| Front Page |  US pledges support for democracy, economy
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said Washington will continue its support to Bangladesh to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions, promote economic development and counter terrorism.
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| | Huge account flaws in donor-funded projects
The office of Comptroller and Auditor General has raised around 160 objections involving over Tk 1,745 crore in foreign-funded projects with around half the amount against anomalies in the power and energy sector.
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| | Thousands start leaving for home
Thousands of people left the capital for home yesterday to share the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr with family and friends as many of them got five-day festival vacation including weekly holidays.
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| | 2 journos face cases, threat
The reports of the two journalist siblings on encroachment on a river in coastal Patuakhali drew flak from local ruling party lawmaker and a number of 'false cases' were filed against them reportedly under political instigations.
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| | Police want no more Ansars to help them
Despite acute manpower crisis, the police department has proposed sending back 2,311 Ansar members who are now working with police to their own department. This will make them jobless as the Ansars were recruited on "no service no payment" basis.
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| | Rajuk allots 1,077 Purbachal plots
The Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) yesterday announced the names of 1,077 plot winners in four categories for the Purbachal New Town Project.
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| | Media barred from reporting proceedings
A High Court bench yesterday prohibited the media from carrying any report on the day's proceedings regarding the petitions filed by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman for quashing the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case against them.
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| | Muhith trashes criticism of partisanship
Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday denied the allegation that political affiliation was a major consideration while appointing chairmen and directors of the state-owned banks (SOBs).
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| | Goods handling suspended at Ctg port
Goods unloading from ships at Chittagong seaport remained suspended from yesterday morning as stevedoring staffs went on work abstention demanding an increase in their Eid bonus.
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| | Lailatul Qadr observed
The holy Lailatul Qadr, the night of divine blessing and benediction, was observed across the country last night with due religious fervour.
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| | PM seeks help from Germany for solar power
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday sought cooperation of the German government in coal mining and introducing solar-energy system on a massive scale in Bangladesh.
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| | Criminals shoot woman failing to get toll
The daughter of a real estate company owner was injured in a gun attack by some criminals at the city's Mirpur last night allegedly due to her father's refusal to pay toll money.
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| | Banks may remain open tomorrow
Commercial banks may keep their branches open tomorrow (Saturday) to facilitate the emergency transactions of clients ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
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| | Villagers lay siege to coalmine office for compensation
Thousands of villagers in Parbatipur upazila laid siege to Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Ltd for two hours yesterday seeking compensations for their properties taken away, or land subsided due to mining.
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| | 4 suspects of Jessore gun attack held
Police yesterday arrested four people including three ruling party men in connection with Wednesday night's gun attack that left Awami League leader Imamul Hasan Tutul dead and seven others injured at Chawgachha upazila in Jessore.
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| | Over 80 civilians killed in Yemen air raid
More than 80 civilians were killed in an air raid, which blasted a makeshift camp of displaced people in northern Yemen, witnesses said yesterday, as the army pursued its offensive on Shia rebels.
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| | Terror king Noordin Top killed
Noordin Muhammed Top, a militant mastermind who eluded capture for nine years and terrorized Indonesia with a string of deadly al-Qaeda-funded bombings, was killed during a raid in central Indonesia, the country's police chief said yesterday.
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| | Cab driver stabbed to death
Criminals stabbed a taxicab driver to death yesterday in the city's Mirpur area during an attempt to hijack the vehicle that police recovered later.
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| | DCC Councillor Arif remanded
Criminal Investigation Department took BNP leader Arifur Rahman on a three-day remand in connection with the blast at a rally of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) in 2001.
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| Editorial | Putting the BDR mutineers on trial
THE government's decision on the modalities of the trial of those involved in the BDR mutiny last February finally sets the ball rolling. That is not to say that it has had an easy time of it. What with all the loopholes in the laws pertaining to discipline in the Bangladesh Rifles and the difficulties involved in invoking the Army Act in trying the mutineers, the government certainly had to operate within a number of ambiguities and constraints. At one point, it turned to the Supreme Court for its opinion, which in its turn sought the advice of eminent jurists before coming to the conclusion that the BDR mutiny could not be prosecuted under the Army Act.
