoque) presence was an important fact that boosted them (A team). I believe this kind of games is always of help to the cricketers, he added and further pointed out the lack of strategies in the national team. I think national team lacked with batting strategies in the first two games and today (yesterday) they failed to bowl well because of the wicket. Congratulations to the A team for the 3-0 win, said Faruk. The former national skipper informed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) plans to hold few more tournaments of this kind in future ahead of the National Cricket League which is scheduled to start by the last week of December. The selection chief was particularly happy with batsman-leg spinner Sabbir Rahman and said, He performed in both the edition of BPL (Bangladesh Premier League). To be honest we dont have many Twenty20 specialists, but we found Sabbir to do well in all the three departments. He will be considered for sure. Sabbir scored 58 runs in the series with the highest of an unbeaten 37 in the last game while he was economical with the ball though he failed to pick any wicket. l

Grand treat in store for spectators

Fifa World Cup trophy to land in Dhaka on Tuesday
It will not be a have a glimpse and go out event as the organisers of the Fifa World Cup Bangladesh tour have chalked out an elaborative program to turn the occasion into a lifetime memory, when it will be on display at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Tuesday. In a press conference held at the BFF House yesterday Debashish Deb, the country manager of Coca Cola said they are proud to bring the most recognised trophy of the world in the country. The Fifa World Cup trophy is not going to every country in the world. It will travel only in 88 countries and Bangladesh is exceptional among them as the silverware will be staying here for three days. In many countries it would be staying for a few hours only, said Debashish. Debashish said they have planned to accommodate 15,000 spectators who will have a memory of a lifetime as There will be an interaction zone, hologram zone, trophy room, photo collection and perfect serve zones for each of the spectators and it would take around 1.5 hour for each spectator to complete the route. Coca Cola has already offered the tickets through a promotion process and, however, no ticket is for sale. The most attractive feature of the program will be a photograph of the spectator with the coveted trophy when they leave the exclusive zone. The spectators will not be allowed to take any picture with the cellular phone they might carry. The trophy will be arriving at the capital on Tuesday and is scheduled to be taken to the Banga Bhabhan where President Abdul Hamid will grace a reception. On the first day of its arrival the trophy will remain at the Radisson Hotel, but on the second and third day it will be on display at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. A chartered flight from UAE will be carrying it to Bangladesh. A three-layer security arrangement will be surrounding the trophy on its move. The trophy will be treated with the VVIP security procedures, all the top level security organisations of the country are directly involved with the process. We will be trying our best to ensure pilfer proof security for the trophy and the spectators, said Sheikh Md Maruf Hasan, DIG of Police and the chairman of the security sub-committee. Eleven years ago a replica of the 2002 Fifa World Cup trophy landed in Bangladesh. This year, for the first time, the original World Cup trophy will be touring the country. l

BFF senior vice-president Abdus Salam Murshedy speaks at a press conference yesterday

COURTESY

We all should be proud of Hemanta: Rene

n

Heavy defeat worries Mushfiq

n
National skipper Mushfiqur Rahim is concerned with the heavy defeat they received from the hands of the A team in the T20 Challenge series yesterday. The matches were quite one-sided so we are concerned, particularly about our bowling. Our biggest problem was batting, but over the last 12 months we have improved in that area. We have scored 170-plus regularly. Our worry is bowling in the first six overs and at the death. We will need to work in these areas, Mushfiq told the media at Shere-Bangla National Stadium yesterday. He said they are yet to specialise in the format and for that they need specialists in T20. He believes the series helped find new players for the format. We have guys like Farhad Reza, Muktar Ali, Arafat Sunny, [Sabbir Rahman] Rumman and Mithun Ali who have done well. We want these players to push us in the senior side. We have more matches in the near future when we will monitor performances of these players as well as those from the Bangladesh team, added the wicketkeeper-batsman.l

Shamsur twists ankle

Top order batsman Shamsur Rahman suffered from an ankle twist during fielding in the third and final Twenty20 match of the Challenge series at Shere-Bangla National Stadium yesterday. The right-handed batsmen underwent MRI scan immediate after the match. The report will be available today informed BCB physician Dr. Monirul Amin to the media. He had an ankle strain during the match. The report of his MRI will be available tomorrow (Sunday) but from what we have seen that the injury is not serious. The incident happened in the 15th over of the Bangladesh A innings when Shamsur suffered the injury while trying to hold onto Sabbir Rahmans catch off Mahmudullah in long-off. l

If Hemanta had a Dutch passport we could put him in the academy right away, were the words that came from the FC Twente coach on the Bangladesh Under-19s Vincent Hemanta Biswas who staged an impressive display in his final practice game at the Dutch club recently. Both Hemanta and Bangladesh assistant coach Rene Koster, who accompanied the 17-year-old to the trial, returned home on Friday after a twoweek trial and said age is making it difficult for the club to enroll Hemanta in their academy. Hemanta is 17. Its not possible for him to stay in Holland because when you are coming out of European Union you have to be 18 years old then they give you contract. If they give Hemanta a contract in Holland there is a law they have to give him (Under-18) a contract of $250000 which is a big amount. So they take the best players from Europe, explained Rene Koster yesterday. After an average display in the first game, Hemanta put a bright performance in the second and last game. Ac-

cording to Rene, Hemanta was one of the best players on the pitch. In the last game, Hemanta and Bimal were the best players on the pitch to me. After the game, I talked to the coach of FC Twente and he said they were very happy with the performance. He also told me if they had Dutch passport they could put them in the academy right away, said Rene. Hemanta also said how he was greet-

ed by others after the game. The players and coach came to me and praised my performance. It gave me the confidence that I can make it through, said the youngster. FC Twente is expected to send their final reports on Hemanta in next few days before the Christmas. Rene also talked about the possibility of next steps. What they can do is give them a training of 90 days in the academy and

Vincent Hemanta Biswas flanked by the national coaches shares his FC Twente experience at the BFF House yesterday COURTESY

then send them back. They can give them a contract once they are 18. The most important thing for us is that Hemanta showed he can handle the pressure of the level in Holland. That is very very positive. He showed everybody there that he is a very good player with different quality. He is a very tough guy and have good attitude. We all should be proud of him, he added. Rene also admitted that the only lacking they found in Hemanta is that he is tactically a bit weaker than others. Hemanta, however, explained his experience during his day at FC Twente, It was a great experience for me. The two weeks I spent there, it was a dream for me. Things are totally different from here. I learnt a lot there; how to behave, how to keep personality as a player. Overall I enjoyed a lot. Meanwhile, Bangladesh head coach Lodewijk de Kruif said he has found another talent like Hemanta in Abahanis U-16 centre-back Badshah. He is only 14. We want to give him a chance. We want to give you stars. Football is below cricket here, but we want to change it, said the Dutch coach. l

14
SCORE CARD, DAY 2
AUSTRALIA 1ST INNINGS

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Chris Rogers run out (Anderson) 11 David Warner c Carberry b Swann 60 Shane Watson c Swann b Broad 18 Michael Clarke c Cook b Swann 24 Steve Smith c Prior b Anderson 111 George Bailey c Pietersen b Broad 7 Brad Haddin c Anderson b Stokes 55 Mitchell Johnson c Prior b Broad 39 Peter Siddle c Prior b Bresnan 21 Ryan Harris c Root b Anderson 12 Nathan Lyon not out 17 Extras (lb6, w3, nb1) 10 Total (all out; 103.3 overs) 385 Bowling Anderson 23 5 60 2 (1w), Broad 22 2100 3 (1w), Bresnan 23.3 4 81 1, Stokes 17 3 63 1 (1nb, 1w), Swann 17 0 71 2, Root 1 0 4 0.
ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS

Brazil duo ordered to play 20 games away from home n Reuters, Rio De Janeiro
The two teams whose fans fought running battles on the terraces during a Brazilian first division game last weekend have been ordered to play a total of 20 matches away from their own cities. Brazils Superior Court of Sporting Justice ruled on Friday that hosts Atletico Paranaense must play 12 home games at least 100km from their home city of Curitiba and six of them must be behind closed doors. Opponents Vasco da Gama, who were relegated after losing the match, must play eight games outside Rio de Janeiro, four of them behind closed doors. Atletico were also fined 140,000 Brazilian reais ($59,900)and Vasco were fined 80,000 reais. The fighting was a huge embarrassment for the hosts of next years World Cup and came days after world governing body FIFA said some stadiums had missed an initial deadline to be ready. The match was halted for more than an hour as hooligans ran riot and a police helicopter landed on the pitch to ferry one injured fan to hospital. Four people were seriously hurt. l

Alastair Cook c Warner b Lyon 72 Michael Carberry b Harris 43 Joe Root c Haddin b Watson 4 Kevin Pietersen c Johnson b Siddle 19 Ian Bell not out 9 Ben Stokes not out 14 Extras (b10, lb3, w5, nb1) 19 Totals (4 wickets; 68 overs) 180 Bowling Harris 15 7 26 1, Johnson 15 6 43 0 (1nb), Watson 9 2 32 1, Siddle 13 5 27 1 (5w), Lyon 16 6 39 1. Toss: Australia

Australia claim key English wickets

n AFP, Perth
There was more DRS controversy as Australia edged closer to regaining the Ashes on the second day of the third Test against England at the WACA Ground on Saturday. In reply to the home teams first innings total of 385, the tourists were 180 for four at stumps on the second day, with Ian Bell on nine (from 62 balls) and Ben Stokes on 14, still trailing by 205 runs. Australia leads the series 2-0 after wins in Brisbane and Adelaide, and can regain the Ashes with a win in Perth. Although in-form pacemen Mitchell Johnson went wicketless despite generating express pace, all of the other Australian bowlers used took a wicket each as several English batsmen failed to build on promising starts and the effectiveness of the controversial Decision Review System was again called into question. The home team struck two key blows in the final session of the day, removing England captain Alastair Cook (72) and dangerous batsman Kevin Pietersen (19) in quick succession. England were progressing steadily, if slowly, at 136-2, with Cook, who was dropped on three, grinding his way back into form. However, the left-hander then inexplicably cut a Nathan Lyon delivery straight to Dave Warner at backward point for a soft dismissal. Pietersen was showing unusual caution at the crease and it took him 49 balls to reach double figures. However, Australian quick Peter Siddle continued his dominance over the tall right-hander when he lured him into an ugly pull shot that was well caught by Mitchell Johnson at mid-on. It was the 10th time Siddle had claimed Pietersens wicket in Test cricket, having also dismissed him twice in Adelaide in the second Test, and the manner of his demise again raised eyebrows. England got off to a solid start through Carberry (43) and Cook, the pair riding their luck a little as they built their partnership. They blunted the pace of Johnson, who bowled the three quickest deliveries of the match in succession in one over, and closed in on Englands first century opening partnership in 12 Tests. Just as that milestone loomed, Ryan Harris achieved the initial breakthrough, when Carberry dragged a ball back onto his stumps as he attempted

Australia's Shane Watson (C) is congratulated by teammates after taking the wicket of England batsman Joe Root (2L) on day two of their third Ashes Test in Perth yesterday

AFP

to withdraw the bat with England on 85. The tourists were soon forced to deal with worse when Joe Root was adjudged caught behind from the bowling of Shane Watson just six runs later and was out for just four runs in the latest DRS controversy. However, there was a faint noise as the ball passed the bat, but it may have been Root hitting his pad, as appeared to be evidenced on hot spot. Australia resumed at 326-6 and the day started well for England, with Stuart Broad (3-100) claiming the wicket of Johnson, who had not added to his overnight score of 39, with the second ball of the day. Steve Smith then fell for 111, the victim of a DRS challenge by the English after getting an inside edge through to wicketkeeper Matt Prior from a Jimmy Anderson delivery.l

Unfair if Ronaldo denied Ballon dOr: Real

n AFP, Madrid
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said Friday it would be unfair if star striker Cristiano Ronaldo failed to win the Ballon dOr for World Footballer of the Year in 2013. I am convinced he will win because it would be an injustice if he didnt when everyone knows hes the best player in the world, the Real president told reporters during annual Christmas drinks with the media. Ronaldo has been shortlisted alongside Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Bayern Munichs French winger Franck Ribery for the Ballon dOr, which is to be presented in Zurich on January 13. This year, the injury-hit Messi seems to be less of a favourite while Ronaldo has been dazzling on the pitch. On Tuesday, he became the first player to score nine goals in the group stages of the Champions League as Real won 2-0 away at FC Copenhagen. Reals chief was confident the player would turn up. Until now he has always gone to the awards, Perez said. The club president said he hoped Real would win their longed-for 10th Champions League trophy. It would be a gift for all our fans, especially for our members, he said. The Real chief said he had not heard anything from club officials of a possible departure by Argentine international Angel Di Maria, who has lost his starting place in the team.l

Suarez factor could derail Spurs: Lloris

n AFP, London
Hugo Lloris admits Luis Suarez presents the biggest barrier to Tottenhams efforts to continue their recent revival with victory over Liverpool on Sunday. Andre Villas-Boas Spurs side have recovered impressively from the shock of losing 6-0 at Manchester City and will face the Reds at White Hart Lane knowing victory will bring them level on points with Brendan Rodgers team. Villas-Boas must decide whether to recall striker Roberto Soldado, who pressed his claims with a hat-trick in the 4-1 midweek Europa League victory over Anzhi Makhachkala after being replaced by Jermain Defoe in the last two Premier League line-ups. Meanwhile, Manager David Moyes wants Manchester United to clear their minds of title talk as they look to avoid losing three successive Premier League

Uniteds Van Persie out for a month n AFP, Milan n AFP, Manchester Juventus
Manchester United received another setback on Friday when manager David Moyes revealed that striker Robin van Persie will be out for a month with a thigh injury. The Dutchman recently returned from a four-game lay-off due to a groin problem, playing in last weekends 1-0 loss to Newcastle United and the midweek victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. However, he injured himself as he took the corner that led to Phil Joness 67th-minute winner against Shakhtar and Moyes expects him to be out of action until next year. Robin Van Persie is out for a month, Moyes said. He picked up a thigh strain in taking a corner kick which led to the goal.l

Juve turn focus back on title defence

by Wesley Sneijder to finish third in the group and drop into the Europa League. With the 2014 final being played at Juventus Stadium in May, Conte admit-

FIXTURES
Aston Villa v Man United Norwich v Swansea Tottenham v Liverpool
games for the first time since 2001. United travel to Aston Villa on Sunday for a league fixture that they have not lost since 1995, but with the champions already 13 points behind leaders Arsenal, their grip on the title is weakening.l

return to the defence of their Serie A title on Sunday when they host Sassuolo looking to pull further ahead of Roma and Napoli and forget their Champions League misery. Antonio Contes side crashed out of the Champions League group stages on Wednesday after a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in Istanbul, although the circumstances meant it was a bitter pill to swallow for the Italian giants. The sides Group B fixture on Tuesday was stopped after 31 minutes due to heavy snow. The remaining 59 minutes were played on Wednesday, but on a pitch that was virtually unplayable. Juventus, who tried in vain to have the match postponed further, eventually succumbed to an 85th minute strike

FIXTURES
Chievo Fiorentina Genoa Lazio Parma Udinese Juventus Napoli v v v v v v v v Sampdoria Bologna Atalanta Livorno Cagliari Torino Sassuolo Inter

ted they will soon turn their focus to Europes second tier club competition. But the immediate priority is to win the two games before Christmas, against Sassuolo on Sunday and away to Atalanta next week. A Juventus win on Sunday would

give them a six-point lead over Roma and heap the pressure on Rudi Garcias men ahead of their trip to Milan on Monday. Early season pacesetters Roma ended a streak of four consecutive draws last week with a 2-1 win at home to Fiorentina to close the gap to three points. Roma playmaker Francesco Totti made his return to the bench at the Olympic Stadium last week following a lengthy injury lay-off and is being widely tipped to start against Milan. Like Juventus, Napoli are licking their wounds after beating Arsenal 2-0 at the San Paolo but losing out to Borussia Dortmund for second place in their Champions League Group H. Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain shed tears of disappointment on Wednesday but Rafael Benitezs side cant linger on lost opportunities for long with Inter Milan visiting on Sunday.l

Mourinho calm over Terry, Lampard, Cole

n AFP, London
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he is not worried that club stalwarts John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole are all approaching the end of their contracts. All key figures during Mourinhos first spell at the club between 2004 and 2007, the English trio will be out of contract when the season ends. Its a situation that doesnt worry me, doesnt worry the club and, I think, doesnt worry the players, Mourinho said, ahead of his sides Premier League home game with Crystal Palace. Their desire to play for this club, nobody has doubts about it. We want them to feel free to express and to enjoy these last years of their careers. Everything is very calm (and) at the end of the season, probably before that, the club will sit with them, the offer will be on the table. Club captain Terry, 33, and 35-yearold midfielder Lampard have both featured regularly since Mourinho returned to Chelsea from Real Madrid in June, but left-back Cole, 32, has been supplanted by Cesar Azpilicueta in recent weeks.l

