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Activists of Youth Coalition for Climate Justice hold a demonstration in front of the National Press Club yesterday, demanding immediate halt of the Rampal power plant construction to save the Sundarbans and its ecosystem. Story on page 4 MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU
INSIDE
Business
B1 Road transport owners have urged the government to help get their bank loans rescheduled as they could not repay due to prolonged political unrest ahead of January 5 national election. 4 Boro cultivation acreage is likely to increa-se this year despite a hike in input costs
Entertainment
News
3 The authorities will conduct special operations soon to drive away beggars from the capital.
12 With a grand rendezvous of former and present students and teachers of Chhayanaut, the cultural organisation having a beaming history organised a two-day programme celebrating its 50th founding anniversary which began on Friday.
DHAKA TRIBUNE
News
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Motiur Rahman Nizami and former junior home minister Lutfozzaman Babar wave at supporters after they step out of Chittagong Jail for being transferred to Kashimpur Jail in the 10-truck arms haul case FOCUS BANGLA
Chhatra League men vandalise 10 TRUCK ARMS HAUL CASES MBSTU over Facebook status Babar, Nizami sent n to Kashimpur jail
Our Correspondent, Tangail
Bangladesh Chhatra League activists of Tangails Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) locked the administrative building and all the classrooms yesterday, demanding the removal of a teacher of criminology and police science (CPS) department. Md Rabiul Islam, security in-charge of the university, said the BCL activists, led by CPS students Suman Fakir, Soton and Zahir, locked the administrative building and the classrooms before vandalising the academic building and setting some classrooms on fire. Assisted by outsiders, the BCL men then forced out all teachers and staffs from the campus, he added. The agitated BCL members carried out the violence, reportedly protesting a Facebook post by CPS Assistant Professor Jahirul Islam who allegedly spoke ill about the university. When contacted, Jahirul said he had repeatedly voiced protests against a group of students and outsiders who dominated and collected extortions from the campus by identifying themselves as BCL men.
The agitated BCL members carried out the violence, reportedly protesting a Facebook post by Assistant Professor Jahirul Islam who allegedly spoke ill about the university
Finally I wrote on my Facebook that the dream campus of the MBSTU was in the grasps of devils, thugs and hooligans, the teacher added.
Tangail Sadar Model police station Officer-in-Charge Nazrul Islam said the situation has been contained, while additional police personnel have been deployed on the campus to prevent further violence. No case has been lodged in this connection so far. Sumon Fakir, Soton and Zahir could not be reached for comments. Nazmul Huda, president of the BCLs Tangail district unit, said no BCL activists had engaged in the violence, as there was no committee of the Chhatra League on the campus. The university proctor, Khadimul Islam, said authorities were holding an emergency meeting over the matter. Pro-VC of the university Prof Dr Muniruzzaman, however, said he was not concerned about the matter. Earlier on July 2013, BCL activists led by Sumon Fakir allegedly attacked a human chain of MBSTU employees, injuring at least 10 people. l
were being transported in their prison uniforms. Meanwhile, Chittagong Central Jail sources said as the four convicts were accused in separate cases which were under trial in Dhaka, they were sent to the capital. Nizami is accused in a case that is under trial in the International War Crimes Tribunal where the three others are also sued in the August 21 grenade attack case, sources said. The 14 accused in the 10-truck arms haul case, including Babar and Nizami, were sentenced to death on January 30, around 10 years after the incident. Amongst the convicted 14, Ulfa commander Paresh Barua and former additional secretary of industries ministry Nurul Amin are absconding. l
I have left my apartment, but many of the MPs need more time as they have no place to stay in Dhaka. They [parliament authorities] have treated the MPs inhumanely, she said. Refuting the allegation, a top ranking official told the Dhaka Tribune that the MPs should have advanced preparation in this regard as they must leave the apartments at the soonest in case of their defeat or decision not to contest
the election. The 15-member House committee of the 10th parliament is yet to be formed. Lawmakers from all parties having representation in parliament are the members of the committee, which cannot be formed unless parliament goes into session. The House Committee is the body to look after accommodation and other facilities for the MPs. The 10th parliament session began on January 29. l
had been closely watching the inactive prosecutors and would decide on their fates at the end of the surveillance. Although the source from the prosecution office could not confirm all the names to be dropped, prosecutors Altaf Uddin, Mir Iqbal and Abdur Rahman Hawlader all enjoying the protocol of additional attorney general may be dropped. The source added that there were some junior prosecutors in the radar as well. Most of them were appointed last year and had not done any mentionable work since being included in the roster. At present, the two International Crimes Tribunals are conducting a total of six war crimes cases. Of the 21 prosecutors, three are enjoying attorney generals status and one is enjoying deputy attorney generals status. Sources from the prosecution office said some of the lawyers had not conducted a single case since the formation of the tribunal in 2010. Many of them were never involved with any of the cases as assistants or researchers either. But they have all been drawing Tk76,000 monthly gross salaries, risk allowances and being provided with gunmen for security. Nurzahan Begum Mukta, ranked deputy attorney general, has remained absent at the tribunal for nearly the entire duration since mid-2013. The only work she had done since being appointed a prosecutor was assisting Saiful Islam in the cases against death-
row Jamaat leader Kamaruzzaman. Sources said Mukta had been trying to get nomination from the Awami League for the recently held parliament election and therefore been busy with party activities. Altaf Uddin, Mir Iqbal and Abdur Rahman Hawlader have reportedly all been busy with the activities of the Bangabandhu Parishad, of which they are top leaders. Senior lawyer Syed Rezaur Rahman, enjoying attorney generals status, has never been present at the tribunal since 2011. Although he had not taken any allowance for the post, he has also been the chief prosecutor in the recently concluded BDR mutiny case. Prosecutor Tureen Afroz told the Dhaka Tribune: We cannot confirm the rearrangement. But it should happen. Some of us are working very hard, conducting virtually all the cases alone. But the others are only enjoying the state facilities without doing any work. I am sure the authority knows very well who work and who do not. Prosecutor Shahedur Rahman said: We are not sure about this [the rearrangment]. He, however, admitted that some of the prosecutors had been abnormally inactive. Maybe the newly-appointed officials will think about it. If the government thinks about reshuffling or trimming the team, we have nothing to do. Newly appointed Law Minister Anisul Haque said: I am new to the ministry, I need some time to think about this. After observing them, I will definitely do what is needed. l
on giving an impression that it does not believe in election manipulation. On January 28, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina told her partys lawmakers that the upcoming upazila election would be a tough fight as the BNP Jamaat-backed candidates were set to vie the polls. The BNP, on the other hand, is taking the upazila poll as a chance to turn around, especially after the crash landing of the pro-caretaker movement and failing to resist the January 5 election which threw the party out of the House for the first time in more than two decades. The upcoming upazila elections are significant for the BNP, especially considering the fact that it boycotted the last upazila elections in 2009. These [upazila] elections are posing two challenges for the Awami League. If it fails to do well, then its legitimacy would be seriously questioned. The party will also have to take a blow even if it tries to win by manipulating, said Pyas Karim, a Brac University teacher and who has interest in following political developments. On the other hand, there is no short-term option for BNP other than winning. The BNPs politics would be plunged into grave troubles if it does not do well [in the upazila polls], said Pyas. A number of Awami League and BNP leaders have told the Dhaka Tri-
bune that whether the two parties have managed to select lone candidates for every upazila will be clear before tomorrow the last date for withdrawing nominations. As of yesterday, no candidate has made any announcement about quitting polls in accordance with party decisions. The Dhaka Tribune has talked to the local leaders in at least 15 districts. In most of those districts, neither the Awami League nor the BNP has yet managed to finalise lone candidates. In order to finalise lone candidate at every seat, both the parties have started forming committees. In many upazilas, these committees have started working to convince the local leaders. In four the upazilas of Sirajganj, nine from the Awami League, 10 from the BNP, three from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and one from the other parties are contesting the polls. Recently, Health Minister Mohammad Nasim, also a presidium member of the Awami League, held a meeting with the Pabna district leaders to finalise one candidate in every seat and warned of tough actions if anyone violated party orders. However, Abul Kalam Azad, a contender for the Kazipur upazila chairmans post, alleged that three of his campaigners had been harassed by law enforcers because they had campaigned for him instead of Mozammel Haque Bakul, another Awami League
leader and the current chairman. They were detained on charges of misguiding the voters. However, after scrutiny, they were freed, Abdul Jalil, acting OC of the Kazipur police station, told the Dhaka Tribune. In the Sylhet division, the Awami League has formed a six-member committee headed by Presidium Member Obaidul Quader, also the communication minister. The BNP on the other hand has formed a three-member committee, headed by Vice-Chairman Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury. The first phase of the upazila parishad elections in 12 the seats in the Sylhet division will be held on February 19. Mesbahuddin Siraj, organising secretary of the Awami League, said the incumbent chairmen would get priority and the final list of lone candidates for each upazila would be reached through compromise between the aspirants. The final list will be made public on February 3 in the presence of the central election coordination team, he told the Dhaka Tribune. Dildar Hossain, senior vice-president of Sylhet district unit BNP, said they had been trying to pick single candidate for every upazila and had already talked with the aspirants and the local leaders in this regard. The final list will be made public soon and if anyone violates party orders, tough actions will be taken against them, he said. l
Shibir-police gunfight
PAGE 1 COLUMN 3
The injured Shibir cadre, Nasir alias Kolla Nasir, who is accused in several cases lodged with Satkania Police Station earlier, was admitted into Chittagong Medical College Hospital. A case was lodged with Satkania Police Station while police are conducting drives to nab the other cohorts of Nasir, the OC added. In another drives, Satkania Police nabbed four Jamaat-Shibir men from different areas in the upazila who were involved in the sabotage on Chit-
tagong-Coxs Bazar Highway during pre-election and post-election period. Meanwhile, Lohagara police nabbed 22 Jamaat-Shibir men from different areas of the upazila in an overnight drive for humiliating Awami League Member of Parliament Abu Reza M Nezamuddin in the upazila on the previous night, said OC Mohammad Shahjahan of Lohagara Police Station. On Friday night, MP Nezamuddin faced humiliation while attending a religious programme, Sirat Mahfil, a 19day long Muslim religious programme,
at Shah Shaheb Kebla under Chunati union at around 8:30pm. Some Jamaat-Shibir activists threw shoes at Nadavi as soon as he arrived at the programmme. Later, the MP, who was the chief guest of the programme, and his followers took shelter in the adjoining mosque. The MP was later escorted off the premises by police and BGB men. Nadavi claimed before Dhaka Tribune that the attacked on him by Jamat-Shibir men was pre-planned. l
DHAKA TRIBUNE
News
DHAKA TRIBUNE
said it had decided to clear beggars from some locations in the capital including Shahjalal International Airport area, Bailey Road, the diplomatic zone and places surrounding the embassies,
and the Sonargaon, Ruposhi Bangla and Radisson hotels. After the Awami League-led government passed the Vagrant and Homeless Persons (rehabilitation) Act, 2011,
NGOs namely Brac, Ain o Salish Kendra, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), ADD International and Nijera Kori protested the move terming the law a means for throwing homeless
people in jail as they are labelled as possible criminals. The law also says the government will establish more shelters for the vagabonds. l
Amar Ekushey Book Fair begins at Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan
The visitor said he was happy with the fact that he did not have to wait for long in the queue, but was also worried about the security considering the current political situation in the country. Shahid Chowdhury, patrol inspector of Shahbagh police station, also in charge of security at the fair, told the Dhaka Tribune: We have sufficient number of lawmen deployed to ensure
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina poses for a photograph with the recipients of Bangla Academy literature award and scholarship at the inaugural programme of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela in the capital yesterday BSS
DHAKA TRIBUNE
News
Even after three weeks into action, authorities are yet to complete the repair works of an underground gas line in the capitals Adabar area. The works have been causing huge sufferings to residents and commuters RAJIB DHAR
WEATHER
On the second day of the second phase of Ijtema yesterday, the organisers arranged a total of 134 dowry-free weddings as part of a mass arrangement on the Turag bank. Organiser Gias Uddin said the weddings were conducted upon consent from the brides, grooms and their families. During the first phase of the congregation last week, 125 dowry-free weddings were conducted. l
PRAYER TIMES
Fajar Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha 5:21am 6:38am 12:12am 4:09pm 5:45pm 7:03pm
Source: IslamicFinder.org
Devotees light oil lamps and offer prayers for Chandamoni Mahasthabir for his contribution in preaching Buddhism in Khagrachhari yesterday BANGLAR CHOKH
DHAKA TRIBUNE
News
A firefighter struggles to douse a blaze that erupted at a soap factory in Kasaituli area in Old Dhaka yesterday evening
FOCUS BANGLA
Two future projects, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), can significantly reduce traffic congestion. But the MRT project is likely to end in 12 years while the BRT in 2016
Sources at the ministry said although consultants have been appointed for the MRT project, the tender process for work on the main structure have not even started.
