Hosne Ara still in office: Nahid

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com)?The education minister says Hosne Ara still holds the office of principal as per the law at the Viqarunnisa Noon School and College as Ambia Khatun who 'replaced' her went to the ministry.

Students boycotted class and demonstrated on Thursday, deepening the crisis at one of the most prestigious schools in Dhaka.

No improvement was visible despite the education minister's expectations that the crisis at institution would be resolved after the dissolution of its governing board on Wednesday.

No classes were held at one of the top educational institutions of the city, until Thursday noon.

The students reportedly have split in rival groups, causing anguish among their parents.

The students were chanting slogans at the institution's Baily Road branch against and in favour of principal Hosne Ara, who was 'replaced' by assistant professor Ambia Khatun by the board on Wednesday.

Around 5,000 students gathered in the auditorium and chanted slogans blaming Hosne Ara for allegedly being reticent about taking action against Bashundhara branch teacher Parimal Jayadhar, who had been charged with violating a 10th-grade student of the same branch and who later admitted to the crime.

Another group of students assembled in front of the main gate to allege that Hosne Ara was a victim of a conspiracy.

Posters terming Ambia Khatun a 'fundamentalist' were seen on the walls of the institution.

Several guardians standing in front of the gate told bdnews24.com that the problem should be resolved soon.

Speaking to reporters at her office on Thursday noon, Ambia Khatun said the current situation should be resolved as soon as possible. "It is most urgent now to return the students to the classrooms," she said.

She said the posters terming her as a 'fundamentalist' were nothing but propaganda. "It's very unfortunate."

At one stage of the discussion, Khatun received a phone call from the education ministry.

She claimed that the ministry had summoned her, along with a list of senior teachers.

Khatun, along with four other teachers, started for the ministry around 12:15pm. The other teachers were Manju Ara Begum, Minnatul Mahal, Rokhsana Shamim and Sufia Khatun.

Earlier in the day, Khatun told bdnews24.com that she had to take the charge due to pressure from students and teachers.

Meanwhile, education minister Nurul Islam Nahid told reporters that Hosne Ara was still in office.

Speaking about the 'decision to sack' Hosne Ara, taken by some members of the governing body, the minister said, "The board expired a long time ago. A new ad hoc committee has been formed."

On Wednesday, he had said "neither I nor my ministry" knew anything about the sudden change at the top. He had directed the Dhaka education board chairman, the joint secretary of his ministry and relevant people to resolve the issue by Wednesday.

"I hope that things can get back to normal at the renowned institution from Thursday," he added.

Following the allegation against Hosne Ara of backing Parimal, the governing board 'removed' her and ordered her replacement with Ambia Khatun on Wednesday.

Hours after the 'sacking,' the government dissolved the board for its failure to tackle the situation.

Dhaka education board chairperson Fahima Khatun told bdnews24.com on Wednesday that an ad hoc committee led by the Dhaka's deputy commissioner would deal with the developments.

Khatun had said that the governing body was suspended since it had failed to tackle the present situation. "The ad hoc committee headed by Dhaka DC Mohibul Huq will oversee the institution."

Asked about the fate of the new principal, she said, "If the former committee had removed Hosne Ara lawfully, then the decision would stand," suggesting that otherwise it would not.

She said from now on, decisions by the interim committee would be final and that "whatever happened until [Tuesday] is a closed chapter."

Hosne Ara later told bdnews24.com the move reeked of political vendetta.

Acting chairman of the board Dilip Roy said that while several members of the body had taken the decision in the morning, "it can't be considered as an official decision by the committee."

The governing body chief Rashed Khan Menon MP is currently abroad.

Senior teacher Rokhsana Shamim had earlier told bdnews24.com the removal of Hosne Ara had been decided at the governing body meeting on Tuesday afternoon and added that five out of eight members had endorsed the decision.

Hosne Ara, member secretary of the 10-member board, claimed she was still holding office since Khatun had been appointed illegally.

She told bdnews24.com Wednesday afternoon some people were making political gains by trying to instigate trouble.

Hosne Ara also refuted the allegations that she had backed Parimal Jayadhar. She and the acting headmaster of the branch, Lutfar Rahman, were also accused in a case filed by the victim's father.

Jayadhar, a Bangla department teacher, has admitted to the crime in a statement given before a Dhaka metropolitan magistrate.

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DUKE BAILSC summons 2nd charge-sheet

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com) ? The Supreme Court has called for the supplementary charge-sheet filed in the August 21 grenade attack case by July 21.

An eight-strong bench headed by chief justice Mohammad Muzammel Hossain on Thursday issued the order during the hearing on a government petition seeking cancellation of the bail of Saiful Islam Duke, an accused in the case.

The new charge-sheet was filed on July 3 against 30 more accused, including BNP chief Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman and nephew Duke. With the naming of new faces, the number of charge-sheeted accused in the case has reached 52.

Duke secured bail from the High Court on May 4 after he was shown arrested in the case. But as the state appealed against the order, the chamber judge put a stay order and sent the petition for hearing to the full bench.

Duke's lawyer Khandker Mahbub Hossain argued that his client could be granted bail as the charges against him before and after the supplementary charge-sheet was filed were same.

Attorney general Mahbubey Alam argued the bail could not be retained as he was named in the new charge-sheet. The bail was granted before the supplementary charge-sheet was submitted.

The grisly grenade attack on an Awami League meeting at Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka on Aug 21, 2004 had left 24 people, including incumbent president Zillur Rahman's wife Ivy Rahman, dead and 73 injured.

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Brazil beat Ecuador 4-2 to reach Copa quarters

Strikers Alexandre Pato and Neymar scored two goals apiece as Brazil beat Ecuador 4-2 to finish top of Group B at the Copa America on Wednesday and set up a quarterfinal against Paraguay.

Brazilian forward Neymar (2nd right) celebrates with teammates (L to R)
Robinho, Alexandre Pato and Maicon, after scoring against Ecuador during
Copa America match in Cordoba, Argentina

The result left Venezuela with second place in the group and a last-eight meeting with Group C winners Chile in San Juan. The other quarterfinals pit hosts Argentina against Uruguay while Colombia take on Peru.

Title-holders Brazil, winners of four of the last five tournaments, have already shared a 2-2 draw in the group stage with Paraguay, who qualified as one of the two best third-placed teams along with Peru.

Ecuador bowed out of the tournament with two good goals from Felipe Caicedo in an exciting match that capped a lively final night for the South American tournament's group stage.

Venezuela earlier mounted a remarkable late comeback to snatch a 3-3 draw against Paraguay in Salta.

After a dull opening half-hour, Brazil lit up the match at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium with a fine headed goal by Pato from Andre Santos's left cross.

Eight minutes later, Brazil might have gone two goals up when Robinho's shot from Maicon's right cross hit goalkeeper Marcelo Elizaga's left-hand post.

Instead, down the other end less than a minute later, big striker Caicedo found space to shoot from the edge of the box and the ball squeezed in under goalkeeper Julio Cesar for the equaliser.

Ecuador could have gone ahead in first half stoppage time but for the Brazil goalkeeper's diving save from a curling, left-footed shot from the right by Michael Arroyo.

Brazil regained the lead four minutes into the second half when Paulo Henrique Ganso took a ball with his back to goal, turned and slotted it through to Neymar who scored in the top corner.

Caicedo hit his second equaliser just before the hour when Christian Noboa won the ball in midfield and set the striker up to shoot low past Julio Cesar.

Pato put Brazil ahead again within two minutes, netting the rebound after Elizaga parried a shot from Neymar, who then made it four for Brazil in the 72nd by turning in Maicon's low cross.

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CPB, BASAD protest for 4 principals

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com) ? Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BASAD) have held a protest rally demanding restoration of the constitution of 1972 with its four fundamental principles.

The CPB and BASAD held the rally in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday afternoon following a protest march.

BASAD general secretary Khalequzzaman at the rally said the constitution had turned into a 'junk' document through the 15th Amendment.

"If you say Bangladesh is a non-communal country, Islam can never be there in the constitution as the state religion," he said.

Khalequzzaman demanded restoration of the four basic principles of the '72 Constitution, the constitutional recognition of the indigenous people and a speedy war crimes trial.

He also urged the like-minded leftist political parties to be united on the same platform to raise movement against the government's different 'hasty' decisions.

CPD president Manzurul Ahsan Khan, general secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim, BASAD central committee members A K M Zahirul Islam and Rajukuzzaman Ratan were also present at the rally.