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan, preserve number one ranking

n AFP, Dubai
Sri Lanka retained their status as the worlds top Twenty20 team by beating Pakistan by 24 runs in a thrilling finish to the second game in Dubai on Friday. The win also levelled the two-match series at 1-1 after Pakistan won the first match by three wickets on Wednesday. Kusal Perera hit a career best 59-ball 84 and spinner Sachitra Senanayake took three wickets in a match with full of runs and records. The series draw kept Sri Lanka at number one in the Twenty20 rankings, shattering Pakistans hopes of claiming the top spot in any form of the game for the first time. Chasing a daunting 212run target, Pakistan finished at 187 in 19.2 overs with Sharjeel Khan scoring 50 and Sohail Tanvir making 41. Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal was excited at holding on to the number one ranking. Perera had been ably supported by Dilshan (48) and Kumar Sangakkara (44 not out) as Sri Lanka posted an imperious 211-3 in 20 overs. Pakistan fought valiantly despite Sharjeels 25-ball 50 but they slumped from 83-3 to 85-7 in the space of just seven balls. They looked well set when Sharjeel brought up his fifty off just 24 balls with two towering sixes off Seekkuge Prasanna but was bowled by the legspinner in the same over. Senanayake, who finished with 3-27, then chipped in with the wickets of Umar Amin and Bilawal Bhatti for nought in the same over. Sohail Tanvir added 63 for the ninth wicket with Saeed Ajmal (20) -- the highest stand for this wicket in all T20 cricket -- but the target proved beyond Pakistans reach. Shahid Afridi chipped in with a rapid 13-ball 28 with two sixes and two fours. Earlier Perera, who hit five fours and four sixes, put on a rapid 100 with fellow opener Dilshan as Sri Lanka posted the highest ever total against Pakistan in all Twenty20 cricket. Perera added another 77 for the third wicket with Kumar Sangakkara who made a 21-ball 44 not out with four boundaries and two sixes. It was Dilshan who started the run spree, hitting four boundaries in the fifth over bowled by paceman Bilawal Bhatti as Sri Lanka raced to 90 off the first ten overs. Dilshan hit eight boundaries before he holed out off spinner Saeed Ajmal.l

SCORE CARD
SRI LANKA

T. Dilshan c Amin b Ajmal K. Perera run out S. Prasanna c Shinwari b Ajmal K. Sangakkara not out Extras: (lb1, nb1, w12) Total: (for three wkts; 20 overs)

48 84 21 44 14 211

Bowling Shinwari 4 0 52 0 (2w), Tanvir 4 031 0, Bhatti 2 0 32 0 (1nb, 1w), Ajmal 4 0 25 2 (2w), Hafeez 4 0 45 0 (7w), Afridi 2 0 25 0
PAKISTAN

Shehzad c sub b Senanayake Sharjeel Khan b Prasanna Hafeez c Sangakkara b Kulasekara Maqsood c Chandimal b Thisara Umar Akmal b Prasanna Afridi c Sangakkara b Thisara Amin c Chandimal b Senanayake Bilawal st Sangakkara b Senanayake Sohail Tanvir c Prasanna b Malinga Saeed Ajmal lbw b Kulasekara Usman Shinwari not out Extras: (b1, lb2, nb3, w10) Total: (all out; 19.2 overs)

8 50 7 15 0 28 0 0 41 20 2 16 187

Bowling Malinga 4 0 30 1 (3nb, 1w), Kulasekara 3.2 0 23 2, Senanayake 4 0 27 3, Mathews 1 0 10 0, Dilshan 1 0 13 0, Prasanna 3 0 45 2 (6w), Thisara 3 0 36 2 Result: Sri Lanka won by 24 runs Toss: Pakistan

Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez (L) and Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal (R) pose with the trophy after the two-match Twenty20 International series ended in a draw in Dubai on Friday REUTERS

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

Sunday, December 15, 2013

15
Real salvage draw at Osasuna
n AFP, Madrid
Real Madrid fought back from 2-0 down with 10 men to rescue a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw away to lowly Osasuna on Saturday. Two headed goals from Oriol Riera put the hosts in the driving seat before Reals task became even tougher when Sergio Ramos was sent-off before halftime for two bookable offences. Isco halved the deficit almost immediately after Ramos departure to give Madrid hope.

QUICK BYTES F1 Aussie Webber urges more Ashes sledging

Former Formula One driver Mark Webber has called for more sledging in cricket, saying the Australians should go even further in their verbal battle against England during the Ashes. The first two Tests have involved heated exchanges between players -- including Australian skipper Michael Clarke threatening tailender James Anderson with a broken arm in Brisbane. Clarke was fined 20 percent of his match fee for the outburst but the sparring continued in the second Test where Englands Matt Prior had a running verbal battle with several Australian players on the fourth day. While Clarke was criticised for going too far, players on both sides have said the confrontations have been largely unremarkable in the tradition of Ashes contests, and Webber called for more as Australia are up 2 0 and on the cusp of winning back the urn. AFP

RESULT
Osasuna Riera 15, 39

22

Real Madrid Isco 45, Pepe 80

Ireland hammer Afghanistan to win Intercontinental Cup

John Mooneys second five-wicket haul in the match saw Ireland post a comprehensive victory by 122 runs over Afghanistan to win the ICC Intercontinental Cup final on Friday. Defending champions Afghanistan, chasing 347 runs for victory, were 136 for five overnight but were dismissed for 224. Medium pacer Mooney took 5 wickets for 36 in the Afghan second innings, giving him match figures of 10 81. This was Irelands fourth title in six editions of the Intercontinental Cup, but this victory marked the first time a team has won three ICC tournaments across three different formats in the same calendar year. Ireland won the World Cricket League Championship title in the 50-over format in October and the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament in November, to go with the Intercontinental Cup title in the longer format. AFP

Manchester City's Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo (R) and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho (C) congratulate Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure after Toure scored their sixth goal from a penalty during their English Premier League match against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northwest England yesterday AFP

Osasuna were also forced to play the final 12 minutes with 10 men as Francisco Silva was dismissed for a foul on Cristiano Ronaldo and Madrid took advantage straight away as Pepe headed in from the resulting free-kick. The point moves Real to within two points of leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but the Catalans can extend their advantage when they host Villarreal later on Saturday. Madrid have now only won once in their last six visits to Pamplona, but having scored 24 goals in their previous five league games, they had started the game confidently. l

City hit leaders Arsenal for six

n Reuters, London
Manchester City exposed the first cracks in Arsenals title challenge, beating the Premier League leaders 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium as their attacking talents cut loose in another free-scoring home display on Saturday. Citys stylish showmen sealed their eighth consecutive home league success by out-punching Arsenal, whose lead at the top of the table was cut to two points after Chelsea snuck a 2-1 win at home to Crystal Palace. Everton also kept their noses in the title-race trough with a 4-1 win at home to Fulham moving them fourth, while at the bottom of the table West Ham United and Sunderland played out a 0-0 draw that was little use to either side. Cardiff City beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0, while Newcastle United and Southampton drew 1-1. Arsenals previously watertight defence was prised open at will by the hosts marauding all-out attack. It was the third time this season that City scored six or more, after they dished out similarly crushing blows to Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City and moved them to third within three points of the leaders. The win also put down a light blue marker in a now-congested title race that could have turned decisively in Arsenals favour had they managed to conjure a win. At times the tempo was frightening, City captain Vincent Kompany told BT Sport. We looked to be in control of the game for most of it. There were no standout individual performances but collectively weve done incredibly well. It is a real fortress here. City, whose early opener from Sergio Aguero was cancelled out by Theo Walcott, opened up a two-goal lead with Alvaro Negredo and Fernandinho efforts either side of halftime. Arsenal briefly rallied with a superb second from Walcott, but David Silva restored the two-goal lead from close range and Fernandinho poked home his second to maintain Citys 100 percent home league record. Even Per Mertesackers late consolation for Arsenal was trumped by City as Yaya Toure stroked in a stoppage time penalty. Fifth-placed Liverpool can move back into second if they beat sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. l

McCullum unlikely to play as a wicketkeeper again: Hesson

Captain Brendon McCullum is unlikely to pull on the wicketkeeping gloves again for New Zealand, coach Mike Hesson said on Saturday. The 32-year-old is battling a long-term back injury and has already given up the gruelling role in test matches, with BJ Watling taking the gloves in the longest form of the game. McCullum was still performing the role last year in limited overs matches and filled in during the second test in England in May when Watling was injured. He also played keeper in a one-day match on the recent tour of Bangladesh. However, specialist Luke Ronchi is being used more frequently in limited overs matches, while batsman Tom Latham, who has appeared for New Zealand in Twenty20 and one-day matches, can also play wicketkeeper if needed. Hes unlikely to be used as a keeper. I think hes too valuable a player for us to keep using him as a keeper, Hesson said when asked how McCullums back injury would be managed. Reuters

Man City 63 Arsenal Aguero 14, Walcott 31, 63, Negredo 39, Mertesacker 90 Fernandinho 50, 88, Silva 66, Toure 90 P Cardiff 10 West Brom Whittingham 65 Chelsea 2 1 Crystal Palace Torres 16, Chamakh 29 Ramires 35 Everton 41 Fulham Osman 18, Berbatov 67 P Coleman 73, Barry 85, Mirallas 90 Newcastle 1 1 Southampton Gouffran 27 Rodriguez 65 West Ham 00 Sunderland

RESULTS

Worker dies after fall in Brazils Amazon World Cup stadium

n Reuters, Manaus
A construction worker died in Brazil early on Saturday after falling off the roof of a stadium in the Amazon jungle, adding to safety concerns as the country races to finish building in time to host the 2014 World Cup of soccer. Marcleudo de Melo Ferreira, 22, died in a hospital in Manaus around 4 a.m., according to the local forensic center. He fell nearly 35 meters (115 feet) after a cable broke. Workers had already been killed at three of Brazils 12 World Cup stadiums. Fatal accidents have occurred in Manaus, Brasilia and most recently in Sao Paulo, where two people died on Nov. 27 after a crane collapsed in the arena that is to host the opening game on June 12. l

Super Marios floor Hamburg

n AFP, Berlin
Bayern Munich bounced back from their midweek Manchester City defeat with a 3-1 win over Hamburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday, while Borussia Dortmund suffered a Champions League hangover. Bayern slumped to their first defeat since July on Tuesday when they were beaten 3-2 at home to City, but still went through as group winners to the Champions Leagues last 16. Despite starting with France winger Franck Ribery and left-back David Alaba on the bench, while captain Philipp Lahm and star midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger are injured, Bayern still

VICTORY DAY SPORTS

DAYS WATCH
Star Sports HD1 8:30AM Australia v England Third Test, Day 3 10:00PM La Liga Real Sociedad v Real Betis Star Sports 4 La Liga 5:00PM Almeria v Espanyol 12:00AM Sevilla v At Bilbao 2:00AM At Madrid v Valencia English Premier League 7:30PM Aston Villa v Man United 10:00PM Tottenham v Liverpool Ten Sports Junior Hockey Mens World Cup 1:45PM Match 41, 42, 43 8:30PM Final Ten Golf 10:30AM Thailand Golf Championship Day 4 Ten HD French Ligue 1 2013/14 7:00PM Bordeaux v Valenciennes 10:00PM Lille v SC Bastiais 2:00AM Olmpique Lyon v Olympique Marseille

Bayern Munich 3 1 Hamburg Mandzukic 42, Lasogga 87 Goetze 52, Shaqiri 90+3 Hanover 33 Nuremberg Bittencourt 60, Hlousek 30, Drmic 38, Diouf 87, 90+2 Nilsson 41 Hoffenheim 22 Dortmund Schipplock 18, Aubameyang 44, Volland 37 Piszczek 67 Mainz 05 0 0 M'gladbach FC Augsburg 4 1 Braunschweig Verhaegh 23 P, Oehrl 48 Hahn 30, 33, Altintop 76

RESULTS

started with 10 internationals. Mandzukic put the Bavarians ahead with his tenth goal of the season with 42 minutes gone when he headed home Rafinhas superbly volleyed cross after a long ball from Toni Kroos. Goetze added the second when he hit the top left corner with 52 minutes on the clock before making way for Ribery. Shaqiri came off the bench to add a third just before the final whistle to get Pep Guardiolas Bayern back to winning ways. Striker Sven Schipplock and rightwinger Kevin Volland gave Hoffenheim a shock 2-0 lead before Dortmunds Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Borussia hope when he hit his ninth goal of the season just before the break. l

Ripon, Rahima lift Blazer BD Open TT title

Ripon and Rahima emerged as the champions of Blazer BD Victory Day Open Table Tennis in mens and womens singles respectively at the Paltan Ground Wooden Floor Gymnasium yesterday. Ripon beat Shahed by 3 1 games to lift the title while Rahima won all of her four matches to become the womens singles champion. Sharmin finished as runnersup. Akash won the title of the Cadet section beating Dev and while team Paradise clinched the title of the mens team event beating Sri Pur Ekata by 3 0 games. Shibnath Roy, the secretary of NSC, distributed the prizes as the chief guest. Kazi Razivuddin Ahmed Chapal, the treasurer of BOA, and Zobera Rahman Linu, the general secretary of Table Tennis Federation, were also present on the occasion. l

BCB names Victory Day cricket squads

n Minhaz Uddin Khan
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday declared the squads of Shaheed Jewel XI and Shaheed Mushtaque XI for the traditional Victory Day cricket tie at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium tomorrow. The first Victory Day cricket match was played in 1972 in memory of Liberation War martyrs Shaheed Abdul Halim Chowdhury Jewel and Shaheed Mushtaque Ahmed. Jewel was an attacking right-handed opening batsman for Azad Boys Club who had earned quite a reputation for his attractive horizontal bat shots. His consistent batting form was taking him closer to his dream of earning a Test cap when the War of Liberation broke out in 1971. He was one of the first active cricketers of erstwhile East Pakistan to take up arms and join the freedom fight. After a heroic nine months in the battlefields he was captured by the Pakistan army towards the end of the war and was killed days before Bangladesh became independent. Shaheed Mushtaque was a devout cricket organiser and an inspirational official of Azad Boys Club. He dedicated his life to the betterment of the club and its cricket aspirations. On the blood-splattered night of March

Messi loses out to Del Potro in Argentina

n AFP, Buenos Aires
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi may have been crowned world footballer of the year four times, but in his native Argentina its tennis giant Juan Martin del Potro who is top dog. World number five Del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion, edged out Messi to claim Argentinas Sportsman of the Year award at the Sporto Argentino Festival. I am very happy to have received the Gold Prize of Clarin, del Potro wrote on his Facebook page. It was a great year, much better than I expected. I was there, fighting in the first place. The main thing is I feel very close to the top of the world again. Im already looking at next season. Del Potro won four titles in 2013 and was runner-up at the Indian Wells and Shanghai Masters. He also made the semi-finals at Wimbledon, losing a five-set epic to Novak Djokovic in the longest mens last-four clash in the history of the tournament. l

Army and PDB in Walton Volleyball final

Defending champions Bangladesh Army and Power Development Board won their respective semi-finals of Walton LED Television Victory Day Volleyball at the volleyball stadium yesterday. Army spikers beat Titas Gas by 25 13, 25 13 and 25 17 points while PDB outplayed Bangladesh Air Force by 25 22, 19 25, 25 16 and 25 21 points to set the duel for the silverware. l

SQUADS
SHAHEED JEWEL XI Naeem Islam (capt), Shamsur Rahman, Anamul Haque, Roqibul Hasan, Soumya Sarker, Junaed Siddique, Farhad Reza, Elias Sunny, Mukhtar Ali, Robiul Islam, Sajedul Islam, Arafat Sunny, Mehrab Hossain SHAHEED MUSHTAQUE XI Shahriar Nafees (capt), Imrul Kayes, Mominul Hoque, Marshall Ayub, Saikat Ali, Sabbir Rahaman, Mithun Ali, Shohag Gazi, Enamul Haque, Alauddin Babu, Shuvasish Roy, Shahadat Hossain, Sanjamul Islam
25, 1971, Mushtaque was shot dead by the Pakistan army near Azad Boys Club which was at that time situated in Dhakas Gulistan. The game is scheduled to start at 10am. l

Usha beat Police in hockey

Title contenders Usha KC made a winning start in the Walton Smartphone Victory Day Hockey beating Bangladesh Police by 4 2 goals at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium yesterday. Rabbi Saelehin, Isa Miah and Rubel Hossain scored one goal each for Usha while the other one was an own goal by Police. In the second match of the day, Azad Sporting rode on the strikes of Sohanur, Ridoy and Mohsin to beat Bangladesh Air Force 3 0. l

