SECOND EDITION

DHA K A T HURS DAY A PRI L 1 8 , 2024

Regd. No. DA 781 Vol. XXXIV No. 89 Baishakh 5, 1431 BS Shawwal 8, 1445 Hijri 16 Pages Plus Campus : Tk 15.00

P3 Tangail’s only P6 Oli Louis: The P7 BJP may fall P11

gym a Rab camp PSG
Nigerian who well short of its exorcise old
for 18 years fell in love with 400 target seats ghosts
Bangla music in India polls

14 die as truck
ploughs into
five vehicles
6 of a family, 4 wedding guests
among the dead
STAR REPORT

A car and three battery-run auto-rickshaws were crawling in a queue to

pay the toll for the Gabkhan Bridge in Jhalakathi around 1:30pm yesterday.
A small truck carrying furniture ahead of the car paid its toll and
trundled on at the northern end of the bridge.
Then the car paid the toll to the collector. The moment it was about to
accelerate away, an out-of-control cement-laden truck ploughed into the
vehicles in the queue crushing them and the people inside them.
Eyewitnesses were stunned as they could only watch the three-
wheelers being reduced to scrap metal.
The truck shoved the car into the rear of the smaller truck. The car
was crushed beyond recognition and the smaller truck flipped to its side.
Fourteen people, including six of a family and four guests of a wedding
reception, were killed. Twelve others were injured, five of them critically.
Md Mohitul Islam, additional superintendent of police in Jhalakathi,
told The Daily Star last night that the trucker, who has been apprehended,
claimed that his brakes had failed. He also said the driver did not have the
licence to drive heavy vehicles.

An adolescent boy risks life and limb while trying to board a moving train in the capital’s Tejgaon yesterday. This is not an isolated incident as people have
long been getting on and off moving trains on this particular stretch of the rail line. PHOTO: PRABIR DAS

ROAD SAFETY
Bank Asia to take
Maladies every over Bank Alfalah’s
Bangladesh unit
step of the way MD MEHEDI HASAN

Bank Asia is likely to acquire the Bangladesh operations

TUHIN SHUBHRA ADHIKARY Meanwhile, some vested quarters, who have of Karachi-based Bank Alfalah, according to information
been benefitting from this situation, want to disclosed to the Pakistan Stock Exchange yesterday.
The crash on the Khulna-Barishal road happened less than 30 hours The entire road transport sector has long been maintain the status quo for their own interests. The disclosure, by Bank Alfalah itself, said its board
after a bus and a truck collided in Faridpur, leaving 14 people, including plagued by multifaceted problems, which are The Daily Star has come to this conclusion approved in principle
five of a family, dead. worsening every day amid sheer apathy from after speaking to over a dozen experts, road the non-binding offer
Yesterday’s crash killed Nahida Akhter, 27, resident of Sangor village the authorities responsible for ensuring road safety campaigners, transport leaders and given by Bank Asia to
under Jhalakathi’s Rajapur upazila; her husband Hasibur Rahman, 32; safety. officials of the government agencies concerned. take over Bank Alfalah’s
their four-year-old daughter Takia, and eight-month-old son Tahmid; Two major back-to-back crashes, which took “We’ll not be able to rid ourselves of this Bangladesh operations,
Nahida’s sister Nipa, 22; and her husband Imran Hossain, 26; Nazrul away 28 lives in last two days, are yet another situation unless revolutionary steps involving subject to compliance of
Islam, 35, of Gabkhan village; Shafiqul Majhi, 50, of Ostakhan village; manifestation of these deep-rooted problems. political leaderships are initiated immediately.
Atiqur Rahman Sadi, 11, of Shekhertek Nowapara; Tahmina, 25, of all applicable laws and
When it comes to the drivers of commercial If we fail to do so, things will keep going
Kathalia Talgachhiya village; her daughter Nurjahan, 7; Sonia Begum, 30, regulations as well as
vehicles, they do not just lack formal training, downhill,” Prof Moazzem Hossain, former
of Uttar Southpur village; Ruhul Amin of Swarupkathia, and Shahidul the necessary regulatory
they are overworked. director of the Accident Research Institute at
Islam. approvals.
A large number of the vehicles are Buet, told this correspondent yesterday.
Seven of the deceased, including the six of a family, were in the car. “We will now seek
unregistered and lack mandatory fitness On Tuesday, 14 people, including five of a
Nipa and Imran were newlyweds. family, were killed in a road crash in Faridpur. approval from the State
scans, while the fitness clearances of many are
They along with her sister’s family were heading to Barishal from The bus involved had no route permit, fitness Bank of Pakistan for Bank
questionable.
Jhalakathi’s Rajapur upazila in the car to rent a home for the newlyweds, clearance or tax token, while the pickup it Asia to commence due
Meanwhile, safety audit is not done on most
said their union parishad member. collided with was carrying passengers illegally. diligence on Bank Alfalah,
roads, while a large number of them are in poor
Witnesses and sources said six of the deceased were in the auto- Yesterday, 14 others were killed in a road Bangladesh,” the bank
condition and riddled with accident-prone
rickshaws. The fourteenth person to have died, Shahidul Islam, was crash in Jhalakathi when a truck ploughed said in the disclosure.
spots. Illegal roadside structures increase the
asking for alms on the side of the road. through several vehicles. Bank Asia Managing Director Sohail RK Hussain said
vulnerability of the roads.
Of the six killed in the autorickshaws, four on two vehicles were going The driver of the truck had no valid licence. negotiations are still underway.
The weakness of the regulatory authority
to the wedding reception. ROOTS OF THE PROBLEMS “But it is not linked to the ongoing discussion about
and other relevant bodies tasked with enforcing
Nazrul Islam, 35, was one of the four. Nazrul’s mother Mira Begum was Almost all drivers of commercial vehicles do the merger of some weak banks [with other banks],” he
laws and procedures only compounded the
inconsolable after she saw her son’s body. not receive any formal training and instead told The Daily Star yesterday.
situation.
“How will I live without my son?” she was saying. learn driving from their seniors. He added that Bank Alfalah’s Bangladesh unit is
They not only face a shortage of capacity and
One of their relatives said it was supposed to be a happy moment for Bangladesh Road Transport Authority running smoothly.
manpower, but many of their officials remain
all as they were to return home with the bride and groom. Instead, they (BRTA) provides a one-day refresher training Bank Asia’s board will convene a meeting on Sunday,
involved in corrupt practices, perpetuating
SEE PAGE 2 COL 3 anarchy on the roads. SEE PAGE 2 COL 1 SEE PAGE 2 COL 3

Man dies after MYANMAR CONFLICT

cops ‘beat him’ Fighting flares

Police say he ran away, up across the
died of exhaustion; family
says he was hit in the chest Teknaf border
OUR CORRESPONDENT, Sylhet MOKAMMEL SHUVO

A 53-year-old man of Sunamganj’s The fighting in Myanmar between the

Tahirpur upazila died on Tuesday military junta and the Arakan Army
evening allegedly after being beaten up across the border from Teknaf of Cox’s
by police during an arrest attempt. Bazar intensified yesterday, heightening
Romij Miah of anxiety on the Bangladesh side.
Burungachhara in the The sounds of explosions heard in
upazila was a convenience Teknaf municipality, and Whykong
store owner. Hnila, and Shah Porir Dwip unions were
His family claimed that louder and more frequent since yesterday
police beat him up but left morning, locals and a union parishad
without detaining him as member said.
he had collapsed.
Romij Miah Nasir Uddin, a resident of the Teknaf
Police claimed that Romij ran away municipal area, said, “There have been
during the arrest attempt and died of loud explosions on the other side of the
exhaustion as he had been suffering from border since morning and it seems like
breathing and heath complications for a there is a war going on next door.”
long time. Mohammad Alam, UP member of
Romij’s wife Josna Begum said, “My Ward-8 of Whykong union, said, “Loud
husband was at his shop in front of our sounds of bombs and mortar shells
home that evening when two people on have been heard on the border since
a motorcycle went there and hit his chest morning. Compared to other days, the
first. sounds today [yesterday] were louder and
scarier.”
“They then grabbed him and beat
The fighting in Myanmar’s Rakhine
him up while trying to get him on the
State has triggered a fresh influx of
motorcycle. After my husband started Cattle farmers of Bara Khalisha village in Khulna’s Dacope upazila have built small canopies on their field to shelter the cows from the Myanmar troops into Bangladesh.
bleeding from the nose, they left,” she said. scorching sun. The intense heat has caused surrounding waterbodies to dry up, prompting the farmers to collect water from other places to
SEE PAGE 2 COL 6 keep the cows hydrated and healthy. PHOTO: HABIBUR RAHMAN SEE PAGE 2 COL 4
 City

NEWS
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024

2 BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

Buet students Halt unnecessary

continue to C-sections, NHRC
boycott exams urges govt
Call for banning STAR REPORT

politics on campus The National Human Rights Commission has

urged the secretary of the Directorate General of
DU CORRESPONDENT
Health Services to halt unnecessary C-sections,
enhance women’s awareness in this regard, and
As part of the ongoing movement
against politics on campus, students of penalise those responsible for the abnormal spike
Buet are continuing to boycott exams in Caesareans.
even after the Eid holidays. In a press statement yesterday, the NHRC urged
Only eight of the 1,279 students of the government to investigate the root cause
the 21st batch sat for the term final of this surge in C-sections and swiftly impose
exam held yesterday, students said. restrictions on unnecessary caesarean deliveries.
Exams were also boycotted before Quoting a recent news report on 71TV, it said
the vacation. that a pregnant woman was pressured into a
Abrar Faiyaz, a student of the batch, C-section at Midford Hospital, despite previous
yesterday told The Daily Star that a successful vaginal deliveries. She also faced
whopping 1,271 students, 99.37 percent offensive remarks and was harassed by the doctor,
of all students of the 21st batch, were even though she later birthed her child at a
absent during the term final exam. different government hospital in Mugda.
Another student, wishing The NHRC also asked the director of Midford
anonymity, said the university banned to conduct an inquiry into the allegations against
student politics after the murder of
the hospital and inform the commission after
second-year student Abrar Fahad Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina places a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Dhaka’s Dhanmondi-27
inside the Sher-e-Bangla Hall on taking appropriate action against the doctor
yesterday to pay homage to the Father of the Nation on the occasion of the historic Mujibnagar Day. Senior Awami League leaders concerned.
October 7, 2019. “It [student politics] were present. PHOTO: PID
should not resume.”
The movement began when Imtiaz
Hossain Rahim Rabbi, a student of the Man held for rape
university and a leader of Bangladesh
Chhatra League, led over 100 BCL
activists to gather on the campus in the
Gaza ceasefire talks at ‘delicate phase’ in Rajshahi
early hours of March 28, violating the ban.
In the face of protests, the university Says Qatar; 56 more Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes STAFF CORRESPONDENT, Rajshahi
administration had cancelled Imtiaz’s
hall seat. REUTERS, Dubai gathered to communicate with their Police yesterday arrested a man on charges of
He then filed a writ petition with the families in Rafah and Khan Younis. raping a girl in Rajshahi’s Kashiadanga upazila.
High Court, after which the bench of Talks on a Gaza ceasefire and a release Playground in Maghazi refugee Children, young men, and women were The arrestee, Sree Polash alias Rambo, 35,
Justice Md Khosruzzaman and Justice of hostages are at a “delicate phase”, said martyred inside the tent,” Islam al-Jaidi, a is also accused in several other criminal cases,
KM Zahid Sarwar on April 1 stayed the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
camp struck resident and an eyewitness of the attack, including for extorsion, said Emran Hossain, OC
university’s ban on student politics. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al said. of Kashiadanga Police Station.
Thani yesterday.
Israel follows policy of collective According to the latest report by The case statement said Rambo and some
Suu Kyi moved “We are trying as much as possible to
address this stumbling block,” he added,
punishment: Qatar PM Human Rights Watch (HRW), surging others, on April 12, abducted the 18-year-old girl
settler violence against Palestinians in from near the Bornali intersection while she was
to house arrest without giving further details. Death toll in enclave rises to
33,899
the occupied West Bank has been aided walking back home.
Qatar’s premier condemned what by the Israeli military, whose forces have She was released after four hours in a critical
REUTERS he described as the policy of “collective either taken part in or failed to protect state and was rescued and taken to RMCH by a
punishment” still followed by Israel in Palestinians. rickshaw-puller.
Myanmar’s detained former leader its offensive against the enclave’s ruling yesterday. In one instance, Israeli soldiers The victim’s father later filed a case against
and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi Palestinian group Hamas and the latest Fifty-six Palestinians have been killed participated alongside illegal settlers in an Rambo and five to seven unnamed persons
has been moved from prison to house escalation in the Israeli-occupied West and 89 injured in the past 24 hours, the attack on the Palestinian Bedouin village under Section-9(1) of the Women and Children
arrest, a spokesperson for the military Bank.
government told media. ministry added in a statement. of Wadi as-Seeq, the report said. Repression Prevention Act.
The ceasefire discussions, mediated Israeli air strikes hit a playground and In a statement marking the Palestinian Contacted, he said his daughter would often go
“Since the weather is extremely
hot, it is not only for Aung San
by Qatar and Egypt, are continuing busy market in Maghazi refugee camp. Prisoner’s Day, Hamas emphasised that for a walk by herself. “That night she didn’t come
Suu Kyi ... For all those, who need as a humanitarian crisis devastates Another strike on Gaza City’s Sheikh freeing its prisoners from Israeli jails is a back so we went out to look for her. Police then
necessary precautions, especially Palestinians in Gaza with severe shortages Radwan neighbourhood killed at least “top priority”, reports Al Jazeera Online. informed us from the hospital that she was there.
elderly prisoners, we are working to of food, medicine and hospital care. seven people and wounded 20 others. “[Israel] continues to practice the most The victim told her father that the abductors
protect them from heatstroke,” junta Israel’s has continued to pound Gaza Video from the scene showed the bodies heinous crimes against prisoners inside took her to a room near Ullapara College and
spokesperson Major General Zaw Min in an air and ground offensive which of the victims were being transported to prisons and detention centres, including three people raped her there.
Tun said in comments reported by four has killed at least 33,899 Palestinians, the Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. medical negligence, torture and direct “We’re interrogating the arrestee now to find
media outlets late on Tuesday. according to Gaza health authorities “There was a tent where people killing,” said Hamas. the whereabouts of his accomplices,” the OC said.

