Vol. 5 Num 1066 Fri. June 01, 2007       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan International Culture General Views Point-counterpoint Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Environment World Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Babar cut $10m Warid deal for Koko Former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar spilled more beans as he told investigators yesterday that he had negotiated a $10 million fast-track frequency allocation deal for Warid Telecom and the   Pick reforms or retirement BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia appears to be in a quandary whether to give in to the growing pressure for reforms both from within and outside her party or to quit politics.   Govt for 33pc raise in budgetary allocation The government is proposing 33 percent increase in budgetary allocation in the next fiscal year for the development of the power sector.   Gani's shenanigans The general impression about Osman Gani as a soft-spoken person and an academician notwithstanding the chief conservator of forests never gave up making money by abusing power like his predecessors.   Agro, light engineering, IT get the thrust The government yesterday announced a three-year Export Policy for FY07 to FY09 setting a target to diversify the export basket, create employment and alleviate poverty.   CHT land body to be activated The government is going to activate the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Land Commissions to resolve land related disputes between indigenous communities and Bangla speaking settlers of the region.   ACC to submit charge sheets against Huda, Wadud next week The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will submit charge sheets against former minister Nazmul Huda, former BNP lawmaker Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, Awami League leader Pankaj Debnath and T&T CBA President Firoz   CA seeks WB help for power sector dev Chief Adviser to the Caretaker Government Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday sought assistance from the World Bank (WB) for development of power sector, construction of Padma bridge, strengthening local government   Hasina asks AL leaders to provide legal support to held party men Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina yesterday directed the party leaders to provide necessary legal support to the party leaders and workers who have been arrested.   Call for fresh exams after PSC reform The cancelled viva voce of the 27th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examinations should be held afresh only after reforming the Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure credibility and fairness, say ex-officials,   Taskforce seizes Mufti Shahidul's luxury car The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) taskforce seized a luxury car belonging to former Islami Oikya Jote (IOJ) lawmaker Mufti Shahidul Islam from Old Dhaka on Wednesday night.   Dire situation of Wasa line...   8 deceased Bangladesh peacekeepers honoured The United Nations has honoured eight deceased Bangladeshi peacekeepers with "Dag Hammarskjold Medal Awards".   Doonesbury comic strip features Prof Yunus Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and his micro-credit were featured in the popular mainstream American newspaper comic strip Doonesbury on May 13.   Foreign adviser flies to ROK tomorrow Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar A Chowdhury is set to fly off to South Korea tomorrow to attend the 6th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) from June 4-6.   Polls should be held as quickly as possible The United States has reiterated that elections in Bangladesh should be held "as quickly as possible", but only after necessary electoral reforms take place and that a crackdown on corruption should not   3 killed in 'shootouts’ Three criminals were killed in "crossfire" during "shootouts" between law enforcers and the criminal's accomplices in Dhaka and Kushtia yesterday.   Arguments in Mamun's graft case June 4 The special court yesterday fixed June 4 for arguments in the graft case against Giasuddin Al Mamun, as he failed to bring journalists as witnesses in his defence.   Erratum The Daily Star on Wednesday ran a report headlined "Master manipulator of state power" that inadvertently mentioned the name of Inspector General of Police Nur Mohammad as an official who was promoted   Correction The Daily Star carried a news item of UNB, a news agency titled "Another petition at HC seeks to know Khaleda's well being" published on May 4, which erroneously stated that Abdul Wadud Khandakar wassacked   Heat wave to turn severe The country's average temperature yesterday rose one degree higher than Wednesday's while meteorologists said the mild to moderate heat wave might turn into a severe one in some parts of Dhaka, Rajshahi,   ACC sues ANH Akhter The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) yesterday filed a graft case against former power secretary ANH Akhter Hossain and his wife Naznin Banu.   16 Afghan cops killed A Taliban ambush killed 16 policemen in Afghanistan Thursday as the Nato-led force said a chopper that came down in the south, killing seven foreign soldiers - five US soldiers, a Canadian and a Briton Business DSE General Index crosses 2000 points With the Dhaka bourse witnessing bullish trend for the last one month, the DSE General Index yesterday crossed 2000 points for the first time, closing the day at 2003.58 points, up by 47.   