BGB beat Fire Service in Kabaddi

Border Guard Bangladesh and Bangladesh Police registered victories in the Victory Day Kabaddi at the Kabaddi Stadium yesterday. BGB outplayed Fire Service Bangladesh by 43 9 points with four Lonas while Bangladesh Police edged past Bangladesh Army by 15 11 points with one Lona respectively. l
RAIHAN MAHMOOD

16
Routine promotion of 305 government officials stuck

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Back Page

Sunday, December 15, 2013

n Mohosinul Karim

Largest human flag set to become 5th world record

n James Saville
On Monday at the National Parade Ground, 3 0 , 0 0 0 people will help Bangladesh break the world record for the largest human flag. The event has been billed as a display of national solidarity in the face of political crisis. The previous human flag record was set by Pakistan in 2012, when 24,000 people re-created the Pakistani flag. They broke the earlier record of 21,726 people, held by Hong Kong. record for breaking the largest number of wooden baseball bats with a single shin-kick. The record currently stands at three. According to scientific research, Yurees shin bones have become unusually dense, as a reaction to the stress he has put them through. His website lists him as a tenth degree black belt who routinely provides unarmed combat training to law enforcement agencies across the world. Wasik Farhan Roopkotha, a 7-year old Bangladeshi child, was recently named the worlds youngest IT expert. At the tender age of six, when most children play games with toys, Roopkotha developed his own computer program running tags and code like an expert. He has also a keen gamer, having completed over 300 video games in his short life. Singer Momtaz Begum holds the record for the largest number of published albums, currently she has released over 700. She is also a member of the Bangladesh parliament. After initially financing her own releases, she has now achieved worldwide fame, sometimes recording two albums in a single day. Among her other achievements, Momtaz has provided funding for an eye hospital in her village of Joymontop. l

The promotion of some senior assistant secretaries to deputy secretary posts and that of some joint secretaries to additional secretary have been stuck again as the government is not interested in making decisions in this regard just before the polls. In October, the public administration ministry in association with Superior Selection Board (SSB) prepared two lists of qualified officials to be promoted. Abdus Sobhan Sikder, senior secretary of the public administration ministry, told the Dhaka Tribune: We are working in this regard. But, promoting them will take a little more time because it is the time of elections and the government may not make decision. At least 85 joint secretaries were considered for promoting to additional secretary posts while around 220 for deputy secretary posts. l

Volunteers participate in a rehearsel to display the largest human flag on December 16 on the National Parade Ground to mark the Victory Day SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Alubdi massacre still to be recognised

n Syed Samiul Basher Anik
Mozammel Haque Tarafdar was chatting over tea with several fellow tea-sippers at a wayside snack joint of Alubdi in Mirpur, when this correspondent quietly stepped in. It was a bright morning and there was an air of excitement inside the little tin-shack. The topic of their discussion, it turned out, surrounded the Thursdays execution of war crimes convict Abdul Quader Molla famously known as Mirpurer Koshai (Butcher of Mirpur). The speakers, while elated at the news of his death penalty, appeared to be in two minds about the war crimes verdicts still awaiting execution. I lost everything in the war and it took almost 43 years for the government to ensure justice. A little too long for that, dont you think? said Mozammel, a 64-year-old war survivor. I saw my house gutted down in front of my own eyes and we had to flee in order to save ourselves. The whole village was burnt on that fateful day. When I came back in mid-1972, there were only ashes and hardly identifiable remnants of my former house once located there. Asked about the initiatives taken to officially recognise the place, Mozammel seemed little interested and said there was little point in doing that after more than 42 years had lapsed since the war of liberation. The Alubdi village the infamous site where about 400 unarmed civilians were killed in an attack launched by the Pakistani occupation force and aided by Quader Molla is yet to be recognised as a killing field. Quader was found guilty in six charges of crimes against humanity including the Alubdi massacre, in which he had been given a life sentence. The name of the village was not included in the list of 204 mass-murder sites prepared by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. Another list, prepared by the Liberation War Museum, has no mention of it either. While visiting the village, this correspondent failed to trace any plaque or monument that could remind visitors of the horrific killings that took place there. The fact of the incident was a common knowledge locally, but villagers say an official recognition at this point of time meant little to them. Mozammel Haque Mia, another villager, said he had not heard anything about the initiative to honour the place. What happened in our village was discussed mostly at the war crimes tribunal and international arena. Everyone knows it as the largest mass killing field, but neither the government nor any private organisation ever felt the urge to do anything about it. After the war, we built up our village from scratch, literally from ashes. No one helped us and we dont need any help either. A perfunctory recognition, or signboard or something like this, means nothing for us, he added. l

Four other Bangladeshi world records

On December 12, it was announced that a new album called Ameer 71, featuring 71 different Bangladeshi bands performing songs that uphold the spirit of the Liberation War, broke the world record for the most number of artists on a single album. The album was coordinated by Durbin Entertainment, and features many famous including Dolchut, Feedback, Shunno and Durbin themselves. Mak Yureee, a Bangladeshi martial artist and expert in more than 40 fighting styles, holds the world

Do you know: Which countrys flag has the exact same design as Bangladeshs flag, but with a different colour scheme? Email your answer to info@dhakatribune.com for a chance to win exclusive passes to the Worlds Largest Human Flag event on December 16, and see history in the making.

No initiative to bring back fugitive killers of intellectuals

n Udisa Islam
When condemned killer of martyred intellectuals Chowdhury Mueen Uddin, an al-Badr leader still fugitive in the eyes of law, is making audacious comments on the media over the war crimes trial process, the government has no visible initiatives to bring him back to execute the verdict delivered around one and a half months ago. Now the victims families are doubtful whether the government has any such plan. However, a senior official of the foreign ministry said: Certainly some steps have been taken. He, however, declined to elaborate on the issue. After 42 years of the systematic abduction and killing of hundreds of intellectuals on the eve of independence, a tribunal last month awarded Mueen, now in the UK, and another al-Badr leader Ashrafuzzaman Khan death penalty for masterminding the crimes. Prosecutor Tureen Afroz told the Dhaka Tribune that repatriation of the convicts was possible if we can employ an active lobbyist group and carry out the activities with strong diplomacy. Since the trial began, none of the duo appeared at the tribunal, and so it was held in absentia. Even though it is believed that Ashraf was living in the US, he did not make any media statement ever. However, when Mueen is treated as a fugitive by the court, he has continued to criticise the tribunal and the trial process since his implication in the war crimes case until the conviction. Mueen admits that he had been a member of Islami Chhatra Sangha, then students wing of Jamaat, but denies his involvement with al-Badr, which is blamed for the killing of intellectuals. AlBadr was formed mainly with the members of Chhatra Sangha. Dr Nusrat Rabbee, daughter of martyred intellectual Dr Mohammed Fazle Rabbee, said the Bangladesh government needed to engage with the US and the UK governments at diplomatic-level for extradition of the convicted war criminals. The war criminals had hired prominent attorneys to coach them how to use the right human rights language effectively and express arrogance to deride and undermine the legal procedure followed in Bangladesh, said Nusrat, a biostatistician and faculty member at University of California, Berkeley. Mueen has more than one website where he defends himself to be innocent. He is assisted by his counsel Toby M Cadman. In a website, Mueen claimed that he had been prepared to face the trial and prove his innocence before a court which is fully independent and impartial. In an interview with the Al Jazeera television on July 20, the former alBadr leader termed the ongoing war trials sham and joke, and labelled the tribunal a kangaroo court. He said he would never appear before it. After the verdict, Mueen in a statement through his counsel said the Bangladesh government had no intention to follow norms of due process.

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed on behalf of 2A Media Limited at Dainik Shakaler Khabar Publications Limited, 153/7, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207. Phone: 9132093 94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: news@dhakatribune.com, info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com

Continue to the Business section...

Business

B2 Mobile handset
imports jump

B3 Stocks begin fresh

week today amid political tension

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

Business
www.dhakatribune.com/business
We are examining the matter because most of the local banks are in real financial trouble due to the political deadlock ahead of the general election, another official said on Thursday. He said local commercial banks are now unable to repay the loans against local and foreign LCs due to stagnated business activities amid political deadlock and prolonged violence. Sources in the banking division said they would ask the banks to immediately pay the loan while expressing concern that banks like Islami Bank Bangladesh might face a setback for their high dependence on readymade garments exports if the political unrest prolongs. Last week, the Middle-East wing of Economic Relations Division issued a letter to the banking division, expressing the concern. As per the latter, LC confirmation cost will be increased unless the local banks maintain the standard credit rating of the commercial banks. It said the local banks should regularly repay the loans of foreign financial institutions and banks to protect the image of local banks and the country as well. ERD forwarded an ICIEC letter through an email to the banking division for immediately solving the problem. We have already cleared the payment. There was a technical difficulty causing delays, Prime Bank Managing Director Managing Director Ehsan Khasru told Dhaka Tribune on Thursday. Dutch Bangla Bank would not respond, however. Bangladesh achieved Ba3 from (Moodys) stable rating for 4th consecutive years (201013) and BB-(Standard & Poors) sovereign rating with stable outlook for four consecutive years (2010-13). Standard & Poors and Moodys will rate Bangladeshs economy for two more years, officials of Bangladesh Bank said. The government decided to extend the job of the global rating agencies for 2014 and 2015 on the advice of the central bank, a finance ministry official said. Last year, Moodys reassessed Bangladeshs rating unchanged at Ba3, for the third consecutive year. Bangladeshs rating is higher than that of Sri Lanka (B1) and Pakistan (Caa1), but one notch below Indias. l

Banks default international payments

The countrys image in the financial world is now at stake, as a result
n Asif Showkat Kallol
Two commercial banks have defaulted repayment of foreign loans against letters of credit (LCs), creating a cause of concern that Bangladeshs credit rating might deteriorate as well as the LC confirmation cost would rise further. Official agencies recently apprised Banking and Financial Institutions Division of the allegations of payment failures, a senior official told Dhaka Tribune. The countrys image in the financial world is now at stake, as a result, he said. Two local private commercial banks Prime Bank and Dutch Bangla Bank allegedly failed to repay the loans (not more than US$2 million only) from the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), an associate organisation of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

BGMEA to form company for industrial park

n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) will form a company by this month to establish an industrial park at Bausia in Munshiganj for the countrys apparel makers. The decision came at a board meeting of BGMEA at its office in Dhaka yesterday with president M Atiqul Islam in the chair. We are going to form a company to set up an industrial park at Bausia in Munshiganj for the RMG industry, said M Atiqul Islam. He added the non-compliant factories will be relocated at the park. BGMEA chief said small and medium entrepreneurs will get priority in the allotment of plots, and if the SMEs fail to pay for their allotted plots, others will get opportunity. of plot will be set at Tk1.2 crore per bigha. An apparel maker who exports products $1.2m and above will have to pay 40% of total plot value as down payment to get a plot. And the RMG owner who exports below $1.2m will have to pay 20% of the price as down payment. First vice president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Mohammad Hatem said there will have a joint committee of BGMEA and BKMEA. The committee will oversee implementation of the total project and plot allotments. BKMEA has received 119 applications from its members for plots in the park, said Mohammad Hatem. The non-compliant RMG factories will be relocated in the industrial park to make the countrys apparel industry compliant. Hope, such steps will help to avert factory accidents, the BKMEA leader told the Dhaka Tribune. The park will have facilities like power station, fire brigade, child care, police station, bank, river port, pump house, solid wastage pump, central effluent treatment plant (CETP) and dumping yard. Last year, the government took initiative to establish a garment industrial park at Bausia in Gajaria upazila of Munshiganj to relocate RMG units from the capital and adjoining areas. Some grisly factory accidents including Tazreen Fashion fire and Rana Plaza collapse prompted the government to take the move. l

FBCCI stages demonstration with white flags today n Tribune Report

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) will form a human chain today with hoisting white flags, urging political parties to reach a consensus for resolving the ongoing political deadlock ahead of the general election. The demonstration will be held in front of the Federation Bhaban and other trade chambers and associations across the country from 11:30 am to mid-day. The programme is aimed at protesting the ongoing political violence, shutdowns, blockades that caused damages to business, and bringing peach in the country. FBCCI President Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed in a statement yesterday urged the people, including the business leaders, to participate the human chain programme to protest the arson and vandalism of business organisations and infrastructures. The country witnessed countrywide blockades and hartals due to political confrontation over the upcoming general election. On December 7, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) had formed a human chain, protesting the ongoing political violence. The businessmen had threatened to besiege the offices of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia if they do not take appropriate steps soon to resolve the prevailing political gridlock. l

The non-compliant RMG factories will be relocated in the industrial park to make the countrys apparel industry compliant
As per decision at the meeting, the company will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hong Kong KRD International Investment Group Ltd for establishing the park. The KRD will fund Tk1,400 crore for land acquisition and development, said BGMEA vice president Shahidullah Azim. He said the industrial park will be estabBGMEA building in the capital lished on 532 acres of land, of which 30% will be used for infrastructural development and the rest for factories. He said BGMEA received over 1,700 applications from the garment makers against 432 units to be allocated in the proposed park. The plots will be of different sizes- onebigha, three-bigha and five-bigha. The price

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

Mobile handset imports jump

Total figure stands at around 1 crore in Jan-July period, projected to reach 2 crore by the end of the year

n Muhammad Zahidul Islam

Mobile handset imports have seen a staggering increase during the first seven months of 2013 with the total number reaching nearly 1 crore, said Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). The import registered 29.07% growth from the same period a year earlier. BTRC sources projected the handset import might stand at 2 crore by the end of the year. The telecom regulator discussed the jump in handset imports at a meeting held last week. As the import figure of (mobile handset) goes up, the market is increasingly becoming a lucrative one in Bangladesh, a high official of the BTRC told the Dhaka Tribune. Officials expect the number of smuggled handsets will drop with the rise of import through legal channels. As a regulator we have some duties to help the industry grow. But we also have duty to ensure the things being done in line with the rules, said the BTRC official. He said there are hundreds of thousands of mobile handsets being smuggled into the country. We only count the imported figures. But

Growth of mobile handsets import

2 1.5
Projected Figures in crore

1.2 0.9 0.6 0.3 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

As of July

I am sure there are hundreds of thousands of handsets are being brought through smuggling. In 2012, the country imported more than 1.31 crore mobile handsets with 33.02% rise from the previous year, showed BTRC data. In 2011, the market saw an import of more than 98 lakh mobile handsets with 105.9% increase, while in 2010 the growth was 391.5% with the imports totalling 47.72 lakh.

Mobile Importers Association said they were focusing on the import of only quality handsets through proper channels. The associations secretary general Faysal Alim thinks the drop in smuggling has led to rise of formal imports. As handsets smuggling declines, the legal import goes up, he said. Besides, the huge number of active SIM cards which is now 11 crore will also boost the handset market of the country, added

Faysal Alim. He said the longevity of handsets being imported is on an average 1.5-2 years. Meanwhile, the countrys leading mobile phone operators are also glad with the rise of local market of handsets. Mahmudur Rahman, executive vice president of Robi, said: The number is very inspiring for us. As the more and more people are being connected with mobile networks, the handset marker will see an increasing number of users. Bangladesh has also started assembling mobile handsets by importing parts. Many globally renowned handset makers are doing business on Bangladesh now while some other brands are also set to enter the country. Last month, the electronic equipment vendor HUWAEI launched three handsets of high-end technology in the market. The mobile handset market of Bangladesh is growing very fast, especially that of smartphones, said Mohammad Mesbah Uddin, director of Q Mobile Ltd. He informed as of January only 80,000 smartphones were imported per month, but now the figures jumped to 200,000. I believe the figure will be doubling in the next couple of months, said Mesbah Uddin. l

Modhumoti Bank holds EC meeting

n Tribune Business Desk
A meeting of 3rd Executive Committee of Modhumoti Bank Limited held a meeting for its Executive Committee (EC) on Thursday. The meeting was presided by the banks EC chairman, Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor TaAK Azad chairperson of Shahjalal Islami Bank inaugurated a collection booth at Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Hospital premises in Dhanmondi yesterday. The director and former chairperson of the bank Anwer Hossain Khan, principal professor Dr Fazlur Rahman, the banks vice-Chairperson Syed Nurul Arefeen and managing director Farman R Chowdhury are seen in photo among others posh, said a press release. Among others Anwar group chairperson, Anwar Hossain, Bengle Group chairperson, Mostafa Kamal chairperson of Fresh Group, Humayun Kabir, managing director and CEO of the bank Md Mizanur Rahman were present at the meeting. l

Bata to invest Tk200 crore in five years n Tribune Business Desk

Bata Bangladesh recently organised a press conference to disclose its plan of investing Tk200 crore in next five years at its corporate office in Tongi, Gazipur. CEO of Bata Shoe organisation Jack Clemons presided over the press conference and talked all activities, current scenario and the future plans of Bata Bangladesh, said a press release. The injection of such investment will help Bata to expand its market throughout the country along with creating more employment in Bangladesh, he said. The company is currently investing for the modernization of its two factories in Tongi and Dhamrai, said the press release. l

