News Of BD

Move underway to give BTV autonomy

2008-06-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

The government has taken an initiative to amend the Bangladesh Television Authority Act, 2001 in a move to give the organisation autonomy. More...

Octane now Tk 90, diesel Tk 55

2008-06-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

The caretaker government increased prices of petroleum products for the second time during its tenure yesterday, 15 months into the last hike.

Colombo Saarc Summit to focus on connectivity, food

2008-06-30T02:34:00.000-07:00

The upcoming 15th Saarc Summit in Colombo would focus on greater connectivity, food security and meeting growing demand for energy in the member countries, visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday said.

Local Govt Polls

2008-06-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

EC to see if partisan hoopla is illegal
The Election Commission (EC) will look into whether the ongoing flurry of activities of Awami League (AL), BNP and other political parties centring the August 4 polls to four city corporations and nine municipalities violate the new electoral law.

Superb SSC Results

2008-06-30T02:31:00.000-07:00

Rural, urban gap in education widens
The record-breaking SSC results demonstrate the widening gap between urban and rural education standard as most urban schools put on outstanding performance, while the bulk of failure goes to rural institutions.

Spain triumph at Euro 2008 final

2008-06-30T02:29:00.000-07:00

Spain finally ended their 44-year wait for a trophy when Fernando Torres's exquisite first-half goal gave them a deserved 1-0 victory over Germany in a fast and furious Euro 2008 final on Sunday. More...

Spirited Tigers wait for Sri Lanka

2008-06-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

Taking heart from Saturday's better batting display against India, Bangladesh look forward to another spirited game against Sri Lanka in their second Super Fours match of the Asia Cup in Karachi on Monday. More...

Shootout with Rab leaves 2 more PBCP men dead

2008-06-30T02:27:00.000-07:00

Two more PBCP men were killed in an exchange of gunfire with Rapid Action Batallion members in Pabna early Monday, a RAB officer said. More...

Gatco charge framing begins

2008-06-30T02:25:00.000-07:00

Public prosecutor Mosharraf Hossain Kajol read out 22 allegations in a Dhaka court Monday, against former prime minister Khaleda Zia, her son Arafat Rahman Coco and others, as charge framing formally began in the Gatco graft case. More...

Govt raises tax-free income bar

2008-06-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

The cabinet Sunday decided to lift the tax-free income ceiling to Tk 165,000 from Tk 150,000, a government spokesman said. More...

BNP, allies look to release of leaders for local polls

2008-06-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

The BNP-headed four-party alliance will see what happens to its key leaders including former prime minister Khaleda Zia before deciding on participation in local government elections, BNP leader Khandaker Delwar Hossain has said. More...

10 civil servants promoted to secretary

2008-06-29T19:43:00.002-07:00

10 civil servants promoted to secretary The government has promoted 10 civil servants to the rank of secretary, according to a circular of the establishment ministry. Updated More...

AL to join hands with allies over local polls

2008-06-29T19:43:00.001-07:00

The Awami League will take part in the local government polls under the banner of a citizen committee, which promises to bring together the 14-party alliance, pro-Liberation groups and civil society, a leader said Sunday. More...

Spain triumphs at Euro 2008 final

2008-06-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

Bill Gates of Microsoft retires

2008-06-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

It is almost unthinkable that any one human could pick up where Bill Gates leaves off when he ends his full-time tenure Friday as Microsoft's leader. But as Gates bones up on epidemiology at his charitable foundation,(The New Nation) • FULL STORY

Foreign Advisor, Army Chief condole Manekshaw's death

2008-06-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

AFP, New Delhi-Former Indian Army chief Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who was the Chief of the Bangladesh-India Joint Force during the War of Liberation in 1971, died at the age of 94, officials said on Friday.He led his country to victory against Pakistan in 1971 resulting in the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent state after a nine-month bloody war. • FULL STORY