New passenger airline set to fly by month-end United Airways (Bangladesh) Ltd, a private sector airline founded by non-resident Bangladeshis, is going to operate its maiden domestic passenger flight by the end of this month, officials said yesterday.   Citigroup launches new internet-based remittance solutions in Bangladesh Citibank has launched an internet-based remittance solutions (Remit2home) in partnership with Times of Money Limited, through which a non-resident Bangladeshi (NRB) in the US can remit money to Bangladesh   Free trade pact with Gulf countries soon India is in a process of negotiating a free trade agreement with the Persian Gulf countries and talks on this are likely to be clinched soon, Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath has said.   Lankan tyre maker bids to reinvent the wheel One of the world's biggest solid tyre makers is trying to double its turnover and turn Sri Lanka into a key exporter of rubber products.   World Bank VP in town Praful C.Patel, Vice President of South Asian Region of the World Bank arrived here yesterday on a three-day visit.   EU, US trade, farm chiefs meet today for WTO talks Top EU and US trade and farm officials will meet in Brussels on Friday for talks on the WTO trade negotiations, a European Commission spokesman said Wednesday.   Malaysian firm launches first-ever mobile phone remittance service Thousands of Filipino workers in Malaysia can now remit money to their families back home under a new mobile phone money transfer service unveiled by Malaysia's top mobile phone operator Maxis.   Germany keeps jobless rate at six-year low The current economic boom in Germany enabled Europe's biggest economy to hold its jobless rate at the lowest level for six years this month, data showed on Thursday.   Thai Festival at Radisson hotel from today A nine-day 'Thai Festival' begins at Radisson Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka today. The hotel is holding the festival in association with Thai Embassy.   China to open up key domestic air routes to competition The monopoly enjoyed by China's three major airlines on the nation's most lucrative domestic routes will end by 2010 as part of plans to liberalise the aviation industry, state press said Thursday.   HSBC gives wheelchairs to 23 Action on Disability and Development (ADD) in association with Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) gave away wheelchairs among 23 physically challenged people yesterday in Dhaka.   SKorea current account deficit hits 10-year high South Korea's current account deficit hit a 10-year high in April due to increased dividend payments to foreign investors and a fall in the trade surplus, the central bank said Thursday.   Confidence in European economic outlook soaring The outlook for economic growth in Europe, long the laggard of major economic powers, is running at the highest level for years, according to EU officials and a widely watched survey on Thursday.   Japanese wages down for fifth month Japan's average monthly cash wages fell for a fifth straight month in April despite a drop in unemployment to a nine-year low, the government said Thursday.   BASIC Bank declares 38.35pc dividend The 100 percent state-owned BASIC Bank Ltd has declared a 38.35 percent dividend for the year 2006 of which 32 percent is stock dividend and 6.35 percent cash dividend, says a press release.   Correction In a photo caption on a deal signing between Credit Rating Agency of Bangladesh Ltd and Rupali Bank Ltd published on this page on May 21, the name of the bank's managing director was mistakenly written   Currency Sports Football: Muktijoddha take sweet revenge Muktijoddha took revenge of their away defeat to Chittagong Mohammedan in the B.   Cricket: ESPN-Star's rescue act The Afro-Asia series in India will go ahead as scheduled next week after the ESPN-Star network stepped in to save the beleaguered event, the Asian Cricket Council said on Thursday.   Cricket: Asoka fails umps' test Sri Lanka's first-class umpires have cried foul over a competitive examination conducted in English by the cricket governing body to rank them for international matches.   Tennis: Ivanovic trounces Mirza India's Sania Mirza was sent packing from the French Open on Thursday losing 6-1, 6-4 in just 64 minutes to Serbia's Ana Ivanovic in a second round tie.   Cricket: Whatmore leaves today Dav Whatmore will leave Dhaka today after a four-year stay with the Tigers. The 53-year-old will be off to Australia this afternoon by a Thai Airways flight.   