Election mood darkens Voters tense as violent attacks on opposition leader Khaleda Zia continue and EC appears to vacillate on deployment of troops n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

Back-to-back attacks on opposition leader Khaleda Zia’s motorcade and � ip-� opping by the Election Commission (EC) on whether or not to deploy troops for polls duty has mud-died the waters ahead of the city corporation elections, political commentators said.

Consecutive attacks on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s motorcade on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday have left more than 20 people injured.

The three-time former prime minister al-leges that shots � red in the attacks, which damaged her personal vehicles, were intend-ed to kill her.

Against the backdrop of repeated violent attacks on the BNP boss’s motorcade, the EC thrice changed its position on the deployment of troops for polls duty.

The BNP categorically blamed the ruling party for carrying out “planned attacks” on its chairperson, while the ruling party claimed that the attacks were spontaneous expres-sions of anger by a public aggrieved by the BNP’s blockade and hartal programmes of the last few months.

“Things are getting complex. There is

growing doubt whether people can turn up peacefully to cast their votes. The happenings of the last few days – including the attack on Khaleda’s motorcade and the EC’s about-fac-

es on deploying troops – are ominous signs for holding fair polls.

“If the army does not patrol the streets, PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

PAGE 32Still many challenges ahead for RMG sector

PAGE 4Home Ministry forbids � rearms during city polls

PAGE 5Annisul camp seeks ulema campaign help during Jumma

PAGE 7Police: Ansarullah and Shibir behind Ashulia bank heist

VEHICLE SHORTAGE BARS KHALEDA CAMPAIGN PAGE 3

TOWER HAMLETS MAYOR KICKED OUT PAGE 5

REHANA DOESN’T WANT TO GO BACK PAGE 32

SECOND EDITION

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015 | Boishakh 11, 1421, Rajab 4, 1436 | Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 13 | www.dhakatribune.com | 32 pages plus 24-page Weekend | Price: Tk10

BANGLADESH-PAKISTAN T20Upbeat hosts keen to continue dominancen Minhaz Uddin Khan

Bangladesh have enjoyed a honeymoon peri-od so far in the ongoing bilateral home series against Pakistan, winning the solitary prac-tice match followed by a whitewash in the ensuing three-match ODI series.

The hosts were on cloud nine having swept away the challenge of their nemesis in the three ODIs and they will now look to maintain their dominance in the lone Twenty20 international today at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The match will begin at 6:30pmand the BTV and GTV will telecast thegame live.

In the past few years, Bangladesh have maintained a good track-record in the ODIs and have also shown signs of improvement

PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

Ruling party men led Karwan Bazar attackn Kamrul Hasan

What could be a peaceful political demonstra-tion against the BNP’s campaign for a city cor-poration poll candidate at Karwan Bazar on Monday ultimately turned into an unwarrant-ed attack on Khaleda Zia’s motorcade.

It all started with Awami League’s Ward 26 unit President Jahirul Haque Jillu and a few Chhatra League men showing black � ags to BNP chief Khaleda Zia who was speaking from her car seeking votes for the Dhaka North mayoral candidate her party is backing.

Just a day before also, ruling party men demonstrated with black � ags against Khale-da’s campaign at Uttara, but no untoward sit-uation arose there.

Jillu, who later � led a case against 100 unnamed BNP leaders and activists and CSF personnel, however, claims that he did not show any black � ag at Karwan Bazar. But pho-tographs taken by the Dhaka Tribune clearly show otherwise. After the incident, Jillu also claimed to have fallen victim to the attack by Khaleda’s security personnel.

As Jillu and others were waving black � ags from a pick-up van, a number of activists ap-parently got inspired and started hurling wa-termelon shells at Khaleda who was then de-livering a speech in front of the Karwan Bazar kitchen market.

Seeking anonymity, several witnesses said these activists belonged to Bangladesh

PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Bureaucratic tangles delay Rana Plaza casesn Mohammad Jamil Khan

Two years have passed since the collapse of Rana Plaza at Savar that killed over 1,135 people, mostly female garment workers, but charge sheets in the three criminal cases are yet to be pressed.

The process has apparently been stuck since September last year as the government is yet to approve the inclusion of 20 public servants in the cases.

O� cials of the Criminal Investigation De-partment (CID), which has been given time on several occasions to submit the charge sheets, now say they hope to press the charges by May 21.

On April 15 this year, the Dhaka’s Judicial Magistrate Court � xed May 21 for submission of the probe reports.

Over 2,500 people were also injured in the deadliest building collapse in the country’s

history on April 24, 2013. Two cases were� led over the incident – one under criminal code while the other under building construc-tion act.

CID Senior Assistant Superintendent Bijoy Krishna Kar, also investigation o� cer of the cases, yesterday said: “We hope to submit the charge sheets before the court on the next date.”

Asked about the delay, he said: “We have

already prepared two charge sheets accus-ing 42 people in the two criminal cases and against 17 others in the building code case. But we could not submit the reports as the clearance order about some government o� -cials has remained pending.”

Of the 42 accused in the criminal cases, 13 are government o� cials. On the other hand, seven government o� cials were named in the other case � led by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartri-pakkha (Rajuk).

In line with the law, the investigation of-� cer sent letters to the relevant ministries seeking clearance about the government of-� cials.

It was learn that the CID so far sent letters to the Labour Ministry, Rajuk, and the local government and the public administration ministries. However, only the Local Govern-ment Ministry has responded to the letter.

PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

2 YEARS OF RANA PLAZA DISASTER

Awami League Ward 26 unit President Jahirul Haque Jillu is seen waving a black � ag during a demonstration against BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s campaign at Karwan Bazar on Monday MEHEDI HASAN

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

AL men led Karwan Bazar attackChhatra League, the student wing of the rul-ing party. They were all protesting Khaleda’s campaign. One of them was seen showing sandals to the BNP chairperson.

This angered the leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies present there. At one stage, they drove the Chhatra League activists away.

After a while, M Tuhin, the vice-president of Tejturipara unit of Chhatra League who was seen standing beside Jillu, and other ac-tivists launched the attack on Khaleda’s mo-torcade.

They hit a member of Khaleda’s securi-ty force CSF and BNP activists. They hurled bricks and stones at them.

Soon the place turned chaotic with the un-ruly youths vandalising almost all the cars in Khaleda’s motorcade.

When Jillu was contacted for comments, he claimed that he had been standing on the footpath after � nishing their campaign near the kitchen market and watched what was happening. He also claimed that no Chhatra

League leader was with him.However, he told the Dhaka Tribune that

before going faint he had seen a few business-men and rickshaw van-pullers showing black � ags to the BNP chief.

He also claimed that � ve Chhatra League activists, including Tuhin and Rony Khandok-er, the Baulbagh unit president of the organi-sation, were hurt in the attack.

When asked why the activists were there, Jillu said he did not know the reasons.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune on Tues-day, Rony claimed that he was not involved in Chhatra League politics and that he only worked at a shop at Karwan Bazar.

However, Jillu and Chhatra League’s Dha-ka City North unit General Secretary Azizul Haque Rana had earlier on that day said Rony was one of their leaders.

Asked if they had any meeting at Karwan Bazar on Monday, Rana said they did not.

He also said he did not know why the Chhatra League activists were there because he was at Gulshan at that time. l

Bureaucratic tangles delay Rana Plaza casesSheikh Hemayet Hossain, additional inspec-tor general of the CID, said: “We are analys-ing details of every accused and got clearance about some of the o� cials. The government is yet to clear inclusion of six o� cials.”

A day after the collapse, Rajuk o� cial Helaluddin � led a case against Sohel Rana, own-er of Rana Plaza, for structural � aws in the build-ing and for constructing it with sub-standard materials and also for violation of building code.

The other cases were � led by Savar police and the family of a victim against Rana, his father and owners of the � ve factories housed

in the building.Another CID o� cial, involved in the inves-

tigation process, said accused under the Local Government Ministry are Savar municipality Mayor Refayetullah, ward seven Council-lor Mohammad Ali Khan, Upazila Executive Engineer Ra� qul Islam, assistant engineers Rashedul Islam Rasel and Mahbubur Rahman and Town planner Farzana Islam.

Among them, Refayetullah and Moham-mad Ali are on bail while the others in jail. Farzana has been staying abroad on leave.

Charges have also been brought against

some o� cials under the Labour Ministry – joint inspectors general of industry section Belayet Hossain and Mahmud Jamsedur Rah-man; deputy inspectors general Shahidul Is-lam and Yousuf Ali.

The accused under the Public Administra-tion Ministry are Savar municipality UNO Ka-bir Hossain Sarker and Chief Executive O� cial Uttam Kumar Ray; and Rajuk’s Savar munici-pality Building Inspector Awald Hossain.

The delay has created doubt among sur-vivors and victims’ families as well as labour rights organisations whether the government

is sincere to ensure justice to the victims.Expressing frustration, Jolly Talukder,

joint secretary general of Garments Sramik Trade Union Kendra, said: “The government arrested Sohel Rana in the face of our move-ment. But it seems that the government is not sincere enough to ensure punishment of those responsible for the tragic incidence.”

The law enforcers have so far arrested 22 people including Jubo League leader and Rana Plaza owner Sohel Rana and his father Abdul Khalek. However, 14 of the arrestees have already got bails. l

Hosts keen to continue dominancein the longer format. However, T20 remains the only worry for the Tigers.

Bangladesh ODI and T20 skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza admitted following the conclu-sion of the three ODIs that it would be tough for them in the shortest format of the game as they have played very few T20s in the last few years.

Since the format’s inception in 2006, Bang-ladesh have played 41 T20Is and have man-aged to win only 11 of them. They faced Paki-stan seven times and lost all of them.

Bangladesh’s batting department has been a let-down in T20s more often in the past few years. However, given their performance in the just-concluded ODI series, it is expected that they will give Pakistan a close run for their money.

All eyes will be on Tamim Iqbal, who had a sensational run of form in the ODIs. The hard-hitting southpaw scored 312 runs at an unbelievable average of 154; so, a lot will de-pend on him.

Soumya Sarkar was also a delight to the

eyes when he grabbed his maiden ODI ton on Wednesday and his unbeaten 127-run knock will give him ample con� dence to perform well in the shortest format of the game.

The Tigers’ best batsman, Mush� qur Rahim, will look to prolong his purple patch in today’s lone T20I while the uncapped Liton Kumar Das will be eyeing a good start to his international career, provided he is given the nod.

Mashrafe might be the skipper in T20 but all-rounder Shakib al Hasan will no doubt lead the side from the front once again. His bagful of experience of playing in several do-mestic T20 competitions around the world will come in handy today against one of the world’s leading sides.

Pakistan will be captained by Shahid Afri-di, who might be all of 35 years old but will be extremely keen to prove his worth. In the ab-sence of several senior cricketers, Afridi will be expected to play a key role for his side with both bat and ball. The visitors will also look to opener Ahmed Shehzad to provide them with a solid start. l

Election mood darkens it will be tough to hold fair elections. The Election Commission, government and law enforcers are in the same boat. If they fail to ensure fair and peaceful elections, this will be a repeat of January 5,” political scientist Ataur Rahman said.

On Tuesday, the Election Commission said the army would be deployed during the three city corporation polls as a reserve and striking force and promised that a su� cient number of magistrates would be present at polling ar-eas to maintain law and order.

But the very next day, the commission sent a letter to the Armed Forces Division stating that the army would not be deployed to elec-tion areas during the Dhaka and Chittagong city polls, but would remain in the canton-ments as a reserve force.

The army would come out of the canton-ments as a striking force only if requested to do so by the returning o� cers, according to the EC letter of Wednesday.

Yesterday, the EC amended its decision again. One of the election commissioners, however, described the move as a clari� ca-tion.

The revised, and latest, letter to the Armed Forces Division says three army battalions – one for each of the three city corporations – will perform election duties for four days from April 26 to 29.

Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque, a professor of Dhaka University, said the last three days’ incidents were proof that the Awami League was losing its democratic character.

“The public wants free and fair elections. If the political parties do not return to the path of democracy, then army deployment will not be able to guarantee chaos or violence-free city polls,” he told the Dhaka tribune.

“If the army is deployed, the Election Commission should take service from them. If they act only upon the request of returning o� cers, this will not be fruitful,” former elec-tion commissioner Muhammad Sahul Hos-sain said.

The opposition BNP welcomed the move to deploy troops, but said their presence would be ine� ectual if the army was not also given magistracy powers.

The BNP, Shujan and a number of mayor-al and councillor aspirants, especially BNP-backed contenders, demanded the army be deployed ahead of the elections.

Political commentator Afsan Chowdhury said: “The incumbent government is su� cient-ly powerful. If the government wants peaceful elections, the polls will be peaceful. Yes, there have been some di� culties over the last few days, but the people are unmoved by it.”

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, chairman of election monitoring group JANIPOP, said: “I

welcome the latest decision of the Election Commission to keep the army in the canton-ment unless requested by returning o� cers to depoly. Army deployment is an ad hoc policy and tarnishes the pride of other law enforce-ment agencies. Moreover, it is better to keep the armed forces out of the debate.”

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad yesterday said remaining on stand-by inside the cantonment was the best role for the army during the three city corporation elections slated for April 28.

“The cantonment is centrally located in Dhaka. The location is the best to move any-where quickly…I think the cantonment is the best place [for them],” the CEC told reporters at the Election Commission Secretariat yes-terday evening.

He reiterated that although the three bat-talions will remain inside the cantonment as a reserve force, they will act as a striking force if called upon to do so by returning o� cers.

“From the cantonment, it will be easy for them to move to Dhaka North and Dhaka South. So they were asked to stay inside the cantonment,” he said.

Election observer AHM Nouman said: “Time will tell whether the EC’s decision is right or wrong. This election situation is bet-ter than during the Ershad regime, but the people are concerned about the polls day at-

mosphere.”Sakhawat Hossain, a former election com-

missioner, said: “Deploying the army during city polls has not been the norm. The army was never deployed like this.”

He added: “The way Khaleda Zia’s motor-cade has repeatedly been attacked is alarming and unacceptable. It casts a shadow over the polls.”

Earlier in the day, Election Commissioner Shah Nawaz said there was no need for army patrols during elections for Dhaka South City Corporation, Dhaka North City Corporation and Chittagong City Corporation.

“The cantonments are in the city corpora-tions. The army can remain inside the canton-ments as a reserve force and act as a striking force, if called upon to do so. There is no need for patrols,” he said to reporters at his Election Commission Secretariat o� ce.

The commissioner said an adequate num-ber of regular law enforcement personnel, including members of the police, RAB, BGB, Coast Guard and Ansar will be deployed at polling areas for four days from April 26.

About the EC’s revised letter to the Armed Forces Division, Shah Nawaz said the clari� -cation was made because the EC, in its � rst letter, did not mention where the army would be while discharging its election duties as a reserve force. l

NEWS2DT

NEWS 3D

TFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Khokon: I have the right to your votes Tabith: Deploy army at each polling centren Tribune Report

Awami League-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Sayeed Khokon said he had the right to seek votes from Dhaka residence more than any other candidates.

While Dhaka North City Corporation may-oral candidate Tabith Awal yesterday de-manded deployment of army personnel at every election camp.

Khokon made the statement while he was brie� ng journalists after an election campaign at the Supreme Court Bar Council yesterday after-noon. Khokon, son of former Dhaka city mayor Mohammad Hani’f, sought votes from lawyers.

Senior lawyer Barrister Amir-ul Islam, for-mer law minister Abdul Matin Khasru, Bang-abandhu Ainjibi Parishad President Abdul Baset and another pro-Awami League lawyer greeted Khokon on the court premises.

Replying to question of journalists he said it is the decision of the Election Commission

whether to deploy army.Khokon carried out his yesterday’s cam-

paign at di� erent parts of the wards 8 and 9 of Motijheel and Paltan areas.

My father worked for the betterment of city people until he breathed his last. “Please give me a chance and I will dedicate my whole for the service of city people.”

He said this while distributing lea� ets in Chankharpul area.

His wife Farhana Sayeed also canvassed for her husband. She distributed lea� ets in Baha-dur Shah Park area of Sadarghat.

Tabith Awal after meeting leaders of Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad yesterday afternoon said the army should be deployed at each polling centre.

He said there was a lack of coordination in the works of Election Commission. “Whatev-er decision they make it should be aimed at meeting people’s demand.”

Tabith Awal met the representatives of Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya

Parishad at Tejgaon’s Regnum Tower. Earlier Tabith along with his support-

ers started his election campaign from Gudaraghat to Moddhya Badda Link Road and East Rampura, and later in the day cam-paigned at Mirpur-10 intersection.

Meanwhile, Awami League and 14-par-ty-led Nagorik Committee aspirant for Chit-tagong City Corporation AJM Nasir, conduct-ed his day-long election campaign in the city’s di� erent areas.

Nasir, also the general secretary of Awami League Chittagong City Unit, told voters that he wanted to prove he is for the people.

BNP and 20-party-led Chattagram Un-nayan Andolon mayoral hopeful M Manjur Alam also visited several places of the city, as well as placing his election manifesto for the April 28 city elections.

Apart from the two heavyweight candi-dates, other mayoral and councillor candi-dates too passed a hectic day yesterday seek-ing votes at di� erent places of the city. l

Vehicle shortage disrupts Khaleda’s city polls campaignn Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

Vehicle crisis following attacks on BNP Chair-person Khaleda Zia’s campaign motorcade for three consecutive days has put the party chief’s campaign for the mayoral candidates backed by her party on hold.

Party leaders said the Khaleda could not continue her campaigning yesterday as near-ly all the vehicles in her motorcade had been vandalised during the attacks.

“During the past three days’ attacks, the vehicles that carried Khaleda Zia and her se-curity personnel were vandalised. They are currently in auto shop for repairing, which is why she could not join the campaigning to-day,” said Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, special assistant to the BNP chairperson, while talking to the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

However, the BNP leaders said the party backed candidates would not backtrack from the city corporation elections despite the par-ty cheif’s absence during campaign. l

NEWS4DTFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Bergman Verdict: Tribunal gives 23 people more time to reply n Tribune Report

The International Crimes Tribunal 2 yesterday gave six more days to 23 eminent persons to reply why they should not be punished for contempt of court because of making a joint statement criticising the conviction of Dha-ka-based British journalist David Bergman.