Lessons from the Polashi Tragedy

2008-06-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

June 23 marks an inglorious day in the history of Bangladesh, since on this day, in 1757, Bengal lost its independence to the forces of the English East India Company led by Robert Clive in an infamous skirmish (battle) at Polashi (Plassey), a small village and mango grove between Kolkata and Murshidabad, on the bank of the river Bhagirathi. The battle of Polashi was only a skirmish, not a big battle, but it had far reaching historical and strategic implications not only for the people of Bengal and India but also for the onward mach of the British colonial Empire in South Asia and other parts of the world. • FULL STORY

Allegations of Muslim Terrorism

2008-06-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

These days Islam is equated with terrorism. There is little doubt that this mendacious campaign against Islam has gotten a tremendous boost after 9/11. Who can also forget the images of the "suicide bombers" in the Occupied Palestine? Then there were the bombings in Bali and Madrid, and hostage crises in Moscow and Beslan, the London Underground bombings and the car bombing in front of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad - enough to sideline root cause analysis in favor of dealing with symptoms. • FULL STORY

Local govt polls as per roadmap

2008-06-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

The schedule of the national polls will be announced at the end of October, Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday said. "The parliamentary election will be held in the third week of December and the nation will get a new democratic(The New Nation) • FULL STORY

RMG workers victims of deprivation, harassment

2008-06-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

We can't see the light of the day as we have to prepare ourselves for going to our workplace before sunrise. We work from morning till late night but we have to starve sometimes as we are not getting our salaries in due time or properly.(The Bangladesh Today) • FULL STORY

Fear eviction from employer’s camp

2008-06-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

Around 700 Bangladeshi workers who have been denied salaries for the last six months are passing days in inhuman conditions with shortage of food and amid fears of being evicted from the camp of their employer at Hasawi in Kuwait.

AL, others mourn Manekshaw

2008-06-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Awami League and some social organisations Saturday condoled the death of India's former army chief Sam Manekshaw, one of the war heroes who helped create Bangladesh in 1971. More...

Boy or girl? India's hermaphrodites slowly fit in

2008-06-28T09:49:00.001-07:00

Boy or girl? India's hermaphrodites slowly fit in Born with both male and female genitalia, a life of uncertainty seemed to await Ali and his family, but changing attitudes means hermaphrodites once-scorned in India are finding their place. More...

Quarishi asks party workers to elect 1/11 backers

2008-06-28T09:48:00.001-07:00

Progressive Democratic Party chief Ferdous Ahmad Quarishi Saturday asked party workers to elect "honest people" from those who had supported the 1/11 changeover. More...

Pakistan says gas project offers peace hope

2008-06-28T09:46:00.001-07:00

Pakistan's foreign minister on Friday touted a cross-border deal bringing gas from Iran to India as a "pipeline of peace". More...

Pakistan says gas project offers peace hope

2008-06-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

Pakistan's foreign minister on Friday touted a cross-border deal bringing gas from Iran to India as a "pipeline of peace". More...

CA defends local polls plan

2008-06-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed Saturday defended the Election Commission's schedule to hold local government polls ahead of the year-end national elections. More...

Back from 'crossfire'

2008-06-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Photo: Mustafiz Mamun
Blindfolded, Mohammad Babul, 30, was driven away by the RAB in a microbus from Kaliganj on the other side of the Buriganga. After some time, the black cloth was taken off. Babul recounts his ordeal of surviving with twin bullet wounds to bdnews24.com's Abu Noman Sajib and Golam Mortuja Antu. More...

Khaleda Against Local Body Polls First

2008-06-26T23:02:00.001-07:00

Govt wants to take country back to pre-Jan 11 situation
Detained BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday said the government wants to take the country back to the pre-January 11 situations by holding the local body elections before the parliamentary polls ignoring opinions of all political parties.

City Corporation, Municipality Polls

2008-06-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

Most AL leaders for joining race if emergency goes
Party requests govt to refix nomination submission date
Most Awami League (AL) decision-makers yesterday said the party should participate in the upcoming city corporation and municipality elections slated for August 4 only if the government lifts the state of emergency completely ahead of the polls.

Water Projects

2008-06-26T22:59:00.000-07:00

Govt officials blamed for 84pc corruption
Government officials were responsible for 84.8 percent corruption in the country's water sector while powerful individuals including politicians and contractors were behind the rest, says the Global Corruption Report 2008 by Transparency International (TI).