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US, UNSC, France, Australia condemn Mumbai attacks

MUMBAI: Indian medical staff attends to injured patients in a ward of The JT Hospital here Wednesday after a series of bomb blasts. -AFP Photo WASHINGTON, July 14 (AFP): The United States, France, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Australia condemned Wednesday's multiple bomb attacks in Mumbai. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called them "despicable" and vowed to visit India next week as planned.

US President Barack Obama also issued a written statement condemning the deadliest attack on India's commercial capital since the traumatic 2008 assault by Islamist militants.

"I strongly condemn the outrageous attacks in Mumbai and my thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and those who have lost loved ones," Obama said.

Clinton said the attacks, which left at least 21 people dead and more than 140 injured, had been "designed to provoke fear and division" and said: "Those who perpetrated them must know they cannot succeed.

"I will be traveling to India next week as planned," she said. "I believe it is more important than ever that we stand with India, deepen our partnership, and reaffirm our commitment to the shared struggle against terrorism."

The UN Security Council Wednesday "condemned in the strongest terms" the bombings in the Indian city of Mumbai, noting that terrorism is one of the biggest threats to international peace. The Council "reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," said a statement read by Peter Wittig, Germany's ambassador to the UN and current Council president.

Australia Thursday strongly condemned a string of bombings that left 21 people dead in India's commercial capital, saying such "wanton acts of terrorism" have no place in the civilised world.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd both slammed the three bombings that wounded more than 100 people in Mumbai and said Australia stood by India as it grapples with the aftermath of the rampage.

"I condemn the deadly terrorist attacks overnight in Mumbai," Gillard said.

France Wednesday condemned the "cowardly and blind" attacks in Mumbai while reaffirming its support for India in the fight against terrorism.

"As the city of Mumbai is again hit by a series of terrorist attacks, the president of the Republic firmly condemns the cowardly and blind violence and wants to express France's full solidarity with India's authorities in these painful hours," said a statement issued by President Nicolas Sarkozy's office.

"More than ever France is standing by India in its fight against the scourge of terrorism," the statement added.

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Child abused by madrassah teacher

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com) ? Police have arrested a madrassah teacher for sexually abusing a student at the Paikpara area in Mirpur.

Mirpur Police Station sub-inspector (SI) Shafiqul Islam told bdnews24.com on Wednesday that Nurani Hafizia Madrassah teacher Jakir Hossain tricked the student of class I to his room and abused him.

He said the boy's father, Shahabuddin, informed the madrassah principle of the incident.

Later, people and madrassah authorities caught Jakir and called in the police.

A case has been filed in connection with the matter incident.

Shafiqul said Jakir confessed to abusing the boy. He was sent to jail on Wednesday on a court order.

He said medical examination of the child would take place on Thursday.

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Knitwear makers target Russia

Monira Munni

Garment makers have set their eyes on Russia, aiming to sell apparel worth US$2.0 billion to Europe's most populous nation, as part of their latest efforts to diversify export markets away from the EU and the US.

Manufacturers told the FE Thursday Russian economy has been growing fast, but retailers there buy clothing mainly from Turkey and China as direct sourcing from Bangladesh is still in its infancy.

"Russia is a good market both in terms of price and product demand," Mohammad Hatem vice president Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) told the FE.

"The fast-booming Russian market now accounts for only one per cent of our total garment exports. But a BKMEA study has shown that we can raise apparel export to Russia to at least $2.0 billion within the next three-four years," Mr. Hatem said.

As part of a drive to find new markets for the Bangladeshi apparel, two local trade promotion teams will visit Moscow this year to forge links with the Russian retailers and get them acquainted with Bangladeshi products.

Officials said the first team will be led by knitwear exporters who will attend a fair in Moscow where they will display the entire range of Bangladeshi apparel and hold parleys with the buyers and the Russian trade bureaucrats.

The second team will travel to the world's largest country the next month. Senior officials of the Bangladesh Bank, Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau and some members of the BKMEA will make the trip.

"In the first tour our emphasis will be to exclusively promote products and try to kick off direct trade ties between Dhaka and Moscow. In the second we will hold a series of meetings so that we can cement the links and foster direct trade," said Mr. Hatem.

"What we need now is to open a direct channel to enter Russia. Many Russian retailers simply don't know that our apparel is the most cost competitive in the world and quality of our products is as good as China or Turkey," said a knitwear exporter.

Local manufacturers are making shipment through indirect sourcing via Turkey, Finland and Germany through the telegraphic transfer (TT) system due to some custom-related obstacles, he said.

EPB officials said Russian buyers cannot import directly from Bangladesh, as the two nations don't have banking links that can allow shipment of merchandise through letter of credit. They can only ship a negligible amount through the TT process.

"The BB and commerce ministry officials will hold meeting with their Russian counterparts during the September visit. Hopefully, the LC system will be in place immediately after the tour," Mr Hatem said.

The country fetched $19 billion from apparel export in the just concluded 2010-11 fiscal year, posting an impressive 42 per cent growth over the same period of the previous fiscal year.

But about 85 percent of the apparel was shipped to only two markets --- the US and the 27-nation bloc European Union --- leaving the local exporters extremely susceptible to any major economic downturn in the world's two largest economies.

In the 2009-10 fiscal year, Bangladesh apparel export fell down to a meagre two per cent after the global recession dried up consumer spending in the US and the EU.

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NBR chairman for bringing all taxpayers under VAT net

FE Report

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Nasiruddin Ahmed Wednesday said all taxpayers are needed to be brought under value added tax (VAT) net for prosperity of the country.

He made the observation while addressing a views exchange meeting with stakeholders, organised by Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Dhaka (South) marking National VAT Week (10-16 July) in the city.

Dr Nasiruddin said, "We have decided to observe the VAT day and the VAT week to create mass awareness among the people for paying tax."

He sought help from all to identify the regular taxpayers and those who are not paying tax at all.

The NBR chairman also called for taking initiatives to train up NBR and VAT officials to increase their skill in collecting tax.

Attending the seminar as the special guest, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) president A K Azad said the gap between business people and NBR officials is declining day by day.

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Uruguay set up Argentina clash

La Plata, July 13 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) ? World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay beat a young Mexico side 1-0 in the Copa America on Tuesday to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with their River Plate rivals Argentina.

Alvaro Pereira scored the only goal of the match after 14 minutes, taking advantage of a deflection from a Diego Forlan free kick to bury the loose ball from close range.

The result means Uruguay leapfrog Peru to finish second in Group C behind Chile, and will face hosts Argentina in Santa Fe on Saturday.

Peru finish third in the group and also qualify for the quarter-finals, although they will have to wait until Wednesday to find out who they face next.

Mexico, who fielded an under-strength team at the Copa, exit the competition after losing all three group matches.

Uruguay dominated much of the match and could have easily added to their early lead.

Forlan hit the inside of the right hand post with a low shot in the 30th minute and five minutes later his striking partner Luis Suarez forced a fine save from Luis Michel, who tipped the ball over his crossbar for a corner kick.

The Mexicans, who were appearing at the Copa by invitation, were limited to a few counter-attacks, with Giovani Dos Santos their main threat in attack.

The pattern was repeated in the second half and it was only in the final 20 minutes that Mexico turned up the heat.

They appeared to have equalized in the 89th minute through Rafael Marquez but his effort was ruled out for offside.

The Uruguay-Argentina quarter-final pits the two most successful teams in the Copa America against one another. Both teams have won South America's most prestigious competition 14 times apiece.

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Dhaka stocks off higher

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com)?Dhaka stocks have started up in the first hours of the last trading day of the week.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange general index gained 59.50 points or 0.90 percent to 6622.42 around 1:15pm on Thursday.

Of the 257 traded issues, 190 advanced, 59 declined and eight remained unchanged.

The turnover on DSE stood at Tk 9.78 billion until then.

On Wednesday, the DSE general index gained 48.82 points or 0.74 percent to stand at 6562.91.

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Mourinho eye Adebayor signing

Madrid, July 13 (bdnews24.com) ? Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has admitted that the club are more likely to sign Emmanuel Adebayor than Neymar or Sergio Aguero.

The Portuguese tactician officially opened the race for a new striker on Monday by affirming that he is looking to add some more firepower to his squad, , reports Goal.com

Neymar and Aguero have both been strongly tipped to join the club in the summer, but Mourinho revealed that it is Adebayor, who spent the second half of the last season on loan with the capital giants, who is the closest to reinforcing his side.

"Neymar is a Santos player, Aguero belongs to Atletico Madrid... Adebayor is at Manchester City, but perhaps he is closer because he was our player for six months," Mourinho said at a press conference.

"We should not be very distant from those names, but I am calm because we have a fantastic squad and we are in a very good situation."

Mourinho, who noted his players are 'physically dead' following their first training session, explained the reason he chose the United States as location for the preseason training camp.

