Vol. 5 Num 895 Sun. December 03, 2006       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan National International Culture General Views Editorial Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Long talks yield no solution President and Chief Adviser Iajuddin Ahmed's much advertised crucial talks last night with the chiefs of the two major political alliances separately to resolve the prevailing political crisis ended without   Blockade must go before discussion BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan last night said the four-party alliance has no objection to making any changes in the polls schedule but it has strong reservations about shifting the January   Blockade stays until demands considered The Awami League (AL)-led 14-party alliance and several other parties resume their non-stop countrywide blockade today as their late night meeting with President and Chief Adviser (CA) Iajuddin Ahmedfailed   1.22cr false names on voter list A total of 1.22 crore names registered in the updated voter list are either excess or duplicates, a survey report of National Democratic Institute (NDI) for International Affairs revealed yesterday.   Resolve political crisis, save economy Business leaders of the country yesterday requested the chief of the caretaker government Iajuddin Ahmed's all-out effort to save the national economy by resolving the ongoing political deadlock and holding   Clashes feared as SC lawyers begin agitation today Apprehension of clashes between two groups of Supreme Court (SC) lawyers, who are opposing and supporting the chief justice's stay order of writ petitions filed against the president on Thursday, looms   Shun anti-export agitation President and Chief Adviser Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday urged the political parties to refrain from declaring any programmes that can hamper the country's export activities.   Hasina for suitable poll atmosphere Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged President and Chief Adviser to the Caretaker Government Iajuddin Ahmed to state clearly what measures he will take for creating an atmospheresuitable   6,050 with disability to work as polls observers As many as 6,050 people with mobility, visual and hearing impairment are going to work as election observers for the parliament elections in 2007 while in 2001 the number of such performers was 365.   Coastguard killed after encounter with pirates One Coast Guard member was killed and one each from the Coast Guard and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) went missing following an encounter between the law enforcers and a gang of pirates in the Pashur estuary   Probe body seeks more time to submit report The high-powered government committee probing the secret meeting of public servants at Uttara has sought more time from the establishment ministry.   Cops identify 4 among 8 from video footages The Detective and Crime Intelligence unit identified at least four people including a lawyer who vandalised the offices of the attorney general and the chief justice as well as a vehicle on the High Court   5 envoys meet Jalil, discuss current impasse Envoys of USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan met Awami League (AL) General Secretary Abdul Jalil at his Gulshan residence yesterday and discussed the current impasse over the general elections.   Tigers face Zim in Bogra today Bangladesh vow not to show any mercy in their attempt to regain the series when they take on Zimbabwe in the second one-day international of the five-game battle at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium here today.   Oli for army role in political unrest Executive President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Col (retd) Oli Ahmed yesterday urged the armed forces to save the country from the present political unrest over the upcoming election and advise   International Day of Disabled Persons   Six die, 20 missing in boat capsize Six people died and 20 others went missing when an engine boat capsized in the Kongsha River near Gaglajur Bazar under Mohonganj upazila of the district early yesterday.   Businessman shot dead Three people, including two criminals, were killed in separate incidents at city's Paltan, Khilgaon and Mohammadpur yesterday.   Correction Nobel laureate Prof Yunus advocated for a coalition government formula at a civic reception and we duly reported about it in our lead story on Thursday.   AL afraid of polls BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has said Awami League (AL) leaders are afraid of polls sensing that people won't vote for them for their "destructive" politics.   