IOC chief backs Japan to overcome crisis

TOKYO, July 16 (AFP): IOC president Jacques Rogge on Saturday heaped praise on Japan's track record in hosting major world sports events and said the country would rise again after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

His comments came as Tokyo was to announce its bid for the 2020 Olympic Games as a catalyst for the country's reconstruction after the disaster.

"I appreciate again the great virtues of the Japanese people -- their courage, their sense of duty, their sense of citizenship and moral fortitude," he told a ceremony in the capital marking the 100th anniversary of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

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Arsenal eye Costa Rica striker Campbell

SAN JOSE, July 16 (AFP): Premier League giants Arsenal are keen on signing promising 19-year-old Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell, local media reported on Friday.

The daily Al Dia said that the London club's scout for the Concacaf region, Richard Law, had arrived in the Central American country accompanied by the agent Joaquim Batica, supposedly with the aim of sealing a deal for Campbell, who plays for Deportivo Saprissa in San Jose.

"Once we have spoken with Saprissa, we will be able to give more information," Batica was quoted as saying.

Campbell started all three of a young Costa Rican side's games at the Copa America, and scored in their 2-0 win over Bolivia.

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Poor people will get food under VGF plan during Ramadan

Talha Bin Habib

The government has decided to provide food to the poor under Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme during the upcoming month of Ramadan, officials said.

Apart from the ongoing programme of Open Market Sales (OMS) of rice and ata (flour) in the capital, the food assistance through VGF will be provided to the vulnerable people at all the unions of the country, said a high official of the Directorate General of Food.

"We are going to provide rice to the VGF card holders at all union levels during the Ramadan so that the poor people could not suffer for food," Director General (DG) of the Directorate General of Food Mr Ahmad Hossain Khan told the FE Saturday.

Under the VGF programme food is provided to low income and other vulnerable groups who cannot meet basic needs for survival due to natural disasters or socio-economic conditions, such as old age, illness and disease.

Mr Khan said that there are about 1,000 VGF card holders at every union of the country who are entitled to receive rice under the government's food security programme.

"A card holder from each family will get rice between 15 and 20 kgs before the Eid-ul- Fitr," he mentioned.

He said that, apart from the VGF programme, the government is also considering to provide rice and ata (flour) to the fair price card holders during the holy month

The DG of the Directorate General of Food has said as part of government's social safety net programme, about 200 trucks are engaged in selling rice and ata (flour) under OMS programme at different areas in the capital.

Under the programme, a person could purchase five kgs of rice and five kgs of ata (flour) at a time. The price of per kg rice is Tk 24 while per kg ata (flour) is Tk 20.

Asked whether the government has any plan to expand the ongoing OMS programme in different areas of the country following the huge responses from the lower income group of the people during the month of fasting, he said, "The matter depends on price stability of rice and ata (flour). If price soars in the retail market then the government will increase the number of trucks for selling rice and ata (flour) in different areas of the country during the Ramadan".

He said that the government has taken up various safety net programmes to ensure social security of the poor people that include Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF), Open Market Sales (OMS), Cash for Work (CFW), Food for Work (FFW), Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) and Gratuitous Relief (GR).

Besides, people over 65 years and unable to work or do not have family support receive allowances through a programme introduced by the government.

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Academy players keen to learn: Lawson

Dhaka, July 16 (bdnews24.com) - GP-BCB Academy specialist bowling coach Geoff Lawson thinks that the team's players are very eager to learn.

"The Academy team's players are young and inexperienced, but they are learning fast. But they still have a lot to learn," he told bdnews24.com at the National Cricket Academy ground on Saturday.

The Aussie is applying self-assessment methods for the improvement of the players.

"They are questioning and looking for the answers themselves. My job is to help them getting the right result."

"The players are full of energy. I am enjoying my time with them. They have no problem taking a step back for technical reasons," he said.

"They are thinking about the pointers, trying to perceive their problems and set them right on the field," he added.

The former Pakistan coach advised against changing a bowler's action. He is pointing out small flaws and telling them to have freedom of thought.

"It is the players who will play and it is their decisions that will make the difference. The opportunity is there in practice matches," he suggested.

Lawson is also impressed with Bangladesh A bowlers. "These bowlers have experience. They know what they have to do."

"We are looking into some tactical issues. If these are overcome it will help them," he said.

The former Australian cricketer coached Pakistan from July 2007 to October 2008.

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AL betrays people by adding Secularism, Bismillah: BNP

BNP leaders including its Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (isnset) seen at a meeting in the city Saturday. ? Banglar Chokh Photo Awami League (AL) has betrayed the people by reincorporating 'secularism' alongside 'Bismillah' and Islam as state religion in the constitution, the opposition BNP has alleged.

BNP Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said this at a views-exchange meeting organised by the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front at city's Naya Paltan Saturday, reports bdnews24.com.

"The country's existence is at stake. AL has betrayed the people by adding secularism alongside Bismillah and Islam to the constitution," the BNP leader said.

"Secularism can't coexist with Bismillah and Islam as state religion. They (govt) think that people are fools," he said.

With the 15th amendment to the constitution, two fundamental principles of the 1972 charter - secularism and socialism - have been restored.

BNP standing committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy said, "Hindus in BNP are working with difficulties though it is a secular party. This has to be resolved. Hindus have to be given a chance to work in the party."

Mentioning the names of several Hindu leaders of the party, Goyeshwar said, "Though there are confusions over our party nomination in the next general election, we're and will be with BNP. Where shall we go? Because we think BNP is not a party of Muslims only, it's of all from all religions."

Harprasad Bagchi said, "We would like to work impartially. AL is no exception. They've betrayed us in the name of secularism. They allured us with the Vested Property Law."

In reply, Fakhrul said, "No-one can be blamed. You'll have to be organised and fight to get leadership."

"BNP is not a fundamentalist party. There is no room for communalism in the party," he added.

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Veteran Sylhet journo passes away

Sylhet, July 16 (bdnews24.com) ? Sudhindra Bijoy Das, a veteran journalist of Sylhet district, has passed away. He was 79.

He breathed his last at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital (SOMCH), where he was undergoing treatment, at around 11:30am on Saturday, his son Rajib Das confirmed bdnews24.com.

Sudhindra, who was suffering from heart and kidney diseases, was admitted to SOMCH on Wednesday as his condition deteriorated.

The body has been kept in the hospital. His cremation will take place at Chalibandar cremation ground on Sunday at 4pm.

The veteran journalist worked with Eastern Herald, weekly Jugovery, Bangladesh Observer and The Daily Star since 1965. Besides, he was also a consultant to some local newspapers.

Sudhindra was a well-known social commentator and historian of Sylhet and Kachhar (Assam province in India) regions.

He actively spearheaded cooperative movement in the 80s and early 90s, and was an honorary secretary of the Sylhet Cooperative Bank.

Sudhindra, who lost his wife only months ago, is survived by two sons and a daughter.

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Transit deal during Indian PM's visit, Dipu hopes

Dhaka, July 18 (bdnews24.com)?The much-awaited Indo-Bangla transit agreement will be signed during the upcoming Dhaka visit of Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, hopes the Bangladesh foreign minister.

"Discussions are going on. I'm hopeful that we will be able to ink several transit protocols during the Indian prime minister's Dhaka visit," Dipu Moni told a media briefing at her ministry on Monday.

Singh is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on a two-day official visit on Sept 6.

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Moroccan fertiliser shipped to Nepal thru' Rohonpur

CHAPAINAWABGANJ, July 16: About 2400 tonnes of DAP fertiliser shipped to Nepal for the first time through the railway section between Rohonpur in Bangladesh and Singabad in India today. Rohonpur railway customs office sources said, two trains of 18 wagons with 995.5 tonnes and 24 wagons with 1,393 tonnes of fertiliser left Rohonpur railway station at 8 am and 3 pm for Nepal. ? BSS

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4 dead in Tangail train crash

Tangail, July 17 (bdnews24.com) ? At least four people have been killed in a train accident at a level-crossing in Mirzapur upazila of the district.

Sub-inspector of Mirzapur Police Station Sharif Uddin Bhuiyan told bdnews24.com the accident occurred on Sunday noon at Bhanuabah level-crossing on Sohagpara-Kalimajani road when Dhaka-bound Ekota Express hit a human hauler.

The train hit the vehicle when it was passing through the level-crossing as there was no gateman, he said.

Locals said the gatemen of the crossing quit their job as they did not get any wage for the last several months.

SI Sharif said two of the deceased were identified as driver Abdul Wahab, 32, and Sakhina Begum, 65, of Kalimajani village.

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Brazil ready to take second chance against Paraguay

CAMPANA, Argentina, July 16 (AFP): Brazil were a minute away from losing their Copa America group stage meeting with Paraguay before managing a draw to settle early nerves.

But striker Pato says Mano Menezes' side must pull their socks up and make no mistake Sunday at La Plata with the pair having been drawn to meet again in the quarter-finals.

Menezes spent part of Friday getting his reserve squad to mimic as near as possible Paraguay's style of play in training.

However, after the Brazilians finally "woke up" as their media put it in beating Ecuador to win Group B, they must start favourites with strikers Neymar and Alexandre Pato in their ranks.