Local Snippets Swabolombi Society fought back from a set down to beat Dhaka Sporting Club 3-1 in the National Bank Dhaka Metropolis First Division Volleyball League at the Wooden Floor Gymnasium yesterday.   Cricket: Captaincy later, says KP Kevin Pietersen insists he is quite happy just being one of the troops in England's one-day side, despite suggestions from some high-profile pundits, including Graham Thorpe and David Lloyd, that he should   Cricket: Where's Monty the artist? Every time Monty Panesar floats up to the bowling crease it is impossible not to put in the mind's eye the finest left-arm spinner most of us have had the privilege of watching, Bishan Bedi.   Tennis: Hewitt, Nadal on collision course Never-say-die Lleyton Hewitt staged a dramatic French Open fightback on Thursday to edge closer to a Roland Garros showdown against defending champion Rafael Nadal.   Tennis: French hopes fade away French hopes of a first men's singles title at Roland Garros since Yannick Noah nearly a quarter of a century ago lay in tatters Wednesday after the defeat of their top players in the opening two rounds.   Football: McClaren plays his last hand As England's fortunes have gone from bad to worse during Steve McClaren's troubled reign, the beleaguered coach has increasingly resembled a gambler desperately trying to claw back his losses with one   Football: Sir David Beckham? Officials in Britain are wrangling over whether former England football captain David Beckham should be given a knighthood, London's Evening Standard reported Thursday.   Football: Nani poised for United Sporting Lisbon striker Nani is set to sign for Manchester United announced the English Premiership champions on Wednesday.   Chess: Foreign GMs take over The Bangladeshi players lost the leading baton in the 8th United Insurance and United Leasing Grandmasters Chess Tournament yesterday as GM Ghaem Maghami Ehsan of Iran and Vietnamese GM Nguyen Anh Dung   Cricket: No Premier relegation this year The Premier Cricket League is set to be bloated to fourteen clubs next season after relegation for this season looked set to be put aside.   Cricket: Hoggard in doubt for 3rd Test Matthew Hoggard looks set to miss the third Test against West Indies at Old Trafford, starting on June 7, after aggravating his groin injury in the nets ahead of Yorkshire's one-day fixture against Derbyshire   Table Tennis: BD lose to India Bangladesh lost to defending champions India 3-0 in the men's team event in the 17th Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships yesterday.   Football: Blatter to serve another term FIFA president Sepp Blatter is set to be voted in for a third term as the boss of football's world governing body here this week with social responsibility the main thrust of the coming years.   Football: Diplomacy lesson for Norwegian booters Norway's national squad are to be given lessons from the country's diplomatic chief, just two days before their next Euro 2008 qualifier against Malta.   Tennis: Venus sets new mark Venus Williams warmed up a chilly French Open by sending down the fastest serve ever recorded in a women's main draw match here on Wednesday.   Football: 'I created Chelsea miracle' Former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri believes he can recreate another "miracle" if he is given the vacant post at Manchester City.   Football: Blokhin 'headache' over injury Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin has admitted he is worried over the absence of several top players due to injuries days ahead of his squad's 2008 European championship Group B clash with France.   Tennis: New Aussie surface excites Hewitt Australia's number one Lleyton Hewitt is "excited" by the decision to use a new playing surface at next year's Australian Open, organisers said.   Football: Galasek pulls out of Czech squad Czech midfield star Tomas Galasek has been forced to withdraw from the squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales on June 2.   Football: England set Germany date England will play arch-rivals Germany in a friendly at the new Wembley stadium on August 22, the Football Association confirmed on Thursday.   Football: FIFA conforms to WADA code World football's governing body FIFA on Thursday became the last Olympic-affiliated sports federation to conform fully with the rules of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).   Football: Garcia replaces Torres Espanyol striker Luis Garcia was on Wednesday called up to the Spain squad for Euro 2008 qualifiers next month against Latvia and Liechtenstein. Metropolitan DU freshers facing acute accommodation crisis Over 3000 freshers of Dhaka University (DU) are facing serious accommodation crisis as they find it very difficult to get a place in the residential dormitories.   ACC taskforce finds evidence of ill-gotten gains A taskforce of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has found evidence that Barisal City Corporation Mayor Mojibar Rahman Sarwar has amassed huge wealth and properties worth cores of taka through illegal   Two young men murdered in city Two youths, including an alleged criminal, were killed in two separate incidents in the last two days in the city.   