Maladies every step of the way 14 die FROM PAGE 1

Fighting flares up across Man dies
FROM PAGE 1
FROM PAGE 1
to professional drivers while renewing
licences every five years, which is deemed
the RHD were in “poor, bad, or very bad”
conditions, according to an RHD survey
published in June last year.
returned with bodies.
Six people died on the spot and six
others were declared dead after being
the Teknaf border She alleged that the people identified
themselves as policemen.
Contacted, Rajon Kumar Das,
insufficient. Many drivers receive licences The BRTA, highway police and traffic taken to Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital, said FROM PAGE 1 The conflict between the Myanmar
without giving tests properly, while some police are responsible for enforcement On Tuesday night, 46 more members junta and the rebel Arakan Army additional superintendent of police
Shahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of (crime and operations) of Sunamganj
do not have valid licences at all. of traffic laws. But all of them are of Myanmar Border Guard Police (AA) intensified from the start of
Jhalakathi Sadar Police Station. District Police, said, “Deceased Romij
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in understaffed. (BGP) took shelter in Bangladesh February along the Ghumdhum
Two people died of their injuries at was accused in seven cases and a
June 2018 directed the authorities The BRTA has 19 posts for executive amid the ongoing conflict. Yesterday, border in Naikhongchhari upazila of
the Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical group of policemen went to arrest
concerned to ban driving for more than magistrates, who carry out mobile court one more BGP member crossed over Bandarban.
College Hospital, said the hospital’s him with a warrant. During the
five consecutive hours on highways. Her drives. Eleven of the posts are currently into Bangladesh, said Shariful Islam, Myanmar troops had to retreat
directive went largely ignored. Director Saiful Islam. arrest attempt, he [Romij] managed
vacant. In some cases, executive public relations officer of Border and many fled to Bangladesh due to
Speaking to The Daily Star yesterday, Nine others were being treated
magistrates of district administrations Guard Bangladesh (BGB). the heavy intensity of the attacks by to run away through the backdoor of
Osman Ali, general secretary of there and five of them were in critical
had to conduct mobile courts against A total of the rebel group. his shop and took cover in a nearby
Bangladesh Road Transport Workers condition, he added.
errant vehicles and drivers.
Jhalakathi Civil Surgeon HM Zahirul 261 Myanmar Concern is growing On February house.
Federation, said, “Most of the drivers are Highway police mainly covers the border guards “After police had reached the spot,
overworked. Islam said three others were undergoing among the people living 15, a total of
national highways, which make up a are currently in they were confronted by other people
“They have to drive for eight to small portion of the country’s total road
treatment at Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital.
custody of BGB,
along the Naf river in 330 Myanmar
at the house and by this time, Romij
Jhalakathi Superintendent of Police nationals who
10 hours at a stretch, in many cases network. This means most of the roads he said. Teknaf as they have been had entered ran away to a house some 10 to 15
amid congestion, resulting in a loss of remain unchecked. Mohammad Afruzul Haque Tutul said
apart from arresting truck driver Al Amin BGB members hearing sounds of loud Bangladesh were minutes away. Exhausted from the
concentration. This in turn leads to On the other hand, traffic police are also seized the
road accidents … The government isn’t mostly deployed in city corporations Hawlader, police also detained his assistant explosions coming from returned to their running, he collapsed on the ground
weapons of the
investing enough for the drivers but often and district headquarters and there is Nazmul Sheikh and seized the truck.
BGP personnel
the other side for the last country. Among
them were 302
and died,” he said.
The SP told journalists that Al Amin “He was suffering from breathing
blame them for the accidents without scarcity in their numbers.
was not the regular driver of the vehicle who crossed one month. BGP members and heart issues and was treated at a
proper investigations. The situation won’t The main problem, however, is that into Bangladesh
and that he was filling in for someone else. and four of their hospital recently. We have found no
improve this way.” many transport owners and workers through different points of the border family members, two army personnel,
Besides, many drivers have eye believe obtaining valid documents from CCTV footage of the accident, sign of him being beaten up,” he said.
apparently collected from the toll plaza, in Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari 18 immigration officials, and four He claimed that they learnt about
problems, which can compromise safety the BRTA is unnecessary as they can
went viral on social media. upazila, Shariful said. civilians, his health issues after talking to his
on the roads, but there are no facilities to easily run their vehicles by paying bribes.
[Our Barishal and Pirojpur Concern is growing among the Meanwhile, BGB and Bangladesh
look after their health. Many unlicensed drivers operate unfit family and others on the spot.
correspondents contributed to this report] people living along the Naf river in Coast Guard have increased day and
Meanwhile, the number of registered vehicles by paying monthly bribes to a An autopsy was done at the
Teknaf as they have been hearing night patrolling on the border road
vehicles without fitness clearances has section of crooked law enforcers and Sunamganj Sadar Hospital. After
sounds of loud explosions coming and the 54-kilometre stretch of Naf
been rising over the years.
Till April 15, 6.17 lakh vehicles did not
political leaders who hold sway over the
transport sector, insiders said.
Bank Asia from the other side for the last one river from Whykong to Shah Porir getting the autopsy report, it will be
FROM PAGE 1 month. Dwip. clear, he added.
go through the mandatory fitness tests. Moshiur Rahman Ranga, president
The number was 4.79 lakh in July 2019. and will likely provide more details about
of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners
On the other hand, the quality of the Association, said many unfit vehicles are the move afterwards, said a senior official
clearance given by the BRTA remains operating right under the noses of the of Bank Asia.
questionable. authorities. If the current deal carries through, it
The agency has only one vehicle “No action is taken against them, will be Bank Asia’s third acquisition of a
inspection machine, meaning most of the which is worsening the road safety foreign bank.
vehicles are tested manually. With around situation,” he told The Daily Star last In 2001, the private commercial bank
140 inspectors, it is almost impossible to night. acquired the operations of Canada-based
have all the vehicles thoroughly checked. Prof Moazzem said most of the drivers Bank of Nova Scotia in Dhaka, the first of its
As the government is yet to enforce of commercial and small vehicles do not kind in the banking history of Bangladesh,
the economic life set for commercial have any formal training. They also lack according to Bank Asia’s website.
vehicles, thousands of outdated vehicles the sense of responsibility, which usually Subsequently, it also took over the
are operating on the roads. develops during training. Bangladesh operations of Muslim
BRTA data shows there are 35,782 “So, an anarchic driving culture Commercial Bank Ltd, a renowned
registered buses over 20 years old, and prevails on the roads, which is Pakistani bank.
37,275 trucks and lorries aged over 25. deteriorating every day due to a lack of Bank Asia started operations in
Unlicensed drivers are operating tens effective enforcement of the law. 1999, and is a pioneer in Agent Banking
of thousands of unregistered vehicles, “After any major road crash, you’ll see services in Bangladesh.
including three-wheelers and locally- the vehicles or drivers involved did not It posted a 12 percent year-on-year
made Nosimon and Korimon, across the have valid documents. Who do they pay increase in profit to Tk 305.47 crore
country. The authorities concerned, on to operate these vehicles?” he asked. in 2022. Its disbursed loans were Tk
the other hand, have no clue about the “Given all these facts, the roads are very 28,960.27 crore till December last year,
fitness statuses of such vehicles. unsafe. It’s like an atom bomb,” he said, with 5.51 percent of it turning into bad
Local political leaders, in collusion adding that vehicle speed is increasing loans, according to Bangladesh Bank data.
with a section of law enforcers and with the improvement of roads, meaning On the other hand, Bank Alfalah is
transport associations, have been the situation will keep worsening until one of the largest banks in Pakistan, with
allowing these illegal vehicles to run on revolutionary steps are taken. a network of over 1,024 branches across
the roads. Osman Ali recommended enhanced more than 200 cities in Pakistan, and an
The Roads and Highways Department monitoring, enforcement of law and international presence in Afghanistan,
has conducted safety audits on only adequate training for the drivers, while Bangladesh, Bahrain and the UAE.
1,055km of roads, which means over 95 Ranga said restricting the operation of Its profit from the Bangladesh unit
percent of its 22,476km road network has unfit and illegal vehicles can be a major soared more than three times in 2023,
never been audited. step towards reducing road crashes. which is Tk 43 crore, posting a 214
These audits are a systematic, formal Contacted, ABM Amin Ullah Nuri, percent rise year-on-year.
and thorough assessment that identify secretary of the Road Transport and Bank Alfalah started its operation in
potential risks on existing or planned Highways Division, did not comment on Bangladesh in 2005, and currently has
roads and recommend measures aimed the overall situation. However, he said seven branches in the country.
at reducing accidents. they would investigate the two major Its total disbursed loan stands at Tk
At least 2,152km or 10.48 percent of road crashes that took place recently and 1,616 crore, of which 1.87 percent was bad A dog stands on rubble as rescuers work at the site of a destroyed building during a Russian missile strike, amid
the 20,523km of surveyed roads under take action against those involved. loans last year, according to BB data. Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, in Chernihiv, Ukraine yesterday. PHOTO: REUTERS
 2nd Edition

DHAKA 3
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024
BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

KARWAN BAZAR Won’t tolerate

terrorists in
Wholesale market Bangladesh
relocation starts Says Rab DG
OUR CORRESPONDENT,

this month Bandarban

There is no place for

DIPAN NANDY
Kuki-Chin “militants,”
The relocation of Karwan Bazar, the largest wholesale or any armed terrorists
market hub in the capital, is likely to start by the end of in Bangladesh, said
this month. Rab Director General
Dhaka North City Corporation is taking all necessarry M Khurshid Hossain
measures to initiate the process of shifting the market to yesterday.
two designated locations -- Amin Bazar and Jatrabari. He made the remark
The government is determined to relocate the market at while briefing the media
any cost, labelling the current location as risky. at Bandarban Circuit
Currently, the city corporation owns four markets at House after inspecting the
Karwan Bazar, sprawled across approximately 24 bighas operation of joint forces
of land, comprising 1,789 permanent shops and 180 against Kuki-Chin.
temporary ones. “Proletarian armed
Initially, DNCC proposed relocating the market solely to forces in the country’s
Amin Bazar in Savar, citing the presence of infrastructure plains have laid down
tailored for this purpose there. their arms and returned to
However, businessmen and traders of Karwan Bazar normal life, while pirates of
market demanded that their market be transferred to Sundarbans did the same
Jatrabari as well. as well. So there’s still a
Earlier, businessmen applied to DNCC and Home chance for peace-loving
Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, expressing their people of the hills to return
unwillingness to move to Amin Bazar. to their normal lives by
They voiced apprehensions about the potential dip in surrendering,” he said.
business at Amin Bazar compared to Karwan Bazar. Their “If they want to convey
pleas included the proposal to relocate to an alternative information to us by any
location -- Jatrabari, said DNCC sources. means, we’re ready to
On April 8, Mayor Atiqul Islam led a DNCC delegation negotiate with government
to a meeting with the home minister where they discussed Just outside the capital, these brick kiln operations have wrecked havoc on the environment. Black smoke and dust clouds the entire area, for their surrender and
SEE PAGE 4 COL 6 almost resembling a scene from a post-apocalyptic film. The photo was taken in Aminbazar area recently. PHOTO: RASHED SHUMON SEE PAGE 4 COL 1