SSC Exams Results

2008-06-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

SSC Exams ResultsAnother record-breaking year
The results of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations 2008 published yesterday broke all previous records with a 70.41 percent pass rate and 41,917 students achieving GPA-5.

Militant leaders killed in crossfire

2008-06-26T22:51:00.000-07:00

Two militant leaders, one of them the brother of the late 'Tapan Dada', were killed in a shootout during a RAB raid in Kushtia, a Rapid Action Battalion official said Friday. More...

Hasina's ear worse off aide

2008-06-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's ear is in a worse condition than thought to be, said her special assistant, now in Canada, Thursday. The hearing aid implanted in her right ear was removed after it became inoperative, Hasina's aide Hasan Mahmud told bdnews24.com by phone from Toronto. More.

All eyes on final showdown for Germany, Spain

2008-06-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

Germany and Spain will be busy drawing up battle plans on Friday as they prepare for this weekend's meeting in the 2008 European Championship final. More...

Rivals clash as Pakistan holds by-elections

2008-06-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Rival political activists clashed in Pakistan on Thursday as by-elections were held for five National Assembly seats and 25 provincial assembly seats and several people were wounded, police said. More...

TI links water corruption to politicians

2008-06-26T09:42:00.001-07:00

Transparency International in a report published Thursday blamed corruption in Bangladesh's water sector partly on politicians. More...

Food prices will start coming down adviser

2008-06-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Commerce adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman said Thursday that prices of essentials will start coming down, after a high-level meeting on monitoring the price of essentials. More...

BNP will cooperate if national polls held first: Khaleda

2008-06-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

Detained former prime minister and BNP chief Khaleda Zia said Thursday that her party would show "all cooperation" to the caretaker government if it worked towards holding parliamentary elections ahead of all other polls. More...

Hasina's ear worse off aide

2008-06-26T09:38:00.001-07:00

2008-06-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

Boys finish ahead of girls in SSC

2008-06-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Boys scored an overall success lead over girls in SSC exams for 2008, according to results announced Thursday. Full Story More...

Over 200 graft cases against bigwigs challenged in HC

2008-06-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

Over 200 cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and National Board of Revenue (NBR) against some high-profile politicians and businessmen have been challenged in the High Court (HC).

Whopping success for EC

2008-06-25T23:34:00.001-07:00

8 crore voters already registered, electronic database ready
The Election Commission (EC) yesterday achieved its target of registering eight crore voters with their photographs taken, within the deadline stipulated by the electoral roadmap, putting to rest all skepticism about the project's success.

Bangladesh go down against Sri Lanka

2008-06-25T23:32:00.001-07:00

Bangladesh suffered a massive 131-run defeat to Sri Lanka in Group A match of Asia Cup at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium Wednesday. More...

Kremlin's new man strikes a different pose

2008-06-25T23:31:00.001-07:00

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev played down differences with his predecessor Vladimir Putin in an interview with Reuters but the contrast in style and tone between the two men was striking. More...

Addicts spend Tk 46 crore a day on drugs DNC

2008-06-25T23:30:00.001-07:00

The Department of Narcotics Control said Wednesday that about 100,000 people, of whom 30 percent are women and children, are involved in the illegal drugs trade with Dhaka being the largest market. More...

Nasim may get parole: officials

2008-06-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim is expected to get parole in a couple of days for better medical treatment abroad, according to party colleagues and home ministry officials. More...

Tsvangirai gives Mugabe 24-hour deadline

2008-06-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai issued a 24-hour deadline to President Robert Mugabe on Thursday to negotiate or face being shunned as an illegitimate leader responsible for the killing of civilians. More...

Bangladesh invite Sri Lanka to bat

2008-06-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful invited Sri Lanka to bat first after winning the toss in Group A encounter of the Asia Cup at Gaddafi Stadium Wednesday. More...