The three-member tribunal led by Justice Obaidul Hassan asked them to place their re-ply before it on April 29 after separate time petitions were � led by them yesterday, the last date to submit their reply.

On December 2 last year, the tribunal found Bergman, who is editor (special reports) of New Age, guilty of contempt for two of his blog posts of January 2013 on the verdict of war criminal Abul Kalam Azad. The court sen-tenced him imprisonment “till rising of the

court” that day and � ned Tk5,000. On December 20, the daily Prothom Alo ran

a report titled “50 people express concern over Bergman’s punishment,” which observed that the tribunal’s order would restrict freedom of expression. Of the signatories, rights activist Khushi Kabir later withdrew her name.

On January 14, the tribunal asked the 49 sig-natories to explain the statement. Later, 26 peo-ple were cleared of the charge as they apologised.

The other 23 are Masud Khan, Afsan Chow-dhury, Ziaur Rahman, Hana Shams Ahmed, Anu Muhammad, Anusheh Anadil, Muktasree Chakma Sathi, Lubna Marium, Farida Akhter, Shireen Huq, Zafrullah Chowdhury, Ali Ahmed Ziauddin, Rahnuma Ahmed, Shahdul Alam, CR Abrar, Bina D’Costa, Mahmud Rahman, Zarina Nahar Kabir, Leesa Gazi, Shabnam Nadiya, Nas-rin Siraj Annie, Tibra Ali and Delwar Hussain. l

CCC mayoral candidate Manjur Alam presents 54-point manifesto n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

Prioritising the “temporary” water logging problem, Chittagong City Corporation elec-tion mayoral candidate M Manjur Alam yes-terday unveiled his 54-point manifesto to the city people.

Manjur, the BNP-led 20-party alliance backed Chattagram Unnayon Andalon’s can-didate and also the recently resigned mayor, claimed to have ful� lled most of the promises he made during the last mayoral election and added that Chittagong city does not face long water logging problems anymore. He said he would continue the ongoing projects to mit-igate the current “few-hour-long” water log-ging in the city.

“CCC has already has a Tk297 crore allotment for canal digging project with the assistance of the government and Jica. The fund collected from ADB, Kuwait Fund and Jica to implement Master Drainage Plan for removing water log-ging will be continued in future,” he said.

In his manifesto, Manjur also addressed issues regarding food security, waste manage-ment, nonstop water supply, civic facilities, transportation, communication development, educational improvements, di� erent plans for underprivileged groups and health sector.

The programme was held at Reema Com-munity Centre in Askardighir Par area around 3pm where LDP President Colonel (Retd) Oli Ahmad, BNP’s Vice Chairman Abdullah Al No-man, BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Mir Moham-mad Nasir Uddin and BNP Chittagong city unit President Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowd-hury were present.

When asked, Manjur told journalists that he could not ful� ll some of his previous promises as those were out of his hands, but he would resume those if re-elected.

Manjur claimed that he carried out his role as mayor perfectly during his tenure and said: “I believe in reality. We cannot change everything overnight, we have to do things one step at a time.” l

Home Ministry forbids carrying � rearms during city polls n Tribune Report

The Home Ministry yesterday ordered the li-censed � rearm holders not to carry or expose their weapons from April 25 morning till May 1 midnight.

The ban was imposed under the Arms Act

1978, with the exemption of law enforcers and government security forces, to hold fair and peaceful city corporation elections in Dhaka and Chittagong on April 28, said the order signed by Deputy Secretary Habibur Rahman.

Law enforcers have been ordered to take ac-tion against those who would violate the order. l

Author and zoologist Professor Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, far right, poses with his new title ‘Wildlife of Bangladesh – Checklist and Guide’ at the book’s launching event at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity in the capital yesterday RAJIB DHAR

NEWS 5D

TFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Afroza: BNP won’t boycott city corporation polls n Adil Sakhawat

During her campaign yesterday Afroza, wife of DSCC mayoral candidate Mirza Abbas, blamed the ruling party for trying to create anarchy ahead of the polls.

Attacks on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia proved that the ruling Awami League does not want BNP to take part in the election but it will not boycott the city corporation polls, she said.

As a part of the election campaign for her husband Mirza Abbas, Afroza Abbas yester-day visited Dhaka University to seek vote from Vice Chancellor AAMS Are� n Siddique.

Afroza went to the VC’s o� ce at 11:30am when the VC was attending a meeting at his o� ce.

The VC came out of his meeting room and exchanged greetings with Afroza.

Afroza sought cooperation from the VC saying: “I am campaigning inside the univer-sity. As a student of this university I should meet you and sought your blessings. And I also request you to vote for Mug [election symbol of Mirza Abbas].”

After meeting the VC, Afroza sought votes from Pro-VC Professor Dr Nasreen Ahmad and other o� cials of the registrar building of the Dhaka University.

Since April 9, Afroza Abbas, wife of BNP-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka South Mirza Abbas, has carried out election cam-

paign on behalf of her husband.She started her campaign from Holy

Family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital area with her supporters at 9am yesterday.

In reply to a question she said BNP would not boycott the city polls in any situation. “I

request the government to hold a free and fair polls.”

She also said the government wanted to create a chaotic situation by attacking the mo-torcade of BNP chairperson during her cam-paigns on behalf of BNP-backed candidates.

“The ruling party wants us to boycott the

election but we are not going to do so.” said Afroza.

Afroza also went to Dhaka University teachers quarters to seek votes.

After that Afroza conducted her campaign in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital area and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) where she sought vote for Mirza Abbas in female dormitories and university teachers and sta� quarters.

Law enforcers were seen trailing the cam-paign but Afroza also urged them to voter for her husband.

After lunch and prayers Afroza went to Chankharpul and Dholpur areas where she talked to shopkeepers, rickshaw pullers, day labourers and locals. She also carried out a door-to-door campaign in those areas.

During her campaign Afroza criticised the Election Commission for not meeting BNP members led by Emajuddin Ahamed on April 22.

“We � led a written complaint to the Elec-tion Commission about harassment and threat to our supporters but the commission is yet to take any actions,” Afroza alleged.

She ended her campaign in Kamalapur area where she went to Kamalapur Dharmara-jika Buddha Vihara.

At that time Dhaka University teacher Pro-fessor Dr Sukomal Barua was with her seek-ing votes for Abbas from people belonging to Buddha religious community. l

Afroza Abbas, wife of BNP-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation Mirza Abbas, seeks votes for her husband from day labourers at a tea stall at Dhaka University area yesterday RAJIB DHAR

At greet and treat, Annisul camp seeks ulema campaign help during Jummahn Tribune Report

The campaign team of the Awami League’s favourite for the Dhaka North mayoral race yes-terday called on in� uential clerics to campaign for him at Friday’s Jummah prayers.

In a possible breach of the electoral code of conduct, Annisul Huq’s campaign team also treated the divines to refreshments at a meet-ing at Ashkona Haji Camp in the capital’s Uttara area yesterday.

According to the electoral code of conduct, candidates may not o� er food or drinks to voters during election campaigns.

Annisul was seeking blessings and ballots from imams and Islamic teachers at a meeting of the Islamic Foundation’s Mosque-based Mass Education Programme.

Shortly after Annisul left the premises, his campaign coordinator, Saiful Hasan, called on the clerics to campaign for his candidate after Friday’s Jummah prayers.

According to the Islamic Foundation, some 500 clerics and teachers were present at the meeting. Later Annisul campaigned at Ershad School in Karail slum and in Gulshan, Banani and the Gulshan 1 and 2 DCC markets.

“Vote for me. I want to be by your side, through thick and thin, during the next � ve years,” Annisul told businessmen at the Gulshan 1 DCC market.

He also canvassed for votes in Tejgaon, the BG Press area, Uttara’s sector 8 and both Mirpur 1 and Mirpur 2. l

Khaleda sued for attempted murder, BNP sues backn Kamrul Hasan

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was sued for at-tempt to murder yesterday.

The plainti� claimed the BNP chairperson’s motorcade hit Chhatra League members from behind while they were protesting against her, and then the CSF personnel along with some 20 to 25 BNP activists attacked them.

The case, � led by Md Babu Hasan, sports secretary of Dhaka and Shahbagh Chhatra League, follows the Wednesday evening at-tack on Khaleda Zia’s motorcade at the Bangla Motor Signal.

Md Abdul Qaiyum, adviser to the BNP chair � led another lawsuit claiming 40-50 “Awa-mi goons” attacked Khaleda Zia’s motorcade around 17:20 local time (5:20pm), as soon as it reached the Bangla Motor Signal, and injured people, security personnel included, and van-dalised vehicles.

Although investigators have yet to make any progress on the cases � led against the series of attacks on the BNP chairperson, the pair of new “tit for tat” cases were � led yes-terday with the Ramna police station.

For the third consecutive day on Wednes-day, the BNP chairperson’s motorcade was attacked, allegedly by ruling party leaders and activists. Since Monday, her motorcade has come under attack in Karwan Bazar, Fa-kirapul, and most recently, at the Bangla Mo-tor signal.

In all these incidents, the ruling party lead-ers were � rst to � le cases over the incidents.

Police have yet to make any arrests in con-nection to these incidents. l

Bangladesh-born east London mayor kicked out of o� cen Tribune Desk

The mayor of the borough of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, was told to vacate his post immediately, after an election court judge declared the results of the 2014 mayoral race void.

The Bangladesh-born politician was banned from seeking o� ce again and ordered to pay £250,000 costs after he was found to have allocated local grants to buy votes.

Petitioners against him alleged that Brit-ain’s � rst directly elected Muslim mayor had won the ballot after a campaign of “intimida-tion and corruption,” the Guardian reported yesterday.

Judge Richard Mawrey QC handed down his verdict yesterday after a 10-week hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Lutfur Rahman was kicked out of o� ce af-ter being found guilty of widespread corrup-tion in seeking o� ce last May. The mayoral election in the east London borough will be rerun.

Rahman and his supporters were found to have been involved in vote-rigging, seeking spiritual in� uence through local imams and wrongly branding his Labour rival a racist.

The court heard that a voter was seen crying outside a polling station after allegedly being told by a supporter of Rahman that it was “un-Is-lamic” not to vote for him and that not voting for him meant one was “not a good Muslim.”

A Bangla-language newspaper, The Weekly Desh, published a letter signed by 101 Islam-ic leaders whose pronouncements had been used to cajole and control many within the

local 65,000-strong Muslim community, the court heard.

Bribes were also used to win over voters, the court heard, with meals handed out on election day. There was evidence of “interfer-ence with voters,” including in polling booths.

The court heard evidence from a hand-writing expert that hundreds of ballot papers might have been � lled out by the same per-son.

The mayor denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated.

Mawrey said Rahman had sought to play the “race and Islamaphobia card” throughout the election and would no doubt do so after this judgment.

The conduct of Rahman’s supporters on polling day has caused “considerable disqui-et,” the judge added.

The Guardian quoted the mayor of Lon-don, Boris Johnson, as saying: “I’m very glad that justice has taken its course and that a cloud has been lifted from Tower Hamlets. It is vital now that we move on with new elec-tions and ensure that something like this can never happen again.” l

NEWS6DTFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Study: 1.3 million children engaged in hazardous jobsn Mohammad Jamil Khan

Around 13 lakh children in Bangladesh aged between 5 and 17 years are engaged in hazardous jobs, says a study report.

The study prepared by Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) reads that currently there are 74 lakh working children by and large engaged in diverse forms of economic activities.

The three quarters of a total 4,21,000 child domestic workers who are mostly vulnerable are girls, the paper said quoting dif-ferent statistics prepared by the government and NGOs.

The BSAF presented the paper in a programme titled Impact Sharing with Media Professionals in the concluding ceremony of 21-month-long Elimination of Hazardous Child Labour Project at Sagor-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity.

The pilot project Managing of the Top MATT-2 was implemented in Shuvadda Union of Keraniganj. A total of 185 vulnerable working children received support from the project.

These children were admitted to di� erent government and private educational institutions and each of them was given Tk1000 as monthly education fee.

Each of the families also received Tk15,500 at a time to start a small business so that their children do not have to work for money.

“As it was an experimental project, we only took 185 children randomly chosen from informal industries,” said Shabel Firuz, country director of Islamic Relief Bangladesh.

Tariq-Ul-Islam, secretary of the Ministry of Women and Chil-dren A� airs, spoke as the chief guest on the occasion.

The secretary said the government had already taken various project works to stop child labour and he stressed the need for a separate budget allocation for children in the next national budget.

Director General of Prime Minister’s O� ce Shaikh Yusuf Ha-run and Personal Secretary to Information Minister Sahidul Haque, also spoke at the ceremony with BSAF Chairperson Em-ranul Huq Chowdhury in the chair. l

Kaalmegh Villas project startsn Tribune Report

The � rst of the many two-storey luxury villas in Gazipur’s Lei-sure Kaalmegh Villas and Country Club was handed over to its owners yesterday in a ceremony at The Westin Dhaka.

Leisure Bangladesh Limited’s Chairman Omar Sadat, Man-aging Director Sarwat Siraj, Head of Sales and Marketing Aysha Siddiqua, and Dhammaras B Kasem, chief executive o� cer of Unique Luxury Hotels of Asia, were present at the programme.

Razib Hasan and Syeda Nigar Sultana – the � rst customers of the project – received keys to their luxury villa with a private swimming pool; with it, the Leisure Kaalmegh Villas and Coun-try Club also began its o� cial journey.

The award-winning project, being developed on a 52-bigha land by Leisure Bangladesh Limited, is located in Sreepur of Gazipur, right at the edge of the Kaalmegh Reserve Forest. l

Sonargaon appoints new assistant director of marketing and PRn Tribune Report

Pan Paci� c Sonargaon hotel in Dhaka has promoted its current public re-lations manager Salman Kabir as the new assistant director of marketing and public relations.

Serving as the PR manager of the hotel since 2012, Salman has excelled in his role with the sales and market-ing team.

Salman has a masters degree in Marketing from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom and has since been working in the hospitality/service industry. l

Supreme Court upholds Falu’s bailn Tribune Report

The Supreme Court yesterday upheld a High Court order that granted bail to BNP leader Mosaddak Ali Falu in a van-dalism case.

A four-member bench of the Appel-late Division, headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, gave the order

after it dismissed an appeal by the gov-ernment challenging the HC bail order.

However, Falu’s counsel M Masud Rana told reporters that his client would not be released from jail as he was in police custody in connection with two other cases.

Police had � led the case against Falu on January 28 with Mirpur police on

charge of vandalising vehicles and pre-venting law enforcers from discharging their duties. After Falu’s lawyer � led a bail petition, the HC on April 12 granted him interim bail in this case.

The HC also issued a rule upon the government to explain why he would not be granted a regular bail in this case. l

NEWS 7D

TFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

WEATHER

Source: Accuweather/UNB

D H A K ATODAY TOMORROW

SUN SETS 6:24PM SUN RISES 5:29AM

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW35.8ºC 18.9ºC

Rajshahi Tangail

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

SourceL IslamicFinder.org

F O R E C A S T F O R T O D A YDhaka 33 26Chittagong 32 24Rajshahi 37 24Rangpur 33 22Khulna 35 20Barisal 33 23Sylhet 30 22Cox’s Bazar 32 25

PRAYER TIMESFajr 4:11am

Sunrise 5:30am

Jumma 11:57am

Asr 4:30pm

Magrib 6:24pm

Esha 7:43pm

RAIN OR THUNDERSHOWER

Various inter-district bus companies park their vehicles on the busy roads of Rajshahi city’s bus stand area causing immense tra� c congestion. The photo taken yesterday AZHAR UDDIN

Speedy probe into killing of Shefat demandedn Our Correspondent, Rajshahi

Speedy investigation was demanded into the killing of former Rajshahi University (RU) stu-dent Wahida Shefat who was reportedly killed by her in-laws for dowry on March 29.

Students of Mass Communication and Journalism department formed a human chain in front of District Administration o� ce in Rajshahi city yesterday.

They expressed dissatisfaction over the in-vestigation of the killing.

Demanding speedy investigation, students accused police of negligence to arrest all the culprits behind the killing.

Members of in-laws of deceased Shefat is trying to establish the murder as suicide pro-pounding propaganda.

Shefat, 27, who graduated from RU Mass Communication and Journalism department was found lying unconscious inside her bed-room on March 29 at in-laws’ house located at the Rajshahi city’s Mahisbathan. When mem-bers of her in-laws rushed her to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), the on duty doctors declared her dead.

The autopsy report of the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, however, said that sever-al injury marks were found on the head and body of Shefat.

Mizanur Rahman Khandakar, uncle of She-fat, � led a case with Rajpara police station on April 1 against her husband Md Asif, father-in-law Mohammad Hossain and mother-in-law Nazmun Nahar Nazli. Police arrested Shefat’s husband in this connection. According to the case, Asif who was an unemployed person had been pressuring and torturing Shefat since long for bringing Tk20 lakh from her fa-ther for business purpose.

As Shefat was not responding to his de-mand, Asif used to torture her physically and mentally. “The failure to pay dowry and al-leged torture by Asif caused the death of She-fat,” relatives of Shefat claimed. l

SUST VC to go on leave amid unrest, protest continues n Our Correspondent, Sylhet

In the wake of continuous agitation pro-grammes in demand of his resignation, Vice-Chancellor of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Professor Aminul Haque Bhuiyan has been compelled to go on a two-month leave.

Acting Proctor of the university Md Am-dadul Haque said the decision was made in a syndicate meeting yesterday morning.

VC Aminul Haque Bhuiyan told the Dhaka Tribune that he had taken the leave for family a� airs. Treasure of the university Dr Ilias Ud-din Biswas will act as acting vice-chancellor of the university from May 1.