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| | Rajuk impinging on river bank
IT is quite surprising that at a time when heightened consciousness of environmental concerns is the order of the day, we have the predicament of hearing the news of a key development agency of the government flouting environmental laws. Rajuk has filled up 30-50metres inside the river Shitalakhya at the eastern side of the Kanchan bridge for the purpose of developing its Purbachal Town project. This is in clear violation of the existing laws on rivers and canals that up to 50metres from the point where the river water reaches during the high tide should be regarded as river bank.
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| | Are we becoming what we eat?
A man is what he eats," said German philosopher Ludwig Andreas Feuerbach. Feuerbach believed that what man produced was basically the result of food ingested by him. What does that tell about us? Contaminated food is contaminating us.
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| | Axing our own legs?
WHENEVER I see the 70-foot-tall digital billboard outside Penn Station in Manhattan, New York, displaying the running total of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, I feel scared because the changing climate is pushing many natural systems towards critical thresholds and will alter regional and global environmental balances.
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| | Being good neighbours
AS a small country, with low level of development and high level of poverty and illiteracy, Bangladesh needs to be careful about its relations with neighbours, particularly India and China, the two emerging giants of Asia. It is certainly not proper for Bangladesh to take a partisan view about either India or China. We should be close to both.
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| Sports | Eid slumber hits sports
The sports arena is all set to go into a prolonged holiday following Eid-ul-Fitr. But the national cricketers are set to make the earliest return since they made a delayed start to their preparations for the challenges ahead.
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| | Fans will drive India
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's India will be keen to maintain their consistency to fulfil their fans' expectations at the Champions Trophy starting in South Africa next week.
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| | Inter hold Barca
Eduardo took advantage of his reprieve from a two-match ban to score Arsenal's winner in an extraordinary fightback on Wednesday as they came from 2-0 down to beat Belgian side Standard Liege 3-2 in their opening Champions League match.
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| | SA's chance at hand
Champions Trophy hosts South Africa boast the greatest bragging rights in one-day cricket as world number one but the trophy cabinet is virtually bare.
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| | Aussies rebuilding
The Australian team is in a rebuilding phase while skipper Ricky Ponting is reassessing his future priorities as the one-time kingpins prepare for the defence of the Champions Trophy.
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| | Younus wants strong WI
Skipper Younus Khan said Thursday he would love to compete against a strong West Indies in the upcoming Champions Trophy as the Pakistan squad flew out for the tournament.
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| | Niaz climbs to second
Grand Master Niaz Murshed improved his position after winning the sixth round game in the Ravana Challenge International Chess Tournament in Colombo on Wednesday.
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| | Win it for Bob, urges Younus
Pakistan captain Younus Khan vowed Wednesday to win the Champions Trophy in honour of Bob Woolmer, the team's former coach who died during the 2007 World Cup.
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| | Broad out of final 2 ODIs
England all-rounder Stuart Broad will miss Thursday's sixth one-day international against Australia and Sunday's series climax at the Riverside with a knee injury, a team spokesman said.
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| | Trescothick to skipper Somerset
Former England batsman Marcus Trescothick will take over as captain of Somerset following Justin Langer's decision to leave the English county.
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| | Jose praises his team
Jose Mourinho praised his team for their play without the ball following their opening Champions League group F 0-0 draw at the San Siro against champions Barcelona.
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| | Kuyt fires Liverpool
Dirk Kuyt fired Liverpool to an unconvincing 1-0 win over Hungarian side Debrecen in their opening Champions League Group E tie at Anfield on Wednesday.
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| | Adebayor set to miss derby
Big-spending Manchester City could face a striker crisis ahead of Sunday's derby with Manchester United after they accepted the violent conduct charge brought against Togo international striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
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| | Lyon edge Fiorentina
Lyon celebrated opening their tenth successive season in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over old foes Fiorentina here on Wednesday.
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| | Franco joins West Ham
Experienced Mexico forward Guillermo Franco has joined West Ham, the London club announced on Thursday.
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| | Zico takes charge at Olympiakos
Brazilian legend Zico was unveiled as the new coach of Greek champions Olympiakos on Wednesday, watching his latest team beat Dutch side AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in the Champions League.
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| | Capello to quit after England
England manager Fabio Capello said he will coach no other sides, including his native Italy, after his contract with the Football Association ends, a report said Thursday.