Matin clarifies NCC statement

2008-06-25T03:54:00.000-07:00

Home adviser MA Matin on Wednesday clarified a statement on the National Coordination Committee that he made the previous day. The NCC that works to check serious crimes has no legal validity of taking up new cases, Matin, the committee's chairman, said in Tuesday's statement which created some confusion. More...

Nasim's family applies for compassionate bail

2008-06-25T03:53:00.000-07:00

The family of detained Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim, who was hospitalised Tuesday after a stroke, have applied to the government to release him on bail to seek treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. More...

Tarique's exemption hearing lags behind brother's

2008-06-25T03:52:00.001-07:00

A special trial court, which exempted Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Coco from personal appearance in court Wednesday, has yet to decide on the same for his elder brother Tarique Rahman. More...

Orion chairman Obaidul Karim jailed

2008-06-25T03:49:00.000-07:00

A special court Wednesday sentenced Orion Group chairman Obaidul Karim to 13 years in prison in a graft case, filed by the Anticorruption Commission. More...

Approval Is Near for Bill to Help U.S. Homeowners

2008-06-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

Congress is poised to pass a huge package of housing legislation, including a refinancing plan aimed at rescuing homeowners in danger of foreclosure.

No deals made: Quarishi quotes Fakhruddin

2008-06-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

The government has not engaged in any clandestine meeting with any political party or attempted any special deal, chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed was quoted as saying Tuesday in the government's political dialogue with the Progressive Democratic Party. More...

BNP faces no discord: Khaleda

2008-06-24T22:58:00.001-07:00

Detained BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia denied Tuesday that there was any division in her party, at the same time thanking BNP leaders and supporters for remaining united during hard times. More...

Niko hearing deferred again till July 7

2008-06-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

A Dhaka court Wednesday again shifted the charge framing proceedings in the Niko graft case filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and others to July 7. More...

Latin America leaders reject US drug war

2008-06-24T22:51:00.000-07:00

From Argentina to Nicaragua, Latin Americans have elected leftist leaders over the last decade who are challenging Washington's aggressive war on drugs in the world's top cocaine-producing region. More

Absences threaten Turkey’s dreams against Germany

2008-06-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Turkey’s bid to beat Germany and reach the final of Euro 2008 is in danger of being wrecked by injuries and suspensions. The Turkish team which faces Germany in the semi-final at St Jakob Park today will be very different from the one that beat Croatia on penalties in Friday’s quarter-final in Vienna...[ + ]

DMP to introduce river patrol to ensure security of dwellers

2008-06-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police will introduce a river patrol in low-lying areas around the city during the rainy season to ensure security of the inhabitants. ‘We will introduce a river patrol in low-lying areas around the city during the rainy season to curb piracy,’ the DMP chief Naim Ahmed said on Tuesday after attending the monthly law and order meeting at the Rajarbagh Police Line Auditorium...[ + ]

Political transition must be smooth to save economy

2008-06-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Says WB vice president
The World Bank (WB) yesterday said Bangladesh's economy would be affected unless a smooth political transition takes place through election, but it would continue to support the country's development agendas.

'Criminals' back on scene with hope of running in polls

2008-06-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Many grassroots level political leaders of major parties including incumbent ward commissioners, who were allegedly involved in criminal activities, are preparing to contest in the August 4 polls to four city corporations.

Govt mulls tax-free CSR spending

2008-06-24T12:22:00.001-07:00

The finance adviser, Mirza Azizul Islam, Tuesday said the government is considering tax exemption on a part of corporate incomes to be spent in discharging corporate social responsibility. ‘The matter was not included in the budget, but there is scope of taking a decision in this regard beyond the budget,’ he told reporters, following a Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited function at Hotel Purbani...[ + ]

Govt puts off NCB divestment

2008-06-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

The government will not take up any fresh initiative to sell out Rupali Bank or privatise three other state owned Sonali, Janata or Agrani bank during the remaining period of its office, according to a decision of the finance ministry...[ + ]

Ashraful, Roqibul set up

2008-06-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Mohammad Ashraful adopted a cautious approach to make the second century of his career as Bangladesh cruised to a comfortable 96-run win over UAE during their Asia Cup opener in Lahore on Tuesday. He was supported by Roqibul Hasan, who made his second-successive 80-plus knock as the duo put on 141 off 122 balls...[ + ]