Both netted twice against Ecuador - although Menezes will be aware that the Paraguayans are unlikely to allow them as much space coming forward.

Robinho and Ganso will be tasked with keeping the supply lines open to Neymar and Pato with Ramires and Lucas Leiva keeping things ticking over in the midfield engine room.

Pato says that Brazil must be ready from the first whistle - unlike last week, when Fred's last-gasp effort saved a 2-2 draw.

"It will be a tough game and different from the last one in that this time there is no margin for error.

"But we're confident we can win it," said the AC Milan forward.

Given the form of Neymar and Pato, the firepower issue is set to tip the balance away from the Paraguayans, particularly if the latters' Roque Santa Cruz, who netted in the group match, is doubtful through injury after going off in the 3- 3 thriller with Venezuela.

"We are hopeful," said coach Gerardo Martino on Friday. "We will give it another day and wait on the results of tests.

Blackburn's Santa Cruz, who after scoring in last week's encounter against the auriverde is his country's joint all-time top marksman with 25 goals, had to go off shortly before half-time against Venezuela after straining a leg muscle and was replaced by Nelson Haedo.

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BFF endorses Sk Jamal, R'ganj fines

Dhaka, July 16 (bdnews24.com) - The executive committee of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has upheld the fines imposed on Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Rahamatganj MFS for playing a 'match under agreement' in the Bangladesh League.

BFF on Saturday endorsed the stiff penalties of Tk 2 million for Sheikh Jamal and Tk 0.5 million for Rahamatganj which were recommended last week by the Bangladesh League probe committee.

The sanctions will come into effect in a day or so after the BFF issues a letter to the offending clubs and officials. It was learned there is no right of appeal against the fines.

Professional League Committee chairman Abdus Salam Murshedy announced the decisions in a press conference later at BFF House.

The BFF has also decided to suspend Rahamatganj football secretary Salahuddin Kala for three years and the club's goalkeeper Iran Sheikh for two years.

Muktijoddha Krira Chakra coach Maruful Haque has also been banned for two months for allegedly offering Kala Tk 350,000.

Despite conceding two goals in the first half, Sheikh Jamal beat Rahmatganj 5-2 in the Bangladesh League match played on June 11.

Last week, the probe committee had investigated the matter and submitted its report to BFF president Kazi Salahuddin.

Murshedy also reiterated his views on the incident by saying that the June 11 match between the two teams was not a fixed one.

"It was a match of concurrence, not fixed?but they are similar?," he told the briefing.

Asked, how the committee proposed the action against the clubs if the match was not fixed, he said, "On seeing video footages and speaking with the players and the officials of the two teams, we are convinced that the match wasn't a competing one. The two teams played in concurrence. So, we made those suggestions to the BFF executive committee."

"We couldn't recommend anything else for the lack of evidence. We've suggested assigning government detectives to investigate into the matter so as to find more evidence," Murshedy added.

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Rush heaps praise on Downing signing

Singapore, July 18 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) ? Liverpool great Ian Rush believes new arrival Stewart Downing is one of three "fantastic signings" for the Merseyside club.

England winger Downing arrived from Aston Villa last week for a reported 20 million pounds, joining Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam as Liverpool's close season signings.

Rush, Liverpool's all-time top scorer, told reporters in Singapore on Sunday that Downing would get the best out of Andy Carroll, the former Newcastle United striker who joined Liverpool in January for 35 million pounds.

"Andy (Carroll) likes the crosses coming in to him. So, hopefully, Downing can supply the right balls for him," said Rush on the sidelines of a coaching clinic.

"Charlie can score goals from anywhere and can pass the ball and I believe Jordan will be an England regular one day," added the 49-year-old.

Liverpool finished sixth in the English Premier League last season, missing out on a European spot, and Rush believes the key to winning the league is getting the new faces to settle in quickly.

"You're looking at six teams who could win it. But whoever's new signings settle in best and early on will be the side that win the league," added Rush, who was a member of the last Liverpool team to win the league in 1990.

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UN body rejigs Bangladesh head count

Nurul Islam Hasib
bdnews24.com senior correspondent

Dhaka, July 16 (bdnews24.com) ? The United Nations Population Division has revised its head count figure for Bangladesh that drew flak from several quarters in 2010.

To one's surprise, the UN has also revised drastically the mid-century (2050) population projection for Bangladesh, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The UNFPA on October 21, 2010 in its 'State of the World Population 2010' said that 'the population of Bangladesh is now 164.4 million, with an annual growth rate of 1.4 percent'.

The government, however, rejected the numbers outright, as it was 15 million more than the count of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) that conducts census every 10 years.

Finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith binned the report saying it was 'unauthoised meddling'. "They (UNFPA) have no such right," he said after the report was released.

Finally, on May 3, 2011, the UN Population Division revised Bangladesh's population close to 149 million.

Prior to 2004, the UN Population Division estimated that Bangladesh's population would reach 218 million in 2050, and in 2004, they said it would be 243 million.

In 2006, they jumped up to 256 million and then dropped the figure in 2008 when they said Bangladesh's population would be 222.5 million, close to other estimates like the one of US Population Reference Bureau.

Now they say in 2050, Bangladesh's population would be 194 million and 'that is the peak ? thereafter population declines'.

bdnews24.com tried drawing planning minister's attention to the issue at the release of the preliminary results of the 5th Population and Housing Census 2011, but he chose not to react.

Later prime minister's advisor Mashiur Rahman in his speech quipped, "In the world of knowledge, if we think we are the only wise people, then knowledge will not expand."

"We should also accept those, who cultivate knowledge," he added referring to a query bdnews24.com raised before the planning minister whether organisations other than the government's BBS had the mandate to generate population data.

"It's ridiculous," said Ahmed-al Sabir, a population researcher and consultant of USA-based Measure Evaluation.

"It only creates confusion," he said, adding that BBS should remove such confusions in a pro-active manner.

However, UNFPA assistant representative Noor Mohammad told bdnews24.com that they do not generate any population data.

"We bring out a world population report every year using data from population division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat."

"They generate the counts taking different countries' statistics," he said, adding that population projections can be different due to different methods of calculation.

"As census is conducted every 10 years, the UN Population Division generates those data during the interim periods," he said, adding all UN organisations use those data.

The preliminary results of the 5th Population and Housing Census 2011 showed Bangladesh's population hitting 142.319 million on March 15.

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Police arrest 11 Jamaat activists in Satkhira

Dhaka: Opposition chief whip Joynal Abdin Farroque, severely beaten by police during hartal hours on Wednesday, being taken for medical treatment by his party colleagues. -Photo: Zahiduddin Ahmed Saimon See details

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BFF endorses Sk Jamal, R'ganj fines

Dhaka, July 16 (bdnews24.com) - The executive committee of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has upheld the fines imposed on Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Rahamatganj MFS for playing a 'match under agreement' in the Bangladesh League.

BFF on Saturday endorsed the stiff penalties of Tk 2 million for Sheikh Jamal and Tk 0.5 million for Rahamatganj which were recommended last week by the Bangladesh League probe committee.

The sanctions will come into effect in a day or so after the BFF issues a letter to the offending clubs and officials. It was learned there is no right of appeal against the fines.

Professional League Committee chairman Abdus Salam Murshedy announced the decisions in a press conference later at BFF House.

The BFF has also decided to suspend Rahamatganj football secretary Salahuddin Kala for three years and the club's goalkeeper Iran Sheikh for two years.

Muktijoddha Krira Chakra coach Maruful Haque has also been banned for two months for allegedly offering Kala Tk 350,000.

Despite conceding two goals in the first half, Sheikh Jamal beat Rahmatganj 5-2 in the Bangladesh League match played on June 11.

Last week, the probe committee had investigated the matter and submitted its report to BFF president Kazi Salahuddin.

Murshedy also reiterated his views on the incident by saying that the June 11 match between the two teams was not a fixed one.

"It was a match of concurrence, not fixed?but they are similar?," he told the briefing.

Asked, how the committee proposed the action against the clubs if the match was not fixed, he said, "On seeing video footages and speaking with the players and the officials of the two teams, we are convinced that the match wasn't a competing one. The two teams played in concurrence. So, we made those suggestions to the BFF executive committee."

"We couldn't recommend anything else for the lack of evidence. We've suggested assigning government detectives to investigate into the matter so as to find more evidence," Murshedy added.

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'AL has surrendered to Pak ideology'

Chittagong, July 16 (bdnews24.com) ? The ruling Awami League has surrendered to Pakistani ideology through the 15th amendment, the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has said.

"After the amendment, the state now has a Pakistani nature," CPB general secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim told a discussion on Saturday.

"Soon there will be demands for Shariah law and Shariah Board in the country," he said.

The 15th amendment was passed in parliament on June 30, retaining Islam as the state religion.

"The fact that constitution was amended, but state religion Islam and 'Bismillah' were retained and opportunity for religion-based politics was kept open while socialism was distorted?Awami League has surrendered to Pakistani ideology," Selim said.

The discussion was arranged by CPB Chittagong committee at the Chittagong Press Club.

