Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
www.dhakatribune.com
SECOND EDITION
Liakat Hossain
Shahab Uddin
Deen Mohammad
I did not find any reason to take the accused in a lenient view. I have decided to award them highest punishment in these cases
ammunition on April 2, 2004 from the jetty of Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Limited (CUFL), under Karnaphuli police station. Apart from giving death sentence in the smuggling case, SM Mojibur Rahman, judge of the Chittagong Metropolitan Special Tribunal 1, awarded them life-term imprisonment in the arms case. We usually award 15 years, 20 years, 25 years jail to accused in cases for recovering one, two or three arms, said the judge in an overcrowded courtroom adding: It will not be correct to consider these cases case with the nature of those ordinary [arms and smuggling] cases. About the size of the seized arms, which were brought from abroad for the Indian separatist group United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa), the judge said: A mini cantonment can be set up with these arms.
All the 14 were convicted in the two cases related to the arms haul and were sentenced to death KM Enamul Hoque
Paresh Barua
Nurul Amin
INSIDE
Business
B4 In recent days we have observed some concerns on vault security. Vaults of some banks are successfully attacked by bank robbers. This created a scope to discuss certain things about vault security.
n Tribune Report
Bangladesh ran the risk of being a patroniser of secessionist movement in northeastern India after 10 truck-loads of weapons bound for fighters in Assam were unearthed in 2004, said security analyst Major Gen (Retd) Abdur Rashid yesterday. The verdict on 10 trucks of arms haul case yesterday proved that several high officials of the government were aware about the issue which clearly indicates the then governments support to the smuggling, he said. The incident stoked the existing hostile relation between India and Pakistan. On April 02, 2004, the police captured 10 trucks full of modern sophisticated arms and ammunition in
PAGE 2 COLUMN 1
News
5 The authorities of Kutubbagh Darbar Sharif illegally erected arches at Farmgate for Urs, causing untold suffering to people.
A platoon of BGB keeps a watchful eye outside the Chittagong court during the 10-truck DHAKA TRIBUNE arms haul case verdict yesterday
Nation
6 Two people, including a local BNP leader, were killed in separate incidents of gunfights with the law enforcing agencies men in Noakhali and Sirajganj in the early hours of yesterday.
Entertainment
12 Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Chhayanaut, a leading cultural organisation in the country, a two-day programme is starting today.
Sports
13 By two oclock on the fourth day of the first Test against Bangladesh, the Sri Lankan players were playing football after wrapping up the Tigers second innings for 250 and walking away with an innings and 248 run victory
DHAKA TRIBUNE
News
Initially Babar and Nizami sat on the bench of the courtroom, enjoying some privileges as former ministers. Their lawyers were taking their pictures on their mobile phones and iPads. Some journalists took the opportunity to speak to them. Suddenly a group of policemen came into the courtroom and grabbed the iPad from a young lawyer who was filming NIzami and Babar. Quickly the other defense lawyers hid their devices. Police asked around repeatedly for others who were taking pictures, but no one replied. Shortly afterwards police took Babar and Nizami inside the dock. Just after the verdict some relatives and lawyers of the convicts came to the dock to talk to their family members. Akbar Hossain Khan told his lawyers to console his wife who was waiting outside the courtroom. The death sentence came as a shock to Hazi Abdus Sobhan, owner of the fishing trawler which brought the arms and ammunition to the jetty. He was on bail. The verdict was shocking for his family as well. He went to the court to appear. The judge after sitting on the bench wanted to be sure whether Sobhan was present. When Sobhan confirmed his presence police took him into the dock as per the judges direction. After his verdict Sobhans son Os-
man and his daughter broke into tears. The daughter lost later consciousness and fell to the ground at the second floor of the court building. Sobhan has seven daughters and two sons. Osman said his father was not guilty as he had only rented out the trawler and was not involved with the smuggling. When police was taking the convicts out of the courtroom to the prison van, policemen stood in two rows to ensure security. When Liakat was coming out from the courtroom he secretly told something to a policeman who was standing in a row. My husband was innocent. He just discharged his duty. We will go to the High Court, said the wife and daughter of Wing Commander Shahabuddin, former director of NSI. Wasiur Rahman, brother of smuggler Hafizur Rahman, was seen stoic while no other member of the convict was found. He said they would take a decision after consulting with the convicts family. My husband fought for the country in 1971 and he was a government officer. He was not involved with the incident. Government brought the arms and the government is responsible for this, said Selima Sultana, wife of convict Akbar Hossain Khan, former field officer of NSI. Miwara, the wife of Deen Mohammad, said her husband was a jetty worker; so it was not possible for him to be involved with the incident. l
Ulfa leader Paresh Barua and former additional secretary Nurul Amin, the rest 12 were present in the dock. Abdus Sobhan was freed on bail, but as he confirmed his appearance before the court in the beginning of the proceedings yesterday, the police put him in the dock. Shortly after the verdict, Babar expressed anger from the dock: It is injustice. Allah will ensure justice for this injustice. The judge will be tried, his children will be tried, and Allah will ensure the final justice.
He continued saying: It has been a stage-managed verdict, delivered to make someone happy. When a reporter asked Babar to clarify about someone and who had brought the arms, Babar stopped talking. The other convicts in the dock expressed disappointment similarly and said they all would appeal against the verdict. Among the accused the dock, only Enamul Haque fell on the floor, as suddenly he was not feeling well. Meanwhile, the prosecution naturally expressed satisfaction over the
verdict. Shortly after the proceedings, the pro-BNP Jamaat lawyers brought out a procession and held rally on the court premises. They chanted slogans terming the verdict illegal. The judge in his very brief speech before pronouncing the verdict told the lawyers that any of the two parties in the cases would win while the other lose. Considering sensitivity of the case, special security measures were taken on and around the court premises as well as the port city. The judge sat on the bench at
12:20pm and gave some observations about the case. He then pronounced short order of the verdict that ended at 1:40pm. Judge Mojibur in his introductory speech said the verdict had been prepared based on the depositions of the witnesses and confessional statements of the accused. The convicts of the cases will have the scope to appeal with the higher court, which will decide on the judgement delivered yesterday. Death penalties have to be executed upon the approval of the High Court. l
Maj Liakat [convicted accused] used to maintain contact with the leaders of the separatist group [Ulfa]. This fact was cited in the statements and depositions of their colleagues, said the judge. Maj Liakat also gave shelter to the criminals in the country and maintained relations with the foreign terrorists during the Operation Clean Heart. He also used to regularly inform the higher authorities about his liaison, the court observed. Those involved in the smuggling discouraged police officials as they challenged the unloading of smuggled arms at the Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Limited (CUFL) jetty on April 2, 2004. One of them told the police of icials that they had the governments
permission (for unloading illegal arms in the jetty). He said the policemen would lose their jobs if they prevented the unloading. The judge said these observations came out from the statements given by the witnesses and the accused. The judge also said when DGFI chief Maj Gen Sadik Hasan Rumi informed then prime minister Khaleda Zia about the matter, she did not show much reaction. Later, the then state minister for home formed a probe committee comprising five members. One of the members of the committee was DGFI director Maj Gen (retd) Rezzaqul Haider Chowdhury, later made accused in the cases after further investigation.
It is a trial court. I did not make any decision on my own. I am delivering a verdict that was finalised after examining the confessional statements of the accused, depositions and crossexaminations of the witnesses, the court said. Shoeb Ahmed, the then secretary of the industries ministry, and Maj Gen (retd) Imamuzzaman, then chairman of BCIC, both gave statements against the then industries minister Moitur Rahman Nizami. The CUFL jetty of the Chittagong Port is under the industries ministry and the minister is responsible for the organisation. Then state minister for home Babar ordered police to release the five Ulfa men, who were held on the spot on the
night of the arms haul. Later, he visited Chittagong to see the arms and ammunition. He also prohibited the then Chittagong Metropolitan Police commissioner from telling much to the media about the cases. The court also considered these facts. Babar and Nizami claimed that they had been sued from political intentions; but the court did not find any witness, who was an activist of any political party. The arms and ammunition seizure was not only the biggest ever in Bangladesh, it was also unprecedented in the world, the judge said. A mini cantonment can be operated with the seized weapons, the court said. l
Karnaphuli River near Chittagong port which was supposed to be delivered to the United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa), an insurgent group in neighbouring India. Abdur Rashid thinks that such arms smuggling by using the countrys land is a clear violation of the its foreign policy. Absolute secrecy was maintained by the then government about the arms smuggling, he added. The retired army official said the punishment to the persons involved in the weapons smuggling was a must as it will give a good lesson to the authorities concerned to refrain themselves from such secret foreign policy. Veteran journalist and researcher at the Brac Afsan Chowdhury said the country had engaged itself in the rivalry between Pakistan and India by giving space to use its land for delivering arms to Ulfa. The politics in South Asia is gradually heading towards violence centring the hostile relation between India and
Pakistan, Afsan said. The small countries like Bangladesh and Nepal have already got involved in their fights to establish supremacy in the region. These countries should come out of the vicious cycle of India-Pakistan rivalry. A Chittagong special court has sentenced 14, including two ministers Motiur Rahman Nizami and Lutfozzaman Babar of the then BNP-led four-party alliance government to death in arms smuggling case of the 10 truck arms haul yesterday afternoon. Nizami was the industries minister while Babar was the state minister for home of the then BNP-led alliance government. The same court awarded life term imprisonment to 12 others in the arms case. Chittagong Metropolitan Sessions Judge and Special Tribunal 1 judge SM Mojibur Rahman delivered the verdict in presence of 11 accused, including Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Motiur Rahman Nizami and BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar. l
former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar had asked him for not mentioning in his report the involvement of a number of National Security Intelligence (NSI) officials. Farroque Ahmed, another member of the probe body, said he had directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the investigating agency of the cases, to send a requisition letter for quizzing NSI official Akbar Hossain and informed Babar about the matter. He [Babar] told me that national interest was connected with many issues, so we will have to proceed considering this aspect, Farroque added. Law enforcers had seized 4,930 types of sophisticated firearms; 27,020 grenades; 840 rocket launchers; 300 rockets; 2,000 grenade launching tubes; 6,392 magazines; and 11,40,520 bullets. Former NSI director wing commander (retd) Shahab Uddin Ahmed, in his confessional statement, said its for-
mer chief Brig Gen (retd) Abdur Rahim had informed him about the matter and directed to cooperate in offloading the consignment. According to the case document, the names of Rahim and Maj Gen (retd) Rezzaqul Haider Chowdhury, the director of DGFI, first came in the statement of Shahab Uddin. Shahab Uddin said he had been admitted at Combined Military Hospital for physical illness on March 30, 2004. The next day Rezzaqul, accompanied by Ulfa leader Paresh Barua, visited him at the hospital. He left the hospital along with Paresh Barua after informing me that the date of arrival of the arms and ammunition has been deferred, Shahab Uddin added in his statement. Sergeants Helal Uddin and Alauddin, who reached the spot of unloading the weaponries first, said in their confessional statement that former NSI director Maj (retd) Liakat Hossain had monitored the offloading of consign-
ment identifying himself as one Abul Hossain. Sabbir Ali, former commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police, said Liakat had been detained from the spot during the recovery. However, they set him free following directives from the state minister for home affairs. Akbar Hossain, former field officer of NSI who hired trucks for carrying the arms and ammunitions, said in his confessional statement that he had hired the trucks after being directed by Shahab Uddin. Akbar was first among the detained intelligence officials. He was held based on the confession of prime accused Hafizur Rahman Hafiz, an arms smuggler in Chittagong. Prosecution witness Mobin Hossain Khan, former assistant security officer of the CUFL, told the court that former additional secretary of industries ministry Nurul Amin came to Chittagong on the date of incident and he was taken to the CUFL guest house at night.