Besides, the construction of the Tk22,000 crore MRT, stretching from the capitals Uttara to Motijheel, was a very long-term project, with 130 months (12 years) set aside for it. The same sources also said consultants were yet to be appointed for the 20km BRT project, which will stretch from Shahjalal International Airport in the capital to Joydebpur in Gazipur. The BRT project estimated to be completed as early as 2016 would provide Gazipur residents with a dedicated road to drive straight to the airport. To solve the existing crisis, Dr Nazrul suggested swift implementation of the MRT and the BRT, reinforcement of traffic regulation system in the city, and protection of its walkways from occupation. In a word, there has to be an improvement in the overall management of the citys communication sector, he added. l
A tourist parasails along the Coxs Bazar sea beach on the last day of the National Kite Festival yesterday
DHAKA TRIBUNE
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Feature
never thought it would happen to me. And then it did, Rumana Monzur, iconic survivor of severe domestic abuse, told the Dhaka Tribune in an exclusive interview earlier this week. To survive is to have a story to tell, to have the chance to show others what
An interview with Rumana Monzur, as part of our weekly series on One Billion Rising Bangladesh, in support of justice for violence against women Rumana was attacked by her hus- and UNFPA suggests a staggering n Syeda Samira Sadeque band in June 2011, when he gouged out 90% of women face abuse by their
her eyes and bit off parts of her nose. Rumana, a former University of Dhaka Assistant Professor of International Relations, was visiting Dhaka on break from Vancouver, where she was a graduate student at that time. The brutal act triggered protests both at home and in Canada. Rumana survived to tell her story, and to completely turn her fate around. After extensive medical treatment, she enrolled as a law student at University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where she lives with her parents and eight year old daughter Anusheh. I am studying law because it makes me legally empowered. I wonder now if I had had this education, if it would have been easier for me to fight my legal battles. Despite the obvious nature of the crime, her husbands family has been trying to claim custody of her daughter, accusing her of faking her blindness, or saying that she will not be able to take care of Anusheh. She has to submit documents to prove that she is visually impaired.
Rumana Monzur with daughter Anusheh in 2013 they didnt see. Or ignored. Rumana, having enrolled in law school after completing her Masters degree, is doing just that: surviving gracefully, and telling her story.
husbands. Those being abused need to understand that showing patience to monsters and demons is wrong. They mistake our commitment to be our weakness. No one needs to go through this to save their marriage. Even after being married to her abusive husband Hasan Sayeed for ten years, Rumana used to be reluctant to reveal her secret. I used to think talking about it would be a matter of shame, so I kept quiet instead. But we must realize it is not us who ought to be ashamed but them, those who inflict abuse on us who should be held accountable, who should be shamed. Rumana says society also has a role to play to create a safe haven for those living in a system of abuse. Instead of facing the judgement and stigma of society, Rumana braved the challenges inside her abusive home, as many still do. The societys attitude must change. If they were supportive of those trying to leave abusive systems, it would be a lot easier for girls to do so.
Saving grace
After it happened in June 2011, the international media was quick to pick up
the story, largely due to the fact that Rumana had an international support system from her friends and colleagues in Canada. In Bangladesh, what stood out about Rumanas case was the fact that she was an educated, financially independent woman in the society. This incident broke the previously held assumption that domestic abuse takes place primarily in lower income homes, to women who are illiterate and unaware of their rights. I never thought despite having a Masters degree, despite my financial independence, I would face this, Rumana says. After the incident, her husband justified his attack by accusing her of having an affair with an Iranian man. Some local media agencies also capitalised on the controversy, falsely reporting or validating rumours - mostly triggered by her husbands family - that soon after the attack she had remarried or that she was faking her blindness. But she was lucky that this time, society took the side of the woman. The support that poured out after my attack was overwhelming. It showed me that for the 10% of people who believe in these false rumours and thought [the incident] was justified, there is the other 90% who supported me.
Regaining equilibrium
Three years since the attack, Rumana is still trying to come to terms with what happened. I really dont know why this happens. But I know that a relationship must be about mutual respect. I used to hear news of acid attacks, wives being burnt. But we never realize just how traumatising it is until it happens to us, Rumana says. But today she is coping. Ive igured out alternative ways to communicate with my daughter, she laughs adding that she plays with her, cooks for her among other things. She is the reason I am trying to go back to a normal life. I always try to stay positive because I know I have to bring her up. I know I have to live a meaningful life. A meaningful life indeed, for a victim who turned herself into a survivor. A survivor who, now that she has come out of the abuse system, says we must be careful about our society, and not overlook any derailments in the system. We mustnt look at domestic abuse as news anymore: its not news, its a situation that any one of us can be in any day.l
98%
33%
RAPED BY HUSBANDS
50%
8 OUT OF EVERY 10 WOMEN IN BANGLADESH SUFFER FROM PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE, ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY
A survey conducted in 2011, which was published on the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics website in 2013, has revealed that 9 out of 10 Bangladeshi women are subject to domestic violence. The survey, titled Report on Violence Against Women (VAW) Survey 2011, was designed by BBS, the Institute for Statistical Research and Training at Dhaka University, and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The countdown begins for the worlds largest South Asian art event, February 7 9 Meanwhile Elsewhere is part of temporary art and through Raqs Media all the billboards are seen collectively, n Tasnuva Amin Nova it is meant to reveal a combination of the Untimely series, one of Raqs Me- Collective. They have participated in
ystified about the clocks that have suddenly sprung up on billboards all over the capital? They are part of a public art project titled Meanwhile Elsewhere by the Delhi-based Raqs Media Collective, commissioned by the Samdani Art Foundation for the 2014 Dhaka Art Summit. This is their largest public art project to date, said Nadia Samdani, the Founder and Director of Dhaka Art Summit. Competed yesterday, the project covered ten billboards and 150 roadside signs with the image of a clock but contrary to traditional clocks, these show Bangla words instead of numbers, representing a subjective interpretation of time. The billboards feature clocks whose minute-hands show one word and the hour-hand another. These words or phrases complement each other, hinting towards a deeper meaning. When different states of mind and being during different times of the day, crafted into a poem. The final piece is the Crazy Clock video installation, to be unveiled at the Dhaka Art Summit. The hands will spin around pause on a crazy message. The Summit will be taking over the four floors of the Shilpakala Academy from February 7-9. Billed as the worlds largest South Asian art event, the Dhaka Art Summit will highlight the regions contemporary art scene. The concept behind the clocks is to examine the way we look at billboards, and subjective experience of time and duration, the artists said. Research suggests that reading words on walls or commercial signposts can create a strong effect on the subconscious. It captures the readers moments between awareness and unawareness after reading certain words. Despite being present in the situation, our minds can wander off somewhere else. Hence, the project title. dia Collectives experiments with time and the metaphorical possibilities of time. Other installations of the series have been exhibited around the world. In Birmingham, UK, in 2012, Raqs Media Collective did a similar installation of clocks billboards with English words, called: Whenever the Heart Skips a Beat, as part of the 48 Sheets project. The first of such clocks by the Raqs were seen in Emoo Art.ficial Exhibition, Ita Cultural Centre, Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2002. The theme there has remained the same for this installation in Dhaka: to nudge our mental state of being or feeling with words, representing emotions we contemporaneously feel within: epiphany, panic, remorse, nostalgia, fear, ecstasy, awe, fatigue, guilt, indifference, anxiety. Jeebesh Bagchi, Monica Narula and Shuddhabrata Sengupta, who designed the project, are practitioners of con-
many major international shows, including The European Biennial of Contemporary Art in 2008. Diana Campbell Betancourt, artistic director of Samdani Art Foundation, is curator of the initiative. l
One of the Meanwhile Elsewhere billboards reading: fuzzy/logic, sharp/intense outside Shilpakala Academy, the venue for Dhaka Art Summit MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU Jeebesh Bagchi, Monica Narula and Shuddhabrata Sengupta, designers of the project
Raqs Media Collective, commissioned for 48Sheet in partnership with the Ikon Gallery, Birmingham
Raqs Media Collectives installation Now Elsewhere (2009) at the Faurschou Foundation in Copenhagen
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Long Form
The economic and development records of the last 25 years. This is the third installment of the series
F
Chart 1: CPI inflation
n Jyoti Rahman
or those coming in late,even thoughinflation has risen under the current government(Chart 1),real GDP per capita has grownby around 4.5% a year under successivegovernments over the past decade. Over the last couple of weeks, I have had a bit of correspondence about inflation.
Source: IMF
The first question posed is: why is inflation a problem if income has risen fast enough to compensate for it? Recall, real GDP per capita that is, income after inflation is accounted for has been growing by4.5% a year. So, the question, what difference does it make if inflation is 5% or 10%? A simple answer is, inflation is a problem because people think its a problem. That might sound like a flippant answer, but its not. Inflation matters because it affects peoples decisions about the future. If inflation was steady at some rate, say 7%, and people knew that it was going to be
it steady. Thats why economists counsel low and steady inflation. And while there are many issues where the economists prescriptions can seem at odds with popular perception, or even common sense, when it comes to inflation, economic theory and the common sense are on the same side. There is another reason why high and unsteady inflation matters, even when real GDP growth remains steady. Whileeconomic growth can come about for many reasons, some (many) of which not having anything to do with government policies or actions, persistently high and unsteady inflation is almost always because of failures in economic policy making. Persistently high and unsteady inflation also puts the economy at risk of economic crises, with all the human costs such crises entail. Thats why, when comparing economic records of various governments, inflation is perhaps a more appropriate metric than economic growth. Note the qualifiers persistently high and unsteady and almost always its possible that sometimes a spike in inflation is beyond the control of any government. This leads to the second question I have been asked:how much of the recent inflation is because of global food prices? As Chart 2 shows, global food prices rose sharply in 2007-08, declined a bit in 2009, and then rose again in 2010. The 2007-08 global food price rises came as a surprise to most policymakers around the world, including Bangladesh. The causes of that rise wereprimarily global, as was the decline in 2009. That years fall in global food prices was a result of the Global Financial Crisis. As that crisis ended, it was predictable that food price would gradually return to pre-crisis levels. And thats what happened. Can the Bangladeshi policymakers be excused for not being prepared?
University professor and one of the best commentators on Bangladesh economy: Economic management is widely believed to be the weakest link of the government. However, the ineptness with which the electricity issue has been handled is simply mind-boggling. The government seemed to have embarked on the rental plant road without a clear idea about its finances, logistics and consequences. For example, the government now claims that the blowout in subsidy is due to unforeseen increases in the prices of petroleum products and not due to policy lapses. It seems absurd that the government could have planned (in 2009, say) on the basis of current prices, which were clearly very low in the aftermath of the most severe worldwide recession since the Great Depression (as the crude oil price chart shows). Even a cursory glance at the graph of the monthly crude oil price would have revealed that except for an abnormal period of about 18 months in 2008 and 2009, there was a clear upward trend since the beginning of the millennium. Interestingly, if one drew a trend line with the price data
Source: CEIC Asia and with full encouragement of the industry and finance ministers, Bangladesh Bank pursued an expansionary monetary policy in the first half of this governments term (Chart 4). Credit to private sector grew sharply in 2010-11. The thinking was that Bangladesh needed more private sector investment if economic growth cause inflation, but the Banks own policies contributed to it also. There is another way the Banks policy inactions contributed to inflation. As Ive said many times before,the taka-rupee exchange rate is a key determinant of rice pricesin Bangladesh. Bangladesh Bank and the government should have anticipatedthat as the Taka depreciated against the Rupee, rice prices would rebound in 2010. The policymakers proved to be oblivious about it. As it happened, inflation has subsided in the past year and a half even as the economy has continued to grow at a robust pace. This answers another question I have been asked does high inflation necessarily accompany fast growth? No, it doesnt. So, why has inflation subsided? Because, under the conditionalities of the$1bn IMF loan, the government has reigned in expenditure, and the Bangladesh Bank has curbed credit and money supply growth. The IMF prescriptions have tamed inflation, at least to some extent. One hears a lot about the spirit of independence these days. It seems to me that at least as far inflation under this government is concerned, our pro-independence policymakers proved to be pretty incompetent, and the IMF-dependent policies actually worked. So much for independence then. Jyoti Rahman is a political blogger. The previous part of the series was published on November 27, 2013.