"I like the freedom of the United States for my players. In Europe, they cannot go out for a walk," he noted.

Madrid will play David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy in the World Football Challenge on Saturday, July 16.

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Month-long Ramadan holiday in edn instts suggested

Home Ministry will request the Education Ministry to declare month-long Ramadan holiday in all educational institutes in order to reduce gridlock in the capital during the holy Ramadan. The decision came at a meeting on security during the Ramadan, held at the Ministry with Home Minister Sahara Khatun in the chair. The meeting decided to request the Education Ministry to take final decision in this regard and take all necessary steps to declare educational institutions shut from 1st of Ramadan, which is likely to fall on August 2.

? UNB

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Sk Jamal, Abahani reach semis

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club topped Group A of the Grameenphone Super Cup with a lack lustre goalless draw against Dhaka Abahani at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday.

Abahani striker Awudu Ibrahim (L) is under hard marking from Sheikh Jamal
defender Ariful Islam during their Super Cup

The draw saw Sheikh Jamal at the top of the group with four points while Dhaka Abahani finished runners-up with two points. The new powerhouse thrashed Brothers Union 6-1 earlier. Dhaka Abahani played another goalless draw with Brothers Union in their previous match. It meant that Abahani secured a last four slot without scoring a goal.

Sheikh Jamal who was confirmed of a semifinal slot even if they had lost the match were little worried about winning rather concentrated on not conceding a goal. Abahani on the other hand started with an attacking attitude which gradually faded away.

Abahani’s best chance came in the 16th minute of the match when Ghanaian forward Twum Frank pouncing on an Awudu Ibrahim through pass found Jamal custodian Aminul alone under the bar palmed away the Ibrahim’s placing.

Twum Frank missed the flight of an Awudu cross in the 26th minute which was curved form the right hand flag much to the relief of Aminul who was stranded in the near post.

Jamal came close in the 35th minute but winger Shakil fed by Staefan Loga Bouga with a nice chip blasted over the crosspiece from the middle of the box.

Abahani midfielder Uzzal lashed on a clearance off a Robin corner on the 60th minute but saw his volley miss the crosspiece by few inches.

As the match proceeded it became a drab affair as both the teams took a relaxed approach till the final whistle.

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Taxpayers' service centre opens in Chittagong today

Doulot Akter Mala

The country's first taxpayers' service and information centre will open in port city Chittagong today (Friday) as tax officials have found that taxpayers of the second biggest city are deprived of better services.

The service centre, with all modern facilities, will provide all types of support to the taxpayers including filing tax returns, obtaining Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN) and other services.

Taxpayers can know about their arrear tax in the service centre, officials said.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) will open a similar taxpayers' service centre in Dhaka this month, said NBR Member (tax administration) Syed Aminul Karim.

He said there is untapped potentiality of raising tax collection from port city Chittagong.

The centres will help hassle-free filing of tax returns by the country's nearly a million taxpayers without coming physically to tax offices, he said.

Time for filing tax returns by individual taxpayers started from July 1 and will continue until September 30.

"It will be a state-of-the-art service centre. No fees or charges will be required for obtaining services in the centre," Mr. Karim said.

Main objective of the service and information centre is to eliminate fear factor and help taxpayers get all types of tax-related services without coming to the tax offices, he said.

The tax department has set up the centre with the financial support of the Department for International Department (DFID), he said.

Retired and fresh income tax officials of the NBR will be posted in the centres to provide free advisory services on tax laws, rules and other tax-related regulations.

Aminul Karim said the success of tax fairs the NBR hosted in September last year proved that taxpayers were willing to pay taxes if they got simple and hassle-free system.

Officials said the NBR will also arrange such tax fairs this year in September prior to expiry of the deadline for submission of individual tax returns.

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Eight new booters join national camp

National football coach Nikola Ilievski in his bid to strengthen his arsenal included eight more booters in the squad that will face Lebanon in the World Cup pre-qualifiers scheduled to be held on July 23 and 28 at Beirut and Dhaka respectively.

The Macedonian said these players matched his requirements.

“I have certain plans and I think these players can deliver things for the team. I will declare the 20-member squad after the semifinals of the Super Cup. I think can gear the team up in a new mould,” said Ilievski.

The coach thought Aminul was doing well and it would have been better if he was available for the national fold.

The players included are Waly Faisal (Sheikh Jamal), Md Shujon (Sheikh Jamal), Shafiqul Islam Bipul (Dhaka Mohammedan), Touhidul Alam Touhid (Dhaka Mohammedan), Abdul Hamid Sheikh Vashani (Dhaka Mohammedan), Shariful Islam (Dhaka Mohammedan), Faisal Mahmud (Brothers Union) and Ziaur Rahman Zia (Dhaka Abahani).

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Violated girl seeks help

Barisal, July 14 (bdnews24.com) ? A violated girl has sought legal assistance from Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

The girl, a resident of Charaicha village of Shayestabad Union, came to the women's rights group's Barisal office on Thursday.

The incident took place on July 11 became public when the rapists marketed a video of their heinous act.

A neighbour girl had aided the crime, the victim alleged.

'Jasim' and 'Anik', residents of the same village, violated her when she went to take bath at a nearby creek, she said. Her neighbour, one Mariam, aided the rapists by luring the unsuspecting girl to her house, where the crime took place.

'Rana', a friend of Jasim and Anik, recorded the act.

Mahila Parishad legal aid secretary Protima Sarker said the girl would be provided all possible legal assistance.

A case would be filed with the Kaunia Police Station on Friday, she said.

Officer-in-charge Rafiqul Islam said he had been notified of the incident and a drive was going on to arrest the criminals.

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Principal changed again

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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Apple pays S.Korean user compensation over iPhone tracking: court

SEOUL, July 14 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) - Apple Inc's Korean unit has paid compensation to a user of its popular iPhone after collecting location data without consent, lawyers and court officials said, the first payout by the US company over these complaints.

In May, Apple Korea was ordered by the court to pay 1 million won ($946) in compensation to Kim Hyung-suk, a lawyer, two officials at Changwon District Court told Reuters on Thursday. They declined to be identified because they are not authorized to speak to the media.

Kim's law firm, Mirae Law, said Apple made payment last month. Steve Park, a spokesman for Apple Korea declined to comment.

Mirae Law said it was now preparing a class action lawsuit against Apple for the unauthorised data collection. A website for class action sign-up has been set up but was paralyzed due to heavy traffic. (www.sueapple.co.kr)

Apple released a software update in May to fix a problem that enabled its mobile devices to collect and store customers' location data. The revelation that Apple's iPhone collected data and stored it for up to a year has prompted renewed scrutiny of the nexus between location and privacy.

US lawmakers have accused the technology industry of exploiting location data for marketing purposes - a potentially multibillion-dollar industry -- without getting proper consent from phone users.

Two separate U.S. groups of iPhone and iPad users have sued Apple, alleging that certain software applications were passing personal user information to third-party advertisers without consent.

Google Inc's Seoul office was raided in May on suspicion its mobile advertising unit AdMob had illegally collected location data without consent, in the latest setback to the Internet search firm's Korean operations.

Executives of both Apple and Google have said they did not abuse the information.

Any class action may further pressure Apple in the home market of its key rival Samsung Electronics.

Samsung's flagship Galaxy S smartphone has emerged as a major competitor to the iPhone.

The iPhone is sold by top mobile carrier SK Telecom and second-ranked KT Corp in South Korea. KT, the major seller of the iPhone, said its iPhone subscribers reach more than 2.7 million, while SK Telecom declined to provide any details.

Apple sold a record 18.65 million units of its blockbuster iPhone globally in the March quarter.

($1 = 1056.800 Korean Won)

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14 killed in fresh Karachi political violence

Supporters of political party Muttahida Qaumi Movement burn an effigy representing provincial Minister Zulfikar Mirza during a protest in Karachi. KARACHI, July 14 (Reuters): Fresh political violence gripped Pakistan's commercial capital, Karachi, Thursday, leaving 14 people dead in fighting sparked by a senior ruling party leader's criticism of the city's dominant political group.

Angry mobs went on a rampage and burned vehicles after Zulfiqar Mirza, a minister in the Sindh provincial assembly and senior member of President Asif Ali Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP), urged the people of Karachi and Hyderabad, the second-largest city of Sindh, to "stand up ... and rid yourselves" of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

"I appeal to the people of Karachi especially, and of Hyderabad, to stand up for yourselves, for Pakistan, for Karachi and for your innocent children, and rid yourselves of these cursed ones," he said while talking to reporters, referring to senior MQM leaders.