Mobin said he had informed former managing director Mohshin Talukdar about the recovery around 2am. The MD directed me to intensify security of CUFL, he said. He also said none of the MD or former general manager Enamul Hoque had visited the spot on the date of the incident or even the following day. Their attitude suggested that they were informed about the incident beforehand, he added. Prime Accused Hafiz in his confessional statement said after being assigned by Ulfa leader Paresh Barua, he along with Deen Mohammed, another smuggler, had gone to the deep sea near the Saint Martins Island and completed offloading of the consignment on two trawlers from a mother vessel. He said Deen Mohammed had also supplied labourers for unloading the weaponries. Of the two trawlers, one was owned by Hafiz himself while one Abdus Sobhan hired another. l
DHAKA TRIBUNE
News
V E R D I C T
O N
1 0
T R U C K
A R M S
H A U L C A S E
Jamaat leader Motiur Rahman Nizami, left, sits inside a prison van while BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar, right, wears a blank look inside another van in front of the Chittagong Metropolitan Special Tribunal 1 after receiving capital punishment in the 10-truck arms haul case yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE
Babar
He [Babar] told me that national interest was connected with many issues, so we will have to proceed considering this aspect
Farroque Ahmed, member of home ministry probe body
Rezzaqul Haider
He [Rezzaqul Haider] left the hospital along with Paresh Barua after informing me that the date of arrival of the arms cache has
although he was guilty of hiding facts and letting suspects go. He did those following the then governments orders, Alauddin continued. If the five Ulfa men were not released, the investigation would not have taken such a long time, said ASP Moniruzzaman, investigation officer of the arms haul cases. Abdullah Hel Baki is currently an additional deputy inspector general of police and Mahmudur a superintendent of police in the Sylhet range. Both have been made officers on special duty (OSD). A special Chittagong court yesterday sentenced 14, including two cabinet members Matiur Rahman Nizami and Lutfozzaman Babar of the then BNP-led 4-party alliance government, to death in connection with the arms haul. l
been deferred
Shahabuddin Ahmed, former NSI director, who was then admitted at Combined Military Hospital
Liakat Hossain
Former NSI director Maj (retd) Liakat Hossain monitored the offloading of the consignment identifying himself as Abul Hossain.
Sergeants Helal Uddin and Alauddin, who reached the spot first, said in their confessional statements
Do you think that I am talking to you without consulting the higher authorities? The home ministry has been investigating the matter. The prime minister is also aware of it. So why do we have to investigate it separately?
Hafizur Rahman
Assigned by Ulfa leader Paresh Barua, [I] along with Deen Mohammed went to the deep sea near the Saint Martins Island and completed unloading of the consignment on two trawlers from a mother vessel. Deen Mohammed also supplied labourers for offloading the consignment of the weaponries. Abdus Sobhan hired one trawler while another trawler used for the task was mine.
Prime Accused Hafizur Rahman Hafiz said in his confessional statement
SLH/DT INFOGRAPHIC
Akbar Hossain
[I] hired the trucks after being directed by Shahab Uddin.
Akbar Hossain, former NSI field officer, said in his confessional statement. He was first among the detained intelligence officials.
The government pledge to establish the rule of law has been fulfilled through the verdict on the sensational 10-truck arms haul case, Law Minister Anisul Huque has said. The minister made the statement in his instant reaction regarding the verdict yesterday He said the verdict on the sensational 10-truck arms haul case was positive. He claimed that it was found in the investigation that the high-ups of the then government were involved in the incident. It was an initiative of the then ad-
Liakat was detained from the spot during the recovery of arms and ammunition. However, he was freed following directives from Babar.
Sabbir Ali, former commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police
for which the arms were brought, he claimed. He added that the-then government had a plan to cover the incident and let go of those involved in the arms smuggling. They would have been inspired to commit the crime again if the government set them free. A Chittagong special court has sentenced 14 accused including Matiur Rahman Nizami and Lutfozzaman Babar of the then BNP government to death in the 10-truck arms haul case yesterday. The same 14 convicts were awarded life term imprisonment in the arms case. l
In September 2011, the Myanmarese Army was able to trace Barua along with some Ulfa members in the forest of north-west Myanmar
scene in a vehicle taken from someone they had kidnapped. In 1989 he came in contact with Nagaland Rebels and Kachin rebels based in Myanmar who provided strategic training to his group. In 1990, his group became engaged in extortion.
He stayed in Bangladesh for a few years from 1990 under the pseudonym Kamruj Zaman Khan but after a brief stay he left in April 2004 after being charged for arms smuggling in the 10 truck-loads of arms and ammunition haul in Chittagong. He reportedly runs big businesses in Bangladesh, including a tannery, a chain of departmental stores, garment factories, travel agencies, shrimp trawlers and transport and investment companies besides a star hotel. In September 2011, the Myanmarese Army was able to trace Barua along with some Ulfa members in the forest of north-west Myanmar. Barua received injuries in a fight with them but he survived the onslaught. Barua on April 30, 2013, who adheres uncompromisingly to the demand of the sovereignty of Assam renamed the organisation as the Ulfa (Independent). l
and weapons could be traced, Shahidul added. The policymakers immediately realised the dire needs for modernising the Coast Guard after the recovery ten years ago, he said, adding that they were yet to attain the capacity to keep vigilance over the entire coastal belt. It is hard for us to monitor each and every trawler during offloading. But, we keep our informants active round the clock to gather information for pre-
venting such incidents. Mohibul Hoque, secretary of the Chittagong Port Authority, said there was not a chance anymore that such a huge consignment could reach the port undetected. He also said the Chittagong port was the heart of the countrys economy and that they had been putting in all-out efforts to avert such incidents, thus upholding the images of the port and the country. l
DHAKA TRIBUNE
News
Dhaka South City Corporation authorities in an eviction drive pulls down an illegal structure on the capitals Topkhana Road yesterday
DHAKA TRIBUNE
The Speedy Trial Tribunal 4 yesterday sentenced eight individuals to life imprisonment while eight others to ten years of rigorous imprisonment in connection with the murder of two siblings in Gazipur in 2000. It also fined the former group Tk20,000 each, a failure to pay which will result in an additional year in prison. The fine from those getting ten years is Tk5,000 each and a failure to pay the amount will result in additional six months in prison. The verdict was pronounced by the tribunals judge ABM Nizamul Haque in the afternoon. Those receiving life sentences are Abdul Ali (now at large), Nurul Islam, Nazrul Islam, Fozlul Haque, Md Rahmat Ali Sikdar, Hasen Ali, Hazrat Ali and Zakir Hossain. On the other hand, those who got ten years are Bahadur Ali, Sujan Ali, Chan Ali, Shahidul Islam, Buzrat Ali, Akbar Ali, Amzad Ali and Azizul Haque.
However, five others accused in the double murder case were acquitted on all charges. They are Abdur Rahman Khan, Najar Ali, Md. Aminul Islam, Rahima Khatun and Sabera Khatun. The case was filed after brothers Makbul Dewan and Kolimuddin Dewan were killed over a land dispute in the Golachipa area of Kaliakoir upazila on December 6, 2000. A total of 21 individuals were accused in the case filed by the deceaseds elder brother Md Shakhawat Hossain, of whom Abdul Ali has been absconding since the incident. The investigation officer of the case Md Tofazzal Hossain submitted a charge sheet to the court on July 15, 2003. A total of 31 witnesses out of 47 were examined after the court framed charges against the accused. However, in his immediate reaction to the judgment, the complainant expressed his discontent and said he would appeal against it in the High Court. l
WEATHER
PRAYER TIMES
Fajar Sunrise Jumma Asr Magrib Esha 5:22am 6:39am 12:12am 4:08pm 5:44pm 7:02pm
Source: IslamicFinder.org
Surer Dhara congratulates Prof Anisuzzaman on his achieving the Padma Bhusan award, the India's third highest civilian honour, in Dhanmondis Bengal Gallery yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE
DHAKA TRIBUNE
News
5
National Poetry Festival 2014 begins tomorrow n Arif Ahmed
A two-day long poetry festival is set to begin tomorrow on the premises of Dhaka Universitys Central Library where hundreds of poets will join and recite their poems. Organisers of the programme said along with the Bangladeshi poets, 30 other poets from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Italy, Syria, Australia and America will join the countrys largest poetry festival. Jatiya Kabita Parishad is organising the National Poetry Festival 2014. Convener of the festival Prof Muhammad Samad, at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in city said the festival would feature elaborate programs, including recitation of poems, songs on language movement, seminar and photo exhibition on poets and poetry. He added that a colourful procession will be brought out from the venue of the programme where renowned poets and litterateurs from both Bangladesh and India will participate. Among others, Jatiya Kabita Parishads President Habibullah Siraji, and General Secretary Aslam Sani were present at the press conference. The country has been observing the festival since 1987. l
Bamboo structures are being built at Farmgate Park in the capital yesterday by Kutubbagh Darbar Sharif authorities on the occasion of Urs SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN
The security system will be maintained as usual like the first phase
In the second phase, devotees will join the Ijtema from 33 districts of the country, especially from the southern region. Abdul Baten, police super of Gazipur, told the Dhaka Tribune that no foreigner will join the second phase of the Ijtema, but some foreigners were still staying there and they would leave the area shortly.
College principal sues BCL president n Our Correspondent, Sylhet n Arif Ahmed
A Sylhet-based college principal sued the institutions Chhatra League president for extortion and vandalising his room. Modon Mohon College Principal Prof Abul Fateh Fattah had filed the case against Arun Debonath Sagor Wednesday night. The principal said Sagor including 10-15 of his supporters have been accused in the case. According to the case, on Sunday, the Chhatra League president came to the college and phoned the principal, asking to meet him. At one point of the meeting, the president asked for money for Saraswati Puja. When the principal denied, Sagor and his men vandalised the principals room. Teachers have been observing an indefinite strike from Monday, protesting the incident. l
Students of Rajshahi University put the main gate of administrative building under lock and key, protesting fees hike and evening course DHAKA TRIBUNE tatives met with Vice-chancellor Prof Mizanuddin to discuss their points but the meeting ended in failure. The protesters, vowing to continue their protests until the demands are met, alleged that the explosions were
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Nation
Members of Mahanagar Hawkers Union hold a protest rally after a mobile court evicted hawkers from different footpaths of Rajshahi city yesterday
DHAKA TRIBUNE
The number of coldrelated patients has increased in the northern districts making the elderly people, children and babies as the worst sufferers
Reports reaching from the remote and sandy char areas of Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Bogra and Sirajganj districts on the Brahmaputra
basin said sufferings of thousands of people living there remained unchanged. The number of cold- related patients has increased in the northern districts making the elderly people, children and babies as the worst sufferers, doctors in the hospitals and health complexes said. Civil Surgeon of Rangpur Dr Reajul Islam said steps had been taken in the hospitals and health complexes to provide proper treatment to the cold- related patients and no incident of cold- related death was reported so far. Horticulture Socialist of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Khandker Md Mesbahul Islam said the situation had deteriorated during the past two days due to climate change impacts causing sufferings to the people. l
A health camp was held at Baliadanga Palli in Chapainawabganj yesterday. The camp provided cost-free healthcare services to 1,000 poor people DHAKA TRIBUNE
PROCURING ENTITY DETAILS 26 27 28 29 30 Name of Ofcial Inviting Tender MD. Abul Kalam Designation of Ofcial Inviting Tender Chief Signal & Telecommunication Engineer/West, Bangladesh Railway, Rajshahi. Address of Ofcial Inviting Tender Chief Signal & Telecommunication Engineer/West, Bangladesh Railway, Rajshahi. Contact details of Ofcial Inviting Tender 0721-761014. The procuring entry reserves the right to accept or reject all tenders.
(Benu Ranjan Sarker) Addl: Chief Signal & Telecommunication Engineer/West For-Chief Signal & Telecommunication Engineer/West, Bangladesh Railway.
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Long Form
MUMIT M
n Yousuf Rahman
or the upstarts who are running the affairs of Bangladesh cricket now, it is time for a history lesson: During the pre-1971 days, when East Pakistan played at the highest level of Pakistan cricket, our team that consisted of a majority of players born and raised between the southern tip of Chittagong to the northern tip of Dinajpur, competed and beat some of the best West Pakistan had to offer. In 1969, it was our team that played the Pakistan Under-19 final against a Lahore team that consisted of at least seven players who eventually played Test cricket for Pakistan, including the likes of Imran Khan, Wasim Raja, and Majid Usman. The winner was decided on the basis of a first innings lead that we were unlucky to concede. Cricket lost out when Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation. There were people, within the political system at that time, who opposed the game, and created un-imaginable barriers preventing the game from flourishing.