Banglalink, ITCL ink deal to enable Top-up through Q Cash

n Tribune Business Desk
Banglalink Digital Communications Limited and Information Technology Consultants Limited (ITCL) recently signed an agreement to enable Banglalink Top-up through Q Cash channels such as ATM booth, PoS and E-commerce. Yasser Abdel Hakim, CFO of Banglalink Digital Communications Limited and Dr Kazi Saifuddin Munir, Managing Director and CEO have signed the agreement on behalf of their companies. The commercial launch of the services is expected very soon, said a press release. The deal will allow Banglalink subscribers to top up any Banglalink number through Q Cash channels directly by using their associated bank account, for instance debit or credit card. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

Stocks begin fresh week today amid political tension

n Tribune Report
Stocks begin fresh week today with continued political unrest that confined indices to stay flat with volatility in the past week, as the latest political development fretted investors. The recent talks between the two major political alliances shed some light on the political crisis, but the anarchy over the Quader Mollahs execution might affect the market, investors say. The market was in a struggle between bulls and bears throughout the week ended Thursday though trading activities increased significantly. The benchmark index, DSEX, ended at 4,200 with marginal rise of 22 points or 0.6%. The blue chip DS30 index fell over 7 points or 0.6% to 1,490. The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index, CSCX, gained marginally 63 points or 0.8% to 8,436. The daily turnover on the premier bourse averaged Tk640 crore, an increase of about 50% over the previous week. Textile sector accounted for 27% of the total market turnover, reflecting that the sector was the centre of the attraction in the past week. For last five trading days the index was hovering around the same point and trying to find a direction. Looking at the market, it still seemed to be tilted towards buyers. Market direction was determined by political updates, said Lanka Bangla Securities. The weeks top gaining sector was textile that rose about 7%, followed by non-banking financial institutions 3.6%, jute 3%, general insurance 2.8% and life insurance 2%. Conversely, top losing sectors were food & allied, tannery and telecommunications. Morbid political outlook dominated it

Dollar, euro at five-year yen highs on Fed taper talk

n AFP, Tokyo
The dollar and euro hit five-year highs against the yen in Asia Friday as investors bet that the US Federal Reserve will announce a start to its long-awaited stimulus wind-down next week. The greenback bought 103.86 yen in Tokyo afternoon trade from 103.36 yen in New York on Thursday, while the euro fetched 142.76 yen compared with 142.15 yen - both at highs not seen since October 2008. The single currency was also at $1.3743, from $1.3752. The release in Washington on Thursday of data showing retail sales rose 0.7% in November - better than the 0.6% forecast added to widespread speculation that the Fed will begin to cut its bond-buying this month. While some analysts say the Fed may hold off until January, the upbeat sales figures bolstered the picture of a stronger US economy that does not need as much central bank support as it did at the start of the year. The conclusion must be that it is increasingly likely the much debated Fed taper begins next week, National Australia Bank said. A reduction in the Feds $85 billion a month programme will mean fewer dollars in circulation, which will in turn increase demand. The Fed holds its final policy meeting of the year on Tuesday and Wednesday. The yen has also been pressured by a growing sense that the Bank of Japan will add to its own monetary easing scheme after a marked slowdown in the countrys third-quarter economic growth. Dealers said a closely watched BoJ business confidence survey due Monday will give a better idea of the banks plans for its stimulus, which it put into effect in April. Investors will be looking for a cue to sell the yen stemming from the BoJs additional easing, said Citigroup Global Market Japan chief forex strategist Osamu Takashima. The yen has lost about a quarter of its value against the dollar since late last year when, as leader of the opposition, Shinzo Abe who is now prime minister promised a policy blitz to stoke the economy - later dubbed Abenomics. Japanese officials including BoJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda have hinted there may be more easing to come with a sales tax rise in April expect to take a bite out of consumer demand just as the worlds third-largest economy picks up. Tokyo has announced a nearly $54bn government spending plan to help blunt the impact of the rate hike. The purpose of Abenomics is to restore Japan to its economic glory, said Jamie Charles, portfolio manager at US-based Greenwave Capital. With that in mind, theres plenty of stimulus thats needed, and considerable downside for the yen, he told Dow Jones Newswires. l

heavily, said IDLC Investment in its weekly market analysis. The week opened with optimism as investors greeted initiatives for peaceful political solution in spite of gruesome countrywide blockade. The enthusiasm took a pause in the next session, as sell off kicked in. However, turnover increased further in the second session, absorbing much of the sell pressure helping the market to close flat. The third session, on the contrary, marked a positive day with 40 points advancement. Mixed reaction of the market to explicit commitment of political forces to sit together provided another flat session in the fourth day. Although the market started optimistic,

sell offs in the largest market capital sector, bank, pulled indices down in the last session of the past week. All major sectors followed bank on the session, shedding 30 points from the index, as fear of chaos once again gripped investors mindset, said Lanka Bangla. It said the week was positive for small capitalisation stocks, as mini, micro and small cap stocks generated over 4%, 3% and 2%, respectively, while the large cap class was negative in performance. Generation Next Fashion was the weeks top turnover leader with shares worth Tk162 crore changing hands during the week, followed by Delta Life Insurance, Paramount Textile, Golden Son and Envoy Textile. l

Japan pledges $19bn in aid to ASEAN region

n AP, Tokyo
Japan yesterday pledged 20tn yen ($19.2bn) in aid to Southeast Asian nations over the next five years to help close the regions development gap and improve its disaster preparedness. The announcement at a summit meeting with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations comes as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stepped up Japans courtship of the region of more than 600 million people, an agenda that has gained momentum in reaction to Chinas growing assertiveness in territorial disputes. The development assistance, mainly in the form of concessional loans, also will focus on efforts to promote development in the Mekong river region, where economies have lagged behind. It will also fund transport projects. The summit held in Tokyo marks 40 years of ties between Japan and ASEAN. In a speech Friday, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono welcomed Japans efforts to fortify regional security but urged transparency in Tokyos efforts to raise its military profile. Much of Asia suffered under Japanese occupation in World War II and its leaders have been wary of a potential resurgence of Japanese militarism. Japan has been stepping up economic cooperation and investment across Southeast Asia, especially since 2012, when anti-Japanese riots flared in China after Tokyo nationalized a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea that are also claimed by Beijing. As the worlds third-largest economy, Japan also plays a crucial role in Asian finance. On Friday, Tokyo agreed to expand currency swaps and other arrangements with Indonesia and the Philippines that are meant to help stabilize Asian financial markets. Japan also renewed a swap agreement with Singapore, the Finance Ministry said. In the first six months of this year, Japanese investment in Southeast Asia jumped 89 percent to nearly 1tn yen ($9.7bn) and automakers and electronics companies expanded their factories in the region. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Career

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

Using the Vroom-Yetton-Jago Decision Model to decide how to decide

n Career Desk
How you make a decision often involves as many choices as the decision itself. Sometimes its better to take a decision on your own while at other times a decision reCAREER quires using group consenASCENT sus. But figuring out how to decide is a big decision in itself. Decision-making is at the heart of leadership skills. You dont want to take what many would consider an autocratic decision when team participation was clearly called for. However, you dont want to be ineffective and waste time by including the entire team for a decision that only requires a few key members or just your own judgment. have, the more opportunity there is to include other team players. However, with less time, the opportunity for team building is gone and you need to decide on the fly. The way these factors impact you will help you determine the best leadership and decision-making style to assume. The model distinguishes three difference styles of leadership and five different processes of decision making. Style Autocratic you make the decision and inform others of it. There are two separate processes for decision making in an autocratic style: Processes Autocratic 1(A1) you use the information you already have and make the decision Autocratic 2 (A2) you ask team members for specific information and once you have it, you make the decision. Here you dont necessarily tell them what the information is needed for. Style Consultative you gather information from the team and other and then make the decision. Consultative 1 (C1) you inform team members of what youre doing and may individually ask opinions, however, the group is not brought together for discussion. You make the decision. Consultative 2 (C2) you are responsible for making the decision, however, you get together as a group to discuss the situation, hear other perspectives, and solicit suggestions. Style Collaborative you and your team work together to reach a consensus. Group (G2) The team makes a decision together. Your role is mostly facilitative and you help the team come to a final decision that everyone agrees on.

History of the Model

The Vroom-Yetton-Jago Model is used by leaders to identify the ideal leadership style to adopt while making a big decision, as explained by the website www.mindtools. com. This model was originally described by Victor Vroom and Philip Yetton in their 1973 book Leadership and Decision Making. It was updated in 1988 by Vroom and Arthur Jago to replace the decision tree system of the original model with an expert system based on mathematics.

Understanding the Model

Processes

When you try to decide on a way to decide, your leadership style is affected by three main factors. Decision quality: The decision quality is about how important it is to come up with the right solution. The higher the quality of the decision needed, the more you need to involve people in the process. Subordinate commitment: How important is it for everyone in your team to agree with the decision? You have to increase the participation level depending on how important it is for the entire team to embrace a decision. Time constraints: Do you have enough time to make the decision? The more time you

To determine which of these styles and processes are most appropriate given your current situation, consider the yes/no questions in the decision tree to arrive at a process.

l Team members approval is important l You have enough time

Process

Quick tips

In general, a consultative or collaborative style is appropriate when: l You need information from others to solve a problem l The problem isnt clear

On the other hand, an autocratic style is favourable when: l You have more expertise on the subject than others l You are confident about acting alone l You know that the team will accept your decision l There is not enough time to involve the group

Managing impatience on long work days

n Ahsan Sajid
Patience is difficult to practice at work. Sometimes, other peoples ineptitude holds you back longer. Impatient people in these cases tense up, start CORPORATE sweating, get agitated, and HANDBOOK are a hairs length away from yelling at someone. Losing your patience at work will do you no service. Colleagues view impatience as arrogant, insensitive, and impulsive. Employers view them as likely to make poor decisions, quick judgments or interrupt others. They are less likely to top lists for promotions. 3. Remember that you have a choice in how you react. You can choose to be patient, or not: its all up to you. 4. Slow down. Speak and move more slowly. By acting patient, you will soon feel patient. 5. Practice active listening and empathic listening. Make sure you give other people your full attention, and patiently plan your response. 6. Remind yourself that your impatience does not get others to move faster. Adversely, it can interfere with other peoples ability to perform complex or highly-skilled work. l

If you want to manage your impatience and not let it ride out till you lose your temper and create irreparable damage, try the following tricks. 1. Take deep, slow breaths, and count to 10. This one is obvious. Doing it helps slow your heart rate, relaxes your body,

and emotionally distances you from the situation. Do this several times. 2. Focus on relaxing your body. Impatience causes you to tense your muscles. Take slow, deep breaths; relax your muscles from your toes up to the top of your head.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Career

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

Release your emotions and boost your morale for work

n Rushdina Khan
Did you ever wonder why we cry when we are upset and scream out when we are angry? It works like an auto-healing process that our body undergoes when counYOUR CUP tered with sudden upsurge OF TEA of emotions such as anger. Emotions are of two types: love and fear. If emotions stemming from fear such as anxiety, anger, confusion etc. are chronic and are suppressed or controlled they release certain chemicals in the body that eventually damages our immune system, causing several diseases such as that of the heart, ulcers, blood pressure etc. based emotions is what we can start with. While doing so it is important to listen to our thoughts and bring them to our conscious mind. A good way would be to write about it in specific details and record these emotions for weeks. Your inner voice, also known as intuition, will help you identify these emotions. People doing their thinking at a quiet place usually get to hear their inner voice. During the course, record good and happy emotions also; this will keep your morale high.

How do we release our emotions?

How do we usually try to control our emotions?

It is very important to know that emotions cannot be controlled. You can either live with them peacefully, that is, by managing them well, or you can let them out in sudden outbursts. The following are the ways we often use to suppress or control our emotions:
l Ignoring our feelings l Trying to occupy ourselves by over-eat-

ing, or excessive working, reading or watching TV l Burying angry emotions under the mask of peace and love l Keeping conversations superficial l Pretending something has not happened We sometimes find very calm people bursting out all of a sudden at trivial matters. Such re-

actions have resulted from ignoring feelings from the past as well as events at present. This has negative impacts on our relationships and work too. We cannot be fully present today with the ones we care for unless we have released our emotions from our past. However, bursting out is not an acceptable way of expressing our emotions in the workplace,neither is it appropriate to ham-

per our personal relationships by displaying such behaviour. We therefore are left with the choice of managing the emotions well as the only way out to a healthy lifestyle, professional image and relationships. Managing emotions can also be termed as releasing emotions. Identifying our fear-

How do we identify our emotions?

Now moving on to release your emotions, try the following: l Go for a drive alone or into an empty room and scream out as loudly as you want, or can, whatever you are feeling and whatever is bothering you. l If you like to write, write about your fear, anger, etc. l Meditation can help you too. l If you are angry at a certain person, pray for all the good things for this person that you would normally want for yourself. This will reduce your grudges towards this person. l Ask yourself, had the same situation occurred to someone else, would she or he behave the same way as you did; if yes, you can stop taking the blame on yourself l Be assertive in communicating what you feel instead of bursting out. It is a wonderful and the most professional way to convey the right and prevent the wrong. The writer is a career consultant.

ZamanDB: Almost everyone at work is being willfully tardy, and blaming the current political situation for it. I work in the marketing deASK MENTOR partment of an organization and any project we handle requires strong team dynamics and participation of every member. However, these days too many team members are blaming the political turmoil we are facing for their lack of delivery, which I feel is slowing down my own work. What can I do, as a team player, to revitalize team spirit? I do not want to have to report this situation to our superior, and Im holding it as only a last resort. Mentor: You should not report it; however you should casually bring it up for sure. Obviously in marketing you also deal with vendors who are not able to deliver as well during these times. The whole value chain is breaking down. Under these circumstances you can encourage team members with some team building exercise which does not have to be official but board games are a good thing to try. It will take their mind off the political situation and start fresh on work.

SickOfIt: My boss pays me special attention, which has recently been noticed by colleagues. I want to make clear Ive never done anything to invite this, and hadnt even noticed it till others pointed it out. Maybe this is because I am a woman, I do not know, but my boss seems to agree with my opinions over others, and lets me have the floor too often, much to the ire of a number of my colleagues. To some it might be quite an opportunity, but I want to advance at work with my merit alone and not any unprofessional reason my boss might have. How can I accomplish this, without seeming ungrateful? Im sick of my colleagues making disgusting assumptions behind my back. Mentor: I think you should stop giving opinions at all for a while and to try a more ridiculous means, say something completely silly. Practice this a few times when the boss would want to talk to you. After this you tell him the whole situation, your entire conundrum, but go easy. Mention that as much as you appreciate the opportunity to present your opinions, you would like to point out that there are many other dynamic members in the team who make great suggestions and at times may be better than yours.