TEACHER REG
EXAM 2020
Tangail’s only gym a Rab Dhaka will face
Let candidates no waterlogging
above 35yrs
apply: HC
camp for 18 years this year: Taposh
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
STAFF CORRESPONDENT MIRZA SHAKIL, Tangail However, even though the sports association
later wrote to the local administration several Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh
The High Court has directed The only gymnasium and indoor sports times demanding the building and its premises Fazle Noor Taposh yesterday said there will be no
the Non-Government facility in Tangail once used to buzz with be vacated, but to no avail, sources also said. waterlogging in the capital during the upcoming
Teachers’ Registration and members engaged in vibrant sports activities Mirza Mainul Hossain Lintu, general rainy season.
Certification Authority and athletics, alongside being a hub for fitness secretary of the sports association and also a He made the remark while inspecting the
(NTRCA) to allow candidates, enthusiasts. former footballer, confirmed the matter. cleaning activities of the Panthakunja box culvert
who have passed the 17th However, this lone facility in the district “I have already written to the local in the capital.
Teacher Registration for athletes, gymnasts, and bodybuilders is no administration to get the building back. Those “Last year there was waterlogging in some
Examination-2020 and are longer being used for its actual purpose. who were in charge of the sports association places, especially in front of New Market and
now above 35 years’ old, Instead, for the past 18 years, the Rapid before me also sent letters. However, there Shantinagar. We have cleaned up the areas to free
to apply for the posts of Action Battalion has been using the building have been no steps taken yet,” he said. them of the filth that stopped water flow,” said the
teachers at non-government and its premises as a camp for the members Lintu also said Rab constructed different mayor.
educational institutions. of the Crime Prevention Company (CPC)-3 of We used to train in the structures inside the building without “We are also constructing a big drain to get
The court also Rab-14. gymnasium until Rab discussing the matter with the association. water to flow through Pilkhana. If this can be
issued a rule asking the The facility, built in front of the district Local athletes and sports organisers
authorities concerned
members began to use the done, there will be no waterlogging in that area,”
stadium in 1976, used to serve as a venue for expressed frustration, saying the sportsmen he added.
of the government to physical training, gymnastics, weightlifting,
facility as a camp. Now we
in the district are deprived of the amenities to Regarding the dengue situation, Taposh said,
explain why the age limit badminton, volleyball, judo, and karate have nowhere to train in the train and keep themselves fit. “We have taken advanced measures to control
for the applicants should sessions, among others. entire district. “We used to train in the gymnasium until Aedes mosquitoes. We have no manpower crisis,
not be determined as per However, due to the facility being occupied Rab members began to use the facility as a and we’ll take action if mosquito infestation
the notification issued by Rab-14, local athletes have long been SHAFIQUL ISLAM LOVLU camp. Now we have nowhere to train in the
Black belt holder in karate increases anywhere.”
by the Ministry of Public deprived of indoor sports facilities. entire district,” said Shafiqul Islam Lovlu, a Regarding Panthakunja Udyan, he said, “We
Administration in 2022. According to sources at the Tangail District black-belt holder in karate. want to present an aesthetic park to the people of
The HC bench of Justice Sports Association, following a request from crisis for CPC-3 members in 2006. Masud Rubol and Tanjeezul Aziz, fellow Dhaka. However, a large portion of the park will be
Md Khasruzzaman and the local administration, the association According to Rab-14 camp sources, more karateka, echoed him. evicted due to the work on the elevated expressway.
Justice KM Zahid Sarwar allowed Rab-14 to use the facility as a than 100 members and officers of CPC-3 are “The Rab members must be accommodated, Still, the portion we were able to protect, we will be
SEE PAGE 4 COL 5 temporary solution to the accommodation accommodated in the building. SEE PAGE 4 COL 5 able to open it to people before July.”

Nine Dubai-
Dhaka flights
12 drug kingpins
cancelled for amass Tk 178.44cr
rain in UAE Former MP Bodi’s brothers
STAFF CORRESPONDENT among them, says CID
A total of nine flights MUNTAKIM SAAD
under three foreign airlines
bound for Dhaka from The Criminal Investigation Department discovered
Dubai and Sharjah were assets worth Tk 178.44 crore belonging to twelve “drug
cancelled yesterday due kingpins,” including two brothers of a former Awami
to record rainfall in the League lawmaker Abdur Rahman Bodi.
United Arab Emirates. CID’s investigation into 35 money laundering cases
Of the three airlines, filed between 2017 and 2023 revealed the involvement
Air Arabia cancelled five of these individuals, primarily based in Cox’s Bazar, said
flights, while Emirates and CID Chief Mohammad Ali Mia in a press conference at
Fly Dubai cancelled two its headquarters yesterday.
each, said Group Captain “His [Bodi] brothers -- Aminur Rahman and Abdur
Kamrul Islam, executive Shukkur -- smuggled drugs in various ways from
director, Hazrat Shahjalal Myanmar,” the CID Chief said.
International Airport. Bodi himself was previously named as the “kingpin”
The rains began late of yaba trafficking by the Department of Narcotics
Monday and by the end of Control. “If we find evidence against him [Bodi], he
Tuesday, more than 142 wouldn’t be spared,” he said.
millimetres (5.59 inches) of So far, 122 people have been arrested in 35 cases.
rainfall had soaked Dubai Among them, there are at least 10 godfathers, the CID
over 24 hours. official added.
At the airport, standing The CID has confiscated 9.14 acres of land and two
water lapped on taxiways as houses worth Tk 8.11 crore from the suspects in three
aircrafts landed. cases. Additionally, Tk 1.01 crore, kept in various bank
The airport ended up accounts, has been seized.
halting arrivals Tuesday Confiscation proceedings are underway for another
night and passengers 35.173 acres of land, 12 houses, and one car -- valued at
struggled to reach Tk 36.82 crore all together.
terminals through the The CID chief also cited a Police Headquarters data
floodwater covering that 79,675 drug cases were filed across the country in Shops set up on the footpath opposite Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium are now selling solar panels so that people can fight the woes of load
surrounding roads. SEE PAGE 4 COL 6 shedding. These working panels are a popular item amongst lower income groups. The photo was taken yesterday. PHOTO: ANISUR RAHMAN
 2nd Edition

NEWS
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024

4 BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

A family wiped
FROM PAGE 5
HOLICHERRA TEA GARDEN Tangail’s only
FROM PAGE 3
12 drug kingpins amass
The four deceased were
buried side-by-side on
Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, another
450 trees felled but for that, they need a
modern camp with the
necessary facilities.
gymnasium is not the right
A
FROM PAGE 3
2021, followed by 82,672 in
2022 and 76,403 in 2023.
ASSETS OF DRUG
assets including 2.05 acres
of land and a Tk 2.5 crore
house.
Shafiq Alam alias Shafi,
Kabir faced allegations of
laundering Tk 11.05 crore in a
case in Teknaf on March 20,
202 His assets -- including a

on govt land
family also fell victim to the place to accommodate KINGPINS another kingpin, faced brick kiln, a duplex house, a
same accident. them,” said Shamim Al A Teknaf based drug two money laundering poultry farm, a salt farming
Popi Akhter, 21, Mamun, a badminton player. kingpin Nurul Haq Bhutto cases in 2021 and 2023. His business, and 15 acres of
was travelling with her “However, if they was killed at the hands of illicit gains amounted to land, are currently in the
husband, Iqbal Sheikh, 25, have to be kept in the rivals in May 2022, following Tk 44.14 crore, with assets process of confiscation.
and their one-year-old son, gymnasium, we demand the death of his brother Nur comprising 730 acres of Furthermore, on March
to visit Iqbal’s cousin in that a new indoor facility be Mohammad in a “gunfight” land and three houses 22, 2023, the CID filed a
Dhaka. Popi and Iqbal did constructed immediately for with police earlier that year. worth Tk 1.10 crore. case against drug kingpin
not survive the accident, the local athletes,” he added. A money laundering On March 14, 2023, the Nurul Islam with Adabar
leaving their baby an Contacted, Major Manjur case filed against Bhutto, CID filed a case against Police Station in Dhaka, for
orphan. Mehedi Islam, commander Nur Mohammad, and their one Shaheen Alam, laundering approximately
“My daughter and son- of CPC-3 of Rab-14, said father Ejahar Mia in 2017 for laundering Tk 6.20 Tk 13 crore. His possessions,
in-law are gone, and now they have nothing to do in uncovered a network of crore. The CID sought to including four houses,
their little boy has no this regard as it is a matter 42 associates involved in confiscate his house and 0.88 acres of land, a car,
parents,” said Popi’s father of the government. laundering approximately 192 acres of land. and gold ornaments, were
Nannu Ali. “A proposal has been Tk 3 crore. The CID seized Yaba dealer Nurul targeted for confiscation.
“Now how will this child made to the government
grow up without a mother
and father?” he cried.
for the construction of a
Rab camp in Tangail. The Wholesale market relocation
At least 15 people matter is under process,” FROM PAGE 3 will facilitate the transfer to office from Karwan
were killed in the horrific said Mohibul Islam the issue of compensation both of these locations,” he Bazar to Mohammadpur
collision in Faridpur, while Khan, additional deputy for the businessmen who told The Daily Star. Community Center on
several others were injured. inspector general and also wanted to move to the In the initial phase, a March 28, due to its risky
OUR CORRESPONDENT, Moulvibazar range officer of forest department in commander of Rab-14. Jatrabari Market. total of 256 shops are slated infrastructure.
the upazila, and I visited the spot on According to the
Won’t tolerate Around 450 trees, including at least 52 April 8, and observed that the tree meeting sources, the
for relocation from Karwan In 2006, the Executive
FROM PAGE 3 Akashmani trees, have been illegally stumps were covered with soil and Let candidates home minister gave a
Bazar, with 180 earmarked
for Amin Bazar and the
Committee of the National
Economic Council (Ecnec)
return to normal life,” felled and sold off on a government debris to hide the proof. The felled trees FROM PAGE 3 positive response to the remaining 176 for Jatrabari, approved a Tk 206 crore
added Khurshid. land within Luayuni-Holicherra Tea are valued around Tk 80 lakh, as per the Kajol issued the order and businessmen’s demand. said Mutakabbir, who will project to construct three
Regarding the arrests of Garden area under Kulaura upazila of declaration of lease agreement.” rule on April 8, following Mutakabbir Ahmed, oversee the relocation. markets in Mohakhali,
common people, he said, Moulvibazar. Meanwhile, 23 logs of Akashmoni a writ petition filed by 156 regional executive officer However, Lokman Amin Bazar, and Jatrabari,
“If you go fishing in a pond, A case has been filed in this trees were recovered from a village candidates who have passed of DNCC’s Zone-5, said, Hossain, secretary intending to modernise
small fish also get caught connection on April 10, accusing near the Tea Estate yesterday. “We think the registration examination “There is no doubt that of Karwan Kitchen markets and supply systems
in the net. The same thing Farooq Ahmad Chowdhury and the logs were from the trees felled at and are now above 35. Karwan Bazar market will Market Businessmen’s for farm products and
happened here.” Mahmud Hasan Prince, the garden’s Holicherra Tea Garden area,” claimed Petitioners’ lawyer Md be relocated. The process Association, said they have reduce traffic congestion in
general manager and deputy manager Mehedi. Shahinuzzaman told The will start very soon.” not received any official the Karwan Bazar area.
respectively, and 20 unnamed others. “They [tea garden authority] violated Daily Star that NTRCA “Many businessmen letter or directive regarding However, the work
Amir Uddin, a sub-inspector of the lease agreement. Besides, the issued a public circular on were unwilling to go the relocation process yet. on the project remained
Kulaura Police Station, said,“Bijay government has lost revenue,” he added. March 31 this for recruiting to Amin Bazaar and He declined to make any suspended until 2013, when
Chandra Sheel, assistant land officer at Contacted, Mahmud Hasan Prince, 96,736 teachers at the submitted a proposal to further comment on this the Local Government
Brahmanbazar union land office, filed deputy manager of the garden, said non-government academic relocate to a market in matter. Engineering Department
the case under the Forest Act on April some trees were cut down in the garden institutions including Jatrabari, which is under On the other hand, (LGED) and DNCC revised
10.” recently after those were damaged in private schools and colleges. the jurisdiction of the local DNCC started the process the total budget of the
PRAYER TIMING Investigation is going on in this
connection, he added.
storm.
The wood from these trees would be
According to the government division. We of relocating its regional project to Tk 264 crore.
APRIL 18 circular, the candidates
Confirming the matter, Mehedi used for construction of staff quarters must be under 35 years of
Fazr Zohr Asr Maghrib Esha
Hasan, assistant commissioner (Land) and waiting room, he also said. age. They were under 35
AZAN 4-35 12-45 4-45 6-24 7-45
in the upazila said, “A total 450 trees He, however, claimed that no other when they attended the
JAMAAT 5-10 1-15 5-00 6-28 8-15 were cut down and sold from the tree was cut or sold, adding that they exam, he said.
SOURCE: ISLAMIC FOUNDATION garden. On information, Riaz Uddin, did not know anything about the case. The results were
published in December
2023 and the writ
petitioners are now above
35 years, he added.
Senior lawyer Shah
Monjurul Hoque appeared
for the writ petitioners.
 2nd Edition

CITY 5
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024
BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

1 killed, 10 hurt Apr-Sept flu season

in clash over
sand lifting
OUR CORRESPONDENT,
Once outlaws, now in the country
Say scientists
Narsingdi