For BCCI to have the gall to propose the two-tier Test system is unethical, predatory and certainly not cricket
Even then, there were many who loved the sport so dearly that they spent time and money to keep it going. When we played in the 70s and 80s, our sole objective was to keep the game alive, and we most certainly kept it alive for the future generations to pick it up and continue on the path of progress. The path to Test Match cricket has not been an easy one; however, not many know that in the early 70s, when Bangladesh was not among the elite cricketing fraternity, Pakistan cricket chief Mr Abdul Hafeez Kardar, a former captain of Pakistan, along with his friend and counterpart, the Indian cricket chief, had made a somewhat bizarre proposal to the ICC: Bangladesh be considered a full test playing nation by virtue of the country being a former part of Pakistan, and that Dhaka was already a Test match venue of international stature. We know what happened to that proposal, but it did lay the seed for Bangladeshs entry into the world of cricket. A dramatic move by Mr Kardar, and even though the Pakistan Board befuddled many, it placed Bangladesh on the map of International cricket even before Bangladesh had
a well constituted Cricket Board. On Mr Kardars initiative, Roquibul Hasan was sent to Pakistan to represent an invitational World XI against Pakistan to play in a series of one day matches in 1975. From 1977, when we got into the ICC as an associate member, until 1999, when we beat Pakistan in the World Cup, Bangladesh has strived against all odds to continue on its path of progress. In 2000, when we were granted Test Match status, and thrown into the big league, I along with many others, had openly expressed the opinion that we were not ready, mentally or physically, to cope with the qualitative demand of Test Match cricket. Test Match status was gifted to us through some political manoeuvring orchestrated by India, and ably supported by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh suddenly became an invaluable player in the cricketing world, simply because we held a vote that carried a lot of punch. As we all know, the nature of control in the cricket world changed dramatically within the following decade. Who else but India has gained the most out of Bangladeshs Test match status! Soon enough, they had enough clout to tell the ICC what to do. They launched a private T20-league under the banner of IPL and ensured that the ICC gives it due recognition even though it is a domestic private tournament organised and managed by a bunch of business entities, and its primary objective is making money and promoting their own players above and beyond all others. In my opinion, many Indian players getting decent pay from the IPL probably would not fit into the BPL. For BCCI to have the gall to propose the two-tier Test system is unethical, predatory, and certainly not cricket. To top it all, for ECB and Cricket Australia to support this proposal, shows the level of cowardice in their thought process. You know the old saying, If you cannot lick them, join them. ECB and CA, the two giants that ruled world cricket not too long ago, figured that they are unable to take the BCCI head on. Hence, a deal has been made. Let us form the big three, and the rest can take a hike. My question is, what makes them the big three? The Indian team that contained Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, and Sehwag were treated like schoolboys during their last two tours of Australia and England. South Africa beat both Australia and England on Australian and English soil, and is the number 1 team in Test Match cricket today. Need the Big three be reminded of this fact? Is it finance that makes them the Big Three? If such is the case, then the world of cricket needs to unite against this evil force. Boycotting the IPL would be a perfect start. Follow
BCB needs to strengthen their spine, and stand up for Bangladesh cricket, its hard-working cricketers, and more importantly, the fans
the Gandhi principle, and give the Indians a taste of their own medicine! Furthermore, the ICC should (if it hasnt already already) regulate and limit the number of sponsorships that can come from one country for all international cricketing events. Bangladesh has come a long way, and over the years has shown significant signs of improvement. When we first started in 2000, the team could barely last three days in a Test Match. Questions were being asked all across the globe. Come 2009, Bangladesh surprised the West Indies in the Caribbean when we won the series, winning both Tests as well the ODI series. Yes, it was a depleted West Indian squad, but to beat them at their game on West Indian soil required courage and skill, both aspects that our players amply displayed. Since then, Bangladesh has been competing with dignity against most sides at this level, the most recent being the drawn series against New Zealand in the autumn of 2013. Needless to mention, we also beat them 4-0 in the ODI series. Oh yes, lest we forget The Kiwis have given the Indians a hammering in the current ODI series, and have won the series convincingly.
Another dent for the Big Three self styled fiefdom! So, is it not the moral obligation of the ICC to ensure that the quality of cricket in a nation improves with a certain level of continuity? Here I wish to challenge the moral integrity of the ICC. For Bangladesh to continue on this path of progress, our players need to compete regularly at the highest level. Sri Lanka became a Full Member in the early 80s only because they played regularly against the Pakistani and Indian Test teams. The same opportunity almost became a reality for us when Pakistan offered to develop our cricket by sending their best team to Bangladesh in 1980, only to painfully see the tour get disrupted by a group that had a vested interest in its disruption. It is Bangladeshi cricket that lost out. The dark and evil face of politics led the way that destroyed the momentum of Bangladesh crickets unquestionable growth. The better opposition you have, the better you become. This is a simple fact of life. So, for the BCB to even consider aligning with the Indian proposal is mind-boggling. I can understand individuals with no
cricketing knowledge or background voting in the affirmative, but for those individuals that represented the country to agree with the idea, is not only perplexing, but also is against all moral standards that the game of cricket stands for. I fail to understand how Bangladeshs cricket will progress if they are continually made to play against the Associate Member teams. It will hurt us qualitatively and financially. After all, who will sponsor a series between Bangladesh and the Netherlands, or for that matter Ireland or Scotland? There go the sponsors, the TV rights etc. Should this proposal become a reality, it will be the beginning of a journey into a black hole for Bangladeshi cricket. We must not allow this to happen, and it is time for the international fraternity to stand up and fight this nonsense. BCB needs to strengthen their spine, and stand up for Bangladesh cricket, its hard-working cricketers, and more importantly, the fans that follow the game with more passion than anywhere else in the world. I would like to end this with a quote from Sir Ian Botham after Bangladesh beat Ireland in the World Cup in Dhaka: There are 25,000 screaming fans inside the stadium and another 200,000 outside; and that too after a win against Ireland. This speaks volumes for this cricket crazy nation. There is no way you can stop their progress. It seems there are forces within us that want to prove Mr Botham wrong. Yousuf Rahman is a former cricketer of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team.
AFP
8
n AFP, Bangui
DHAKA TRIBUNE
International
AFP
n Reuters, Moscow/Kiev
President Vladimir Putin raised the pressure on Ukraine on Wednesday, saying Russia would wait until it forms a new government before fully implementing a $15 billion bailout deal that Kiev urgently needs. Putin repeated a promise to honour the lifeline agreement with Ukraine in full, but left open the timing of the next aid instalment as Kiev struggles to calm more than two months of turmoil since President Victor Yanukovich walked away from a treaty with the European Union. A day after Prime Minister Mykola Azarov resigned on Tuesday, hoping to appease the opposition and street protesters l
Riot police stand opposite Pro-European Union barricades in Kiev have occupied in Kiev. The votes of the majority ruling Regions Party were enough to push the legislation through the Verkhovna Rada but the opposition deputies refused to cast their votes. The text of the bill was finally published Thursday after reports said that the draft had been so narrowly circu-
AFP
lated that some Regions Party MPs did not know what they were voting for. It says that all administrative buildings in Kiev and the regions, as well as other streets, seized by protesters will need to be freed for the amnesty to come into force. This appears to include the Kiev city hall that has been occupied for two
Iran rejects Obama boast that sanctions forced nuclear deal n AFP, Tehran
Iran on Thursday dismissed as unrealistic and unconstructive comments by US President Barack Obama that international sanctions linked to its nuclear programme had forced Tehran to the negotiating table. The delusion of sanctions having an effect on Irans motivation for nuclear negotiations is based on a false narration of history, foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham was quoted as saying by state broadcaster IRIB. Obama, in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, said US and international pressure had led to the interim deal struck in November between Iran and six global powers, under which Tehran agreed to scale back uranium enrichment in return for sanctions relief. American diplomacy, backed by pressure, has halted the progress of Irans nuclear programme and rolled parts of that programme back, Obama said. l
DHAKA TRIBUNE
International
vance voting on Sunday. The protesters prevented early voting in many parts of the capital and the south. The violence is the worst since 2010 when Suthep, at the time a deputy prime minister, sent in troops to end demonstrations by pro-Thaksin activists. Suthep faces murder charges related to his role in that crackdown, when more than 90 people were killed, and for insurrection in leading the latest protests which are also taking their toll on Southeast Asias second-largest economy. Consumer confidence fell for the ninth month in December, hitting a two-year low and the central bank said last week the economy may grow only 3% this year rather than the 4% it had forecast. Tourist arrivals have been hit in the peak season and huge infrastructure projects have been put on hold. Toyota Motor Corp, one of Thailands biggest foreign investors, said it hoped for a quick solution to the political crisis. The region is like the Detroit of Asia and many makers are exporting from there too, Toyota President Akio Toyoda told reporters. We hope that the situation will be resolved as soon as possible so that the global impact will be limited. Thailand is the regions biggest car-making hub. Suthep led a march in the capital under a blazing tropical sun on Thursday, the start of a three-day push to demonstrate opposition to the vote and rustle up support for its cause. l
Thai army to deploy more troops amid Philippine troops kill 37 rebels in offensive warning of poll violence
n
Reuters, Bangkok
n AP
Thailands army will increase the number of troops in the capital ahead of Sundays election, it said on Thursday, as the government warned it might not be able to contain violence if anti-government protesters try to stop people voting. The protesters, members of the Peoples Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), had said they would disrupt the ballot as part of their campaign to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, but their leader appeared to backtrack. The governments decision to press ahead with the election has inflamed tension in the capital, Bangkok, where the protesters have blockaded main intersections and forced many ministries to close their doors this month. In addition to the 5,000 soldiers we have already deployed in and around Bangkok to help monitor security, we will be increasing troops around protest sites as there are people trying to instigate violence, army spokesman Winthai Suvaree told Reuters. About 10,000 police would be responsible for Bangkok security on Sunday and the troops would be on standby. Labour Minister Chalerm Yoombamrung, in charge of a state of emergency imposed last week, urged the protesters not to disrupt the vote. If the PDRC do that, people will beat each other to a pulp and nobody can control a situation like that, he told reporters. The police and soldiers dont have enough manpower to take care of
Philippine troops have killed at least 37 Islamic fighters and captured a rebel stronghold with a bomb-producing facility. Military officials said on Thursday that troops seized a key rebel stronghold that spans two villages in Maguindanao province and confiscated materials used for making explosive devises, following a two-day offensive. One soldier was killed and 12 others were wounded by bombs hidden around a mosque during the fighting, according to Colonel Dickson Hermoso, regional military spokesman.
Its like a bomb factory, Hermoso said. We dont negotiate with groups like this who threaten innocent civilians. We run after them to enforce the law. President Benigno Aquino III said the military launched the assault to protect villages after Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement fighters staged attacks in the province. Abu Misry, a rebel spokesman, admitted part of the groups stronghold had been taken by government forces, but denied statements that any fighters had been killed or captured, adding that seven fighters had been wounded by army shelling and rocket fire. l
Anti-government protesters take part in a rally in central Bangkok (security) at every polling station. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban said people should not waste time voting but appeared to drop earlier plans to try to obstruct polling. Those who want to vote should go and vote, he told supporters as the sun set. We wont block you from voting otherwise youll turn around and say we violated your rights. Demonstrators took to the streets in November in the latest round of an eight-year conflict that pits Bangkoks middle class, southern Thais and the royalist establishment against the mostly poor, rural supporters of Yingluck and her brother, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup.