Company structure

n Career Desk

goods on market; includes packaging, advertising etc. Organisation chart (noun) a table or plan showing a companys structure graphically Personnel Dept. (noun) - department responsible for recruitment and welfare of staff or employees President (noun) the highest executive officer of a company; head of a company Production Dept. (noun) department responsible for physical creation of product Purchasing Dept. (noun) department responsible for finding and buying everything for a company R & D Department (noun) department responsible for Research and Development of (new) products Reception (noun) the place where visitors and clients report on arrival at a company Sales Department (noun) department responsible for finding customers and making sales Shareholder (noun) person who holds or owns shares in or a part of a company or corporation Vice President (noun) any of several executive officers, each responsible for a separate division

Accounts Dept. (noun) department responsible for administering a companys financial affairs BIZ VOCAB AGM (abbreviation) Annual General Meeting of a companys shareholders

Board of Directors (noun) a group of people chosen to establish policy for and control a company Chairman (noun) a person who heads a Board of Directors; head of a company; chairperson Director (noun) a member of the board of directors Executive Officer (noun) a person managing the affairs of a corporation -chief executive officer Headquarters (noun) a companys principal or main office or centre of control Manager (noun) person responsible for day-today running of a dept.; executive officer Managing Director (noun) senior director after the chairman responsible for day-to-day direction Marketing Dept. (noun) department that puts

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Combined Turnover Leader Envoy Textiles Ltd-N Delta Life Insu. -A
Generation Next Fashions-A

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Share
DSE Gainer Samata Leather-Z Beach Hatchery-A Delta Spinners-A Northern Jute-Z Fareast Finance-N C% 47.90 37.21 35.00 30.63 28.17 A% 54.81 35.84 33.87 31.31 26.16

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

DSE Broad Index: 4299.58 0.52%, Turnover: 31996.29 M.Tk 49.27%, PE: 13.17 Turnover: 35,915.10 MTk. 48.27% MarketCap. 2,069.18 BTk. 0.09% CSE All Share Index: 13349 0.81%, Turnover: 3918.81 M Tk. 40.59%, PE: 12.97
Vol. 16445120 4397380 50620000 16815272 3643000 TO M. Tk. 951.20
1,247.46 1,792.68

% of Avg. P TTL 2.65 57.84 3.47 4.99 2.59 2.30 283.68 35.41 55.28 39.97

CP 24.70 29.50 40.50 41.80 18.20

DSE Loser Libra Infusions-A Aftab Auto.-A JMI Syringes MDL A Eastern Housing-A 2nd ICB M F A

C% -13.95 -9.93 -9.48 -8.20 -8.05

A% -13.98 -9.97 -8.44 -5.69 -8.09

CP 393.00 91.60 204.40 52.60 250.10

Golden Son -A Delta SpinnersA

929.50 145.61

CompanyCode | EPS | BV | Volume Traded (Share) DSE/CSE: ClosePrice / Chn % | Avg.Price | Hi / Lo

BANK ABBANK | 2.95 | 32.60 | Vol. 3061545 D: 26.90 0.74% | 26.96 | 29.00 / 24.50 C: 27.00 1.46% | 27.05 | 27.90 / 26.90 CITYBANK | 1.15 | 25.97 | Vol. 3515331 D: 20.70 0.49% | 20.91 | 22.20 / 18.80 C: 20.70 0.98% | 20.73 | 21.50 / 20.40 IFIC | 1.10 | 18.34 | Vol. 7238999 D: 33.60 1.20% | 33.99 | 35.60 / 30.00 C: 33.90 1.50% | 34.14 | 35.50 / 30.10 ISLAMIBANK | 3.78 | 27.16 | Vol. 1808333 D: 34.90 2.24% | 35.03 | 36.50 / 32.00 C: 35.30 0.84% | 34.99 | 35.90 / 34.90 NBL | 1.05 | 15.76 | Vol. 8009762 D: 12.10 0.82% | 12.15 | 13.30 / 11.10 C: 12.10 0.82% | 12.15 | 13.00 / 12.00 PUBALIBANK | 1.92 | 21.18 | Vol. 876596 D: 32.40 0.31% | 32.30 | 33.50 / 29.50 C: 32.30 0.62% | 32.21 | 32.80 / 28.80 RUPALIBANK | 6.70 | 64.27 | Vol. 192454 D: 65.70 0.46% | 66.00 | 67.90 / 62.00 C: 65.80 0.60% | 65.87 | 69.00 / 65.00 UCBL | 1.90 | 21.72 | Vol. 16496829 D: 24.80 0.40% | 24.92 | 27.00 / 22.50 C: 24.70 0.00% | 24.86 | 25.50 / 23.50 UTTARABANK | 3.42 | 26.97 | Vol. 1644078 D: 31.50 0.63% | 31.73 | 33.00 / 28.50 C: 31.70 0.32% | 31.71 | 32.60 / 31.00 ICBIBANK | -1.60 | -13.03 | Vol. 1204400 D: 6.40 7.25% | 6.45 | 7.00 / 6.30 EBL | 3.91 | 28.22 | Vol. 554392 D: 28.50 3.06% | 28.41 | 30.00 / 26.00 C: 29.00 1.05% | 28.97 | 29.50 / 28.40 ALARABANK | 2.03 | 14.91 | Vol. 12654488 D: 19.60 0.00% | 19.67 | 22.00 / 18.00 C: 19.60 0.51% | 19.68 | 20.90 / 19.40 PRIMEBANK | 2.89 | 22.40 | Vol. 940446 D: 23.60 3.67% | 23.62 | 25.00 / 22.00 C: 23.80 2.86% | 23.78 | 24.50 / 22.00 SOUTHEASTB | 1.89 | 22.66 | Vol. 4509649 D: 18.30 1.08% | 18.37 | 20.00 / 16.50 C: 18.30 1.61% | 18.19 | 18.90 / 16.60 DHAKABANK | 1.46 | 18.08 | Vol. 894799 D: 19.00 0.52% | 19.03 | 20.00 / 17.30 C: 19.00 0.53% | 19.02 | 20.00 / 18.00 NCCBANK | 1.90 | 15.88 | Vol. 4792779 D: 13.50 2.88% | 13.63 | 15.00 / 12.50 C: 13.60 2.16% | 13.60 | 14.20 / 12.60 SIBL | 2.05 | 14.47 | Vol. 4438426 D: 13.40 0.74% | 13.46 | 14.00 / 12.00 C: 13.40 1.47% | 13.47 | 13.90 / 12.50 DUTCHBANGL | 11.57 | 54.27 | Vol. 194120 D: 98.70 0.10% | 97.96 | 102.9 / 92.00 C: 100.3 2.35% | 100.25 | 107.0 / 100.0 MTBL | 1.17 | 17.27 | Vol. 557906 D: 16.40 3.80% | 16.30 | 16.90 / 15.00 C: 16.10 0.62% | 15.93 | 16.60 / 15.30 STANDBANKL | 2.33 | 14.41 | Vol. 3420605 D: 15.00 1.32% | 15.06 | 16.00 / 13.50 C: 15.00 1.32% | 15.05 | 15.50 / 14.20 ONEBANKLTD | 2.35 | 15.34 | Vol. 6717000 D: 16.40 1.80% | 16.49 | 18.00 / 15.00 C: 16.70 0.00% | 16.51 | 17.20 / 15.20 BANKASIA | 1.35 | 20.80 | Vol. 1904894 D: 19.40 3.74% | 19.39 | 20.50 / 17.10 C: 19.10 1.60% | 18.97 | 19.70 / 18.80 MERCANBANK | 2.07 | 16.59 | Vol. 19023949 D: 16.40 0.00% | 16.32 | 17.00 / 15.00 C: 16.30 0.00% | 16.35 | 17.10 / 15.00 EXIMBANK | 1.80 | 14.31 | Vol. 3878361 D: 12.60 0.79% | 12.63 | 13.60 / 11.40 C: 12.70 0.78% | 12.64 | 13.10 / 12.40 JAMUNABANK | 2.47 | 18.56 | Vol. 840336 D: 16.40 0.00% | 16.45 | 17.00 / 15.00 C: 16.40 1.86% | 16.31 | 17.00 / 16.20 BRACBANK | 1.51 | 24.87 | Vol. 2059628 D: 31.30 1.26% | 31.27 | 33.00 / 29.00 C: 31.00 1.27% | 31.04 | 32.60 / 30.90 SHAHJABANK | 2.61 | 14.47 | Vol. 3787814 D: 17.10 1.72% | 17.04 | 18.10 / 15.50 C: 17.20 1.15% | 17.08 | 17.70 / 17.00 PREMIERBAN | 1.18 | 13.95 | Vol. 2909866 D: 11.60 0.87% | 11.66 | 12.00 / 10.40 C: 11.60 0.00% | 11.57 | 11.90 / 11.00 TRUSTBANK | 0.50 | 18.00 | Vol. 3773887 D: 21.60 3.35% | 21.60 | 22.80 / 18.90 C: 21.60 1.89% | 21.51 | 22.90 / 20.80

FIRSTSBANK | 1.85 | 13.89 | Vol. 5567033 D: 15.50 0.65% | 15.56 | 16.50 / 13.90 C: 15.50 0.65% | 15.50 | 16.70 / 15.10 NON BANKING F I IDLC | 4.43 | 29.18 | Vol. 843407 D: 61.70 3.18% | 61.42 | 65.00 / 55.00 C: 61.40 1.66% | 61.42 | 63.30 / 60.40 ULC | 1.80 | 14.90 | Vol. 1077991 D: 28.80 0.35% | 29.06 | 30.90 / 26.50 UTTARAFIN | 7.16 | 41.54 | Vol. 553768 D: 79.50 0.63% | 80.00 | 84.00 / 72.00 C: 79.50 0.50% | 79.74 | 84.00 / 78.70 MIDASFIN | 0.16 | 10.21 | Vol. 85165 D: 32.00 9.22% | 31.97 | 32.10 / 29.00 C: 31.90 17.71% | 31.88 | 31.90 / 27.10 FLEASEINT | 2.34 | 13.93 | Vol. 8008956 D: 30.80 5.12% | 31.08 | 33.70 / 27.00 C: 31.00 6.53% | 31.08 | 33.50 / 29.40 PLFSL | 1.37 | 17.48 | Vol. 4054325 D: 24.20 4.31% | 24.35 | 26.00 / 21.00 C: 24.00 3.00% | 24.18 | 25.10 / 21.00 PRIMEFIN | 0.87 | 17.88 | Vol. 1962887 D: 24.90 3.75% | 25.02 | 27.00 / 21.60 C: 25.00 4.17% | 24.89 | 26.50 / 23.50 PREMIERLEA | 0.10 | 11.37 | Vol. 1092132 D: 10.20 2.00% | 10.31 | 10.90 / 9.00 C: 10.10 0.00% | 10.24 | 10.60 / 10.00 ISLAMICFIN | 1.03 | 15.48 | Vol. 2982432 D: 17.00 4.29% | 17.10 | 18.00 / 15.00 C: 17.00 4.29% | 17.07 | 17.90 / 16.50 LANKABAFIN | 1.61 | 31.07 | Vol. 8618439 D: 59.90 11.55% | 59.38 | 63.90 / 50.00 C: 59.80 11.57% | 59.40 | 63.00 / 54.90 BIFC | 0.15 | 18.58 | Vol. 1488419 D: 17.00 6.92% | 17.41 | 18.40 / 15.00 C: 17.60 11.39% | 17.37 | 18.60 / 15.80 IPDC | 1.23 | 19.43 | Vol. 587795 D: 18.80 4.44% | 18.83 | 19.50 / 17.80 C: 18.50 1.09% | 18.48 | 19.30 / 18.00 UNIONCAP | 0.54 | 17.85 | Vol. 487345 D: 29.60 4.23% | 29.22 | 30.20 / 26.00 C: 28.60 4.00% | 29.21 | 30.00 / 27.10 BDFINANCE | 0.57 | 14.77 | Vol. 1417322 D: 19.00 2.70% | 19.12 | 20.00 / 17.00 C: 19.10 4.37% | 19.18 | 19.90 / 18.10 ILFSL | 0.35 | 12.19 | Vol. 3533438 D: 15.10 5.59% | 15.41 | 15.90 / 13.10 C: 15.20 4.83% | 15.36 | 16.20 / 14.20 PHOENIXFIN | 2.46 | 19.39 | Vol. 2124263 D: 33.00 3.45% | 33.21 | 35.50 / 29.00 C: 33.00 2.48% | 33.08 | 36.00 / 32.20 FASFIN | 0.19 | 13.56 | Vol. 6061592 D: 15.30 11.68% | 15.39 | 16.20 / 12.50 C: 15.30 10.87% | 15.32 | 16.20 / 13.70 DBH | 4.47 | 21.27 | Vol. 302689 D: 53.20 2.03% | 53.82 | 56.10 / 50.00 C: 54.10 2.52% | 54.73 | 56.50 / 54.00 NHFIL | 0.57 | 12.70 | Vol. 1383900 D: 30.20 0.66% | 30.55 | 31.60 / 27.50 C: 30.30 0.66% | 30.37 | 31.60 / 29.80 BAYLEASING | 0.72 | 25.55 | Vol. 1561364 D: 29.40 3.89% | 29.52 | 30.80 / 26.00 C: 29.00 2.11% | 29.20 | 30.90 / 26.30 ICB | 89.23 | 607.74 | Vol. 28994 D: 1528 1.90% | 1527 | 1560 / 1415 C: 1520 0.00% | 1520 | 1560 / 1520 GSPFINANCE | 1.63 | 22.23 | Vol. 2397230 D: 28.70 14.34% | 28.63 | 30.40 / 23.00 C: 28.10 10.20% | 28.39 | 29.70 / 25.50 FAREASTFIN | 0.68 | 13.64 | Vol. 15439500 D: 18.20 28.17% | 17.99 | 18.40 / 14.00 C: 18.30 28.87% | 17.87 | 18.50 / 14.10 INVESTMENT 1STICB | 75.63 | 942.30 | Vol. 50 D: 841.0 4.21% | 841.00 | 841.0 / 841.0 2NDICB | 44.10 | 253.11 | Vol. 700 D: 250.1 8.05% | 250.00 | 270.0 / 250.1 3RDICB | 26.16 | 235.16 | Vol. 600 D: 200.0 5.04% | 200.00 | 200.0 / 191.3 4THICB | 29.24 | 229.24 | Vol. 1000 D: 190.0 5.05% | 190.00 | 190.0 / 186.5 5THICB | 23.45 | 188.92 | Vol. 2800 D: 150.0 0.00% | 150.00 | 155.0 / 150.0 6THICB | 10.99 | 60.14 | Vol. 72100 D: 53.00 0.00% | 52.98 | 53.80 / 51.50 7THICB | 13.53 | 98.60 | Vol. 1500 D: 86.80 1.36% | 86.67 | 87.50 / 86.00

8THICB | 12.47 | 70.07 | Vol. 12500 D: 52.90 1.67% | 52.67 | 53.90 / 52.90 AIMS1STMF | 3.02 | 15.70 | Vol. 3062800 D: 40.90 5.68% | 40.32 | 41.50 / 38.10 C: 41.00 7.33% | 40.31 | 41.80 / 38.40 ICBISLAMIC | 2.21 | 26.81 | Vol. 101500 D: 18.20 1.11% | 18.25 | 18.80 / 17.90 GRAMEEN1 | 6.26 | 33.23 | Vol. 1644250 D: 44.60 3.48% | 44.57 | 46.00 / 42.00 C: 44.40 3.02% | 44.24 | 46.30 / 43.00 ICB1STNRB | 4.06 | 35.31 | Vol. 70500 D: 25.30 0.00% | 25.30 | 25.70 / 25.20 C: 25.00 6.72% | 25.00 | 25.00 / 25.00 ICB2NDNRB | 2.49 | 16.24 | Vol. 985500 D: 9.90 1.02% | 9.92 | 10.10 / 9.80 C: 9.90 0.00% | 9.90 | 10.20 / 9.90 GRAMEENS2 | 2.17 | 16.41 | Vol. 6724600 D: 16.90 5.63% | 17.02 | 17.80 / 15.00 C: 17.00 4.94% | 17.08 | 17.60 / 15.00 1STPRIMFMF | 0.64 | 11.63 | Vol. 8988000 D: 24.60 12.33% | 24.95 | 27.80 / 22.00 C: 24.60 11.82% | 24.71 | 27.10 / 22.10 EBL1STMF | 0.55 | 12.62 | Vol. 2731534 D: 7.00 1.41% | 7.10 | 7.80 / 6.40 C: 7.00 1.41% | 7.04 | 7.30 / 6.60 ICBAMCL2ND | 0.60 | 12.12 | Vol. 465500 D: 5.80 1.69% | 5.90 | 6.10 / 5.80 C: 6.00 1.69% | 6.00 | 6.10 / 5.80 ICBEPMF1S1 | 0.52 | 11.32 | Vol. 559500 D: 6.00 1.69% | 6.03 | 6.20 / 5.90 C: 6.10 3.39% | 6.14 | 6.20 / 5.90 TRUSTB1MF | 0.75 | 11.65 | Vol. 2484535 D: 7.40 1.37% | 7.43 | 7.80 / 6.60 C: 7.50 0.00% | 7.49 | 7.80 / 7.00 PRIME1ICBA | 0.42 | 11.18 | Vol. 2850500 D: 6.10 8.93% | 6.17 | 6.30 / 5.40 C: 6.10 10.91% | 6.04 | 6.10 / 5.60 DBH1STMF | -1.12 | 10.15 | Vol. 1999000 D: 5.80 3.57% | 5.83 | 6.10 / 5.60 C: 5.70 1.79% | 5.78 | 6.10 / 5.60 IFIC1STMF | 0.83 | 11.88 | Vol. 3000250 D: 6.60 1.49% | 6.61 | 7.00 / 6.20 C: 6.60 0.00% | 6.63 | 6.80 / 6.50 PF1STMF | 0.51 | 11.11 | Vol. 1401000 D: 5.70 3.64% | 5.71 | 5.90 / 5.50 C: 5.70 1.79% | 5.70 | 5.80 / 5.50 ICB3RDNRB | 0.00 | 10.60 | Vol. 1125500 D: 5.30 0.00% | 5.39 | 5.50 / 5.20 C: 5.40 1.89% | 5.40 | 5.40 / 5.20 1JANATAMF | 0.78 | 10.68 | Vol. 1483000 D: 6.10 1.67% | 6.16 | 6.40 / 5.90 C: 6.10 0.00% | 6.15 | 6.30 / 5.90 GREENDELMF | -0.82 | 9.72 | Vol. 1027500 D: 5.30 1.85% | 5.40 | 5.60 / 5.30 C: 5.40 1.82% | 5.42 | 5.60 / 5.40 POPULAR1MF | 0.77 | 11.38 | Vol. 3024553 D: 6.20 1.64% | 6.19 | 6.50 / 5.70 C: 6.20 1.64% | 6.18 | 6.50 / 5.80 IFILISLMF1 | 0.00 | 10.45 | Vol. 1204000 D: 5.80 1.75% | 5.87 | 6.00 / 5.70 C: 5.80 0.00% | 5.80 | 5.90 / 5.70 PHPMF1 | 0.63 | 10.92 | Vol. 4472500 D: 5.70 1.79% | 5.71 | 5.90 / 5.50 C: 5.70 1.79% | 5.70 | 5.90 / 5.50 AIBL1STIMF | -0.07 | 9.25 | Vol. 192000 D: 7.10 1.43% | 7.11 | 7.50 / 6.90 C: 7.20 4.35% | 7.20 | 7.20 / 7.00 MBL1STMF | -0.16 | 9.08 | Vol. 535500 D: 6.20 0.00% | 6.26 | 6.50 / 6.10 C: 6.20 3.13% | 6.20 | 6.30 / 6.10 SEBL1STMF | 0.94 | 11.85 | Vol. 2566750 D: 8.10 1.25% | 8.14 | 8.30 / 7.50 C: 8.10 0.00% | 8.08 | 8.30 / 7.60 EBLNRBMF | 1.07 | 10.88 | Vol. 348084 D: 7.80 4.00% | 7.57 | 8.00 / 7.20 RELIANCE1 | 0.95 | 10.33 | Vol. 2958200 D: 8.60 1.18% | 8.65 | 8.90 / 8.00 C: 8.80 3.53% | 8.80 | 9.30 / 8.50 LRGLOBMF1 | 0.45 | 10.78 | Vol. 602134 D: 6.80 1.49% | 6.74 | 7.00 / 6.60 C: 6.80 1.49% | 6.73 | 6.80 / 6.70 ABB1STMF | 0.92 | 10.63 | Vol. 2793084 D: 7.20 0.00% | 7.24 | 7.50 / 7.00 C: 7.10 4.05% | 7.10 | 7.30 / 7.10 NLI1STMF | 1.17 | 12.22 | Vol. 3917950 D: 9.20 1.10% | 9.31 | 9.60 / 8.90 C: 9.30 2.20% | 9.12 | 9.70 / 8.50 FBFIF | 1.30 | 10.27 | Vol. 29000 D: 9.20 3.37% | 9.17 | 9.30 / 8.50