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Tea output almost static while local demand soars, exports fall

Nizam Ahmed

Tea exports from Bangladesh, the world's fifth-largest tea exporter until early nineties, gradually fell to a nominal 910,000 kg as a strong domestic market consumed almost all the year's yield of some 59.70 million kg in 2010, traders said on Saturday.

The exports of tea were 3.15 million kg and 8.4 million kg against yields of 59.99 million kg and 58.67 million kg in 2009 and 2008 respectively.

The growing demand also forced traders to import some four million kg of tea in the year to suit the taste of the consumers of quality teas in the country. The imports were around three million kg in the previous year.

The production of tea has been rising by only one per cent annually over the last one decade and yield reached nearly 59.70 million kg in 2010 from 52.64 million kg in 2000.

However, the drastic fall of exports over the past years does not worry the growers at all, because a strong internal market absorbs the country's entire produce.

Traders say the internal demand has been growing faster than the production. So to keep the internal market stable traders are likely to import more tea in the coming years.

"It doesn't matter whether there are exports or not. We have buyers for nearly all the yields," Rafay Nizam, director of the National Brokers Limited, the country's largest tea broking company told the FE.

"We see a very strong competition among buyers at the auction."

All the crops from some 163 tea estates are sold through Chittagong auction centre, the sole outlet operated by six registered brokerage firms of the country.

Bangladesh was among the top tea exporters between mid seventies to mid nineties exporting between 30 million kg and more than 34 million kg annually, data available with the Bangladesh Tea Board (BTB) says.

BTB formulates policies, regulates tea gardens and monitors production, exports and internal distribution.

The exports hit 34.4 million kg in 1982 and some 32 million kg in 1993 when the yields were 40.9 million kg and 51 million kg respectively. Local traders were timid at the auction dominated then by foreign buyers and local export traders.

Bangladesh tea vented to most European countries including former Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Poland, also in the Middle East and the Central Asia in the hey days, but now only Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Commonwealth of Independent states import a paltry volume of Bangladesh tea.

Though the importers say that they have been importing tea to meet a growing domestic demand, BTB officials say Bangladesh still grows enough tea to meet the internal demand.

"Now tea is one of the listed items and we often handle it at the port," said a customs official at Chittagong port.

BTB says it has been planning to bring more areas under tea cultivation in the regions of southeastern Chittagong Hill Tracts and northwestern Panchagarh districts as the local demand has been rising by 3.5 per cent annually.

Traders say the imports are likely to rise further rise as the local demand has been rising.

In 2009 internal consumption was 53.75 million kg, following 52.10 million kg consumed in the previous year, against the yields of 59.99 million kg and 58.66 million kg respectively. In 2000 domestic consumers sipped 38.79 million kg out of the production of 52.64 million kg.

"Imports are growing gradually as internal demand for this cheap, aromatic drink is increasing fast across the country," said Mohammad Idris, an executive of a large tea trading firm.

Indonesia, South and Vietnam have been the sources of supply so far, traders say.

Earning from tea exports fell gradually and in (July-June) fiscal year (FY) 2010-11 it fell by 43.36 per cent to $3.2 million compared to the previous fiscal. In 2000 calendar year the export earning was some $21 million, BTB said.

Exports fell because the average price of teas increased to over $2.0 per kg in Chittagong auction due to strong domestic demand. As a result, foreign buyers are being elbowed out at the auction.

"At such price ($2.0 per kg) far better teas are available in South India, Vietnam and Kenya so the foreign buyers are reluctant to participate in Chittagong auction," a BTB official said requesting not to be identified.

Most of Bangladesh's nearly 160 million people, nearly 40 per cent of them living below the poverty line, sip two or more cups of tea everyday, and the number is going up, traders and tea-shop owners said.

Each cup of tea with milk and sugar costs Taka 3.0 ($0.04), in wayside kiosks and more than Taka 5.0 in urban tea-stalls, subject to their standards.

A total of 56.70 million kg of tea was sold at the auction in 2010, compared with 54.25 million kg in the previous year, Nizam said. The rest of the yield was sold directly from tea gardens and a small weight was carried over to the new tea growing season (April-March).

To maintain exports after meeting the growing internal demand, BTB has a plan to increase the yield to 100 million kg by 2021, but it may not be possible due to shortage of suitable planting area, another BTB official said.

Tea gardeners presently cover over 115,000 hectares (287,500 acres) of land directly cultivating some 75,000 hectares.

Bangladesh with annual yield of some 60 million kg is the 10th largest tea producer of the world lagging behind Argentina and Japan that produce 72 million and 93 million kg per annum. China and India are the two top tea growers in the world with annual production of 1,200 million and 981 million kg respectively.

In 2008 Bangladesh exporting some 3.0 million kg was the 15th among 16 main tea exporting countries topped by Kenya that exports some 383 million kg. Sri Lanka and China were in the second position, exporting some 297 million kg each. India was the fourth largest exporters with 193 million kg.

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Split verdict in Jhenidah blasts case

Dhaka, July 17 (bdnews24.com) ? The High Court has delivered split verdict in the case relating to the 21 death sentence awarded members of Jama'tul Mujahideen for the series of bomb blasts in Jhenidah on Aug 17, 2005.

Following a hearing on Sunday justice Syed Mohammad Ziaul Karim acquitted all the convicted, while justice Abdur Rab reduced punishment of 14 to life term and acquitted the rest.

The verdict would now be referred to the chief justice. "It'll be resolved in a third court in line with the law," deputy attorney general of the bench Abdul Mannan Mohan told reporters.

The 21 members of the banned Islamist outfit were given death sentence on Feb 28, 2006 by a special tribunal of Jhenidah.

Mannan said the convicted were acquitted by justice Karim as the charges against them were not proved.

The other justice acquitted seven convicts as charges were pressed against them rejecting the investigation officer's recommendation to drop their names. "Punishment of others was reduced considering their age," Momin added.

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Dhoni's record as India's captain remarkable: Atherton

Former England captain Michael Atherton is moved by India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's leadership qualities.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Atherton in his column in The Times said the "defining cricketing image of the year has to be the moment Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped out of his crease and finished the World Cup with the crispest, cleanest straight drive imaginable. It was the stroke of a man utterly confident in his judgment, as he had been, or at least given the appearance of being, throughout a tournament in which his team and his leadership had been scrutinised by the expectations of a billion people."

Atherton said the entire innings summed up Dhoni's character.

"There was an element of risk-taking in the beginning (he had been short of runs during the tournament), a sense of style in the denouement, but most of all a ruthlessness to finish the job," he said.

The former England captain said Dhoni's record speaks a lot for his leadership skills.

"Dhoni's record as captain of India, and as captain of the Chennai Super Kings, is remarkable and it marks him out as a leader of surprising and substantial talents. He has led India to the top of the world Test rankings, to the World Cup and inaugural World Twenty20, as well as leading CSK to two Indian Premier League titles and a Champions League crown.

"In four years, India has been beaten three times in Test cricket, and 15 wins make Dhoni's win-loss ratio a Test captain up there with the best," he said.

Atherton said the figures could be surprising for England because they never took notice of a young Dhoni when they toured the sub-continent in 2006 under Andrew Flintoff.

"With his bottom-handed biffing technique and penchant for stealing the limelight by, for example, riding a motorcycle around the outfield at the conclusion of the Mumbai Test, he looked every inch a Ranchi flash in an Indian pan. No present cricketer does pay more attention or have a less discerning attitude to the bottom line (his website lists 17 global brands that are linked to him) and it was impossible during the World Cup to spend a day without being confronted by an image of Dhoni promoting something or other, but it is hard to argue that he does not back up promotions with performance," he said.

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SLC confirms DRS

Colombo, July 17 (bdnews24.com) ? Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have confirmed that the DRS will be used in the upcoming home series against Australia, contradicting earlier reports.

Sri Lankan media had previously reported that a cash-crunched SLC was looking at saving money by not using the DRS, the technology for which is estimated to cost about US$ 5000 a day.

"The use of DRS is a priority for us, since the decision was taken during the ICC annual conference in Hong Kong, to use it in all series, which all the members agreed to," SLC interim committee chairman Upali Dharmadasa told ESPNcricinfo on Saturday.

A revised version of the DRS, including Hot Spot but not ball-tracking technology, has been made mandatory for all Tests and one-day internationals by the ICC, subject to availability and commercial considerations.

National boards can decide whether to add the ball-tracking tools.

Dharmadasa said SLC still had a few questions about the DRS that would be resolved by next week.

"Regarding the predictive path, we have written to the ICC and the final decision will be taken at the SLC meeting on Wednesday."

The Sri Lankan board has been facing financial difficulties after cost overruns in building stadiums for the 2011 World Cup.

Last month, SLC slashed its budget for the tour from 300 million rupees down to 100 million rupees, after the sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said austerity measures had to be taken.

Dharmadasa, however, said "funding for DRS is not an issue."

Australia arrive in Sri Lanka at the end of this month for a full tour, including two Twenty20 internationals, five one-dayers and three Tests.

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Banks boost online, card security to avert hacking

FHM Humayan Kabir

Private banks have bolstered security of their online operations and cards in recent months amid growing concerns that hackers could break into their software firewalls by using sophisticated tools.