Not only did the Bangladesh Banks acquiescence to the governments faulty fiscal projections cause inflation, but the Banks own policies contributed to it also
steady at 7%, that would not be a problem. Whether its a firm deciding on a new investment, or workers negotiating payrise, or families deciding how much to save for childrens education if people knew that inflation would be 7% (or any other rate), they would make their decisions accordingly. The problem is, the higher the inflation is, the harder it is to keep
The 2010 rise in global food prices should have been anticipated by the government. Global oil prices too showed the same pattern, which should have also been anticipated when the government set theplans for the rental power plants. Evidently, this is clearly not something the government did. Let me quoteMA Taslim, a Dhaka
of 2002 to 2007 and then extended it up to 2012 to get the forecast value, he would have arrived at a number that is very close to the actual price. Hence, the future price increases should have been anticipated and hedged against. The governments electricity record is something Ill leave for another time. For now, lets accept that electricity is important, and put aside the question of whethersubsidies are appropriate. The relevant issue for us is, how the fiscal blowout caused by the mistaken fuel price assumption and the subsidies were paid for. In late 2011, when the full fiscal cost of the rental power plants was becoming apparent, thegovernment resorted to borrowing, includingfrom the Bangladesh Bank (Chart 3) that is, printing money. This directly pushed inflation up, and put Bangladeshat risk of a crisis. When a central bank ends up printing money to pay for ill-conceived government programmes, it means trouble. When Mr Atiur Rahman was appointed the Bangladesh Bank governor, I was one of the very few people who raised the risks of it through my blog. Its a callI would like to have gotten wrong. Under Mr Rahmans stewardship,
was to rise to 8% (from 6% pace we have had for a decade now). Right diagnosis. Wrong prescription. Private investment has been held back byinfrastructure bottlenecks and poor governance. Unless these issues are tackled, pumping credit and money into the economy would only push up prices of goods, as well as assets. That means, not only did the Bangladesh Banks acquiescence to the governments faulty fiscal projections
DHAKA TRIBUNE
International
A total of 27 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank in 2013
cess, said Salman Shaikh, director of the Brookings Doha Centre think-tank. The other disappointing thing was that there was hope that the momentum would come from some sort of a deal on humanitarian access. That hasnt happened, he added. The failure to secure humanitarian access ranks among the larger disappointments of the talks, dashing hopes that the government might ease its blockade of besieged rebel-held enclaves as a show of good will. In the end, the regime offered to allow women and children to leave the Old City of Homs, but aid convoys on standby to enter were left waiting. Desperately needed food did get into the besieged Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmuk on Thursday and Friday, but the plight of civilians trapped in the south Damascus camp had not even been on the agenda of the Geneva discussions. The talks have also done nothing to slow the pace of killing in Syria, where more than 130,000 people have died since the conflict erupted in March 2011. l
mallah during a protest over the killing of a teenager, Palestinian medics and security sources said. In Gaza, meanwhile, medics said five more Palestinians were wounded by Israeli army gunfire near the border fence with Israel. The demonstration was called to protest at the Israeli armys killing on Wednesday of Mohammed Mubarak, a 19-year-old from Jalazun working on a project funded by USAID and son of the camps locally elected leader. The army said he was shot dead near a settlement outside Ramallah after opening fire on them, but witnesses insisted he was unarmed. A total of 27 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank in 2013, three times more than the previous year, figures from Israeli rights watchdog BTselem showed. l
Thousands rally Obama to visit Saudi Arabia amid tensions over Iran, Syria against shark cull in A White House spokeswoman de- as well as the recent US outreach with earlier this week that moderate Syrn Reuters ian rebel factions were receiving light Iran. clined to comment. Australia The Sunni Muslim kingdoms re- arms supplied by the United States. The United States and Saudi Arabia President Barack Obama plans to travel The Arab Spring as well as a Noto Saudi Arabia in March on a mission have been allies since the kingdom was gional rivalry with Shiite Iran, an ally n AFP, Sydney to smooth tensions with Washingtons formed in 1932, giving Riyadh a power- of Syria, has amplified sectarian ten- vember agreement between Iran and
Thousands of people rallied across Australia Saturday against a controversial shark culling policy designed to prevent attacks, saying killing the marine animals was the not the answer. The controversial policy to catch and kill sharks off popular west coast beaches was given the green light last month after six fatal attacks in the past two years. It is aimed at reducing the risks to water users and allows baited drum lines with hooks designed to capture large sharks to be set one kilometre (0.62 miles) offshore at busy Western Australian beaches for a trial period until April 30. l main Arab ally over US policy on Irans nuclear program and the civil war in Syria, a newspaper reported. Obama is preparing to meet with King Abdullah for a summit, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing unnamed Arab officials briefed on the meetings. This is about a deteriorating relationship and declining trust, said a senior Arab official in discussing the need for the summit, which was pulled together in recent days, the newspaper reported. ful military protector and Washington secure oil supplies. Washingtons relationship with the Saudis was crucial as the region faced changes and challenges from the transition in Egypt to civil war in Syria. But relations have been tested on a number of fronts. Members of Saudi Arabias ruling family threatened a rift with the United States to protest perceived American inaction over Syrias civil war, which has killed more than 100,000 people, sions across the Middle East. King Abdullah is also to use the meeting to question Obama on why he decided against airstrikes in Syria, which Saudi and other Arab officials believe strengthened Assad, the newspaper reported. The meeting in many ways will get back to basics, said a Saudi official briefed on the meetings, according the Wall Street Journal. Why did Obama do it the way he did it? US and other security officials said other world powers that curbs parts of Tehrans nuclear program, has angered Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab states and Israel. The relationship was also badly shaken by the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, since most of the hijackers were Saudi nationals, and by the subsequent American invasion of Iraq. Obamas visit comes after a mission to Riyadh by US Secretary of State John Kerry. l
Malaysians angry as Sweden holds parents for hitting child n AFP, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysias prime minister on Saturday offered help to a Muslim couple detained in Sweden for hitting their son, in a case that has provoked an outcry in the Southeast Asian country. Many in Muslim-majority Malaysia where corporal punishment in schools is allowed have questioned the parents six-week detention and their children reportedly being placed with a non-Muslim foster family. Azizul Raheem Awaluddin, a Malaysian tourism board director, and his wife Shalwati Nurshal, a teacher, were held on December 18 after they allegedly scolded and hit their youngest son on the arm for not performing his prayers, Malaysian media reported. The seven-year-old and his three older siblings arrived in Malaysia on Saturday after the countrys authorities lobbied for their return. The parents remain in custody in Sweden. Prime Minister Najib Razak, flanked by the four yawning kids, said in a live televised press conference shortly after their arrival that the government would try its best to help the parents defend their case. He said the government had appealed for the children to be allowed to return to Malaysia to stay with a relative because we are concerned about their welfare. The eldest daughter, Aishah, 14, said she was really really happy to be back. Swedish authorities were reportedly alerted about the alleged abuse by the boys school. The case has generated much interest in Malaysia. A Facebook page, titled Bring Shal and Family Home and lobbying for the parents release, has received more than 17,000 likes, or clicks of approval. Columnist M. Veera Pandiyan wrote in The Star daily on Wednesday that the couples prolonged detention was a travesty of universal justice. If it was the case of Malaysian authorities holding a European couple without trial for a month, there would no doubt be a huge outcry, he said. l
Man washes up in Marshall Islands after 16 months adrift n AFP, Majuro, Marshall Islands
An emaciated man whose boat washed up on a remote Pacific atoll this week claims he survived 16 months adrift on the Pacific, floating more than 12,500 kilometres (8,000 miles) from Mexico. The man, with long hair and beard, was discovered when his 24-foot fibreglass boat with propellerless engines floated onto the reef at Ebon Atoll and he was spotted by two locals. His condition isnt good, but hes getting better, Ola Fjeldstad, a Norwegian anthropology student doing research on Ebon, the southern most outpost of the Marshalls, told AFP by telephone. Fjeldstad said the man, dressed only in a pair of ragged underpants, claims he left Mexico for El Salvador in September 2012 with a companion who died at sea several months ago. An emaciated man whose boat washed up on a remote Pacific atoll this week claims he survived 16 months adrift on the Pacific. Photo: AFP. Details of his survival are sketchy, Fjeldstad added, as the man only speaks Spanish, but he said his name was Jose Ivan. l
Philippine military 1st Mechanized Brigade commander Colonel Edgar F Gonzales visits an overran Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) camp in the village of Ganta AFP
DHAKA TRIBUNE
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The government is corrupt. If we let the vote go on then they will come back, so we should not hold the election, said opposition protester Sirames, who gave only one name, at the Lak Si district office in northern Bangkok one of 50 in the capital. He said the group planned to block roads around the building until voting ends on Sunday afternoon. Protesters mainly the Bangkok middle classes and southerners, backed by factions in the elite are demanding Yinglucks elected government step down to make way for an unelected peoples council that would oversee loosely de ined reforms to tackle corruption and alleged vote-buying. The unrest is the latest round of political instability to hit Thailand since royalist generals ousted Thaksin seven years ago, unleashing a cycle of occasionally violent rival street protests. At least 10 people have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes, grenade attacks and drive-by shootings since mass opposition rallies against her government began three months ago. Observers are predicting a chaotic election after advance voting was blocked in several parts of the capital last Sunday. Around 130,000 police are set to protect 93,000 polling stations across the country. Authorities said protesters were also blocking ballot boxes being delivered to polling stations across southern Thailand. I can reassure all of you that going out to vote will be orderly and safe, said Department of Special Investigation chief Tarit Pengdith in a televised address. The backdrop to the protests is a years-long political struggle pitting the kingdoms royalist establishment backed by the courts and the military against Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon-turned-politician.Yingluck is likely to win Sundays poll, helped by strong support in Thaksins north and northeastern heartlands. But uncertainty hangs over the results, with several constituencies without a candidate. Some 440,000 people prevented from casting ballots last week are due to vote on February 23. l
lute, after welcoming Morsi when he entered his cage. The gesture refers to a massive pro-Morsi protest in Cairos Rabaa al-Adawiya Square that was violently dispersed in August, setting off clashes in which hundreds of people, mostly Islamists, were killed. The third hearing of the trial in which Morsi and his co-defendants are accused of inciting the killing of protesters in December 2012 outside the presidential palace was being held at a heavily guarded police academy in Cairo. This court has no jurisdiction to look into the case because Morsi is still the president and no official decision was taken for his ouster, said lawyer Salim al-Awa, a member of the defence team. The judge declined a request by Morsi to speak at the proceedings. Prosecutors showed video footage at Saturdays hearing of what they said were supporters of defendants chanting pro-Morsi slogans, carrying sticks and dismantling protest tents outside the presidential palace in December 2012. l
Indian diplomats claim of immunity Narendra Modis wife accepts being ignored challenged by US prosecutors
n Reuters, New York
The Indian diplomat whose December arrest led to a major international dispute holds no immunity from US prosecution and should continue to faces charges of visa fraud, Manhattan federal prosecutors said in court papers filed Friday. Devyani Khobragade was arrested on December 12 on charges that she lied to US authorities about what she paid her housekeeper. She was strippedsearched while detained in Manhattan federal courthouse, which led to a diplomatic firestorm between India and the United States that continued for weeks. Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bhararas office argues in the court filings that Khobragade is a former diplomat and not immune from prosecution. Khobragade currently enjoys no diplomatic status, and at the time of her arrest, the defendants position as a consular official gave her immunity from prosecution for official acts only, assistant US Attorneys Kristy Greenberg and Amanda Kramer wrote. As Indian officials demanded her re-
Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade leaves with her father Uttam Khobragade (L) from the Maharashtra Sadan state guesthouse to meet Indias Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid in New Delhi REUTERS lease, Khobragades New York attorney argued that her status as a consular official granted her immunity. Khobragade was accredited as a member of Indias mission to the United Nations earlier this month, one day before she was indicted and asked to leave the country. The accreditation was part of a deal to allow her to leave the country. l