In comments broadcast repeatedly by local television stations, he also criticised Mohajirs -- the descendents of Urdu-speakers who migrated from India -- for being ungrateful for the home they were given after the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

Provincial home minister Manzoor Wasan said 14 people were killed and 25 wounded in violence since last night. At least one person was killed in Hyderabad, police said.

Several protests were held in Karachi and other cities of the province, where hundreds of angry protesters burned tires, chanted slogans against Mirza and burned his effigies, demanding his removal as a minister.

Many roads were closed in Karachi after protesters torched several vehicles following heavy firing all night in many areas.

Mirza later apologised for his comments.

"My statement last night was my personal view and was not meant to hurt anybody's sentiments. But if it has done that, I sincerely apologise," he said in a statement.

Karachi, home to more than 18 million people, has a long history of ethnic, religious and sectarian violence.

It was a major target of al Qaeda-linked militants after the September 11 2001 attacks on the United States, when Pakistan joined the US-led campaign against militancy.

The latest incidents come after a surge in ethnic and political violence in Karachi last week, which killed more than 100 people.

As the commercial hub, any upheaval in Karachi could disturb industrial activity and have serious consequences for the economy.

The country is struggling to control a rising Taliban insurgency in the northwest along the border with Afghanistan, while militant attacks in bigger cities are also on the rise.

The insurgency, perceptions of corruption and chronic power shortages have put off long-term investors, hurting the fragile economy which has been propped up by an $11 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme.

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Uruguay to face Argentina, Chile beat Peru

La Plata, July 13 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) ? Uruguay eliminated Mexico from the Copa America Tuesday to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with Argentina, while Chile finished top of Group C after a 1-0 win over Peru.

Mexico, who were effectively fielding an under-22 side at the Copa, exit the competition after three consecutive losses.

Chile topped the group, with Uruguay in second place and Peru third. All three sides progress to the quarter-finals, although Chile and Peru will have to wait until Wednesday to find out who they face next.

"I congratulate Chile, their coach Claudio Borghi and the players," Peru coach Sergio Markarian said afterwards. "In my opinion, and with all respect to all the other teams, Chile have played the best football in the competition over their three matches."

World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay, having drawn their opening two matches, took the lead through Alvaro Pereira after 14 minutes, the midfielder taking advantage of a deflection from a Diego Forlan free kick to bury the loose ball from close range.

The Uruguayans dominated much of the match but failed to add to their score. Forlan hit the inside of the post with a low shot in the 30th minute and it was only in the final 20 minutes that Mexico turned up the heat.

They appeared to have equalised in the 89th minute through Rafael Marquez but his effort was ruled out for offside.

The Uruguay-Argentina quarter-final pits the two most successful teams in the Copa America against one another.

Both teams have won South America's most prestigious competition 14 times. Chile, looking to win the competition for the first time, needed a 92nd minute own goal from Andre Carillo to beat a stubborn Peruvian side in Mendoza.

Carillo inadvertently bundled the ball into his own net after a scramble in the six-yard box from a corner.

The result means Chile will play whoever finishes second in Group B in the quarter-finals in San Juan next weekend. That could be Brazil, Paraguay or Venezuela.

Both Chile and Peru ended the match with 10 men, Chile's Jean Beausejour and Peru's Giancarlo Carmona sent off after an hour for their part in a melee that drew in all 22 players.

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Nepal landslides kill 6, leave 10 missing

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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Mirsarai death toll 39, not 44: admin

Chittagong, July 13 (bdnews24.com) ? Mirsarai administration has said the number of deaths in the tragedy that took place on Monday is 39.

This is a backtrack from their previous account of 44 deaths.

Mirsarai Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) and Upazila chairman said they found the error while distributing aid to the families of the deceased on Wednesday.

"The number of deaths is 39, not 44," UNO Sayeed Kutub said, "The names Tarek and Rajib were recorded thrice and twice respectively, and Mithu Chandra Nath and Shuva Chandra Nath were injured, not dead."

Abu Torab High School's headmaster Zafar Sadeque also confirmed the error.

The 38 students and another were killed in a road accident in Mirsarai, Chittagong on Monday when the truck carrying them skidded off the muddy road after crossing a bridge. The accident took place at the connecting road between Bara Takia and Abu Torab Bazaar, only one and a half kilometres away from the Abu Toarb High School.

Survivors said driver Mofij Uddin was speaking into a mobile phone despite protests. Police remain unable to find Mofij, who his neighbours say was in fact a drivers' assistant without any driving licence.

Zaafr Sadeque said the error may have occurred due to the fact that many of the parents could not say which class their children belonged to.

"Also, amid the rush after the accident, some names were recorded more than once," he said.

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Dhoni tried to intimidate me: Harper

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com) - In a shocking submission capable to raise more controversy, Australian umpire Daryl Harper alleged that India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni tried to intimidate him.

Harper, who was forced to withdraw from the third Test following criticisms from Indian players, said Dhoni should have been penalised for his comments on poor umpiring, adding that he was forced to break his silence following ICC's inaction.

Harper said Dhoni tried to intimidate him after paceman Praveen Kumar was removed from the attack for repeatedly running on the pitch.

Harper said that Dhoni approached him and said "we've had problems with you before, Daryl", which the umpire interpreted as an attempt to intimidate, ESPNcricinfo reported.

"I decided what he meant was that I was one umpire not influenced by any personalities or teams or boards. He (MS Dhoni) hadn't been able to intimidate me, I think that was part of it," Harper said.

Harper also said that Dhoni should have been punished for his comments at the post-match conference.

"If the correct decisions were made the game would have finished much earlier and I would have been in the hotel by now," Dhoni had said.

"That was my opinion (that he should have been censured), those were inappropriate comments .. I think that's definitely inappropriate," Harper said.

Dhoni's criticism was described as "unfair" by the ICC general manager of cricket David Richardson, but neither he nor the match referee Jeff Crowe elected to charge the Indian captain.

Harper lashed out at the ICC for its lack of support in the face of concerted pressure from India's players and media, which ultimately saw him hounded out of Test cricket a match earlier than he was scheduled to retire during the Caribbean series.

"I'm disappointed for the game of cricket that management has allowed this to happen. I think there was basically a hive of inactivity in Dubai. I think it would have been very simple to apply the code of conduct that umpires have to apply on the spur of the moment in every game they umpire...

"I guess someone had to show some leadership when it came to such an important issue for the game's future. It's a wonderful game and I don't want to see it going down the tube by selective management," he said.

Stating that three players were charged under the ICC code of conduct in the Kingston Test, Harper said the two West Indians - Darren Sammy and Ravi Rampaul - had shown far more contrition than Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who was also sanctioned.

"Three players were reported ... Two of them came to the umpire's room afterwards and they realised they were wrong in what they'd done. They both apologised profusely, they were humbled, they expressed their disappointment with their actions, they didn't avoid the issue, they owned up.

"One was reprimanded, Darren Sammy, Ravi Rampaul was fined 10 per cent of his match fee, and those boys were apologetic. In the other case, the first player reported was Amit Mishra, and even on the fourth day of the game he was still adamant that he'd got a bad decision.

"... his (Mishra's) character failed to respond in the appropriate way, and four days later he still hadn't worked out that he'd breached the code of conduct and thought he was quite justified," said Harper.

Harper admitted that he decided to withdraw from the third Test at Dominica as he didn't want to be in focus.

"I was going to be on a hiding to nothing if I officiated in Dominica. It would have been all about my performance in my 96th Test," Harper said in his statement. "I'm not sure if any more scrutiny was actually possible. I loved my role but I didn't want to see the focus switch to me when it should centre on the players and the contest.

"In an ICC media release to explain my withdrawal from the third Test, ICC Manager, Cricket Operations David Richardson wrote 'the reality of the situation is that Daryl's statistics show his correct decision percentage in Tests involving India is 96 per cent, which is considerably higher than the international average for top-level umpires'.

"If this type of support had been forthcoming before the horse had bolted, I would have stayed and officiated in my 96th Test match."

According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC intends to make a presentation to Harper, recognising his contribution to the game, during the next Test match to be held at the Adelaide Oval, his home ground. It will be played against India.

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No alternative to talks: CEC

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com) ? The chief election commissioner (CEC) has voiced frustration over BNP's non-response to its invitation to dialogue.

"The two [major] parties should take part in the dialogue since there's no alternative to talks to resolve any problem. They need to meet and talk," A T M Shamsul Huda said on Thursday.

"We're inviting them, but there has been no response so far," he said mentioning that the main opposition had been invited thrice.

He, however, hopes that BNP would join the talks on July 20.

The EC is scheduled to sit for talks with the ruling Awami League and BNP on July 19 and 20 respectively.