The move comes as the banks are rolling out an ambitious plan to double ATM booths in a year while most are expanding their online services in an attempt to cut congestion at teller's desk.

With wages in banks spiking every year, bankers said putting more consumer services and operations online is the only option to enhance their productivity level and ensure handsome profit.

But as they launch the digital drive, hacking and online breaks-in have emerged as a major worry -- although no banks have yet to report any breachings of their digital security.

"We have recently started to use micro-chips in our credit and debit cards," said Managing Director of Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd. (DBBL) KS Tabrez.

"The aim is to stop hackers or organised racket from acquiring account information of our customers. It's a serious issue and we are spending heavily on sophisticated software and firewalls to check fraud," he said.

He added DBBL has also set up secured and protective software in central database server to check hacking -- the kind of the fraud which has become commonplace in developed countries.

Last week three British citizens of Nigerian descent were jailed 13 years each for hacking into the UK banking system. It was found the trio compromised over 900 bank accounts and 10,000 credit cards with losses standing at around a million dollar.

However, that figure is expected to rise to around six million dollars, according to London-based the Daily Mirror.

In Bangladesh some 15 private banks have over 2,500 ATM (Automated Teller Machine) booths spread mainly in the major cities. The number is set to be doubled by end of 2012, bankers told the FE.

DBBL, a third generation private bank, has been the pioneer in ATM and online banking services in the country. It set up its first ATM booth in 2004 and in the next six years it added another 1,450 booths.

But some other banks have recently unveiled new plans to narrow the gap with DBBL, as they have found online services, card business and cash points as new money-spinners.

They are Brac Bank, Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. (IBBL), the City Bank, Prime Bank, United Commercial Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC and Eastern Bank.

IBBL Managing Director Abdul Mannan said his bank was late in card business, but to make up the lost time it has unveiled an "ambitious drive" to add 1000 ATM booths by 2012.

"Last week, we have signed deal with the ATM service provider Omnibus to avail access to 900 cash points for our ATM card holders. Besides, we will also raise our own booths to 150 by year-end from the existing 86," he told the FE.

"But as we head towards online expansion, we are aware of the security issues that we have to put in place," he sad, adding the bank has bought "best" banking software to check fraud.

The IBBL, the country's largest private bank with nearly 6.7 million account holders, now sees Tk2.40 billion transacted through its existing 86 booths every months. In 2009, the amount was negligible.

Prime Bank MD M. Ehsanul Haque told the FE the second generation bank was also expanding its online services and it was set to open 200 new ATM booths by 2012.

"We use highly-protective software to check possible attack on our automated system," he said, adding the bank is also "alert" against possible online racket.

"We have sophisticated firewall in our server. But so far our electronic banking service hasn't had any attack by hackers," he said.

DBBL DMD Abul Kashem Md. Shirin said since last year the bank began replacing all its magnetic strip-based debit and credit cards due to "security concern".

"Those chips are risky for the card-holders as a hacker can enter into the chips and get all information. We have started to use micro-chip in the credit and debit cards," he said.

"We preserve the Personal Identification Number (PIN) and account information of the card-holders through encrypted files in our server, which makes it very difficult for a hacker to enter," Mr. Shirin added

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No worry about forex reserve: Atiur

Nationwide

Author / Source : independent online/bdnews24.com

Dhaka: Amid press reports that the country's forex reserve is dwindling fast due to increased import spending, the central bank governor says there is nothing to be worried about it.

Talking to bdnews24.com on Sunday, Atiur Rahman said the pressure would go soon as the import costs had been showing downtrend since June.

"Banks have enough dollars. We're encouraging the local enterprises to borrow from foreign sources, too," he added.

According to a bdnews24.com report published on Saturday, the central bank found itself in a tight spot due to consistent increase in import spending and decrease in the value of Taka against dollar.

In response to the report, Atiur said, "It's right there's a pressure on reserve for the unusual hike in import cost, but there is nothing to be worried about it.

"The import spending has been showing a downtrend since June. I hope it'll continue. The flow of remittance is registering an uptrend…the export sector is also positive. All these would help remove the pressure," he said.

The governor said the foreign currency reserve, which decreased to $10 billion on Thursday from the last week's $11 billion, stood at $10.1762 billion on Sunday morning.

"There'll be no problem to foot the import bills during the next three and a half months," he said.

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Experts question census projections

Nurul Islam Hasib
bdnews24.com senior correspondent

Dhaka, July 16 (bdnews24.com) ? Bangladesh is now more crowded than ever before as the preliminary results of the 5th Population and Housing Census 2011 showed 17.964 million people adding in the last decade in the densely-populated country.

With 14.4 percent increase in the size of population, 964 people live in every square kilometer.

The results on Saturday showed the country's total population at 142.319 million on March 15, comprising an almost equal number of males and females ? 71.255million and 71.064 million.

It also suggested that the population was growing at a rate of 1.34 percent annually, 0.24 percentage point decline from the 2001's 1.58 percent. The growth rate put the country at fourth spot in the region's lower population growing countries ? Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Malaysia.

With 2.1 percent, Sylhet has the highest growth rate followed by Dhaka, 1.8 percent and Chittagong 1.4 percent, while Barisal's population growth rate is zero.

With 8,111 people living every square kilometre, Dhaka is the most densely-populated district, while Bandarban is at the other extreme with only 86 people every square kilometre.

The number of households stands at 32.068 million, with average 4.4 people constituting one household.

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) that conducts census 10 years apart, the total population was 124.355 million in the 2001 preliminary results when 834 people lived in every square kilometre.

However, the preliminary results took many by surprise, as experts have long claimed that little headway has been made in limiting the population boom and BBS lacks 'competency' to hold a census 'efficiently'.

Releasing the key results in the capital, planning minister AK Khandker said the next step, post-enumeration quality check (PEC), would eliminate the errors before the final counts are released by November this year.

"BIDS (Bangladesh Institute of Development Statistics) has been assigned the task to prepare a neutral and acceptable PEC to determine the coverage and content errors of the census," he told journalists amidst a volley of questions on the quality of the process.

Reports of many people left uncounted during the census conducted between March 15 and March 19 had hit the headlines.

Census' project director Ashim Kumar Dey said, "We presented what we got ? right or wrong."

Md Shahjahan Ali Mollah, director general of BBS, said it is the most quality census in the history. "We learnt many things from previous mistakes," he said.

Population expert Ahmed-al Sabir, consultant, USA based Measure Evaluation, described BBS' efforts as 'positive'.

"Earlier they took long time to release the preliminary findings, but this time they did it in time," he told bdnews24.com, suggesting 'careful adjustment of the final counts after PEC'.

AKM Nurun Nabi, professor of population, Dhaka University, said the preliminary results were not up to their expectations. "We did not get any idea about the urban and rural population pattern. I am also surprised seeing the equal sex ratio."

The BBS director general said the last decade saw over 4 million people migrating to overseas, which was higher than in the previous 30 years.

"Ninety-eight percent of those migrants are males," he argued to prove his point that the projected male-female ratio is 'surprising'.

"We will wait until the final counts," Prof Nabi said suggesting accurate PEC for quality counts.

Ensuring reliable data, the director general said the US Census Bureau is providing modern software and scanners, while the European Union and UNFPA are giving financial assistance, apart from those coming from the government.

The enumerators went door to door to collect data from people who stayed in Bangladesh during that period. At night, they counted floating people.

Foreigners who stayed during that time in Bangladesh were also counted, as they used 'de facto census' method.

But the results did not present any count of foreigners in the country.

Bangladesh has a long history of census. The first one was conducted in 1872. Since then census has been conducted every 10 years.

After the independence, the first population and housing census was held in 1974, when the preliminary results projected country's population at 71.48 million. The adjusted population was 76.40 million.

The final results will provide population size, growth, composition and distribution of the projection of food, education, infrastructure, employment, healthcare and assessment of various other basic requirements as well as analysis of past, present and future growth of population.

Based on the 2011 census, the Election Commission will update the electoral rolls for all national and local elections.

Experts suggest Barisal's zero growth rate deserves further in-depth analysis, as BBS in its report claims migration from the natural calamity-prone Barisal division was the reason for the no growth rate.

POPULATION CHANGE BY DIVISION

?Dhaka's population increased from 39.05 million to 46.73 million with 1.8 percent average annual growth rate
?Sylhet's population went up from 7.94 million to 9.8 million with 2.1 percent growth rate
?Chittagong's population was up from 24.29 million to 28.08 million at 1.4 percent rate
?Barisal's population decreased from 8.17 million to 8.15 million at zero annual growth.
?Khulna's population rose from 14.70 million to 15.56 million at 0.6 percent
?Rajshahi's population increased from 13.85 million to 15.66 million at 1.2 percent
?Rangpur's population growth was from 13.85 million to 15.66 million at 1.2 percent annual growth.

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Compensation to Libya returnees on 23rd

Dhaka, July 17 (bdnews24.com) ? The government has finalised the list of repatriated workers from Libya as it prepares to distribute compensation to them on July 23, the expatriates' minister has said.

"A total of 36,500 returnees will be given compensation," Khandker Mosharraf Hossain told reporters on Sunday at the Secretariat.