At least one person has

been killed and 10 others
flower growers STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Scientists yesterday defined the period

from April to September as flu season in
Bangladesh.
have been injured in a clash AZIBOR RAHMAN, Jhenidah peaceful.” Former Ganna Union Parishad Chairman
between two groups of local Younus Ali, also of Ganna village, said that he Nasir Uddin Malita told The Daily Star, “At that As such, influenza vaccine, or flu
sand lifters in Nilakhya After spending years in hiding and then in jail, joined Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP) time, around 1995, locals were in a panic due shot, should be taken between February
union under Raipura Abdur Rahim of Ganna union, Jhenidah Sadar in 1995. He went to jail several times. Eventually to the free movement of armed and banned to March yearly to ensure maximum
upazila of Narsingdi. upazila, returned to normal life in 2000. He was realising the futility of his cause, he started outlaws. Now, these outlaws are farming flowers protection, they said at a seminar.
About 12-14 houses a member of the outlawed Biplabi Communist growing flowers from 2000. Now, he is happy and leading a happy life.” The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease
were vandalised, torched Party (Haque Group). After rehabilitating himself with his family. Ganna UP chairman Atikul Islam said, “We Control and Research, and icddr,b
and looted while over into normal society, he built a life as a flower often found dead bodies lying around. Now organised the seminar to present findings
300 crude bombs were grower. the outlaws have started growing flowers and of a nationwide influenza surveillance at
exploded during the clash “During his involvement, he went into hiding become regular citizens.” IEDCR in Dhaka.
that took place on Tuesday quite often. He could not stay home due to the fear According to Jhenidah Department of The surveillance is being conducted in
morning. of police arrest. Our family was in big trouble,” said Agriculture Extension sources, 224 hectares of 19 hospitals countrywide with technical
The deceased was Aktarul Islam, one of Abdur Rahim’s five sons. flowers had been cultivated in six upazilas of the support from the Center for Disease
identified as Sagor Mia, 26, When the government gave amnesty to many district in 2022-23 and 235 hectares in 2023-24. Control and Prevention and the WHO.
confirmed Rafsan Al-Alam, outlawed groups in 1999, most of the banned Ganna union accounted for 60 hectares out of Elderly individuals, healthcare
assistant superintendent of outfit surrendered to the administration. Some this. professionals and patients with chronic
Narsingdi police. of them joined Ansar and various NGOs. The farmers mainly cultivate marigold, rose, diseases should get priority for influenza
No case has been filed “My father surrendered to the authorities and gerbera and rajanigandha (tuberose). vaccination, the speakers said.
in this connection yet, he started farming in 2000. He got the inspiration Nazrul Islam, who is also the General Dr Tahmina Shirin, director of IEDCR
added. from a farmer named Baki Billah,” said Aktarul. Secretary of Ganna Bazar Flower Growers and and the National Influenza Center, said
The clash ensued “My father died in 2010. Since then, five of us Traders Cooperative Society, said, “The district around 11 percent of the 1,15,000 patients
following a dispute between brothers have continued with the flower growing administration has built a flower market where hospitalised with short-term fever and
Hannan Mia, a follower of profession, and are leading a peaceful life.” Abdul Kuddus, of Betai village in the same flowers worth Tk 20-25 lakh are sold every day.” cough were infected with influenza, of
Narsingdi District Council His elder brother Nazrul Islam recounts the union, told this correspondent that in 1995, Asgar Ali, Deputy Director of Jhenidah DAE whom one percent died. “Adults over 60
member Rajib Ahmed, and way he witnessed the area during his youth. around 200-300 people joined outlawed groups said, “Flower farming is increasing at Ganna and patients with chronic illnesses had a
Anwar Hossain, a supporter “Our Ganna area was infested with outlaws at like Purba Banglar Communist Party and Haque union at present due to better infrastructures three-time higher death rate,” she added.
of Nilakhya union unit that time,” he said. “My father got involved when Group. Of them, 15-20 were killed in crossfires. and agricultural marketing. The agricultural icddr,b Executive director Dr Tahmeed
Chhatra League president he was inspired by others. It was a massacre at “Later, when the government gave them the marketing department has built a big shade for Ahmed, DGHS Additional Director
Toukir Ahmed. that time. Every other day, outlaws would die in chance to surrender, they joined in different selling flowers. The farmers are getting good General Prof Meerjady Sabrina Flora,
Rajib and Toukir crossfires. Fearing death, my father surrendered WHO Infectious Hazard Management
professions. Some of them came back to farming, profit. We are always there for them whenever
could not be reached and came back to normal life. Now, our lives are Officer Dr ASM Alamgir, and
and now they are living normal lives,” he said. they need our advice.”
for comments despite Epidemiologist at US-CDC Dr Gretchen
repeated attempts. Cowman, also spoke.

A family wiped out CTG TUNNEL

Emergency
vehicles exempt
in road accident
SAJJAD HOSSAIN
from toll
STAFF CORRESPONDENT,
bus in the Kanaipur area of the district, Ctg
killing Rakib, his wife, and their two
To share the happiness of Eid with his sons instantly. Vehicles engaged in
loved ones, Rakib Mollah, a 55-year- Rakib’s mother was injured and is emergency duties or
old employee based in Dhaka, returned currently receiving treatment at Dhaka operational activities will
to his home in Shottorkandi village of Medical College Hospital. be exempt from paying tolls
Faridpur two days before the festival. to use the Bangabandhu
Although his mere presence brought Meanwhile, another family Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
joy to his family, Rakib, despite his also fell victim to the same Tunnel in Chattogram.
modest income, went an extra mile to accident. Popi Akhter, 21, and Md Abul Kalam Azad, the
make the occasion even more special superintendent engineer of
for his wife, two sons and parents– by
her husband, Iqbal Sheikh,
the tunnel, announced the
purchasing them new clothes. 25, along with their one-year-
government’s decision at a
Before returning to his usual life old son, were traveling to meeting with stakeholders
in Dhaka, Rakib wanted to take his Dhaka; tragically, both Popi on safety and security at the
wife Sumi Begum,30, and mother and Iqbal died, leaving their tunnel site office in the port
Hiru Begum for medical check-ups baby orphaned. city’s Patenga yesterday.
in Faridpur town. So he, alongside his Vehicles of the police,
wife, mother, and two sons, started to Visiting their village, this fire service, navy, and other
travel towards Faridpur town in a pick- correspondent found their family emergency organisations
up van. members in despair. The air was heavy can enter the tunnel toll-
The reason to take his sons Ruhan, 8, with grief. free in case of emergencies,
and Abu Sinan, 3 -- along was to have “They went to celebrate and came said Azad.
one last family outing before they part back in coffins. The whole family has Officials from navy,
ways again, until the next Eid. been wiped out in one accident,” said police, Ansar, and O&M
However, tragedy struck mid road. Habibur, Rakib’s brother. operators were present at
Their pick-up collided head-on with a SEE PAGE 4 COL 1 the meeting.
 City

6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024
BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

ENTERTAINMENT’S RISING STARS Amitabh Bachchan

to receive Lata
OLI LOUIS Mangeshkar Award;
AR Rahman, Randeep
The Nigerian man who fell in Hooda also honoured
Amitabh Bachchan is set to be

love with Bangla music

honoured with the prestigious
Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar
Puruskar.
The Mangeshkar family
announced on Tuesday (April
initially, I felt a profound connection to the 16) via a press release that the
Oli Louis, DOWEL BISWAS
esteemed Lata Deenanath
a Nigerian singers and found my own interpretation of the
In the realm of creative inspiration, few pursuits music. That’s what fueled my admiration for Mangeshkar Award would
garment rival the journey that leads an individual to Bangla music,” reflected Oli. be conferred upon Amitabh
merchandiser, explore unfamiliar musical territories. Yet, who Seeking to bridge cultural divides, Oli Bachchan on April 24.
whose initial could have foreseen that the enchanting verses endeavoured to blend the rich chronicles of Established in memory of Lata
of legendary Bengali musicians Gauri Prasanna Mangeshkar, who passed away in 2022, this
visit to Bangla and African music. His collaboration
award honours individuals for their significant
Bangladesh Mazumder and Hemanta Mukhopadhyay’s with Coke Studio Bangla’s third season
Oiliro Kotha Shune Bakul Hase would was a testament to this endeavour. “My contributions to society.
was solely ignite a passion for Bangla music in a Nigerian inclusion in Coke Studio Bangla felt like a In addition, AR Rahman will receive the
for business musician? divine intervention. A friend approached me Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for
purposes, Oli Louis, a Nigerian garment merchandiser, about joining the show, and I embraced the contributions to Indian music, while Randeep
whose initial visit to Bangladesh was solely Hooda will be acknowledged with the Vishesh
found himself opportunity wholeheartedly,” shared Oli.
Puraskar for contributions to the film industry.
captivated by for the purpose of business, found himself The thematic essence of the song centered
captivated by Bangla songs through this very around weaving struck a chord with Oli, who
Bangla songs. melody. “One day, I stumbled upon the song, perceived it as a metaphor for unity. “Weaving
and it entranced me with its magic. It took me isn’t a prevalent theme in Nigerian music. By
just two days to learn it. As I delved deeper, the infusing elements of my culture into the song, I
profound lyrics, melodious tunes, and sweet aimed to foster harmony,” he emphasised.
harmonies inspired me to delve further into Embracing the collaborative spirit, Oli
the world of Bangla music,” shared Oli, who penned verses for the song, contributing his
recently made his mark in Coke Studio Bangla’s unique perspective to the narrative. “The team
third season with the debut song Tati. entrusted me with writing verses for the song. It
Navigating the bustling streets of Dhaka was a learning experience, crafting verses that
posed a linguistic challenge for Oli, who didn’t resonated with both cultures,” he explained.
speak the language. “Learning Bangla was quite Despite minimal rehearsal time, Oli’s innate
a feat. I picked it up by conversing with rickshaw musicality allowed him to adapt swiftly to the
PHOTOS: COLLECTED song. “The camaraderie amongst the Coke
pullers and garment sellers in Bangabazar,” he
recalled with a grin.
Studio team, especially Arnob bhai, Jaya Ahsan,
and Adnan bhai, was remarkable. Their support Saudi film ‘Norah’
was instrumental in the success of the song,”
Having been part of a choir and musical band
in Nigeria, Oli recognised a rhythmic kinship
acknowledged Oli. enters Cannes Film
Reflecting his cultural heritage, Oli
between Bangla folk and African music, which
piqued his interest in Bangla melodies. “When
adorned himself in traditional Igbo attire for
the performance, symbolising unity amidst
Festival
I began listening to Bangla songs, I sensed a diversity. “My attire, embellished with ‘isi agu’ In a landmark moment for Saudi Arabia’s film
familiar cadence in the improvisational beats (lion-head prints), showcased my Igbo heritage industry, the film Norah has earned a spot in the
and rhythmic patterns. That’s what drew me to while harmonising with Bengali culture,” he official selection of the prestigious Cannes Film
Bangla music,” shared the musician. explained. Festival.
His rendition of Shada Shada Kala Upon hearing his Bangla song, Oli’s mother Helmed by pioneering director Tawfik Alzaidi,
Kala marked a turning point, garnering expressed boundless joy, affirming his decision Norah tells the story of a young woman in 1990s
widespread acclaim and affirming his belief to pursue Bangla music. “My heartfelt gratitude Saudi Arabia, a time when artistic expression was
that Bangladeshis would embrace him as goes out to my fans, who inspire me to create heavily restricted.
one of their own if he pursued Bangla music music. I look forward to crafting more original The film first captured local attention at the
wholeheartedly. Bangla songs in the future,” concluded Oli, his Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah and is now set
“Music transcends language; it speaks to the eyes brimming with hope and enthusiasm for to make its international debut in Cannes’ Un
soul. Even though I couldn’t grasp the lyrics the musical journey ahead. Certain Regard section.