His remarks came during talks with Bangladesh Kalyan Party (BKP) when its chairman Maj Gen (retd) Syed Muhammad Ibrahim requested for seeking BNP's opinion with a view to resolving the country's present political instability.

"It's possible to get over the crisis of confidence among the political parties if the Election Commission wants and gets active," Ibrahim said.

In response, the CEC said, "We're trying, but can't do anything more. We hope they'd come up."

Earlier in the morning, the EC exchanged views with Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party.

The EC sat with the two parties as part of its ongoing dialogue with the 38 registered parties on key issues like the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), demarcation laws and appointment of election commissioners.

The commission opened the dialogue on June 7.

Huda at its meeting with the BKP said all the disputes were resolved through talks during the World War I and World War II.

Referring to the standoff between King Henri and the Pope, the CEC said: "The empire was at a stake and public sufferings were severe. No-one was ready to sit for talks in France and Rome. Later, the dispute was resolved through dialogue in a neutral place, Kennesaw."

Despite being independent, the EC has to perform its work under a complex 'bureaucracy'.

He hoped that the court should help the EC hold a free, fair and neutral election.

EVM FOR LOCAL POLLS FIRST

The BKP chairman said the initiative to use EVM in the elections was praise-worthy, but "adequate public awareness is essential" for its use.

The EVM can be introduced in general elections only after trying it out for acceptability and security in local polls. "We're in favour of its use in the 11th parliament elections," Ibrahim added.

The other party, too, advocated for using EVM in local polls experimentally, citing that the prevailing confusion and mistrust needed to be removed first.

The parties, however, agreed with the other issues.

Commissioners Muhammad Sohul Hussain and M Shakhawat Hossain, EC secretary Mohammad Sadik, Lutful Kabir, director of the Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT) of BUET, and Saifur Rahman, managing director of Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory were also present.

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ICT registrar slams Jamaat counsel

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com)?The International Crimes Tribunal registrar has hit back at the counsel for Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for his 'aggressive and discourteous' remarks.

Shahinur Rahman responded at a press briefing on Wednesday to the statement of barrister Abdur Razzaq, lawyer for the Jamaat leaders arrested for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity and war crimes during the nation's independence war in 1971.

Barrister Razzaq, himself a leader of the Islamist party, at a press conference on Tuesday said that the tribunal failed to ensure justice for those facing trial for crimes against humanity.

Criticising the rules of procedures to try those, barrister Razzaq said if the ICT held the trial following the amended rules of procedure, justice would not be established.

"Not only the Jamaat leaders, other accused persons would also be deprived of justice under the amended rules," he claimed.

On behalf of the defence, Razzaq raised five-point demand to ensure justice, saying without the implementation of those demands the trial would not be acceptable to the civil society and the international community.

Shahinur in his reaction said that everyone has freedom and right to expression, but it should not be discourteous.

"That which can create confusion among the people in name of expressing opinion should not be acceptable to all."

"I earnestly request all concerned to show politeness and sense of proportion in expressing opinion and have a clear idea regarding the tribunal and its judicial activities."

Shahinur said the tribunal was an independent judicial organisation formed to ensure transparent, neutral, open and speedy trial of the internationally recognised crimes.

He said that a policy was formulated and required amendment was brought as per the Section 22 of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 to ensure free and fair trial.

Responding to a query, he said there was no obstruction from the tribunal to appoint foreign counsels. "Anyone can come taking permission from Bangladesh Bar Council and the amendment of the constitution is not under the jurisdiction of the tribunal."

Asked about the statement of the prime ministe at the UN General Council that the trial of the war crimes suspects was being held maintaining international standard, he said that the tribunal will determine the standards of the trial.

"No one has authority to speak about it, even I."

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Batali Hill shanties evicted

Chittagong, July 13 (bdnews24.com) ? Bangladesh Railway (BR) has evicted the risky shanties from the nearby areas of the collapsed retention wall of the Batali Hill in the port city.

With the help of the police and Government Railway Police (GRP) members, Chittagong divisional estate officer of railway Rashid Ahmed conducted the eviction drive from 10:30am to 1pm on Wednesday.

Assistant estate officer of railway's east zone Mohammad Abdul Bari told bdnews24.com that they evicted 40 risky shanties.

He said structures of the shanties were demolished.

A rain-induced mudslide at the bottom of the Batali Hill in Tiger Pass intersection of the port city left 17 people of three families dead on July 1.

The government committee formed following the incident to investigate the tragedy found the landslide occurred due to the poor quality of the retaining wall built to protect the hill.

Besides, rampant hill-cutting exposed the people living on its slopes to high degree of risk.

The committee suggested directing the settlers on the bottom of the government-owned hill to relocate their shanties.

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BFF pick up 22 booters for WC qualifier

Bangladesh Football Federation Thursday initially picked up 22 footballers to join the residential training camp to prepare for the 2nd round match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil-Asian Qualifier against Lebanon in Beirut on July 23, reports UNB.

The selected players have been asked to report to the BFF office today (Friday) at 10 am with their kits to join the residential camp at the BKSP in Savar the same day.

Muktijoddha Sangsad KC custodian Biplob Bhattacharya has be retained as captain after the successful campaign against Pakistan in the first round of the meet early this month.

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US may face huge financial calamity, says Fed chief

Fazle Rashid

NEW YORK, July 14: Another important voice -- that of the US Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernake -- has been added to support the grim forecast earlier made by the US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. It also lent credence to Moody's rating agency's dismal warning that the US economy could plunge into catastrophe if the debt ceiling is not revised upward.

The Fed chairman told the Congress yesterday that the US would face "huge financial calamity", if the debt ceiling is not revised upward.

The bipartisan dialogue aimed at a breakthrough ended abruptly last Wednesday with President Obama walking out of the meeting in utter disgust. The stakes are high for the economy, the financial markets and both the parties, the New York Times (NYT) in a front page story said today

Ben Bernanke appearing before House Financial Committee said a recession on the scale of 2008 cannot be ruled out.

The Fed chairman in his testimony "outlined extra stimulus options the Fed could use if the economy remains weak". He warned of the possibility of the deflationary risk reemerging.

Fed options include keeping interests close to zero and buying assests.

While the US and Europe are struggling with their economies, the Chinese economy, the second largest in the world, grew by a whopping 9.5 per cent in the second quarter.

Policy managers in China are very careful about inflation not going out of hand. The weakening of the Chinese economy, key engine of global growth, could add to US and Europe's woes.

Japan's economy, the third largest in the world, is also in tatters after it was hit by the fury of nature, said an analyst

Tackling inflation is the top priority of China. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping inflation under control. China is making determined effort to raise the supply of food.

On the political front, fund raising for campaigning is a strong indicator of public support in the US.

In this count, President Obama is far ahead of his Republican contenders. A record number of eight candidates from the Republican Party have joined the fray of 2012 presidential race.

Obama camp has raised over $86 million in last three months far outpacing the combined total of the Republican candidates.

President Obama "beat all his potential rivals in the poll, driven mainly by strong support among women". H has received more funds from the grassroot levels rather than from wealthier segment of his supporters

Ms. Michele Bachmann, Tea Party favourite who recently joined the race for the White House, ranked second behind Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor in the poll of Republican hopefuls.

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ICT takes charges against Sayeedi into cognizance

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Thursday took the charges against Jama'at-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayeedi into cognizance, reports BSS.

Chairman of the three-member tribunal Justice Nizamul Haque also set August 10 for framing the charges.

Earlier, he was produced before the tribunal.

Sayeedi is now detained in jail in several cases including alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during the War of Liberation.

Besides, the tribunal again rejected the petition seeking bail for Sayeedi.

Prosecution of the ICT on May 31 submitted 15-part investigation report containing 4,047 pages against Sayeedi before the tribunal.

The investigation agency submitted the report after 313 days of investigation from July 21, 2010 to May 30, 2011.

The tribunal also asked the prosecution to submit by July 17 if any other evidence was found against Sayeedi.

It also asked the prosecution to supply the copy of formal charges and other relevant documents to the defence counsel by July 19.

The government on March 25 last year set up the tribunal with Justice M Nizamul Haque as chairman and Justice ATM Fazle Kabir and retired district and sessions judge AKM Zahir Ahmed as its members to try the perpetrators of crimes against humanity in 1971.

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Hasina sends message to Manmohan condemning Mumbai blasts

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday sent a message conveying her counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh Dhaka's grief for the victims of the Mumbai blasts after her overnight statement instantly castigating the culprits, reports BSS.

"Expressing her profound shock at the heinous act, she added that any act of terrorism is unacceptable, criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation," a foreign office statement said quoting her as saying in the letter.