Campus sources said an emergency syndi-cate meeting was held in the morning. Apart from the vice-chancellor, � ve members of syndicate took part in the meeting.

Meanwhile, teachers of the university yes-terday formed a human chain in front of the residence of VC, demanding resignation.

After the human chain, Convenor of Mo-han Muktijuddher Chetonai Udbuddho Shi-kkhok Forum, a pro-liberation platform of teachers, Dr Sayed Shamsul Alam, Co-con-venor Professor Dr Mostabur Rahman and Dr Nazia Chowdhury met with the VC.

On April, a total of 35 teachers stepped down from 37 administrative posts, demand-ing the vice-chancellor’s resignation.

Renowned writer and director of Institute of Information Technology Dr Muhammed Zafar Iqbal was among the 35 who all handed in their resignations to Rgistrar Md Ishfaqul Hussain.

Others include Dr Md Yunus, director of the Centre for Excellence, Dr Abdul Awwal Biswas, head of the Department of Public Adminis-tration, Dr Anwarul Islam, director of student advice and guidance, acting proctor, assistant proctor, transport administrator, and provosts and assistant provosts of all dormitories.

On April 13, 19 teachers of two depart-ments – physics, and geography and environ-ment – got into a row with the vice-chancellor after they went to his o� ce to discuss how to resolve problems related to the academic building’s space. Zafar Iqbal’s wife, Dr Yas-meen Haque, was among the 19.

Then, Professor Dr Syed Badiuzzaman Faruque, head of the Department of Physics, and Professor Dr Sharif Md Sharafuddin, head of the Department of Geography and Environ-ment, resigned in the wake of the altercation with the VC. l

Police: Ansarullah and Shibir behind Ashulia bank heistn Mohammad Jamil Khan

Tuesday’s bank robbery in Ashu-lia, which left eight people dead, might have been perpetrated by men involved with Ansarullah Bangla Team and

Islami Chatra Shibir, investigators have said.The link between the heist and the in-

volvement of the Islamist organisations be-came apparent following the interrogation of two suspected robbers – Borhan Mridha, 35, and Saiful Islam, 25.

Among the arrestees, Borhan had links to the Ansarullah Bangla Team as well as being in good terms with the out� t’s chief Jashimuddin Rahmani, said a senior o� cial of the district police who is involved in the probe process.

Seeking anonymity, the o� cial also told the Dhaka Tribune that Borhan is also sus-pected to have connections with a militant who was behind the Burdwan blast in India.

Borhan, who came from a low-income family and started his career as a bus helper, had a rapid rise to riches since 2008 to be-come the owner of several covered vans. The

police found a passport in Borhan’s Gazipur residence and were now “trying to � nd out why he made a passport as he might have links to the militant group responsible for the West Bengal blast,” said the police o� cial.

Since Borhan’s arrest on Tuesday, his fami-ly members have reportedly been on the run.

Meanwhile, Saiful, the other detainee, has reportedly been trying to mislead the investi-gators by repeatedly changing his background story and statement.

The investigation o� cial told the Dhaka Tribune that Saiful initially claimed to hail from Munshiganj, but later claimed to be from Joypurhat; however, the police found that both his claimed addresses were false.

The detainees seemed to be trained at deal-ing with police interrogation, the police o� -cial said, adding that both of them were very careful in disclosing information while refus-ing to speak any word to the police whenever they were placed in the same room together.

On Tuesday afternoon, a band of armed rob-bers stormed into a Kathgora Bazar branch of Bangladesh Commerce Bank in Ashulia, and killed seven people, including its manager, secu-rity o� cial and a businessman, and looting mon-ey before shooting and bombing their way out.

Borhan was caught by locals at scene of the robbery, while others later managed to get

hold of two more culprits; one of them – Asif – was beaten to death while the other – Saiful – was handed over to police.

Asked about the Ashulia bank heist, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said law enforcers have found that members of militant out� ts and Shibir activists were behind the robbery.

“We have found evidence and documents of militancy and Shibir activities, and we are now trying to trace their roots,” he said.

The bank robbery was proof that there was a group of people trying to support militancy and reorganise militant out� ts, the state min-ister said.

On the other hand, sources said the CCTV cameras inside the bank were on during the robbery, but could not record anything as the battery of the recording unit had been dead since March 18.

Four CCTV cameras that were installed in-side the premises of the bank’s Kathgora Ba-zar branch were operated with the technical support from a private � rm named Service Home for the last one year.

Meanwhile, former Chhatra League leader Shahabuddin Mollah Palash, who was killed while trying to stop the bank robbers, was laid to eternal rest at his village home at Lakkhan-dia of Jhenaidah yesterday. l

R O B B E R Y

NEWS8DTFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Unrest grips Khulna jute mills n Our Correspondent, Khulna

State-owned and private jute mills in Khulna have been hit hard by unrest as workers con-tinue to protest to realise their several points demands.

Six private mills owe nearly Tk300 crore in unpaid wages and bank loans while another two suspended production due to a lack of working capital.

Ajax Jute Mill was shut a year ago but is yet to pay overdue wages amounting to Tk55 crore. The authorities are expected to hold a meeting this month to sell the mill.

Managing Director of the mill, Kawsar Zaman Babla, said the factory is unable to take out bank loans as it already has an un-paid loan of Tk70 crore.

“This is why we are unable to resume pro-

duction.”With 2,700 workers on the payroll, Sona-

li Jute Mill on April 4 last year closed all the units except one. The amount of unpaid wag-es is Tk20 crore but the factory also owes Tk93 crore to Sonali Bank.

The bank authorities said they would � le a case to have the loan repaid.

The mill’s General Manager, Nurul Islam Khan Kalu, said the owner is reluctant to pay the overdue wages.

“He is also avoiding any contact with the workers.”

The deputy general manager of Sagor Jute Spinning Mill, Major (retd) Syed Abu Bakar, said the factory had to stop productions be-cause of a crisis of raw materials.

He said jute products cost less than jute in the global market.

But Professor Jahangir Alam Sabuj, cen-tral general secretary of Private Jute, Yarn and Textile Sangram Parishad, claimed the authorities of Sagor Jute Spinning Mill had discontinued productions to have their own interests served.

“They made the move because they did not want to implement the demands of the workers.”

Jute workers in Khulna have been protest-ing since early this month to highlight their � ve-point demand, including a 20% dearness allowance, adequate allocation in the jute sector, and forming a wage commission board for state-owned factory workers like the pay commission.

Director of Khulna Divisional Labour Of-� ce, SK Alam, have called on workers and labour leaders not to stage demonstrations. l

Habiganj court issues arrest warrant for Tarique n Our Correspondent, Habiganj

A local court here in a defamation case yes-terday issued an arrest warrant against BNP Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman on charge of terming Bangabandhu Sheikh Mu-jibur Rahman “big Razakar.”

Habiganj Senior Judicial Magistrate Nishat Sultana passed the order in the afternoon as Tarique failed to appear before it on the day following its summon, says the litigant’s law-yer Sayeed Afzal Ali. Later, the court � xed June 23 for the next hearing of the lawsuit.

On February 22, Mohibur Rahman Mahi, organising secretary of Habiganj unit Chhatra League, booked the case against Tarique for defºaming Bangabandhu, father of the na-tion.

On December 15, last year, Tarique, the elder son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, in a pro-gramme hosted by the party’s London unit in East London marking the Victory Day, said Bang-abandhu was a “big Razakar.”

Lack of infrastructure facilities make passengers su� er at Chairman Ghat n Our Correspondent, Noakhali

Hundreds of people travelling to and from Hatiya island are facing su� erings as the main point of arrival and departure, the Chairman Ghat, lacks proper infrastructure facilities.

The ghat, which is used by 10-12 seat trucks ferrying about 3,000 passengers each day, has no platform or � oating landing areas making the passengers to use makeshift stairs.

During high tide or rough weather, it be-comes extremely unsafe for passengers to use the stairs. This has also resulted in some acci-dents in recent times.

Hatiya upazila of Noakhali is cut o� from the main land by the mighty Meghna River. With about about 400,000 inhabitants, the is-land has no direct road communication with the rest of the country. As such people have to rely on the river route which is served by engine-run trawlers, sea trucks, steamers and

launches. Nalchira Ghat, Ramcharan Ghat, Tamoru-

dhi Ghat, Jahazmara Ghat and Chairman Ghat are usually used by the inhabitants and tour-ists. But out of these, Chairman Ghat has be-come the main gateway for the island.

There are nine union parishads and one mu-nicipality in Hatiya upazila. Of them, Nijhum Dweep union, Harni union and Chanandi un-ion are also separated by river from the upazila.

About seven years ago, ghat no 4 used to be main river terminal but since the canal con-necting the Meghna River dried up, the ghat has been shifted to Chairman Ghat.

However, due to various irregularities and mismanagement, the ghat is also becoming unserviceable day by day.

Since the broken platform had been aban-doned six months ago, a new one has not been built yet. So the passengers use the rick-ety stairs provided by the vessel owners.

Locals alleged that the government earn a huge amount by leasing out the ghat to a third party. But no measure has been taken to up-grade the ghat.

Kamrul Hasan, 30, Md Ilias, 35, Rani Bala Das, 40, Ratan Chandra Talukder, 22 and Ra-hima Khatun, 60 who all were waiting to go to Hatiya said: “We are risking our lives by travelling like this. If there was a platform, it could have been really helpful for us.”

When contacted, Mohammad Akkas Ali, joint director of BIWTA of Chittagong divi-sion said a new platform would be installed within three weeks. Mahboob Morshed Liton, chairman of Hatiya upazila parishad, said they had submitted an application three months ago to BIWTA.After receiving the ap-plication, the BIWTA authorities assured that a new platform would be installed within a few days but there was no visible initiativetill yesterday. l

UPDF man killed in gun� ght with army n Our Correspondent, Rangamati

An activist of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) was killed in gun� ght with army personnel in Sajek area under Rangamati dis-trict yesterday.

The name of the deceased could not be known yet.

Sources said the UPDF members opened � re at the patrol team of army in the area forcing them to retaliate. After the miscreants � ed, one was found dead and three injured.

Superintendent of Police Syed Tarikul Hasan con� rmed the incident.

When contacted, UPDF leader Michel Chakma said that he did not know about the incident.

“We believe in democratic movement. We are not involved with arms struggle,” he said.

Earlier, Military personnel arrested a lead-er of the UPDF stopping a bus at Guimara of Khagrachari.

The party’s Khagrachari unit coordina-tor Pradipan Khisha said a group of military stopped a Dhaka-bound bus at Guimara and took away Ricoh Chakma, an organiser of the party. l

Two women get life in jail for murder n Our Correspondent, Netrakona

A local court here yesterday sentenced life term of imprisonment to two women for kill-ing a girl about seven and a half years ago.

The convicts are Haruna Begum, 20, and Rejia Khatun, 50. Both are from Ramchan-drapur village in Kendua upazila.

Netrakona Additional District and Sessions Court judge Md Abdul Hamid at noon handed down the verdict in presence of the duo.

The court also � ned them Tk50,000 each, in default, they will have to su� er a six-month jail more.

According to the case statement, Haruna and Rejia together on 16 September in 2007 mercilessly beaten up Mina Akter with wood piece centring brawl over burning hay, leaving her critically injured.

Later, she succumbed to her injuries in My-mensingh Medical College Hospital.

In the incident, Mina’s son Halud Miah booked a murder case. After examining all witness and evidence of the lawsuit, the court pronounced the verdict. l

Construction worker dies in Sherpur mudslide n Tribune Report

A construction worker was killed as a chunk of earth fell on him while he was cutting earth for the construction of a bridge at Khalpar on the Namapara-Garkhola road in Sribardi upazila, Sherpur yesterday.

Police said a group of workers were cutting earth for construction of a bridge in the area under a project of Local Government Engi-neering Department.

All of a sudden, a big chunk of mud fell on Uzzal, Uzzal Miah, 25, son of Bachchu Miah, a resident of Kolakanda village of the same upazi-la, around 1pm, leaving him dead on the spot, said Sub-Inspector of Sribardi police station. l

Logs have been stockpiled in front of a sawmill in Kukri area of Bhola. A section of local wood traders are cutting down tress from government reserved forest. The photo was taken recently DHAKA TRIBUNE

WORLD10DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

UN says EU must do more to save migrants, admit refugeesn Reuters, Geneva

Europe must urgently set up an e� ective rescue operation for migrants at sea and commit to receiving signi� cantly higher numbers of refugees, top UN o� cials and the International Organisation for Migration said yesterday.

“A tragedy of epic proportions is unfolding in the Mediterranean,” they said in a state-ment criticising a 10-point plan announced by the European Union on Monday and due to be discussed at a hastily-convened summit later yesterday.

“The European Union response needs to go beyond the present minimalist approach... which focuses primarily on stemming the arrival of migrants and refugees on its shores,” it said.

European Union leaders will e� ectively re-verse a cutback in rescue operations the Med-iterranean yesterday to try to prevent record numbers of people drowning as they try to � ee war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

But the joint UN and IOM statement said the funding boost would not make up for the closure of an Italian mission last year after other EU countries refused to pay for it. The mission, Mare Nostrum, saved more than 100,000 lives.

It called for “setting in place a State-led, robust, proactive, and well-resourced search-and-rescue operation, urgently and without delay, with a capacity similar to Mare Nos-trum and a clear mission to save lives.”

The smaller EU scheme which replaced Mare Nostrum is mainly focused on patrolling the bloc’s borders, after countries argued that saving migrants encouraged more to come. l

US admits two hostages killed in al-Qaeda raidn BBC

The White House has said that a US counter-terrorism operation in January accidentally killed two hostages who were being held by al-Qaeda.

Warren Weinstein, an American, and Gio-vanni Lo Porto, an Italian, were killed in the raid in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

President Barack Obama described it as a painful loss he profoundly regretted.

Two other Americans thought to be al-Qa-eda members were also killed, one of them in the same raid.

The White House said Ahmed Farouq, an al-Qaeda leader, was killed in that oper-ation and Adam Gadahn, once regarded as a spokesman for the militant group, was killed in a separate raid.

Unnamed o� cials told Associated Press the attack that killed the hostages was a CIA drone strike.

The president, speaking at the White House about the operation that killed the hostages, said the US had launched the raid in the belief the target was an al-Qaeda com-pound with no civilians present.

As commander-in-chief, he said, he took “full responsibility” for the operation.

Weinstein’s wife Elaine said in a statement the family was “devastated.”

“Those who took Warren captive over three years ago bear ultimate responsibility,” she added.

She thanked several members of the US

congress and unnamed o� cials from the FBI, but said the assistance received from “other elements of the US government was incon-sistent and disappointing.”

Weinstein also criticised the Pakistani gov-ernment and military who, she said, treated her husband’s captivity “as more of an annoy-ance than a priority.”

President Obama said the operation was in compliance with the White House’s counter-terrorism protocols.

It’s a “bitter truth in the fog war” that mis-takes occur, but what sets America apart is facing up squarely to its mistakes, he said.

Weinstein, 73, was abducted in Lahore in 2011, where he was working as an aid worker. Lo Porto disappeared from Multan, Pakistan in January 2012. Both men were aid workers.

“There could be no starker contrast be-tween these two sel� ess men and their al-Qa-eda captors,” the president said. l

Malta holds solemn funeral for migrant shipwreck victimsn Reuters, Valetta

An imam and a bishop led a poignant in-ter-faith funeral service on Malta yesterday for 24 drowned migrants, the only victims whose bodies were recovered from the Med-iterranean in the weekend shipwreck that shocked Europe.

The dead were picked up by the Italian ves-sel Gregoretti and brought to Malta on Mon-day after their vessel capsized and sank early on Sunday morning. As many as 900 people are believed to have died.

Twenty-eight survivors were taken to It-aly. The overwhelming majority of victims were never found, locked below decks and sinking along with the boat. The captain has been arrested in Italy on suspicion of homicide, people smuggling and causing a shipwreck.

The disaster brought the death toll so far this year to around 1,800 desperate migrants drowned in the Mediterranean while trying to cross, and prompted the EU to summon lead-ers of its 28 member states for an emergency summit yesterday.

European leaders were expected to re-verse a decision they took last year to halt search and rescue e� orts at sea, which hu-man rights groups say led inevitably to the deaths. l

India’s Modi urges unity after farmer suiciden AFP

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all political parties yesterday to work togeth-er to help troubled farmers after one of them hanged himself at a protest over planned land reforms.

News channels were dominated by the fallout over Gajendra Singh’s suicide the day before in front of hundreds of people at a rally against Modi’s plans to make it easier for busi-nesses to acquire land.

Singh, reportedly a father of three from the desert state of Rajasthan, was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital after hanging himself from a tree during the protest in the centre of the capital New Delhi.

A sombre-looking Modi asked his col-leagues and rivals to join hands to help farm-ers battle an “age-old problem” of suicide, often triggered by devastated crops due to unseasonable rains.

“We are many parties but this is a huge na-tion and we need to work together,” he told lawmakers.

“I welcome any suggestions to help our farmers and I assure you that the government will consider them.”

Wednesday’s rally, which was organised by

the anti-corruption Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was the latest of a series of opposition pro-tests against Modi’s push to make it easier to buy farmland for development projects.

Several fresh protests were staged across the capital yesterday as a row over who was to blame for Singh’s death intensi� ed.

While Modi’s opponents say the suicide was an understandable reaction to the land bill, some followers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) say that Aam Aadmi organ-isers should have stopped Singh’s hanging.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked that the incident not be exploited and echoed Modi’s request to “put our heads together and come to a solution.”

“The incident is indeed very shameful and unfortunate and it should not be politicised,” the minister said.

Scores of debt-laden farmers have su� ered damage to their winter crops from unseason-al hail storms and rains, with media reporting a string of suicides in recent weeks.

Anger has also been mounting in rural ar-eas over Modi’s land reform bill, which the government says is needed speed up eco-nomic growth, but political opponents say favours big business at the expense of strug-gling farmers. l

PM Valls: France ‘foils � ve terror attacks’n BBC

French police have foiled � ve terror attacks in recent months, Prime Minister Manuel Valls has said.