"Of them, expatriate workers from Noakhali district top the list with 2,186, followed by Tangail with 239 workers," he said.

The ministry and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) signed a deal on June 14 in this regard, according to which the IOM will give money for the rehabilitation of the returnees, whom it helped return home earlier.

Earlier in the day, the minister inaugurated 'Rehabilitation Loan' programme of the expats welfare bank on the 70th day of its founding. The bank has already started disbursing immigration loans.

The specialised bank is lending money at 12 percent interest, holding property as mortgage against the loans.

Mosharraf also warned those trying to go to Malaysia illegally to avail of the advantage of getting regularised there on either student or tourist visas.

Asked why the government was not taking action against the recruiting agencies involved in such activities, he cited lack of specific allegations against them as the reason.

The process to legalise 300,000 Bangladeshis in Malaysia through renewal of their expired visas will begin on August 1, instead of July 11 as declared by the minister earlier.

To an allegation that the Malaysian government was charging higher fees than what was determined, Mosharraf said a deal was signed to do the job free of cost. "We'll look into it," he assured.

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Nasim slates Khaleda

Dhaka, July 18 (bdnews24.com)?A senior Awami League leader has slammed Khaleda Zia for her recent comment that she would throw away the constitution if back in power.

"Throwing away the constitution means she will throw away the country's independence, democracy, Bismillah and Bangladesh itself," Mohammad Nasim told a discussion at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Monday.

"She'll have to apologise to the nation for such a comment," he said.

bdnews24.com/si/ost/sht/1519

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SPECIALImports bleeding forex reserve dry

Dihan Marchi

Dhaka, July 16 (bdnews24.com) ? The Bangladesh Bank is facing a crisis of foreign currency reserve due to a hike in import costs.

It has apparently become difficult for the central bank of the country to pay for the import spending in the next three months with the current reserve.

Admitting pressure on the reserve, governor Atiur Rahman told bdnews24.com that he is hopeful of resolution of the crisis soon.

Former advisor to the caretaker government A B Mirza Azizul Islam suggested staying alert about the matter.

The foreign currency reserve of the central bank was $10 billion on Thursday, which is $1 billion less than the last week's reserve.

The reserve fell sharply as the bank paid $838 million to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) last week. The payment was a record as Bangladesh imported most from ACU countries.

Mirza Azizul told bdnews24.com on Saturday that a difficult situation would emerge if the reserve was not raised and the increasing trend of import expense continued.

"We have to spend more for import as the value of Taka against Dollar has decreased. It has become a matter of great anxiety for us," he said.

"The flow of our foreign aid is also not so good. Many of them are stuck in the pipeline. They aren't getting cleared. The foreign currency reserve crisis will ease if the aids are cleared," he added.

The former caretaker government advisor said that the Bangladesh Bank and the government should take steps to increase flow of remittances and discourage import of luxury goods.

He also suggested checking imports over invoices.

However, Atiur tried sounding positive, "The import sector has been decreasing since June and the flow of remittance has also started looking up."

"We are discouraging import of luxury goods. I hope the import expenditure will decrease and so will the pressure on foreign exchange reserve," he added.

According to the latest information given by the central bank, the import cost was $3.2918 billion in May, highest in a month in the country's history.

The import stayed above $3 in the last five months.

In the first 11 months of the last fiscal, goods worth $30.7471 billion were imported, with the amount being 43 percent higher than in the corresponding in 2009-10 fiscal.

The cost of import from July to May in 2009-10 was only 2.82 percent higher than that in the same period previous fiscal.

On the other hand, last financial year's export earning was $22.9244 billion, 41.47 percent higher than in the previous year.

Of the earning, 35 percent went to back-to-back Letter of Credit (L/C) or to import goods to produce the export items.

Even though the amount of remittance increased, the rate of remittance growth in the last fiscal was lower than those of the past years.

The rate of remittance growth increased by 22.42 percent in 2008-09 fiscal, 13.25 percent in the subsequent one and only six percent in the last fiscal.

ACU had received only half of its due payment when the foreign currency reserve decreased to $1 billion during the Awami League government's tenure in 2001.

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Mancini names Nasri and Aguero

London, July 16 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) ? Roberto Mancini broke the unwritten convention of talking about another club's player when he said he would like Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero to sign for Manchester City if his Argentina team-mate Carlos Tevez leaves the club.

Most managers usually adopt a coy attitude and tiptoe around naming players they would like to sign but Mancini, showing some refreshing honesty, also said he would like to sign Samir Nasri from Arsenal before the end of July.

Aguero, 23, has been the subject of widespread speculation that he will move to England this summer, with Chelsea also reportedly showing an interest, while Tevez has made no secret of wanting to leave City, saying he would like to return to South America to be closer to his children.

In an interview with Sky Sports News, Mancini said: "Aguero is a player that can play for Manchester City because he is young and he is a good player like Carlos.

"He can score a lot of goals and can play with Mario (Balotelli), with Edin (Dzeko)... it could be that he joins."

Aguero has also been linked with a move to Atletico's city rivals Real Madrid, as well as Juventus.

Mancini was also candid about signing Nasri from Arsenal.

Nasri has one year left on his contract with the London side, although Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he wants to keep him even if he does not renew his deal, and would allow him to leave for nothing next year.

Mancini told Sky: "Samir is under contract with Arsenal. Also for Samir it depends on many things."

Asked if City had made a bid for the 24-year-old Frenchman, Mancini said: "I don't know... but for Nasri it is difficult.

"I hope that we can buy because we need other players, and I hope that this player can arrive before the end of the month."

Mancini also said he respected Tevez's decision to want to leave City for family and personal reasons.

Mancini said: "When you talk about a player like Carlos it's difficult because Carlos is a fantastic player, a good guy for me.

"Every time I spoke to Carlos he never said to me 'I want to leave', he said he is missing his daughters, his family

"I am very sorry if Carlos wants to leave because for me he is a good man and he's a fantastic player, but I respect his decision."

Corinthians of Brazil have bid around 40.0 million pounds ($64.47 million) for Tevez, according to Brazilian media reports.

bdnews24.com/sd/smo/1915h

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Muktijoddha oust Sk Russel

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com) - Muktijoddha Sangsad moved into the semi-finals of the Grameenphone Super Cup after they defeated Sheikh Russel KC 2-1 in the last match of Group B at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Thursday.

The Reds will meet Dhaka Abahani in the second semi-final while Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting will meet Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in other semi.

Mithun Chowdhury (45+2 minutes) and Bukola (67 minutes) scored for Muktijoddha cancelling out Effiong Duke's 33rd minute effort for Sheikh Russel.

Muktijoddha earned four points, Mohammedan grabbed two and Russell earned one point from the group.

Effiong put Russel ahead after midfielder Raju paved the way for the Cameroonian and blasted home from the middle of the box.

Mithun equalised for Mukitjoddha in the added time of the first half after Russell custodian Mamun Khan dived into the feet of Motiur Munna but unmarked Mithun placed the rebounder into the empty net.

Muktijoddha went ahead after Motiur Munna's placing off a Dami free kick was saved but Bukola tapped the ball into the far post.

Muktijoddha were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Maruf was sent off after his second bookable offence in the 83rd minute.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Wednesday deferred the semi-finals and the final of the Grameenphone Super Cup to allow the national team to prepare for their World Cup pre-qualifier play-off against Lebanon.

The national booters will practice on Friday.

Bangladesh play Lebanon in the first leg at home on July 23 and the second leg on July 28.

The Super Cup semis were scheduled to be held on July 16 and 17 and the final on July 19.

Bangladesh League champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Abahani Limited booked their spots after finishing goalless on Wednesday. Sheikh Jamal topped Group A with four points and Abahani ended with two.

TEAMS

Muktijoddha: Biplob, Rajani, Paul Dammi, Nasiruddin, Sweet, Motiur Munna, Maruf, Arman Aziz (Jahed Parvez) Mithun, Bukola, Rony (Alamgir Rana).

Sheikh Russell: Mamun Khan, Aminul, Prodip, Bappi, Abbas Inusha, Moro Mohammed, Manik, Raju, Yusuf (Emon Babu) , Effiong Duke (Wahed), Bangoura Ismael.

Referee: Abdul Hannan Miron

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Libya meeting seeks Gaddafi exit to end war

Other International

Author / Source : Independent Online/Reuters ISTANBUL: Western and Arab powers begin talks in Turkey on Friday aimed at finding a political solution for Libya that would persuade Muammar Gaddafi to give up power and end a conflict that could otherwise drag on interminably.

The fourth meeting of the Libya contact group, established in London in March, comes after reports suggesting Gaddafi might be ready to give up his 41-year rule if he could get a deal.

Yet the Libyan leader remains as unpredictable as ever, and no one appears sure whether he intends to fight in hope of keeping his grip on the territory round Tripoli or seek an exit strategy that guarantees security for himself and his family.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton are among more than a dozen foreign ministers taking part in the Istanbul meeting.

The heads of NATO, the Arab League and other regional organizations are also due to attend.

They will listen to a report from U.N. Secretary-General's special envoy on Libya, Abdul Elah Al-Khatib, on the result of his contacts with the Gaddafi government in Tripoli and the rebel National Transitional Council in the eastern city of Benghazi.