REUTERS
The protesters accuse Yingluck of being a puppet of former telecoms tycoon Thaksin, a man they say is a corrupt crony capitalist who disrespected the monarchy and bought elections over the past decade with costly populist giveaways. Thaksin, who denies that, went into self-exile in 2008, shortly before he was sentenced to jail on graft charges he says were politically motivated. Ten people have died and at least 577 have been wounded in politically related violence since November 30 according to the Erawan Medical Centre, which monitors Bangkok hospitals. A protest leader was killed and about a dozen people were injured in a clash near a polling station during ad-
Ruins of Moenjodaro
Pakistan PM pushes for Andhra Pradesh assembly rejects talks with Taliban Telangana Bill
n Agencies, Islamabad
Nawaz Sharif, Pakistans prime minister, has reiterated his governments commitment to an abortive dialogue process with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while stressing that dialogue and terrorism cannot go together. Addressing the countrys parliament in Islamabad on Wednesday, Sharif announced the formation of a four-member committee to initiate dialogue with the armed group, which has carried out increasingly sophisticated attacks against the state since 2007 and operates from Pakistans largely ungoverned tribal areas. Sharifs comments came minutes after a series of co-ordinated attacks, claimed by the TTP, killed at least three people in the southern port city of Karachi. The new committee comprises of Irfan Siddiqui and Rahimullah Yousafzai, two senior journalists; retired Major Muhammad Amir, a former intelligence operative; and Rustum Shah Mohmand, a former Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan. l
India gives residents more cheap cooking gas before election n AFP, New Delhi
The Indian government on Thursday raised the subsidy on cooking gas, a populist move just months before national elections but one that will further strain the public purse. The cabinet agreed to raise the number of subsidised gas cylinders per home from nine to 12 a year after Rahul Gandhi, number two in the ruling Congress party, demanded the increase earlier this month to meet consumer needs. Today the cabinet has taken a decision to increase it to 12 ... and it will be effective from 1 February, said Oil Minister Veerappa Moily at a press conference. Asked whether cabinets decision was influenced by Gandhis request, Information Minister Manish Tewari said: Rahul Gandhi is an elected representative and if he says anything, it is considered very seriously. Tewari denied the move was aimed at winning over voters before the general election due by May, which the Congress party is almost certain to lose after a decade in power. The move, set to cover 99% of Indian consumers, will cost the government 50 billion rupees ($797 million) in additional subsidies at a time of slowing economic growth, weak tax returns and high public spending. l
Andhra Pradesh
Kumar Reddy dared the central government to table the bill in the same form in parliament. Kiran Kumar Reddy said he would quit politics if parliament admitted the bill in the same form as it was sent to the state legislature. Kiran Reddy alleged that the central
government deceived the president by sending an incomprehensive bill to him. The bill in its present form will not even be admitted in parliament, said Kiran Reddy, who is strongly opposed to formation of a separate Telangana state. l
10
www.dhakatribune.com
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Editorial
LETTER OF THE DAY
Letters to
the Editor
haka is about to undergo a substantial makeover, to the tune of Tk7,735 crore, as preparation for Bangladesh hosting the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup. It is of course important for the country put its best face forward as hosts of a major international sporting event, and the planned improvements to 23km of major roads, streetlights and signage around the citys cricket stadiums are certainly welcome. Questions arise however about the mostly cosmetic nature of these improvements. There could for instance be more lasting effect on improving life in the city, if more money was spent on clean, new buses and transport facilities. While hosting the world cup will do much to raise the spirits of the nation, the government should keep in mind that the use of public funds should always be kept proportional to the long-term benefit for ordinary citizens. This principle is of particular relevance, given that many planned Rajuk projects that can have much more of a real impact on improving the lives of Dhaka inhabitants, are currently languishing due to lack of funds, negligence and delays in construction. The Purbachal Link road and New Town and residential developments at Jhilmil, and Keranigonj are just some of the much needed projects which have not been completed on time. City authorities and government must pay more attention to ensure progress on projects that bring long-term benefit for Dhakas residents.
January 28 A report titled on this published in a daily has drawn my attention. Many many thanks to the media for having put this piece out. During the last few days ministers and MPs have been visiting different areas, and students are being told to queue up on the roadsides to greet them for great lengths of time. This is an inhuman way to hold a reception, and also a violation of the directives of the ministry of education. It is also not very uncommon to see students taking classes in unsafe dilapidated buildings, where their lives are being put at risk. In fact, a schoolboy from Charsripur Government Primary School in Sherpur was killed when a wall collapsed. The PMs and the education ministers voice in these regard are not being heard. Khaleed Ahsan
The use of public funds should always be kept proportional to the long-term benefit for ordinary citizens
Be Heard
Write to us at: Dhaka Tribune FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath Sukrabad, Dhaka-1207 Email us at: letters@dhakatribune.com Send us your Op-Ed articles: opinion@dhakatribune.com Visit our website: www.dhakatribune.com Come join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/DhakaTribune
January 23 Post-partum stress disorder is never talked about in Bangladesh. Why has not the media brought it up? pleb
Our exports to China have been rising at a furious pace, enabled by the zero-tariff access to the Chinese market
PEANUTS
CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1 Old sailor (4) 5 Kingly (5) 9 Narcotic (6) 10 Employ (3) 11 Fasting period (4) 12 Ministers residence (5) 14 Short stabbing sword (5) 16 Specialised skills (4) 19 Permits (4) 21 Bullock (5) 24 Merry frolic (5) 27 Existence (4) 29 Plaything (3) 30 Library user (6) 31 Meat dishes (5) 32 Require (4) DOWN 1 Alone (4) 2 Monkey (3) 3 Being in direct line (6) 4 Makes lace (4) 5 Compunction (7) 6 Weapon (3) 7 Beast of burden (3) 8 Blood-sucking worm (5) 13 Perform (3) 15 Torn clothing (7) 17 Long pace (6) 18 Corrodes (5) 20 Compass point (init) (3) 22 Dash (4) 23 Company of cattle (4) 25 Kitchen utensil (3) 26 Cereal (3) 28 Charge for services (3)
CODE CRACKER
YESTERDAYS SOLUTIONS
Crossword
Sudoku
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Op-Ed
11
grave concern by donors, who fear this instability could render development programs ineffective and are slowly reducing funds. The data reveals a significant drop in foreign aid commitment already, an almost 28% slip from $1.6 billion to $1.2 billion in 2014 (World Bank). It is evident that the implementation of development projects are greatly hampered by the current political turmoil, which mostly focus on mass awareness raising, capacity-building of different level of stakeholders, advocacy, and lobbying.
Hurting development
BIGSTOCK
W
n Zafar Sobhan
ell, here we are. The January 5 elections happened and the 10th parliament has been convened. The world didnt end and the sky didnt fall. Closer to home, the anarchy/ civil war that some were fearing and others were secretly hoping for did not transpire, and with the belated abandonment (at least for now) of the BNP hartal/blockade program, an uneasy calm reigns and things seem to be inching back to normal. I say uneasy, but, for the most part, people far prefer this lull to what preceded it. The emotion which seems to predominate, more than anger or anxiety or rejoicing or relief, is one of resignation. More than anything else, people are weary. They are tired of the violence and the danger. They are tired of the blockades and the school closings. They are tired of not being able to simply get on with their lives. They are tired of the political squabbling (machinations seems to be too dignified a term) between the two sides. Few people believe that the elections were any such thing. They are a little shocked that the PM and the AL have apparently been able to get away with holding their one-sided election, but no one really knows what can be done about it, and such is the battered state of the national psyche that fewer
even seem to care. None of this is to justify the actions of the AL. Not only were the elections one-sided and uncontested, but the AL campaigned for them on the explicit promise that they saw them as merely a constitutional necessity and that they acknowledged and recognised that the result would not give them a mandate to rule for five years.
I dont buy the line of argument that is doing the rounds among smug AL-ers and what passes for the sophisticated commentariat: That the BNP brought this upon itself and they have no one to blame but themselves for boycotting an election that they very well might have won. It is true that the BNP did rather improbably snatch defeat from the jaws
To now attempt to move away from the preelection understanding shows shockingly bad faith
It would not be far-fetched to suggest that much of the support for the January 5 elections was premised precisely on this promise, and to now attempt to move away from the pre-election understanding shows shockingly bad faith on the part of the AL. But minister after minister is on record saying that they have a mandate to govern for five years, and both members of parliament and the cabinet are certainly comporting themselves as though they are in it for the long haul. In short, the AL has pulled a good old-fashioned bait and switch on the good people of Bangladesh, and there doesnt appear to be much that anyone can do about it.
of victory and that they did everything wrong. But that shouldnt blind us to the truth that they did exactly what the AL would have done, indeed did do, when the shoe was on the other foot, but whereas the AL was bailed out by the international community and the army in 2007, in 2014 the BNP was left high and dry. In short, the only difference between the AL in 2007 and the BNP in 2014 was 1/11, and had 1/11 never happened, and had the BNP been able to go ahead with their one-sided election on January 22, 2007, with the AL sitting on the sidelines, we would have heard exactly the same arguments that we are hearing now, but in reverse. I wonder whether the PM ever
thinks, as she contemplates her hapless rival scheming and plotting her downfall from her lair in Gulshan, how that so easily could have been her seven years ago. Something tells me that the thought never crosses her mind or that of her supporters. So where do we go from here? It could be that the quiet we are enjoying is the calm before the storm, and that the BNP is merely catching its breath in between rounds. But I do not see them being able to force a new election, one to their liking, any time soon. They are in a Catch-22 situation. The only thing likely to precipitate new elections is another round of crippling hartals and blockades, but it is precisely these tactics that are the most unacceptable and that damage their support the most. Which leaves us with the AL. The only thing the need fear right now is over-reach. If they are restrained and cautious in their approach, then they could be in power a long time. On the other hand, if they start to believe their own propaganda and mistake the publics resignation for deep wellsprings of support and enthusiasm, then they could very quickly return the upper hand to the BNP. Of course, everything I have written only holds good for this month. Next month anything could happen that would utterly change the face of politics. This is Bangladesh, after all. l Zafar Sobhan is the Editor, Dhaka Tribune.
45-year-old rickshaw-puller, Habibur Rahman, lost his only earning source during a blockade last December. The rickshaw was set on fire by demonstrators in Chittagong while two other people were nabbed for arson, including Habibur. Six months back, Habibur received a rickshaw from an NGO, working in Chittagong as part of their regular Income Generating Activities (IGA) while he was supposed to reimburse the actual cost of the rickshaw in the next two years with a small installment. Many poor people across the country have also lost their lives, shelter, and assets, and been nabbed for arson and injured in strikes and blockades in the last three months. Due to political unrestover the election, the whole economy was adversely affected while the implementation of development programs has gone down, foreign aid spending has slowed, and aid effectiveness has lost its balance across the nation, mostly at the field level. The progress of the implementation of the Annual Development Program (ADP) in this financial year is likely to suffer a major setback due to the ongoing political unrest and violence. The implementation progress for the donor-driven projects in the first four months of the current fiscal year stood at 15% compared to 20% during the same of the preceding fiscal. After his oath, the finance minister declared that the government planned to revise down the GDP growth outlook by around one percentage point, as he thought the previous target of 7.2% was too ambitious amid political volatility, while the World Bank estimates it will be less than 6%. According to data from the Economic Relations Divisions (ERD) of Bangladesh, foreign disbursement increased only by 2% in the first five months of this fiscal year due to slow project implementation brought about by political turmoil. Between July and November 2013, some $987 million in foreign aid was disbursed, which is only 29% of the target. Meanwhile, with the aim of speeding up implementation, the prime minister recently formed the fast track project monitoring committee to monitor the implementation of high value projects of national importance. All these statistics show some national level outlook, but what about the development projects?