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| | Chelsea appoint Gourlay as new chief executive
Chelsea have appointed club insider Ron Gourlay as their new chief executive following Peter Kenyon's decision to step down from the role at the end of next month.
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| | SL look to top order
Sri Lanka will be looking forward to impressive contributions from top-order batsmen to make a big impact on the Champions Trophy.
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| | England outsiders!
When even the England coach brands the team's one-day cricket as "very ordinary", it's no wonder few give much for their chances in the Champions Trophy.
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| | A lesson for Morgan
Eoin Morgan is determined to derive some benefit from his close-up view of Australia captain Ricky Ponting's match-winning century in the fifth one-day international here at Trent Bridge.
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| | Gay, Powell set for Shanghai showdown
Jamaican former world record holder Asafa Powell and American Tyson Gay will face off in the 100 metres at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix on Sunday.
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| | 'Flintoff no mercenary'
Andrew Flintoff's decision to reject an England contract was taken partly so he could participate in events such as bungee-jumping, as part of future television work, his agent said.
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| | Vaughan's concern
Andrew Flintoff's former England captain Michael Vaughan warned his decision to reject an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) contract could have dangerous consequences for the side.
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| Business | FDI inflow sets a new benchmark
Bangladesh ranks third among the Sough Asian countries in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow list for 2008. The country received $1.09 billion in the year.
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| | Sleepless for shopping
It was almost midnight. Shoppers' turnout was same like the rest of the day at Bashundhara City shopping mall. Each floor of the eight-storey mall was abuzz.
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| | Eid marks up punjabi sales
Many cannot think of a festival like Eid without punjabi. They do not want to miss the chance to pick up this attractive and comfortable dress from the city shops.
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| | In Pabna, hand embroidery picks up pace
At her young age, Shahana Khatun learnt how to do intricate hand embroidery on saris at home from her father.
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| | Banking open at some branches
The central bank has suggested commercial banks keep some of their branches open on Saturday on the eve of Eid and Puja holidays.
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| | Asian stocks close higher
Stocks gained for a third straight day in Asian trade on Thursday as a fresh batch of data from the US reinforced sentiment that the world's biggest economy was gaining strength.
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| | Oil above $72
Oil turned higher in Asian trade Thursday, boosted by a rise in equities markets on optimism over the global economic recovery, analysts said.
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| | Stocks finish positive
Dhaka stocks finished positive for the second consecutive session yesterday, the last trading day before a nine-day Eid vacation.
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| | Computer: A hot Eid item in Barisal
Computer has become the hot item of the Eid-shopping in Barisal markets as teenage and young buyers are finding more pleasure in using internet than buying new clothes, a common practice during the festival.
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| | Benapole port goes into hibernation
Activities in the country's largest land port Benapole are set to face an eight-day halt straight through Eid, Durga Puja and weekly holidays.
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| | Cotton price up in Narayanganj
The price of cotton yarn at Tan Bazar, country's biggest cotton trading centre, is showing an upward trend due to growing demands by the handloom and power loom weavers and knit garment entrepreneurs on the eve of Eid-ul- Fitr and Durga Puja.
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| | Anti-market 'samurai' at helm of Japan banking
He slams US-style globalisation as "the law of the jungle", wants a return to the samurai spirit and laments a Japan "wrecked by free markets" -- meet Shizuka Kamei, Japan's new banking minister.
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| | India moves to cut official waste
In India, where perks and privileges are seen as the natural trappings of political power, the public is being treated to the odd sight of ministers competing to spurn extravagance or excess.
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| | Europe ups pressure on Obama over bonuses
Europe's leaders gathered at a Brussels summit on Thursday bidding to spur Barack Obama into concrete action on bankers' bonuses and the fight against global warming.
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| | Japan maintains stimulative policy
Japan's central bank said Thursday the world's number two economy was showing signs of a recovery, as it maintained its stimulative measures aimed at battling the worst slump in decades.
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| | KL manufacturing down 22.4pc
Malaysia's manufacturing sales, a key driver of the economy, sank 22.4 percent year-on-year in July, official data showed Thursday.