In such situations, he has to say such things and also has to lie, she said. Modi kept the wedding secret because it meant he would not be able to climb the ladder of the puritan Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), a hardline Hindu group that frowns on key workers marrying, according to a recent Modi biography by Indian author Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay. The author also claimed the couples marriage was unconsummated. In 2009, a magazine tracked Jashodaben to the school where she taught but she refused to give an interview, saying she was afraid of her powerful husband. Modi, chief minister of Gujarat state, is favoured by corporate leaders for his business-friendly politics. But he remains a polarising figure, accused by critics of turning a blind eye to anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat in 2002 in which as many as 2,000 died. He has denied any wrongdoing. Jashodaben gets a monthly government teachers pension of 14,000 rupees ($223) and leads a reclusive life with a brother in a village in western Gujarat. l
United Nations seeks funds for African force in Central African Republic
n Reuters, Addis Ababa
The United Nations is asking donors for more money to fund African Union peacekeepers trying to end inter-communal violence in the Central African Republic, a UN official said on Friday. Almost a million people, a quarter of the population, have been displaced by fighting since the mostly Muslim Seleka rebel group seized power last March in the majority Christian country. At least 2,000 people are estimated to have been killed. It is a critical situation. We have seen massive violations of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told Reuters, speaking on the sidelines of an African Union summit. The United Nations has warned that the conflict in the landlocked former French colony risks spiralling into genocide. One focus of the conflict on Friday was the town of Sibut, a gateway to the north of the country. Seleka fighters arrived there mid-week and there have been reports of killings, a senior international aid worker said. They (Seleka) have regrouped in Sibut. They are armed elements who have lost power and are trying to reconfigure, said the aid worker, adding that the situation could lead to a de facto partition of the country. In a possible sign of this, an unidentified group said it was forming a new body, the Independence Movement of northern Central African Republic. l
Fury over death of race attack victim in India n AFP, New Delhi
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of New Delhi Saturday after a 19-year-old student from Indias remote northeast was beaten to death in an apparent hate crime. Nido Taniam was allegedly thrashed by a group of five men with rods and sticks at a busy shopping area in the capital on Wednesday when he objected to their remarks ridiculing his hair, which he had coloured blonde, local media reports said. Taniam, the son of a state legislator, was found dead a day later, triggering fury among rights activists, students and migrants from the young students home state of Arunachal Pradesh. People from the isolated northeastern state routinely complain of racial profiling and discrimination based on their facial features, which appear more Asiatic than Indian. Angry protesters carrying placards and banners gathered at the same marketplace Saturday to demand a proper probe into Taniams death and highlight their routine racial profiling. We are not animals. Please respect our feelings. We respect yours, Sabaduni, general secretary of Arunachal Pradesh student union, told reporters. l
Balloonist check their balloon before the 36th International Hot Air Balloon Week in Chateau-dOex February 1. Over 100 balloons from 15 countries were supposed to take part in the event that was finally cancelled due to high winds in altitude REUTERS
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LETTER OF THE DAY
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he guilty verdict returned against 14 defendants, including two former ministers of the BNP-led four-party alliance government and an intelligence chief, in the ULFA arms smuggling case, sends a strong and decisive message. It makes clear that government officials and intelligence officers are not beyond the reach of justice, and should be seen as a success for the rule of law. We congratulate our countrys legal and investigative machinery for openly investigating this case and bringing it before the courts. Public servants and politicians, especially those of the ruling party, must not be permitted to compromise the countrys standing by supporting such activity. The 10-truck arms smuggling case was conducted with intentions that are clearly contrary to international laws and against the national interest. Had the smuggling operation been able to proceed in delivering arms to ULFA secessionists, it would have worsened our relations with India, and put Bangladeshi lives in jeopardy. The fallout, both in terms of the havoc that would have been caused across the border and to our relations with India, would have been unimaginably grim. No government should condone or encourage subversive acts like the ones in this case, as they can only undermine Bangladeshs image and could have damaged our national security. The verdict passed is a damning indictment of the parties involved, and exposes them as enemies of the state.
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No government should condone or encourage subversive acts like the ones in this case
ll types of users can benefit from open source software, which incorporates all the useful features of the most common IT applications supplied by branded proprietary products. In the UK, the public sector is considering moving to open source, after spending over $300m on licenses for Microsoft Office alone in just three years. Open source programs also offer other benefits as they can be continually updated and checked for security holes on a far more cost effective basis than proprietary software. Developers can provide greater security advantages and customisation for users at a fraction of the cost for the same service using proprietary software. Open source also creates much-needed competition among IT suppliers, who in many places operate in tandem with the dominant proprietary software companies, to create a virtual oligopoly. Bangladeshs government needs to pay heed to moves to open source across the world. Not only can money be saved by cutting the cost of license fees, but local developers can benefit from the opportunity to create new and better applications as the use of open source software grows. As the enforcement of intellectual property rights is expected to become more strict in future, more businesses and organisations in Bangladesh will have to start paying or incurring greater license fees for their IT services. The government can help reduce future costs for all IT users in Bangladesh, by taking the lead to start encouraging and using open source, rather than proprietary products.
The government should take a lead in encouraging open source to reduce IT costs
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As such, in Islam, fatwa is indispensable, and as divine law, cannot be banned by the stroke of a pen. In fact, the practice of fatwa is not done in Bangladesh in the truest sense from the Islamic point of view. Socalled village Mullahs are pronouncing fatwas for the interest of vested quarters in the name of Islam. Lack of proper knowledge is the reason behind the misunderstanding of fatwa among common people. People have picked up on the issue of fatwas pronounced by half-educated village Mullahs.
n MH Bari
n January 2001, a bench of Bangladesh High Court Division had declared all kind of fatwas illegal. People from some quarters have readily accepted this verdict without any proper understanding of it. The London-based Amnesty International also expressed their satisfaction over the verdict. The High Court, in its judgment, had said fatwa meant the legal opinion of lawful persons or authority, and the legal system of Bangladesh empowers only the courts to decide. The High Court observation is correct, according to the law of the country. However, this verdict has been opposed by religious leaders and others. They have filed a writ petition challenging the High Courts judgment. Many articles and reviews have been written on fatwa. Everyone has tried their best to focus on the matter according to their own understanding. Unfortunately, none of them were well-versed in Islamic jurisprudence. The matter became a burning issue when the Awami League entered an MoU with Khelafat Andolon before the 2006 general election, that if voted to power, the AL would approve of the blasphemy law and allow fatwa by certified Ulamas (Islamic scholars). Eminent citizens of the country expressed grave concern over the deal. They thought the kind of people who had issued fatwas before would return with a renewed zeal, and drag the country into the dark ages. It would introduce a parallel legal system. The AL cancelled the deal with Khelafat Andolon after widespread resentment and strong protests on the issue by party activists and outside supporters. However, it can be observed that there remains a misconception about Islam and Sharia law, which need to be explained. Fatwa is a legal term, which is used in Islam only for Sharia related issues. So, it cannot be generalised within the existing legal frame of the non-Islamic government.
NASHIRUL ISLAM
n Mahdin Mahboob
he debate about student politics in Bangladesh is not a new one. Every time something terrible happens because of it, much gets said about it in different media, and after a while, almost everyone forgets about it as a new crisis develops. The recent verdict of the Bishwajit murder case has again brought the issue of student politics into the limelight. Bishwajit Das, a 24-year-old tailor, was hacked to death in broad daylight in December 2012 while he was on his way to work at Shakhari Bazar, Dhaka. On that fateful day, there was a blockade called by the opposition BNP, and as two crude bombs exploded near him, Bishwajit started running. A group of Chhatra League men wrongly identified him to be an opposition activist and beat him with sticks and rods. Then he was brutally hacked with machetes for over 20 minutes, which caused his death. This happened in front of hundreds of people including law enforcers, and got a lot of media coverage, and placed the ruling party in a tight spot. One year later, in December 2013, the speedy trial tribunal sentenced eight of the accused to death and 13 others to lifetime imprisonment. There was a sigh of relief from most Bangla-
deshis who were sceptical before the verdict came out since legal decisions in this country hardly go against ruling party men. I would like to appreciate the government letting the law follow its course in this case. However, as a concerned citizen of this country, I demand quick implementation of the verdicts, so that it serves as a strong warning message to future offenders.
autocracy, when students played a pivotal role in saving the country from going to complete disarray. Student politics, at one time, was the pride of the nation. That is no longer the case it has caused too many deaths, both of people actively involved and not involved in politics. Too many injuries, too many hours of classes and academic days have been lost, and there has been too much financial and economic
Student politics, at one time, was the pride of the nation. That is no longer the case it has caused too many deaths
This brings us to the state of student politics in Bangladesh. Since the inception of this country over 40 years back, students have been used time and again by almost all major political parties and their politicians for their own petty interests. And this has done more harm than good. Gone are the days of the 1952 language movement, the 1971 War of Independence, or the 1990 fight against
loss. Those who still claim that student politics is something to be proud of because of its glorious past either live in delusion, or choose to do so because of their own petty interests. The very same day that the Bishwajit murder verdict was given, students of the same political affiliation had beaten up a non-political student at Dhaka University, suspecting he was from the opposition. The accused of
the Bishwajit murder case, when interrogated, confessed to the police that they acted so brutally to impress the BCL committee of Jagannath University, with hopes of securing positions there. Such behaviour has become a benchmark of student politics leadership now. Do we really want this? The Chhatra League alone is not to be blamed. We are no strangers to the Shibirs (student wing of the Jamaat) acts of cutting the tendons of the hands and legs of their political opponents. There are also plenty of instances of misdoings by members of the Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP. The list of atrocities by members of student wings of political parties is endless. These offenders are basically our own brothers and sisters, our own children. We want them to go to college and university to study, be enlightened, and become good human beings. We dont want them to become paid political goons who would harm the people of the country, and harm themselves in the end. I think it is high time that student politics was banned in all forms in Bangladesh. This would be beneficial for everyone in the country, and I cannot think of any reason why it should not be done. l Mahdin Mahboob teaches engineering at ULAB.
The laws regulating Islamic life are known as Sharia laws. Implementations of Sharia are made through the fatwa. The ideal Muslim life is in complete observance of Sharia. The need for fatwa arises when one requires to know the rules of Islam on a particular subject. Islam is a complete code of life, ensuring ideal life in this world and thereafter.
The question that arises on the issue is complicated, delicate, and one that requires expert opinion. It cannot be allowed to go on without explanation. It will be wise to ensure its proper use. As a fatwa is a verdict concerning issues based on Sharia law, it would be appreciated if the government deems it fit to establish some special type of school for the study of Islamic jurisprudence. These schools will conduct necessary research on the Holy Quran and Sunnah, giving special emphasis on Islamic jurisprudence and law. The following recommendations may be considered regarding this issue. The government should establish a Sharia board, appointing a panel of competent Muftis and other resourceful persons in the subject for dealing with the fatwa issue exclusively. Second, knowledge-based policy dialogues on Islam should be arranged immediately, with renowned Islamic scholars in the country, for defining the fatwa for modern times. Third, science-based religious education must be promoted, with comparative studies on other religions, for a proper understanding of the essence of Islam. Religious institutions like madrasas need to be under strict discipline. These institutions should ensure better education. Also, standard qualifications for imams in the country need to be determined so that misinterpretation of Islam can be avoided. We hope our religious scholars and eminent citizens will come forward to resolve this issue and make necessary recommendations for the government. Our media can play a pivotal role in the matter. l MH Bari works in the global marketing of seafood from Bangladesh.