"Our expectation is to discuss what might happen in Libya post-Gaddafi, and how we can help the opposition in Benghazi," a senior Turkish official told Reuters.

On Thursday Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu dined with NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

Rasmussen had earlier called on NATO members to provide more warplanes to bomb Libyan military targets, as the alliance seeks to keep military pressure on Gaddafi while protecting civilians from his forces.

"We can't protect civilians in Libya effectively if we are not prepared to take out critical military units on the ground that can be used to attack civilians. This is the reason why we do air-to-ground strikes," Rasmussen said in The Hague on Thursday.

The contact group will also hear from representatives of the Libyan opposition, whose forces are struggling to make decisive push toward Tripoli despite attacking from the east and west.

Mahmoud Jebril, a senior member of the rebel council, said in Brussels on Wednesday that there had been no negotiations so far with Gaddafi's regime to stop the war.

STAY OR GO

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said this week that emissaries from Gaddafi's government in contact with NATO members had said that Gaddafi was ready to quit.

But Clinton said the Gaddafi camp was putting out "contradictory signals" and the Libyan leader had yet to meet any of the international community's demands, namely to cease violence against his people, withdraw his forces and step down.

Any solution could hinge on whether Gaddafi, after stepping down, is allowed to stay in Libya or take refuge in a third country, regardless of an International Criminal Court's investigation into crimes against his people.

A British-led team planning post-conflict Libya, has recommended that Gaddafi's security forces be left intact in order to avoid errors made after the Iraq war. [ID:nL6E7HS2AF].

Foreign powers want to ensure the oil rich North African country of 6 million emerges as a stable democracy rather than fall prey to ethnic or tribal conflict, or become a haven for Islamist militants.

The Istanbul meeting is being co-chaired by Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. China and Russia, two powers who have taken a softer line toward Gaddafi, were invited to attend the contact group meeting for the first time, but China refused and it was uncertain what level of representation Russia might send.

Speaking in Washington on Wednesday, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would use all channels to try to help start a political process and end the conflict.

Turkey and the African Union have proposed separate road maps aimed at establishing a ceasefire and moving through stages from Gaddafi quitting power to a democratic transition, and the contact group will seek to agree on a single plan.

Turkey has also stressed the need to help Libyan people through the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which begins at the start of August this year.

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2 killed, 6 injured in Dinajpur boiler blast

Dhaka: Opposition chief whip Joynal Abdin Farroque, severely beaten by police during hartal hours on Wednesday, being taken for medical treatment by his party colleagues. -Photo: Zahiduddin Ahmed Saimon See details

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PM surprised at Khaleda's remarks about Constitution

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said she is amazed at opposition leader Khaleda Zia's 'indecent' remarks about the Constitution, reports UNB.

Khaleda Zia at the BNP-sponsored mass hunger strike Wednesday stated that the amended (15th) constitution is nothing but AL manifesto which will be thrown away, if BNP returns to power.

"How can she make such an indecent remark about the Constitution? She is the Leader of the Opposition in parliament and enjoying facilities of a full minister on the basis this Constitution," Hasina said.

The Prime Minister came up with her observations when the newly elected central working committee of Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) met her at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Thursday morning.

IDEB president AKMA Hamid and general secretary Shamsur Rahman led the delegation. State Minister for ICT Yafes Osman also spoke on the occasion.

The Prime Minister said such remark about the Constitution is only possible from the opposition leader as she and her party always think about grabbing the state power through coup, killing and conspiracy.

"Her husband Ziaur Rahman had grabbed the state power through killing and coup. So, it is not unusual that a military dictator's wife would make such remarks," Hasina observed.

She said the anti-liberation forces would not be able to protect the corrupt and the killers Ivy Rahman and other Awami League workers killed in the August 21 grenade attacks.

"The money launderers and the killers would not be spared. They must be brought to book," she said.

The Prime Minister said the military dictators and anti-liberation forces had distorted the Constitution after killing Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the fateful night of August 15, 1975.

"After returning to power through people's votes, we have been able to free the Constitution of stigma by amending the Constitution," she added.

She said the Opposition Leader and her party do not need to have any Constitution as they are accustomed to grab state power through illegal means.

Hasina also accused the opposition leader and her party of trying to save the culprits of the August 21 grenade attack, the war criminals of 1971 liberation war and her sons from serious charges of corruption and money laundering.

The war criminals would also be tried, she reiterated.

Hasina said after killing of Bangabandhu, Ziaur Rahman set free all the war criminals and rehabilitated them.

"She (Khaleda Zia) also made the killers MPs and provided them jobs in the foreign missions," the Prime Minister said.

During the August 21 grenade attacks, Hasina said law enforcing agencies charged batons on the victims instead of protecting the people and trying to arrest the attackers.

The Prime Minister reiterated that her government would never allow any terrorist activity in the country.

She told the engineers that the nation needs skill and hard labour of the engineers to drive the country to the peak of development.

Hasina said the nation does not want to remain dependent on others. "We want to establish Bangladesh as self-reliant in all sectors."

The Prime Minister said Awami League-led grand alliance government has come to power to work for economic emancipation of the people.

"To us, power is not a means of amassing wealth. We have been voted to power to change fate of the people," she said.

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Public transport to have insurance: Muhith

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com)?The government has moved to bring the public transports under large-scale insurance to maintain normal transport activities in general strikes.

"We will bring the vehicles of BRTC (state-run Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation) under insurance," finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith told reporters on Wednesday after a meeting on the matter with businessmen from different sectors.

"The businessmen would hold campaigns in division to bring the private transports under insurance," he said.

He said, "People are afraid to drive their vehicles during hartal as those could be vandalised any moment. Their fear will reduce gradually if the vehicles are insured."

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries president A K Azad, Beximco group vice-chairman Salman F Rahman and Bangladesh Insurance Association chairman Sheikh Kabir Hossain attended the meeting.

Kabir said, "Public transport insurance system is still in effect. But few insurances give compensation. We are taking initiatives to promote large-scale insurance."

bdnews24.com/rb/trb/sh/nir/2234h

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Central bank allows online payment of fees abroad

FE Report

The central bank has relaxed foreign exchange rules allowing online payment of fees abroad by using international credit cards (ICCs) on internet, officials said.

Under the relaxed rules, professionals and students who are interested to study abroad, will be able to remit their membership fees and admission-related payments using the ICCs.

"We've relaxed payment mode for professionals and students in making payments for fees for membership and admission-related purposes," a senior official of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) told the FE Thursday.

The central bank issued a circular in this connection Thursday, directing the chief executives of all commercial banks to follow the new rules about making such payments aboard.

Under the latest decision by the BB, ICCs may be used for online payment, through internet, of fees, in line with the existing guidelines about foreign exchange transactions (GFET), according to the circular.

The banks are allowed to remit funds for making

payment of fees of foreign professional and scientific institutions and fees for applications, registrations, admission, examinations like TOFEL and SAT in connection with admission to educational institutions at abroad, according to the GFET.

Currently, such funds are being transferred to the foreign institutions by way of telegraphic transfers, money transfers and drafts.

"Individuals, who are entitled to use such facilities, will be benefited by paying a minimum cost for fund transfers and to receive immediate confirmation from their recipient sides," the central bank official added.

He also said the individuals, not holding ICCs in their names, may also make such online payments through internet using 'Virtual Card' for the required amount of money by an ICC-issuing bank.

Virtual Card means a number with security code, generally known as pin code, issued by the card or information technology (IT) division of the bank concerned that is used to remit the fund, the BB official added.

"Online ICC transactions including virtual card transactions will have to be reported to the central bank, in line with the existing guidelines," he said, adding that the central bank will monitor such payments closely.

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State approaches HC afresh against Shah Alam

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com) ? The state counsels have prayed for fresh hearing on a tax-evasion case appeal petition on which the High Court has already voided sentencing Bashundhara Group chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan alias Shah Alam.

The High Court bench of justices M A Hai and Mohammad Rezaul Hasan on Wednesday heard the government petition on whether rehearing in the appeal could be allowed.

The court set Tuesday next for further hearing.

Alam had been convicted and sentenced to five years' rigorous imprisonment by a special court on Sept 30, 2008 for tax evasion.

The court had also fined him Tk 830 million and ordered confiscation of his company property worth about Tk 225 million.

Deputy tax commissioner of Circle-8 of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Kabiruddin Mollah on Aug 13, 2007 filed the case against him for evading Tk 84.8 million in income taxes between the fiscal years 2004 and 2007.

The High Court on June 20 this year granted an appeal of Alam and scrapped his jail sentence.

Attorney general Mahbubey Alam on Wednesday made a petition for fresh hearing of the appeal.

Three lawyers of the Bashundhara chief ? barrister Rafiq-ul Haque, Anisul Haque and Ahsanul Karim ? argued that there was no scope for rehearing as per law.

Mahbubey Alam submitted the High Court verdict was verbal and the two justices were yet to sign on the verdict copy.

"The deputy attorney general was given no scope to submit during the hearing on the appeal. In this circumstance, we want to hold hearing on the appeal again."