He said the latest was a planned attack on churches in Villejuif outside Paris.

An Algerian man was arrested on Sunday over the alleged plan, after he apparently shot himself by accident and called an ambulance.

France stepped up security following at-tacks on Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jew-ish supermarket in January which left 17 peo-ple dead.

“The threat has never been so high,” Valls told France Inter radio. “We have never had to face this kind of terrorism in our history.”

He said 1,573 French citizens or residents had been implicated in “terror networks” - 442 of those were currently believed to be in Syria.

Ninety-seven of those had died in Syria or Iraq, including seven while carrying out sui-cide attacks, he added.

His comments come a day after the French authorities revealed they had arrested a 24-year-old Algerian man on suspicion of planning to attack “one or two churches” in Villejuif.

Sid Ahmed Ghlam, a computer science stu-dent, was detained on Sunday after calling an ambulance having apparently accidentally shot himself in the leg. l

Warren Weinstein, left, and California-born al Qaeda member Adam Gadahn Reuters

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015WORLD 11

DT

Diplomatic push for � nal Iran nuclear deal in Viennan Reuters, Vienna

US Under Secretary Wendy Sherman and Teh-ran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will resume talks about curbing Iran’s nuclear program later yesterday, Iranian media said.

The latest round of nuclear diplomacy, be-ing held in a luxury hotel in Austria’s capital, kicked o� with a bilateral meeting between Iran and the European Union on Wednesday.

Iran’s nuclear negotiator Hamid Baidine-jad told Iranian state television that “drafting the � nal deal has started,” declining to give further details. Months ago both sides had al-ready announced that a � nal draft had been started.

Iran and the other countries in the talks – the United States, China, France, Russia, Brit-ain and Germany – reached a tentative deal on April 2 and now aim to � nalise the details by self-imposed end-June deadline.

Under the framework agreement, Iran agreed to slash the number of uranium en-richment centrifuges it operates and would allow more intrusive inspections by the In-ternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in exchange for sanctions relief.

The diplomatic push needs to iron out de-tails about the timing of sanctions relief, the future of Iran’s atomic research and develop-ment program, the exact nature of the IAEA’s monitoring regime and what kind of uranium stockpile Tehran will be allowed to keep un-der any � nal deal.

The timing of sanctions relief was top of the agenda at Wednesday’s talks.

Iran says economic sanctions must be lift-ed as soon as any � nal deal is signed, while the United States wants a gradual lifting of restrictions.

Top envoys from other world powers will join the negotiations later this week. l

WSJ: China warns on rising North Korea nuclear capabilityn Reuters, Seoul

Chinese nuclear experts have warned that North Korea may already have 20 nucle-ar warheads and the capability to produce enough weapons-grade uranium to double its arsenal by next year, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The Chinese estimates of Pyongyang’s nu-clear production, relayed to US nuclear spe-cialists, exceed most previous US forecasts, which range from 10 to 16 bombs currently, said the report, which cited people briefed on the matter.

Experts at the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies earlier this year pre-sented three scenarios for North Korea’s nu-clear capability, predicting its stockpile of weapons could grow to 20, 50 or 100 within � ve years.

North Korea has conducted three nuclear detonations, the most recent in February 2013.

Asked about the report at a regular press brie� ng yesterday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said he “did not have knowledge of the speci� c situation.” l

Beijing defends Hong Kong vote plan after � erce overseas criticismn AFP

Beijing yesterday defended Hong Kong’s plan to vet candidates for its 2017 leadership elec-tion, saying it represented public opinion “from all walks of life” in the territory despite mass pro-democracy protests on the issue last year.

The statement by China’s foreign ministry came as Hong Kong’s leader Leung Chun-ying hit back at “uncivilised” critics after he was booed and heckled by local residents.

New York-based Human Rights Watch de-nounced the election plan as a “farce,” a “re-jection of international law” and a “betrayal of democratic aspirations in Hong Kong.”

But Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei countered: “We certainly cannot agree with such accusations.”

The roadmap “represents the public opin-ions from all walks of life in Hong Kong to-wards the referendum of the chief executive of Hong Kong,” Hong told a regular brie� ng of reporters.

He added that the plan “meets the realities of Hong Kong, accommodates the rights and interests of Hong Kong people and is a viable, reasonable and pragmatic solution.” l

Host Malaysia avoids Chinese ire over disputed sea at ASEAN summitn Reuters

Malaysia is steering clear of criticising China’s actions in the South China Sea at a meeting of Southeast Asian leaders next week, a draft end-statement seen by Reuters shows, despite a push by the Philippines to denounce Beijing’s recla-mation work.

Philippines President Benigno Aqui-no has called on leaders of the Associa-tion of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to issue a collective statement condemn-

ing China’s reclamation in the disputed waters at the end of their Kuala Lumpur meeting. The summit starts on Sunday.

China says ASEAN is not a party to the South China Sea dispute.

A draft copy of the concluding state-ment by Malaysian Prime Minister Na-jib Razak devotes two paragraphs to tensions in the energy-rich waters, but stops short of taking sides in the matter, a source with direct knowledge of ASE-AN issues told Reuters.

China’s actions in the South China

Sea have created a deep divide between the 10 ASEAN members, four of which have competing claims over the disput-ed territory. China claims most of the area, with overlapping claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

Disputes over how to address the in-creasingly assertive role of China - an ally of several ASEAN states - in the strategic waters of the South China Sea has placed the issue squarely as Southeast Asia’s biggest potential military � ashpoint. l

EDITORIAL12DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

In the last week alone, more than 22 people have died in mutiple road accidents.

The National Road Safety Council report for 2014 estimates that road accidents cause an average of one death every hour, with over 8,500 killed and several times as many injured each year. BUET studies indicate the true � gure for deaths is closer to 12,000 a year giving Bangladesh one of the high-est and fastest growing rates of road fatalities in the world.

It is appalling that such a statistic is allowed to persist within the nation with little to no steps being taken to decrease the number. Despite constant recurrences, the government has proven itself to be far too lenient when it comes to monitoring tra� c behav-iour. Impunity is rampant for � outing basic tra� c regulations and driving recklessly.

It is imperative that further steps must be taken to decrease the frequen-cy of these incidents. A dependable way of bringing this about would be to install CCTV cameras at key areas and to implement machine-readable number plates.

But the blame cannot be assigned solely to the authorities. We, as users of the road, are to blame for not following rules in the � rst place and not reprimanding individuals when we witness reckless driving. Being aware of the risks and implementing the rules on ourselves and others would surely bring an improvement to the tra� c system in the country.

The blame cannot be assigned solely to the authorities. We are also culpable for not following the rules of the road

Track and punish bad drivers

Be heardWrite to Dhaka Tribune

FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Sukrabad, Dhaka-1207Email letters.dt@dhakatribune.com

Send us your Op-Ed articles:opinion.dt@dhakatribune.com

www.dhakatribune.comJoin our Facebook community:

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Be heardWrite to Dhaka Tribune

FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka-1207Email letters.dt@dhakatribune.com

Send us your Op-Ed articles:opinion.dt@dhakatribune.com

www.dhakatribune.comJoin our Facebook community:

https://www.facebook.com/DhakaTribune

Indian woman urinates into in-laws’ tea for a yearApril 5

Ariha ArifNothing justi� es her actions. Doing this is ridiculous just because she wanted to take revenge on her in-laws as they would not approve of their son helping with the house-hold chores. This does not have anything to do with gender equality or rights for women.

Clementina van den Hoogenband A little reminder to be respectful to whoever is in charge of food preparation be it serv-ants or those in restaurants. From what I hear, this is not uncommon.

Rawshan Iajdani Clementina van den Hoogenband: Bang on the money.

Nazia Tariq Ariha Arif: Her actions may not be justi� ed but this does have to do with inequality of the sexes. When have you ever heard of a mother or a father-in-law asking their son-in-law to make a cup of tea and prevent their daughter from helping him?

Ariha Arif Nazia Tariq: I agree with that. I was saying that this does not have anything to do with women’s rights based on her actions. She can’t possibly expect to get her rights by doing this. And I was answering the article’s question that whether she should get justice or not?

From my perspective, if it considers women’s rights then what she did was un-just and wrong. However, I agree with you on the point you mentioned.

Farah Nusrat Disgusting! :@

Monsur Saleh Farah Nusrat: Indeed.

Rawshan Iajdani I saw waiters spitting on food for the customers with attitude. So be careful guys next time you frown.

Monsur Saleh She is sick! She needs to see a psychologist. How can any woman do something like this? She should be punished so that no one thinks of doing something like this again.

Zunayed Sabbir Ahmed So all women should start peeing on the food they make for everyone as a feminist protest?

Rawnok Jahan KabirThis isn’t my cup of tea. No pun intended.

Ãniká Tj Wow.

Monsur Saleh Ãniká Tj: How is this a matter of “wow”?

Nazmul KhairOMG!

Rawnok Jahan Kabir Am I supposed to learn something from this?

Naureen Ahmed Incredible India!

Meera SalRekha, who had an arranged marriage with Deepak, was fed up with her in-laws, espe-cially after they stopped him from assisting her with household chores.

Anita AmreenSo, naturally, she started peeing in their tea.

Imtiaz Farhan Bin Habib“Kyun ki saas bhi kabhi bahu thhi” ... oh, errm, gee!

Mahdi Guitarman This is as “Indian” as it gets!

Haan Rabi · Smart lady!

Trisha Still enjoyed her chocolate biscuits. Oops ...

Dreampie Trisha: You mean her hot fudge logs? Probably.

Bald Rick Dreampie: As a girl she was made of sugar and spice so her droppings tasted nice!Remember, it took them a year! Twelve whole months, not one sip of tea!

Dev Saha  Well, a poor way to get even but I can understand how cruel and obnoxious these in-laws could be. Be nicer to your daughter-in-laws!

Raisa RahmanThis just put me o� my tea.

Today marks two years since the Rana Plaza disaster which killed 1,135 workers and injured over 2,500 people.

It is important we remember victims and o� er solidarity to the families of the bereaved. All practical e� orts to raise funds to rehabilitate survivors must be supported.

The anniversary also provides a chance to redouble e� orts to build a better future for the millions of Bangla-deshis who work in the RMG sector.

O� cial government e� orts and the Accord and Alliance stakeholder safety initiatives have made considerable progress with inspecting factories and identifying areas for improvement. Re-newed attention has also been given to labour rights issues and the minimum wage was raised after a long hiatus.

All this comes amid an ever com-petitive global marketplace putting huge pressures on factory owners. It is a testament to the industry’s collective resilience that it has continued to grow and reach out to new markets despite all the pressures it is facing. It is also encouraging to see the BGMEA launch a new Centre of Excellence to improve research and development to raise productivity in the apparel industry.

We hope all the hard work will pay o� by securing bigger orders to help the industry keep funding improvements and new factories. Building a saf-er, more sustainable, and more successful garment industry will be the best and most lasting memorial to those who su� ered at Rana Plaza.

Never forget. Build a better future for all RMG workers

Redouble e� orts to build a better future for the millions who work in the RMG sector

OPINION 13D

TFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

n Rainer Ebert

Two years ago, more than 1,100 people lost their lives in the rubble of Rana Plaza. The tragedy made headlines

around the globe. People with no personal relation to those a� ected donated money, medical supplies, and blood, physically participated in the rescue e� orts, and took to the streets to protest against a politico-economic system that continues to put the lives of workers in Bangladesh at risk.

What you probably do not remember is that on the very same day, April 24, 2013, more than 18,000 children under the age of � ve also died senseless deaths, almost all of which could have easily been prevented. 5,000 died from pneumonia or diarrhoea, 1,200 died from malaria, and most of the rest died from other poverty-related causes.

Many of these deaths occurred in children who were already weakened by inadequate nutrition, which contributes to half of all under-� ve deaths globally. Of the 18,000 chil-dren under the age of � ve who died on April 24, 2013, about 350 died in Bangladesh -- 13% from pneumonia, 5% from diarrhoea, and 57% from neonatal causes. That is despite the tremendous strides Bangladesh made in lowering child mortality during the last two decades.

Of course, this happened not only on that fateful April day two years ago. It is hap-pening every day, adding up to 6.6 million children under the age of � ve dying every year, almost all needlessly, of poverty.

People tend to be more interested in unex-pected, localised catastrophes than in what

happens every day. But, obviously, that does not mean that the lives of those who died of poverty were less important than the lives of the garment workers who died in Savar.

In stark contrast, the rich are doing better than ever. That is true for the world-at-large, just as it is true for Bangladesh, where new upscale restaurants, stores, spas, and hotels open daily. One only needs to walk through one of the a� uent neighbourhoods of Dhaka, or Chittagong, to get an idea of how much wealth many have accumulated.

In his 2009 book, The Life You Can Save, Princeton philosopher Peter Singer asks whether the well-o� have a moral obligation to help the poor. He presents the following thought experiment:

“On your way to work, you pass a small pond … [you] see a child splashing about in the pond … if you don’t wade in and pull him out, he seems likely to drown. Wading in is easy and safe, but you will ruin the new shoes you bought only a few days ago, and get your suit wet and muddy … what should you do?”

You probably agree that you should wade into the pond and pull the toddler out. This answer, Singer says, derives from the general principle that, if it is in your power to prevent something really bad from happening, with-out sacri� cing anything of comparable im-portance, then we morally ought to do so. If that is true, then many of the ways in which the well-o� spend their money is morally problematic.

Dinner at one of the many posh restau-rants in Dhaka nowadays easily costs up to Tk2,000 or even Tk7,000 per person.

Exclusive saris sell for Tk15,000 to Tk1.5 lakh, new BMW cars for Tk1cr to Tk4cr. All of these things are luxuries, given any reasonable de� nition of the term.

One can get an equally nutritious dinner for Tk200, a beautiful sari for Tk2,000 to Tk5,000, and an equally functional used car for Tk15 lakh to Tk25 lakh. The money choosing moderation over luxury saves can buy many packets of oral rehydration salts, which sell for about Tk10 each. Most of the approximately 18 under-� ve deaths from diarrhea in Bangladesh each day could be prevented by administering each child a few of these packets.

You will object that helping is typically not as easy as buying oral rehydration salts, and you are right. But it is not di� cult either, no more di� cult than, say, � nding an e� ective charity and making a donation.

Charity evaluators, such as GiveWell, conduct in-depth research to determine how much good a given charity accomplishes per taka spent and make � nding an e� ective charity easy. One of GiveWell’s top-rated charities is the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, which de-worms children for an estimated total of only Tk57 to Tk77 per child. In Bangladesh, there are Brac, Sneha, DCI, CARE, Save the Children, Oxfam, and many other charities which are working hard to make extreme poverty history.

In the time you took to read this article, 56 children under the age of � ve died of poverty. And that is assuming you are a fast reader. l

Rainer Ebert is a PhD candidate at the Department of Philosophy at Rice University in Texas, and an Associate Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. He blogs at rainerebert.com.

Rana Plaza and senseless deaths from poverty

n Sumaiya Haque

The latest � gures from the ready-made garments sector in Bangladesh reports that in the � nancial year 2013-14, it

provided 4.2 million direct jobs, 16% of GDP, and more than 75% of foreign exchange earnings. These are pretty hefty numbers that continue to impress the world. Now let’s try and put a numerical value to the lives of all those people who sit behind the wheel, driving the machines that push this country forward in the global economy.

First, consider the situation right after a disaster of any kind hits Bangladesh. One can surely and immediately identify the monetary loss of the disaster, but how does one statistically calculate the loss of the victims concerned in terms of their psycho-logical and physical conditions alongside the repercussions to their immediate family and community?

The Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh brought issues surrounding workers’ rights back into the limelight. Policies were revised, international relations reworked, and giant corporations questioned. An unfortunate reality in the subcontinent is that following any disaster, our resources for rehabilitating the survivors seem to be quite limited. Where are they now, what are they doing, and how exactly are they living?

Immediately after the Rana Plaza incident, it was quite obvious that the survivors, as well as the rescuers, needed immediate trauma counselling. The psychological impact of the whole experience is, of course, long-lasting. In Bangladesh and elsewhere, psychological problems come attached with social stigma.

There is also a lack of psycho-social counsellors to provide the necessary support during a crisis. A handful of counsellors from Brac rushed to Enam Medical College imme-diately after the collapse and began attending to some of the survivors, and all they did was listen to the victims talk. And we soon realised how heavily outnumbered we were to the endless lines of survivors being carried in through the hospital corridors.

Brac selected a certain number of survi-vors and o� ered a three-day psycho-social counselling session. The survivors were sceptical about what to expect and the counsellors were not entirely sure on the best method of dealing with a group of people who did not quite understand the concept of trauma counselling. Most survivors had to deal with the fear of entering buildings or tolerating loud noises, and had to � ght back those recurring nightmares.

The counsellors learned that they had something to o� er which could not be quanti� ed, and yet could make a signi� cant

contribution to an individual’s life. Group therapy sessions are still ongoing and these survivors are learning to rebuild their lives in their own terms.

Of them, the toughest to deal with were the victims of amputation. Some lost arms or legs or both. Apart from the associated social stigma, the helplessness of not being able to function normally has a� ected their will to � ght back. These survivors were the bread-earners and, in some cases, there was no one else to provide for their families.

The female victims were the most a� ected as they feared being of little use as moth-ers or wives. When we joined the special committee set up by the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s O� ce to rehabilitate survivors who had gone through amputation, Brac’s Limb and Brace Centre (BLBC) immediately began working with selected survivors. BLBC specialises in upper limb prosthetic support but they ensured that all challenges associ-ated with developing prosthetic limbs were addressed thoroughly.

The trauma of going back to working in garments in addition to the limited move-ments due to physical injuries they su� ered from, called for alternative sources of income for the survivors. Fearing that there would be no one to support them � nancially, sitting idly at home was never an option for these groups of hard-working individuals.