Apart from the national level scenario, the country suffers from severe problems in the implementation of the project at the local level due to political instability which undermines the countrys development progress, and affects the lives of the marginalised segment of the communities directly. Political unrest is viewed with
Development organisations are frequently forced to postpone their scheduled programs, particularly capacity-building training, as the situation does not permit them to gather people in a certain place. The political turmoil had completely broken the communications between and among the development workers and the representatives of Local Government Institutions (LGIs). Representatives of local government institutions are not interested in organising and participating in regular meetings as they feel it is not secure. It happens mostly in areas where representatives are in place from the opposition parties, mostly in the city corporation areas except Dhaka, as most of the mayor and the councillors are being elected from the oppositions. The observations from other Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and the Volunteer Groups are similar. The development staff are in an immovable position due to this abnormal situation. Their movement to the field level has been stopped for the continuous strike and the blockade. They are using alternative ways, and make trips by rickshaws, autos, and vans, which are time consuming, costly, and hazardous. They are facing difficulties to ensure the engagement of government officials, representatives, and CBO leaders in the upazila and district level events at different places, which create barriers to meet the objectives of the projects. The current political unrest affects budget utilisation of the programs, as activities could not be implemented as per plan. Most projects have not achieved their targets while field teams have been forced to reorganise their plans on holidays, weekends, even strikes and blockades, which triggered their vulnerabilities in the workplace. It is expected that a permanent solution will emerge, while government officials, local government representatives, and communities as a whole will regain the confidence to participate in the development process. l Mohammed Norul Alam Raju is Program Officer, Urban DRR, Oxfam in Bangladesh.
n Ekram Kabir
minister smoking in a public place perhaps didnt come as a surprise to us. This is something that almost all Bangladeshi smokers do very often, no matter how tough the existing anti-smoking law is in this country. But what came as a surprise was that he was smoking on the stage, and in front of a large number school-children. Thats what raised quite a lot of hue and cry in the media. However, the good part was that he said sorry, and promised that such an action would never be repeated in the future. We must thank our minister for realising that his action was insensitive towards society. But he isnt the only one who showed an insensitive attitude. Day in and day out, almost all of us commit many types of insensitive and inappropriate deeds, which we almost never think twice about before doing them, that may harm the people around us, transmit a negative message in society, and obstruct the process of nation-building. Take our actions on the roads, for example. Its hard to recall a day when I myself didnt violate at least one traffic law while driving a car, or
riding a bike or motorbike, or riding on a rickshaw, or even walking on the pavement and crossing a road. The reason for which we break these laws without thinking about the negative impacts they might have on society at large is that no one ever taught us how to be sensible on the roads. We never learnt the traffic norms in our schools, nor were any traffic department educational PR materials made available to us. We learnt by watching our elders.
those who ride motorbikes, arent taking the wrong lane. Their attitude says it is their birth right to violate the traffic order. And if someone is a government official with a flag fluttering on his or her car, their chauffer thinks it is his duty to violate traffic regulations, causing problems to others. This is an interesting aspect in our character: We cause problems for others by our actions, knowingly and unknowingly. In contrast to this,
What the leaders do or practice has a ripple effect on the society. They trickle down and creep into everyones character
We also learnt to be insensitive from our national leaders (business, political, social all kinds) and peoples representatives. If our memory serves us right, weve watched our prime ministers and MPs convoys taking the wrong lane. You wont miss a day when the traffic personnel, especially
in every enlightened society, every citizen tries to remain alert so that his or her actions do not cause any problems to the people around them. Being sensitive to others peace is the basic trait in those societies. Then they become habits. We, on the contrary, seem to be
perpetually oblivious about how our actions might destabilise others peace. Otherwise, why would we keep spitting while we walk on the pavements? Dont we have the sense to think that that might fall on somebody who is passing by? Ive seen many public personalities spit on the floors, on the stairs. Ive seen many educated persons approaching from all four sides of an intersection and create a point-of-noreturn traffic jam. The worst examples of our insensitivity are perhaps the remarks of the politicians about each other. Civility, respect, as well as forethought are quite hard-to-find elements in this countrys political arena. Our leaders demonstrate a constant insensitivity by pouring out personal attacks against each other. It seems they use these personal hits as political tools to demonise each other in the eyes of the voters. However, it beats our wits as to how a flurry of slurry dictions could be of political use. Rather, these reveal their insensitive characters, which ultimately lead to self-demonisation. The people, on the other hand, when they see their leaders using these dictions on a regular basis, think it is okay
for them to use in their own lives also. What the leaders do or practice has a ripple effect on the society. They trickle down and creep into everyones character. And that is how the whole nation becomes prone to being insensitive.
Take our actions on the roads, for example. Its hard to recall a day when I myself didnt violate at least one traffic law
It is our hope that our leaders would rise up to the occasion and do something about the nations sense and sensitivity. It is they who would teach us manners, behaviour, and prudence. We, the people, would love to follow them as our leaders, as our representatives. Leadership isnt a trivial matter. It is a great responsibility which requires huge sense and sensitivity. l Ekram Kabir is Executive Editor of Natunbarta.com.
12
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Entertainment
Popy: I have a rebellious role in Notebook
n Afrose Jahan Chaity
Dhallywood megastar Popy will be seen as the protagonist in a telefilm titled Notebook, which will air on ATN Bangla tonight at 11pm. While talking to the Dhaka Tribune about her occasional appearance on small screen, Popy said: I am an actor, so I want to work. It really does not matter whether I am working on small screen or the silver screen. About the telefilm the Dhallywood diva said: I have a rebellious role in Notebook directed by Rezanur Rahman. It is one of my best works on the small
Chhayanauts teachers and students rehearse for the event heritage of Bangla music, but also contribute in its evolution and that was the genesis of Chhayanaut Shangeet Bidyatan. However, the scope of Chhayanaut is not just limited to music. When asked how he would define Chhayanaut, Khairul Anam Shakil, general secretary of the organisation said: Chhayanaut is not just a music school, it is rather a movement to spread the true Bangla culture and heritage as a whole. His words could not to be truer. Chhayanaut was initially launched as a cultural organisation which started a music school in 1963 named Chhayanaut Shangeet Bidyatan that specifically garnered towards nurturing young talents and support the torchbearers of Bangla music. During this half century, it has trained over 50 thousand students in different disciples. Currently it boasts a student body of 4000, enrolled in the different curriculums under Bangla songs (Nazrul, Tagore and Folk), classical vocal, classical instrumental and classical dance. l
screen. The whole story revolves around the protagonist who plays the character of a married woman. The play revolves around a woman who goes through a lengthy period of bad luck and struggle, due to her husbands extra marital affair. At one point of their marriage, they shared a relationship of mutual love and respect. But, her husband changes drastically and to rid himself of her, he plots on having her murdered. The situation takes dire turns when Popy is followed to Syedpur by a hired hit-man, who introduces himself to Popy under false pretence. l
ON TV
MOVIE
7:00pmFox Movies Premium
Skyfall Takers
9:30pmWB
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
DRAMA
7:30pm Star Plus 10:00pm Sony
Jee le zara Saath Nibhana Saathiyan
COMEDY
10:30am FX
The Simpsons
9:00pm Z Cafe
The Middle
Exhibition
prominent works are Ekoda Ek Rajye, Boishakhe Rochito Ponktimala, Birotihin Utsob, Protidhonigon, Opor Purush and Kobita Samagra. Syed Haq also authored some popular novels such as Ek Mahilar Chhobi, Anupam Din, Seemana Chhariye, Neel Dangshon, Smritimedh, Mrigoya Kalkshep, Stabdhotar Anubad, Ek Juboker Chhayapath, Swapna Sankranta and Brishti O Bidrohigon. In recognition of his versatile contribution to Bengali literature, Syed Shamsul Haq was honoured with the Bangla Academy award, Adamjee Literary award, Alakta Gold Medal, Alaol Literary award, Ekushey Padak, Jebunnessa-Mahbubullah Gold Medal and Padabali Kabita award. l
MISC
10:30am FTV
F Men
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 Dhanmond Talk The Art of Collecting By Durjoy Rahman Joy and Khaled Mahmud Time: 5pm Bengal Art Lounge Road No 132, Gulshan Avenue, Circle 1
9:30pm AXN
Top Gear
NEWS
2:00pm ATN News
News Now
5:00pm Boishakhi Tv
George Clooney: I have had some great memories with my flop films n Entertainment Desk
The Gravity actor said he has not enjoyed working on some of his most successful projects, in a recent interview. Some of the best films have been the least fun experiences and some of the worst, Ive made lifelong friends out of it. Its the kind of thing where the memory of the film is very different than how it was reviewed, because its months out of your life and you end up making close friends or having great experience on films that dont necessarily work. And, thats a tricky thing to come to terms with, he said. When asked about his best working partner, he said: Let me think about this in the best possible way, that does not get me murdered by all other actors Ive worked with. I dont know. Then he added: Ive done six films with (Matt) Damon now, so I guess I do enjoy working with him. Though, you wouldnt know it. Ive been really lucky to work with people who enjoy what they do. Ive worked with a couple of turkeys, but Ive mostly been really lucky. l
Sport
11 9 18 50 25 14 29 23 1 17 32 21 250
DHAKA TRIBUNE
13
0 4 4
DAYS TO GO
15 Rakibul, Shuvagata
Fall of wickets 1 15 (Tamim), 2 35 (Shamsur), 3 50 (Ayub), 4 102 (Shakib), 5 133 (Mominul), 6 150 (Rahim), 7 183 (Gazi), 8 197 (Robiul), 9 197 (Nasir), 10 250 (Rubel). Bowling Lakmal 14 4 39 3 (nb2), Eranga 6 126 1, Herath 9 3 47 1, D. Perera 19.5 0109 5, Mathews 3 0 10 0 Sri Lanka won by an innings and 248 runs
Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim gets bowled in their second innings against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday MUMIT M
was Lakmal, who added two wickets Sohag Gazi and Robiul to that of Marshal Ayub, to finish with his second three wicket haul of the match. Last man Al-Amin, who was the pick of the Bangladesh pace bowlers throughout the match, provided some entertainment at the death as he lashed out to strike four sixes in a 27ball 32 not out before Perera claimed his fifth to end the match. Bangladesh have now lost 15 out of 16 Test matches against Sri Lanka, the only draw coming in Sri Lanka last year. The loss is Bangladeshs fourth biggest ever. l
ICC vice-president AHM Mostafa Kamal (L) and BCB president Nazmul Hassan (C) arrive at the Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport yesterday MUMIT M
14
Klopp coy over signing Holtby on loan
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Sport
Coach Jurgen Klopp refused to confirm reports on Wednesday that Borussia Dortmund are poised to sign German international midfielder Lewis Holtby on loan from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. With Holtby out of favour at White Hart Lane, Spurs head coach Tim Sherwood has indicated the Germany midfielder would be allowed to leave with Dortmund poised to take him on loan, but Klopp refused to divulge whether he would take it any further. I have heard the name a few times, said Klopp in a press conference with the transfer window to close at midnight on Friday. I know exactly what we will do, given the situation it would be imprudent not to look, but that doesnt mean we will do anything. Holtbys agent Marcus Noack denied reports Holtby was already in Germanys Ruhr Valley. AFP
Manchester City's Yaya Toure scores a penalty against Tottenham Hotspur during their English Premier League match at White Hart Lane in London on Wednesday
REUTERS
RESULTS
Aston Villa
Weimann 12, Bacuna 24, Delph 37, Benteke 64 P
43 00 10 15
West Brom
Chelsea Sunderland
Johnson 17 Capoue 59
Tottenham
Prior to Wednesday, West Ham had lost five of their previous six and conceded 19 but they found some previously undiscovered steel to hold Chelsea at bay. Oscar had a shot that crashed