Sheikh Hasina, it said, called the attack "heinous" and "reiterated the resolve of the government and people of Bangladesh to root out terrorism" from the country.

"Bangladesh Prime Minister conveyed her heartfelt sympathies and profound condolences to the members of the bereaved families. She also prayed for the eternal peace of those who have passed away and for the people of India to bear this shock with fortitude," the statement said.

In an instant reaction after the attack Wednesday evening, the Bangladesh premier said the "cowardly act" deeply saddened her while "no conscientious person can endorse such a heinous act".

"On behalf of the people of Bangladesh, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the near and dear ones of the dead, and the people and the government of India," she said, adding that she prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls.

Sheikh Hasina said she and her ruling Awami League government along with the Bangladeshi people would continue to work against terrorism to establish peace in the country and in the region as well.

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Gas-based plant to replace four old power units at Ashuganj

FHM Humayan Kabir

The government will set up a 450-megawatt (MW) gas-based power plant at Ashuganj, replacing the four old and inefficient units, having an aggregate generation capacity for 274 MW, to help boost supply of electricity, officials said Thursday.

Power Division officials said they have already taken up a project at an estimated cost of Tk34 billion to install the 450MW combine cycle power station by the fiscal year (FY) 2014-15.

The state-owned Ashuganj Power Station Company Ltd. (APSCL) will set up the gas-based power station. The company last month invited tenders from the international bidders.

"As the efficiency of the older power generation units has declined significantly, it has become necessary to replace those units," a senior company official told the FE.

The generation of electricity per day by the four units has dropped to 67 per cent of their capacity while they continue to consume 27 per cent more natural gas than what is normally required for generating the same amount of electricity because of their older age.

APSCL is the second largest power station in Bangladesh, having a total 642MW generation capacity at its eight units. The company meets about 15 per cent of the country's total electricity load.

A senior APSL official said out of three power units each having 150MW capacity, generation of two has dropped to 100MW and 140MW daily, that of two more of 56 MW-capacity each, fell to 40MW and one of 36MW-capacity to 20MW a day.

Three other units, each having 64MW, 64MW and 150MW capacity, have been performing up to the expectation, the official said.

Being one of the lowest-level electricity consumer countries among the developing economies, Bangladesh has been facing a severe energy shortfall in a situation where its annual power demand growth is expanding at a rate of nearly eight per cent.

Industrial growth, business expansion and fast rate of urbanisation over the years have been the major reasons for the surging demand growth.

The supply situation has not improved much over the last one decade or more, leading to the current demand-supply mismatch.

The APSCL official said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) have already assured the government of providing funds for the power generation project at Ashuganj.

"We have sent the project proposal to the Planning Commission for getting approval of the government's highest economic policy-making body, -- Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC)," he said.

"In the meantime, we have floated the tenders to expedite the process for setting up of the power plant at our existing premises at Ashuganj," the official said.

"If we set up the 450MW plant, our power supply will be more reliable and sustainable," he added.

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Govt investigating Viqarunnisa affairs

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com)?The government has launched an inquiry into the beleaguered Viqarunnisa Noon School and College as crisis deepened at the top of one of the premier institutions in Dhaka.

Education minister Nurul Islam Nahid blamed 'some opportunists' for the disturbing developments over the 'replacement' of principal Hosne Ara.

Tension had been running high after Bashundhara campus teacher Parimal Jayadhar was charged in a criminal case allegedly raping a 10th-grade student. Fears flowered into a full-blown crisis when the governing body in a questionable meeting replaced the principal with senior teacher Ambia Khatun on Wednesday.

Students had been boycotting classes at the Baily Road main campus since Thursday morning.

Minister Nahid told reporters on Thursday a three-member committee, headed by Dhaka education board inspector, has been formed to investigate the chaos the institution has plunged into.

The two other members of the committee are school inspector and deputy examination controller (confidential), Nahid said.

"Steps will be taken to resolve the problem once the committee submits its report," he added but did not say how much time the committee was given.

"Two cakes were cut in front of the students of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in the midst of mourning programmes (over the deaths in Mirsarai). It makes it clear that some people tried to cash in on the situation.

"The committee will investigate the matter, too."

On Wednesday, teachers and students accorded a reception to Ambia Khatun who 'replaced' principal Hosne Ara following a decision taken by five members of the 11-strong governing body.

Cakes were cut at the reception, too.

Later in the day, the government dissolved the governing body, the chief of which, Rashed Khan Menon, is abroad now.

Nahid said, "The governing committee is illegal as it had run its term. Also, they failed to hold election in time and tackle the situation.

"There are 11 members in the governing body. The chairman and the acting chairman do not know anything about the meeting (in which the decision to replace Hosne Ara with Ambia Khatun was taken). It is clear that the meeting was pre-planned," the minister said.

One allegation has it that BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's former personal secretary Zakirul Islam prompted the members of the governing body to take the decision.

About the reception, the minister said, "The students celebrated without understanding anything."

He said the ad hoc committee that took charge of the institution on Wednesday would take steps in line with rules and regulations. "They will hold an election within six months or earlier, if they want to."

"The names of the other members of the committee will be declared [Thursday]," he said, "The committee will start work on Sunday."

Nahid also said his ministry was doing nothing to replace anyone with someone else for the post of principal at the institution.

Earlier in the day, the education minister said Hosne Ara still holds the office of principal as per the law.

Ambia Khatun who 'replaced' her went to the ministry.

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Govt allots land to Qatar embassy

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com) ? The government has allotted a piece of land in the city's Gulshan residential area to the Embassy of Qatar in Bangladesh at a token price.

A lease agreement was signed to this effect between the two sides at the ministry of housing and public works on Wednesday, ministry deputy secretary Tandra Sikder told bdnews24.com.

Qatar ambassador to Bangladesh Abdul Rahman U Al Molla and housing secretary Khandaker Shawkat Hosain signed the deal, she said.

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Brazil beat Ecuador to reach quarter-finals

CORDOBA, Argentina, July 14 (bdnews24.com/Reuters)?Strikers Alexandre Pato and Neymar scored two goals apiece as holders Brazil beat Ecuador 4-2 to finish top of Group B at the Copa America on Wednesday and set up a quarter-final against Paraguay.

The result left Venezuela with second place in the group and a last-eight meeting with Group C winners Chile in San Juan.

The other quarter-finals pit hosts Argentina against Uruguay and Colombia with Peru.

Ecuador bowed out of the tournament with two good goals from Felipe Caicedo in an exciting match that capped a lively final night for the South American tournament's group stage.

Venezuela earlier mounted a remarkable late comeback to snatch a 3-3 draw against Paraguay in Salta.

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Japan slay Sweden to book World Cup final berth

Japan booked their place in the women's World Cup final against the United States with a emphatic 3-1 victory over Sweden in Wednesday's semi-final after claiming another European scalp with an historic win.

Despite their nickname Nadeshiko -- a pink flower symbolising grace and beauty -- the Japanese are proving no pushovers at Germany 2011 and having beaten the hosts 1-0 in the quarter-final, they dominated Sweden in the semi.

Japan are in a World Cup final for the first time in their history as striker Nahomi Kawasumi netted goals either side of half-time while captain Homare Sawa capped another impressive display with her fourth goal in five games.

There was no hint of the Japanese domination to come when Sweden striker Josefine Oqvist opened the scoring when she drilled home her shot after 10 minutes past Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

Her strike took a deflection off the boot of Japan defender Saki Kumagai, which lifted the ball out of Kaihori's reach, but the Asians were level soon after having noticeably raised their game in front of the 45,434 crowd.

Midfielder Aya Miyama drilled in a cross and Kawasumi wove her way through several Swedish defenders to scramble the ball home on 19 minutes.

Japan finished the first half with 62 percent of ball possession and never relinquished their stranglehold over the Swedes.

They dominated the first-half -- managing six shots on goal, with three on target, compared to Sweden's one of each -- and nearly scored in the opening minute of the second-half.

Right wing Shinobu Ohno unleashed a long-range shot from well outside the penalty area, which beat Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl, but clipped the crossbar as it went out.

With Sweden failing to put any consistent pressure on the Japan goal, the Nadeshiko put the game beyond their reach with two goals in four minutes.

Sawa, one of the stars of this tournament, headed home after a goal-mouth scramble on the hour mark, her fourth in five games here.

With the Swedish defence all at sea, the Japanese capitalised when midfielder Kozue Ando forced Hedvig into a hasty clearance kick and Kawasumi scored her second of the game when she lobbed her shot into an empty goal from 40 yards on 64 minutes.

It was no more than Japan deserved having dominated the game, nullifying Sweden's attack into just four shots on goal all game compared to the Japanese's 14.