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| | British joblessness hits 14-year high
Britain's recession-hit economy took another beating on Wednesday as official data showed that the labour market was in its worst state for 14 years, with companies slashing jobs to save cash.
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| | Western Union adds two agents
Western Union announced the signup of two new Principal Agents - Dhaka Bank and Mercantile Bank--to offer the Western Union Money Transfer service in Bangladesh recently.
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| | Turkey inflicts extra duty on Indonesian textiles
The Turkish government has been imposing additional import tariffs on Indonesian textiles since August 1, the same day it began imposing extra levies on Indonesian bicycle and motorcycle tires, to counter what it claims are dumping practices.
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| | Temasek Holdings says net profit down 67pc
Singapore state investment firm Temasek Holdings said Thursday its net profit plunged 67 percent to six billion Singapore dollars (4.25 billion US) in the year to March due to the global financial crisis.
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| | Swiss bankers log record profit fall in 2008
Profits of Swiss banks plunged a record 30 percent in 2008, hurt by major losses in the trading business, the Swiss Bankers Association said Thursday.
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| | Eurozone trade surplus hits seven-year high
The eurozone trade balance showed a record surplus in July, official data showed on Thursday offering another sign that the European economy is on the road to recovery from the global crisis.
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| | SocGen bankers quit as France curbs bonuses
Twenty bankers from France's Societe Generale have left to set up their own hedge fund business, a source told AFP on Wednesday, as France moves to curb banker bonuses in response to public anger.
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| | Currency
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| Metropolitan | US promoting clean energy in Bangladesh
US Ambassador James F Moriarty in a statement said the nations of the world are working hard right now to negotiate a new international agreement to combat the impacts of climate change, one of the greatest challenges facing the world today.
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| | Expectant mother seeks security of life
An eight-month pregnant woman yesterday alleged that police are not recording a case against her 'attackers' despite repeated requests to file the lawsuit.
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| | Eminent statistician Maswood passes away
Dr Mir Maswood Ali, a professor of statistics emeritus, University of Western Ontario, and a brilliant statistician of Bangladeshi origin, passed away at London in Ontario, Canada, due to pulmonary complications on August 18 at the age of 80, says a press release.
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| | MJF places draft RTI rules to CIC
Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) yesterday handed over a copy of draft regulations on the Right to Information Act 2009 to the Chief Information Commissioner.
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| | Aggyan Party members active in city
The number of mugging incidents rose alarmingly in the last several days as Aggyan Party members became active ahead of Eid.
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| | Ecnec okays six projects involving Tk 3,240cr
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) yesterday approved six development projects involving Tk 3,240 crore, including Tk 764 crore in project aid.
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| | Education Day observed
The historic Education Day was observed on the Dhaka University campus yesterday with a call to introduce a scientific, single-stream, pro-people and secular education system in the country.
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| | Speedy court to ensure fair trial
Law Minister Shafique Ahmed yesterday said the trial of BDR personnel involved in the heinous offences will be held in a fair and proper manner at the speedy trial tribunal under the penal code.
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| | PM's support to wife of police sergeant
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday donated Tk five lakh to the bereaved family of police ser-geant Abdul Baset who was killed in a road accident at College Gate in the city on May 19.
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| | Raise ethics in journalism for good governance
Ethical standards in journalism should be raised to strengthen democracy and good governance in the country, said the speakers at a roundtable yesterday.
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| | Baul Samrat to remain alive thru' his indelible folk songs
Speakers at a condolence meeting here yesterday said noted composer and singer of hundreds of popular as well as heart-touching folk songs Baul Samrat Shah Abdul Karim had made his way through devotion and sincerity.
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| | 50pc adult people infected with TB germs
Speakers at a workshop here yesterday said tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health problem in Bangladesh, as 50 percent of its total adult population are infected with germs of the disease.
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| | SQ Chy gets anticipatory bail
The High Court (HC) yesterday granted anticipatory bail to BNP lawmaker Salauddin Quader Chowdhury in a defamation case filed against him in Tangail.
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| | DU Statistics Dept Alumni Assoc formed
Prof M Ataharul Islam and Prof Md Farhad Hossain have been made chairman and vice chairman of the executive committee of Dhaka University Statistics Department Alumni Association (DUSDAA) in the first meeting of its trustee board recently, says a press release.