Only restrictions on locals can't save biodiversity in Sundarbans The Bawali, Moual, Jele and Golpata harvesters are the worshippers of Bon Bibi, like their own children they nurture the Sundarbans, which has been the source of food and shelter to their forefathers,   'Consuming tobacco tantamount to suicide' A socio-politico movement against tobacco would help establish a healthy environment for all, said the speakers at a discussion yesterday.   17 held with 24 illegal passports Police seized 24 illegal passports and arrested 17 brokers from in front of Agargaon Passport Office in the city in this connection yesterday.   Build awareness to protect rights of migrants A message development workshop titled 'Safe Labour Migration' was held in the city yesterday, says a press release.   Biman board reconstituted The government yesterday reconstituted Bangladesh Biman Corporation Management Board with adviser for civil aviation and tourism as its chairman.   Schoolboy found dead Police recovered the body of a schoolboy from an abandoned house in city's Turag area yesterday.   Bomb explodes at Kamalapur Railway Station A hand-made bomb exploded at Kamalapur Railway Station in the city yesterday, creating panic among the passengers and officials.   65,000 devotees to perform Hajj this year A total of 65,000 devotees from Bangladesh will be able to perform Hajj this year under a set of new pacts with the Saudi government.   Inquiry body to start hearing soon The inquiry commission constituted to probe the death of Chales Risil Sangma will start hearing and recording of the statements of the eyewitnesses and others related to the incident soon.   SC disposes of govt petition, orders best treatment for Ctg mayor The Supreme Court yesterday disposed of a government petition that sought leave-to-appeal against a High Court order granting Chittagong city Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury interim bail on health grounds   SC vacation begins June 8 Chief Justice M Ruhul Amin has nominated Justice M Joynul Abedin and Justice M Hassan Ameen to dispose of the matters relating to urgent cases of the Appellate Division during the Supreme Court vacation Point-Counterpoint Some proposals relating to electoral reforms The proposals relating to elections, enumerated below, have jointly been prepared by Md.   A Republic of "un-people" I often wondered why we are a "People's Republic.   A fragile hold on power Pakistani military dictators are not known for leaving office quietly. Each one of the country's dictators has railed angrily and stubbornly against his fate to the bitter end. Culture All for acting Starting as a child artiste, in last 22 years, Tarin has established herself as one of the leading TV actresses in the country. The recent Meril-Prothom Alo Awards reaffirmed her popularity in the medium.   Munier Chowdhury remembered Department of Theatre and Film, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) arranged a programme at the Experimental Theatre Stage on May 30.   Ramkinkar Baij and his craft To celebrate Ramkinkar Baij (1906-1980) centenary, Centre for Asian Art and Culture (CAAC) arranged a special speech titled "Ramkinkar and his Artworks" on the legendary sculptor of the subcontinent.   "Iron-eaters": Zooming in on ship-breakers Every year the International Documentary Film Festival in Munich becomes a hub of film enthusiasts. During the festival documentaries from all over the world are screened at movie theatres in the city.   Sadi Mohammad's latest endeavour Noted artiste Sadi Mohammad's new album was launched on May 30 at the main auditorium, National Museum.   Fahmida Nabi launches grooming programme for vocalists Popular singer Fahmida Nabi recently launched a grooming programme for vocal artistes, says a press release.   "Sokhina Bibi": New drama serial on ntv First episode of a drama serial Sokhina Bibi, was aired on ntv last night at 9:45pm. Based on English novelist William Somerset Maughm's Letter, the TV play is a mystery, revolving around a murder.   Fun and frolic in "Sisimpur" This week's episode of "Sisimpur" touches a variety of subjects. A group of hunters will find the number 13 in a forest. Bhuto and Ganwala reach the mountain peak looking for Konkaboti. General 4 robbers sentenced to 37 years' RI A Dhaka court yesterday sentenced four robbers to 37 years' rigorous imprisonment for killing Majibur Rahman, a garments trader of Savar nine years ago.   Launch social movement against smoking: CA Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday called for launching a social movement to make the people aware about the hazards of smoking.   'Raise awareness to protect rights of migrants' A message development workshop titled 'Safe Labour Migration' was held in the city yesterday, says a press release.   Solar energy needed to meet power crisis A daylong workshop on 'Promotion of Renewable Energy Khulna Division Project' was held at Hotel Castle Salam in the city yesterday.   