Nasim suffers hemeoperesis

2008-06-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Former home minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim, serving a 13-year jail term in a graft case, was admitted to LabAid hospital Tuesday as doctors after primary diagnosis said he was suffering from brain haemorrhage...[ + ]

Local polls planned to place chosen people

2008-06-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

The detained Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia has said the incumbents, though they do not have any constitutional mandate to conduct local polls, are out to do so, and that too under emergency, only to install people of their choice in public offices[ + ]

Divers found bodies floating

2008-06-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

Divers found bodies floating inside a ferry that sank in the central Philippines with over 800 people on board, a navy spokesman said on Tuesday, confirming grim fears. More...

Safiuddin discovers limitless beauty in lines

2008-06-24T00:14:00.000-07:00

The one-man show by outstanding, reclusive artist Safiuddin Ahmed opened Monday at the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, packed with art lovers. More...

Kashmir police clash with protesters over Hindu land

2008-06-24T00:12:00.000-07:00

Police in Srinagar fired tear gas and used batons on Monday to disperse hundreds of Muslim demonstrators protesting against a government decision to transfer forest land to a Hindu shrine trust. More...

President being treated for viral fever

2008-06-24T00:10:00.000-07:00

President Iajuddin Ahmed is recovering, after he was placed under intensive care at Dhaka Combined Military Hospital Monday night suffering from a viral fever, officials said Tuesday. More...

Gatco hearing adjourned to June 30

2008-06-24T00:09:00.000-07:00

A Dhaka court Tuesday adjourned charge framing against former prime minister Khaleda Zia, her son Arafat Rahman Coco, and others in the Gatco graft case, to June 30. More...

India to decide: nuclear deal or early polls?

2008-06-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

India's government and its communist allies meet on Wednesday over a civilian nuclear deal with the United States, in talks that could decide if the controversial energy pact or the ruling coalition

Mugabe's rival Tsvangirai pulls out of election

2008-06-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Mugabe's rival Tsvangirai pulls out of election Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of a run-off election against President Robert Mugabe on Sunday, saying a free and fair poll was impossible in the current climate of violence. More...

Moudud wins SC order in writ appeal

2008-06-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Former BNP minister Moudud Ahmed Sunday won a Supreme Court order after he challenged a previous High Court ruling that cancelled a writ petition in a graft case filed by the Anticorruption Commission. Chamber judge Tafazzal Islam of the Appellate Division put freezes on the HC order for two weeks. More...

22 CIPs

2008-06-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

named The government Sunday named 22 Commercially Important Persons (CIPs) for 2008 but was forced to drop as many for their failure to pay taxes or repay debts. The list included special assistant to the chief adviser for industries Mahbub Jamil, who himself handed CIP cards to the 22, at a low-key ceremony where the ubiquitous TV crew was not present. bdnews24.com's Reazul Bashar reports.

law enforcers

2008-06-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

All law enforcers for local polls get power of arrest Law enforcers on duty for local government polls, in addition to the police, will have powers to arrest violators of election rules without a warrant. According to a set of new rules, the Election Commission will have powers to cancel candidacy and punish the "guilty" summarily by entrusting first-class magisterial authority to a relevant person. More...

Matin sees no fresh anticorruption drive

2008-06-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Matin sees no fresh anticorruption drive Home adviser MA Matin has said the government will not launch any fresh anticorruption drive but will prioritise action against some suspects on the list. The retired major general, who also heads the National Coordination Committee for Checking Serious Crimes, told reporters in his office Sunday that the latest meeting of the NCC discussed 222 allegations against as many people. More...