NCCBLMF1 | 1.16 | 10.48 | Vol. 192000 D: 8.30 1.22% | 8.40 | 8.50 / 8.10 ICBSONALI1 | 0.00 | 10.39 | Vol. 2018500 D: 7.90 0.00% | 8.00 | 8.40 / 7.80 C: 8.00 0.00% | 7.98 | 8.30 / 7.90 EXIM1STMF | 0.00 | 10.91 | Vol. 28000 D: 7.70 1.28% | 7.70 | 7.90 / 7.70 C: 7.50 0.00% | 7.50 | 7.50 / 7.50 ENGINEERING AFTABAUTO | 3.60 | 50.81 | Vol. 3062999 D: 91.60 9.93% | 92.16 | 98.00 / 85.00 C: 92.00 9.45% | 92.23 | 96.90 / 91.00 AZIZPIPES | 0.39 | -42.04 | Vol. 260850 D: 21.90 25.86% | 22.27 | 24.90 / 17.80 C: 23.50 32.02% | 23.08 | 25.80 / 19.10 OLYMPIC | 5.23 | 14.73 | Vol. 1362622 D: 153.3 0.46% | 153.33 | 159.8 / 140.0 C: 153.2 0.26% | 153.33 | 159.0 / 151.0 BDLAMPS | -5.31 | 37.07 | Vol. 95925 D: 130.8 7.23% | 131.62 | 143.5 / 129.1 C: 135.2 3.57% | 133.13 | 142.5 / 132.1 ECABLES | 6.10 | 23.97 | Vol. 861480 D: 93.80 10.48% | 95.11 | 111.0 / 82.00 C: 91.00 13.61% | 90.10 | 99.90 / 85.10 MONNOSTAF | 5.31 | 44.78 | Vol. 15950 D: 307.9 2.53% | 307.87 | 333.9 / 304.0 SINGERBD | 9.99 | 45.74 | Vol. 388398 D: 195.4 0.26% | 195.40 | 197.9 / 183.0 C: 194.2 0.52% | 194.58 | 198.6 / 193.0 ATLASBANG | 9.14 | 222.05 | Vol. 91967 D: 159.5 2.27% | 160.27 | 166.0 / 147.0 BDAUTOCA | -0.43 | 5.68 | Vol. 469414 D: 35.00 2.23% | 35.49 | 39.50 / 34.10 QSMDRYCELL | 1.06 | 52.31 | Vol. 3810420 D: 37.90 6.76% | 38.51 | 40.40 / 32.50 C: 37.80 6.78% | 38.26 | 40.60 / 35.00 RENWICKJA | 5.77 | -31.13 | Vol. 62900 D: 143.8 3.68% | 144.24 | 152.9 / 142.1 NTLTUBES | 0.67 | 311.00 | Vol. 296256 D: 74.10 2.88% | 74.10 | 78.60 / 68.00 BDTHAI | 0.43 | 39.35 | Vol. 5567605 D: 31.20 10.25% | 31.52 | 33.50 / 26.00 C: 31.60 11.27% | 31.64 | 33.20 / 28.10 ANWARGALV | 0.52 | 8.10 | Vol. 2454500 D: 29.40 0.34% | 29.87 | 35.30 / 28.40 C: 30.20 0.33% | 30.09 | 35.00 / 28.10 KAY&QUE | -3.89 | 6.03 | Vol. 369575 D: 18.90 21.15% | 19.09 | 21.10 / 15.50 C: 19.30 21.38% | 19.33 | 21.00 / 16.30 RANFOUNDRY | 2.84 | 18.62 | Vol. 382000 D: 93.80 5.44% | 94.26 | 105.0 / 92.00 C: 97.00 1.52% | 99.00 | 98.50 / 100.0 SALAMCRST | 3.31 | 20.00 | Vol. 3335100 D: 44.90 5.15% | 45.36 | 47.80 / 39.00 C: 45.00 5.14% | 45.05 | 47.00 / 42.00 GOLDENSON | 3.70 | 28.70 | Vol. 16815272 D: 57.00 16.33% | 57.04 | 58.60 / 45.00 C: 57.40 17.14% | 57.19 | 58.70 / 49.60 BSRMSTEEL | 3.06 | 19.53 | Vol. 1608970 D: 71.00 0.56% | 71.35 | 79.00 / 67.00 C: 71.00 0.42% | 71.23 | 75.00 / 70.80 NAVANACNG | 4.09 | 27.04 | Vol. 855601 D: 65.90 0.00% | 66.34 | 68.10 / 60.00 C: 66.10 0.15% | 66.18 | 68.00 / 65.50 DESHBANDHU | 0.26 | 10.67 | Vol. 8342598 D: 21.70 13.61% | 22.11 | 24.00 / 17.80 C: 21.80 14.14% | 22.05 | 23.60 / 19.40 GPHISPAT | 2.11 | 15.27 | Vol. 4057280 D: 57.30 2.32% | 57.28 | 61.80 / 50.90 C: 56.90 1.25% | 56.82 | 61.90 / 55.90 BENGALWTL | 3.85 | 24.30 | Vol. 9584800 D: 65.00 5.01% | 65.92 | 69.90 / 62.80 C: 64.50 4.03% | 65.81 | 69.90 / 62.10 BDBUILDING | 1.33 | 12.70 | Vol. 7167000 D: 73.10 2.09% | 74.01 | 81.70 / 71.00 C: 72.80 1.53% | 73.89 | 82.00 / 72.00 NPOLYMAR | 2.38 | 32.89 | Vol. 1158102 D: 58.80 4.85% | 59.37 | 64.80 / 56.00 C: 59.10 4.68% | 59.53 | 63.90 / 58.50 FOOD & ALLIED APEXFOODS | 2.54 | 90.81 | Vol. 493350 D: 105.1 10.63% | 104.27 | 105.2 / 91.00 C: 104.5 8.97% | 103.74 | 104.7 / 91.00 BANGAS | 7.20 | 50.27 | Vol. 344018 D: 469.4 5.65% | 471.56 | 504.0 / 430.0 C: 471.2 5.00% | 475.31 | 496.0 / 464.0 BATBC | 65.69 | 117.22 | Vol. 4100 D: 1623 4.65% | 1623 | 1670 / 1610 C: 1600 3.03% | 1600 | 1700 / 1600

GEMINISEA | -15.39 | -5.70 | Vol. 8850 D: 155.4 5.24% | 155.63 | 160.6 / 151.1 NTC | 29.88 | 110.05 | Vol. 3550 D: 800.0 1.89% | 800.00 | 815.0 / 800.0 ZEALBANGLA | -28.94 | -221.34 | Vol. 6500 D: 8.20 9.33% | 8.21 | 8.30 / 7.70 AMCL(PRAN) | 6.85 | 57.14 | Vol. 293910 D: 189.1 4.88% | 190.38 | 204.8 / 185.0 C: 192.1 2.29% | 190.73 | 204.0 / 188.0 SHYAMPSUG | -45.77 | -396.49 | Vol. 5400 D: 7.70 10.00% | 7.65 | 8.00 / 6.90 RAHIMAFOOD | 0.52 | 4.45 | Vol. 4408420 D: 76.10 18.35% | 76.33 | 92.90 / 64.00 C: 75.80 17.34% | 76.37 | 92.90 / 66.10 FUWANGFOOD | 0.94 | 12.28 | Vol. 6734860 D: 25.50 8.51% | 25.30 | 26.70 / 22.00 C: 25.20 7.23% | 25.20 | 27.10 / 23.30 MEGHNAPET | -0.50 | -1.52 | Vol. 98000 D: 7.10 9.23% | 7.10 | 7.40 / 6.50 MEGCONMILK | -7.48 | -23.70 | Vol. 254500 D: 7.60 5.56% | 7.78 | 8.30 / 7.00 BEACHHATCH | 1.01 | 12.48 | Vol. 14234382 D: 29.50 37.21% | 29.30 | 31.00 / 20.00 C: 29.90 39.07% | 29.59 | 32.30 / 21.90 FINEFOODS | 0.05 | 10.63 | Vol. 4053245 D: 24.00 10.60% | 24.38 | 27.00 / 21.00 C: 24.10 10.05% | 24.44 | 27.00 / 21.60 RDFOOD | 0.91 | 16.84 | Vol. 12125469 D: 26.70 9.88% | 26.67 | 27.90 / 22.50 C: 26.80 11.20% | 26.75 | 28.10 / 24.30 GHAIL | 2.31 | 24.36 | Vol. 17766528 D: 47.20 9.77% | 47.57 | 51.80 / 40.00 C: 47.60 10.44% | 47.98 | 51.80 / 40.20 FUEL & POWER LINDEBD | 31.71 | 144.00 | Vol. 55250 D: 623.8 1.44% | 624.10 | 645.0 / 623.0 PADMAOIL | 27.62 | 79.74 | Vol. 739576 D: 312.2 1.73% | 313.83 | 325.0 / 300.0 C: 313.2 1.73% | 313.67 | 324.0 / 311.1 EASTRNLUB | 5.33 | 71.01 | Vol. 12450 D: 312.1 3.76% | 312.73 | 335.0 / 310.1 BDWELDING | 0.33 | 16.82 | Vol. 5984085 D: 23.80 8.18% | 24.08 | 25.50 / 20.00 C: 23.90 8.14% | 24.10 | 25.80 / 21.50 SUMITPOWER | 3.17 | 19.26 | Vol. 4493766 D: 38.20 1.29% | 38.39 | 41.90 / 35.00 C: 38.20 1.29% | 38.24 | 41.00 / 38.00 DESCO | 2.34 | 31.27 | Vol. 879063 D: 60.20 1.01% | 61.09 | 62.50 / 55.00 C: 61.10 1.33% | 61.02 | 63.30 / 57.10 POWERGRID | 2.19 | 63.69 | Vol. 582072 D: 54.20 1.09% | 54.00 | 55.90 / 51.00 C: 53.50 1.11% | 53.53 | 54.50 / 52.60 JAMUNAOIL | 19.83 | 57.32 | Vol. 1474726 D: 199.3 5.19% | 200.48 | 212.0 / 195.0 C: 199.7 4.50% | 200.64 | 212.0 / 199.1 MPETROLEUM | 21.34 | 59.26 | Vol. 1419249 D: 216.1 4.00% | 217.03 | 226.9 / 206.0 C: 216.7 4.24% | 217.15 | 232.0 / 216.1 TITASGAS | 9.20 | 46.26 | Vol. 1541076 D: 73.40 2.39% | 73.67 | 75.30 / 67.00 C: 73.30 2.53% | 73.51 | 77.00 / 73.10 KPCL | 4.73 | 15.86 | Vol. 1591899 D: 48.80 1.21% | 49.31 | 51.50 / 45.00 C: 49.00 0.20% | 49.27 | 51.10 / 49.00 BEDL | 1.48 | 19.43 | Vol. 8712868 D: 33.90 5.61% | 33.92 | 36.00 / 29.00 C: 33.80 4.97% | 34.04 | 35.80 / 29.00 MJLBD | 2.73 | 30.24 | Vol. 944128 D: 75.30 0.40% | 76.49 | 78.00 / 70.00 C: 76.00 0.80% | 76.64 | 77.70 / 73.10 GBBPOWER | 1.86 | 22.63 | Vol. 7623548 D: 30.70 5.86% | 30.82 | 33.60 / 26.20 C: 30.50 4.81% | 30.64 | 31.80 / 28.10 SPPCL | 3.81 | 23.34 | Vol. 6094320 D: 62.10 1.47% | 62.32 | 69.00 / 55.10 C: 62.10 1.80% | 62.29 | 65.60 / 61.30 JUTE JUTESPINN | -48.14 | -39.89 | Vol. 40550 D: 82.10 4.20% | 82.68 | 91.30 / 81.10 NORTHERN | -9.98 | -18.22 | Vol. 23200 D: 41.80 30.63% | 42.02 | 44.00 / 29.30 SONALIANSH | 2.65 | 226.00 | Vol. 231200 D: 152.5 1.87% | 152.63 | 163.9 / 149.5 TEXTILE AL-HAJTEX | 2.22 | 16.53 | Vol. 528799 D: 75.30 5.52% | 75.55 | 82.60 / 73.00