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| | Woman doc arrested in Chandpur
The police arrested a woman doctor from her residence at Professor Para in Chandpur town early yesterday in connection with a case filed following the death of a patient due to alleged wrong treatment.
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| | Four-day Durga Puja holiday demanded
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad yesterday demanded that the government declare a four-day holiday on the occasion of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community.
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| | SC stays bail of four accused
The Supreme Court yesterday stayed for four weeks a High Court order granting bail to four accused in Karwan Bazar triple murder case.
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| | US Embassy closed Sept 20 to 22
The American Embassy, including Consular Section and Public Affairs Section with Archer K Blood American Centre Library and Student Advising Centre, will remain closed from September 20 to 22 on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, says a press release.
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| | 1,494 more held
Police arrested 1,494 people on various charges in separate drives across the country in 24 hours as of 6:00am yesterday.
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| | Buet alumni AGM on Oct 9
The second annual general meeting (AGM) of Buet Alumni Association (BUETAA) will be held on October 9 at the central auditorium of the university.
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| National | Bogra Zia hospital needs care
Patients in Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital (SZMCH) in Bogra are deprived of proper treatment as the hospital has been suffering from shortage of manpower, accommodation problem and inadequate allocation for medicines since its opening in 2006.
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| | Pirates deadly, desperate
Pirates abducted 70 fishermen for ransom from different places of the Sundarbans in three days since Saturday last and 16 of them bought freedom yesterday morning, according to Trawler Owners' Association.
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| | 'Save Kabodak basin from waterlogging'
People in Tala and Kalaroa upazilas in Satkhira and Keshabpur and Manirampur upazilas in Jessore district put up barricade on Satkhira-Khulna highway and held a rally at Patkelghata yesterday demanding solution to the persisting waterlogging problem in the Kabodak basin.
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| | Risky Khulna dist jail packed with inmates
Declared unfit for use a decade ago, the two-storey dilapidated building of Khulna District Jail is still playing host to inmates, three times more than its usual capacity.
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| | Injured AL activist dies
An Awami League (AL) activist who was injured on Saturday in a clash between rival factions at village Upal Sohor in Baraigram upazila died yesterday. Ashraf Ali,32, son of Afsar Ali of village Upal Sohor was severely injured when a faction led by Nuru Daktar and the other by Mannan Member locked in a violent clash. At least 20 people received injury as rivals charged each other with lethal weapons. They were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) and Baraigram Upazila Health Complex. Of them, Ashraf Ali died at RMCH yesterday morning.
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| | Infant's body recovered
Police on Wednesday night recovered body of an infant from behind a clinic at Puraton Bazar in the town. Informed by locals, police went to the spot and recovered the body. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sadar police station Ahasanul Haque said, body of a newborn was found abandoned behind the town's Haque Clinic. Police yesterday sent it to Chapainawabganj Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.
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| | 320 mandops in Madaripur
Preparations are afoot to celebrate Durga Puja by the Hindu community in four upazilas of the district. In many mandops, the artistes have almost completed the images of the goddess. This year Durga puja will be celebrated in 320 mandops in four upazilas. Of them, 179 are in Rajoir upazila, 39 in Madaripur Sadar upazila, 56 in Shibchar and 46 in Kalkini. District administration and police are taking all preparations for peaceful holding of the puja in the district, sources said.
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| | Beheaded body recovered
Netrakona Sadar police yesterday recovered a beheaded body from Gobindapur village under Sadar upazila. It was later identified as Zahirul Islam,22, son of late Sabek Ali of village Bishnapur under Atpara upazila. Police and family sources said, Zahirul went out of house with his motorbike on Tuesday evening and did not return. Yesterday morning, villagers at Gobindapur village found his beheaded body at a paddy filed and informed it to police. A case was filed with Netrakona Sadar police station in this connection.
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| Letters | Baul Samrat
The Baul legend's departure has created a permanent vacuum in folk music.