In Sunday's final in Frankfurt, Japan will face the Stars and Stripes following their 3-1 win over France earlier in Moenchengladbach.

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Six-goal thrillers light up Copa America

Cordoba, July 14 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) ? Holders Brazil and their Group B rivals breathed life into the Copa America in two six-goal thrillers as they qualified for the quarter-finals with Venezuela and Paraguay on Wednesday.

Brazil won the group on goal difference from Venezuela, former whipping boys of South American soccer, with a 4-2 victory over Ecuador and will meet Paraguay in La Plata on Sunday.

Much-improved Venezuela, 1-0 up after five minutes but 3-1 down going into the 90th, struck twice for a 3-3 draw with Paraguay in Salta that put them in a last-eight meeting with Group A winners Chile in Mendoza.

Peru, with Paraguay one of the two best third-placed teams in the 12-nation competition, head to Cordoba to meet Group A winners Colombia in Saturday's quarter-finals, while hosts Argentina meet old rivals Uruguay in Santa Fe.

After a dearth of goals marred opening matches, Lionel Messi-led Argentina may have sparked the tournament into life with their 3-0 victory over Costa Rica on Monday, but Brazil's display served notice the champions were beginning to gel under coach Mano Menezes.

"Today's was Brazil's best match of the tournament so far," Menezes told a news conference after two changes -- Maicon at right back and Robinho in attack -- gave his team more punch.

However, Menezes remained wary of Paraguay's strengths after Brazil shared a 2-2 draw with coach Gerardo Martino's side four days ago in their previous group match.

"We know Paraguay's coach can put out a team that will be hard to beat but that's our path," Menezes said.

BRAZILIAN VIRTUES

Young strikers Alexandre Pato and Neymar scored two goals apiece for Brazil, winners of four of the last five tournaments, while eliminated Ecuador contributed two fine equalisers from big forward Felipe Caicedo.

Typical of the traditional Brazilian virtues Menezes has sought to revive was their second goal facilitated by playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso, who took a ball with his back to the net, turned and slotted it through for Neymar to shoot into the top corner.

Eliminated Ecuador's Colombian coach Reinaldo Rueda signed off by saying: "Given our hopes, this (tournament) was negative for Ecuador. Today we played better but it wasn't enough against effective rivals like Brazil."

Paraguay were guilty of failing to defend the two-goal lead they got four minutes from time when midfielder Cristian Riveros sent a glancing header inside the near post from a free kick from the right.

Striker Nicolas Fedor pulled one back in the final minute and three minutes into added time Grenddy Perozo equalised with a diving header at a corner.

"The team never lost their cool. We're a mentally strong team and we showed that today," Fedor told reporters.

Goalkeeper Renny Vega played a key part when he came up into the box for the last-ditch corner and his header into the middle was met by Perozo.

"They called me from the bench to go up. Thank God we did it," he said.

bdnews24.com/smo/1130h

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Tendulkar wants to add value to team

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Brazil beat Ecuador to reach Copa quarters

C?RDOBA, Argentina : Brazilian forward Neymar (R) is marked by Ecuadorean midfielder Michael Arroyo during a 2011 Copa America Group B first round football match held at the Mario Kempes stadium here Wednesday. ? AFP PhotoCORDOBA, Argentina, July 14 (AP): Alexandre Pato and Neymar scored two goals each as defending champion Brazil defeated Ecuador 4-2 to reach the Copa America quarterfinals Wednesday.

Brazil finished first in Group B and will play Paraguay in the next round. Ecuador was eliminated.

Pato scored with a header in the 28th minute and a close-range shot in the 60th, while Neymar netted from inside the area in the 48th and 76th.

Striker Felipe Caicedo scored for Ecuador in the 37th and 58th.

Brazil was coming off draws against Venezuela and Paraguay and needed at least a draw to keep alive its hopes for a third straight title in the South American championship.

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Rental power plant starts trial production in Jessore

JESSORE, July 14: Quantum Quick Rental Power Plant, a newly installed 105-MW plant, will go for commercial production in the first week of next month. The trial production at the plant, built at a cost of Tk 5.0 billion (500 crore), began on Tuesday. The plant aims at ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to Jessore and Khulna industrial belts.

? BSS

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Siddikur gears up for Selangor Masters

Dhaka, July 14: Bangladesh golf superstar Mohammad Siddikur Rahman aims to keep up his good form in another tournament this time at the $400,000) Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters in Malaysia next week.

The man from Dhaka, who won a local event in Seremban on Sunday, has produced some sensational golf all season and will star in the Asian Tour showpiece at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club from July 20 to 23 (Wednesday to Saturday) as the odds-on favourite, says a press release.

Siddikur will be among a strong line-up of Asian Tour stars next week which include Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and India's Jyoti Randhawa, both former Order of Merit champions, Lin Wen-tang of Chinese Taipei and Australia's Marcus Both.

Danny Chia will lead the local brigade alongside Ben Leong, winner of the 2008 Selangor Masters, Iain Steel and S Siva Chandhran, the reigning ADT Order of Merit champion.

Siddikur's stunning transformation from a ball boy to an Asian Tour champion has captured the imagination of headline writers across the region and he is enjoying his moment in the limelight.

"I'm happy to be second on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit. In 2009, I was just making the cut and I struggled a lot. But I gained more experience playing on the Asian Tour and started to have more confidence," said the 26-year-old Siddikur.

"Since the beginning of this year, it's been going good. I'm just trying to get better. I'm concentrating better and I think that's why I've been doing good," said Siddikur, who finished tied 27th in last year's Selangor Masters when it was played at Seri Selangor Golf Club.

Siddikur is arguably the one of the most consistent golfers on the Asian Tour where he has made 15 consecutive cuts, highlighted by five top10s since last season. He also won the Grameenphone Bangladesh Masters on the Asian Development Tour in February to add to his Asian Tour victory at the Brunei Open last year.

Despite averaging only 264 yards from off the tee, which is a modest distance in today's modern game, the slightly built golfer makes up with his renowned accuracy where he has been rewarded with a total of 111 birdies from eight tournaments, making him the leader of the Asian Tour's 'Birdie Leader' category.

"Since the start of my career, I've been always trying to play par golf and if there were birdies, it would be a bonus. I'm trying to improve my short game as that's the key to making under par scores," said Siddikur.

bdnews24.com/lg/1740h

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1-truck bullet case rolls after 6 yrs

Bogra, July 13 (bdnews24.com) ? After six-and a half years, a Bogra court has started recording testimonies in the case over recovery of one-truck ammunition and explosives.

Acting judge Kazi Shahina Nigar of Bogra fourth district and session's judges' court took witness statements on Wednesday and set Aug 23 for the next hearing.

According to the case statement, locals of Jogarpara village under Kahalu upazila seized a truck and looted 99,969 rounds of Chinese Rifle bullets and 174 kg explosives from it on June 23 in 2003.

Later, Dupchanchia police recovered the cache from different houses and ponds in the area, including the house of Krishak League leader Aflatur Rahman Pintu.

Bogra district judges' court acting public prosecutor (PP) Helalur Rahman said: "The witnesses on the case -- then Dupchanchia Police Station officer in-charge (OC) A F M Jabid Hossain, Mojam Mandal and Altaf Hossain were summoned by the court for testimony."

But only Mandal appeared before the court, which ordered producing the rest of the witnesses during the next hearing.

Four cases were filed in connection with the cache -- two with Kahalu police by OC Jabid and another two with Dupchanchia police by its OC Ohidul Islam.

On Sep 11 the same year, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) pressed four charge-sheets indicting six people.

The accused are Pintu, his wife Bithi, driver Altu Mia, truck owner Ashish Dev Barma amd Atikur Rahman Dulu of Tentultola area and Harun-ur-Rashid Jalal of Malotinagar.

PP Helalur said: "The High Court stayed the case proceedings on Feb 27 in 2005 following Dulu's petition."

But after recent dismissal of a review petition by Altu Mia, the proceedings of the other three cases has resumed, he said.

bdnews24.com/corr/dd/trb/ssr/2345h

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Online int'l payment begins

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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ICT to hear Sayedee charge-framing Aug 10

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com) ?The International Crimes Tribunal will hear the framing of charges against Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee on Aug 10.

Taking the war crimes charges against the Jamaat executive council member into cognisance, the tribunal set the date in his presence on Thursday.

Set up at the old High Court building, the tribunal also asked the prosecution to submit all detailed documents, on the charges against Sayedee, to it by July 19.

The tribunal heard Sayedee's bail petition until 11:30am. The Jamaat leader was taken to the tribunal in the morning.

Prosecutors had formally presented the charges of crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971 against the Jamaat leader on July 3.