Hills people to start war again if accord not implemented Chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, known as Santu Larma, said the CHT peace treaty was not implemented as the bureaucrats and the last two regimes were not   Baghdad triple car bombings kill 40 Three massive car bomb blasts rocked the centre of the Iraqi capital Saturday, killing at least 40 people and wounding another 87, security officials said.   33 killed as bridge falls on Indian train At least 33 people were killed when a 140-year-old bridge toppled on an inter-city passenger train in eastern India, a spokesman of the state-run rail company said. Business Poverty reduction target in citizen's charter urgent Setting some achievable targets, which include reducing poverty, establishing human rights and protecting environment, in Citizen's Social Charter for South Asia is urgent, speakers at a seminar in Dhaka   Bus operators seek bank interest waiver Companies that operate commuter buses in Dhaka yesterday urged the government to waive their bank interests for those days when their buses could not ply due to political unrest.   People-to-people tech co-operation a tool to cut poverty People-to-people technical cooperation could be a way of poverty alleviation as well as a strategy for development, said a keynote speaker at an international seminar in Dhaka yesterday.   StanChart bags 10 awards Standard Chartered Bank has won a total of 10 awards at the Banker Awards 2006 including the top award for Global Bank of the Year.   'djuice-Project d youth' contest Djuice and Project Bangladesh Foundation have organised a contest for younger generation of the country in a bid to extend them a platform for extra-curriculum activities in business and community service,   India eyes trade pact with 4 non-EU states After agreeing to discuss trade and investment pact with European Union, India on Friday decided to explore the possibility of a similar accord with four non-EU countries including Switzerland and Norway.   China's poor getting poorer: WB As China's roaring economy runs ahead at breakneck speed, its poor are getting even poorer, more dispersed and harder to reach, a ranking World Bank official said Friday.   US, Asia differ over free trade mechanism The United States and Asian economies are divided over how to implement a plan to set up an Asia-Pacific free trade area, two weeks after agreeing to study the ambitious proposal.   Citibank sends its Bangladeshi officials abroad Citibank, NA Bangladesh has arranged the placement of four of its young officials to its Hong Kong and India corporate and investment banking units, says a press release.   BCI AGM held The 20th annual general meeting (AGM) of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) was held in Dhaka yesterday. Sports Cricket: Bashar not complacent Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar took guard against any complacency ahead of the second one-dayer of the five-match series against Zimbabwe to be held at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium here today.   Bangladesh's bad day In his first shooting competition since being brutally assaulted by police in Dhaka two months to the day, Commonwealth and South Asian Games gold medalist Asif Hossain Khan finished fourteenth in the   Cricket: Utseya confident of bouncing back Shahriar Nafees's amazing batting form appears to be an additional headache to the Zimbabwe team following their admitted weakness against the left-arm spin attack as visiting skipper Prosper Utseya yesterday   Cricket: Bogra bored by Tigers' win! Ongoing political turmoil and a 'lack of quality opponent' for Bangladesh contributed to the lack of enthusiasm for the second one-day international at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium here.   Cricket: NCL fifth round today League leaders Dhaka take on Sylhet in the fifth round encounter of the Ispahani Mirzapore Tea 8th National Cricket League at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium today.   Football: BFF strikes deal with ABA Manchester-based football marketing agent ABA Marketing, Promotions & Sports Consultants on Saturday singed a 5-year contract with Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to pick young Bangladeshi footballers   Football: Batch 02 hold 04 Reigning champions Batch 04 were held to a goalless draw by Batch 02 in their group encounter in the North South University Intra-batch Football tournament at the WAPDA ground yesterday.   Cricket: Dinajpur in zonal final by default Rangpur left the field due to crowd trouble handing hosts Dinajpur a four-wicket victory in the zonal semifinal of the National Cricket Championship at the Dinajpur Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: England on top Paul Collingwood became the first Englishman to score a Test double-century in Australia in 70 years as England struck late on the second day to take control of the second Ashes Test here Saturday.   Cricket: Runs bring Yousuf gifts Pakistan's Mohammad Yousuf has been showered with cash and gifts worth 100,000 dollars by his sponsors and President Pervez Musharraf after his record-breaking run spree against the West Indies.   Cricket: Win matters most: Veeru Virender Sehwag said that the Indian team would take tremendous confidence from their victory in the Pro20 game, and praised both his bowlers and batsmen for the six-wicket victory at the Wanderers.   Cricket: India win at last India ended their losing streak on their tour of South Africa with a six-wicket win with a ball to spare in a Twenty20 international at the Wanderers Stadium Friday.   