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| | Industrial pollution
Although Bangladesh is primarily considered an agrarian economy, industry now makes a significant contribution to GDP of the country. There are industrial zones pivoting around principal urban centres of Bangladesh. Besides, various small and medium scale industries are scattered all over the country. A recent survey conducted by the DoE (Department of Environment) notes that more than 1200 industries discharge about 35,000 cubic meter wastes that lead to environmental degradation. In my view to save the environment from Industrial pollution, the government should ensure the following pollution control strategies
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| | Tipaimukh dam and other issues
While welcoming the bilateral agreement between the Indian Foreign Minster and our Foreign Minister at New Delhi recently, I feel that what we got on Tipaimukh is “an assurance” and not an agreement to the effect that India would not do anything “which would adversely impact Bangladesh” as reported in The Daily Star of 11 September '09 .
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| | Diverse Bangladeshi culture
Bangladesh has a culture that encompasses elements both old and new. The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, which Bangladesh shares with the Indian state of West Bengal. The earliest literary text in Bangla is the eighth century Charyapada. Bangla literature in the medieval age was often either religious (e.g. Chandidas), or adaptations from other languages (e.g. Alaol). Bangla literature matured in the nineteenth century. Its greatest icons were the poets Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Bangladesh also has a long tradition in folk literature, evidenced by Maimensingha Gitika, Thakurmar Jhuli or stories related to Gopal Bhar.
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| | Jamaat leader's son
Recently, Dr. Alauddin Ahmed, prime minister's advisor, issued a statement that Brig. Azmi, son of Jamaat leader Golam Azam, was sacked from the army on national security ground. This statement appears outrageous that after so many years of distinguished service and career, a person has to leave his service in this manner. Golam Azam should have faced war criminal charges long time ago. However, Golam Azam's misdeeds should not be the reason to inflict any unjust act on his son. Some people responsible for such inconsiderate and morally wrong acts should think again that they will not be in power forever. My request to these people is, please do the right thing. Do not victimise people for actions of their parents.
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| | Save small fish
Fishes which grow to size of 25cm or 9 inches in mature or adult stage in their life cycle are known as small indigenous species (SIS). About 144 small indigenous species are available in our country. But today most of the species are going to be extinct in our natural habitats. Due to indiscriminate exploitation of brood and baby fishes, reduced natural habitats, presence of irrigation projects, huge amount of silting, use of pesticides and pollution from industrial wastes, the fish population is dwindling.
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| | VGF card
"VGF bid at stake”, the news was published in The Daily Star on 6 September which drew my attention.
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| | Digital Bangladesh
The government declared that Bangladesh would become a digital country by 2021. If I clarify its meaning, it refers to the initiation of e-governance, e-commerce, e-business and e-fit system around the country. The important thing to implement “Digital Bangladesh” is the electricity. Unfortunately, electricity is not produced as per its demand. Electricity supplied from the national grid is very meagre in amount and load-shedding is a regular phenomenon. But our government is not showing any concern over this issue.
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| | Quacks at work
Quacks who dishonestly claim to have special knowledge and skill in medicine are found in the busy streets, railway stations and terminals, selling their medicine. They are, indeed, very popular among the illiterate people. By songs, convincing lectures or by any other tricks, they create a crowd of listeners in order to sell their so-called medicine. They say that they can cure all serious diseases which modern medical science cannot! Now they are distributing their leaflets to people, using microphones, and what not. The simple-minded people are often cheated by them. In the circumstances, the authorities concerned should take stern steps against all these quakes.
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| | Asian Highway
It is good news that the government of Bangladesh has decided to join the Asian highway. But the parliamentary committee's recommendations for accepting proposed routes AH1 (Benapole-Jessore-Bhanga-Dhaka-Kanchpur-Sylhet-Tamabil) or AH2 (Banglabanda-Hatikumrul-Tangail-Dhaka-Kanchpur-Sylhet-Tamabil) do not seem to reflect due considerations being given to our national interest. Though UNESCAP proposed these two routes as international, a closer look will reveal the regional nature of both these routes. The fact that both the routes start from and end in India after passing through Bangladesh is an added disadvantage for us.
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| | Unfair deals
The AL govt is striking unfair and unequal deals on petroleum and gas with foreign companies without much debate in JS regarding its pros and cons, also there is no debate in the media. If the govt is right, what are they afraid of? Why Anu Muhammad or other economists couldn't be seen in BTV and other channels with open debates before any contract with those US companies was signed ? What do they want to hide? This hiding tendency is not compatible with a democratic govt at all. As remitters we are concerned. We need to be convinced before sending further remittance to Bangladesh.