Govt reverses land recovery plan

2008-06-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

The cabinet on Sunday approved a proposal to limit the government's responsibility to recovering only public lands from illegal occupation, a spokesman said. The government will not take any initiative on its own to recover private or individually-owned plots from grabbers, the chief adviser's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

The missing 1971 documents

2008-06-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

THE news that historical documents like the hand-written proclamation of our independence on April 10, 1971 and the formation of Mujibnagar government, a week later, have gone missing from government custody has left us dumbfounded. The cabinet division where the priceless historical papers were stored owes an explanation to the nation as to how the documents, that were testimony to the glorious war of liberation, could be lost. Besides, pertinently, why were these not handed over to the national archives for preservation in the first place?

It is more than an issue of preserving some inanimate objects; it is a question of how we view the papers that actually shaped our political destiny during the most crucial phase of our collective struggle and existence back in 1971. If these sacred documents could be lost due to sheer negligence and callousness, we as a nation will be hard pressed to prove our sincerity and honesty while reminiscing about and taking pride in the liberation war and the supreme sacrifices that went into the making of history in 1971.

Now, the cabinet division officials have expressed their ignorance about the matter. They discovered the mysterious disappearance of the original copies of the proclamation of independence and some momentous events of 1971 while handing over the documents to the National Archives on April 2 this year. Evidently, only the photocopies were handed over. It seems the officials do not know exactly when the documents went missing, which makes it amply clear that there was no periodic checking, which was necessary to protect the documents.

Retired government officials, who were in the cabinet division immediately after the country became independent, have stated that the possibility of foul play could not be ruled out. The documents might have been stolen or destroyed by those who were never comfortable with the emergence of an independent Bangladesh or the elements who wanted to cut us off from history.

Clearly, the issue is sensitive enough to warrant a thorough investigation by the government and making the public fully aware of the outcome of the probe, including the circumstances leading to the disappearance of the papers. More importantly, determined efforts must be made to recover the documents and the culprits responsible for the papers' disappearance have to be brought to justice.

Per capita income closer to respectability

2008-06-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

WITHIN a matter of four years, our per capita income of US$ 440 has increased to US$ 599. Over the last fiscal year alone, the income has risen from US$ 523 to US$ 599, only US$ 151short of reaching the magic figure of US$ 750 which will elevate us to middle income country status. The latest spurt of increase in Gross National Income (GNI) has been attained in spite of the substantive sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, construction and service sectors registering a fall in growth from one to three percentage points. Had the political unrest, corrosive corruption, floods, cyclone Sidr and the inhibitive costs of production not intervened, the per capita income by now would have reached a much respectable figure.So, where does the rise in per capita income come from? This is attributed to high growth in remittance from Bangladeshi wage earners abroad. Much that we benefit in ranking from the money soaked in the sweat of the brow of the Bangladeshi expatriates, it basically brings up the downside of the poor performance of our mainstream national economy. Let's not forget, manpower export is a fluctuating sector with its ups and downs depending on the employability and caprice in the host economies. Therefore, alongside consolidating present positions in conventional manpower markets and breaking new grounds for exporting it, we must strive to derive our principal strength from developing the real sectors of our economy.While acknowledging the contributions of the Bangladeshi wage earners abroad to our economy we badly need to introspect in the same breath as to how fair minded have we been in our treatment of the goose that lays the golden egg. When they air their grievances at their work places abroad how responsive our diplomatic missions have been to their plight? They are often harshly treated at the airport for no good reason whereas they should have been greeted with open arms.A belief gets stronger by the day looking around the tangible contributions made by expatriate communities to the economies of their home countries, that we are lagging behind in tapping the full potential of the NRBs. Successive governments have only paid lip service to the vision and agenda nurtured by serious economists for a rapid growth of the NRBs' highly prospective role in the national economy.
One of several CNG filling stations between Kanchpur Bridge and Jatrabari of the capital which BNP big shots built on the Kutubkhali canal, drastically reducing Dhaka's drainage capability.