Aktel Career Fair '07 held on DU campus A daylong career fair was held on the premises of Faculty of Business Studies of Dhaka University (DU) yesterday that drew a huge response from the students.   'Organise farmers to help improve their fate' Speakers at a discussion yesterday called for organising the farmers to help improve their fate. They said until the farmers are well organised their deprivation will never come to an end.   Private English Medium Schools Forum formed Bangladesh Private English Medium Schools Forum has been formed recently with the aim of bringing about a uniform standard of education among private English medium institutions of the country, says a   Few DU deptts to continue classes Academic activities of different departments of sessions 2005-2006 and 2004-2005 under science faculty of Dhaka University (DU) will continue till the middle of June, says a press release.   DU contractor beat up sub-contractor Dhaka University-enlisted contractor Kamal Uddin Ahmed yesterday allegedly beat up a sub-contractor, who worked at DU for years, as he asked Kamal to pay arrears amounting to about Tk two lakh. International New Zealand lauds Bangladesh's achievements in various sectors Governor General of New Zealand Ananad Satyanand has appreciated the economic creativity and diversity of Bangladesh, says a press release. Editorial Editorial: 27th BCS viva voce cancellation By deciding to cancel the results of the viva voce of the 27th Bangladesh Civil Service examinations, the caretaker government has certainly acknowledged public sensitivities on the issue.   Editorial: Tale of endless greed The arrest of the chief conservator of forests Osman Gani and unearthing of crores of ill-gotten money and loads of jewellery from his residence have brought the issue of blatant corruption among a segment   Measure of man Emperor Elagabalus once asked his guards to bring him 1000 pounds of cobwebs and when they returned he boasted that it showed how big was Rome.   Punishing the profligates is priority In describing the political scene of Bangladesh if one were to comment that while the conscientious folks were engaged in introspection, the burly sinners ran the world one would not be far from the reality.   100 years -- Cuba to Iraq The Spanish American War of 1898 represented the very first time that the US intervened outside the North American continent. Letters to Editor US and Iran US President Bush and UK Prime Minister Blair sincerely feel that their wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have not failed and that they are going on quite satisfactorily as per their plan, though a bit slow.   Election funding In my opinion the caretaker government should take the initiative to fund and hold the election after voter registration and issuance of voter ID.   Goodbye, Dav Whatmore After the disastrous performance in 2003, Bangladesh was looking for a high profile coach & they got Dav Whatmore.   Attention: BTTB I have a problem with BTTB PSTN. I have three telephone lines at my home.   CRP issue A news item in The Daily Star has shocked me to note that the most dedicated woman- Valerie Taylor-- who sacrificed the best part of her life in creating a facility for the poor- is now being sidelined   Demolition drive Soon after 1/11, The CTG cleared all the footpaths in the capital and elsewhere by driving away the street hawkers ruthlessly without making alternative accommodation, though it has affected the living   The "no vote" The online edition of The Daily Star (May 20, 2007), reported EC's draft recommendation for the provision of "no vote" in the ballot paper.   Sense and insensibility My sincerest thanks to The Daily Star and your Senior Assistant Editor Shahnoor Wahid for the fine post-editorial, "Sense and Insensibility" in your May 29 issue.   Muddled Bashar Bashar does not realise that it is time to go. He has nothing but questionable experience to offer. Batting, bowling, fielding or running between wickets-- in all these areas he is now a "no-go".   Photo and fingerprint The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) ATM Shamsul Huda on May 28, 2007 said the Election Commission (EC) was trying not to be rigid on the issue of having photographs on the voter list as it is impossible   To the Chief Adviser I know that it's easy to advise, especially from far away. But I always thought I should give my advice, no matter how you treat it. 1) You can't solve all the problems. Please focus on only one.   Camellia Mustafa I am deeply saddened to read an article entitled--"Camellia Mustafa in critical state" by noted singer Fahmida Nabi that was published in the 'Culture' page of DS on May 04, 2007.   Immigration Since 14 May 2007, the Australian Immigration Department has changed its requirements for Bangladeshi students who seek to do higher studies in Australia.   Election Commission The EC is gradually realising the ground reality and has made partial admission that the voter list can be done without affixing the photo of the voter. Sooner they realise the full truth, the better.   