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| | Corrupt railwaymen
Last July I went to Dinajpur for official work. On the way to Dinajpur by Ekota Inter City train what I saw was beyond expectation. When the train reached Parbotipur station, a good number of passengers got into it. Eventually, I was over there(that compartment). They did not take ticket from the counter. Some time after the train left the station, the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) came to the compartment and collected money from the passengers who had boarded the train from Parbotipur station without ticket. I stared at his radiant face for a while. When he understood that I kept my eyes on him, he left the compartment without delay. Probably this is the normal practice.
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| | Hartal
It is very disappointing that people did not respond to the call of hartal by the national committee to protect gas, oil, mineral resources and power in Dhaka city on September 14, 2009.
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| | Sufferings of students
This year, the honourable education board members decided to make some changes in our education system. As a result, now all the students of class six to nine are taking lessons in the creative system. This system is supported by most people. But this is not all. The main thing is that this system is totally new to the students. As I am a student of class eight, I have seen the sufferings of students closely. Everybody thought that it would bring good to us. But the reality is that the system is not proper for us.
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| | Who is a leader?
It is not the one who leads in politics, nor on the battlefield, nor in say business activities. A leader is undoubtedly the one who gives moral leadership to the nation by his/her thoughts and actions.
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| | Volleying back....
Readers' instant comments on The Daily Star Online reports. Log on to thedailystar.net to leave your comments.
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| International | Obama scraps missile shield plan for Europe
President Barack Obama has decided to scrap plans for a US missile defence shield in the Czech Republic and Poland that had deeply angered Russia, the Czech prime minister confirmed yesterday.
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| | Qaeda commanders killed in US strikes in Pakistan
Pakistani officials say al-Qaeda's operations chief in Pakistan and an Uzbek operative are believed to have been killed in American missile strikes in the northwest of the country earlier this month.
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| | Suicide attack kills 6 Italian soldiers, 10 Afghans
A suicide car bomber attacked an Italian military convoy on a road in Afghanistan's capital yesterday, killing six Italian soldiers and 10 Afghan civilians, officials said.
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| | No 'immediate' decision on more Afghan troops
President Barack Obama warned on Wednesday he would make no "immediate" decision on troops for Afghanistan, a day after the top US military officer said extra US soldiers would probably be needed.
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| | US lawmakers call for new Iran sanctions
The United States must move now to impose tough new sanctions on Iran's energy sector, and not wait until the outcome of October 1 talks on Tehran's nuclear programmes, US lawmakers warned Wednesday.
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| | 9 Somalia peacekeepers killed in attack on base
Two powerful explosions ripped through the headquarters of African Union peacekeepers in Somalia Thursday, killing nine soldiers including the Burundian deputy commander in a twin suicide attack by Islamist rebels.
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| | US military closes largest detention camp in Iraq
The US military on Wednes-day closed Camp Bucca, an isolated desert prison that was once its largest lockup in Iraq, as it moves to release thousands of detainees or transfer them to Iraqi custody before the end of the year.
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| | US troops gun down Fallujah 'shoe-thrower'
An Iraqi man who witnesses said shouted abuse before throwing a shoe at a US army vehicle was shot dead on Wednesday in what the American military said was a suspected grenade attack.
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| | Pakistan to help India in trial of Mumbai attackers, says Zardari
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated that Islamabad is ready to cooperate with New Delhi to bring the Mumbai attack perpetrators to justice.
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| | UN voices concerns over delays in resettling Lankan refugees
A top UN official toured camps holding thousands of war-displaced civilians in northern Sri Lanka on Thursday, amid concerns over delays in resettling the refugees.
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| | Nepali Maoists call for new national flag
Maoist lawmakers in Nepal have demanded the national flag be changed to reflect the country's new status as the world's youngest republic, a party spokesman said yesterday.
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| | Pak FM plays down meet with Indian counterpart
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Wednesday played down prospects of Islamabad improving ties with New Delhi when he meets his Indian counterpart in New York this month.
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| | 10 hurt in firebomb attack on school
A 19-year-old went on the rampage in his school in Germany on Thursday, lobbing Molotov cocktails and injuring 10 people, three seriously, before being overpowered by police, authorities said.