Cricket: England still far away England's cricketers say they still have a long way to go to win the second Ashes Test against Australia with the real hard work still in front of them.   Cricket: NZ turn back to Sinclair Mathew Sinclair's two-year exile from New Zealand Test cricket has ended with the two-time double centurion recalled Saturday to the New Zealand squad to play Sri Lanka.   Spectacularly it starts Arabian horses, giant caravans and Qatari children headlined a spectacularly successful ceremony to open the Asian Games on Friday that celebrated Asia's rich cultures and offered a message of peace.   Cricket: Kenya now signs TV deal The Kenyan cricket authorities on Saturday announced a six-year television rights agreement with Asia-based Nimbus sports to broadcast its local and international matches, officials said.   Cricket: No court calls for Chappell A defamation case, filed against India's cricket coach Greg Chappell for his controversial comments against the country's parliamentarians, was on Saturday withdrawn by the petitioner.   China fire early China took charge on the opening day of the Asian Games Saturday, winning the first three golds on offer in an ominous signal of its intentions as the sporting extravaganza finally got underway.   Tennis: Russia take 2-1 lead Marat Safin and Dmitry Tursunov handed Russia a crucial 2-1 lead in the Davis Cup final with a convincing doubles victory over David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri of Argentina here on Saturday.   Football: Veron facing imprisonment An Italian court has recommended a two-year jail term for former Argentina international Juan Sebastian Veron who is accused of illegally obtaining an Italian passport.   Football: Stuttgart held at Mainz VfB Stuttgart wasted the chance to move to the top of the Bundesliga table after a disappointing 0-0 draw with relegation candidates Mainz 05 here on Friday.   Football: Wenger slams critics Arsene Wenger has hit back at critics of his youth-orientated policies with a robust defence of his record after a decade in charge of Arsenal.   Football: Feyenoord face sanctions European football's governing body UEFA confirmed that they have opened an enquiry into the violence which marred Thursday night's UEFA Cup tie between French side Nancy and Dutch outfit Feyenoord.   Football: Benfica pip Sporting Benfica kept up the pressure at the top of the Portuguese League by beating old rivals Sporting 2-0 on Friday in a morale-boosting victory ahead of next week's decisive Champions League match at Manchester   Football: Juve go top Juventus went top of Serie B despite being held to a 1-1 draw at Genoa on Friday.   Football: PSG match postponed The PSG versus Toulouse French league match at the Parc des Princes here on Sunday has been postponed for security reasons, police said on Friday. Metropolitan Nominate people with disability in polls Each political party must make specific pledges regarding the rights of persons with disabilities in its election manifesto and give nomination to two physically challenged people from each division,speakers   A positive step to solve crisis: BGMEA Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has welcomed the initiative taken by President/Chief Adviser (CA) Iajuddin Ahmed to invite the chiefs of two major alliances for solving   9 killed in road crashes At least nine people were killed and 18 others were injured in separate road accidents in Tangail, Pabna, Natore, Shariatpur and Gopalganj yesterday and on Friday night.   'Political impasse result of bad governance' Speakers at a roundtable yesterday said the present political and constitutional impasse is a result of bad governance.   120 children receive prizes in story writing competition After moving to a new house, little Proma discovered a nest of a sparrow in the balcony. She was absolutely amazed to see the small bird laying and hatching eggs.   BCL leader killed in crossfire A local leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) was allegedly killed in a crossfire between his accomplices and members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) on Friday.   Four bombs found at DU Police yesterday recovered four cocktails (homemade bomb) in a packet from Business Studies Faculty of Dhaka University (DU).   Father cries for justice, seeks security for family members The father of slain college student Kamrul Islam Momin yesterday appealed to the president/chief adviser to take security measures for his family members as the accused, now on bail, are threatening to   Manju for democratic practice Jatiya Party (JP, Manju) Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju yesterday called upon all, irrespective of party and opinion, to continue the practice of democracy to get rid of the ongoing volatility in politics.   Two injured in Keraniganj blasts The criminals in an abortive bid to plunder a house at Aganagar exploded about 15 homemade bombs, leaving two people injured yesterday evening.   