The MDG report card of Bangladesh says solid progress has been made, particularly in poverty
Housing conditions have also undergone noticeable changes, with an increase in the proportion of solid constructed homes, declining household sizes, and improved sanitation and piped water. Improvement has also taken place in sanitation and access to drinking water. However, major challenges remain, especially with regard to the nutrition aspects of MDG1 (eradicate extreme hunger), MDG5 (improve maternal health), and MDG7 (ensure environmental sustainability), which are fully off track and unlikely to be met, as
MDG3 gender equality remains a challenge equitable, and inclusive economic growth based on sustainable patterns of production and consumption. To be inclusive will require a macroeconomic approach that is aligned with broader development policies, giving rise to adequate generation of productive employment and decent work, including development of a labour-intensive manufacturing sector, reduction of poverty, welfare protection, and green growth. On the whole, a post-2015 agenda should reach at a consensus identifying the development needs of present and future generations in Bangladesh, and crystallise these priorities into clear development goals with a timeframe of 2030, with a continued overarching goal of reducing poverty. l Sonam Saha is a freelance contributor.
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DHAKA TRIBUNE
Entertainment
Sangeet exponent Papia Sarwar shared her memories with Chhayanaut and enchanted the audience by rendering Tumi Kon Kanoner Phul Kon Gogoner Tara. Sadya Afreen Mallick made an interactive speech with the audience. Students of Chhayanaut performed two Nazrulgeeti in choruse: Sobuj Dheu Khele Jay and Durgom Giri Kantar Moru. Nazrul Sangeet exponent and former artiste of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra Shahin Samad rendered a Nazrulgeeti titled Ajo Kande Kanone and a peoples song titled Ore Bishom Doriya. Khairul Anam Shakil, general secretary of the organisation and Nazrul exponent rendered two songs, Uchatono Mon Ghore Roy Na and Padmar Dheu Re. Ahsan Murshed also expressed his memories with the historical institution. The inaugural days programme was also enriched with classical performances. Vocalist Rezowan Ali performed on Raga Puria Dhaneshri with tabla accompanied by Swarup Hossain. Ebadul Haque Saikats Sitar recital and tabla accompaniment by Mir Naqibul Islam on Raga Vachaspati simply moved the audience. Goutam Sarker gave a solo tabla performance. Then the students of Chhayanaut performed two Peoples song in chorus, Phul Khelbar Din Noy and Himalay Theke. Laisa Ahmed Lisa rendered a Rabindra Sangeet Phire Esho Bodhu and Chandana Majumdar rendered a folk song Khomo Khomo Oporadh. Celebrated dancer Belayet Hossain presented a brilliant Bharatnatyam performance at the event. The first day of celebration ended with two chorus performances, Himaloy Theke Shunderban , Hotath Bangladesh and Phul Khelbar Din Noy Odyo. l
Two romantic films, Ki Darun Dekhte (top) and Moner Moddhe Lekha, hit the cinemas across the country on Friday. Mahmud Hossain Murads Moner Moddhe Lekha features new duo Sagor and Shampa while Ki Darun Dekhte, directed by Wajed Ali Sumon, is the third venture of popular duo Bappi and Mahi
ON TV
MOVIE
8:50pm Zee Studio
Fighting
COMEDY
1:30pm Z Cafe
Partners
DRAMA
10:30pm Star World
Almost Human The inaugural day programme of Chhayanauts two-day event celebrating its 50th founding anniversary
SADIA MARIUM
MISC
10:30am Vh1 10:30pm TLC
Good Morning The Little Paris Kitchen
Male actors play female characters following the traditional styles of Padabali Kirtan and Jatra
The Sonai Madhabs story also reflects invincible forces in love, inviolable purity of womens hearts and humiliating defeat of the oppressors, the men. The story of the play revolves around the Sonai and Madhab, the
Tisha, Tahsan and Urmila appear as the lead roles of Love Lane
TODAY IN DHAKA
Film
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Thor: The Dark World, Pacific Rim in 3D, The Conjuring, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Escape Plan Time: 10am 10pm Star Cineplex, Level 8 Bashundhara City
Exhibition
SADIA MARIUM
Gravity-Free World By Artist A Rahman Time: 12pm 8pm Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts House 42, Road 16 (New) / 27 (old) Dhanmondi Life and Struggle of Padma By Sumon Yusuf Time: 3pm 9pm La Galerie, Alliance Francaise de Dhaka Ways of Seeing Time: 12pm 8pm Bengal Art Lounge, 60 Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 1
Theatre
National Street Theatre Fest Time: 4pm 7pm Central Shaheed Minar
year, by saying, This year in Feburary, a billion voices will rise again to end violence against women I urge you to join in and become a part of this movement. l
Sport
shocker for the side which was flying high for their consistent performance over the last one and half year. The margin of loss, added with nonstop speculation on the proposed twotier Test system, has further made it an inconvenient defeat, particularly when all the talk is about the countrys future in Test cricket. Picking three quickies in the playing eleven in the first Test was also highly criticized as the wicket at Mirpur is not known to be helpful to fast bowlers. They seamers were economical but they failed to produce what was expected off them breakthroughs. However, lesson has been learnt and at least two changes are expected in the final line up for the second Test. The number three position since the days of Habibul Bashar, a current member of the national selection panel, has been on offer to several but none could seal the place. The latest being Marshal Ayub, but the right-hander who has been very impressive in the domestic arena at that position is yet to show his caliber in the big stage. 19 runs from two innings in Dhaka could see Marshal make way for Imrul Kayes, who returned to the Tigers fold after a fruitful Dhaka Premier League and Bangladesh Cricket League. Kayes has earlier opened the innings in both international and domes-
DHAKA TRIBUNE
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DAYS TO GO
14 Cabaye makes
15 A lot of pressure
(L) State minister for youth and sports Biren Shikadar shakes hand with a player while FIH president Leandro Negre smiles as the opening ceremony of the First Security Bank National School Hockey at the hockey stadium yesterday. (R) School girls perform dance during the occasion DHAKA TRIBUNE
Every team goes through a bad patch. We didnt perform in such a bad way in last one and half year
better in the second Test starting from February 4. Banglalink signed Shakib as the brand ambassador for a two-year deal amounting to Tk9m annually. I am honored to become part of Banglalink. I hope we will be able to contribute to the country from our respective sectors, said Shakib. l
brand turfs, also accompanied Negre and a meeting between the sports ministry and the FIH is scheduled to take place today. Hockey federation general secretary Khwaja Rahmatullah said he expects some positive outcomes from the meeting and said, Bangladesh hockey needs the assistance from the parties, the government and the FIH. 29 schools will feature in the final round that starts at the capital from February 24. The 21 schools from Dhaka will take the field from February 11 and among them seven will progress to the final round. The competitive fixture starts with matches of Madaripur from February 6. AAM Zakaria, the managing director of First Security Islami Bank, Mahfuzur Rahman, the chairman of the school hockey organising committee and Mirza Farid Ahmed Milu, the tournament secretary were also present on the occasion. l
Butthan federation started its journey back in 2000 and was affiliated to NSC in 2013
The 29-member executive committee was selected for five-year tenure and Dr MAK Yuree retained his post as the general secretary. BOA vice-president and the gymnastics federation president Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, additional police commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Sheikh Md Maruf Hasan and Barrister Tania Amir were also present on the occasion. Butthan federation started its journey back in 2000 and was affiliated to the National Sports Council in 2013. l
Ziad Shatara the CEO of Banglalink presents a bat to its Brand Ambassador Shakib al Hasan in the signing ceremony at a local hotel yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE
14
Dortmund earn first win in five games
Borussia Dortmund earned their first Bundesliga win in five games with a 2 1 victory at bottom side Eintracht Braunschweig on Friday with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring both their goals. Dortmund welcomed back Germany centre-back Mats Hummels after two months out with an ankle injury. The 25-year-old rescued Dortmund with a challenge on replacement Karim Bellarabi in the dying stages as Dortmund stayed third, 14 points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The night belonged to Aubameyang who, along with Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, finished the match with 11 league goals for the season the same tally as the entire Braunschweig team. AFP
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Sport
Brazil grants DIS fund access to to Neymar sale details n AFP, Rio De Janeiro
Brazilian judicial authorities have ruled that holders of a 40 percent stake in the image rights of Brazil star Neymar should be allowed to see full details of his controversial transfer to Barcelona. A Sao Paulo civil court has called on judicial authorities in Spain to notify both Neymar, 21, and Barca they must hand the details to investment fund DIS, who launched a legal action in the lead-up to last years transfer, A Folha de Sao Paulo reported. The DIS fund received 6.8 million euros of the 17.1 million which Barca paid to Neymars former club Santos -but the firm wants to ascertain if it may be entitled to a slice of the 69.1 million euros in associated transfer costs amid claims the players father and agent may have received up to 40 million euros. Barca unveiled the breakdown of the transfer last week and Sandro Rosell stepped down as chairman of the Catalan club in the fallout while DIS says the firm was not kept abreast of developments. The company says it had a contractual agreement that Neymar should inform it within 48 hours if a transfer bid had been made for him. l
PSG players celebrate after Brazilian defender Alex (3R) scored a goal during their French L1 match against Bordeaux (FCGB) at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Friday
AFP
FIXTURES
Elche Real Betis At Madrid At Bilbao v v v v Almeria Espanyol Real Sociedad Real Madrid
havent been beaten in 20 stretching back to mid-October. However, with Athletic already having inflicted Barcelonas only league defeat of the season, the Italian is well aware what to expect in the Basque country. l
Spain Euro 2008-winning Wenger eyes Arsenal return to summit n coach Aragones dies
AFP, London
AFP, Madrid
Luis Aragones, the coach of Spains 2008 European Championship-winning side, died on Saturday at the age of 75, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced. The RFEF is sorry to announce the death of Luis Aragones, read a statement on their website. The RFEF wants to express its pain and consternation at the death of a man who was a player and coach at a number of Spanish clubs and around the world, and the Spanish national team coach at the beginning of its most glorious era of success at international level. He is most fondly remembered at Atletico Madrid, where he won three
league titles as a player and one as a coach in the 1976/77 season. Luis Aragones was a great player and coach, but more than that a great person and friend, said the Atletico president Enrique Cerezo in a statement on the clubs website. l
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants his side to apply pressure on their Premier League title rivals by reclaiming top spot with victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Gunners lost their place at the summit of the table to Manchester City following their mid-week 2-2 draw at Southampton. While Arsenal dropped points at St Marys last Tuesday, City were rampant in a 5-1 mauling of Tottenham Hotspur 24 hours later. But Wenger hopes his men can get back to winning ways immediately at the Emirates Stadium against Tony Puliss resurgent outfit. That will restore a two-point advantage for the Gunners over nearest rivals
City, who host third-place Chelsea on Monday. Thats our target, Wenger said. Can you win the next game if you give absolutely everything? Yes, so lets do it. It is a great opportunity for us to win our game and respond to our draw at Southampton. At the moment they (City) are on fire. But I believe we have
FIXTURES
Arsenal v Crystal Palace West Brom v Liverpool
just to focus on our own run because if you look at the schedule, if we are consistent we have a good chance to do it. Wenger reacted to Ramseys injury by bringing in Sweden international midfielder Kim Kallstrom from Spartak Moscow on a short-term loan deal. Improving Palace have lost only
twice in their last six matches under new manager Pulis, who has seen his side climb to 14th place in the table. Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpools trip to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday is a significant landmark in the clubs development since he took over at Anfield. Rodgers side were beaten 3-0 at the Hawthorns on the opening day of last season in the Liverpool managers first league match in charge. Seven of the 18-man squad that day are no longer at the club. While Liverpool took until September 29 to register their first league win last season, they are much improved now and sit firmly in the thick of the race for a Champions League place. Rodgers accepts that there is still plenty more progress to make but has been pleased with the changes he has implemented since August 2012. l
FIXTURES
Hertha Berlin v Nuremberg Bayern Munich v Frankfurt
Last season they broke or equalled 25 Bundesliga records, winning the title with a record six games to spare, as they finished up with a 25-point margin. Guardiola has not even had his entire squad available so far this season with Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger the main star currently sidelined with a knee injury. l