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

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PROVATIINS | 1.90 | 14.30 | Vol. 342581 D: 29.20 3.55% | 29.42 | 30.50 / 26.00 C: 29.30 2.81% | 29.30 | 29.80 / 25.70 DHAKAINS | 2.84 | 18.02 | Vol. 577250 D: 42.30 3.68% | 42.35 | 43.00 / 37.00 C: 42.50 4.17% | 42.48 | 43.10 / 40.00 LIFE INSURANCE NATLIFEINS | 12.34 | 80.99 | Vol. 405666 D: 300.2 13.50% | 297.71 | 303.8 / 260.0 C: 295.9 13.81% | 296.13 | 300.0 / 260.0 DELTALIFE | 38.53 | 189.40 | Vol. 4397380 D: 281.5 2.73% | 280.83 | 296.5 / 260.0 C: 281.6 2.93% | 281.61 | 297.5 / 270.5 SANDHANINS | 2.39 | 28.22 | Vol. 521961 D: 73.70 1.52% | 74.08 | 76.90 / 70.00 C: 72.60 0.00% | 73.37 | 76.90 / 72.00 POPULARLIF | 3.70 | 715.41 | Vol. 126551 D: 220.0 4.72% | 222.26 | 243.0 / 210.0 FAREASTLIF | 9.21 | 60.79 | Vol. 623712 D: 100.4 0.20% | 101.66 | 106.1 / 95.00 C: 101.6 3.57% | 101.58 | 107.5 / 88.30 MEGHNALIFE | 10.82 | 48.87 | Vol. 1279600 D: 119.3 7.28% | 118.63 | 123.0 / 105.7 C: 120.5 10.55% | 119.63 | 124.0 / 109.0 PROGRESLIF | 2.30 | 31.45 | Vol. 76900 D: 119.3 3.38% | 121.81 | 126.9 / 110.0 PRAGATILIF | 0.60 | 30.15 | Vol. 123948 D: 164.0 5.53% | 165.13 | 173.9 / 145.0 PRIMELIFE | 5.51 | 27.10 | Vol. 109069 D: 101.2 1.10% | 102.11 | 105.0 / 94.00 C: 100.9 0.90% | 101.03 | 104.9 / 98.00 RUPALILIFE | 3.75 | 31.25 | Vol. 1563071 D: 132.6 16.52% | 132.68 | 138.0 / 110.0 C: 135.0 20.11% | 135.27 | 137.5 / 117.2 PADMALIFE | 1.63 | 25.76 | Vol. 3096320 D: 68.20 4.28% | 69.23 | 72.80 / 58.90 C: 69.10 5.66% | 70.19 | 72.70 / 64.10 SUNLIFEINS | 0.00 | 0.00 | Vol. 1979600 D: 62.00 1.64% | 62.93 | 67.50 / 57.00 C: 62.70 3.47% | 63.01 | 67.50 / 61.50 TELECOM GP | 12.96 | 26.26 | Vol. 1977962 D: 202.1 2.08% | 202.77 | 209.7 / 190.0 C: 202.2 1.99% | 202.61 | 209.0 / 201.5 BSCCL | 5.82 | 26.38 | Vol. 1423908 D: 170.0 2.13% | 170.76 | 180.0 / 155.0 C: 170.0 1.85% | 171.29 | 175.7 / 169.5 TRAVEL & LEISURE UNITEDAIR | 1.10 | 12.87 | Vol. 28641290 D: 17.20 4.24% | 17.29 | 17.70 / 14.90 C: 17.10 3.01% | 17.26 | 17.60 / 16.00 UNIQUEHRL | 4.02 | 86.29 | Vol. 2865035 D: 82.80 1.35% | 82.58 | 84.00 / 74.00 C: 82.60 0.98% | 82.62 | 83.80 / 81.00 MISCELLANEOUS ARAMIT | 16.07 | 99.93 | Vol. 38050 D: 328.4 4.20% | 330.09 | 358.9 / 326.3 C: 335.7 2.66% | 332.88 | 349.5 / 330.0 BSC | 1.77 | 565.82 | Vol. 335810 D: 435.5 1.36% | 438.36 | 448.8 / 433.0 C: 436.5 1.31% | 439.46 | 449.0 / 433.0 GQBALLPEN | 6.55 | 250.45 | Vol. 428093 D: 146.4 3.75% | 146.89 | 158.0 / 135.0 C: 146.2 4.13% | 146.34 | 158.0 / 145.8 USMANIAGL | 3.45 | 27.20 | Vol. 728085 D: 144.9 4.62% | 143.38 | 147.6 / 125.0 C: 142.7 2.88% | 142.13 | 147.0 / 135.0 SAVAREFR | 0.14 | 10.57 | Vol. 5300 D: 62.10 2.64% | 62.35 | 63.90 / 58.30 BEXIMCO | 3.24 | 86.74 | Vol. 10670191 D: 34.70 3.89% | 34.55 | 35.50 / 30.10 C: 34.90 4.18% | 34.73 | 35.50 / 30.60 SINOBANGLA | 1.75 | 21.01 | Vol. 2667500 D: 24.30 8.48% | 24.93 | 26.80 / 22.80 C: 24.10 6.64% | 24.49 | 26.90 / 23.00 MIRACLEIND | 0.09 | 14.41 | Vol. 2670707 D: 17.90 4.68% | 17.92 | 20.10 / 16.00 C: 17.90 3.47% | 17.87 | 19.50 / 16.80 BOND IBBLPBOND | 0.00 | 1000.00 | Vol. 1245 D: 985.0 0.10% | 986.67 | 990.0 / 974.0 C: 973.5 2.84% | 973.25 | 976.0 / 972.5 ACIZCBOND | 0.00 | 1000.00 | Vol. 760 D: 890.0 0.91% | 889.31 | 900.0 / 880.5 C: 880.0 0.00% | 880.00 | 900.0 / 820.0

DEC 08-12, 2013 Sectotal Index: BANK: 37,544.85 0.45% NBFI: 21,137.70 4.08% INVS: 4,861.42 1.43% ENGG: 6,526.94 0.15% FOOD: 10,403.36 2.64% F&P: 10,199.18 1.47% TEXT: 3,785.57 2.76% PHAR: 18,281.45 0.57% PAPR: 1,224.08 4.99% SERV: 3,063.07 1.25% LEAT: 5,205.94 2.66% CERA: 547.94 1.67% CMNT: 4,341.09 0.12% INFO: 8,205.13 7.62% GINS: 9,325.63 1.93% LINS: 126,850.10 1.68% TELC: 1,338.57 2.22% MISC: 6,556.72 0.32% RAHIMTEXT | 4.65 | 56.68 | Vol. 46360 D: 256.8 2.47% | 256.62 | 289.8 / 240.0 SAIHAMTEX | 2.75 | 29.50 | Vol. 6059700 D: 30.70 10.04% | 30.87 | 32.00 / 28.10 C: 30.70 9.64% | 30.89 | 32.20 / 28.00 MODERNDYE | 0.91 | 10.37 | Vol. 9900 D: 98.40 2.67% | 98.57 | 106.0 / 93.50 DSHGARME | 0.88 | 12.12 | Vol. 277800 D: 69.10 5.99% | 70.11 | 77.30 / 68.50 DULAMIACOT | -1.90 | -29.70 | Vol. 103100 D: 9.20 17.95% | 9.10 | 9.20 / 7.60 TALLUSPIN | 1.75 | 16.17 | Vol. 12876914 D: 37.80 1.05% | 38.24 | 39.50 / 34.50 C: 37.90 1.04% | 38.47 | 39.70 / 36.00 APEXSPINN | 2.01 | 49.32 | Vol. 74200 D: 73.20 1.10% | 73.71 | 78.00 / 70.30 MITHUNKNIT | 2.87 | 20.53 | Vol. 838162 D: 78.70 5.18% | 79.94 | 85.60 / 73.50 C: 79.00 5.50% | 79.87 | 86.60 / 78.00 DELTASPINN | 3.06 | 26.84 | Vol. 11969400 D: 40.50 35.00% | 39.96 | 42.50 / 30.20 C: 40.90 36.33% | 40.08 | 42.90 / 30.30 SONARGAON | 0.27 | 34.50 | Vol. 3435823 D: 20.40 13.97% | 20.52 | 22.10 / 17.00 C: 20.50 14.53% | 20.63 | 22.30 / 18.50 PRIMETEX | 1.21 | 59.34 | Vol. 3017750 D: 27.00 7.57% | 27.18 | 28.90 / 25.30 C: 26.70 5.95% | 26.92 | 29.10 / 25.50 ALLTEX | -1.26 | 8.10 | Vol. 961000 D: 7.50 4.17% | 7.62 | 7.90 / 7.20 C: 7.60 5.56% | 7.74 | 7.90 / 7.20 ANLIMAYARN | 1.36 | 11.99 | Vol. 2173500 D: 28.70 0.70% | 29.22 | 31.80 / 27.60 C: 28.80 0.35% | 29.05 | 31.70 / 27.80 HRTEX | 2.08 | 14.92 | Vol. 3397310 D: 45.40 5.34% | 45.01 | 50.00 / 41.00 C: 45.30 4.38% | 44.86 | 48.90 / 43.70 CMCKAMAL | 1.37 | 19.31 | Vol. 10673327 D: 33.60 4.67% | 33.75 | 35.50 / 29.90 SAFKOSPINN | 0.95 | 21.78 | Vol. 6078178 D: 29.30 12.26% | 29.62 | 31.20 / 24.20 C: 29.40 12.21% | 29.22 | 31.50 / 26.50 SQUARETEXT | 4.32 | 31.82 | Vol. 444889 D: 91.90 0.76% | 92.16 | 94.00 / 84.10 C: 92.50 0.11% | 92.29 | 95.00 / 92.00 METROSPIN | 0.56 | 17.71 | Vol. 7170794 D: 21.80 4.31% | 21.96 | 23.20 / 19.50 C: 21.90 3.79% | 22.53 | 24.30 / 20.00 MAKSONSPIN | 0.16 | 20.55 | Vol. 27863586 D: 21.00 9.38% | 21.10 | 22.20 / 17.60 C: 20.90 9.42% | 21.07 | 22.20 / 18.40 DACCADYE | 0.93 | 25.85 | Vol. 4414080 D: 26.30 6.05% | 26.50 | 27.90 / 23.00 C: 26.60 7.26% | 26.53 | 27.90 / 23.50 RNSPIN | 2.80 | 16.58 | Vol. 24616223 D: 36.60 1.95% | 36.80 | 38.00 / 33.00 C: 36.70 1.66% | 36.84 | 37.80 / 36.00 BXSYNTH | 0.93 | 25.42 | Vol. 4033006 D: 17.60 6.67% | 17.72 | 18.40 / 15.50 C: 17.70 6.63% | 17.83 | 18.40 / 16.50 MALEKSPIN | 2.81 | 43.48 | Vol. 10702605 D: 28.40 1.43% | 28.79 | 30.00 / 26.00 C: 28.50 1.06% | 28.99 | 30.00 / 28.10 ZAHINTEX | 1.20 | 31.07 | Vol. 5514400 D: 29.90 11.57% | 30.30 | 31.60 / 25.00 C: 30.10 12.31% | 30.27 | 31.50 / 27.70 SAIHAMCOT | 1.92 | 23.62 | Vol. 10274000 D: 26.40 10.46% | 26.85 | 28.00 / 24.20 C: 26.60 10.83% | 27.06 | 28.20 / 24.30 GENNEXT | 1.68 | 15.15 | Vol. 50620000 D: 34.70 3.89% | 34.91 | 36.60 / 31.50 C: 34.80 3.88% | 34.94 | 36.70 / 32.20 ENVOYTEX | 3.10 | 37.86 | Vol. 16445120 D: 60.90 10.53% | 59.12 | 61.40 / 50.00 C: 61.30 10.85% | 59.53 | 61.40 / 55.50 ARGONDENIM | 1.89 | 38.86 | Vol. 8247740 D: 87.50 8.56% | 86.33 | 89.00 / 73.00 C: 86.40 6.40% | 85.03 | 88.00 / 80.00 FAMILYTEX | 3.72 | 14.68 | Vol. 3425000 D: 67.90 28.11% | 69.19 | 72.90 / 53.70 C: 68.00 29.77% | 67.99 | 72.80 / 54.00 PTL | 2.12 | 20.06 | Vol. 17732000 D: 67.50 6.97% | 67.81 | 72.00 / 63.60 C: 67.50 7.48% | 67.61 | 72.00 / 63.70 Pharmaceutical & Chemical AMBEEPHA | 3.94 | 26.15 | Vol. 55800 D: 270.5 5.32% | 271.18 | 290.0 / 268.2 C: 271.3 4.47% | 263.49 | 284.2 / 260.0 BXPHARMA | 3.77 | 52.55 | Vol. 1187142 D: 47.20 1.72% | 47.31 | 48.20 / 42.50 C: 46.80 0.65% | 47.52 | 48.40 / 46.50 AAMRATECH | 1.33 | 19.91 | Vol. 11256599 D: 38.30 8.81% | 38.69 | 40.00 / 32.00 C: 38.40 8.78% | 38.97 | 41.60 / 34.00 GENERAL INSURANCE BGIC | 1.65 | 20.33 | Vol. 294438 D: 30.00 1.69% | 30.14 | 32.00 / 26.90 C: 30.40 3.75% | 30.14 | 31.80 / 28.50 GREENDELT | 4.05 | 64.44 | Vol. 269726 D: 87.20 1.28% | 86.98 | 90.00 / 80.00 C: 86.00 1.78% | 85.95 | 88.50 / 85.20 UNITEDINS | 2.47 | 21.04 | Vol. 93321 D: 44.30 2.64% | 44.60 | 45.30 / 42.10 PEOPLESINS | 2.05 | 20.72 | Vol. 614595 D: 35.30 1.15% | 35.54 | 36.80 / 33.00 C: 35.80 2.58% | 35.80 | 38.30 / 34.60 EASTERNINS | 2.22 | 35.88 | Vol. 138084 D: 38.10 0.53% | 38.46 | 40.00 / 34.50 C: 37.60 0.27% | 37.62 | 40.00 / 37.60 JANATAINS | 0.78 | 17.07 | Vol. 763290 D: 28.30 2.91% | 28.78 | 29.20 / 25.00 C: 28.30 2.91% | 29.11 | 29.70 / 26.50 PHENIXINS | 2.70 | 20.96 | Vol. 255066 D: 43.10 1.89% | 43.63 | 44.60 / 38.50 C: 42.40 0.24% | 42.27 | 42.40 / 41.10 EASTLAND | 4.06 | 23.29 | Vol. 743946 D: 48.50 1.25% | 48.90 | 49.90 / 43.50 C: 47.90 0.42% | 47.91 | 48.30 / 47.50 CENTRALINS | 1.54 | 19.04 | Vol. 217311 D: 30.70 5.14% | 30.77 | 31.70 / 28.00 KARNAPHULI | 1.56 | 19.42 | Vol. 501200 D: 25.50 5.81% | 25.78 | 26.30 / 22.80 RUPALIINS | 2.76 | 23.38 | Vol. 879555 D: 34.70 4.20% | 35.07 | 36.00 / 30.30 C: 34.60 0.29% | 34.93 | 36.00 / 32.30 FEDERALINS | 1.10 | 10.98 | Vol. 1702477 D: 25.70 6.20% | 25.90 | 27.00 / 22.00 C: 25.70 5.76% | 26.08 | 26.70 / 24.10 RELIANCINS | 3.93 | 61.52 | Vol. 26397 D: 74.40 2.62% | 74.38 | 75.00 / 71.70 PURABIGEN | 1.05 | 18.71 | Vol. 3239843 D: 26.80 14.04% | 26.43 | 26.80 / 22.00 PRAGATIINS | 2.01 | 50.30 | Vol. 402468 D: 58.40 2.46% | 58.15 | 61.00 / 54.00 C: 57.00 1.79% | 57.00 | 59.00 / 57.00 PRIMEINSUR | 2.14 | 14.14 | Vol. 687191 D: 32.30 0.94% | 32.75 | 34.50 / 30.00 C: 32.30 4.19% | 32.30 | 32.30 / 32.30 PIONEERINS | 3.11 | 23.84 | Vol. 597502 D: 67.00 0.00% | 67.62 | 69.40 / 62.00 MERCINS | 1.53 | 14.50 | Vol. 728503 D: 27.70 2.97% | 27.96 | 28.80 / 25.00 C: 28.20 0.70% | 28.15 | 29.50 / 25.60 AGRANINS | 1.73 | 14.39 | Vol. 387039 D: 28.30 5.20% | 28.46 | 29.40 / 25.00 GLOBALINS | 1.09 | 11.78 | Vol. 345097 D: 29.60 4.96% | 30.26 | 31.00 / 26.00 NITOLINS | 2.59 | 15.41 | Vol. 142663 D: 35.00 2.04% | 35.11 | 35.90 / 33.00 C: 34.10 7.84% | 33.10 | 35.50 / 32.10 ASIAPACINS | 1.84 | 13.76 | Vol. 293770 D: 30.60 3.03% | 30.89 | 31.80 / 28.00 C: 30.70 2.68% | 30.70 | 30.90 / 29.50 SONARBAINS | 1.68 | 13.38 | Vol. 857859 D: 26.20 8.26% | 26.61 | 27.30 / 22.50 C: 26.20 7.38% | 26.30 | 27.00 / 24.80 PARAMOUNT | 1.26 | 13.19 | Vol. 498115 D: 25.80 7.50% | 25.93 | 26.50 / 23.00 C: 26.30 1.50% | 26.30 | 26.70 / 24.20 CITYGENINS | 1.65 | 14.26 | Vol. 757597 D: 28.50 4.40% | 28.92 | 29.60 / 24.90 C: 28.90 5.09% | 28.98 | 30.40 / 27.00 CONTININS | 1.41 | 15.68 | Vol. 840963 D: 30.70 4.42% | 31.33 | 32.10 / 28.00 C: 31.00 4.03% | 31.57 | 33.40 / 29.50 TAKAFULINS | 2.19 | 15.17 | Vol. 1520422 D: 41.70 8.88% | 41.94 | 42.60 / 35.00 C: 42.10 9.35% | 42.15 | 43.00 / 38.00 STANDARINS | 2.58 | 13.99 | Vol. 171235 D: 40.50 0.98% | 40.73 | 42.00 / 36.60 C: 39.80 0.50% | 39.93 | 40.10 / 38.50 NORTHRNINS | 1.77 | 11.15 | Vol. 414251 D: 41.70 1.21% | 42.48 | 43.00 / 38.00 C: 43.30 4.34% | 43.30 | 44.40 / 38.60 REPUBLIC | 2.14 | 12.42 | Vol. 1414094 D: 45.90 9.03% | 46.09 | 47.10 / 38.50 C: 46.10 9.24% | 46.25 | 47.30 / 42.00 ASIAINS | 1.56 | 17.34 | Vol. 465802 D: 27.90 2.57% | 28.30 | 28.90 / 25.00 C: 28.70 5.51% | 28.72 | 29.50 / 27.20 ISLAMIINS | 1.29 | 11.96 | Vol. 339092 D: 34.90 4.80% | 34.95 | 36.80 / 30.50 C: 33.40 1.21% | 33.35 | 35.40 / 31.30