RU employees observe hunger strike Hundreds of agitating officials and staff of Rajshahi University (RU) under the banner of 'Officer Karmachari Oikya Parishad' yesterday observed a daylong token hunger strike to press their five-point   CPB countrywide protest today Communist Party of Bangladesh will stage demonstrations and hold rallies today across the country demanding cancellation of the 'illegal' and 'farce' electoral schedule, reconstitution of the Election   Elephant kills one Wild elephant trampled a middle-aged man to death in Patiya upazila of the district on Friday night. The ill-fated man was identified as Abdul Malek, 45, son of late Abdullah of village East Haidgaon.   Mastermind cancels exams Mastermind School has cancelled its half-yearly examinations which were scheduled to start from today due to unavoidable circumstances, says a press release.   Dada Bhai's death anniversary today Today is the seventh death anniversary of Rokonuzzaman Khan Dada Bhai, founder director of Kochi-Kanchar Mela and journalist, says a press release.   Lieutenant Badiuzzaman Today is the 35th death anniversary of Shaheed Lieutenant Badiuzzaman (Bir Pratik), says a press release.   Quazi Kulsum Kader Today is the fifth death anniversary of Quazi Kulsum Kader, mother of Jakir Hossein Emon, a journalist of the Daily Samakal, says a press release. National Feud intensifies as Jamaat men set to get alliance ticket The feud over nomination between BNP and its ally Jamaat-e-Islami has intensified in Dinajpur-1 and Dinajpur-6 constituencies as top leaders of the four-party alliance have decided to nominate Jamaat   Shun politics of confrontation Speakers at a roundtable at Shyamnagar yesterday urged leaders of all parties to shun politics of confrontation and reach a consensus to institutionalise democracy.   Rivals PCJSS, Somo Odhikar hold rallies The Parbatya Chattgram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) yesterday observed the 9th anniversary of signing of the CHT peace accord with a fresh pledge to intensify agitation for full implementation of the accord.   Four Jamaat men sued for supplying 'forged' textbooks A case was filed with a magistrate court here yesterday accusing four Jamaat-e-Islami men for 'cheating' students by selling forged madrasha textbooks.   BSF abducts 2 in Kurigram The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) Friday night abducted two Bangladeshis from Khear char (shoal), a border village in Roumari upazila.   Half-day hartal in Jhenidah tomorrow Local Four-party Alliance leaders yesterday declared a half-day hartal here tomorrow demanding arrest of slain district Juba Dal organising secretary Haider Ali Hadu who was killed here Friday. Point-Counterpoint Saviour of democracy: Hasina vs Khaleda Neutral observers at home and abroad consider the political crisis and tortuous standstill of the past few weeks symptomatic of a crumbling democracy.   Grameen politics Nobel laureate Professor Yunus started with Grameen Bank, forerunner in micro-credit, as a means to combat poverty. Then came Grameen Check, and through many other Grameens to Grameen Phone.   Misreading Professor Yunus Prof Yunus's much talked about, "Ekti Shanti-Chuktir Khosra" (Draft of a Peace Agreement) announced at the civic reception accorded to him on November 29, has mostly come under fiery criticism from different   Judicial accountability In the midst of this melee about the caretaker government, the Election Commission, and the question of neutrality of the chief adviser and his council of advisers, I have been pondering about the state Culture 'Jibon Jekhaney Jamon': Taking up the cause of the vulnerable Among busy actor and lawyer Tarana Halim's works in hand is a fortnightly show on Channel i, titled Jibon Jekhaney Jamon. The programme, at 9.20 pm is aired on two Sundays a month.   Concert to generate awareness on political crisis Bangladesh faces threats to its democracy and political stability.   'The New Shobuj Opera' crosses 200 episode The 200th episode of the mega serial The New Shobuj Opera will be aired tonight at 8:30 pm on ATN Bangla. The channel airs the programme on Saturdays and Sundays.   Vivid landscapes by Tamim Landscapes of different dimensions have been portrayed in the first solo exhibition of artist Jalilur Rabbi Tamim. General Call to formulate ICT policy for people with disability Speakers at a press conference yesterday said political commitment is a must for the development of physically and mentally challenged people.   11-party demands ouster of controversial ECs 11-party, a combine of left leaning political parities, yesterday demanded resignation of controversial election commissioners, update of voter list and depoliticisation of administration for a free,fair   Jewellers keep shutters down for an hour Jewellery shops in the capital kept the shutters down for one hour from 12:00 noon yesterday to protest the robbery that took place in three jewellery shops at Holland Centre Shopping Plaza in North Badda   RU confirms 212 more controversial recruits The Syndicate of Rajshahi University at an extra ordinary meeting yesterday regularised jobs of 212 more controversial recruits amid protest.   