Education sector The reform that we need immediately is the reform in the education sector. The system should be overhauled from the very bottom.   Public universities Muhammad Zamir has called for reforms in the public universities in Bangladesh.   A few words My first advice for the Tigers would be not to worry about the runs/ scoreboard. They should now have only one simple approach --occupying the crease for the remainder of the match.   Sheikh Hasina's stand Our Jononetri keeps on making the same claim that the general public want her to lead the country. But who are these people? I don't think it's the general public.   A suggestion In this unprecedented time of corruption busting when crores of taka stolen from the country's citizens over the years is being retaken into government funds - every effort should be made for promptly   English medium schools One fine evening, my young primary level son gave me a paper from school. It's nothing new.   TV channels I am rather appalled by the fact that recently a large number of TV channels were stopped from being shown. Who has made the decision and why? I am not talking about the local issues here.   India and UNSC By all accounts, India deserves a seat as a permanent member of the Security Council. However, the membership should be without any veto power.   Army and politics It is very refreshing to learn the army chief clarifying the role of the army in the present context.   Sports news I have been reading The Daily Star for over thirteen years now. Being an avid sports fan, the sports section of the paper has always been one of my favourites.   Dhaka-Kolkata train service It is good to know that the government is contemplating introduction of train service between Dhaka and Kolkata from July this year. Environment Rising heat: Impact on human health Perhaps the atmospheric scientists' prediction of the apocalypse due to global warming that means a gradual rise in worldwide temperatures caused by man-made gases trapping too much heat from the sunis   Investing in water for poverty reduction Water management is a key factor in the global battle to remove the scourge of extreme poverty and to build secure and prosperous lives for hundreds of millions of people in the developing world. World Thaksin's party banned Protesters denouncing Thailand's junta braved a security clampdown here yesterday after a ruling barring the ousted prime minister and his party from elections cast uncertainty on the country's political   South Asia: Musharraf warns against army criticism President Pervez Musharraf warned against criticism of the army as the government yesterday urged legal action over "derogatory" remarks by supporters of Pakistan's suspended top judge.   Cancer to skyrocket in Asia Asia is bracing for a dramatic surge in cancer rates over the next decade as people in the developing world live longer and adopt bad Western habits that greatly increase the risk of the disease.   South Asia: India, US in talks to finalise nuclear deal India and the United States began talks yesterday intended to resolve delays in a nuclear energy deal that will give India access to long-denied Western nuclear technology.   Police recruiting centre blast kills 25 in Iraq A suicide bomber hit a police recruiting centre in Fallujah yesterday, killing at least 25 people and wounding 50 while six more US soldiers were killed in separate incidents, police said.   South Asia: Nepali parties agree to 1st post-war polls in Nov Nepal's eight political parties announced yesterday a November date for the Himalayan nation's first post-war elections, originally scheduled for June.   South Asia: Lankan troops keep up anti-LTTE offensives Government forces kept up two offensives against Tamil Tiger rebels in the island's northern and eastern regions Thursday with casualties reported on both sides, officials said.   Rice warns Iran ahead of key nuclear talks US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Iran yesterday to change tactics and freeze uranium enrichment, but Tehran remained defiant ahead of talks on its nuclear programme with the European Union.   South Asia: Taliban attack Pak govt official's home: 13 people killed About 100 suspected pro-Taliban militants attacked the house of a government official in northwestern Pakistan before dawn yesterday, killing 13 people, police said.   Pak author says military book banned A respected Pakistani author accused the government yesterday of attempting to ban the launch of her book on how the powerful military has penetrated the country's economy.   Astronomers discover giant planet Professional and amateur astronomers announced on Wednesday the discovery of a "bizarre" planet outside the solar system that is more than 13 times the mass of Jupiter.   Turkish MPs clash in final vote on reform Turkish lawmakers yesterday began a final vote on constitutional changes that would see the president elected by popular vote as the ruling party and the main opposition wrangled over voting rules.   © thedailystar.net, 2007. 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