NEWS
Chuadanga logs
FROM PAGE 12
Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka,
Australia unveils new Ensure fair treatment for my son
FROM PAGE 12 their house help. The competent investigation by police,” she added.
Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet
divisions, along with parts of Khulna.
The severity may ease in some
defence strategy, with negligence) and “the unjust media
speculation, spread of falsehoods,
authorities and the investigators
didn’t make such a claim, let alone
Citing a “spot visit,” the said
statement claimed that Ferdausi

eye on China
distortion of facts and far-fetched the case filed by Preeti Urang’s suffered the wounds before the fall
other places, according to a Met office misinterpretation” during the family. Hence, it is not clear who which led her to make an attempt on
forecast issued for 72 hours from ongoing investigation of the case. made such an accusation to the her own life.
9:00am yesterday. On February 6, Preeti, an irregular said citizens and based on what “Can such serious claims be
Rain or thunder showers AFP, Sydney of its strategic objectives,” the text
describes an Australia vulnerable to domestic help, fell to her death evidence,” Anowara said. established simply by visiting a scene
accompanied by temporary gusty from the flat of Ashfaque and his “I wonder what proof the said 117 and without any material evidence?
or squally wind is likely to occur at Australia unveiled its first National foes strangling trade or preventing
Defence Strategy yesterday, signalling access to vital air and sea routes. wife, Tania Khondoker, located citizens have in their possession to After months-long investigation,
one or two places over Chattogram on Shahjahan Road in Dhaka’s
a new focus on deterring China’s “We are a maritime trading island ascertain that she was hanging from Mohammadpur police did not
and Sylhet divisions, with hails at
“coercive tactics” in a region seen as nation,” Marles said. Mohammadpur. the grill for about 13 minutes,” she find any foul play by my son and
isolated places, said a regular bulletin
lurching towards conflict. “The invasion of Australia is an The death came as a huge shock said. submitted the final report, and both
of the Bangladesh Meteorological
Department. The 80-page document offers a unlikely prospect in any scenario, for the couple, who were asleep at It is also not clear on what basis the family and the CMM court in
gloomy assessment of Pacific security precisely because so much damage the time of the accident, and they the said statement claimed that the Dhaka accepted it. Ashfaque and
and sets out a massive increase in can be done to our country by an both surrendered to law, Anowara CCTV footage at Ashfaque’s home Tania were acquitted by the court,”
Closely monitor defence spending to retool Australia’s adversary without ever having to step said. “went missing”, Anowara said. Anowara said.
FROM PAGE 12 military to cope. foot on Australian soil,” he said. Ashfaque phoned and informed Ashfaque and Tania only used a About the financial assistance for
taken initiatives to set up an economic “The optimistic assumptions that So instead of focusing on the police immediately and the Chinese camera for streaming live Ferdausi and her family, Anowara
zone on 55,968 acres in Maheshkhali guided defence planning after the maintaining a military that can do couple was later accused of death video footage from their home to said it was never an out-of-court
end of the Cold War are long gone,” a range of tasks almost anywhere in by negligence under Section 304A their mobile phones like many other settlement. “As instructed by the
of Cox’s Bazar.
said Defence Minister Richard Marles, the world, Marles said there would be of the Penal Code-1860, and the households and businesses do these court, an amount agreed upon by
“The government has decided
presenting the new strategy. a laser focus on building a deterrent investigation into the incident is
to form a new authority to provide days, she said. all parties was deposited through
Warning that “China has force that can protect Australia’s
necessary assistance to the local going on. “Since this was a live camera and Treasury Challan No-310 on
employed coercive tactics in pursuit interests in its immediate region.
and foreign entrepreneurs who will Ashfaque and Tania have been no footage was stored on any device November 1, 2023, in the judicial
work there,” he said, adding that behind bars for the last 71 days, she or memory cards ever, the question account with Bangladesh Bank.”
MIDA will be an institution under
the Prime Minister’s Office, with the
Congress, CPI-M pursue said.
Referring to the statement by
of footage going missing does not
arise,” she added.
Rejecting all the “false claims and
the insinuations” made in the said
FROM PAGE 12 ST, OBC students and much more”. 117 citizens on April 2, Anowara Regarding the injury from the fall statement, Ashfaque’s mother said
premier as chairman of its board of
Later in the day, the TMC released its Releasing the manifesto at the said issuing such a statement is
directors. A chief executive officer of Ferdausi from Ashfaque’s home carrying out this type of propaganda
manifesto for the upcoming elections party headquarters, TMC’s Rajya
will be appointed to run MIDA. tantamount to contempt of court in August 2023, the said statement not only tarnishes the society, but
in which it has promised to repeal Sabha party leader Derek O’ Brien
Mahbub said the main task of MIDA because the matter is sub judice. made a number of “fictitious claims”, also influences the institutions tasked
the CAA, and stop the NRC, reports said, “These are the promises which
will be to ensure the use of the land in Times of India. we will fulfill as part of INDIA bloc, “The statement condemned what said Anowara. with the investigation of the incident.
a planned way for the entrepreneurs It also vowed that the Uniform when it forms the next government.” it called the ‘police inaction’ in “The statement falsely claims She said that Tania also comes
after formulating a master plan and Civil Code “will not be implemented The TMC walked out of the INDIA relation to the case. that she suffered a ‘3cmX3cmX3cm from a respected Muslim family.
also to ensure compliance with the across India”. bloc in January over disagreements “About the so-called police wounds from deep inside her Tania draws strength from
rules and regulations. In the manifesto titled ‘Didir regarding seat-sharing with the inaction, I would like to say: my son reproductive organ leading up to the Bangladesh’s Liberation War as a
He said the proposed law will Shopoth (Didi’s pledges), the party Congress in Bengal. and his wife were taken into police opening of anus’. It is an outrageous granddaughter of late Khondoker
provide protection to local produce pledged to “uplift every Indian with However, the Mamata Banerjee- custody within hours of the incident; claim.” Abdul Mannan, a Language
such as salt, shrimp, and betel leaf. guaranteed employment, universal led party had said it continues to be they were interrogated by police Doctors at Dhaka Medical College Movement veteran and an organiser
The cabinet also approved in housing, free LPG cylinders, assured part of the INDIA bloc at the national multiple times during their about Hospital, where Ferdausi was taken of the Liberation War from Bhola
principle the draft of The Chief MSP for farmers, scholarships for SC, level. 28-hour custody at Mohammadpur after the accident on August 4, district.
Election Commissioner and Police Station before being produced 2023, recorded her injury saying: “A “I am a recipient of the President’s
Other Election Commissioners
(Remuneration and Special Rights) Dubai reels from floods at a court around 2:00pm the next
day. The court sent them to jail,” she
lacerated wound from labia minora
up to anal sphincter in midline
Award in 1980’s for my special
contribution to agriculture. My son
Act-2024. FROM PAGE 12 torrential rain. said. measuring 3cmX2cmX2cm.” Ashfaque, much like his freedom
Regarding the proposed law, are working hard to recover The storms hit the UAE and The couple was subsequently Anyone familiar with the medical fighter father, has always been
Mahbub said the ordinances enacted operations as quickly as possible in Bahrain overnight Monday and on interrogated at jail gates and again term “labia minora” would know principled, ethical, and respectful in
during the previous military regimes very challenging conditions,” a Dubai Tuesday after lashing Oman, where 18 interrogated for four days while on that labia minora are two small and life,” Anowara said.
are gradually being converted into Airports spokesperson said. people were killed, including several police remand. thin skin tissues located outside the Due to Ashfaque’s bold and
laws from English to Bangla as per Dubai’s flagship Emirates airline children. Later, the case was handed over female reproductive organ, not deep fearless journalism over the last 33
court orders. cancelled all check-ins yesterday as Climatologist Friederike Otto, to the Detective Branch of police. inside it, Anowara said. years, many have become “resentful
staff and passengers struggled to a specialist in assessing the role of Detectives questioned Ashfaque and “I am shocked that the 117 and hostile towards him”, she said.
He said that only 16 ordinances are
arrive and leave, with access roads climate change on extreme weather Tania in their custody and produced citizens, many of whom are highly She said both the families are
left to be converted into laws.
flooded and some metro services events, told AFP it was “high likely” before a court which sent them to
“The prime minister is aware of respected and accomplished in suffering socially, mentally, and
suspended. that global warming had worsened
which ministries are related to these jail. the fields of academia, journalism, physically due to this “vicious
At the airport, long taxi queues the storms.
ordinances. She has directed the formed and delayed passengers Official media said it was the
“As Ashfaque’s mother, I research, criminal investigation and propaganda”.
ministers and secretaries concerned milled around. Scores of flights highest rainfall since records began categorically deny the claim made law, would make such uninformed “I am old now. At 85, I can no
to take prompt steps in this regard,” were also delayed, cancelled in 1949, before the formation of the in the said statement that Ashfaque claims in a matter as sensitive as longer tolerate this injustice towards
the cabinet secretary said. and diverted during Tuesday’s UAE in 1971. and Tania physically assaulted this one, especially when it is under my son and his wife,” she said.
INTERNATIONAL 7
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024
BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

Full UN INDIA LOK SABHA POLLS

membership BJP expected
won’t help
Palestinians to win a third
with statehood consecutive term
Says US envoy But may fall well short of its
REUTERS, Seoul
400 target seats, says poll
US Ambassador to the NDTV ONLINE
United Nations Linda
Thomas-Greenfield Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya
said yesterday she did Janata Party (BJP) is expected to win a third
not see a UN resolution consecutive term - but fall well short of its “abki
recommending the baar, 400 paar” target - in the 2024 Lok Sabha
Palestinian Authority election, according to NDTV’s poll of opinion
become a full UN member polls. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance
helping lead to a two-state is expected to win 365 of the 543 contested seats,
solution to the Israeli- and the Congress-led INDIA could get 122, with
Palestinian conflict. the remaining 56 going to parties not allied with
Thom as - G re en f ield either side. The predicted final result may not be a
made the comments at a surprise, given the NDA - its charge led by Modi for
news conference in Seoul, a third consecutive time - is already seen by many
after being asked whether as the clear winner, but the numbers suggest a
the United States was open narrowing of the gap between the ruling party
to recognise the request by and the opposition since 2019. The 365 seats
the Palestinian Authority to the NDA is expected to win this year represents
have full UN membership. a 3.4 percent increase over its 2019 result; it won
The Palestinian Authority 353 seats (the BJP got 303) and the Congress-led
is expected to push the United Progressive Alliance) got 90. The NDA’s
15-member Security 2019 score was five percent up from the 336 it won
Council to vote, as early as in the 2014 election. The BJP’s primary rival - the
today, on a draft resolution UPA in 2014 and 2019 and INDIA in 2024 - went
recommending it become Palestinian children check a building destroyed by Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday. Israeli media have from 60 in 2014 to 90 in 2019, an increase of 50
a full member of the world quoted security sources as saying the long-feared Rafah offensive was due to start this week but the plans have been upended by the percent. In this election INDIA’s expected return
body, diplomats said. Iranian attack. PHOTO: AFP of 122 is a 35 percent jump.

X blocked in ISRAEL’S OFFENSIVE IN GAZA STRIP TAIWAN STRAIT

Russian attack
Pakistan over China sends
nat’l security UN still faces obstacles fighter jets to kills 16 residents
shadow US in Ukrainian city
in bid to fend off famine
REUTERS, Islamabad

Pakistan’s interior ministry

said yesterday it blocked
Navy plane 60 injured; civilian
access to social media REUTERS, Beijing
platform X in February on
REUTERS, United Nations
infrastructure, hospital
China’s military said
national security concerns,
confirming a long-
The United Nations is still
struggling to prevent famine in the yesterday it sent fighter damaged
suspected shutdown. Gaza Strip and while there had been jets to monitor and warn
a US Navy patrol aircraft REUTERS, Kyiv
Users have reported some improvement in coordination
problems using X, with Israel, aid deliveries in the that flew over the sensitive
A Russian missile attack killed at least 16
formerly known as enclave still faced difficulties, a Taiwan Strait, a mission
residents and damaged hospital and municipal
Twitter, in Pakistan since senior UN aid official said. that took place just hours
infrastructure in the northern Ukrainian city of
mid-February, but the Andrea De Domenico, head of after a call between the
Chernihiv yesterday, local officials said. As Russia
the UN Office for the Coordination Chinese and US defence
government has made no continues to pound Ukrainian
of Humanitarian Affairs in the chiefs.
official announcements. cities starved for air defence,
Occupied Palestinian Territory, China claims sovereignty
The interior ministry the country’s top officials
said on Tuesday aid deliveries over democratically
mentioned the shutdown in intensified pleas for
within Gaza were facing significant governed Taiwan, and says international support,
a written court submission
checkpoint delays and that last week it has jurisdiction over saying the devastation
yesterday.
41 percent of UN requests to deliver the strait. Taiwan and the could have been
“It is very pertinent United States dispute that,
to mention here that aid to northern Gaza were denied. avoided. Ukrainian
saying the Taiwan Strait is President Volodymyr
the failure of Twitter/X for us to scale up to where we “There has been a steady an international waterway.
to adhere to the lawful Zelensky called for
would like to be.” increase of the number of trucks The US Navy’s 7th Fleet determination and
directives of the 41 percent of UN The UN has long complained that have entered,” said De said the P-8A Poseidon
government of Pakistan support from allies
requests to deliver of obstacles to getting aid in Domenico, adding that the UN maritime patrol and hours after the attack.
and address concerns aid to northern and distributing it throughout did not know how many private reconnaissance plane,
regarding the misuse of its “This would not have
Gaza were denied Gaza. But global outrage at the aid deliveries Israel had allowed which is also used for happened if Ukraine had
platform necessitated the humanitarian crisis in the enclave into northern Gaza. But he said anti-submarine missions,
imposition of a ban,” said last week. received sufficient air defence
of 2.3 million people escalated the focus also needed to be on flew over the strait in equipment and if the world’s determination
the report, seen by Reuters. after Israeli airstrikes on April 1 improving aid access within Gaza. international airspace. to counter Russian terror had been sufficient,”
It said Islamabad took killed World Central Kitchen aid “The problem is it’s not just “By operating within the Zelensky said. Ukraine is facing a shortage of
up the issues with X, which “We’re dealing with this dance workers. about food. The problem is that Taiwan Strait in accordance ammunition, with vital funding from the US
demonstrated a reluctance where we do one step forward, Israel has since approved famine is much more complex with international law, the blocked by Republicans in Congress for months
to resolve them. “The two steps backward, or two steps reopening the Erez crossing into ... it’s much bigger than simply United States upholds the and the EU failing to deliver munitions on
decision to impose a ban forward, one step backward, which northern Gaza and temporary bringing in flour,” he said. navigational rights and time. Chernihiv’s mayor, Oleksandr Lomako,
on Twitter/X in Pakistan leaves us basically always at the use of Ashdod port in southern “Water, sanitation and health are freedoms of all nations,” it said explosions ripped through a busy part of
was made in the interest same point,” De Domenico told Israel after US President Joe fundamental to curb famine.” said in a statement. “The the city just after 9:00 am, destroying civilian
of upholding national reporters. Biden demanded steps to alleviate US officials have noted steady aircraft’s transit of the infrastructure. “Unfortunately, Russia continues
security, maintaining “For every new opportunity that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, progress in the amount of aid Taiwan Strait demonstrates to engage in terrorist activity against civilians
public order, and we’ve been given, we will find yet saying conditions could be placed that goes into Gaza, the US State the United States’ and civilian infrastructure as confirmed by this
preserving the integrity of another challenge to deal with,” he on US support for Israel if it did Department said on Tuesday, but commitment to a free and strike on Chernihiv once again,” Lomako told
our nation”, the report said. said. “So it’s really, really difficult not act. it was still not at the desired level. open Indo-Pacific.” Ukrainian TV.