Bimal new coordinator Bimal Biswas, general secretary of Workers' Party, has been elected 11-party coordinator for the next three months, says a press release. He took over the office yesterday. International 11 killed in fresh Lankan fighting Sri Lankan police detained two people over an attempt to assassinate the president's brother, officials said, as 11 people were killed in fresh fighting.   Hamas missed chance to end siege: Solana The ruling Islamist Hamas movement squandered an opportunity to end a crippling aid boycott on the Palestinian Authority, European Union foreign minister Javier Solana said yesterday.   US plans more arms for Iraq's Maliki The United States plans to better arm Iraqi forces to allow a speedier withdrawal of US troops and appears to be tilting toward greater support of the Shia majority, after failing to convince Sunnis to   Hezbollah backers aim to oust Lebanese govt Thousands of Hezbollah supporters camped out in tents in central Beirut yesterday as the Shia Muslim guerrilla group and its allies kept up the pressure on the US-backed government of Fuad Saniora toresign.   Ex-Russian spy's contact in hospital A close contact of Alexander Litvinenko, the ex-Russian spy who died after apparently being poisoned with radioactivity, was in a London hospital Saturday after testing positive for the same substance. Editorial Editorial: Election dynamics We are a little bit surprised to notice the partisan emphasis on the issue of fulfilling certain prerequisites for holding the next parliamentary election.   Editorial: Arrear bills &MPs Finally, in a bid to establish accountability, Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone (BTTB) has filed cases against a number of former BNP lawmakers for not paying arrear telephone bills since as far back   Advice for the chief adviser In terms of the constitution, advisers have a direct involvement and input in running the interim non-party caretaker government.   A critique of the present crisis Democracy and civilization will always be in danger, wrote a political scientist, unless the liberals face the fact that "the people" are not exempt from the Christian doctrine of the original sin, from   Bureaucracy in disarray A group of retired and in-service bureaucrats, who joined a clandestine meeting hosted by former energy adviser Mahmudur Rahman at his Uttara business office in the night on November 24, and left thevenue Star Health AIDS epidemic continues to grow In just 25 years, HIV has spread relentlessly from a few widely scattered hot spots to virtually every country in the world, infecting 65 million people and killing 25 million.   Cardiac congress focussed on challenges for developing countries National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB) organised a two-day long International Cardiac Congress on "Management and Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases: Challenges for Developing Countries" in   Symptoms of AIDS in children 1st December is observed "Worlds AIDS Day" and this year the slogan of the day was " Stop AIDS. Keep the promise".   Driving is challenging for Parkinson's patients Evidence continues to mount that people who suffer from Parkinson's disease may have trouble driving safely, particularly when faced with everyday distractions like talking to a passenger or on a cell   Aching back? Sitting up straight may be why "Sit up straight - you'll hurt your back," Mom always said.   Burning wood indoors linked to cancer risk Smoke from burning wood or stir-frying food indoors could potentially cause cancer and people in poor countries like ours are at most risk, research showed.   Your Doctor Dear doctor, I have been suffering from pain in both my heels for several years. I have been jogging in the mornings on a hard surface wearing a simple canvas shoe for a long time.   Your Doctor Dear doctor, Whenever I walk speedily I find block of gas in my throat which comes out afterward. Star City Schools change strategies to offer education during political unrest Most Bangla and English medium schools in the city have chalked out own strategies to function during days of political unrest.   Rights exist in papers not in reality Only a fraction of physically challenged people are aware of their rights despite existing laws and campaign by various non-government organisations (NGO) and governments welfare initiatives for them.   JNU authorities defy directive, continue demolishing heritage building Ignoring a Rajuk directive, Jagannath University (JNU) authorities are carrying on with the demolition of an age-old building to implement construction works.   Pitha finds its way into winter Winter is usually the month for hot traditional pitha (cake) and as winter heralds its way in, a large number of the poor including women have set up small wayside stalls to sell their wares.   Our Response to Jagannath University advertisement An advertisement issued by the authorities of Establishment of Jagannath University Project (EJUP) published in some newspapers about the demolition of an age-old building on the campus has drawn ourattention.   Mahakhali flyover lights continue to burn....   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.