against the bar while West Ham keeper Adrian did well to repel efforts from John Terry and Samuel Etoo, much to the frustration of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who was scathing of West Hams lack of ambition. There was no shortage of goals at Villa Park, where West Brom took the game by the scruff of the neck thanks to Chris Brunts fourth-minute opener and a Fabian Delph own goal. But Villa were ahead after 37 minutes thanks to goals from Andreas Weimann and Leandro Bacuna, while Delph found the net at the right end. Youssouf Mulumbu equalised but Christian Benteke netted from the penalty spot to win it for Villa. Sunderland have now lost only one of their last eight league games after Adam Johnson tapped home from close range against Stoke, who had Steven NZonzi sent off eight minutes into the second half. l
RESULTS
Athletic Bilbao
Aduriz 41
12
Atletico Madrid
Barcelona
Adriano 28, Puyol 44, Sergi Roberto 9-og Sanchez 50, 52, Fabregas 69 Barcelona win 9 2 on aggregate
51
Levante
Manchester City cut losses but risk Uefa action n Reuters, London
Englands Manchester City halved their annual loss to 51.6 million pounds ($85.6 million) last season but appear at risk of breaching new Uefa rules regulating soccer club finances. Although Citys finances are heading in the right direction, UEFAs Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules cap headline losses at 45 million euros ($61.5 million) in the two seasons between 2011 and 2013. Clubs who do not comply could be excluded from the Champions League. Releasing their annual report for 2012-13, City made no direct reference to whether they would be able to meet the FFP rules. l
Bayern Munich's Spanish midfielder Thiago (2ndL) scores the winning goal against VfB Stuttgart during their German Bundesliga match in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany, on Wednesday AFP
n AFP, Marseille
Marseille gave their faltering bid for Champions League qualification from Ligue 1 a shot in the arm with a 2-1 home victory against struggling Valenciennes on Wednesday. Andre-Pierre Gignacs first-half opener was cancelled out by Arthur Masuaku, but Florian Thauvin got what proved to be the clinching goal after the hour mark. The win lifts Olympic Marseille back up to fifth place in the table, two points behind Saint-Etienne in fourth and six points behind Lille in the third and final Champions League spot. l
Cabaye poses with his new team jersey at the Parc des Princes stadium REUTERS
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Sport
15
Sk Jamal off to Kolkata
n Shishir Hoque
Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club flew to Kolkata yesterday night to take part in the 121-year-old Club Cup competition IFA Shield. The new Bangladesh Premier League giants, who aimed to return home as the champions of one of the oldest club competitions in world football, will play their first game against Kolkata side Mohammedan SC at the Barasat Stadium, West Bengal on February 2 before facing United Sikkim FC on February 4. Earlier the club was not sure of participating in the competition as their foreign players did not receive their visas. The Dhaka powerhouse was scheduled to play their opening game against Mohun Bagan yesterday, but the game was postponed as Jamal denied to travel without their foreign recruits. The game has been rescheduled on February 6. Sheikh Jamal were pitted in the Group B of the 118th IFA Shield, which got underway on January 29, with Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan SC, Kolkata and United Sikkim. However, Sheikh Jamal manager Anwarul Karim Helal did not travel with the team for unavoidable problems regarding his passport. l
QUICK BYTES
Condolence
Mohammad Abdur Rahman Sardar, the father of the Italian expatriate sports journalist Zakaria Hossain passed away at the age of 81 at his Gopalganj residence yesterday. He is survived by a son, 10 daughters and his wife. He was buried at the new local graveyard after the namaj-e-janaza at the eidgah. Bangladesh Sports Press Association expressed deep shock over the death Rahman and prayed for the salvation of the departed soul. Tribune Desk
Sri Lanka cricket team leaves the field after securing an emphatic win against Bangladesh in the first Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday
MUMIT M
that extra spinner who supports Rangana, and he did the job today, he said. Bangladesh played the match with three seamers that raised quite a few eyebrows. The decision turned out to be horribly wrong as the visitors posted over 700 while the Bangladesh quickies managed just a wicket out the six Sri Lanka lost. On the other hand, the Lankan fast bowlers had both bounce and swing. Theres nothing wrong with the wicket. The wicket was pretty good at the end of the third day as well as the past two sessions as well, Mathews said. There were no demons in the wicket. But I thought we handled those pressure situations well, whereas they (Bangladesh) didnt, he added. The 26-year old began his journey as a captain, the youngest among Sri Lankans, last year against Bangladesh and with two former captains Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara in the side Mathews said his job becomes easy when the seniors advice him in critical situations. Its definitely easier. Its not only the older guys, weve got Dilshan joining us in the one-dayers as well. Working with the three seniors plus weve got Rangana Herath in the bowling department. They all throw their thoughts. We all get together and have chats and pick the best option. It makes it easier for me to have those seniors around, he added. l
Khulna v Barisal
Dhaka v Rangpur
Riding on unbeaten tons from Rakibul and Shuvagata Dhaka posted 357 runs at stumps on day one at Rajshahis Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium. Dhaka lost early wickets before bouncing back with a 102-run third wicket partnership between Rakibul and Rony Talukder (73). Rakibul took Shuvagata to add unbeaten 204 runs for the fifth wicket to steer Dhaka to a strong position. In the process Rakibul scored 154 while Shuvagata made 101.
Riding on three half centuries hosts Khulna scored 252 for six at stumps against Barisal at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium. The Barisal side lacked the threat in the bowling department as Tushar Imran, Anamul Haque, Robiul Islam Robi scored 61, 55 and 51 runs respectively. Ziaur Rahman was unbeaten on 18 along with Nahidul Islam on 5. Fazle Rabbi picked three wickets for Barisal.
Rajshahi v Sylhet
Sylhet bowled out Rajshahi for 217 runs in the first innings before they ended the day on 95 for no loss. Sayem
Dhaka centurions Rakibul Hasan (L) and Shuvagata Hom pose for a photograph after ending the first day unbeaten against Rangpur at SKS DHAKA TRIBUNE
Dhaka Metro and Chittagong are fighting neck to neck at Bogras Shaheed Chandu Stadium. Metro were restricted to 221 runs with Saikat Ali making the highest 53. Monirul Islam was the most successful among the Chittagong bowlers picking four wickets while Yasin Arafat and Aftab Ahmed bagged two wickets each. However, Chittagong were trailing by 143 runs at the end of the day as they were reeling at 84 for three. Nafees Iqbal was unbeaten on 60 with Aftab on two. Shohid picked two wickets for Dhaka Metro while off-spinner Sharifullah took one. l
Juninho retires
Juninho, the Brazilian midfielder who won seven consecutive French league titles with Lyon, has retired from football on Thursday, his 39th birthday. Roberto Dinamite, president of Vasco da Gama, told local media: I want to confirm Juninho Pernambucanos decision. said Dinamite. Juninho, who has not played since injuring his right thigh in November, was a noted set-piece specialist, scoring 100 goals for Lyon, whom he captained. He was part of the Brazil team that made it through to the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup. Juninho left Lyon, French champions between 2001 and 2008, for a two year spell in Qatar, a brief period with MLS side Red Bulls New York before returning to Brazil to Vasco da Gama, the club where his career began. AFP
BOA secretary general Syed Shahed Reza presents a crest to the Lanny Avi, the head of the NOC Relations and Services, 2016 Brazil Olympic Committee at the BOA House yesterday
DAYS WATCH
Sony Six 7:00AM New Zealand v India 5th ODI Star Sports HD1 2:40PM Australia v England Second T20 8:30PM Hockey India League Ten HD 11:00PM WTA Open GDF Suez Paris 2014 1:30AM French Ligue 1 Paris Saint-Germain v Bordeaux Ten Golf 3:30PM Omega Dubai Classic Day 2 Star Sports 4 2:00AM La Liga Granada v Celta Vigo
At Ostrava - hard (indoors) Czech Republic v Netherlands At Tokyo - hard (indoors) Japan v Canada At Frankfurt - hard (indoors) Germany v Spain At La Roche sur Yon - clay (indoors) France v Australia At San Diego - clay (outdoor) USA v Great Britain At Mar del Plato - clay (outdoor) Argentina v Italy At Astana - hard (indoor) At Kazakhstan v Belgium At Novi Sad - hard (indoor) Serbia v Switzerland
FIXTURES
this weekend as he leads Switzerland into battle against last seasons beaten finalists Serbia in the Davis Cup World Group first round. Nadal, the world number one, is one of a clutch of stars missing from this weekends opening salvoes of the venerable 114-year-old competition. While Nadal and world number five David Ferrer skip Spains tie with Germany in Frankfurt, Serbia must face Wawrinkas Switzerland without Novak Djokovic. The Swiss in contrast are looking strong as along with the in-form Wawrinka they boast Roger Federer, who confirmed his presence on Wednesday. Argentina meanwhile face Italy without their top player, Juan Martin Del Potro, knocked out in the second round at Melbourne. In Ostrava, world number seven Tomas Berdych, a semi-final victim of Wawrinkas last week, leads the Czechs into battle against the Dutch, returning to the Davis Cup fast lane for the first time since 2009. l
Fomer Australian Cricket World Cup players Dean Jones, Brett Lee, Michael Hussey, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, Damien Fleming and Adam Gilchrist pose with the the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy during the Ricky Ponting Tribute Match at Aurora Stadium
16
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Back Page
Absolute chaos at the Farmgate intersection as vehicles run at every direction just in front of a traffic police box and people cross roads haphazardly although there is a foot over-bridge a few metres away. The photo was taken yesterday SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN
Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2014 begins tomorrow n Muktasree Chakma Sathi
The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the largest book fair in the country, is set to begin tomorrow on the Bangla Academy premises and at Suhrawardy Udyan in a new form this year. One can see hundreds of decorated stalls made by bamboo, wood, plywood that are coloured with different vibrant colours at the academy compound or at the Udyan. Publishers taking their last minutes preparation to decorate their stalls; busy people workers who are making the stalls, owners and their associates who are giving finishing touches on decor of their stalls are in rush to complete their shops before the opening ceremony of the fair tomorrow afternoon. Officials of the Bangla Academy said they are hoping to hold the largest ever gathering of book lovers this year since the venue has been extended to Suhrawardy Udyan, for the very first time. Publishers appreciated the book fair extended to a more open space like Suhrawardy Udyan as the space will offer relaxed movement for the visitors. However, a few publishers said the space could have been organised in a more systematic way. Robin Ahsan, publisher of Srabon Prokashoni, said: We are happy with the fact that the fair comes to comparatively in an open place but it was not done in an organised manner. Robin is also hoping that, in the future, the fair authority will look into this matter. Wishing to be anonymous, an official of Bangla Academy said the final list of allocations of stalls is yet to be done. We have a draft list, now, he added. However, Deputy Director of Bangla Academy Murshed Anwar said all kinds of preparations in terms of stalls, security measures and budget for the fair are done. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to inaugurate the fair on February 1, Murshed said. According to the available list, 262 stalls have been allotted for the publishers in three categories 131 single units, 83 double units, 48 triple units and 11 quadruple units. The government institutions and organisations were allotted to set up their stalls on the Bangla Academy premises and the extended Suhrawardy Udyan was allotted for the publishers. Rony, a carpenter who has been working to build the stalls since the last few days, said a number of 700 stalls have been set up. Of them 430 only in Suhrawardy Udyan and rest of the stalls are on Bangla Academy premises. l
A NARROW ESCAPE
A man tries to scramble to his feet after falling on the street in front of a running bus on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in the capital yesterday, escaping a fatal accident. The man was trying to get on the bus ahead. He was lucky as the bus behind was able to brake in time
SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN
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
A worker carries a carton of garment products ready for export at a factory warehouse in Tongi near the capital Dhaka
We had no choice, but to send back the proposals to the respective ministries and divisions for rewriting
According to the Cabinet Division, the shipping ministry in its proposal didnt publish tender in newspaper, skipped mentioning of the price increase of the quoted price and the quoted prices of all five operators were mentioned unusually of the same amount without any explanation. The letter observed that many proposal summaries are made hurriedly and with little care just to place on the table for approval.