Brac put together a team to identify alter-native livelihood options for these survivors and the necessary set of skills they could use to cope. With the selected group of survivors, Brac began providing small enterprise and skills training. The participants were grouped according to their choice of livelihood option. The most commonly chosen skills involved managing a grocery store, tailoring, or rear-ing livestock. The training curriculum was comprehensive and customised accordingly. Participants were taught how to interact with customers to help manage their business. And to answer the most important question: Yes, they were given a seed capital to launch their business.

Immediate response to the aftermath of a disaster is a crucial requirement for any country. In the Rana Plaza factory collapse, of the thousands a� ected, Brac has only managed to reach out to a bit more than 330 survivors. It was not due to a lack of e� ort, but rather a shortage of su� cient resources. We need to ensure that the a� ected can over-come their loss and get back to contributing to the economy of the country. As a nation, it is time we focus on improving our scope in dealing with survivors and their rehabilita-tion. l

Sumaiya Haque is working as a deputy manager in Brac Communications.

Building on hope and beyond

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

OPINION14DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

n Zafar Sobhan

What a di� erence a year makes.This time last year, the

Bangladesh cricket team was reeling from back to back

failures in the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, punctuated by losses to Hong Kong and Afghanistan. This was followed by two dismal series performances against India and the West Indies.

But if the recently concluded Cricket World Cup was the coming out party for the Bangladesh cricket team, the current series against Pakistan is where we have consol-idated our gains and shown the world that we are capable of repeat performance and sustained excellence.

Bangladesh has never wanted for crick-eting talent in the past. The problem has always been consistency and character. We have always had players who could turn in isolated performances of astonishing quality, both with the bat and the ball.

What we lacked was the individual character to turn in those performances match in and match out, and especially when the chips were down. And what we lacked individually, we lacked even more as a team, with embarrassing collapses commonplace and the ability to recover from early setbacks conspicuously absent from our game.

The current crop of Bangladesh players, however, are on a di� erent level altogether. Not only do we now have players of undeni-able world class standard, but they can also perform at this standard routinely, not only in � ashes.

Even more important, for the � rst time in living memory, the Bangladesh team has a

resilience to it that allows it to weather bad luck or bad performances, and recover from a poor position to come back to win matches that looked like they were lost.

We are no longer reliant on any one or two or three people. Our batting now goes all the way down to seven, which means that we can win without � ring on all cylinders. In the World Cup, it was Riyad who stepped up when the openers faltered. In this series it was the openers, � rst Tamim and then Soumya, who proved the match-winners.

Our captain courageous, Mush� q, is not only a superb wicket-keeper, but he has been solid as a rock at number 4. What a luxury it is to have our � nest player being able to come in at number 5 and to know that we have two capable batsmen behind him, should the need for them arise.

There can be little doubt that, both indi-vidually and as a team, this is our Golden Generation of Bangladesh cricket (hat-tip to Shammi Huda for the coinage), a generation of players who have come together to form a team that can stand toe to toe with the best in the world and has no cause to fear anyone else.

And this, more than anything else, is the di� erence. The fear is gone. The self-doubt has been banished. What this team has that the others before it did not is belief in itself and each other and unshakeable self-con� -dence.

Con� dence is what champions are made of -- and the body language of the Bangla-desh team when they are out on the � eld today is worth a thousand words. They have a swagger to their game, they stand tall, they don’t back down, they play with style and

verve but also with lip and attitude. That is what makes them great.

There is a long way to go and we are by no means the world’s best, but now no one can doubt that we belong with the best and can take our seat at the table with pride.

These young men represent the very best of Bangladesh, and in these troubled times, they are the one force keeping this country united, and through them, at least, we have achieved a measure of our Shonar Bangla.

They truly are a golden generation, the one bright spot on the horizon, the one thing that brings a smile to the faces of everyday Bangladeshis as they scan the newspaper

each morning looking for cheering news, the one thing that can make our hearts swell with pride and look to the future with hope.

Tamim. Soumya. Riyad. Mush� q. Shakib. Sabbir. Nasir. Mashrafe. Sunny. Rubel. Taskin.

That is a roll call of honour and enough to strike fear into the heart of any team. Any one of them can be a match-winner. You take any of them lightly at your peril. If the openers don’t get you, the middle order runs deep. If the seamers don’t nail you, the spinners will.

And we have another dozen just like them, waiting in the wings, ready to step up and step in when the team needs.

Batting, bowling, and � elding, there is a new-found sense of purpose in the team, a new strut, a new toughness. This is what we have been lacking all these years, and now that the all the stars have � nally aligned, we can build, with con� dence and certainty, for the future.

More than anything, what this Golden Generation has done is to give us, at long last, the cricketing foundation we need, on which we can build and expand, so that there will be no more backsliding or slippage.

The story of Bangladeshi cricket has long been: One step up, two steps back. But not anymore.

We have � nally reached a threshold from which there is no going back. Our Golden Generation have given us the greatest gift of all: The gift of a top-class cricket team that will only get better from here on out.

Watch out, world. The Tigers have arrived. And they’re hungry. l

Zafar Sobhan is the Editor, Dhaka Tribune.

The Golden Generation

These young men represent the very best of Bangladesh, and in these troubled times, they are the one force keeping this country united

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

15D

TBusiness FRIDAY, APRIL 24 2015

Stocks slip for 4th straight day with poor trading

Study: Less tax bene� ts hinder SME growth 2019

No compensation given yet to 13 missing Rana Plaza workersn Ibrahim Hossain Ovi

Even after two years of the deadliest factory collapse at Rana Plaza, family members of at least 13 missing workers are yet to get any compensation either from the government or from the Rana Plaza Donors’ Trust Fund.

However, the family members of 15 miss-ing victims received below Tk1 lakh as com-pensation while the rest families got up to Tk30 lakh, beginning from Tk2 lakh.

Dhaka Tribune has discovered the � g-ures after talking to the family members of 148 missing workers in Rana Plaza collapse, which claimed more than 1,135 lives.

“We did not get any single penny as com-pensation neither from the government nor from the trust fund against my missing

daughter,” said tearful Saleha Begum, moth-er of Sabina Khatun, who went missing since Rana Plaza disaster.

Expressing her anger over the stakehold-ers, she also said: “I don’t want the money, rather I prefer to get the body of my missing daughter.”

On the contrary, Marium, a sister of miss-ing Lina Akter, claimed that her family had received only Tk95, 000 as compensation.

While talking to the Dhaka Tribune, she, however, questioned: “How can the author-ity compensate a family of a missing worker only with Tk95,000 while the families of the injured received over Tk15 lakh.’’

According to Labour and Employment Ministry, a total of 166 families claimed their missing relatives used to work for the facto-

ries housed at Rana Plaza. After the claim, the ministry

had earlier sent a list of 166 work-ers missing since Rana Plaza col-lapse to the 48 Deputy Commis-sioners (DCs) for cross-checking the list in their respective dis-tricts to con� rm whether they were really missing or not.

“We have identi� ed 104 out of 166 missing RMG workers who worked for � ve apparel factories housed at Rana Plaza, said Labour and Employment Secretary Mikail Shipar.

Among the 104 identi� ed workers, the name of the 90 people was sent to the Prime Minister’s O� ce (PMO) to take the nec-essary steps to compensate the victims, said Mikail.

He also said: “The process has already been started and it will be distributed very soon to the victims family members.”

Meanwhile, the Rana Plaza Coordination Committee has so far distributed Tk76 crore among the victims, which is 70% of the esti-mated compensation.

“We’ve included the missing workers, who were able to present minimum documents to prove them as workers,” Ramesh Chandra Roy, secretary general of IndustriAll Bangla-desh Council and member of the coordination committee, told the Dhaka Tribune.

He also said: “If a genuine missing worker was not included in the list, we will provide them compensation as per the rules if their families could claim with proper documents.

“We’ve so far collected US$24m and hope-ful to get the rest $6m needed to compensate all the workers of Rana Plaza,” said Roy.

Prime Minister Skeikh Hasina has so far distributed over Tk15.38 crore as compensa-tion to 976 deceased victims’ family while Tk4.10 crore to 38 severely injured victims.

The Rana Plaza Coordination Committee also paid Tk76 crore, which is 70% of the compensation to the injured and the family members of deceased and missing workers. l

Rana Plaza survivors need long-term treatment n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi

Most Rana Plaza survivors, who sustained se-vere injuries and became traumatised, need continued � nancial support for long-term treatment to bring them back to normal life.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, several workers described their nightmare that they have been going through since the world’s deadliest building collapse on April 24, 2013.

“I want to walk and to come back to normal life as I was before the Rana Plaza tragedy,” Shahjahan Selim, a survivor of the factory disaster, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Selim sustained several fractures in his legs and became traumatised from that hor-ror incident. Selim worked on the � fth � oor of the building.

While narrating the ordeal he faced, Selim said: “I came out of the debris of collapsed building without any injuries, but later en-tered the building to rescue my fellow col-leagues and pulled out around 20 of them.”

“Then started an agonising chapter of my life when the roof bar collapsed on me, break-ing my legs and injuring other parts of my body.”

Selim said: “I have still been trying to over-come shock since that horri� c incident during the rescue operation, but to no avail.”

CRP physicians suggested long-term phys-iotherapy and psychotherapy for the survi-vors in order for their mental release which is expensive.

The Rana Plaza survivor described their compensation not enough to meet treatment cost.

He called upon the government and the authorities concerned to provide them with proper treatment facilities if they really want their well-being.

“I look physically � t but cannot enter any high rise,” said another survivor Jahangir Alam, who is severely shocked.

“I joined a factory and started working there, but when the electricity was out, I felt panicky and shouted loudly.”

“It’s time consuming to bring the survi-vors back to normal life and they need long-term treatment with a follow-up,” said Kamal Ahmed, who teaches Clinical Psychology at Dhaka University.

If they receive continuous treatment, they will be able to return to normal life, he added.

The Centre for the Rehabilitation for the Paralysed (CRP) are providing free treatment for the workers and they are also giving them follow-up treatment, said BGMEA Vice-Presi-dent Shahidullah Azim.

“Besides, if anyone needs more treatment and if CRP recommends for that, we will con-sider the matter on humanitarian grounds,” said Azim. l

The � le photo shows a woman kissing the photo of her beloved one at a photographic installation of potraits of Rana Plaza collapse victims DHAKA TRIBUNE

BUSINESS18DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

Sector DSE CSE TotalMillion Taka % change Million Taka % change Million Taka % change

Bank 209.76 5.55 11.55 2.76 221.31 5.28NBFI 88.88 2.35 10.21 2.44 99.09 2.36Investment 20.06 0.53 0.94 0.23 21.01 0.50Engineering 429.51 11.37 43.60 10.43 473.12 11.28Food & Allied 117.45 3.11 4.93 1.18 122.38 2.92Fuel & Power 1059.44 28.05 133.52 31.94 1192.96 28.44Jute 53.62 1.42 0.00 53.62 1.28Textile 336.65 8.91 28.91 6.91 365.55 8.71Pharma & Chemical 502.85 13.31 29.88 7.15 532.73 12.70Paper & Packaging 5.10 0.13 1.33 0.32 6.42 0.15Service 195.81 5.18 11.76 2.81 207.57 4.95Leather 20.76 0.55 0.61 0.15 21.37 0.51Ceramic 33.68 0.89 4.88 1.17 38.56 0.92Cement 41.95 1.11 8.49 2.03 50.44 1.20Information Technology 78.01 2.07 4.67 1.12 82.67 1.97General Insurance 13.31 0.35 0.97 0.23 14.28 0.34Life Insurance 37.26 0.99 1.83 0.44 39.10 0.93Telecom 350.37 9.28 72.90 17.44 423.27 10.09Travel & Leisure 62.15 1.65 10.10 2.42 72.25 1.72Miscellaneous 119.06 3.15 36.97 8.84 156.04 3.72Debenture 1.09 0.03 0.03 0.01 1.12 0.03

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

News, analysis and recent disclosuresMARICO: The Board of Direc-tors has recommended 50% � nal cash dividend in addition to the total 375% interim cash dividend i.e. total 425% for the � nancial year ended on March 31, 2015. Date of AGM: 13.08.2015, Time: 10:00 AM, Venue: Radisson Blu Water Garden, Airport Road, Dhaka Cantonment Area, Dhaka. Record Date: 18.06.2015. The Company has also reported Net Pro� t after tax of Tk. 1.34 mil-lion, EPS of Tk. 42.69, NAV per share of Tk. 54.35 and NOCFPS of Tk. 12.94 for the year ended on March 31, 2015.BSC: The Board of Directors has recommended 10% cash divi-dend (i.e. Tk. 10.00 per share of Tk. 100.00 each) for the year ended on June 30, 2014. Date of AGM: 06.06.2015, Time: 11:00 AM, Venue: Shaheed Mohammad Fazlur Rahman Munshi Auditorium, Chittagong Port Area, Chittagong. Record date: 07.05.2015. The Company has also reported Basic EPS of Tk. 2.47, NAV per share of Tk. 619.00 and NOCFPS of Tk. (2.60) for the year ended on June 30, 2014.MERCANBANK: The Board of Directors has recommended 10% cash dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2014. Date of AGM: 24.05.2015, Time: 11:00 AM, Venue: Bashund-hara Convention Centre, (Pushpanjoli), Block-C, Umme Kulsum Road, Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka-1229. Record date: 06.05.2015. The Company has also reported consolidated EPS of Tk. 1.59, consolidated

NAV per share of Tk. 18.35 and consolidated NOCFPS of Tk. 1.58 for the year ended on December 31, 2014.BSCCL: (Q3 Un-audited): Net Pro� t after tax from (Jan15 to March15) was Tk. 15.34 million with EPS of Tk. 0.10 as against Tk. 79.48 million and Tk. 0.53 respectively for the same period of the previous year. Whereas Net Pro� t after tax from July14 to March15 was Tk. 72.48 million with EPS of Tk. 0.48 as against Tk. 330.93 million and Tk. 2.21 respectively for the same period of the previous year.DBH: (Q3 Un-audited): Pro� t after tax (excluding prefer-ence dividend) from (Jan15 to March15) was Tk. 278.99 million with EPS of Tk. 2.40 as against Tk. 238.51 million and Tk. 2.06 respectively for the same period of the previous year. Whereas Pro� t after tax (excluding preference divi-dend) from July14 to March15 was Tk. 525.85 million with EPS of Tk. 4.53 as against Tk. 439.35 million and Tk. 3.79 respective-ly for the same period of the previous year.ENVOYTEX: (H/Y Un-audited): Pro� t after Tax from (Oct14-March15) was Tk. 353.73 million with EPS of Tk. 2.44 as against Tk. 101.19 million and Tk. 0.70 respectively for the same period of the previous year. Whereas Pro� t after Tax from (Jan15-March15) was Tk. 179.16 million with EPS of Tk. 1.24 as against Tk. 61.83 million and Tk. 0.43 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

CSE GAINER

Company Closing (% Change)

Aver-age (%

Change)

Closin-gAvg. Closing DHIGH DLOW Turnover

in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

Central Insur -A 9.52 9.81 20.70 20.70 20.70 20.70 0.507 2.96 7.0Premier Leasing-Z 8.75 9.18 8.68 8.70 8.80 8.10 0.902 0.08 108.5Beximco Syn.-Z 8.70 6.67 9.92 10.00 10.10 9.50 0.494 0.08 124.0Shinepukur Cera-Z 6.25 7.73 12.13 11.90 12.30 11.80 0.345 0.39 31.1Bengal Windsor-A 5.17 3.54 55.79 57.00 57.00 52.00 0.004 4.10 13.6Reckitt Benckiser -A 5.14 5.14 1390.00 1390.00 1390.00 1390.00 0.007 42.33 32.8Envoy Textiles Ltd-N 4.48 5.61 50.24 49.00 51.00 49.00 0.102 4.84 10.4Intl. Leasing-B 4.17 5.27 12.58 12.50 13.20 12.00 0.992 0.74 17.0Brac B.C. Bond-A 3.96 3.96 1050.00 1050.00 1050.00 1050.00 0.032 0.00 -BSC-A 3.46 12.09 383.99 355.50 438.00 355.00 20.798 -12.80 -ve

DSE GAINER

Company Closing (% Change)

Aver-age (%

Change)

Closin-gAvg. Closing DHIGH DLOW Turnover

in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

Beximco Syn.-Z 9.78 8.32 10.03 10.10 10.10 9.40 0.881 0.08 125.4Dulamia CottonZ 9.72 9.86 7.91 7.90 7.90 7.70 0.145 -4.02 -veGeminiSeaFood-B 9.22 9.53 205.45 207.30 207.30 196.00 6.247 -6.36 -vePremier Leasing-Z 9.09 14.95 8.38 8.40 8.40 8.10 3.168 0.08 104.8Intl. Leasing-B 6.67 6.29 12.84 12.80 13.20 12.00 12.833 0.74 17.4Reckitt Benckiser -A 6.25 4.48 1,383.14 1,387.50 1,387.50 1,350.00 2.675 42.33 32.7Aziz PipesZ 6.15 6.33 18.99 19.00 19.20 18.90 0.057 -0.37 -veCity Bank - A 4.79 2.07 17.23 17.50 17.60 16.60 15.389 2.08 8.3Eastern Lubricants -A 4.58 4.82 379.00 379.00 379.00 379.00 0.002 3.12 121.5Union Capital -A 4.55 (0.22) 13.41 13.80 14.00 12.80 1.378 1.50 8.9

CSE LOSER

Company Closing (% Change)

Aver-age (%

Change)

Closin-gAvg. Closing DHIGH DLOW Turnover

in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

City G Insu.-A -11.03 -7.86 12.08 12.10 12.20 11.80 0.064 1.45 8.3First Finance- A -10.00 -5.30 9.47 9.00 10.00 9.00 0.127 0.63 15.0Continental Insur. -A -9.56 -2.46 12.30 12.30 12.30 12.30 0.043 1.66 7.4Standard Insurance-A -9.47 -9.47 17.20 17.20 17.20 17.20 0.001 3.07 5.6Rahima Food -Z -9.17 -11.24 21.80 21.80 21.80 21.80 0.004 -0.42 -vePadma Islami Life*-N -8.77 -8.55 31.25 31.20 31.30 31.20 0.017 1.10 28.4SummitAlliancePort.-A -7.55 -5.53 54.64 53.90 58.00 53.20 5.436 0.78 70.1Dhaka Bank -A -7.32 -8.53 15.02 15.20 15.20 14.80 0.124 3.35 4.5Fine Foods A -7.22 -6.45 8.99 9.00 9.00 8.90 0.029 -0.36 -veAsia Pasi� c Insu. -A -7.14 -7.14 13.00 13.00 13.00 13.00 0.013 2.32 5.6

DSE LOSER

Company Closing (% Change)

Aver-age (%

Change)

Closin-gAvg. Closing DHIGH DLOW Turnover

in MillionLatest

EPSLatest

PE

Northern G Insur-A -12.50 -12.15 15.40 15.40 15.70 15.00 0.522 1.84 8.4City G Insu.-A -10.94 -10.35 11.61 11.40 12.00 11.20 0.533 1.45 8.0Sonargaon Tex -Z -9.56 -1.25 13.43 12.30 14.90 12.30 3.210 -0.84 -veMercantile Insur -A -9.16 -5.20 11.86 11.90 12.00 11.80 0.493 1.51 7.9Peoples Insur -A -8.00 -8.83 13.83 13.80 14.70 13.50 1.257 2.25 6.1BD Submarine Cable-A -7.77 0.32 136.83 125.80 150.00 124.90 273.454 0.64 213.8National Housing Fin.-B -7.32 -8.81 19.16 19.00 20.90 18.80 0.599 1.97 9.7Khan Brothers-N -6.85 -3.20 23.88 23.10 25.20 22.90 18.319 1.18 20.2Kay & Que (BD) -Z -6.67 -2.58 11.69 11.20 11.90 11.00 0.009 -1.41 -veSummitAlliancePort.-A -6.57 -3.47 55.56 54.00 58.70 53.20 104.560 0.78 71.2

DSE key features April 23, 2015Turnover (Million Taka)

3,776.76

Turnover (Volume)

81,568,218

Number of Contract

99,223

Traded Issues 305

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

54

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

246

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

5

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,398.94

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

29.08

CSE key features April 23, 2015Turnover (Million Taka)

418.10

Turnover (Volume)

8,745,514

Number of Contract

17,792

Traded Issues 222

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

36

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

185

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

1

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,314.57

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.06

BUSINESS 19D

TFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Stocks slip for 4th straight day with poor tradingn Tribune Report

Stocks fell sharply yester-day, extending losses for the fourth session in a row as selling pressure continued.