The world is as dangerous as it has been for generations and Europe is in the middle
of it. This is why it is time for the European awakening on defence and security.
The European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen
8 EDITORIAL
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024
BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

FOUNDER EDITOR: LATE S. M. ALI

How we are missing out
Govt’s fatal apathy on higher remittances
towards road safety Tasneem Tayeb
is a columnist for The Daily Star.
workers still made up more than half
of the entire pie, at 50.28 percent,
employment system which is lethargic
by nature and mired in corruption.
Investigate the underlying Her X handle is @tasneem_tayeb.
according to the Bureau of Manpower, There is no way that notorious
Employment and Training (BMET). syndicates are given free reign to do
reasons behind Faridpur crash This is mostly due to our lack of as they wish—exploiting unsuspecting
In yet another tragic road crash on April 16, at least 14 people demand mapping, planning, and and powerless migrant workers—
died in Faridpur—an incident which would most likely not political will to tap into the skilled without the system benefitting from
have occurred had the government prioritised basic road labour market. Bangladesh has always their illegal gains.
safety measures. The bus in question, as reported by this daily, eyed the less skilled market with its The transformative push in the
TASNEEM TAYEB lower barrier to entry, entertaining labour migration landscape of our
did not have the necessary permits to run on that route or
updated fitness certificates. On the other side of the collision,
the pickup van, which was carrying all the individuals who Migrant workers from Bangladesh are
died in the accident, wasn’t authorised to carry passengers at disadvantaged in many ways compared
all. What’s most appalling is how common these violations to their counterparts from other
of crucial road safety measures are in our country, and how countries. To cite one disadvantage: as
apathetic the government remains to the endless loss of lives per a February report by The Business
of its citizens on the road. Standard, an aspiring Bangladeshi
The government continues to cave to transport owners’ migrant worker bound for Malaysia
pressures against banning old and high-risk vehicles, to pays between $4,000 and $4,500 for
withhold strict enforcement of road safety measures and laws, employment in the manufacturing
and against adopting effective laws to hold vehicle owners and or construction industries. But for
operators accountable. Meanwhile, at least 1,477 people were the same opportunities, Indonesian
killed and 1,920 were injured in 1,630 crashes between January workers pay between $340 and
and March this year. Why is it that the government refuses to $742. This is despite the Bangladesh
adopt most of the fundamental road safety measures? Why is it government setting a maximum Tk
still easier to bribe law enforcement personnel than to acquire 78,990 (less than $1,000) migration
licences and fitness clearance legally? Why is letting people cost for workers travelling to
die on roads, without any assurance of safe vehicles, more Malaysia. The cost of migration is
acceptable to the government than employing effective laws equally exorbitant for Bangladeshi
and drives to make transport authorities abide by road safety workers travelling to other countries
regulations? in search of livelihood. In fact, a
According to a World Bank report in 2020, Bangladesh 2020 International Organization for
could halve its road crash fatalities if it invested an estimated Migration (IOM) report suggested that
extra $7.8 billion over the following decade. Unfortunately, the migration cost of Bangladeshi
those recommendations have not been implemented, with our workers is considered one of the
roads becoming even deadlier each year. While the government highest in the world.
is spending scores more on spectacular megaprojects, road VISUAL: NAZIFA RAIDAH
safety remains sidelined.
This cannot be how the roads operate anymore. The case Bangladesh has always into higher remittance for us. demand from traditional markets country would also mean that the
of Faridpur and other crashes over the recent months must be eyed the less skilled Even at a time when our volatile forex needing low-paid unskilled, less skilled Bangladeshi missions abroad would
investigated thoroughly, and the real perpetrators—not just market with its lower reserve remains a major economic workers. But we must understand have to make efforts to identify
the drivers but also those who allowed these vehicles to be on concern and despite the growth in the that in a fast-changing landscape, potential industries for foreign
barrier to entry, number of migrant workers—around
the road without permits or operational fitness—must be put where quality of work is becoming worker recruitment in the countries
on trial, and a white sheet of the underlying reasons behind
entertaining demand 1.3 million workers migrated abroad increasingly important for employers, where they are located and the skills
road accidents must be produced. The government must put from traditional in 2023, a 15 percent increase from new avenues are opening up for the that would be required to fill those
the lives of the citizens of this country at the forefront, not the markets needing low- 1.13 million in 2022, thanks to Saudi skilled workforce. So, being content requirements. The concerned officials
interest of any vested groups, to make the roads safer. paid unskilled, less and Malaysian markets opening up— with pushing more unskilled workers would have to engage in robust
we have not been able to tap the full into the global labour market is no migration diplomacy to negotiate
skilled workers. But
potential of the expanding job market longer an option. good deals for our workers—both in
we must understand
Hurried mergers that in a fast-changing
landscape, where
abroad, both in terms of revenue
volume and skilled worker migration.
The remittance inflow in 2023
Our Asian peers are quickly
upskilling their workforce to capture
the new markets and their workers
terms of wages and living conditions.
It is true that in Bangladesh we lack
adequate technical training centres
may prove unwise quality of work is
becoming increasingly
remained stagnant at the $21 billion
mark, despite more workers migrating
are earning higher wages, while in
Bangladesh, we are patting ourselves
and polytechnic institutes. So the
focus should be on building additional
abroad. In 2022, remittance inflow was on the back for sending about 1.3 capabilities while fully utilising the
Has the process of planning bank important for $21.28 billion and in 2021 it stood at million workers abroad, without a plan existing facilities.
employers
mergers been truly voluntary? $21.74 billion. Given the 15 percent year-
on-year increase in worker migration
on how to tap into the new markets It is high time the government
and enable our workers to find better- came out of its complacency mindset
We are concerned by the way in which Bangladesh Bank This is attributed mostly to the in 2023, the mere 2.54 percent year- paying jobs, in turn us getting higher and transformed the overseas
has decided to proceed with its plan for bank mergers and corruption in the system that has on-year increase in remittance in 2023 remittance. employment sector to make the most
acquisitions. As we saw in the case of the planned merger enabled syndicates to be formed among is a telling tale of wasted opportunities We must study the global labour of the new opportunities opening up
of Shariah-based Exim Bank and struggling Padma Bank, recruitment agencies, in addition to and the inability of formal banking market patterns to identify new for Bangladesh. While demand for
a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed even ineffective migration diplomacy, and channels to woo customers. destinations for Bangladeshi workers, unskilled and less skilled workers will
before a detailed guideline on mergers and acquisitions was limited efforts from the concerned A study of government data by the and the skill sets required to make sustain in the traditional markets for
issued, whereas the sequence of events should have been the authorities to ensure the wellbeing and Refugee and Migratory Movements sure our workers succeed there. some more years, if we do not compete
other way around. And even after the guideline was issued by Research Unit (RMMRU) revealed
rights of the migrant workers. Better coordination, cooperation, and for the new markets in need of a
BB, it is not being followed properly, according to a report by
While the remittances sent by the that of the workers who migrated oversight among the government and semi-skilled and skilled workforce,
Prothom Alo. According to members of these banks, BB itself
migrant workers are valued highly, in 2022, a staggering 78.64 percent private sector actors are critical to our Asian peers will win them over,
has directed which bank should merge with whom. During
we have not taken effective measures were less skilled. In 2021, it stood improving the living conditions of our leaving us little room to manoeuvre.
these meetings, the merger decisions were made in some cases
over the years to map international at 75.24 percent. While there was workforce abroad and driving forex Do we have the vision and political
in the presence of representatives of the two banks concerned,
and in other cases, with representatives of only one bank. market demand for skilled labour and some improvement in 2023, with an earnings. will to accelerate change and make
Some bank directors have even said that they had found out accordingly upskill aspiring migrant increased number of skilled and semi- However, for this to happen, we the most of the opportunities that are
information about their own bank mergers from newspaper workers, which would have translated skilled worker migration, less skilled would need to overhaul our overseas about to unfold?
reports. Therefore, although the central bank has assured
that mergers would be voluntary, it seems as if the reality is
anything but that.
The World Bank had earlier warned that without careful
assessment and prudent implementation of procedures
to avoid weakening good banks as they acquire bad ones,
A pathway to prosperity through
basic freedoms
rapidly implementing bank mergers may further undermine
confidence in the sector. That is exactly what seems to be
happening, with some bank employees expressing concern
regarding the merger proceedings thus far. Moreover, experts
have also mentioned the need to bring about systemic changes
in the sector—such as regulators ensuring that habitual His Excellency Peter Haas Independence. But it also highlights the a friend and development partner
defaulters no longer get bank loans—without which bank is ambassador of the United enormous challenge ahead in moving to Bangladesh for over 50 years,
States to Bangladesh.
mergers will not be beneficial. In fact, without such changes, from being a “mostly unprosperous” acknowledges its shortcomings in
good banks might also end up in difficulty. least developed country today to a this area. Every country grapples with
Even though bank mergers, if properly carried out, would middle-income country in 2026 to a issues like corruption, and securing
be beneficial, it seems Bangladesh Bank is proceeding with developed country by 2041, as forecast economic and political rights. The
them too hastily. As a result, not everyone seems to be aware in the government’s Vision 2041 plan. key lies not in avoiding problems,
of what is going on, and banks are being made party to the Out of the 164 countries the but in actively acknowledging and
mergers not of their own volition. Under the circumstances, BB Atlantic Council has looked at, not a tackling them.
needs to take a step back and discuss the matter openly with PETER HAAS single country ranked “mostly unfree” The United States remains firmly
all stakeholders so that confusion and panic do not seep into
the sector, further damaging it.
The perennial debate persists: Does Out of the 164
prosperity foster greater freedoms, or countries the Atlantic
is it the other way around?
LETTERS The Atlantic Council’s ground-
breaking research into the linkage
Council has looked at,
not a single country
TO THE EDITOR between freedom and prosperity ranked “mostly
offers a compelling case for the latter. unfree” is also ranked
Freedom isn’t merely a byproduct of “prosperous.” This
[email protected]
prosperity; it’s the very engine that suggests that to
propels it.
become prosperous,
Adopt flexible work hours Their report on Bangladesh,
being released today, provides some Bangladesh must
Recently Singapore has announced that all employers must sobering insights. Let me start with then take bold steps
have a process in place for workers to formally request flexible the Atlantic Council’s Freedom Index, to expand economic,
work arrangements, which the employers can reject only which ranks Bangladesh 141st out of
backed up by reasonable business grounds. This, in my opinion, political, and legal
164 countries, placing it in the “mostly freedoms for its
is a great example to follow, both for safeguarding employees.
unfree” category. Perhaps more
If there is a balance between working from home and flexible
troubling, since 2000, Bangladesh people.
work hours for specific types of jobs, employees can save VISUAL: NAZIFA RAIDAH
has fallen 25 places. Atlantic Council’s
transportation expenses and time loss on the roads. On the
index is different from other indexes; out of 164 countries, placing it into is also ranked “prosperous.” This committed to supporting both freedom
other hand, it will ease traffic congestion —which will decrease
carbon emissions and fuel consumption. It will also open new it is not just about elections. Instead, the “mostly unprosperous” category. suggests that to become prosperous, and prosperity in Bangladesh. We will
possibilities for remote jobs. Lockdown during Covid-19 was it measures economic, political, and Here, the index is broader than just Bangladesh must then take bold steps continue exploring ways to assist
a proof of concept that offices can operate functionally with legal freedoms. In fact, Bangladesh GDP per capita. It also includes health, to expand economic, political, and Bangladesh in achieving its Vision
employees working from home. This should be a learning ranks higher on political freedoms inequality, environment, minority legal freedoms for its people. 2041 goals. We strongly believe that by
opportunity for us. than it does on economic and legal rights, and education. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all unlocking its full potential through
freedoms. To be certain, this snapshot masks solution. Every nation faces unique increased freedoms, Bangladesh can
Shakhawat Sumon Bangladesh fares better on the the huge development successes challenges on its path to freedom become the next Asian Tiger—a Royal
Aftabnagar, Dhaka Prosperity Index, where it ranks 99th Bangladesh has achieved since and prosperity. The United States, Bengal Tiger, of course!