The Cabinet Committee and the Cabinet Division cannot judge the proposals properly due to lack of compliance, it said, urging the officials of the ministries and divisions to follow the existing procurement rules and guidelines while preparing purchase proposals. The ministry officials were also asked to mention the procurement price in both number and words in the proposals. They would also have to attach tender evaluation committees reports with the proposals. Legally-fixed duration of tenders will also need to be mentioned in the procurement proposals, the letter said. In 2012, an independent evaluation group of the World Bank visited Dhaka and found the loopholes in the countrys existing public procurement rules. The group advised the government to rearrange the rules to ensure corruption-free implementation of infrastructure projects. l
Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) has now turned into a guardian-less entity as four key positions, out of its top-five, have fallen vacant since Wednesday. As a result, the regulator of the insurance companies has already started facing a setback not only in performing its routine jobs, but also failing to make any policy decisions, according to sources. Meanwhile, the government, issued a circular on Wednesday with an order for bestowing the charges of the chairman to Md. Fazlul Karim, the lone existing member of IDRA. But, the regulator requires at least three members, including chairman, to hold a commission meeting, according to IDRA Act. The post of IDRA chairman remained vacant since January 26, the day when a three-year contractual appointment of M Shefaque Ahmed expired. Contractual appointment of Naba Gopal Banik, a member of the IDRA, also expired on Wednesday last. Nurul Islam Molla, another member, went on retirement on health grounds in December last and contractual appointment of Syed Ahmed, another member, expired on April 2013. Consequently, all the vital policy-related work initiated by the regulator in 2011 to bring the disorganised and unregulated insurance sector into a regulated one, is also poised to be hampered largely. The government had earlier established the IDRA in January 2011, replacing the department of insurance to develop the insurance industry through enacting an act in the parliament. Since then, a good numbers of rules and regulations were amended and framed to protect the rights of policyholders. IDRA now provides registration certificates to insurance companies and offers policyholders the right to voice their complaints against insurers or insurance companies. It specifies the requisite qualifications for managing directors and sets code of conduct for insurance firms, agents and others concerned. It fines, levies fees and other charges to carry out the purposes of the insurance Act of 2010. Policy-related jobs as well as daily activities have badly suffered as it is difficult for us to make any policy decisions without holding a meeting of the commission, which is now also facing quorum crisis, Fazlul Karim, acting chairman of IDRA, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. l
Insurance regulator goes without n Tribune Report guardian Six candidates will contest for four directorship posts in the election of Kayes Sohel n demutualised Dhaka Stock Exchange
(DSE). They are Shakil Rizvi of Shakil Rizvi Stock, Ghulam Rasul of Khwaja Equity Services, Mohammad Shahjahan of Jahan Securities, Sharif Anownar Hossain of Sahidullah Securities, Ahmad Rashid of Rashid Investment Services and Lailun Nahar Ekram of AENZ Securities. Two out of eight stakeholders withdrew their nomination papers yesterday the final day of nomination withdrawal. The two candidates are Kazi Firoz Rashid of Kazi Firoz Rashid Securities and Mohammad Shamim Afzal of Desa Securities. The election is scheduled for February 12 to form its first board after the
STOCKS
DSEX DSES DS30 4753.17 1660.35 9366.97 0.10% -0.16% 0.37%
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
Stocks end flat with higher turnover
n Tribune Report
Stocks ended flat yesterday, as late profit taking cut early gains. After rising more than 40 points in the morning, the benchmark DSEX index rose slightly 4 points or 0.09% to end at 4,753. Shariah-based DSES index dropped fractionally 0.9 points or 0.09% higher to 974.The bluechip comprising DS30 index shed 2 points or 0.2% to 1,660. The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index, CSCX, was up by 43 points to close at 9,376. Trading at DSE remained buoyant as the total turnover stood at Tk856 crore, an increase of more than 36% over the previous session and its second highest this year. Out of 295 issues traded, 174 closed higher, 89 declined and 32 remained unchanged. Lanka Bangla Securities in its market analysis said profit bagging inclination eroded most of the intraday gain, closing the indices marginally higher. The government approved $106m foreign credit to 13 sectors including cement, textile, telecom and other manufacturing sectors to boost up manufacturing output growth was a positive factor. The quarterly declarations spurred sector specific rally, working as market trigger to hold 4,750-level on the month-end trading session, it said. IDLC Investment said upbeat vive couldnt sustain at the end of session as investors tried profit booking. Among the major sectors, food and allied continued to post the highest gain of over 3%, led by heavyweight BATBC that rose 4.5%. It was followed by textile that surged 1.7% and non-life insurance 1%.
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Stock
DSE GAINERS Company
Closing (% change) 9.91 9.40 8.70 7.96 7.46 6.62 6.34 6.25 6.10 5.76
BD Building Systems -A Eastern InsurA Rahim Textile -A Libra Infusions-A Kay & Que (BD) -Z Familytex (BD) Ltd.-N Desh Garments -B Keya Cosmetics -A Apex Tannery -A Kohinoor Chem -A CSE GAINERS Company Reliance Insur -A BD Building Systems -A Kay & Que (BD) -Z Prime Insur -A Keya Cosmetics -A Eastern InsurA CVO PetroChem RL Z Eastern Cables-Z BD Submarine Cable-A Generation Next-A
Average (% change) 8.31 7.92 7.92 7.89 7.20 4.60 6.95 4.58 3.82 5.74 Average (% change) 10.00 8.49 7.15 6.43 4.50 4.88 4.98 3.38 4.70 4.38
Closing average 70.02 44.81 299.05 484.17 21.60 62.37 71.54 28.57 155.49 385.68
Closing 71.00 45.40 302.30 484.20 21.60 62.80 70.40 28.90 156.50 385.70
Daily high 71.00 45.60 302.40 485.90 22.00 63.80 72.80 29.90 158.50 389.00
Daily low 64.00 40.00 280.00 480.00 20.00 60.00 66.70 24.90 152.00 375.00
Turnover in million 123.284 24.461 12.597 0.581 0.489 17.183 9.643 184.158 10.449 3.664
Latest EPS 2.92 2.60 11.56 4.88 -0.89 8.29 1.18 2.18 4.86 9.80
Latest PE 24.0 17.2 25.9 99.2 -ve 7.5 60.6 13.1 32.0 39.4
Closing (% change) 10.00 10.00 6.73 6.57 5.86 5.66 5.37 5.21 5.20 5.04
Closing average 77.00 70.38 22.18 37.25 28.56 44.52 791.58 99.24 169.09 36.97
Closing 77.00 71.50 22.20 37.30 28.90 44.80 794.50 101.00 170.00 37.50
Daily high 77.00 71.50 22.50 37.30 29.00 45.50 799.00 98.10 173.00 37.60
Daily low 77.00 59.60 21.80 37.20 27.80 42.00 780.00 100.00 163.90 35.90
Turnover in million 0.039 22.080 0.044 0.019 26.381 0.317 0.396 0.050 16.697 23.946
Latest EPS 4.59 2.92 -0.89 2.36 2.18 2.60 -4.06 1.40 3.28 2.25
Latest PE 16.8 24.1 -ve 15.8 13.1 17.1 -ve 70.9 51.6 16.4
Out of 295 issues traded, 174 closed higher, 89 declined and 32 remained unchanged
Energy, pharmaceuticals, cement and life insurance were in red on profit booking. Meghna Petroleum was the most traded stocks with a turnover of Tk41 crore, followed by Padma Oil, Generation Next, Tallu Spinning, Aamra Technologies, Olympic Industries, Confidence Cement, Keya Cosmetics and Grameenphone. l
(+) 0.10% (-) 0.10% (-) 0.16% (+) 0.35% (-) 0.15% (+) 0.37%
Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis) Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis) Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis) Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.) Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)
Turnover in million 89.427 141.913 248.540 0.079 0.010 6.059 5.030 0.122 21.073 9.395 Latest EPS 1.62 5.70 20.68 0.59 0.00 0.02 2.30 -4.02 2.11 4.95
Average (% change) -5.15 -5.57 -3.80 -4.04 -3.38 -3.47 -0.01 -1.75 -0.46 0.70 Average (% change) -9.17 -4.99 -6.76 -3.68 -0.49 -1.85 -0.47 -1.00 -2.93 -1.94
Closing average 43.09 508.42 332.24 22.57 1000.00 29.20 147.94 8.97 38.82 127.48
Closing 42.00 507.20 328.60 22.60 995.50 29.10 145.40 8.90 38.10 124.20
Daily high 45.70 545.00 350.00 22.90 1000.00 29.70 151.90 9.50 41.20 132.00
Daily low 40.90 498.10 320.00 22.10 991.00 28.80 142.00 8.50 36.00 123.20
Latest PE 26.6 89.2 16.1 38.3 1460.0 64.3 -ve 18.4 25.8
Closing average 98.10 42.99 502.82 332.07 68.80 36.00 84.35 35.80 29.49 48.48
Closing 98.10 42.40 506.00 328.80 68.20 35.60 83.10 35.20 29.40 48.30
Daily high 98.10 46.00 540.00 341.00 70.00 37.00 87.00 36.00 31.20 49.00
Daily low 98.10 42.00 497.60 327.20 67.60 35.20 82.60 35.20 29.10 48.30
Turnover in million 0.049 9.371 4.173 19.550 0.791 4.171 2.095 0.072 0.900 0.121
Latest EPS 3.03 1.62 5.70 20.68 -0.64 1.74 1.10 1.39 0.02 3.03
Latest PE 32.4 26.5 88.2 16.1 -ve 20.7 76.7 25.8 1474.5 16.0
ANALYST
Profit bagging inclination eroded most of the intraday gain, closing the indices marginally higher
DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Meghna Petroleum -A BATBCL -A Padma Oil Co. -A Generation Next-A Tallu Spinning -A aamra technologies-A
Olympic Ind. -A
DSE Million Taka 930.96 555.93 208.20 728.05 758.28 1385.24 2.55 1175.42 836.78 1.78 53.30 63.77 41.36 368.37 263.62 302.57 285.95 285.14 181.75 140.62 0.23
% change 10.86 6.49 2.43 8.50 8.85 16.16 0.03 13.72 9.76 0.02 0.62 0.74 0.48 4.30 3.08 3.53 3.34 3.33 2.12 1.64 0.00
Million Taka 94.00 52.65 11.51 75.94 38.08 82.96 110.42 64.56 0.23 7.29 6.38 6.26 20.64 37.55 12.82 13.43 27.73 25.44 23.42 0.01
CSE
% change 13.22 7.40 1.62 10.68 5.35 11.66 0.00 15.52 9.08 0.03 1.03 0.90 0.88 2.90 5.28 1.80 1.89 3.90 3.58 3.29 0.00
Million Taka 1024.96 608.57 219.71 803.99 796.36 1468.20 2.55 1285.84 901.34 2.00 60.60 70.15 47.62 389.01 301.17 315.39 299.38 312.87 207.19 164.04 0.24
Total
% change 11.04 6.56 2.37 8.66 8.58 15.82 0.03 13.85 9.71 0.02 0.65 0.76 0.51 4.19 3.24 3.40 3.23 3.37 2.23 1.77 0.00
Square Pharma -A S Purbanchol Power-N Bangas -A UCBL - A LankaBangla Fin. -A BD Building Systems -A
CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company aamra technologies-A
Volume shares 1,537,317 131,230 748,070 6,627,460 5,854,369 4,972,017 1,055,222 1,259,403 6,446,104 832,298
Value in million 410.95 254.03 248.54 245.06 240.67 202.27 191.16 189.27 184.16 177.91
% of total turnover 4.80 2.96 2.90 2.86 2.81 2.36 2.23 2.21 2.15 2.08
Daily closing 266.00 1929.00 328.60 37.40 40.20 41.00 180.60 149.80 28.90 212.30
Price change -1.08 4.44 -4.28 4.76 0.25 4.33 1.92 2.39 6.25 0.38
Daily opening 268.90 1847.00 343.30 35.70 40.10 39.30 177.20 146.30 27.20 211.50
Daily high 270.80 1946.90 350.00 37.70 44.00 41.90 184.90 152.10 29.90 215.50
Daily low 246.00 1820.00 320.00 33.70 36.30 35.40 160.00 140.00 24.90 200.00
Daily average 267.31 1935.79 332.24 36.98 41.11 40.68 181.16 150.29 28.57 213.76
Volume shares
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
Keya Cosmetics -A Generation Next-A BD Building Systems -A Padma Oil Co. -A Appollo Ispat CL -N Meghna Petroleum -A UNITED AIR A UCBL - A Tallu Spinning -A BD Submarine Cable-A Paramount Textile Ltd.-A Mercantile Bank -A Central Pharm-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A
828,290 923,812 647,760 313,725 58,874 502,800 68,940 1,043,091 563,566 413,500 98,742 276,950 630,803 229,450 316,740
Value in million
33.62 26.38 23.95 22.08 19.55 18.54 18.42 18.33 17.47 17.01 16.70 14.48 11.99 11.46 11.44
% of total turnover
4.73 3.71 3.37 3.10 2.75 2.61 2.59 2.58 2.46 2.39 2.35 2.04 1.69 1.61 1.61
Daily closing
41.00 28.90 37.50 71.50 328.80 36.80 265.20 17.60 31.10 40.30 170.00 52.30 19.20 50.00 36.20
Price change
4.06 5.86 5.04 10.00 -4.06 0.55 -1.19 1.15 2.64 -0.25 5.20 1.95 3.23 3.31 2.26
Daily opening
39.40 27.30 35.70 65.00 342.70 36.60 268.40 17.40 30.30 40.40 161.60 51.30 18.60 48.40 35.40
41.80 29.00 37.60 71.50 341.00 37.30 270.00 17.80 31.30 42.10 173.00 52.90 19.30 50.60 36.50
39.30 27.80 35.90 59.60 327.20 36.60 263.00 17.30 30.50 40.10 163.90 51.70 18.70 48.20 35.40
Daily average
40.59 28.56 36.97 70.38 332.07 36.87 267.21 17.57 30.99 41.15 169.09 52.30 19.01 49.96 36.13
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Business
Reuters
reimagined in Paper to show stories at their best, Facebook said. Everything responds to your touch so you can pick up or thumb through stories with simple, natural movements. You can tilt your phone to explore high-resolution panoramic photos from corner to corner, and see faces and other important details up close. The app will allow for full-screen viewing of videos and will make it easy to spot articles from trusted publishers and decide what to read or watch, it said. When youre ready to tell your own story, you know exactly what your post or photo will look like because you see a live preview before you share it, the blog said. Reports in recent weeks said Facebook was hiring editors or curators to complement its algorithmic method of delivering content to its users. l