Sayedee was arrested on July 30 last year. He faces charges of war crimes in Pirojpur, his hometown, during the war, where around 30,000 people were killed and dumped in 12 mass graves.

Apart from Sayedee, Jamaat chief Matiur Rahman Nizami, secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed and assistant secretaries general Mohammad Kamaruzzaman and Abdul Quader Molla have all been arrested on war crimes charges.

Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury and Abdul Alim, a former minister in Ziaur Rahman's cabinet, were also arrested on similar charges.

Of the seven Jamaat and BNP leaders facing war crimes charges, Alim is on conditional bail while the remaining six are in jail.

bdnews24.com/sn/mi/ost/tk/sht/1207h

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CHT students boycott classes

Khagrachharhi, July 14 (bdnews24.com) ? Demanding that they be recognised as indigenous, students boycotted their classes in all educational institutions in the three hill districts on Thursday.

Brihattara Parbatya Chattagram Pahari Chhatra Parishad (BPCPCP) called the strike on Thursday.

The students also demanded that the 15th amendment to the constitution be scraped.

According to the 15th amendment to the constitution passed on June 30, every citizen of Bangladesh is a 'Bengalee', instead of being recognised as 'indigenous' or 'Adivasi'.

"Bangladesh is a country of diversified sects and communities, and languages. But the government has imposed the Bengalee nationality over the indigenous people by hurriedly passing the amendment bill," BPCPCP central president Ongyo Marma said in a statement.

It says the people of the country, who speak different languages, do not want to be recognised as Bengalees.

The amendment recognises the hill people as 'tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities', which the indigenous leaders and dignitaries of the country find humiliating and insulting.

bdnews24.com/corr/rrd/kms/trb/pks/sam/2335h

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Tamim faces Shakib in key T20 match today

Bangladesh national skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s Worcestershire will face vice captain Tamim Iqbal’s Nottinghamshire in the Friends Life T20 at Trent Bridge today.

This is the second clash between the two teams with Notts winning the first match back in july 5.

The Notts Outlaws have to beat Worcestershire Royals today stay top in the North Group of the Friends Life T20 after losing out to Lancashire in a rain-reduced encounter at Old Trafford.

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has scored 104 runs in four matches in the Notts outfit, and has so far justified himself in David Hussey’s spot. Sources confirmed that the club officials are happy from his service so far which might be rewarded with a full year contract next season. But today the pressure will be on the left handed batsman as it will be his last appearance according to the contract.

On the other hand, Shakib who was judged man of the match in his last appearance will be determined to apply his tricks today at the Trent Bridge to help his side bag a win that will allow Worcester to stick to the fourth position of the North Group.

The match is scheduled to start at midnight.

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Maldives wants direct link with Ctg port

Dhaka, July 14 (bdnews24.com)?The Maldives wants to have direct shipping link between Chittagong and Hithadhoo ports to import more from Bangladesh.

The construction sector is booming in the Maldives and it is possible to import construction materials, including river sand, iron and metal bar, visiting state minister and chairman of Hithadhoo port of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid said on Wednesday.

He was speaking at a discussion arranged by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in the city.

"I had a discussion with the Bangladesh commerce minister to export more from Bangladesh at a reasonable price. Direct shipping link can help boost Bangladeshi exports to our country," he said.

The link is possible only when the ships, sailed for the Maldives, will have enough consignments to recover the costs, he added.

"I will discuss with some shipping companies today to explore the ways to set up the link."

FBCCI president AK Azad said both the governments might take initiative to establish direct air-link to facilitate people-to-people contact and tourism.

The Maldives ambassador to Dhaka Ahmed Sareer said 60,000 Bangladeshis are working in his country and they may recruit more professionals from Bangladesh.

bdnews24.com/ssz/sht/bd/1240h

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Nahid intervenes in Viqarunnisa crisis

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com)?Hours after the purported sacking of the principal of the Viqarunnisa Noon School and College on Wednesday, the education minister has said the turmoil in one of the most prestigious schools in Dhaka will be resolved by the day.

Nurul Islam Nahid said "neither I nor my ministry" knew anything about the sudden change at the helm by the school's governing body.

The minister also said at his Secretariat office on Wednesday he had directed the Dhaka education board chairman, the joint secretary of his ministry and relevant people to resolve the issue by Wednesday.

"I hope that things will get back to normal from Thursday at the renowned institution," he added.

Assistant professor Ambia Khatun replaced Hosne Ara Begum as principal. Ambia is the senior-most teacher after Hosne Ara. The sacking is the latest of troubling developments after one of its teachers was accused of violating a student of the female-only institution.

"The ministry was not told about the decision to remove (Hosne Ara). I know nothing about it. But it's clear that there's a chaos," Nahid told reporters.

Acting chairman of the board Dilip Roy said that several members of the body had taken the decision in the morning, but "it can't be considered as an official decision by the committee".

The governing body chief Rashed Khan Menon MP is currently abroad.

Classes in the Baily Road college unit, which had remained suspended since Saturday, resumed at noon.

Students and guardians of the four branches of the school and college have been demanding the expulsion of Hosne Ara for allegedly being reticent about taking action against Bashundhara branch teacher Parimal Jayadhar, charged with violating a 10th-grade student at the branch.

Hosne Ara and acting headmaster of the Bashundhara branch Lutfar Rahman were also accused in the case, filed by the victim's father.

Jayadhar, a Bangla department teacher, has admitted to the crime in a statement given before a Dhaka metropolitan magistrate.

As senior teachers insisted, all academic activities at the Baily Road unit remained suspended after only two classes were held on Wednesday morning.

Classes in the Baily Road college unit have remained suspended since Saturday.

Nahid deplored the incident and expressed his concern. "The arrested teacher should be given exemplary punishment (if found guilty)."

Senior teacher Rokhsana Shamim told bdnews24.com that the 'expelled' principal did not listen to the demands of students, guardians and teachers.

"Rather she would threaten the teachers who demanded punishment of the perpetrator and herself spoke ill of the victim."

"She did not sit with the protesting guardians, as she wanted to hush up the matter.

"We've learnt a lot from the agitating students who had been protesting the inaction of authorities. We're ashamed," Rokhsana added.

The senior teacher, working at the Baily Road branch, said Hosne Ara had been absent since July 4, when the case was filed. "She did not take leave officially."

Rokhsana said the removal of Hosne Ara was decided in the governing body meeting on Tuesday afternoon and added that five out of eight members endorsed it.

"Everyone is happy after the decision," she claimed.

The new principal has been serving the institution for the last 34 years, she added.

The senior teacher called for assistance from society and said their action should not be viewed 'politically'.

bdnews24.com/si/pks/bd/1610h

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Kool-BSJA Media Cup Football final today

The final match of the Kool-BSJA Media Cup Football Tournament will be held today (Friday) at 10:30 am at the Handball Stadium in the capital, reports UNB.

Two private satellite television networks - RTV and ETV - will meet in the title-deciding match of the tournament, organized by Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA).

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Schools, colleges mourn 43 Ctg students

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com)?Schools and colleges throughout the country are mourning the 43 school students who were killed in a road accident in Mirsarai, Chittagong on Monday.

Students and teachers wore black badges, while special prayers were also being recited for the departed on Wednesday.

Black flags were also hoisted at schools and colleges across the country.

Holy Cross School and College principal Sister Shikha Gomez told bndews24.com that they had recited from different religious books around 10:30am.

"In addition to the national flag, a black flag was also hoisted at the institution. Students and teachers took part in the prayers wearing black badges. We also observed a one-minute silence," she added.

Assistant headmaster (morning section) of Motijheel Ideal School and College Mohammad Abu Zafar told bdnews24.com that everyone at the school observed one minute's of silence as a mark of respect at 6:45am.

The silence was followed by special prayers. Everyone wore black badges and a black flag was also hoisted, he added.

Similar programmes were undertaken by many other institutions, including Notre Dame College, Government Laboratory School and College, Dhaka Commerce College, BAF Shaheen College and Tejgaon College.

Institutions that began its activities during the day shift would observe the programmes in the afternoon.

The education ministry, in an order on Tuesday, asked institutions to observe the day to commemorate the deaths, caused after a mini-truck that was carrying the students back from a football match crashed and toppled into a roadside pond.

The truck had skidded off the muddy road after crossing a bridge, when the driver lost control of the vehicle, at the connecting road between Bara Takia and Abu Torab Bazaar, only one and a half kilometres away from Abu Toarb High School.

The headmaster of the school Zafar Sadek told bdnews24.com on Tuesday that as many as 35 of the students were of that school.

bdnews24.com/si/pks/tk/bd/1408h

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