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| | Six killed in Thai south violence
Suspected Islamist militants shot dead five people in Thailand's troubled Muslim-majority south, while an insurgent died in a gunbattle with police, officials said Thursday.
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| | West Bank sealed off for Jewish New Year
Israel will seal off the occupied West Bank for four days beginning at midnight on Thursday ahead of Jewish New Year celebrations, a military spokesman said.
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| Arts & Entertainment | Eid in days gone by
Monirul Islam is one of the most recognised Bangladeshi painters/ printmakers. His works delineate romanticism, spiritualism and mysticism. He has been living in Madrid since 1969. Eid, he believed before moving to Madrid, was the only special festival for the masses.
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| | Mymensingh artisans upbeat about prospects at Puja
Idol-makers here are elated, as the number of puja mandap has increased, raising their income over previous years. A total of 487 mandap were erected last year and this year the number has crossed 500, according to sources.
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| | Bangla Academy honours Shah Abdul Karim
To pay homage to the recently deceased 'Baul Samrat' Shah Abdul Karim, Bangla Academy arranged a memorial programme at its Seminar Room on September 16, according to a press release. Noted personalities spoke on the life and works of Abdul Karim at the programme.
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| | Kushum-er Chhobi: A depiction of rural life
Written by Imdadul Haq Milan and directed by Shamsuddin Khan Hiru, "Kushum-er Chhobi" is a serious drama that intertwines around and portrays the village life. The play stars Abul Hayat, Shirin Bokul, Zakia Bari Mamo, Arman Parvez Murad, Shubhechcha Haq Lekha and others.
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| | Fantasy Kingdom introducing Go-karts in Bangladesh
To provide the chance to experience riding international standard go-karts, Concord Entertainment Co. Ltd, is introducing world-class go-karts at its theme park Fantasy Kingdom, says a press release. These are true racing karts, which are used at seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher's go-kart institute to train the racers. There is a visitors' gallery at the park, from where one can enjoy the go-kart racing. The park provides different types of membership cards, like Platinum, Gold and Silver. The ride can go from 8 minutes (minimum) to 30 minutes (maximum) and racers can enjoy every moment of around 400 meters of track.
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| Point Counterpoint | Making our voices heard
THE Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN), a global network of non-resident Bangladeshis, together with Bangladesh Society, New York and other Bangladeshi organisations and their international friends are gathering together near the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on the morning of September 18 for a rally on Bangladesh. This rally, with the slogan "Stop Climate Change! Save Bangladesh!" will be held between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Ralph Bunche Park, at First Avenue, between 42nd and 44th Street, across from the main UN Secretariat Building.
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| | Musharraf is not facing trial
FORMER Pakistan strongman General (retd) Pervez Musharraf is unlikely to face the much- vaunted trial for violating the constitution as important foreign powers are learnt to have thrown their weight behind the former president and against his trial. Musharraf, now abroad, can relax since there has been a visible slackening in the demand for his trial, which is spearheaded by the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz).
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| StarTech | First-aid could salvage your hardware
Whenever there is an accident, you always resort to preliminary first-aid before calling on the doctor. This is the rule of thumb. But what do you do when your computer, iPod, cellphone or digital camera suffers an accident? Even in such circumstances, first-aid always goes a long way. Spilt coffee on your laptop? Accidentally dropped your cellphone in water? Reacting quickly could save your hardware and data.
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| | Google hopes readers will ‘flip' over new format
Google Inc. is testing a new format that is supposed to make reading online stories as easy as flipping through a magazine, a shift that eventually could feed more advertising sales to revenue-starved publishers.
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| | Facebook passes key milestone
Facebook Inc. said Tuesday it achieved an important financial milestone, bringing in more money than it spent in the last quarter. The social networking site previously had said it didn't expect to achieve that goal until next year even though the company already has been valued in the billions.
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| | Website on disaster friendly water, sanitation technologies
Formal launching of publication and website (www.watsanbd.info) on Disaster Friendly Water and Sanitation technologies, was held under joint aegis of Concern Universal-Bangladesh (CUB) and Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) in the city's Dhanmondi auditorium of Dhaka Ahsania Mission on September 12.
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| | Botmania
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