The Daily Star EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Mahfuz Anam Registered & Head Offices: The Daily Star Centre Newsroom: Fax- 58156306 Advertisement: 01711623910 Subscription: thedailystar.net
Reg. No. DA 781 Printed by him on behalf of Mediaworld Ltd at Transcraft Ltd, 229, 64-65 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka-1215 [email protected] [email protected] 01711623906 bangla.thedailystar.net/
Tejgaon Industrial Area, [email protected] Phone: 09610222222 GPO Box: 3257
OPINION 9
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024
BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

Gazans remain collateral damage Tehran’s latest move will only help ‘Bibi’ continue his murder spree
Dr Sayeed Ahmed accepted the Oslo Peace Accord in and Nazi.” Thus, hardline Israelis clandestine warfare and terrorism, without being in power.
is a consulting engineer and the CEO of
Bayside Analytix, a technology-focused
1993. However, it lost much of its became stronger at the cost of which some call “weapons of the When Netanyahu was mulling
strategy and management consulting earlier prominence as the Israeli the moderates who backed Prime weak.” Israel, as was expected, over his next move in Gaza in the
organisation. establishment didn’t follow the Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s signing retaliated with full force on the face of global pressure to stop the
agreed-upon path to peace and the of the peace agreement with whole Arab population, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians,
“two-state solution.” PLO’s Yasser Arafat. Rabin was women, children, and refugees in Tehran made an unprecedented
Hamas, originally an Islamic assassinated after delivering a other countries. The result was move. Until now using only proxies
charity, was nurtured by Israel speech at a peace rally in November incidents such as the massacres in such as Hezbollah in Lebanon to
to counter the PLO. Hamas has 1995. Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in attack Israeli interests, it launched
SAYEED AHMED controlled Gaza since 2006, while Over the decades since its birth, Lebanon in 1982, and many others. more than 300 missiles and drones
But it is all good for Israel’s targeting Israel on April 13. It was
Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu the United Nations vote in 1947 hardliners because these are a “retaliation” against an Israeli
is seemingly a bloodthirsty to partition the British mandate strengthening their position in strike on the Iranian consulate in
warmonger, hell-bent on continuing of Palestine into two states—one the country’s power game and Syria that had killed two Iranian
the Gaza offensive, ignoring the Jewish, one Arab—inflicted an practically killing the so-called generals. Israel intercepted most
whole world. Why? indelible wound on the Arabs. About “two-state solution” option. of the missiles midair with US
Israel’s military and political 700,000 Palestinians had to leave Netanyahu must continue the assistance, so no actual harm was
establishment, particularly under their homeland. Israel occupied war for his survival because he done except wounding a Bedouin
the leadership of Netanyahu, has almost 85 percent of the land. It draws power from his coalition girl in Southern Israel.
metamorphosed into a monstrous was a Nakba, or “catastrophe,” of religious zealots and hawkish But Tehran’s move helped

FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

entity the world can’t control. for Palestine, the most traumatic ideologues. His governing coalition Netanyahu in several ways. First,
Netanyahu has embraced the most event in its modern history. Those holds a fragile majority, with 64 it made it easier for him to seek
extreme forces, the Israeli orthodox who remained in Israel became seats in the 120-seat parliament. more US military assistance.
hardliners, to stay in power. He is minorities in ghettos like those of Days after Hamas’ surprise attack Second, it bolstered confidence
now using Hamas’ terrorist acts the Jews in Nazi Germany. on October 7, some of Netanyahu’s in the Israeli Defence Force (IDF),
to justify his actions of genocidal Israel fought a series of wars centrist rivals joined him to form which suffered serious damage to
proportions. against the neighbouring Arab a broader emergency government its reputation after the October 7
The roots of this monstrosity countries. It received unconditional and bolster his small war cabinet. security breach. Third, its missile
Netanyahu must continue the war for his survival because he draws However, they did not sign any defence system proved effective in
go back to Britain’s infamous Western support each time, making
Balfour Declaration of 1917 it stronger and more aggressive. The power from his coalition of religious zealots and hawkish ideologues. coalition agreements saying they stalling such attacks. On the other
wherein it pledged support for degree of violence inflicted on the would leave the government at their hand, Iran’s real capability to harm
a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Palestinians also intensified. More PLO became confined within the Israel morphed into a behemoth will. That means Netanyahu must Israel in conventional warfare is
This fateful declaration, driven by and more Arab land was taken over West Bank. Hamas turned down of military might and a political keep them happy by continuing the put into question. All these have
imperial ambitions and strategic for Jewish settlements, restricting the peace move and adopted suicide untouchable—a concept that no war to stay in power. Meanwhile, he strengthened Netanyahu’s political
calculations, laid the groundwork the Palestinians in two enclaves: the bombings and other violent means, one can question. This has given faced trials for fraud, bribery, and position.
for the creation of Israel—a West Bank and Gaza Strip. making it convenient for Israeli rise to a power block in Israel, which breach of trust in three cases filed in Iran has done Bibi a big favour
nation born out of Europe’s guilt- The Palestinian Liberation hardliners to reject the Accord. is accountable to none for its actions 2019. If he is convicted, these cases and the Gazans—who will remain
consciousness for persecuting the Organization (PLO), born in 1964 Netanyahu led demonstrators towards the Arabs. could result in up to 10 years in jail collateral damage—a disfavour. The
Jews. to fight Israel for Palestinian carrying Rabin’s mock coffin, Some Arab groups such as the and/or a fine. It will be much more possibility of a wider war is now
The birth of Israel through rights, became prominent but later calling him a “traitor, murderer, PLO, on the other hand, resorted to difficult for him to deal with these more real.

A feminist approach to climate solutions Farah Kabir structures inhibit the effectiveness and opportunities are crucial steps gender-responsive approaches to
is a country director at ActionAid
Bangladesh. Reach her at farah.
of feminist approaches by limiting toward enhancing the effectiveness climate action, and advocate for the
[email protected]. women’s access to decision- and sustainability of climate implementation of gender-sensitive
making processes, resources, and change mitigation and adaptation policies and programs. Additionally,
opportunities to influence climate efforts. By mainstreaming gender collaboration with grassroots and
policies and interventions. Moreover, considerations into climate policies local organisations facilitates the
limited awareness of the gendered and frameworks, feminist approaches implementation of context-specific,
dimensions of climate change among can promote synergies between community-driven climate solutions,
policymakers, practitioners, and gender equality, climate action, and enhances local resilience, and ensures
FARAH KABIR
community members, coupled with sustainable development, leading that climate action is inclusive and
insufficient capacity to implement to more integrated and effective equitable.
Participation in climate and feminist approaches effectively, policy responses. Moreover, feminist We need policymakers, movers, and
environmental decision-making further complicates efforts to address approaches have the potential to shakers (both nationally and globally)
is a human right, and the equal the differential impacts of climate catalyse broader social transformation to consider funding locally-led Gender
participation of people of all change on various gender groups. towards more equitable and Just Climate Solutions; ensuring
genders generates outcomes that Additionally, resistance to gender sustainable societies by challenging gender-responsiveness of climate
are more effective and sustainable. equality initiatives stemming from patriarchal norms, promoting gender finance; understanding the imperative
Yet, women are under-represented traditional attitudes and patriarchal equality, and addressing systemic of financing SRHR for climate justice;
in decision-making in the landscape norms presents a significant barrier injustices. prioritising the vision of economic
of climate negotiations, recent to progress toward more inclusive Collaboration between government, justice by young women, indigenous
data sheds light on the persistent and equitable climate solutions. non-governmental organisations (I/ communities, and address poverty in
challenge of achieving gender Furthermore, limited data and NGOs), and grassroots organisations its multifaceted dimension; making
balance within the UNFCCC space. research on the gendered impacts are essential for advancing climate and the new Loss and Damage Fund
There are 132 UNFCCC decisions of climate change pose challenges gender justice. By investing in evidence- gender-responsive; and decentralising
regarding gender, with 54 of them to the development of evidence- based policy advocacy, capacity and empowering local government
specifically referencing gender based policies and interventions that building, and community engagement, as well as communities, especially
balance in decision-making effectively address the needs of diverse NGOs can integrate feminist women and youth.
processes. Still, gender balance in gender groups. perspectives into climate change By working together, governments,
the UNFCCC sphere continues to However, despite these challenges, planning processes and empower I/NGOs, and grassroots organisations
fall short. At COP28, there were 34 feminist approaches offer significant marginalised voices in decision- can leverage their unique strengths,
percent of women across all national opportunities for driving positive making related to climate change expertise, and resources to implement
delegations, compared to 31 percent change. Empowering women and adaptation and mitigation. Leveraging sustainable practices, raise awareness,
at COP14 in 2008. Only two percent ILLUSTRATION: BIPLOB CHAKRABORTY marginalised gender groups, enabling strong partnerships with governments, and influence policy decisions
of the delegations at COP28 had an it is crucial to promote locally led as race, gender, class, sexuality, and their meaningful participation in international organisations, and effectively, ultimately contributing to
equal number of men and women, initiatives for adaptation, with ability. Applying intersectionality decision-making processes, and diverse stakeholders enables NGOs to a more just, equitable, and sustainable
while 79 percent of delegations women’s participation ensured. to climate activism reveals how ensuring equitable access to resources promote women’s leadership, foster future for all.
had more men than women. These It is essential to integrate gender environmental issues intersect
statistics underscore the ongoing into these operations, ensuring with social injustices, highlighting
disparity in women’s participation in that the transitions in energy; the disproportionate impacts of
climate negotiations, emphasising agriculture, food, water, and land; climate change on marginalised
the pressing need for more concerted cities; transport; and manufacturing communities. Environmental
efforts to promote gender balance benefit women and men. Women racism, for example, refers to the
and inclusivity within the UNFCCC cannot start green businesses or get disproportionate siting of pollution
framework.
green jobs if they are tied down with and hazardous waste facilities in
Women, girls, and gender
care work. The lack of affordable marginalised communities, where
minorities often bear the brunt
childcare is also a hindrance. The industrial plants and landfills are
of climate change impacts,
gaps in ownership of assets and often located near low-income
facing limited access to resources
access to finance impact the efforts neighbourhoods inhabited by racial
and decision-making power,
to boost resilience and adaptive minorities, resulting in higher
carrying out caregiving duties
capacity in gender-sensitive ways. rates of pollution-related health
during crises, and intersecting
vulnerabilities with socioeconomic Economic disparities intersect with issues and vulnerability to climate-
status. Women’s empowerment in climate injustices, with low-income related disasters, as seen in the Dalit
climate action involves ensuring communities lacking resources community in Bangladesh.
their representation in decision- for adaptation while wealthier Indigenous communities,
making structures, thus allowing individuals can afford resilient deeply connected to the land,
them to contribute their unique infrastructure. suffer disproportionate impacts,
knowledge and expertise on climate We need to prioritise resilience highlighting the importance of
change. Women’s participation focusing on gender-sensitive Indigenous knowledge and rights in
in developing funding criteria, approaches and initiatives. conservation efforts amidst broader
allocating resources, and shaping ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) issues of colonisation and systemic
innovative technologies is vital for involves women in disaster risk injustice. Lastly, people with
creating adaptive, appropriate, and management efforts, such as the disabilities face unique challenges
sustainable solutions. It is essential Women-led Emergency Group in climate-related disasters,
to mainstream gender perspectives (WLEG), which has led responses necessitating inclusive emergency
into national policies, sustainable during disasters since the late 1980s. planning and infrastructure to
development plans, and climate AAB has supported women’s access address accessibility barriers and
interventions to benefit all. to Climate Resilience Sustainable health conditions exacerbated by
Integration of women’s voices Agriculture (CRSA) practices for environmental changes.
and recognising of their agency and climate resilience for decades. Feminist approaches are
leadership in climate governance Bangladesh has created an example put across the discussion on
at local and national levels should of women-led emergency response debt and tax from a feminist
be promoted. This needs to happen and adaptation by communities. and climate justice perspective,
at global climate discussions and Intersectionality is a critical funding at the nexus of climate
within the private sector. The framework for understanding and gender, alternatives to the
empowerment of Indigenous and the multifaceted nature of social extractive obsession with economic
local women in climate leadership identities and power structures, growth, and ways to advance the
roles needs to be supported. It will be recognising that individuals structural transformation of our
a step in the direction of localisation. experience overlapping systems of economic and financial systems.
To enhance conservation efforts and oppression and privilege based on Patriarchy, entrenched gender
achieve better climate outcomes, various aspects of their identity, such inequalities, and traditional power
10 BOOKS
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024
BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

HIGHLIGHT
Unveiling voices:
Ananke’s Women in
Literature Festival 2024
NAMRATA

Featuring a diverse lineup of 38 authors from 9

countries—including UAE, Bangladesh, Pakistan,
India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Scotland—the
festival promises three days of engaging panel
discussions, interviews, poetry readings, and
discussions on the theme of language and erasure.
Past guests have included prominent figures such
as Urvashi Butalia of Zubaan, writers like Meena
Kandasamy, Anam Zakaria, K Vaishali, Kiran
Manral, Arpita Das of Yoda Press, Naveen Kishore
of Seagull Books, and Mehr F Husain of Zuka
Books (Pakistan), along with esteemed authors
such as Sana Mir, Saba Karim Khan, Sabyn Javeri,
and Safinah Danish Elahi.
This year, Dr Niaz Zaman, an eminent academic,
writer, and translator from Bangladesh will also be
a part of Ananke’s Women in Literature Festival
2024 among others. On her participation, she
said, “I look forward to participating in Ananke
Women in Literature Festival 2024, to listening to
the voices of women from different backgrounds
and with diverse experiences, and in sharing my
experiences in our common pursuit of freedom
DESIGN: AMREETA LETHE of thought and expression.”Bangladeshi-born
independent artist and writer Nupu Press will be
ESSAY releasing her first art book titled My Illustrated
Camino Diary in April. Nupu Press will be in