Cricket KP given license

2008-06-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

Kevin Pietersen will be allowed to carry on playing his extraordinary 'reverse slog-sweep' or 'switch-hit' after Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), cricket's rule-makers, announced they would not be outlawing the shot."MCC believes that the 'switch-hit' stroke is exciting for the game of cricket," said a statement issued by MCC following a meeting at it's Lord's headquarters in London on Tuesday."Indeed, the stroke conforms to the Laws of Cricket and will not be legislated against."Pietersen, who effectively became a left rather than right-handed batsman when using the shot to twice hit New Zealand medium-pacer Scott Styris for six during an unbeaten century in England's opening one-day international win at the Riverside on Sunday, welcomed the ruling."I am very pleased by the MCC's decision and I think it's the right one not just for me or England but the game as a whole," Pietersen, training at Edgbaston where the second one-day international of a five-match series takes place on Wednesday, said in an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement."It's important that we as players are innovative and if this shot helps make cricket more exciting and entertaining for spectators then that has to be good for the sport."Styris, the man on the receiving end, also had no problems with Pietersen's shot-making."Sometimes you've just got to take your hat off and say 'well-played'," he said ahead of New Zealand's training session at Edgbaston. "We all admire good cricket and I think that's exactly what it was."Some critics branded Pietersen's shot 'unfair' because bowlers, unlike batsmen, have to inform the umpire with which hand they will be delivering the ball and from which side of the wicket or risk being penalised."I don't agree with the argument that it is unfair on the bowlers," Pietersen said."It's an extremely high risk shot and there will be plenty of bowlers out there who will think it gives them a great opportunity to get me out," added Pietersen, whose reverse sixes were the highlights of an innings of 110 not out, which propelled England to a 114-run victory.And Styris said: "The shot came off for him because he was well set, so if it keeps coming off for him, great, but if it doesn't and we get a wicket we'll be happy."Meanwhile Graeme Swann, an England teammate of Pietersen's, was still trying to come to terms with the nerve of the South Africa-born batsman."The sheer audacity of Kev is what I liked most about it, it was laughable," said the off-spinner. "The fact he pulled it off was just pure KP."I'm sure there will be other people trying it but I'm willing to bet my bottom dollar that there's no-one else in the world who can do it like Kev did on Sunday."Swann added: "I practised it today (Tuesday) but mine didn't go quite as far as Kev's."I ended up hitting the floor, tripping over and pirouetting on a length."MCC played down suggestions of unfairness in the 'switch-hit' by saying that "while bowlers must inform umpires and batsmen of their mode of delivery, they do not provide a warning of the type of delivery that they will bowl (for example, an off-cutter or a slower ball)."However, MCC accepted that consequences remained for both the interpretation of the lbw and wide rules by a batsman attempting a 'switch-hit', saying that they would "continue to research and discuss these implications".

Tune and Rhythm of Bangladesh

2008-06-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

Leading musicians of the country performed at a unique instrumental programme titled "Tune and Rhythm of Bangladesh" at the Music and Dance Centre, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on June 17. Tunes and rhythms of traditional instruments including bansi, esraj, dotara, dhol, dhak, tabla, mandira and khol impressed a houseful audience.The event began with a presentation of indigenous rhythm instruments, directed by Syed Meher Hossain. Seventeen musicians played familiar as well as rarely used rhythm instruments such as tabla, dhak, dhol, mandira, khol, mridanga, tikara-nikara, kolshi, pakhwaj, dunduvi, kansha, dhonghur and ektara. The improvisations on rhythm by the musicians was a rare moment for the audience, many of whom were not aware that there are talented musicians who still play the diverse instruments of Bangladesh.A solo bansi presentation by flutist Moniruzzaman followed. Based on Tagore's Ekhono tarey chokhe dekhini shudhu bansi shunechhi, Monir's presentation delineated the eternal love between Radha and Krishna. Initially he improvised on raaga Bhairavi. At the peak of the presentation the flutist improvised on raaga Bhatia.A.F.M. Ekram Hossain played a dhun on esraj. The melancholy tune of the instrument induced the effect of loneliness in the midst of the crowded venue.The programme ended with a dotara presentation directed by Nirmal Kumar Das. Eleven musicians improvised on folk tunes with dotaras, the key instrument in traditional folk music.Earlier everyone appreciated the initiative taken by the Department of Production of BSA. Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Forest, A.H.M. Rezaul Kabir was the chief guest and Professor Mridul Kanti Chakraborti was the special guest at the programme. The discussion was presided over by Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam, director general of BSA. Director, Department of Production, Bikash Kishore Das delivered the welcome speech.