The benchmark index DSEX tumbled more than 60 points or 1.5% to close at 4,192—its lowest level since December 1, 2013.

The Shariah Index DSES dropped 16 points or 1.6% to 1,024. The comprising blue chips DS30 was down 28 points or 1.8% to 1,592.

Chittagong Stock Ex-change (CSE) Selective Cate-gories Index, CSCX, closed at 7,815, declining 142 points.

All the sectors closed in red with power registering highest losses of 2.47%, led by United Power Generation and Distribution Company Ltd that dropped 5.9% on pro� t booking.

However, the power gen-eration company remained at the top of the liquidity chart for 12 consecutive ses-sions, with turnover worth over Tk47 crore.

Among other worst losing sectors, banks, non-banking � nancial institutions, ce-ment, telecommunication

and pharmaceuticals fell more than 1% each.

Trading saw sluggish ac-tivities after buoyant trading in the previous session, as the Dhaka Stock Exchange turn-over stood at Tk380 crore, steeply down more than 28% over the previous session.

LankaBangla Securities said the market is still un-der selling pressure for the fourth consecutive trading session.

It said the benchmark index ended below 4200 mark since it broke the psy-chological level of 4300 on Tuesday.

“Though all the sectors faced the frenzy of panic sell, few stocks stand out on earnings declaration at the closing day of this week.”

IDLC Investments said in absence of hope of a sus-taining political stability, the economic outlook remained bleak for investors, who chose sell-o� in the capital market, regardless of their holdings price level. “As a result, the market contin-ued losing altitude in a pro-longed nosedive, slumping to a new low in every ses-sion,” it added. l

In absence of hope of a sustaining political stability, the economic outlook remained bleak for investors, who chose sell-o� in the capital market, regardless of their holdings price level

ANALYST

Daily capital market highlightsDSE Broad Index : 4192.20744 (-) 1.43% ▼

DSE - 30 Index : 1592.75523 (-) 1.78% ▼

CSE All Share Index: 12858.74870 (-) 1.67% ▼

CSE - 30 Index : 10444.78390 (-) 1.32% ▼

CSE Selected Index : 7815.00050 (-) 1.67% ▼

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS

Company Volume-Shares

Value in Million

% of Total-Turnover ClosingP Change % ClosingY DHIGH DLOW AvgPrice

United Power-N 412,789 85.86 20.54 198.20 -5.93 210.70 222.00 195.60 208.00BD Submarine Cable-A 475,930 65.26 15.61 125.70 -7.91 136.50 150.10 124.50 137.13BSC-A 54,161 20.80 4.97 355.50 3.46 343.60 438.00 355.00 383.99WesternMarine -N 345,859 17.63 4.22 50.20 -4.92 52.80 53.90 49.10 50.97Khulna Power-A 202,545 13.52 3.23 64.80 -4.42 67.80 68.90 64.30 66.73BEXIMCO Ltd. -A 435,182 12.81 3.06 29.10 -3.32 30.10 30.30 29.00 29.44MJL BD Ltd.-A 84,773 10.72 2.56 125.50 -1.03 126.80 129.70 125.00 126.49Moza� ar H.Spinning-A 292,565 10.26 2.45 36.00 3.15 34.90 36.30 34.10 35.08Grameenphone-A 23,532 7.64 1.83 323.50 -1.34 327.90 329.00 322.60 324.63LafargeS Cement-Z 68,035 7.39 1.77 108.40 -2.08 110.70 110.90 108.20 108.65UNITED AIR-A 952,427 7.25 1.73 7.50 -6.25 8.00 7.90 7.40 7.61Baraka Power-A 195,589 6.42 1.54 32.50 -0.61 32.70 34.20 32.30 32.82ACI Limited- A 11,436 6.08 1.45 524.90 -1.39 532.30 543.00 520.40 531.44SAIF Powertec-N 79,676 5.99 1.43 73.60 -5.15 77.60 78.00 73.00 75.15Square Pharma -A 23,020 5.79 1.38 250.60 -0.83 252.70 253.70 250.00 251.34

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS

Company Volume-Shares

Value in Million

% of Total-Turnover ClosingP Change

% ClosingY DHIGH DLOW Avg-Price

United Power-N 2,265,761 470.76 12.46 198.20 -5.93 210.70 221.00 196.00 207.77BD Submarine Cable-A 1,998,460 273.45 7.24 125.80 -7.77 136.40 150.00 124.90 136.83Khulna Power-A 2,965,181 197.65 5.23 64.50 -5.01 67.90 68.90 64.00 66.66WesternMarine -N 2,564,597 131.65 3.49 50.60 -4.71 53.10 53.00 50.40 51.34Moza� ar H.Spinning-A 3,107,732 111.60 2.95 36.50 2.82 35.50 37.30 35.20 35.91ACI Limited- A 204,739 109.30 2.89 528.70 -1.14 534.80 547.00 522.10 533.86SummitAlliancePort.-A 1,881,799 104.56 2.77 54.00 -6.57 57.80 58.70 53.20 55.56Ifad Autos -N 1,224,488 98.81 2.62 79.50 -5.13 83.80 83.70 78.60 80.70Square Pharma -A 361,546 90.90 2.41 251.00 -0.52 252.30 255.20 248.70 251.43SAIF Powertec-N 1,152,198 86.95 2.30 73.60 -5.76 78.10 78.00 73.00 75.46Grameenphone-A 236,356 76.91 2.04 324.80 -1.37 329.30 329.80 324.00 325.41MJL BD Ltd.-A 594,493 75.06 1.99 125.30 -1.26 126.90 128.80 125.00 126.27Baraka Power-A 2,120,346 69.57 1.84 32.60 0.00 32.60 33.40 32.30 32.81BEXIMCO Ltd. -A 2,315,480 67.90 1.80 29.10 -3.32 30.10 30.50 28.90 29.32Shahjibazar Power-N 344,606 57.19 1.51 165.30 1.41 163.00 170.00 161.50 165.97

BUSINESS20DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Study: Less tax bene� ts hinder SME growth n Tribune Report

Small and medium enterprises are getting less tax bene� t and concession compared to the large enterprises, putting a lid on the growth of SME business.

The report states the SMEs are deprived of tax-related bene� ts which could help the � rms reduce production cost and become competitive both locally and globally.

The survey was conducted by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), which found around 78% of Bangladeshi � rms do not enjoy signif-icant bene� ts of tax exemptions and conces-sions.

The survey covered 262 enterprises, of them 223 are SMEs and 39 LSEs (large size enterprises), in four districts—Bogra, Dhaka, Chittagong and Narshingdi.

CPD research fellow Tow� qul Islam Khan presented the “Bangladesh study” � ndings on tax exemptions and concessions, Vat and property tax at a dialogue on “SME Develop-ment in South Asia: How Conducive are the Tax Policies?”

CPD in collaboration with the Governance Institutes Network International (GINI) or-ganised the event at the BRAC Centre Inn in Dhaka.

It found that SMEs are facing biased treat-ment in terms of tax exemptions and con-cessions, which impact on the � rms’ perfor-mance.

“Biased treatment against SMEs may be found in case of getting access to various kinds of � nancial and non-� nancial bene� ts.”

The survey said around 47% of the sur-veyed SMEs got exemption only on Vat (in the form of package Vat).

About � rms characteristics, some 50% of the SMEs have trade licence and more than 80% of SMEs were sole proprietorship-based enterprise, while for LSEs partnership-based � rms were more frequent.

Assets and turnover are disproportionate-ly skewed towards LSEs, as more than 50% of the surveyed � rms have capital investment below Tk5 lakh and average capital invest-ment of the LSEs is Tk3.65 crore.

About 66.5% of the surveyed SMEs re-ceived commercial loans from formal chan-nels, 7.7% from cooperatives and 16.5% from money lenders. Besides, 80.6% of LSEs availed of credit through formal lines.

Some 70% of the surveyed � rms are not in-terested in getting tax bene� ts due mainly to avoid hassles and high costs related to com-pliance requirements.

The study recommended tax o� cials to as-sess real transaction value of real estate prop-erties and improve tax administration human resources and record keeping using digital mapping of land.

“If we want to take care of SMEs, threshold mechanism is needed but not by de� nition and not by number of sta� to realise tax,” said Policy Research Institute executive director Ahsan H Mansur.

Putting importance on simpli� cation of Vat system, he said all were not much aware that how much sale will be at the end of the day.

Threshold criteria should be on impos-ing tax on turnover as turnover tax does not require anything else. “Nothing is simpler method than this.”

Former NBR chairman Abdul Mazid said among taxpayers in the country, 90% are big

taxpayers and 10% general taxpayers. But the problem is when any law is made, those big tax players have in� uence but general taxpay-ers can not � ght back. “This problem needs to be addressed.”

Opposing the idea of the proposed sin-gle-Vat rate in the new Vat law to be e� ective soon, Majid said multiple Vat rate should be introduced as the country’s economy is divid-ed in three or four segments.

Ex-� nance adviser to a caretaker govern-ment Mirza Azizul Islam said: “What we need most is to link up SMEs with LSEs because LSEs can ensure marketing of SMEs and pro-vide technological support.”

Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Syed Nasim Manzur said, “Too many tax-related rules are complicated and these laws are detrimental to the busi-ness growth, even for SMEs. Minimum tax law says business has to pay 0.3% income tax on gross recite which does not equate income or pro� t.”

Former � nance minister M Syeduzzaman, CPD executive director Professor Musta� zur Rahman and FBCCI president AKM Akram Uddin were also present at the event.

Manager at Research and Program Devel-opment, Governance Institutes Network In-ternational (GINI), Islamabad, Sabieh Haider presented the keynote paper on a study cov-ering Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The study focused on the impacts of tax exemptions and concessions, Vat reforms, and property tax on the development of SMEs in South Asia.

Analysts, however, opposed some portions of the study, particularly on Bangladesh. l

IFC signs project services deal with EBLn Tribune Report

International Finance Corporation and East-ern Bank Limited have signed an agreement on project services.

Under the arrangement, capacity of small and medium enterprise clients will be de-veloped while credit risk management im-proved, said a IFC press release.

Ali Reza Iftekhar, chief executive o� cer and managing director of Eastern Bank Limit-ed, and Giri Jadeja, regional industry head of IFC, Asia, signed for their respective organisa-tions Wednesday night.

Inessa Tolokonnikova, Mohammad Re-han Rashid, Ehsanul Azim, Parul Dudeja and Monzurul Huque from IFC and Md Khurshid Alam of EBL were present at the signing cer-emony. l

BASIS certi� cation must for software purchase n Tribune Report

Authorised Dealers Banks have been asked to remit the on-line payment made for the pur-chase of software that must be certi� ed � rst by Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS).

The banks may allow their customers to arrange customs assessment of the software following the BASIS certi� cation, said a circu-lar Bangladesh Bank issued yesterday.

BASIS will ensure that the purchase of soft-ware is genuine and sourced from a reliable supplier.

At present, foreign exchange regulation requires prior permission from Bangladesh Bank to remit payment on the on-line pur-chases of software.

Bangladesh Bank considers applications for such payments subject to the condition that ap-plicants have arranged customs assessment of the software and made payment of duties/taxes thereon. This practice requires much time for early disposal of remittance applications.

In order to ease the situation and also to ensure genuineness of the procured software, the central bank has now decided that ADBs may remit their payments made for the on-line purchase of software subject to BASIS certi� cation, according to the circular. l

Women are seen busy making jute door mats in a village of rural Bangladesh DHAKA TRIBUNE

German consumer con� dence at 13.5-year highn AFP, Frankfurt

Consumer con� dence in Germany is at its highest since late 2001, as low in� ation buoys households’ income expectations, although there were signs of concern about the con-stant tug-of-war over Greece, a poll showed yesterday.

“Consumer sentiment in April was mixed. While the consumer climate improved once more, the increase was not quite so marked,” market research company GfK said in a state-ment.

“Income expectations continued to rise, but economic expectations and consumers’ willingness to spend fell slightly,” the state-ment said. l

21D

TFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015T

-JUNCTIONDip into the

weekend

23newsBFC branch opening

24listology

Getting to know your CNG

Smack those lips for ChapilaThe hassle free and fresh dish for a light lunch and more.

INSIDE

23recipe

Photo: Tasmia Momin

n Tasmia Momin

Appetisers are meant to start your way into a course meal, and what better way than to start with some freshly baked garlic bread, along with homemade hummus and aubergine chutney! This particular recipe makes two large loafs, enough as an appetiser for any friends or family gatherings.

MethodPour in your oil, milk and sugar in a large pot. Heat until the sugar dissolves but do not boil it. Let it cool down until it’s slightly warm and then add the yeast. Let the yeast activate for a minute.When the mixture is frothy, add the salt and flour, and mix into a ball of dough.Set aside in a warm place for an hour.

When the dough has doubled/tripled in size, knead it again into a smooth dough and let it sit for another half an hour.

Divide the dough in two long cylindrical shapes and place them onto two greased baking dish. Let it proof for half an hour and bake them for 25 minutes at 170 degree Celsius in a preheated oven.

Meanwhile blend the garlic, coriander, green chillies, olive oil, salt and water into a course mixture. Once the dough is baked, place them on a wire rack to cool. Cut them ¾ into slices from above. Spread the garlic-coriander mixture onto one side of each slice, using the help of a wide knife and a spoon. Bake it again in the oven for 15 minutes at 180 degree Celsius.You can slice them up and eat them right away or store them in the refrigerator. You can also toast them to get the classic crisp on top.

Serve it with hummus or any kind of chutney, it will taste amazing anyway! Enjoy! l

Garlic Bread with homemade hummus and aubergine chutney

Garlic Bread with homemade hummus and aubergine chutney

TantaliseT-JUNCTION22DT

Battle of � avours

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015T-JUNCTION22D

T

recipe

Ingredients• 3 cup all-purpose flour• 1 cup milk• 4 tbsp. oil• 1 tbsp. yeast• 4 tbsp. sugar• ½ tsp. salt• 6 cloves of garlic• A handful of coriander• A glug of olive oil• ½ tsp. salt• 2 green chilies• A splash of water

PHOTO: TASMIA MOMIN

n Hotel Sarina

The wonderful bit about cooking up a � sh recipe is that it’s a very simple process. What tops it all o� is that it’s also very delicious. Next to a bowl of rice, set appropriately on a clean platter, Chapila Mach can be a � ne dish for a decent sit down with family for lunch. Here’s an easy and crackling version of this simple dish. Not to mention the little to no damage for your wallet. A� ordable, quick, and tasty. Can’t get smoother than that!

Ingredients• Chapila Mach 250gm• Onion 85gm• Garlic 15gm• Green Chilli 7gm• Coriander leaf 50gm• Red Chilli powder 2gm• Turmeric Powder 2gm• Cumin Powder 2gm• Red Tomato 75gm• Mustard Oil 15ml• Soya-bean Oil 15ml

MethodPour Soya-bean and Mustard oil to the pot and gradually add all the spices. When the spices start to simmer and the vibrant colours start to formulate, add the red tomato and Chapila Mach, mix it evenly. Then, keep the pot covered for about 10 min to cook properly. For a little extra � avour, don’t be shy with a bit of lemon squeeze on top, after the cooking has been completed. l

Chapila Macher JholTantalise T-JUNCTION 23

DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

recipe

PHOTO: COURTESY

news

BFC branch openingPopular fast food chain Best Fried Chicken (BFC) has opened its 13th branch at Tajmahal Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka on 12 April 2015. Chairman of Opex and Sinha Group, Mr Anisur Rahman Sinha formally inaugurated the opening ceremony. The executive director of BFC Nazmul Karim Chowdhury, o� cials and invited guests graced the event. BFC assures in this new branch too customers can enjoy their delicious food with friends in a clean and hygienic environment. Besides their signature crispy fried chicken, customers can also enjoy chicken cheese burger, beef cheese burger, hot wings, chicken nuggets, special rice combo, chicken strips, French fries, sweet corn, American soft-serve icecream and various other o� erings.