B3
Oil prices mixed after Fed taper decision n AFP, Singapore
Oil prices were mixed in Asian trade yesterday as global markets reeled from the Federal Reserves decision to cut its massive stimulus package. New Yorks main contract West Texas Intermediate for March delivery gained 10 cents to $97.46 in afternoon trade while Brent North Sea crude for March was down six cents at $107.79. The mixed performance of oil prices came as Asian stock markets slumped, extending a global rout on renewed fears about emerging economies after the US central bank reduced its easing measures for the worlds largest economy. The Fed said on Wednesday said it would reduce its massive bond-buying programme by $10bn a month to $65bn, citing a pick-up in the US economy. David Lennox, a resources analyst at Fat Prophets in Sydney, said, however, that the taper was a reflection of the US economy which according to the Fed is growing at a better than expected rate at the moment. While the taper creates a downward pressure on prices in the short term, it bodes well in the long term for oil demand in the worlds top crude-consuming nation, analysts have said. The stimulus cut, which followed a similar announcement in December, stoked fears of huge capital flows from emerging markets that have benefited from the Feds cheap money policies, as dealers look for safer investments back home. l
'Weve also made it easier to craft and share beautiful stories of your own'
The partners in Paper were not named, but a video released by Facebook showed a user scrolling articles and content from The New York Times, Time magazine, USA Today, the Huffington Post and others. Storytelling and sharing have been
Do what it takes
Outgoing US Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke participates in a discussion at the Brookings Institution in Washington
REUTERS
stimulus in place for years to come, tying low interest rates to particular economic outcomes in an approach emulated by other central banks. As a leading scholar of the Great Depression, Bernanke had a deep theoretical understanding of what to do in the face of a fast-moving banking panic. He put that knowledge into practice when the financial crisis struck. Bernanke was willing to do creative and aggressive things, said Lau-
rence Meyer, a former Fed governor who co-founded the forecasting firm Macroeconomic Advisers. He put a lot of balls in the air and likely thought that not all of them will work - but some of them will. That was the kind of spirit and leadership and willingness to take risks. But like his predecessor, Alan Greenspan - who was showered with accolades when he stepped down in 2006 only to later be labeled a main
architect of the subsequent crisis - Bernankes legacy will only become clear over time.
A good part of that legacy will be written by Fed Vice Chair Janet Yellen, who takes the central banks reins on Saturday. She inherits the job of dialing down the bond-buying and deciding when to raise rates. Yellen will also need to figure out
While Bernanke has defended the aggressive steps the Fed has taken since 2008, he has been one of his own biggest critics for missing the signs of brewing crisis in the US subprime mortgage market and over leveraged Wall Street banks. But far from punishing Bernanke, who served a prior stint on the Fed board from 2002-2005, for taking too long to recognize the cracks in the financial system, legislators intent on reforming Wall Street expanded the Feds supervisory authority. By the time former President George W. Bush appointed Bernanke chair in 2006, the subprime housing bubble was already massive. When it burst in 2007, the Fed chief was slow to realize just how quickly those problems could cascade around the world, infecting lightly regulated banks and sparking investor panic. l
Focused on home
Importantly, the Fed stuck to its promise to keep rates near zero until well after the US unemployment rate, now at 6.7%, falls below 6.5%, especially if inflation remains below a 2% target. Some analysts had speculated it might alter this guidance, given how close the jobless rate now is to the rate-hike threshold. In fact, the central banks statement largely mirrored the one it issued after its December 17-18 meeting, when it announced an initial $10bn cut to its monthly bond purchases. At the time, Bernanke told reporters the Fed would likely continue to taper the purchases in measured steps through the year until it was fully wound down, as long as the economy
In announcing its decision, the Fed made no reference to the sell-off in emerging markets that has depressed US stocks in recent days. Markets in countries with large current account deficits, such as Turkey and Argentina, have suffered steep losses in part because of the prospect of less US monetary stimulus. These currencies and stocks slumped again after the Feds announcement, offsetting aggressive interest rate hikes by Turkey and South Africa. Meanwhile, economic signals in the United States - from consumer spending to industrial production and trade have suggested the US recovery closed out last year on solid ground, reinforcing expectations the Fed would continue trimming the stimulus. The weak December jobs report has been viewed as an outlier. l
BRAC Bank Limited has recently signed an agreement with Navana Toyota 3S Centre. Under the deal, premium and supreme banking customers of BRAC Bank will enjoy discounts on vehicle servicing and other facilities at Navana Toyota 3S Centre. Firoz Ahmed Khan, head of retail banking division of BRAC Bank, and ABS Bhuiyan, senior general manager, Navana Toyota 3S Centre, have signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations
Pubali Bank Ltd has recently given blankets to Anjuman Mufidul Islam for distributing among the poor and helpless cold stricken people. Hafiz Ahmed Mazumder, chairperson of the bank's board handed over 1000 pieces of blanket to Al-hajj Abdus Salam, chairperson of relief committee, Anjuman Mufidul Islam and executive director of Anjuman Mufidul Islam, Kazi Abul Kashem
B4
OPINION
DHAKA TRIBUNE
Business
Emerging market currencies buckle UN sounds alarm on worsening global after Fed cuts stimulus income disparities n
AFP, London
Emerging markets faced intense pressure yesterday after the US Federal Reserve cut its stimulus further, with currencies sliding in India, South Africa and Turkey despite interest rate rises. Asian shares fell heavily and European stocks also retreated, extending a global rout driven by worries about emerging markets. Concerns were stoked when the US central bank further reduced its quantitative easing (QE) stimulus overnight. Wall Street sank on Wednesday after the Fed said it would reduce its bond-buying programme by $10bn to $65bn per month, citing a pick-up in the US economy. That followed a similar announcement in December. Investors took flight as the news fed fears of capital flows from emerging markets that have benefited from the Fed's cheap money policy, hitting nations with large current account deficits, as dealers look for safer investments back home. The Turkish lira fell against the dollar and the euro, as the Fed news overshadowed a big interest rate rise. Turkey, where political upheaval is fuelling market fears, doubled its interest rate to 10.0 percent late on Tuesday giving short-lived support to the currency. South Africa's Rand currency languished close to a five-year dollar low, one day after the central bank announced a half-percentage-point rate rise. "Rate hikes in Turkey and South Africa have failed to lift their beleaguered currencies as investors fret about the adverse impact on growth in both countries, adding to nervousness in emerging markets," said Nick Stamenkovic at RIA Capital Markets in London. "Emerging market countries suffering from sizeable current account deficits are heavily dependent on capital inflows which are being undermined by the Fed's tapering of QE. "Emerging market volatility looks set to continue amid ongoing uncertainty about the impact of continued moderate Fed tapering and slowing Chinese growth." the yen as dealers sought safer investments, while sentiment took a further blow from data confirming Chinese manufacturing contracted in January. Tokyo stocks dived 2.45% and Sydney shed 0.78%. Hong Kong lost 0.48% in half-day trading before the Chinese New Year holiday. In New York on Wednesday, the Dow dived 1.15%, the S&P 500 1.01% and the Nasdaq 1.14%.
n Reuters
The UN Development Program warned in a report on Wednesday that income disparities in countries around the world have been worsening, posing new risks for global economic and political stability. The UNDP warning echoes remarks from US President Barack Obama in his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday, in which he said there was a widening gap between rich and poor in the world's biggest economy and that while the stock market has soared, average US wages have barely budged. The UNDP report said income inequality increased by 11% in developing countries over the two decades between 1990 and 2010. The majority of households in developing countries more than 75% of those nations' populations are living today in societies where income is more unequally distributed than it was in the 1990s, the report said. The UNDP says this is a global trend that, if left unchecked, could have dire consequences since it "can undermine the very foundations of development and social and domestic peace." The widening income gap comes as some major developing countries - such as China and India - have seen strong economic growth and an overall increase in national wealth. But that wealth has not been evenly distributed, which has contributed to greater inequality in those societies. "The sharpest increases in income inequality have occurred in those developing countries that were especially successful in pursuing vigorous growth
Trader Markus Huber, at brokerage Peregrine & Black, cautioned that the turmoil could persist for some time. "No doubt there could be more turmoil in emerging markets ahead," Huber told AFP. "However it needs to be seen how major central banks, world politicians and major institutions like the IMF and World Bank will react to the situation should things worsen dramatically. "Also, it needs to be seen if central banks in countries like Turkey change course and try to fight the decline of the currency via different means, mainly through reforms which are much more likely to bring back investor confidence." Economist Neil MacKinnon at Russian firm VTB Capital, described the outlook as "poor" for emerging nations, adding that rate increases were "unsustainable" and hurt growth. "Market volatility is less a function of Fed tapering and now more of a concern about some EM economies that have high current account deficits and thin levels of foreign exchange reserves," he told AFP, referring to the 'Fragile Five' - Brazil, India, Indonesia, Turkey and South Africa. l
and managed, as a result, to graduate into higher income brackets," the UNDP report said. "Economic progress in these countries has not alleviated disparities, but rather exacerbated them," it said. In an interview with Reuters, UNDP chief Helen Clark made clear that this negative trend is reversible and that one of the key components is creating quality employment opportunities. "The key thing is the focus on jobs jobs, jobs, jobs," Clark said, adding that it was important for governments to pay attention to ways of improving the skills of its labour force. She also touched on the subject of the widening income disparities in countries like China and India, which have seen significant levels of economic growth in recent decades. "It's the nature of the growth," she said. "If it's uneven growth ... it does create tensions within society because people can see that others are doing much better than them." "The China example shows that you get fast growth and poverty reduction, but you also get the growing inequalities," Clark said. "And this is of concern to China's leadership." The report said there was evidence that increases in inequality over the last two decades were mainly due to trade and financial globalization processes that weakened the bargaining position of labor. Clark said one of the problems with globalization is that it "has proceeded in a very deregulated world." She advocates more regulation of international trade and financial flows but without eliminating risk and the ability of companies to generate profits. l
NEWS IN BRIEF
Mobile ad revenue lifts Facebook past Wall Street targets
Facebook Inc's fourth-quarter revenue jumped 63%, beating Wall Street targets, as the Internet company's mobile ad sales continued to accelerate. Shares of Facebook surged 10% to $58.90 in after-hours trading on Wednesday. Reuters bloc's two largest economies, Germany and France. Economic sentiment in the 18 countries using the euro strengthened by 0.5 points to 100.9 in the ninth straight month of gains, data from the European Commission showed yesterday. Reuters market dominated by Apple Inc. Reuters
markets had rallied on Wednesday on hopes that aggressive rate hikes by Turkey would shore up its currency and ease the risk of capital flight. Reuters