FIXTURES
Genoa Atalanta Catania Chievo Roma Sassuolo Juventus v v v v v v v Sampdoria Napoli Livorno Lazio Parma Verona Inter
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Sport
15
scoring behind closed doors too. Ashraf, who is under pressure to retain his position, confirmed the reports during the course of an interview with PakPassion.net. Cricket South Africa, Sri Lanka Cricket and ourselves have taken our stance and stuck to it. We were heavily pressurised, but unlike the Bangladesh Cricket Board, we never gave in. Im not quite sure what happened with Bangladesh, but a lot of pressure was put on them and, it seems, they caved in and secretly signed the agreement. Yes, the BCCI did offer to play Pakistan in a bilateral series at a neutral venue, which is a positive gesture. However, I wanted assurances. We want to be sure that this proposed series will actually take place. There is no way we will fall for the lure of promises, unless we have it in writing. Weve not received any written assurance. The BCCI is saying we first need to sign up, he said. Pakistans stand on the proposals, which will recast the ICC completely, has to be finalised by February 8. Thats when the world bodys executive board meets again, this time in Singapore. Once formally approved, the proposals will come into effect from June, with the ICC then being controlled by the Big Three.l
QUICK BYTES
Bangladesh Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman was held to a draw by Israeli GM Sutovsky Emil in the 4th round in the Masters event of the Tradewise Gibraltar Chess Festival at British Island Gibraltar, UK, on Friday. The draw took Zias point tally to three and he now shares the 3rd place along with other 43 other players. The second GM of Bangladesh played with white pieces with irregular opening and made the draw at 46th move with Sutovsky who is rated 2663. Tribune Desk
Barcelona's Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano (L) vies with Valencia's Chilean forward Eduardo Vargas during their Spanish league match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona yesterday AFP
RESULTS
Cardiff Bellamy 49, Jones 51 Everton Naismith 74, Mirallas 85 Fulham
21 21
RESULT
Barcelona Sanchez 7, Messi 54 P
23
start as Sanchezs shot looped up over the stranded Alves after just seven minutes. Barca should have then built on their lead as Alves made a brilliant save to prevent Sanchez doubling his tally with a header from point-blank range, whilst Sergio Busquets, Messi and Dani Alves all came close. l
0 3 Southampton Lallana 64, Lambert 70, Rodriguez 75 11 Tottenham Paulinho 61 03 Sunderland Borini 19 P, Johnson 23, Colback 80 21 Man United Van Persie 47 20 Swansea
Sylhet v Rajshahi
BRIEF SCORES
Dhaka Metro v Chittagong Dhaka 1st innings 221 all out in 59 overs Chittagong 1st innings 195 all out in 67 overs Dhaka 2nd innings 289 all out in 90.5 overs Chittagong 2nd innings 63/2 in 19 overs Nafees 30*, Mahabubul 23, Shohid 2/20 Chittagong Division trail by 252 runs Dhaka v Rangpur
Rangpur v Dhaka Div Dhaka 1st innings 616/7 dec in 133.2 overs Rangpur 1st innings 315 all out in 84.1 overs Ariful 64, Sajedul 61*, Sharif 3/49, Sabbir 3/47 Rangpur 2nd innings 190/7 in 39 overs, Saymon 61, Tanvir 43*, Sharif 3/45 Rangpur Division trail by 111 runs
Khulna v Barisal Khulna 1st innings 357 all out in 122 overs Barisal 1st innings 252 all out in 84.1 overs Kamrul 63, Rajibul 5/95, Mashrafe 2/35 Khulna 2nd innings 23/2 in nine overs Tushar 17*, Kamrul 2/18 Khulna Division lead by 128 runs
DAYS WATCH
Star Sports 4 2:40PM Australia v England 3rd T20 English Premier League 7:30PM West Brom v Liverpool 10:00PM Arsenal v Crystal Palace La Liga 12:00AM Atletico Madrid v Real Sociedad 2:00AM Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid Star Sports HD1 3:30PM & 8:30PM Hockey India League La Liga 1:00AM Getafe v Real Valladolid Sony Six NBA 2013 14 7:00AM Houston v Cleveland 9:30AM LA Clippers v Utah 12:00AM Boston v Orlando 6:15PM Scottish League 2014 Hearts v Inverness Ct 9:00PM Rugby Six Nation 2014 Ireland v Scotland Ten Golf 3:00PM Omega Dubai Classic Day 4 Ten Action French Ligue 1 2013/14 7:00PM OGC Nice v LOSC Lille 2:00AM Olympique Marseille v Toulouse
Rajshahi 1st innings 217 all out in 65 overs Sylhet 1st innings 244 all out in 75.4 overs Rajshahi 2nd innings 195 all out in 70.4 overs Sylhet 2nd innings 75 all out in 29 overs Ezaj Ahmed 26, Taijul 6/33, Saqlain 2/7 Rajshahi Division won by won by 93 runs
Rajshahi v Sylhet
It was Sylhet who capitalised in the first innings with a 27-run lead, and with Rajshahi dismissed for 195, courtesy of a five-for from Enamul Haque Jr, in the second innings the match looked well in control of Sylhet until their opponent bowlers shattered their dreams. Needing just 169 runs to win Sylhet were bundled out for a mere 75. After a valuable 43 with the bat in the second innings, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam grabbed six wickets to demolish Sylhets chances of winning the match.
Khulna v Barisal
128 runs in the second innings at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium. Resuming the day at 78 for three Barisal lost wickets in regular intervals and were reduced to 155-8 before a valiant effort from Kamrul Islam Rabbi saved Barisal from the blushes. Kamrul scored 63 with seven fours and four sixes and was ably supported by Nuruzzaman who made 51 to help their side post 252 in their first innings. Khulnas Rajibul Islam picked five wickets while Mashrafe bin Mortaza claimed two. Khulna lost openers Anamul Haque and Robiul Islam Robi on duck early in their second innings before ending the day on 23-2.
In reply to Dhakas massive 616 in the first innings, Rangpur are still 111 runs behind in their second innings at Rajshahis Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium. Resuming the penultimate day on 151-2 in the first innings, Rangpur were dismissed for 315 and slumped to 1907 in their second innings after being asked to follow-on. Former national quickie Sharif picked three wickets while Shahadat Hossain picked two for Dhaka in the second innings.
Dhaka Metro in a comfortable zone at BograsShaheed Chandu Stadium. The day started with Metro on 77 for three in the second innings but they lost the way in the middle and were reduced to 198-9 before number nine batsman Shohid slogged his team out of touble. Shohid made 64 before they were all out for 289 runs. Slow bowler Aftab Ahmed picked four wickets while Ali Akbar picked two for the port city side. Chittagong ended the day on 63 for two. Nafees Iqbal on 30 and Nazim Uddin on five will resume the last day for Chittagong. l
The Pioneer League Clubs and the Pioneer League Committee accorded a reception to Arif Khan Joy, the deputy minister for youth and sports, at the BFF House yesterday
16
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Back Page
FULL STEAM AHEAD
Ex-ministers wife draws salary without attending office n Our Correspondent, Lalmonirhat
After five years of drawing salaries, but allegedly ignoring her duties as the head teacher of Barakhata High School, Moslema Khatun, wife of a former state minister, has returned to regular duty at the school. The alleged ill practice by Moslema, the wife of former state minister for primary and mass education Motahar Hossain, went unchallenged throughout the tenure of the past government, allegedly because of her husbands political influence, who was also the president of the schools managing committee.
Replying to questions about resuming the screening of cartoon Doraemon on televisions, the education minister said he would talk about this with the information minister. The government in February last year banned the Japanese manga cartoon from its TV screens over fears that youngsters who are hooked on the Hindi-dubbed version are struggling to learn Bengali, AFP reported. Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu told parliament that television channels which were screening Doraemon had been sent official notifications ordering them to take the series off air. The move came after several newspapers called for a ban on the cartoon, worried that Doraemon addicts were speaking Hindi to each other instead of Bengali. Created by manga artist Fujiko F Fujio, Doraemon revolves around a robotic cat who travels back in time from the 22nd century to aid a pre-teen boy, Nobita. Tokyos foreign ministry appointed Doraemon as its first anime ambassador in 2008 in an effort to deepen foreign interest in Japanese culture, adds the AFP. l
Students of the school however claimed that they did not see their head teacher in her office during the last five years, and often had to wait to get signatures from her
Seeking anonymity, teachers and staffs of the school in Lalmonirhats Hatibandha upazila said Moslema went to Dhaka to live with her husband after he was made state minister in 2009. The head teacher, however, did not resign from her office and only made brief visits to the school every month to sign official documents, they added. Moslema reportedly returned to her regular duties from the beginning of January this year. School sources said Assistant Head Teacher Azizul Islam handled all official duties during Moslemas absence, but did not have the authority to sign the schools official documents which could only be done by the head teacher. Asked about the allegations, Azizul said: Our head teacher Moslema Khatun is a very dutiful teacher and she never tries to evade her duties. Sometimes she goes to the capital after taking leave in accordance with official procedures. We have not faced any problems during her absence, as she monitored the management well. As assistant head teacher, I managed all official activities when our madam was on leave, he added. Students of the school however claimed that they did not see their head teacher in her office during the last five years, and often had to wait to get signatures from her. Mozaharul Islam, manager of Sonali Banks Hatibandha upazila branch, said salaries were paid regularly through the bank to all teachers and staffs of the school including the head teacher. When contacted, Moslema said she has been a diabetic patient for 21 years and has to periodically receive treatment in the capital. Denying allegations of evading her duties on purpose, the head teacher said she had returned to office after becoming physically fit. The government-paid salaries were collected to pay for the medical treatments, she added. Taiyeb Ali, upazila education officer of Hatibandha, said he had no knowledge of the allegations as he was posted at the upazila very recently. However, he added that the matter would be investigated if any written complaint were filed. l
Passengers push a bus after it broke down on Maghbazar intersection in the capital yesterday. With plenty of unfit vehicles plying on the city roads, accidents and malfunction have become a daily nuisance SYED ZAKIR AHMED
Government to launch special benefit schemes for private coal power plants, stakeholders
n Aminur Rahman Rasel
The government is now planning to introduce special benefit schemes for both residents living near coal-based power plant sites and upcoming privately-owned power plants in the sector. Under the scheme, public-owned coal based power plants will have to contribute a minimum amount for a social development fund, which will be used for the benefit of residents living near the plant sites. We are now preparing a guideline to form a social development fund for the residents living near coal-based power projects. A draft proposal has been finalised and will be soon placed before cabinet division for scrutiny, said Power Secretary Monwar Islam while talking to the Dhaka Tribune. Under the proposed draft, the new tariff for each unit of electricity will be set including an additional tariff of Tk0.03, which will donated to the social development fund. The additional tariff will be mentioned in the Power Purchase Agreement. Local people might be connected to the proposed power projects in many ways and their stake will be considered, he added. The fund will be used for various development activities, such as building roads, providing drinking water, electricity supply, establishing educational institution, awarding scholarship for students, medical facilities, and other cultural and social welfare for the residents. It is necessary to take up development projects as Corporate Social Responsibility to reduce public sufferings and mitigate environmental risks in the areas near the power plants. he claimed. A five-member management committee will be formed to administer the fund. Similarly, the government also plans to introduce a 15-year tax holiday for privately-owned coal-based power plants after they start their commercial production. The benefit schemes for the private companies will be applicable only for those who will sign an agreement with the government within June 30, 2020. The scheme would also allow the foreign employees of private power plants a tax holiday for the first three years. They will also be relieved from paying taxes on the interest of foreign loans. In addition, the government also relaxed taxes on royalties, technical know-how and the technical assistance fees. With a target to generate around 20,000MW of electricity from coalbased power projects by 2030, the government pledged to set up 22 coal-fired power plants across the country under public, public-private partnership and independent power producer initiatives. All of these power plants are expected to start production between March 2015 and 2020. l
Agitated students and teachers of Rajshahi University hold a mass rally inside the campus yesterday demanding end to all efforts of privatising the university, including charging higher tuition fees and evening courses DHAKA TRIBUNE
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
Business
B4 Career: Succeeding at
the banking sector
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2014 www.dhakatribune.com/business
Transport owners Visitors crowding kitchenware stalls at DITF n want bank loan rescheduled
Ibrahim Hossain Ovi
They claim bank instalments could not be paid as political unrest costs them Tk30,000 crore in one year crore during the political violence n Asif Showkat Kallol since October 2012.