For further details: Address: House no. 25/2, Block C, Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Mobile: 01613232013

Motijheel Ideal School and College celebrates 50th Anniversary

The golden jubilee of Ideal School and College was recently celebrated at their premises. Civil aviation and tourism minister, Rashed Khan Menon, graced the event as the chief guest. Mr Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP, President of Inter Parliamentary Union, A.K.M. Rahmatullah MP, Shirin Naim Punom, MP and Exim Bank Founder Director Nurul Fazal Bulbul were present as the special guests. Principal Shahanara Begum, organizing committee chairman Golam Ashraf Talukder and organizing committee secretary Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed ware also present.

The program was arranged jointly by the school authority and Ideal College alumni. It included musical and cultural functions with performances by singer Bappa Majumder and Kona. Ex-meritorious students and ex-teachers were also felicitated.

ListologyT-JUNCTION24DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

FYI CNG!

Un-sneak peekLadies, you may feel lucky that the guy who asked the CNG driver before you was told a fare of a thousand while you bingo-ed it at Tk150. Please realise there were ulterior motives involved. You might comprehend what we are on about when the rear view mirrors magically adjust to your position for a front view seat of your face while it reflects his, grinning happily at the free entertainment. At this point,

there’s nothing much you can do but not look directly at him or take the high road of telling him to re-adjust it to it’s rightful position (recommended).

Chariot from HeavenNever has there been a CNG so perfectly placed and easily spot-able in front of your regular place, and it only misses the bright white light shining in the background to complete its delivery from the skies. There aren’t CNGs there on a usual day, and he

agreed instantly to your fare. Maybe too perfect? Well people, it usually never is. Odds are that vehicle has been deliberately parked to hijack or kidnap you, or maybe simply rag you of your valuables. In the current setting of extreme violence and surprises in our economy, it would be advised to walk that extra mile rather than hitching a ride in a public transport placed too well for your luck bar. Stay safe, and be aware of any outcome. Creative crooks are crawling in crowds. l

LISTOLOGY

You’ve faced them, you’ve dealt with them, yet you may have not experienced the entire collection altogether. Here’s the shortlist of the types of CNG drivers you may � nd, and how you may deal with them.

Just cruisin’Aah! The sweet feeling of being stuck in jams during mid-day is incomparable for these folks, for they just love to cruise around in their mean green shaking machines, oblivious to the reaching arms desperate for a fare. They tend to go nowhere, and at times will pull a fool by just stopping by to state “no” to every place you mention. It is truly a mystery where these folks are headed. For them, ignorance may be blissful.

Auto answering machinesWell, you called them and pulled them over. Walking to them, you barely breath out the “B” of Banani before they blurt out a fare of “duisho” (Tk200) before you can blink. You might as well have said Bangkok really, for they would have answered with the same amount if not more. But that’s the fast, painless version of these folks. The other kind are philosophers, for they would hear you say the place you wish to go, look up to the stars and foresee the wishes of the gods before saying, thoughtfully, “duisho.”

Just letting you knowTalkative, these guys, not only will you cherish the bumps and “duk duk duks” of the smooth enjoyable CNG ride, you shall get the audio autobiography of their lives and receive their hints for urgent monetary requirements, if not their personal views on politics. Their troubles may be genuine, mind you, but regardless it puts the passenger in a difficult position considering he/she is already paying the healthy “duisho” for the ride either way. If not possible, kind words of decline may conclude better than the harsh headphone treatment.

Oh, by the wayPurely intolerable, a moment of silence should be attributed to those who fall in this situation because of these folks. You’re in a rush, already late for a class or meeting for which the CNG was taken in the first place, and somehow you managed to find one cheap. The bad luck Brian(a) vibes kick in when you suddenly realise the fastest path was ditched to take a longer route to fill in the CNG tank, no notice of which was declared earlier and you realise your luck was too good to be true. At times like these, no amount of scolding may fill in the tank so just playing it cool would be the least stressful method. But if you got the bling to cover up, you have all the right to ruefully sing and hitch another ride.

25D

TFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

REAL, JUVE COMPLETE UCL SEMI LINE-UP

MUSHFIQ, SOUMYA, SUNNY AT CAREER-BEST RANKINGS

AFRIDI VOWS TO FIGHT HARD IN LONE T20I

26 2827

English distance-running great Paula Radcli� e is set to compete in the London Marathon for the

� nal time this Sunday - 12 years on from setting a world record on the

course that still stands

TIME TO GO

Sport

Mashrafe con� dent of T20 victoryn Mazhar Uddin

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza be-lieves they can win the lone Twenty20 interna-tional against Pakistan to-day at Sher-e-Bangla Na-tional Stadium if they are

able to maintain the dominance that they had

exhibited in the just-concluded three-match ODI series.

The Narail Express, however, informed that the Tigers have some limitations and lackings in the shortest format of the game due to their lack of experience.

“Obviously, we are hoping to win after the way we batted and bowled recently and if we can continue that, we can win the game. But, honestly, if we really want to look for a per-

fect T20 line-up then I must say we still have some limitations. We need a power hitter at the lower middle-order while we need a few more bowlers who can support Shakib [al Hasan],” Mashrafe told the media yesterday in Mirpur.

“If the bowlers can do well then obviously we can win against them. And as the World T20 is just around the corner, I think it will be a great preparation for us. Overall, I can say

the style of ODI and T20 is di� erent. The bat-ters need to play shots right from the start in a T20 and the bowlers also have to restrict the batsmen from scoring runs,” he said.

Mashrafe stated that they would be look-ing to improve on their record of 11 wins from 41 T20Is and expressed his belief that more domestic T20 competitions should be intro-duced in order to prepare the young cricket-ers for the future. l

Shakib al Hasan (L) and skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza (C) discuss team strategies with head coach Chandika Hathurusingha in Mirpur yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Sport26DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

SHAKIB AL HASANThe world’s number one all-rounder in T20 interna-tionals, Shakib plays a key role for the Tigers in the shortest format of the game.

Besides his batting and bowling expertise, Bangladesh rely heavily on his vast experience of playing in di� erent domestic T20 competitions across the globe.

The dashing southpaw has scored 752 runs and took 44 wickets in 35 T20Is so the visiting Pakistan side will be well aware of his talents when they face each other today.

Shakib has a chance to overtake Abdur Razzak to become Bangladesh’s highest T20 wicket-taker. They are currently level on 44 wickets.

Last � ve matches, most recent � rst: LLLLL

Bangladesh XI (probable):Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah/Liton Das/Rony Talukdar, Mush� qur Rahim (wk), Shakib al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Arafat Sunny, Taskin Ahmed, Mus-ta� zur Rahman

Musta� zur Rahman is yet to play a domestic T20 match.

SHAHID AFRIDIThe addition and arrival of Afridi has given some much-needed boost to a depleted Pakistan side who lost all three ODIs against Bangladesh, not to forget the solitary practice match too. Captain of the T20 side, Afridi can create a lot of di� erence with his big-hitting and slow leg-armers.

The world’s number three all-rounder in the shortest format of the game, he possesses the abil-ity to turn the game around single-handedly, either through his clever bowling or power hitting.

Afridi has scored 1142 runs in 77 T20Is at an as-tonishing strike rate of 145.29 while with the leather, he has scalped 81 wickets at an economy rate of just over six runs per over.

Last � ve matches, most recent � rst: LWLLW

Pakistan XI (probable):Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Ahmed Shehzad, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan, Mukhtar Ahmed, Shahid Afridi (capt), Saad Nasim, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul

The top three wicket-takers in T20Is - Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi

- are all in Pakistan’s current squad.

PLAYERS TO WATCHBANGLADESH V PAKISTAN

LONE T20I, MIRPUR

Afridi vows to � ght hard in lone T20I

n Raihan Mahmood

Pakistan Twenty20 captain Shahid Afri-di braved the odds and vowed to come hard at hosts Bangladesh in the lone T20 at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today.

While talking in the presser at the big bowl yesterday, Afridi termed his T20 side as a stronger unit compared to the Pakistan ODI team. “At the moment, I am saying yes, the T20 team are better than the ODI side. Tomor-row (today), it will be a good game. I am not saying we will win one-sided. We will come out hard against Bangladesh. T20 is all about opportunities. If you get one, don’t miss it,” said Afridi.

He ruled out any panic in the Pakistan

dressing room and instead praised Bangla-desh. “The dressing room atmosphere is very positive. No doubt Bangladesh are playing very well at the moment. With our team, ob-viously if you don’t have three-four seniors and you are going with new talent, new guys with a new captain, it takes time to have a re-building process. I am hopeful that in a few months they will do well as a unit,” opined Afridi.

Afridi banked upon their experience in the T20 format. “Myself, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez are all back. It was good to see Hafeez bowling again. We have a very good combination in T20. I am very positive and con� dent that we will do well. Everyone doesn’t need to give a lot of performance but if 11 players can give enough performances, it will help us win,” hoped Afridi.

Afridi was looking forward to forming a formidable side for the future. “The World T20 is also coming up, so we have to build a unit. Hopefully we can play a similar line-up in the World [T20] and not make last-minute changes. As a captain, I will try to prepare a new captain for the future too,” he said be-fore adding, “This is the not the era of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Inzamam-ul Haq. In six-eight months, the more cricket they will play, the better they will become. You don’t think about the past. If you look at it at the moment, the combination with which Bangladesh are playing, they are doing very well. We have to come hard at them tomor-row (today).”l

Uncapped (clockwise from left) Liton Kumar Das, Rony Talukdar and Musta� zur Rahman strut their stu� during training in Mirpur yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

NEW TIGERS ON THE BLOCK

Sport 27D

T

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Siddikur begins in 55thSiddikur Rahman continued his poor form this season as the premier Bang-ladeshi golfer carded two-over-par 74 to begin his CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters campaign in the � rst round in 55th place, tied with 18 other golfers yesterday. It was not a good start for the ace Bangladeshi golfer who teed o� with two bogeys in his � rst two holes. The 30-year old played out a total of four birdies but also had six bogeys to his name in the 18 holes of the opening round at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club in Indonesia. Siddikur will be looking to bounce back and perform better in the second round today in order to avoid the cut.

–Shishir Hoque

Javi Martinez returns Spain mid� elder Javi Martinez returned to training with Bayern Munich on Wednesday for the � rst time following eight months out with a torn cruciate knee ligament. Having been a key part of Bayern’s 2013 Champions League-win-ning side, the 26-year-old had been side-lined since su� ering the injury in his left knee during last August’s 2-0 German Super Cup defeat at Borussia Dortmund.

–AFP

Henderson signs new deal with LiverpoolLiverpool vice-captain Jordan Hender-son has committed his future to the Reds by signing a new long-term contract, the Premier League club said on Thursday. No details were given on the Liverpool website but media reports indicated the mid� elders’ deal was for � ve years and worth at least 100,000 pounds ($150,000) a week.

–Reuters

Johnson charged with under-age sex o� encesSunderland and England mid� elder Adam Johnson has been charged with four o� ences concerning sex with an under-age girl, a prosecutor said on Thursday. “Following an investigation by Durham Police, I have today authorised police to charge Adam Johnson, aged 27, with four o� ences under the Sexual O� ences Act 2003,” said Gerry Wareham, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North East, in a statement.

–Reuters

Thai businessman heads for Milan talksThai businessman Bee Taechaubol will travel to Italy this weekend for talks to buy a stake in Serie A side AC Milan, a source close to Bee said on Thursday. Bee said in February he had held talks about buying a stake in the club after media reports that he had made an o� er of 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion) for a controlling stake. “I can’t say whether he will sign a deal,” the source said, adding that she expected some progress early next month.

–Reuters

QUICK BYTES

Mush� q, Soumya, Sunny reach career-best rankings, Pakistan drop to eighthn ICC

Bangladesh’s dominance over Pakistan in the just-concluded ODI series is re� ected in the latest Reliance ICC ODI Player Rankings as its players are on an upward movement.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mush� qur Rahim, opener Soumya Sarkar and left-arm spin-ner Arafat Sunny have achieved career-best rankings to date, while opener Tamim Iqbal, middle-order batsman Nasir Hossain, left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Rubel Hossain have also made impressive gains.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has slipped one place to eighth in the Reliance ICC ODI Team Rank-

ings. In a sharp contrast, Bangladesh has gained � ve ratings points and now sits on 81 ratings points. This means only 11 ratings points separate seventh-ranked West Indies from ninth-ranked Bangladesh.

Mush� qur, who aggregated 220 runs in three matches with a century and a half-cen-tury, has jumped 12 places to break into the top 20 for the � rst time in his career in 18th  position. Soumya, who scored 127 not out in the third ODI, has vaulted 60 places to a career-high 69th  spot while Arafat’s series tally of six wickets has earned him 43 places and a 53rd spot in the latest rankings, which were released on Thursdayafternoon.

Tamim, who won the player of the series award for his 312 runs that included two cen-turies and a half-century, has moved up 18 places to 30th  spot, Shakib has claimed two spots and is now in eighth position following his � ve wickets in the series while Rubel’s four wickets have helped him rise � ve places to 57thposition.

For Pakistan, the good news is the rise of left-handed batsman Haris Sohail, who has gained 17 places and is now in 79th  spot, and fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who is now in 68th position after climbing four places. Cap-tain Azhar Ali has returned to the rankings in 85th position.l

Holders edge Team BJMCn Shishir Hoque

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club continued their winning run in the Manyavar Bangla-desh Premier League as the title holders came from behind to earn a narrow 2-1 victory over Team BJMC at Bangabandhu National Stadi-um yesterday.

Two in-form forwards - Haitian Wedson Anselme and Nigerian Emeka Darlington - were both on target yet again as the Dhan-mondi out� t earned the full 15 points from their � rst � ve matches in the top-� ight.

Emeka and Wedson netted one apiece to take their goal tally to � ve each for the sea-son while Samson Illiasu earlier stunned the defending champions by scoring the opener from a screamer.

Sheikh Jamal must have considered them-selves extremely lucky to get away with all three points. Even head coach Maruful Haque admitted that it was their worst performance this season. Team BJMC missed a host of chances.

Sheikh Jamal could have taken the lead with just three minutes into the clock when their Haitian international Wedson failed to � nd the back of the net despite having two attempts on an empty net following a cross from Mohammad Linkon.

Nigerian mid� elder Illiasu stunned the premier league champions by putting Team

BJMC ahead with a scorcher. The skipper unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box that went past Sheikh Jamal goalkeeper Mazharul Islam Hemel.

Wedson though equalised 10 minutes later when the in-form Haitian dribbled past a de-

fender before unleashing a � erce strike from the top-right corner of the box into the back of the net.

Team BJMC forward Mehedi Hasan Tapu squandered a good chance nine minutes into the second half when his close-range shot was blocked by the custodian following a Jib-on cutback. Jibon tried his luck from the edge of the box three minutes later but Hemel pro-duced a decent save to punch the ball away for a corner. Jibon squandered another opportu-nity in the 71st minute. In a one-on-one situa-tion with Hemel, the local striker chipped the ball over the netminder and missed the target by a whisker.

Emeka gave Sheikh Jamal the lead in the 73rd minute when the Nigerian striker head-ed home from a Mamunul Islam free-kick.

Toklis Ahmed Tonmoy missed a great chance to extend the lead four minutes be-fore the end of stipulated time.

The national striker showed a lack of con-centration, shooting straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.l

RESULTSheikh Jamal 2–1 Team BJMCWedson Anselme 33 Samson Illiasu 23Emeka Darlington 63

TODAY’S MATCHESBrothers Union v Muktijoddha 4:15PMAbahani v Sheikh Russel 6:30PM

Sport28DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Real Madrid forward Javier Hernandez celebrates after scoring the all important goal during their Uefa Champions League quarter-� nal second leg match against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Wednesday AFP

Japan to host Fifa Club WC in 2015 and 2016n Reuters

Japan have been reappointed as hosts of the FIFA Club World Cup for the next two years, the sport’s world governing body announced on Thursday.

FIFA said the annual tournament would be held in Japan in 2015 and 2016 with this year’s edition scheduled for December 10-20.

The FIFA Club World Cup features the champions of all six FIFA confederations -- Asia, Africa, CONCACAF, Europe, Oceania and South America.

As hosts, Japan will also have a team in the tournament, which was � rst held in Brazil in 2000 then annually since 2005.l

Ramos tactical shift key to victory: Casillasn Reuters, Madrid

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to deploy defender Sergio Ramos in central mid� eld was the key to Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Ma-drid, according to captain Iker Casillas.

Ramos, who normally plays as a cen-tre-back, was in the thick of the action throughout the quarter-� nal, second leg at the Bernabeu before Javier Hernandez struck two minutes from time to send holders Real through to the semi-� nals for a � fth straight season.

Spain international Ramos helped Real dominate the mid� eld, an area in which they had struggled against Atletico in recent en-counters, and it was their � rst win over their city rivals in eight meetings since last season’s Champions League � nal.

Ancelotti’s ploy with Ramos was a surprise as he had used the same tactic in Real’s La Liga 2-1 defeat at Barcelona last month and was widely criticised after the reverse.

“That’s what the coach believed he should do and he (Ramos) played a fundamental role and we all bene� ted from his commitment,” Casillas told reporters.

“Sometimes you also have to take on board your opponents’ way of playing and today we were really � rm and solid in the mid� eld,” added the 33-year-old Spain goalkeeper.