8 killed in road accidents

2008-06-18T22:30:00.001-07:00

Eight people were killed and 37 others injured in separate road accidents across the country in the last two days. Our correspondent in Pabna reports: Four people were killed and 20 others injured in a road accident on Dhaka-Pabna highway at Ganghati at Ataikula in the district yesterday.The accident took place at about 5:30pm when a Pabna-bound passenger bus lost control and fell into a roadside ditch. Three of the victims were identified as Shahjahan Ali, 40, Kazi Nazrul Islam Khokon, 45, and Fauzia Khatun, 35, while the identity of the children that died on its way to the hospital could not be known. UNB adds: A man was killed and four others were injured when a jeep hit a roadside tree in Hatia on Jahazmara-Nalchira road yesterday morning. The victim was identified as Salahuddin, 30, the driver of the jeep.The injured were admitted to a local clinic.Our correspondent in Gaibandha adds: A cyclist was killed and three others were injured in a road accident at Kadamtali on Sundarganj-Gaibandha highway yesterday.The accident occurred when a speeding bus from Sundarganj hit the cycle.One Aminul Islam, 26, was crushed under the wheels of a speeding passenger bus while his fellow rider Nurun Nabi was injured.Two other pedestrians were also injured as the bus hit them while trying to flee.The injured were rushed to Gaibandha Modernised Hospital.Our correspondent in Jhenidah adds: Two people were killed and 10 others injured in a road accident at Baidanga in Jhenidah Sadar on Tuesday night.The victims were identified as Nazir Hossain, 30, and Shamsul Huda, 28. The accident occurred at about 8:30pm when a Chittagong-bound bus hit a human hauler (Nosimon).

Another Lged Sham

2008-06-18T22:28:00.001-07:00

Another Lged ShamBridge built without approach road
Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is constructing a bridge on the Shibu River at Tanore upazila, Rajshahi at a cost of about Tk 4 crore without building any approach road on either side.

City Corporation Polls

2008-06-18T22:27:00.001-07:00

City Corporation PollsEPR to be relaxed tomorrow to allow rallies, campaigns
The caretaker government is going to relax the Emergency Powers Rules (EPR) tomorrow allowing rallies and processions for election campaigns in city corporations and municipalities where polls will be held in phases under the state of emergency.

Graft increases despite ongoing drive: TIB

2008-06-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

Corruption in education, health, land administration, local government and in different utility services sectors increased in the first half of 2007 despite the caretaker government's anti-corruption drives, a survey by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) found.

17.06.2008

2008-06-17T03:05:00.000-07:00

Japan's DoCoMo to buy 30% stake in AKTEL NTT DoCoMo, Japan's largest wireless operator, has agreed to pay $350 million to buy AK Khan & Co's 30 percent stake in mobile-phone carrier TM International (Bangladesh) that operates AKTEL

17.06.2008

2008-06-17T03:04:00.000-07:00

Oil surges to new record high near $140 a barrel Oil surged to a new record high on Monday of nearly $140 a barrel, propelled by weakness in the US dollar which offset the bearish impact of plans by Saudi Arabia to boost output.

17.06.2008

2008-06-17T03:03:00.000-07:00

Mirpur garment workers take to streets, clash with police Workers of at least two garment factories in Mirpur were involved in clashes with police Tuesday, a police official said. Police arrested 12 people from the scene as angry workers, protesting closure of a factory and demanding pay raises, vandalised a number of vehicles. More...

17.06.2008

2008-06-17T03:02:00.000-07:00

ANALYSIS'Conservative budget' plays it safe The 2008-09 budget bears the imprint of a conservative mindset. There is an emphasis on safeguarding the minimum rather than venturing out for the maximum. Those who are more adventuresome would regard the budget as unduly cautious in throwing away the opportunity for faster growth and quicker poverty reduction, writes economist MA Taslim in an exclusive budget analysis for bdnews24.com. More...

17.06.2008

2008-06-17T02:59:00.000-07:00