Road transport owners have urged the government to help get their bank loans rescheduled as they could not repay due to prolonged political unrest ahead of January 5 national election. They argued that they could not pay the loans back as the transports could not ply through the roads, hindering the regular cash inflow. Banglash Sarak Paribahan Samity (Bangladesh Road Transport Association) sought intervention of the finance ministry to get the loans rescheduled with interest waiver, according to a letter to the ministry dated January 27.
Weve started scrutinising all the sector-wise claims of losses. The total loss calculation will be finalised during the revised budget announcement in the middle of this year
The transport owners claimed to have failed repaying their bank loans as per their respective schedules, which, they fear, might result in suspension of their business. The association claimed they had to suffer a loss worth over Tk30,000 crore due to the hartals and blockades for a period of over one year (October, 2012 to January 5, 2014). Weve started scrutinising all the sector-wise claims of losses. The total loss calculation will be finalised during the revised budget announcement in the middle of this year, a finance ministry official told the Dhaka Tribune. The letter reveals that around 1,000 vehicles including busses, trucks, lorries, pickup vans and covered vans were torched and 3,500 more vandalised, resulting in a loss of around Tk130
The total loss amounted to Tk30,000 crore because of the prolonged hartal and blockades enforced by the BNP and Jamaat during the last one year, adversely affecting over 2.5m families, the letter reads. It claimed the transport sector is a worst hit one during the destructive programs enforced by the opposition political parties. A total member of transports owned by the members of the association now stands at three lakh. According to some stakeholders, the people would face acute transportation crisis in the days ahead as the frustrated investors in the sector will be no more interested to continue doing business until and unless the finance division gives directives to Bangladesh Bank for rescheduling their credits. As a truck of Manuir Hossain was set on fire in Gazipur during political deadlock, he said: I have no choice but to sit idle with the burned truck. He has not enough money to repair the truck while the interest on bank loans is rising sharply because he has failed to pay the bank installments. According to Centre for Policy Dialogue, the national shutdowns and blockades in the last six months costs a combined Tk49,017 crore in transport, garments, agriculture and tourism sectors. The estimate shows that due to the 55 days shutdowns and blockades from July to December 2013, land transport incurred the highest amount of loss, amounting to Tk16,688 crore, followed by agriculture and agro-based industries Tk15,829 crore, clothing and textiles sector Tk13,750 crore while tourism sector Tk2,750 crore sector. We are now facing severe financial crisis due to shortage of funds following a huge loss amounted to Tk.30,000 crore in the last one year for political violence on the streets and highways, said Rustom Ali, general secretary, Truck-Covered Van Owners Association. The countrys road transport sectors contribution to the GDP reduced by 0.32 percentage point in the 2011-12 from that of 2006-07. The transport sector contribution stood 6.85% in 2011-12 fiscal. l
Kitchenware stalls at the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) have seen an increased number of customers on Friday. As it was a holiday, customers thronged the fair and bought different items of cooking utensil and crockery. We estimate the sale will reach around Tk6 lakh today, said Md Motiar Rahman Haider, senior manager of Kiam Metal Industries Limited. He hoped the sale will further increase as days go towards the end of the month-long fair which began on January 11. Products both local and foreign are being displayed at the event by the respective companies and distributors. The customers usually prefer buying necessary items from fair to get genuine products of different brands as the companies themselves represent setting up stalls and pavilions. I am here to buy some genuine crockeries, Jamil Hossain, a visitor told the Dhaka Tribune at the fair venue on the day. According to him, many fake products with labels of famous brands are sold in the shopping malls and stores, so I choose to buy them from the DITF. Stalls keep on display for sale a variety of kitchenware like fry pans, hotpots, dishes, pressure cookers, juicers etc. Customers have come in their large numbers today, said a happy Yasin Gani Chowdhury, general manager of Delhi Aluminium. Besides, response from the agents who generally establish link between
A woman shopper bargains at a crockery stall at the Dhaka International Trade Fair on Friday the manufacturers and foreign buyers was also good, he shared with the Dhaka Tribune. Hope we will get bulk orders of exports from our foreign buyers this year. Foreign products including of India, Iran and Turkey also attract the visitors in the fair. Its my passion to buy products from the DITF as there are foreign products rich in designs are available, said Novena Habib, a government employee. Discount offers and availability of a good variety of products also bring her to the fair. Most of the kitchenware customers are women and housewives. We are trying to meet the demand and tastes of our customers who are mainly housewives and want both quality and new design products, said Abdul Momin, a sales executive at the Irani Ponno Samahars stall. On holidays, the fair sees a crowd of visitors,
RAJIB DHAR
which reflects in the days sales. However, allegations of fake products sales were also there. They alleges some kitchenware stalls were seen selling fake products with labels of good brands I bought a hotpot last week from a stall, but it was not good, said a visitor. The pot can only keep foods hot 3-4 hours although the salesman told me foods will be hot for 10 hours. l
UNNAYAN ONNESHAN
STOCKS
DSEX DSES DS30 4753.17 1660.35 9366.97 0.10% -0.16% 0.37%
positive response to earning expectations and investment outlook, it said, adding that fresh positioning and re-positioning in lucrative scrips, profit booking, natural correction and scrip wise movements were the common scenarios throughout the week. The central bank announced the monetary policy for the second half of the current fiscal year on January 27, which apparently had no impact on the market in the past week. Since two weeks before unveiling the MPS, market analysts were frequently saying that the market increased due to expectation on the upcoming monetary policy coupled with
apparently calm political situation. The market, however, witnessed a moderate correction on the following day of announcing the MPS before rising again on the next day to stay the benchmark index little above last weeks level. Although much awaited and pondered upon, the statement could exert no visible influence over the market due to lack of any significant change, said the IDLC. As political activities cooled down and economic activities heated up, investors went into a buying mode, throughout the week. LankaBangla Securities said: Market has posted around 10.5% return in
EXCHANGE RATES
Average selling rates to public in BDT Banks Rupali Bank Currencies SELL BUY USD 77.4 78.4 EURO INR SAR 105.16 1.16 20.53 108.37 1.31 21.01 Sonali Bank SELL BUY 78 103.05 1.16 20 79.5 107.05 1.26 21
B2
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Stock
DSE GAINERS Company Rahim Textile -A Stylecraft -A Padma Islami Life*-N Phoenix Insur -A BATBCL -A Libra Infusions-A CVO PetroChem RL Z Southeast Bank-A Central Pharm-A Eastern InsurA CSE GAINERS Company Padma Islami Life*-N Phoenix Insur -A Nitol Insurance -A CVO PetroChem RL Z Southeast Bank-A Central Pharm-A Miracle Industries -B Central Insur -A AB Bank - A Reliance Insur -A
Closing (% change) 30.70 16.27 15.88 14.71 13.62 13.10 12.34 11.22 11.16 11.00
Average (% change) 29.51 16.13 14.95 14.76 13.88 12.93 15.60 12.49 9.94 8.32 Average (% change) 15.79 18.26 13.64 15.44 12.26 10.02 8.45 10.18 10.44 10.00
Closing average 299.05 1,059.09 84.36 53.71 1,935.79 484.17 772.67 21.80 49.87 44.81
Weekly closing 302.30 1,059.30 83.90 53.80 1,929.00 484.20 773.00 21.80 49.80 45.40
Weekly high 302.40 1,065.10 92.00 54.20 1,946.90 485.90 795.00 22.00 51.40 45.60
Weekly low 233.50 940.00 68.00 44.90 1,685.00 420.00 649.10 18.00 40.40 38.00
Turnover in million 27.232 1.745 243.458 97.112 505.291 2.744 76.476 397.374 358.214 36.756
Latest EPS 11.56 47.83 1.10 3.81 76.51 4.88 -4.06 2.24 1.48 2.60
Latest PE 25.9 22.1 76.7 14.1 25.3 99.2 -ve 9.7 33.7 17.2
Closing (% change) 15.58 14.66 13.64 13.61 12.82 10.86 10.82 10.36 10.21 10.00
Closing average 84.35 54.86 40.00 791.58 21.89 49.96 25.54 34.09 31.10 77.00
Weekly closing 83.10 53.20 40.00 794.50 22.00 50.00 25.60 34.10 31.30 77.00
Weekly high 87.10 55.40 40.00 799.00 22.20 50.60 26.90 34.50 31.50 77.00
Weekly low 72.00 49.00 35.30 694.00 18.00 43.10 23.00 32.40 29.10 77.00
Turnover in million 13.946 1.913 0.370 2.115 35.200 33.100 10.051 0.269 32.167 0.039
Latest EPS 1.10 3.81 2.75 -4.06 2.24 1.48 0.22 2.49 1.65 4.59
Latest PE 76.7 14.4 14.5 -ve 9.8 33.8 116.1 13.7 18.8 16.8
Weekly high 602.80 180.50 28.00 75.00 8.50 105.00 63.10 26.50 356.80 48.00
Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis) Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.) Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)
Weekly low 498.10 144.50 23.90 55.00 7.70 86.00 60.20 22.70 315.00 39.80 Turnover in million 244.786 132.996 0.730 453.312 0.045 25.000 0.150 113.683 1009.417 225.313 Latest EPS 5.70 4.86 -0.08 2.50 -50.84 2.74 0.60 1.00 20.68 1.62
Average (% change) -10.99 -12.03 -10.71 -10.02 -7.19 -6.78 -9.30 -7.15 -6.05 -4.50 Average (% change) -14.71 -12.02 -10.37 -12.77 -7.36 -8.89 -7.46 -7.89 -6.05 -7.63
Closing average 508.42 155.49 25.00 63.15 8.00 92.76 60.00 23.88 332.24 43.09
Weekly closing 507.20 156.50 24.80 62.50 7.80 92.60 61.00 23.50 328.60 42.00
Latest PE 89.2 32.0 -ve 25.3 -ve 33.9 100.0 23.9 16.1 26.6
Closing average 23.20 502.82 63.12 155.05 94.00 8.20 23.94 98.10 332.07 115.77
Weekly closing 23.20 506.00 62.70 156.40 94.00 8.20 23.60 98.10 328.80 116.00
Weekly high 26.00 598.00 75.00 180.00 98.70 8.20 26.80 109.00 357.00 120.80
Weekly low 23.20 497.60 60.50 146.10 93.20 8.20 22.70 98.10 327.20 112.40
Turnover in million 0.102 6.826 52.780 13.541 1.001 0.004 6.632 0.313 67.435 2.329
Latest EPS -0.08 5.70 2.50 4.86 2.74 0.54 1.00 3.03 20.68 9.21
Latest PE -ve 88.2 25.2 31.9 34.3 15.2 23.9 32.4 16.1 12.6
8.41 million and Tk. 11.22 respectively ** USMANIAGL: (H/Y): NPAT=Tk. 27.59 million with basic EPS of Tk. 2.81 (2.55 restated) as against Tk. 12.79 million and Tk. 1.30 (1.18) respectively ** NPOLYMAR: (H/Y): NPAT= Tk. 10.36 million with EPS of Tk. 0.85 as against Tk. 9.87 million and Tk. 0.81 respectively ** ICB: (H/Y): NPAT = Tk. 853.46 million with consolidated EPS of Tk. 20.23 as against Tk. 848.87 million and Tk. 20.12 respectively**. SAMORITA: (H/Y): NPAT=Tk. 14.22 million with basic EPS of Tk. 1.37 (1.05 restated) as against Tk. 12.41 million and Tk. 1.20 (0.92) respectively**. MIRACLEIND: (H/Y): NPAT= Tk. 2.57 million with basic EPS of Tk. 0.11 (0.107 restated) as against Tk. (4.83) million and Tk. (0.21) (restated) respectively**. MAKSONSPIN: 5% stock dividend, AGM: 13.03.2014, Record date: 16.02.2014. EPS =Tk. 0.72, NAV per share = Tk. 19.99 and NOCFPS of Tk. 1.95 for the year ended on September 30, 2013. TITASGAS: (H/Y): NPAT= Tk. 4,202.97 million with EPS of Tk. 4.25 as against Tk. 4,128.92 million and Tk. 4.17 respectively**. STYLECRAFT: (Q3): NPAT= Tk. 19.73 million with EPS of Tk. 35.87 for the period of nine months (Apr'13 to Dec'13) ended on 31.12.2013 as against Tk. 15.39 million and Tk. 27.98 respectively**. ANLIMAYARN: (H/Y): NPAT= Tk. 7.13 million with EPS of Tk. 0.40 as against Tk. 10.50 million and Tk. 0.59 respectively**. ATLASBANG: (H/Y): NPAT= Tk. 44.12 million with EPS of Tk. 1.86 as against Tk. 56.29 million and Tk. 2.37 respectively**.