GLAXOSMITH | 20.25 | 123.32 | Vol. 7550 D: 982.0 1.80% | 982.50 | 1020 / 965.0 ACI | -5.82 | 126.42 | Vol. 78070 D: 172.5 0.92% | 179.75 | 183.0 / 157.0 C: 173.7 1.58% | 173.65 | 178.9 / 160.0 RENATA | 33.57 | 138.83 | Vol. 68765 D: 730.1 1.15% | 736.05 | 770.0 / 720.0 RECKITTBEN | 27.16 | 78.89 | Vol. 1100 D: 899.2 0.99% | 900.00 | 900.0 / 867.0 PHARMAID | 1.39 | 26.19 | Vol. 255650 D: 168.1 7.28% | 168.86 | 189.0 / 167.2 KOHINOOR | 11.46 | 15.99 | Vol. 15130 D: 335.5 3.79% | 335.71 | 390.0 / 330.0 C: 302.5 18.62% | 302.50 | 310.0 / 295.0 IBNSINA | 3.44 | 34.02 | Vol. 455774 D: 102.2 5.11% | 103.11 | 109.8 / 101.9 C: 102.8 4.10% | 104.03 | 111.0 / 102.3 LIBRAINFU | 4.21 | 1567.59 | Vol. 4000 D: 393.0 13.95% | 393.00 | 442.3 / 390.0 C: 385.0 18.43% | 385.00 | 385.0 / 385.0 ORIONINFU | 1.27 | 7.00 | Vol. 1294100 D: 43.20 3.60% | 43.39 | 45.50 / 40.00 C: 42.70 2.89% | 42.93 | 45.50 / 42.00 SQURPHARMA | 6.93 | 37.18 | Vol. 1204758 D: 192.9 1.03% | 192.99 | 201.1 / 180.0 C: 192.7 1.18% | 193.02 | 196.0 / 192.0 IMAMBUTTON | -1.51 | 4.16 | Vol. 267500 D: 9.00 25.00% | 9.05 | 9.50 / 7.10 C: 9.20 27.78% | 9.33 | 9.40 / 7.00 KEYACOSMET | 1.55 | 21.54 | Vol. 12802387 D: 28.70 6.30% | 28.92 | 30.40 / 24.50 C: 28.80 6.67% | 28.95 | 30.40 / 25.00 BERGERPBL | 32.46 | 100.20 | Vol. 5600 D: 865.0 3.59% | 865.00 | 888.0 / 835.0 C: 823.0 2.75% | 823.00 | 823.0 / 823.0 ACIFORMULA | 3.33 | 38.08 | Vol. 381630 D: 78.70 1.03% | 78.80 | 84.00 / 75.00 C: 78.00 0.00% | 78.77 | 85.00 / 76.60 MARICO | 27.53 | 62.47 | Vol. 19550 D: 753.1 1.14% | 753.13 | 766.0 / 752.1 C: 769.0 2.53% | 769.00 | 769.0 / 745.0 BEACONPHAR | 0.04 | 12.01 | Vol. 1783975 D: 13.30 3.10% | 13.34 | 13.90 / 12.00 C: 13.20 0.76% | 13.24 | 13.90 / 13.10 ACTIVEFINE | 3.23 | 13.89 | Vol. 3674431 D: 86.60 0.35% | 86.39 | 91.30 / 79.00 C: 86.10 0.12% | 86.77 | 91.10 / 85.00 SALVOCHEM | 0.68 | 10.57 | Vol. 12888456 D: 25.50 15.91% | 25.89 | 28.10 / 20.00 C: 25.70 16.29% | 25.93 | 28.00 / 22.30 GHCL | 2.14 | 57.31 | Vol. 5523250 D: 61.80 5.64% | 62.54 | 65.50 / 59.40 C: 62.00 6.16% | 62.29 | 65.50 / 60.20 ORIONPHARM | 5.02 | 68.68 | Vol. 8449570 D: 61.50 1.15% | 61.93 | 65.00 / 55.00 C: 61.60 1.32% | 61.91 | 64.50 / 56.00 JMISMDL | 1.12 | 12.83 | Vol. 1108000 D: 204.4 9.48% | 207.40 | 233.0 / 202.3 C: 204.4 9.76% | 207.15 | 230.0 / 202.5 CENTRALPHL | 1.62 | 12.24 | Vol. 16611300 D: 48.80 16.47% | 49.55 | 54.00 / 37.80 C: 48.90 16.43% | 49.62 | 54.00 / 40.00 PAPER & PACKAGING HAKKANIPUL | 0.51 | 31.01 | Vol. 745000 D: 39.80 22.09% | 40.68 | 43.50 / 33.30 C: 39.50 18.62% | 39.69 | 43.20 / 33.00 SERVICE SAMORITA | 2.49 | 57.42 | Vol. 329569 D: 94.50 5.31% | 96.63 | 100.5 / 91.70 C: 95.30 4.70% | 95.33 | 98.00 / 93.50 SAPORTL | 1.23 | 38.39 | Vol. 2583057 D: 30.50 3.04% | 30.76 | 32.00 / 27.50 C: 30.50 2.69% | 30.79 | 31.50 / 29.00

EHL | 2.81 | 18.44 | Vol. 4720333 D: 52.60 8.20% | 52.89 | 57.30 / 51.00 C: 52.60 8.04% | 52.99 | 57.00 / 52.40 LEATHER APEXTANRY | 6.57 | 69.38 | Vol. 696670 D: 126.5 1.44% | 127.77 | 136.6 / 124.0 C: 126.5 1.44% | 132.73 | 136.5 / 124.2 BATASHOE | 49.12 | 135.53 | Vol. 70605 D: 691.6 4.76% | 691.61 | 715.0 / 680.0 C: 681.1 3.60% | 681.10 | 718.0 / 681.1 APEXADELFT | 23.01 | 203.26 | Vol. 339000 D: 391.8 2.07% | 393.96 | 408.0 / 387.0 C: 386.0 3.50% | 386.00 | 435.0 / 365.0 SAMATALETH | 0.22 | 12.93 | Vol. 194000 D: 24.70 47.90% | 25.93 | 26.60 / 17.00 C: 21.00 27.27% | 21.00 | 21.00 / 16.50 LEGACYFOOT | 0.63 | 17.19 | Vol. 3703027 D: 42.30 1.63% | 43.03 | 50.00 / 39.00 C: 42.60 0.70% | 42.76 | 49.80 / 41.00 CERAMIC MONNOCERA | 0.35 | 95.30 | Vol. 662250 D: 35.20 3.53% | 35.49 | 39.50 / 33.80 C: 35.50 4.41% | 35.39 | 39.60 / 33.00 STANCERAM | 1.12 | 15.49 | Vol. 62000 D: 42.50 8.14% | 42.50 | 44.30 / 37.50 C: 41.30 10.13% | 41.29 | 42.00 / 38.30 FUWANGCER | 0.65 | 12.70 | Vol. 12596302 D: 22.40 4.19% | 22.52 | 24.00 / 20.00 C: 22.40 3.23% | 22.50 | 24.10 / 21.40 SPCERAMICS | 0.62 | 30.92 | Vol. 4531756 D: 19.80 9.39% | 20.05 | 20.60 / 16.60 C: 19.90 9.34% | 20.04 | 20.60 / 17.50 RAKCERAMIC | 1.98 | 16.76 | Vol. 937915 D: 52.60 0.19% | 52.74 | 55.00 / 47.30 C: 52.50 0.19% | 52.63 | 56.00 / 50.00 CEMENT HEIDELBCEM | 22.85 | 111.50 | Vol. 206580 D: 379.2 1.84% | 380.42 | 394.0 / 370.0 C: 378.3 1.99% | 377.87 | 390.0 / 376.1 CONFIDCEM | 6.23 | 90.76 | Vol. 1618014 D: 127.4 3.07% | 127.73 | 132.0 / 118.0 C: 128.0 3.39% | 128.43 | 130.8 / 123.0 MEGHNACEM | 6.28 | 33.81 | Vol. 1018600 D: 139.3 8.07% | 139.49 | 141.1 / 128.3 C: 140.3 9.35% | 139.57 | 142.0 / 130.0 ARAMITCEM | 3.03 | 14.65 | Vol. 2055055 D: 84.00 2.67% | 85.09 | 97.70 / 83.50 C: 85.10 2.18% | 87.01 | 96.80 / 82.10 LAFSURCEML | 1.60 | 7.22 | Vol. 2774000 D: 32.30 1.82% | 32.53 | 33.40 / 32.30 C: 32.20 2.13% | 32.51 | 33.20 / 32.20 MICEMENT | 4.48 | 37.67 | Vol. 837705 D: 83.10 0.36% | 83.72 | 90.10 / 75.00 C: 83.00 0.36% | 84.06 | 85.90 / 82.00 PREMIERCEM | 5.00 | 32.60 | Vol. 2851200 D: 110.5 8.65% | 111.50 | 113.8 / 101.1 C: 110.6 8.33% | 110.79 | 113.0 / 100.3 IT IINDUSTRIES ISNLTD | 0.28 | 17.31 | Vol. 1914412 D: 20.60 8.99% | 21.27 | 22.90 / 17.80 C: 21.00 9.95% | 21.10 | 22.20 / 18.80 BDCOM | 1.40 | 14.41 | Vol. 2981328 D: 28.10 8.49% | 28.95 | 30.00 / 24.00 C: 28.00 6.46% | 28.93 | 29.80 / 25.00 INTECH | 0.94 | 10.08 | Vol. 2999944 D: 17.20 5.52% | 17.41 | 18.90 / 15.30 C: 17.30 5.49% | 17.37 | 18.70 / 16.30 AGNISYSL | 0.96 | 14.90 | Vol. 4546535 D: 23.20 8.92% | 23.78 | 25.00 / 21.00 C: 23.50 10.33% | 23.94 | 24.90 / 21.70 DAFODILCOM | 0.85 | 10.99 | Vol. 5335332 D: 15.40 14.07% | 15.65 | 17.20 / 12.50 C: 15.50 14.81% | 15.68 | 17.20 / 13.60

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013

Europes crisis after the crisis poses uncertainty in 2014

n AFP, Athens
Is Europe on the verge of a popular uprising? The question was asked by one of Greeces most respected newspapers as another year of painful austerity drew to a close. If public anger does explode on the streets, wrote Kathimerini, it will not be provoked by politicians or labour unions, but come from ordinary people who never imagined themselves doing such a thing. Desperation is weighing not just on Greece, but on countries across Europe facing the same paradox: despite the end of the Great Recession, people continue to struggle with the daily reality of unemployment and poverty. Greece, Italy and Portugal are forecast to return to growth next year, while Spain has already emerged from recession and Ireland has ended its bailout programme. But the disconnect between economic data and quality of life is fuelling populism, rightwing extremism and anti-European sentiment - and is likely to play a big part in European Parliament elections in May. An improvement? We see no improvement, and will not for quite some time, said Manuel Moreno, a 34-year-old who just lost his job at a humanitarian organisation in Madrid. It took 15 years for things to improve after the 1990 economic crisis. This time round, the situation is much worse. We could see no recovery for 20 to 25 years, he said. Yet according to the figures, Spain is already doing better. In 2012, its banks needed 41.3bn euros ($56bn) from the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund - the so-called troika - to save them after the collapse of a real-estate bubble. Last November, the government announced it would exit the rescue programme at the beginning of the year. The Spanish economy came out of recession in the third quarter of 2013, and the government is predicting 0.7% growth in 2014. Nevertheless, the jobless rate in Spain, where more than one in four are officially out of work, is not expected to fall before 2015, according to the European Commission. ified, but there was no work in Ireland, he told AFP. I do feel sad about leaving Ireland, although at the same time I think it is good to broaden your horizons. But I do want to go back to live in Ireland one day - I miss the gaelic football and hurling. In Portugal, where the troika imposed massive austerity cuts, the figures no longer seem to add up. The economy is forecast to grow 0.8% in 2014 and official unemployment is expected to drop - but analysts say actual unemployment is far worse, as many Portuguese have given up looking for work. Fatigue has also hit Greece and Spain. After turning out to protest in huge numbers in 2011 and 2012, the Spanish seem to have lost the energy or the wherewithal to go on strike. And Greeces largest union, GSEE, cancelled a street protest on November 6 because of weak turnout. People feel let down by unions who only think of their own interests, said Vangelis Floras, an electricity company pensioner. Greeces embattled coalition government insists that after six years of recession, the economy will register a sliver of growth in 2014. But its a hollow message for the countrys 1.3 million unemployed, a rate of over 27 percent that keeps on climbing. Austerity can kill Greeks are adapting, better even than other people, but there are risks of explosion, said journalist Polydefkis Papadopoulos. When the debt crisis exploded in 2010, nothing budged for a year. There were few layoffs, and some salaries even rose, he said. Its the same now with this supposed economic improvement. When will people feel the positive effects? Against this backdrop, Greeces neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn is garnering renewed support in opinion polls, boosted by exasperation with traditional politicians despite the fact the party is under investigation for murders and other crimes. In Italy, which is also expected to exit recession in 2014, the threat to the established order comes from populism - in particular, from comedian Beppe Grillos Five Star Movement. Across the continent, there is growing dissatisfaction with the European Unions perceived impotence against immigration and unemployment. A great battle is in progress, between the Europe of the people and the Europe of the populists, Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta said in November. I am fighting for a Europe that understands that austerity can kill, and that the policy of nothing-but-austerity will benefit the Le Pens (Frances far-right leader) and eurosceptics like Grillo, he said. Opinion polls have shown Marine Le Pens National Front in France leading among voters for next years European Parliament election and the party is expected to take around 16% of the vote in local elections in March. Le Pen and Dutch anti-Islamic leader Geert Wilders have now launched what they call a historic alliance for the upcoming European elections, with other eurosceptic parties expected to join. l

A great battle is in progress, between the Europe of the people and the Europe of the populists
Its a similar story in Ireland, another of Europes ailing children in 2010, which entered an 85bn -euro ($115bn) bailout that year but announced last November it would exit the programme in December. Many Irish workers are still moving abroad in search of work. Like fellow bailout recipients Greece and Portugal, the country had more emigrants than immigrants last year. Alan Cawley, 26, moved to England from the Irish town of Sligo in April 2012 to take a job at construction firm Murphy. I did a degree in construction management and a masters in environmental systems. When I finished I was quite well-qual-

Facebook seeks to get smarter with big data

n AFP, Washington
Facebook is working to become your new best friend, getting to know you better by infusing the billion-member social networks software with artificial intelligence. The California-based social network giant is hiring professor Yann LeCun of NYUs Centre for Data Science to head up a new artificial intelligence lab, aiming to use cutting-edge science to make Facebook more interesting and relevant. For now, Facebook feeds may seem like a random jumble, but LeCun argues these can be improved by intelligent systems. This could include things like ranking (the items in) news feeds, or determining the ads that are shown to users, to be more relevant, LeCun told AFP after his appointment on December 9. Then there are things that are less directly connected, like analyzing content, understanding natural language and being able to model users... to allow them to learn new things, entertain them and help them achieve their goals. Facebook is the worlds biggest soquarters in Menlo Park, California. But it will also be part of the broader artificial intelligence research community, according to LeCun, who starts his new job in January while keeping his NYU post. Facebooks move follows Googles forays into artificial intelligence, and notably its acquisition earlier this year of DNNresearch, a startup created by University of Toronto professor Geoffrey Hinton and two of his graduate students, known for computer models of brain functions, which includes pattern and speech recognition. Getting computers to think Artificial intelligence can help computers think in ways similar to humans and help solve problems. In one famous example, IBMs Watson computer beat human contestants in the TV trivia game Jeopardy. Big tech companies are all working on artificial intelligence to varying degrees, said Greg Sterling, analyst at Opus Research. Its a somewhat loaded and elusive term, he said, but it could power a range of consumer and enterprise-facing applications - even if Facebook doesnt quite know what those applications are yet. l

Biggest banking risks in emerging markets

n AFP, Paris

cial network, but it faces the challenge of maintaining growth, keeping users engaged and delivering enough advertising to generate revenue growth without turning members off. LeCun said the new artificial intelligence lab would be the largest research facility of its kind in the world, though he declined to provide numbers. Were limited only by how many smart people there are in the world that we can hire, the French-born mathematician and computer scientist said. The lab will be based in three locations - New York, London and Facebooks head-

Bank of England chief Mark Carney warned Friday that the informal banking sector in emerging markets poses the biggest threat to global financial stability. As regulators tighten rules on the banking sector to avoid a repeat of the 2008 world financial crisis, massive amounts of assets have shifted to the so-called shadow banking sector. The sector, estimated to be worth $67 trillion in 2011, includes hedge funds and finance companies or securities entities that provide credit or credit guarantees without being regulated like a bank. For Carney, the biggest risks at the moment are in the parallel banking sectors in the emerging markets. Reforms are required not only in developed countries but also in emerging countries, he said during a conference organised by the French economy and finance ministry. Carney also heads the international regulatory Financial Stability Board, which has made a reform of the way the shadow banking sector is regulated a priority. l