Rafiq-ul said that there is no scope of review. "The justices did not sign in the verdict on the Seventh and 13th amendments to the constitution. The justices have gone on retirement. But is there any scope for rehearing in the amendments?" he questioned.

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Akram asks for change in selection procedure

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com) ? Bangladesh chief selector Akram Khan has proposed a change in the BCB's policy that currently allows the board's technical committee to discuss the selectors' choices, following a delay in the announcement of the squad for the Zimbabwe tour.

There is speculation that the delay is due to meddling by an influential director who is part of the committee, which has reportedly not gone down well with BCB chief Mustafa Kamal, reports ESPNcricinfo.

As is normal practice, Akram conferred with the five directors on the technical committee before submitting his team to Kamal (via the cricket operations committee) on Wednesday evening, but the final squad has not yet been announced - an unusual wait given the quick approval normally given by the board chief.

Akram denied that there was interference from any particular director, but asked for a system that would hold the selection panel accountable for the team's performance, in place of the existing procedure.

"We knew about this policy of talking with the technical committee when we signed the contract, so we have to abide by it," he said.

"It would have been better if they could evaluate our performance after we had selected the team."

It is now not clear when the team will be named; with the committee's directors off to Sylhet for a meeting, it is assumed that a press conference is out of the question on Friday or Saturday.

A press release is expected but only after the BCB's approval.

The remit of the technical committee, chaired by Enayet Hossain Siraj, is to discuss the squad with the selectors before it goes for board approval.

The body was created during Rafiqul Alam's reign and has since been regularly condemned by local media for interfering with selection matters.

There is widespread speculation that the committee impeded the previous selection panel on occasions, and even tried to force a change in the World Cup squad.

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SEC gets another member

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com)? The government has appointed former district judge M A Salam Sikder to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to make the capital market regulator five-strong.

The finance ministry announced the appointment on Wednesday. Sikder has been appointed for three years.

The government has been overhauling the securities watchdog following an investigation into Dec-Jan share bubble and bust.

SEC got four other new members in May. Former Bangladesh Bank executive director Mohammed Amzad Hossain and former president of Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association Arif Khan were appointed on May 29.

Before them, Investment Corporation of Bangladesh chairman M Khairul Hossain was made chairman of the regulator on May 15 and Chittagong University's accounting professor Helaluddin Nizami member on May 2.

Khairul replaced Ziaul Haque Khondker, who was appointed the seventh chairman of the market watchdog on May 3, 2009.

Following the suggestions made by the probe committee led by Khondaker Ibrahim Khaled on the stock market debacle, finance minister A M A Muhith said new members, including the chairman, would be appointed as part of the government move to restructure the SEC.

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Busacca named head of FIFA's refereeing department

Berne, July 13 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) ? Switzerland's Massimo Busacca, who refereed at the last two World Cups and took charge of the 2008 Champions League final, was named as the head of FIFA's refereeing department on Wednesday.

Busacca will also join FIFA's Task Force, headed by Franz Beckenbauer, which is looking at ways of making the game more attractive, football's governing body said in a statement.

The 42-year-old took charge of last season's Champions League round-of-sixteen tie between Barcelona and Arsenal when he infuriated the Premier League side by sending off Robbie Van Persie and was involved in an angry clash with Arsene Wenger afterwards.

He was also involved in controversy at the last World Cup when he awarded Uruguay a penalty for an alleged foul on Luis Suarez, who fell theatrically, and sent off South Africa's goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the same incident.

Uruguay, leading 1-0 at the time, went on to win 3-0 to leave South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira fuming.

Busacca's other stormy moment was in 2009 when he was banned for three matches after making an insulting gesture with his finger at Young Boys Berne supporters who were barracking him during a Swiss Cup match.

Busacca's international career spanned 12 years, including Euro 2008 and the UEFA Cup final in 2007. He refereed more than 250 Swiss League matches.

"As I have said on many occasions, I have made refereeing one of my main priorities," said FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

"Massimo Busacca's experience will prove to be particularly useful to our mission and to our efforts to continue the groundwork we have put in place with the confederations and member associations in this particularly important area."

Busacca will work on the administration and development of refereeing, implement decisions taken by FIFA's referees committee, carry out tasks related to the logistics of refereeing and organise courses.

He will report to the referee's committee.

"I now intend to pass my knowledge on to my refereeing colleagues to ensure that refereeing continues to improve and to help it to prepare better for the future.

"This is something that I am very passionate about, and it is a role that I have accepted with great pride and pleasure."

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Govt won't influence polls: PM

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com)?Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has assured the outgoing British envoy that her government would not influence any elections.

"The government aims at strengthening the Election Commission that will conduct polls independently," her press secretary Abul Kalam Azad told reporters on Wednesday quoting Hasina.

Stephen Evans, the UK high commissioner in Bangladesh, called on the prime minister at her office in the morning. He will join NATO following the completion of his three-year term in Bangladesh.

Hasina claimed that the by-elections and elections to the Chittagong City Corporation and local government were fair. "The government did not manipulate any of the elections."

At his meeting with opposition BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on July 9, Evans had stressed on a free and acceptable-to-all election considering the current turmoil-like political situation.

The prime minister also told Evans that her government was showing zero-tolerance on militancy, and that the militants were not being allowed to regroup.

Hasina also said the judiciary was working independently, a claim which is dismissed by the main opposition.

"She said her government ensured human rights and justice," Azad added.

The prime minister also stressed on improving bilateral relations with neighbouring countries.

ABDUL ALIM FAMILY TO GET AID

The prime minister also said the government will provide financial assistance to the family of renowned folk musician late Abdul Aleem.

She made the pledge when members of the deceased's family had gone to meet her for assistance to treat the ailing wife of the singer.

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Muktijoddha reach last four beating Sheikh Russell

Muktijoddha Sangsad KC reached the last four of the Grameenphone Super Cup Football when they came from behind to snatch a 2-1 goals victory over Sheikh Russell KC at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city Thursday, reports UNB.

With the day's win, Muktijoddha SKC emerged group B champion with four points, while Sheikh Russell KC, which made exit from the meet with the day's loss, has one point as both complete their group matches.

Dhaka Mohammedan SC, which finished group B runners-up with two points, will play the first semifinal against group A champion Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, while Muktijoddha SKC will meet Dhaka Abahani Limited in the second semis.

Both the semifinals and the final will be held after the national team completes their home match of the World Cup qualifier against Lebanon on July 28.

Earlier, the two semifinals were scheduled for July 16 and 17 while the final on July 19.

In the day's match, Nigerian striker Alamu Bukola and Mithun Chowdhury scored one goal each for Muktijoddha Sangsad KC while Nigerian forward Effiong Duke netted the lone goal for Sheikh Russell KC.

The match was locked 1-1 during the first half.

Nigerian forward Effiong Duke scored first for Sheikh Russell KC in the 32 minute with a placing shot from inside the danger zone after taking a close pass from compatriot Bangoura Ismael (1-0).

But Mithun Chowdhury restored parity for Muktijoddha SKC in the injury time of the first half with a close range shot after the ball from Motiur Munna's attempt at goal came his way when it was fisted away by Sheikh Russell goalie (1-1).

After the lemon break, Sheikh Russell KC missed a certain goal in the 65th minute when advancing Duke's close header off a right wing minus by substitute Babu sailed harmlessly over the cross bar.

Nigerian striker Alamu Bukola confirmed the Muktijoddha SKC triumph in the 67th minute with a grounder from inside the D-box as Munna's well-judged shot from vantage position came his way after hitting the goalpost (2-1).

Sheikh Russell KC got another scoring chance to level the margin in the 85th minute, but as onrushing Duke pushed the ball off Ghanaian recruit Moro's right wing minus it narrowly went out of play beside the side bar.

Mithun Chowdhury of Muktijoddha Sangsad KC was adjudged the man of the match for his brilliant performance.

Muktijoddha Sangsad KC - Biplob, Rajani, Paul, Nasiruddin, Sweet, Motiur Munna, Maruf, Arman, Mithun (Johirul), Bukola, Ronny (Rana).

Sheikh Russel KC - Mamun, Aminul, Prodip, Bappi, Abbas, Moro, Manik, Raju, Yusuf (Babu), Duke (Wahed) and Ismael.

Referee - Abdul Hannan Miron.

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Liverpool agree fee for Villa's Downing

London, July 14 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) - Liverpool have agreed a fee with Aston Villa for England left winger Stewart Downing after the player handed in a transfer request, the Premier League clubs said on Wednesday.

"I can confirm that we have reached agreement with Liverpool following an improved offer received earlier today and the submission of a formal transfer request by Stewart Downing, and have subsequently given them permission to speak with the player," Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner said.

Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool side, who finished sixth last season, have been on a midfield recruitment drive as they bid to break into the top four with Sunderland's Jordan Henderson and Blackpool's Charlie Adam having already joined the club.

"Liverpool FC tonight announced they had agreed a fee with Aston Villa for the transfer of Stewart Downing," Liverpool said in a statement without giving any financial details.

Media put the fee at 20 million pounds.

"Liverpool have now been granted permission to discuss personal terms with the player and arrange a medical," the club added on its website

Downing made his name at Middlesbrough thanks to his crossing ability and has earned 27 England caps, although the 26-year-old has never been a regular starter for his country.