ANALYST
Increasing turnover with long green candles are indicating that fresh money is flowing in the market
DSE Million Taka 5041.91 2733.29 1196.32 3558.11 1838.66 5850.17 9.77 4312.61 3416.72 8.28 210.56 413.13 186.45 1670.71 671.97 1357.51 1457.15 830.98 757.06 568.83 3.32
% change 13.97 7.57 3.31 9.86 5.09 16.21 0.03 11.95 9.47 0.02 0.58 1.14 0.52 4.63 1.86 3.76 4.04 2.30 2.10 1.58 0.01
Million Taka 596.93 259.62 67.07 356.17 123.28 353.69 0.00 450.25 245.66 1.00 33.81 42.70 23.00 99.36 106.91 44.97 86.35 84.27 110.77 97.58 0.10
CSE
% change 18.75 8.16 2.11 11.19 3.87 11.11 0.00 14.14 7.72 0.03 1.06 1.34 0.72 3.12 3.36 1.41 2.71 2.65 3.48 3.07 0.00
Million Taka 5638.85 2992.91 1263.39 3914.28 1961.95 6203.87 9.77 4762.86 3662.39 9.27 244.37 455.83 209.45 1770.07 778.89 1402.48 1543.50 915.26 867.82 666.41 3.41
Total
% change 14.36 7.62 3.22 9.97 5.00 15.80 0.02 12.13 9.32 0.02 0.62 1.16 0.53 4.51 1.98 3.57 3.93 2.33 2.21 1.70 0.01
DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Meghna Petroleum -A Square Pharma -A Padma Oil Co. -A UCBL - A Olympic Ind. -A LankaBangla Fin. -A Tallu Spinning -A S Purbanchol Power-N Summit Power -A Grameenphone-A CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company UCBL - A Appollo Ispat CL -N National Bank - B UNITED AIR A aamra technologies-A Padma Oil Co. -A Mozaffar H.Spinning-N Tallu Spinning -A LankaBangla Fin. -A Grameenphone-A
Volume shares 5,092,711 4,740,245 2,976,898 25,164,603 4,257,157 9,199,207 14,783,588 7,801,550 12,536,339 2,724,019
Value in million 1332.82 1103.83 1009.42 784.76 756.51 730.95 591.96 591.44 583.91 583.18
% of total turnover 3.69 3.06 2.80 2.17 2.10 2.03 1.64 1.64 1.62 1.62
Weekly closing 266.00 228.40 328.60 31.00 180.60 78.90 40.20 76.10 47.20 212.30
Price change 2.07 -3.18 -7.46 2.65 4.39 -2.47 4.96 0.26 7.52 0.09
Weekly opening 260.60 235.90 355.10 30.20 173.00 80.90 38.30 75.90 43.90 212.10
Weekly high 270.80 242.00 356.80 33.00 188.00 82.00 44.00 78.80 49.00 218.70
Weekly low 235.00 215.10 315.00 27.20 156.00 70.20 35.00 67.00 40.00 200.00
Weekly average 267.31 229.61 332.24 30.97 181.16 79.58 41.11 76.89 47.81 213.76
Prepared exclusively for Dhaka Tribune by Business Information Automation Service Line (BIASL), on the basis of information collected from daily stock quotations and audited reports of the listed companies. High level of caution has been taken to collect and present the above information and data. The publisher will not take any responsibility if any body uses this information and data for his/her investment decision. For any query please email to biasl@bol-online.com or call 01552153562 or go to www.biasl.net
Volume shares 3,556,679 2,804,400 6,725,136 5,226,339 2,129,940 199,232 1,542,000 1,467,489 716,925 260,800
Value in million 110.81 102.69 94.65 91.83 83.38 67.43 62.75 58.67 57.05 55.97
% of total turnover 3.48 3.23 2.97 2.89 2.62 2.12 1.97 1.84 1.79 1.76
Weekly closing 31.10 36.80 14.20 17.60 41.00 328.80 40.00 40.30 78.90 213.20
Price change 2.64 -0.27 9.23 0.57 8.18 -7.51 -3.15 5.22 -2.95 0.57
Weekly opening 30.30 36.90 13.00 17.50 37.90 355.50 41.30 38.30 81.30 212.00
Weekly high 32.20 37.30 15.80 18.00 41.80 357.00 43.70 42.10 82.50 219.90
Weekly low 30.20 36.10 12.90 16.00 35.00 327.20 39.00 38.00 77.90 210.00
Weekly average 30.99 36.87 14.23 17.57 40.59 332.07 40.09 41.15 79.79 213.88
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Business
the turbulence underscores the challenging situation that many countries face as a result of tighter external financing conditions, slower growth, and softer commodity prices. The IMF noted that several countries had responded forcefully, not mentioning any by name but apparently referring to sharp interest rate hikes
B3
RBI chief: US should be mindful of global policy impact Fed draws criticism from
n Reuters
The United States should be more aware of how its policies affect the rest of the world, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) chief said on Friday, a day after complaining that global monetary policy coordination had broken down. Raghuram Rajan, a former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, took charge at the RBI last September during the countrys worst financial crisis since 1991. Indias financial markets have boomed as US Federal Reserve efforts to bolster economic growth at home with cheap money encouraged investors to seek higher returns in emerging economies. As the Fed began to talk of unwinding its policy last year, the money began to flow back out. I have been saying that the US should worry about the effects of its policies on the rest of the world, RBI Governor Rajan said at an event on Friday organised by The Times of India newspaper. We would like to live in a world where countries take into account the effect of their policies on other countries and do what is right, rather than what is just right given the circumstances of their own country, he said. Rajans comments were echoed by the IMF on Friday, which called for vigilance by central banks to ensure that a financial market rout in the developing world does not lead to an international funding crunch. The turn in Fed policy, combined with signs the Chinese economy is slowing, has sent markets from Turkey to South Africa and Brazil reeling over the past week. Turkey and South Africa responded
well before the 2007-09 financial crisis set off the Great Recession. His comments were echoed by the IMF, which on Friday called on central banks to ensure that a financial market rout in the developing world does not lead to an international funding crunch. The turbulence also underscores the need for vigilance among central banks over liquidity conditions in international capital markets, an IMF spokesman said.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan (centre) arrives to attend an event in a school in New Delhi by raising interest rates this week to help support their currencies. The Reserve Bank of India also tightened monetary policy, saying the action was aimed at pushing down high consumer inflation. On Thursday, Rajan had called on developed countries to play their part in restoring international monetary cooperation during an interview with Bloomberg India TV. International monetary cooperation has broken down, Rajan told the TV channel. Industrial countries have to play a part in restoring that, and they cannot at this point wash their hands off and say: We will do what we need to, and you do the adjustment you need to. The Fed on Wednesday trimmed its monthly bond purchases by another $10bn, despite the turmoil in emerging markets. The action was widely expected, although some investors had speculated that the US central bank might put its plans on hold given the emerging market rout. The Fed began its super-easy monetary policy in response to the 2008 global financial crisis. Emerging market policy makers have long complained
REUTERS
about the risks their countries faced from the massive money printing. Rajans policies since September, including currency swap concessions that helped banks raise $34bn from abroad, have been widely credited with ushering in a recovery in Indian markets. Government efforts to slash the current account deficit, including through unpopular curbs on gold imports, have also helped foreign investor confidence and the Indian rupee has escaped the worst of the emerging market rout since last week. l
'So far I dont see anything thats happened in the last month around markets as fundamentally shifting an improving outlook for the US economy and improving labor markets'
Fed unmoved
The pressure, however, is unlikely to dissuade the Fed from ramping down its asset purchases by later this year unless the turbulence starts to derail recent momentum in the US economy. Fed policymakers did not mention emerging markets in a statement on Wednesday, when they unanimously decided to trim bond-buying by another $10bn per month. Indeed, all 70 economists polled by Reuters expect the central bank to keep paring the purchases at that rate at subsequent meetings, shuttering the program before year-end. So far I dont see anything thats happened in the last month around markets as fundamentally shifting an improving outlook for the US economy and improving labor markets, San Francisco Fed President John Williams said Friday on Fox Business television. Williams, a centrist, said fellow policymakers discussed emerging markets at their meeting this week, but added the Fed should not focus too much on short-term developments. l
Tata Nano, other Indian cars fail crash tests: Safety body
n AFP, New Delhi
The Tata Nano, billed as the worlds cheapest car, and a host of other top-selling small models from India have failed their first independent crash tests, a global safety group said Friday. The five entry-level vehicles - including the countrys best-selling small car the Suzuki-Maruti Alto 800, as well as the Ford Figo, the Hyundai i10 and the Volkswagen Polo - scored no stars out of five for protection. The tests, carried out by the New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), saw the basic models, all without airbags, driven at 64 kilometres an hour (40 miles) into a block simulating a headon collision. The secretary general of Global NCAP called them gratuitously dangerous and blamed lax regulation which created an incentive to make cheap but structurally unsound vehicles for Indias accident-prone roads. The injury recordings on the dummy, on the head, chest, and upper legs, theyre in the red. The chances of surviving a crash are extremely low. Its either death or very serious injury, David Ward told AFP. He said trials in recent years in Latin America had shown similar problems but manufacturers there have begun to make progress thanks in part to adverse publicity. China too has begun imposing higher safety standards. NCAP also tested the Indian cars in a crash simulation according to United Nations standards - a frontal collision at the slightly slower speed of 56 kilometres an hour - and none of them passed. Its worrying to see levels of safety that are 20 years behind the five-star standards now common in Europe and North America, said Global NCAP chairman Max Mosley, the former chief of international motorsport. Small vehicles are the biggest segment of the price-sensitive Indian car market, which is coveted by global brands and domestic manufacturers as working-class consumers upgrade from two- to four-wheelers.l
Banglalink yesterday announced the appointment of cricket all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan as its new brand ambassador in a press conference at Westin Hotel in the capital
Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith handed over scholarship awarding letters to the DBBL scholarship recipients at a ceremony held yesterday at Shaheed Shohrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka while Gerben de Jong, the Ambassador of Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh was present as special guest. Dutch-Bangla Bank, under the program of its social cause and in continuation of the programme awarded scholarship to 2,518 students as the 8th phase who passed HSC/Equivalent Examination in 2013 and studying at graduation level in different universities/colleges in the country
Guardian Life Insurance Limited held its launching ceremony on Friday in Dhaka at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre as it revealed the company logo along with introducing its sponsors. Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith was the chief guest at the event while Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and BRAC chairperson Sir Fazle Hasan Abed as special guests
Tangail branch of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) recently winter clothes among cold stricken poor people of the locality. Engr. Mustafa Anwar, the banks vice chairperson was present at the function as chief guest
Modhumoti Bank Limited on Thursday has launched its fourth branch at Gulshan in Dhaka. Humayun Kabir, chairperson of the banks board inaugurated the branch, as chief guest while Shaikh Salahuddin, vice-chairperson on the board was present as special guest
Jamuna Bank Foundation recently opened a centre to provide Musulle with free medical service at Biswa Istema. Chair of Jamuna Bank Foundation, Al-Haj Nur Mohammed inaugurated the medical service centre as chief guest
B4
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Career
BIGSTOCK
BIGSTOCK
WORDS OF WISDOM
The biggest mistake that you can make is to believe that you are working for somebody else. Job security is gone. The driving force of a career must come from the individual. Remember: Jobs are owned by the company, you own your career! Earl Nightingale, American motivational speaker and author, known as the Dean of Personal Development
Having the talk is easier than following through, for those who are too nice for their own good
a/o - account of (on behalf of) AOB - any other business ASAP - as soon as possible ATM - automated teller machine (cash dispenser) attn. - for the attention of approx. - approximately cc - copy to CEO - chief executive officer c/o - care of (on letters: at the address of) Co - company
BIGSTOCK