“We didn’t go backwards at any point, we defended really well and we had really clear chances in attack.”l

Real Madrid, Juventus complete semi line-upn AFP, Paris

Real Madrid and Juventus scraped into the Champions League semi-� nals on Wednes-day, joining already quali� ed Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Defending champions Real edged city ri-vals Atletico 1-0 thanks to an 88th-minute winner from on-loan striker Javier Hernan-dez after a goalless � rst leg.

Juventus also made it to the last-four after a 0-0 draw in Monaco allowed them to qualify courtesy of their 1-0 � rst leg win in Italy last week.

Bayern and Barcelona had made sure of their places on Tuesday leaving Friday’s

semi-� nal draw to feature four teams with 21 European Cup triumphs between them.

The tie in Madrid was a repeat of last sea-son’s � nal, won by Real 4-1 after extra-time, but Atletico had gone unbeaten in seven previous meetings against their city rivals this season.

However, the visitors had to play the � nal 14 minutes with 10 men as Arda Turan was shown a second yellow card for a high chal-lenge on Sergio Ramos.

Hernandez then � nally got the all-impor-tant goal after brilliant work from James Rod-riguez and Cristiano Ronaldo left the Mexican (on loan from Manchester United) with the simplest of � nishes from close range.

“Obviously it is my most important goal

because the present is what is important,” said Hernandez.

“It is a derby which hasn’t brought good memories since winning the 10th European Cup. I was the one who scored, but it belongs to everyone. The people who believed in me, my teammates and my family.”

Atletico boss Diego Simeone hailed his players e� orts.

“I go away proud of my team. Once more we competed very well in a very di� cult competition like the Champions League,” said the Argentine.

Juventus made the last four of the Cham-pions League for the � rst time since 2003 af-ter a goalless draw in their quarter-� nal, sec-

ond leg with Monaco saw them progress 1-0 on aggregate.

A controversial Arturo Vidal penalty in the � rst leg in Turin last week ultimately proved enough for the Serie A leaders, who relied on their defensive strength to see o� opponents again let down by their lack of quality in the � nal third. A Monaco side full of youthful enthusiasm pushed forward for long spells, but Juventus -- who had let in just one goal in their previous nine matches -- always looked in control and veteran ‘keeper Gianluigi Buf-fon was never seriously threatened.

The Italian giants came closest to scoring from a 90th-minute Andrea Pirlo free-kick that clipped the bar.l

UCL RESULTSReal Madrid (ESP) 1-0 Atletico Madrid (ESP)Hernandez 88

Real Madrid win 1-0 on aggregate

Monaco (FRA) 0-0 Juventus (ITA)Juventus win 1-0 on aggregate

PRIDE OF BANGLADESH

The triumphant football team of Bando Design, Bangladesh pose for

a photograph following their success in the corporate � ve-a-side football

tournament, The Calcutta Parsee Cup 2015, in Kolkata. Besides Bando Design,

twenty-four teams from Kolkata, including leading organisations like

ITC, Ericsoon, Tata Consultancy, IBM and Cognizant, participated in the

month-long tournament. Bando Design defeated Xpertech 3-1 in the � nal.

Bando Design is one of Bangladesh’s leading garment companies

Sport 29D

T

Gazi TV, Star Sports 16:30PM Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh Lone T20 Sony Six08:30PM Indian Premier League 2015 Rajasthan v Bangalore Ten Action3:40PM A-League 2014/15Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets 12:30AM French Ligue 1 2014/15Olympic Marseille v FC 56 Lorient Ten Sports8:00PM WTA: Porsche Tennis GPQuarter� nal Ten Cricket7:45PM England Tour of West Indies 2nd Test Day 4 Star Sports 212:45AM Spanish La LigaCordoba CF v Athletic Bilbao

DAY’S WATCH

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Nishikori, Ferrer ease into quartersn AFP, Barcelona

Defending champion Kei Nishikori thrashed Colombian 15th seed Santiago Giraldo 6-2, 6-1 to move into the quarter-� nals of the Barcelona Open on Thursday in a repeat of last year’s � nal.

The Japanese top seed is making his � rst appearance of the season on clay in the Cat-alan capital, but showed no signs of rustiness early on as he romped into a 4-0 lead.

Third seed David Ferrer had a slightly tough-er afternoon against 19-year-old Swede Elias Ymer despite winning 6-3, 6-4. Fer was 4-0 down in the second before winning six straight game to claim his place in the quarters.l

Kei Nishikori of Japan plays a return to Santiago Giraldo of Colombia, during the Barcelona open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain yesterday

AP

South Zone352-all out & 213/2 in 51 overs (Anamul 96*, Saykat 54, Tushar 48*)North Zone235-all out in 97 overs (Naeem 44, Ariful 42; Razzak 4/67, Al Amin 4/67)

South lead by 330 runs after third day

South in driving seat ahead of � nal dayn Mazhar Uddin

Prime Bank South Zone took an important � rst-innings lead of 117 runs after BCB North Zone were bundled out for 235 in the opening match of the third Bangladesh Cricket League longer-version in Fatullah yesterday.

South extended their lead to 330 runs after ending the third day’s play on 213/2 with Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque unbeaten on 96. Former national cricketer Tushar Imran was undefeated at the other end on 48.

Anamul smashed 10 fours and two sixes in his 154-ball knock while top-order batsman Saykat Ali chipped in with a � fty.

Earlier, resuming the third and penulti-mate day’s play on 161/5, North lost their re-maining � ve wickets for 74 runs.

Paceman Al Amin Hossain and veteran left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak bagged four wickets each for South. l

U-19s complete 6-1 series winn Cricinfo

Bangladesh Under-19s edged South Africa Under-19s by one wicket in the seventh and � nal Youth ODI in Chittagong. The win com-pleted a comprehensive 6-1 series win for Bangladesh.

The hosts needed 20 runs from the last 11 balls when last batsman Saleh Ahmed arrived at the crease to join Mohammad Saifuddin. The pair took six o� the penultimate over before Saifuddin cracked three fours in the � nal over bowled by Conor McKerr to ensure the win.

Earlier captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Mehedi Hasan struck � fties to keep up with the 233-run chase. For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder and Dayyaan Galiem took two wickets each.

Having opted to bat, the visitors made 232-6 in 50 overs. Galiem struck 53 o� 49 balls in-

cluding seven fours while Dean Foxcroft made 49 o� 92 balls. Mohammad Sa� uddin took two wickets while there was one each for Nahid Hasan, Kazi Anik, Sanjit Saha and Nazmul.l

Bangladesh U19 v South Africa U19, Chittagong, 7th Youth ODI

South Africa U19232/6 in 50 oversGaliem 53, Foxcroft 49; Saifuddin 2/44Bangladesh U19236/9 in 49.4 oversMehedi 61, Nazmul 55, Pinak 41; Mulder 2/33, Galiem 2/38Player-of-the-match: Saifuddin

Bangladesh U19 won by one wicket, win series 6-1

DOWNTIME30DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PEANUTS

DILBERT

How to solve: Fill in the blank spaces with the numbers 1 – 9. Every row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain all nine digits with no number repeating.

CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

CODE-CRACKER

How to solve: Each number in our CODE-CRACKER grid represents a di� erent letter of the alphabet. For example, today 17 represents N so � ll N every time the � gure 17 appears.You have two letters in the control grid to start you o� . Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters go in the missing squares.Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.As you get the letters, � ll in the other squares with the same number in the main grid, and the control grid. Check o� the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

CROSSWORD

ACROSS1 Blow a horn (4)4 Identical (4)8 By way of (3)9 Over again (4)10 Encourage in crime (4)11 Venomous ill-will (5)12 Deeply engrossing (4)14 And not (3)15 Finish (3)17 Drink slowly (3)19 Humour (3)21 Poem of heroism (4)23 Grinding tooth (5)26 Stopper (4)27 Kiln for drying hops (4)28 Fly trap (3)29 Woody plant (4)30 Bring up (4)

DOWN1 Interruption (6)2 Above (4)3 Saturn’s greatest satellite (5)4 Undermine (3)5 Like a weak old woman (5)6 Encountered (3)7 Female sheep (3)11 Undress (5)13 Strength (5)16 Weapon (6)18 Measured beat (5)20 Rome’s river (5)22 Solid square (4)23 Pithy saying (3)24 Rowing implement (3)25 Consumed (3)

SUDOKU

SHOWTIME 31D

TFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Parambrata, Bhabnaon board for Animesh Aich’s latest

WHAT TO WATCHTELEVISION

The Hunger Games A-HBO 6:36pmKatniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister’s place in the Hunger Games, a televised � ght to the death in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to compete.Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth

Dexter BAXN 11:30amA Miami police forensics expert moonlights as a serial killer of criminals whom he believes have escaped justice.Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas

Behind Enemy Lines CStar Movies HD 9:30pmA Navy navigator is shot down over enemy territory and is ruthlessly pursued by a secret police enforcer and the opposing troops. Meanwhile his commanding o� cer goes against orders in an attempt to rescue him.Cast: Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson, Gabriel Macht

CELEBS ON SOCIAL

Emily Blunt Web @emilyblunt Emily Blunt’s No Diggity vs. Anne Hathaway’s Love http://goo.gl/QmtBXZ

Anna Kendrick @AnnaKendrick47 For someone with such an intense need to be liked you’d think I would have � gured out how to be less of an asshole.

Emma Watson @EmWatson Thank you for the Birthday Love � xxxx

n Showtime Desk

Animesh Aich’s latest endeavour brings Kolkata’s versatile actor Parambrata Chatterjee and Ashna Habib Bhabna on board. Initially titled Bhayankor Shundor, which went on the � oors yesterday and will run for the next month, promises a range of cinematic treats which is adapted from a Moti Nandi short story.In a press conference at a restaurant in the capital’s Banglamotor area on April

22, the director who recently received mixed responses for his debut � ick Zero Degree, announced the details of his second venture.

Talking about working with Bangladeshi actors Parambrata said, “I have experience of working with Bangladeshi artists in previous ventures and those were merely pleasing I would say. Hope this venture would be more exciting and pleasing simultaneously.”

Bhabna refrained from working in any

TV plays since she signed the � lm, is going to play the Nayontara role in the � lm. “The director instructed me to create an appetite for acting as it is truly supportive for quality acting. I have stayed out from any kind of TV productions, even modelling shoots, to concentrate solely on the project,” stated Bhabna.

Produced by A Square, the romantic feature also cast Syed Hasan Imam, Farhana Mithu, Dihan, Allen Shuvro, Faruk Ahmed and Lutfor Rahman George in lead roles. l

n Mahmood Hossain

It’s a girl!Vivek Oberoi can now call himself a father, as his wife Priyanka gave birth to their second child. Vivek went on Twitter to express his feelings and in sharing his joy. He posted, “We are happy to announce the birth of our baby girl. Our family is now complete. Daughters are very special and Priyanka and I are so incredibly happy to welcome our baby girl into the world today. Both mother and the baby are � ne and I’d like to thank everyone for their wishes.”

Vivek married his wife back in 2010, and three years later Priyanka Alva had given birth to their son in 2013. We have nothing but the best wishes for the loving couple.

Get your dancing shoesThe trailer to the successful dance � lm

sequel ABCD 2 has just hit the media waves. And it must be said we’re excited and entertained watching the � lm’s starring pair, Shraddha Kapoor and Varud Dawan. Remo D’Souza returns at the helm of directing, as he did in the � rst � lm, providing all the necessary elements for a perfect masala � lm. With plenty of dance

of course. There’s plenty of electrifying performances to be seen and watched over and over again, with the addition of the stunning Lauren Gottleib and the rest of Remo’s dancing army. The � lm is to be released on June 19, 2015. Time to get dust o� those old dancing shoes.

First title trackThe � rst song and title track of Dil Dhadakne Do has gotten us up and jumping, and wanting more. Plenty of bass and blaring instruments makes this one heck of a Broadway-esque number. We see the entire leading cast dancing and singing along to a host of back-up dancers. Classy and colourful wardrobe, stars shine as they’re supposed to, and a very catchy tune to top things o� . We’ve got ourselves a fresh hit. This � lm is set to release June 5, 2015. l

This week’s Bwood wrap up

Photo: Sazzad Hossain

BACK PAGE32DT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

US: TWO KILLED IN AL-QAEDA RAID PAGE 10

MASHRAFE CONFIDENT OF T20 VICTORY PAGE 25

13 MISSING RANA PLAZA WORKERS YET TO GET DAMAGES PAGE 15

Rehana does not want to go backn Abid Azad and Shadma Malik

The long lasting psychological impacts of a deadly disaster like the Rana Plaza collapse are no less severe and damaging than the tan-gible economic impacts.

Take for example the case of Rehana Akter, who worked in one of the factories in Rana Plaza. She will never be able to work in a gar-ment factory again because she thinks that the fear and anxiety are going to come back the moment she steps into one.

“I do want to work in a garment factory again. My left leg was amputated because of the injury that I su� ered in the collapse. My life had turned into a painful experience. But I started feeling strong and alive again after I got huge support from the CRP,” she said.

She was speaking at a programme titled “Rehabilitation of Rana Plaza Survivors: From despair to hope,” organised jointly by the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Inter-nationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) at the CRP conference room in Dhaka yesterday. Rehana is one of the 509 patients who got specialised treatment under the CRP.

Yanur Akhter, 17, now studying in grade

six in a local school in Savar, came out alive on that day from under the Rana Plaza rub-bles but lost her mother in the collapse. “My father has got married again, leaving me with my � ve brothers and sisters. That has taught me that life goes on.

“I got Tk10,70,000 [as compensation] and deposited it into bank. Although I am one of the youngest in my family, I am having to run my family with the interest from that money.”

One of her legs is not as strong as it used to be before the disaster. She got back some strength after getting treatment at CRP. No matter what, she is determined to carry on with her studies. “Let me see how far I can get with my broken leg. I have not lost hope and will try my best,” she said yesterday.

The programme began with a special stage performance by some of the survivors that reminded viewers about the deadly incident.

Valerie Taylor, founder of CRP, stressed the need for learning from the past to make the most of the present, and to plan ahead for the future while ensuring as far as is humanly possible that such a disaster is never repeated.

After a panel discussion with survivors, Valerie inaugurated an exhibition of trained en-trepreneurs who were a� ected by the collapse. l

Rana Plaza rescue workers left uncared for n Our Correspondent, Savar

The commoners who sprang into action to rescue readymade garment workers after the 2013 deadly collapse of Rana Plaza in Savar have unfortunately faced sheer negligence.

Without any formal training in how to car-ry out rescue operations in the wake of such a massive industrial disaster, these people risked their own lives and went under the rubble to save as many lives as they could, but none from the state administration has cared to even enquire after these intrepid individu-als in the last two years.

Ra� q Mia, a mason by profession, used to pull a rickshaw to earn money on days he was unable to � nd work. On April 24, 2013, he was working in a building in Savar’s Chapain when Rana Plaza collapsed.

The 35-year-old could not concentrate on work after hearing the news and rushed to the scene at noon. Without thinking twice, the rather skinny man joined the rescue op-eration.

He returned home when the rescue opera-tion was � nally called o� on May 14 but began to experience sleeping disorders. His family members said the gruesome scenes at the site continued to haunt him at night when he would go to bed.

He would suddenly wake up at night and say: “There are dead bodies here, please bring bags and clothes.”

After some days, he fell very ill and re-ceived a prolonged treatment at National In-stitute of Mental Health and Research in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Forty-year-old Fuaz Ali, a brick and sand trader at the time of Rana Plaza collapse, could not resist himself from being a member of the rescue team when he arrived on the scene.

From day one, he relentlessly worked and recovered more than a hundred dead bodies as well as injured victims. But a ghoulish feel-ing engulfed his mind after he returned home and he was � nding it very di� cult to lead a normal life.

Fuaz still bears many blisters all over the body. He took medicines and received treat-ment but could not get rid of those.

The extensive treatment cost him a lot and he lost his business one day.

He now earns a precarious livelihood by doing menial jobs.

Ra� q and Fuaz are among many general people who joined the Rana Plaza rescue op-eration to save lives but life has now become a terrible ordeal for them as they continue to su� er negligence. l

Still many challenges ahead for RMG sectorn Abid Azad

Speakers at a programme yesterday lauded the progress in the country’s ready-made gar-ments sector as signi� cant but warned that there were more challenges to be addressed.

They stressed the need for further improve-ments in working conditions and workers’ rights. Completing the factory inspection task should be given the highest priority while the government needs to take action against those who would refuse to cooperate, they said.

The views were expressed at at a com-memoration discussion jointly organised by the Labour and Employment Ministry and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) with the support from Canada, Kingdom of Neth-erlands and the United Kingdom in the capi-tal’s Pan Paci� c Sonargaon Hotel.

They strongly recommended that more trade unions are allowed in the industry.

The Rana Plaza compensation process has highlighted the need for Employment Injury Insurance scheme that may bene� t the work-ers and the industry alike, they said.

One-minute silence was observed at the event in remembrance of the 1,136 people who lost their lives in the Rana Plaza collapse on April 24, 2013 at Savar. Most of the victims were from the � ve factories housed in the building.

State Minister of Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque in his concluding speech said: “Almost three-quarters of the garment facto-ries have so far been assessed with regard to structural and � re safety issues with only a very small number being deemed too unsafe to operate.

“The capacity of the Labour Inspectorate and Fire Service is much stronger while legis-lative amendments have led to the establish-ment of many more unions. These changes will play a crucial role in charting the future course of the industry, turning it into a sus-tainable sector.”

On the other hand, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Atiqul Islam said: “So far more than 300 trade unions have been formed out of more than 3,000 factories. So there may be some problems but it will not be wise to blame the entire industry.”

He also refuted the claim that workers were threatened to not form trade unions.

Ambassador of the delegation of the EU to Bangladesh Pierre Mayaudon, US Ambas-sador Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, High Commissioner of Canada Benoit Pierre Lara-mee, British High Commissioner Robert Win-nington Gibson, secretaries and labour lead-ers also spoke at the function. l

After a long treatment at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Rana Plaza tragedy victims, from left, Yanur, Azharul and Rehana can � nally stand up on their own feet. Though they still have to rely on a crutch, they are hopeful of working again and starting life anew MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

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