Liverpool, who like Villa have an American owner, began their push to 'Buy British' with the capture of England striker Andy Carroll from Newcastle United in January.

Villa came ninth last season after a topsy-turvy campaign and new coach Alex McLeish has already lost winger Ashley Young to Manchester United with Downing set to follow.

However, Faulkner said on the club's website (www.avfc.co.uk): "We believe there are replacements available in the market who can strengthen our squad ahead of the coming season, and we are in discussions as such.

"We are working hard to conclude a deal for a goalkeeper who we believe can also strengthen the side," he added.

Villa's first-choice stopper, 40-year-old former US international Brad Friedel, joined fellow Premier league club Tottenham Hotspur last month.

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Announcement of team deferred

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com) ? Bangladesh team announcement for Zimbabwe tour awaits cricket board president's approval, says Akram Khan.

But the chief selector did not specify any other date to announce the team.

"We are working on it. We have sent the list of selected players to cricket board president A H M Mustafa Kamal and waiting for his approval," said chief selector Khan speaking with reporters in his office at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Minhajul Abedin Nannu and Habibul Bashar Sumon, the other selectors, accompanied Akram.

A 15-player team for Zimbabwe tour was supposed to be announced on July 14.

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US to face Japan in women's WC final

Moenchengladbach, July 14 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) - The United States struck twice late in the second half to beat France 3-1 on Wednesday and will face Japan in the women's World Cup final.

The Japanese, playing in their first semi-final, beat Sweden by the same score with a double from Nahomi Kawasumi, including a spectacular 35-metre lob, to book a spot in Sunday's final.

On a rainy afternoon, the Americans, who won the title in 1991 and 1999 and have never finished below third place in a women's World Cup, took an early lead when Lauren Cheney flicked in a Carli Lloyd cross in the ninth minute.

France levelled after the break with a Sonia Bompastor cross that bounced past US keeper Hope Solo but two goals in three minutes from Abby Wambach (79th) and Alex Morgan (82nd) secured a third World Cup final appearance for the Americans.

"This is our journey, this is our dream," a beaming Wambach said. "France are a great team. There were moments they were outplaying us but I am so proud of this team."

"I know we are going to pull through. I have belief in this team. Everybody is working for each other."

In Frankfurt, captain Homare Sawa turned from villain to hero by putting Japan 2-1 up on the hour after her defensive error had given Sweden a 10th minute lead.

Josefine Oqvist pounced on Sawa's disastrous back pass, cut into the box and fired home from a tight angle but Japan recovered quickly as Kawasumi equalised nine minutes later after scrambling the ball over the line.

Sawa added the second with a close-range header after the Japanese had rattled the bar minutes into the second half and Kawasumi completed their comeback in style, catching Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl out with a spectacular lob.

FRENCH DOMINANCE

In Moenchengladbach, the Americans, who were under pressure from the start, scored against the run of play through Cheney but immediately dropped deep and some sloppy passing allowed France to come forward repeatedly.

"We lost our legs a bit but we picked up the fight," said US coach Pia Sundhage, whose team needed a penalty shootout to overcome Brazil in the last eight. "I think it was obvious we had heavy legs so we had to adjust."

With Sundhage sensing danger and bellowing from her coaching area, the French dominance almost paid off on the half hour when Gaetane Thiney tested Solo with a close-range effort.

Bompastor then rattled the bar with a fierce drive seconds later as France took complete control.

Wambach, who had scored an equaliser deep into extra time against Brazil, should have put the Americans further in front before the break but headed along the goal line from a metre.

The French got their just reward after 55 minutes when Bompastor levelled after whipping in a cross from the left that deceived Solo.

With France coach Bruno Bini bringing on another striker in the speedy Elodie Thomis as they went in search of the winner, the Americans struck at just the right time with Wambach making amends and heading in at the far post.

A smooth chip over keeper Berangere Sapowicz from Morgan three minutes later put the game beyond the French.

"We had our chances and we had a lot," Bini said. "We were as good as we could have been. But they have a lot of experience."

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We'll bin charter changes: Khaleda

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com) ? The BNP chairperson has said the recent amendments to the constitution were Awami League's own agenda, so her party will throw them away once in power.

After observing an eight-hour hunger strike on Wednesday, Khaleda Zia said, "We want to say these amendments are Awami manifesto, which will be thrown away the next time the government changes."

She reiterated that BNP would not let any election be held without a caretaker government.

"People will not accept if an election is held by Hasina and Ershad without BNP," she said, naming the heads of two of the ruling allies.

WARNING TO LAWMEN

Khaleda Zia expressed her anger on the 'excesses' of the police and RAB against the opposition.

"This government is not here forever. No one will be able to protect you when this government goes," she said.

She strongly criticised the police attack on the opposition chief whip. "The police should be saluting MPs. Instead, they are kicking democracy with their boots," she said.

Khaleda also warned intelligence agencies, saying, "Intelligence men have tortured our party men in the name of remand. I would tell them to refrain from this, otherwise they will face consequences."

PEOPLE ON HUNGER STRIKE EVERYDAY

The BNP chairperson said that BNP's observance of the eight-hour hunger strike was symbolic. "The people are on hunger strike everyday due to the high prices of essentials," she pointed out.

"We cannot let this government run any longer. We have to bring it down to break the people's hunger strikes," she said.

CORRIDOR NOT TRANSIT

The BNP chairperson demanded that the government make public the contracts made with India.

"The government did not present in parliament any agreement it signed, though the constitution says it must be done within a month striking the deal. On the contrary, they brought an amendment to cancel that provision," she said.

Criticising the transit agreement, she said, "That is not a transit agreement. The government has given India a corridor. The government must let us know what are the gives and takes of this deal."

She criticised the 'undemocratic role' of the government, saying the opposition was not being allowed to hold rallies, processions and other democratic rights.

Khaleda also demanded exemplary punishment to the teachers who sexually abuse students, including the Viqarunnisa Noon School and College teacher Parimal, who was recently arrested for abusing a student.

She went on to recount several incidents of sexual assault by the members of Chhatra League, the ruling party's student wing.

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Hasina snubs Khaleda for charter remarks

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com)?Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has derided opposition chief Khaleda Zia's remark that she will throw the amended constitution out once in power.

The nation does not expect such 'indecent' remarks about the 'sacred' constitution, she said on Thursday.

"It is only natural for the opposition leader to deliver such speech as her husband [Ziaur Rahman] trampled the constitution by usurping power," Hasina said at a programme of the newly elected officers of the Institution of Diploma Engineers (IDE).

The BNP chairperson on Wednesday said the recent amendments to the constitution were Awami League's own agenda, so her party would throw them away once in office.

The amendment to the constitution made on June 30 annulled the caretaker government system, introduced through the 13th amendment in 1996. The main opposition, from the very beginning, has been protesting the move.

Hasina reiterated that the BNP and its key ally Jamaat were trying to hinder the ongoing trials of the 'war criminals, grenade assailants, money-launderers and corrupt'.

In the ongoing trial of war crimes, five top leaders of the BNP and two others of Jamaat-e-Islami are currently facing charges.

Khaleda's elder son Tarique Rahman is currently facing charges for money laundering while younger son Arafat Rahman Coco has been convicted for a similar crime. Tarique, also BNP's senior vice-chairman, has 14 cases against him on charges of corruption and extortion. Two arrest warrants have been issued for him in the Aug 21, 2004 grenade attack.

The prime minister pointed out that the trial of Pakistani occupation army's collaborators had begun following the 1971 war. "Citizenship of many people was scrapped and a number of others were arrested too.

"But it was Ziaur Rahman who had freed those 'war criminals' and also rehabilitated them in politics by a military order. Many of them went on to become ministers and MPs," she added.

After gaining independence on Dec 16, 1971, the government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had taken initiatives to try the local collaborators.

Some 37,471 collaborators, mainly comprising the Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams militias, were detained, and the trial of 2,848 people was completed by Oct 31, 1973. The court sentenced 752 to death.

Some 26,000 were freed under a general amnesty announced on Nov 30, 1973. But those accused of killing, rape, loot, arson and abduction were not granted amnesty.

Proceedings for the trial of around 11,000 accused were underway after the amnesty, but the process was halted after Sheikh Mujib's killing in 1975.

Despite trying them subsequently, Hasina alleged, Ziaur Rahman appointed some of them as Bangladesh's ambassadors in several countries.

"His [Ziaur Rahman] wife Khaleda Zia made Bangabandhu's murderer Col Rashid the opposition leader and another assassinator Huda an MP through the Feb 15 election without any voter," she said.

The prime minister said the imposition of martial law killed the spirit of Liberation War embedded in the constitution. "The politics of capturing power through killings and coup started since then."

She said her government reinstated the spirit of the Liberation War in the charter through the 15th Amendment.

"It was possible for us to do as people fetched a huge victory to the grand-alliance government through voting in the last general election," she said and thanked the people for their gesture.

State minister for science and information and communications technology Yeafesh Osman, IDE president A K M A Hamid and general secretary Mohammad Shamsur Rahman also spoke on the occasion.

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