‘The day begins wrong’: conversation with Nigerian-born Bangladeshi

American writer and photographer, Abeer Hoque
on the theme of gender, focusing on the invisible
work of women, especially in South Asian contexts.
Scheduled for April 23, this immersive event

Mastering tension and suspense in fiction invites attendees to join the conversation and
explore what it truly means to be human amidst
the diverse linguistic and cultural tapestry.
Who is Mr. ARIF ANWAR In the opening lines of Kazuo Ishiguro’s father took him to discover ice.”
This is an excerpt. Find the full event report on DS
Farraday, The Remains of the Day (Faber and Faber, Here the reader is privy to a future event, Books and The Daily Star’s websites.
and where is In my creative writing classes, whether at 1989), the tension is of another kind: one that the protagonist himself is unaware
Darlington the University of Toronto or the Hermitage “It seems increasingly likely that I really of. Even though we will ostensibly begin with
Residency in Bangladesh, I emphasise that will undertake the expedition that has been Aureliano Buendía’s childhood, we have been
Hall? From any student of fiction must first master
their manner preoccupying my imagination now for some given a peek into his future, his inevitable end.
suspense. Suspense is the lifeblood of fiction, days. An expedition, I should say, which I The author has foreshadowed his death, has
of speech the whether a literary novel or the latest airport will undertake alone, in the comfort of Mr. shared a secret with us, and we are thrilled
reader can bookshop page turner, a state in which the Farraday’s Ford; an expedition which, as I by it. We want to know everything that lies
formulate some audience (in this case the reader) is neither foresee it, will take me through much of between Aureliano’s childhood and death.
assumption landed nor flying, but awaiting information. the finest countryside of England to the The above examples illustrate how writers
about the This information is being withheld from them West Country, and may keep me away from create tension on the page, and therefore
narrator, such by the writer, and the implication is that this Darlington Hall for as much as five or six days.” suspense in the reader by selectively and
as that they information is important enough, of stakes Unlike with Melvin in Atlas of Unknowns, strategically withholding information, either
seem, if not a that are high enough, to be worth the while of tension is established as the protagonist here from the character, from the reader, or both.
little uptight, the reader to keep turning the pages. is (partially) sharing information known to Of course, for this strategy to be effective, the
Suspense therefore defines the state of mind them but not known to the reader. The reader information has to be of enough interest and
then perhaps
for the reader. What then is ‘tension’? Tension is in a state of suspense awaiting resolution intrigue for the reader to keep them engaged,
hidebound. is the story state that generates suspense. to a number of intriguing questions: Who and of high enough stakes for the character
That this is a Often, this state of tension is established at the is speaking? What kind of work do they do?
person clearly for it to be meaningful to them when it is
beginning. Take for example the opening lines Who is Mr. Farraday, and where is Darlington inevitably revealed. No one, for example,
attached to of Atlas of Unknowns (Random House, 2009) Hall? From their manner of speech the reader would be interested in the resolution of what
their job, that by Tania James: can formulate some assumption about the brand of toothpaste someone will buy (unless
taking a holiday “The day begins wrong. Melvin feels it upon narrator, such as that they seem, if not a little it somehow figures strongly in the plot).
is something waking, as though he has slipped his right foot uptight, then perhaps hidebound. That this However, most people would be interested to
unusual for into his left shoe and must shuffle along with is a person clearly attached to their job, that know what a private detective has uncovered
them, and that a wrong-footed feeling all day. That today is taking a holiday is something unusual for about the shadowy past of a new paramour.
they hold Mr. Christmas Eve brings no comfort at all.” them, and that they hold Mr. Farraday in high Once a writer masters tension, they will
Here tension is established right away. The esteem. These are all assumptions the reader generate suspense and keep the reader turning
Farraday in
very first line is a premonition of things to might make as they read these lines, but they the pages. This thread of unease can be likened
high esteem. come, likely something unexpected, or even want to find out for sure. They want to know to a fishing line, sometimes slack, sometimes
unpleasant that might happen to Melvin. more. They are, in other words, in a state of taut, but always present, and running the
Neither the character, nor the reader has any suspense. breadth of a reader’s engaged interest, its
idea what it is (or perhaps he does, and has As a final example, take the iconic first lines weighted hook sinking deep into the recesses
kept it hidden even from himself: “a knowing of One Hundred Years of Solitude (Perennial of their imagination, awaiting the bite.
so deep it’s like a secret’, as Toni Morrison puts Classics, 1998) by Gabriel García Márquez:
it). The writer has created tension, the reader is “Many years later, as he faced the firing Arif Anwar is the author of The Storm (Atria
in suspense, and we all want to keep turning squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to Books, 2018) and the curator of the Hermitage
the pages to find out. remember that distant afternoon when his Residency. COLLAGE: MAISHA SYEDA

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION

The unanticipated consequences of caretaking

Review of ‘The Last Caretaker’ (Lake Union Publishing, 2023) by Jessica Strawser
FARAH GHUZNAVI in terms of sick leave and lost income) has cost of suffering in these instances.
been estimated at £2.3 billion pounds. As Katie soon learns, the job of
To make significant changes as part of a new If this is the situation in the Western the caretaker involves not only some
beginning after a divorce is a fairly standard world where laws and support services do unexpected responsibilities, but also a
response to such a major life change, exist to protect the vulnerable, one must ask sharpening of the senses and a growing
especially one that is so often traumatic to how much worse it might be in a country feeling of mistrust or suspicion towards
one or both parties involved. Divorce, after like India, where the NFHS 5 found that everyone in her life—from her hard-to-read
all, is said by psychologists to be one of the nearly one-third of married women had colleague, Jude, who has an unsettling habit
top three most intense experiences of grief experienced some form of spousal abuse— of showing up where he’s least expected (or
that a person is likely to experience over the most commonly, physical violence. wanted), to some of the dog-walkers and
course of their lifetime. Interestingly, this novel does indirectly bird-watchers in the park, and ultimately,
Rather less common as a response is the address why such extreme abuse is still even her BFF Bess...
decision to move out into the wilderness unacceptably commonplace in a country And even though I guessed one major
by accepting a job as a caretaker in a nature like the US. And one of its real strengths element of the storyline (the drawback of
preserve. But after the humiliating break up is to use the stories of the women that being a writer who reads is that you are
of her marriage, that is precisely what Katie— Katie meets, like “Sky” and “Lindsey”, to go always thinking of how you would write the
with the support of her best friend Bess, beyond the economic figures and the mind- story that you’re reading!), I was nevertheless
who moved to the area previously with her blowing statistics and allow readers to just completely absorbed by the compelling
husband and children to work—decides to do. empathise with the incalculable human plotline and the beautiful shading-in of tiny
But when a panicked woman shows up on ILLUSTRATION: MAISHA SYEDA
details in Strawser’s storytelling.
her doorstep late at night, expecting a very something about the two stories remind as a boyfriend. Forced to choose between This is a memorable book, featuring
different kind of help from the caretaker, me of each other. Not just a few common her marriage and her parental family, relationship dynamics that are easily
Katie has to wonder what she has let herself There is the unwelcome recognisable, between friends, colleagues,
themes—like the many forms of ugliness her husband and her friends, she became
in for, and how much Bess might have that gender-based violence can take, how isolated from almost all the people that
realisation that most and siblings. It also asks difficult questions
known about this hitherto unmentioned desperately some women need an escape she loved. This alienation from loved ones women have encountered about what we accept as normal, and how
part of the job description, since she was or an intervention, and the widespread is, of course, a strategy commonly used this threat in some form at far we are willing to go in the service of
the one who encouraged Katie to take the prevalence of misogyny worldwide that we by abusers. And in my friend’s case, her some point in their lives. justice—especially when it may involve
job after the previous caretaker suddenly are almost resigned to—but also the sense own sense of humiliation and self-blame Whether it is as an observer personal risk. The Last Caretaker is a well-
resigned (and became unreachable). of fear that the storytelling evokes at times. prevented her from seeking help for years. of the fault lines in the written and thought-provoking novel that,
This is a brilliantly atmospheric story There is the unwelcome realisation that Nor is this all too familiar story in any way relationships of other much like her earlier offering Not That I
which brings alive the pleasures of the most women have encountered this threat limited to South Asia. couples, or an awkward Could Tell (St. Martin’s Press, 2018), marks
outdoors. From the sensory delights of in some form at some point in their lives. Volunteering for a well-known human Strawser out as a writer of note.
birdsong in the morning and sunset views
encounter at a party that
Whether it is as an observer of the fault lines rights organisation as a student in London could have gone badly,
from a lookout point to the less appealing in the relationships of other couples, or an some years ago during a mid-career break, Farah Ghuznavi is a writer, translator, and
realities of monitoring stagnant pond water awkward encounter at a party that could I was shocked to learn that in the UK,
or even just a moment of development worker. Her work has been
and counting newts, we accompany Katie have gone badly, or even just a moment of emergency services received one call for someone realising their published in 11 countries across Asia, Africa,
on her journey of discovery. vulnerability in the midst Europe, and the USA. Writer in Residence with
someone realising their vulnerability in the help in a domestic violence situation every Commonwealth Writers, she published a short
On a very different note, this novel also midst of an argument where the tension is minute, and in the US, they received a call of an argument where the story collection titled Fragments of Riversong
reminded me of one of the other books I almost physically palpable. every fifteen seconds! As recently as 2019, tension is almost physically (Daily Star Books, 2013), and edited the Lifelines
have really loved in recent years—Jessica A friend of mine married someone she the cost of domestic abuse to the health palpable. anthology (Zubaan Books, 2012). She is currently
Barry’s Don’t Turn Around (Harper, 2020). fell in love with, only to find him to be service alone in England and Wales (leaving working on her new short story collection and is
The similarities are not absolute, but very different as a husband than he was aside the cost to employers and households on Instagram @farahghuznavi.
 DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024, BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS
T Sports Roma vs Milan (Friday)
Indian Premier League Live from 1:00 am Sony Sports 3
Punjab vs Mumbai (Friday) West Ham vs Leverkusen
Live from 8:00 pm Sony Sports 2 Live from 1:00 am
Sony Sports 1 Atalanta vs Liverpool (Friday)
UEFA Europa League Live from 1:00 am

Imranur, Sabina
‘Dortmund got one
scoop top awards
goal: Wembley’ SPORTS REPORTER

AFP, Dortmund Sprinter Imranur Rahman was adjudged as the

best sportsperson for 2023 while footballer Sabina
Striker Niclas Fuellkrug on Tuesday backed Khatun received the same prize for the following
Borussia Dortmund for a return to Wembley, 11 year as the City Group-Prothom Alo Sports
years after the club last reached the Champions Awards ceremony (2022-2023) was held at a hotel
League final at the same stadium. in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Dortmund beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 in the Cricketer Najmul Hossain Shanto and footballer
second leg of their quarterfinal, coming from Rakib Hossain received the runner-up trophies
behind twice in the tie to progress 5-4 on aggregate for 2023 while footballer Sheikh Morsalin was
to the last four, where they will face Paris Saint- adjudged the most promising sportsperson for
Germain. the year. Cricketers Liton Das and Mehedi Hasan
Fuellkrug’s brilliant second-half header Miraz received same awards for the previous year.
brought Dortmund level in the tie, just three Archer Nasrin Akter received the best women’s
minutes before Marcel Sabitzer scored the hosts’ sports person award for 2022 while shooter
decisive fourth goal. cricketer Fargana Haque received the same
Describing the night as “magical”, Fuellkrug award for 2023. Bangladesh Football Federation
savoured moving into the semi-finals, but said president Kazi Salahuddin received lifetime
Dortmund were not finished. achievement award in 2023 while former athlete
“We’ve got one goal: Wembley.” Rawshon Akter Chobi won this award for 2022.
Fuellkrug was playing second-division football
with Werder Bremen two seasons ago and made
the move to Dortmund this past August.
“We’re playing in a Champions League semi-
final. For someone like me I think it’s a little more PSG exorcise old ghosts SHORT CORNER
AFP, Paris coach we were going to win and qualify,” PSG president
Nasser al-Khelaifi proudly told broadcaster Canal Plus.
Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic victory over Barcelona The final scoreline was identical to that on their last
keeps alive the French club’s dream of ending the visit to Barcelona in February 2021, when Mbappe hit a
Kylian Mbappe era by lifting the Champions League hat-trick in the first leg of a last-16 tie they eventually
trophy at Wembley in June. won 5-2 on aggregate.
Their hopes of going all the way in Europe’s elite But the manner of this victory surely finally exorcises
club competition for the first time hung in the balance the ghost of their humiliating collapse in Barcelona in
after they lost 3-2 at home to Barca in the first leg of
their quarterfinal last week.
2017, when they won 4-0 at home in the first leg only to
lose 6-1 in the return in a stunning implosion.
LeBron, Curry, Durant
They had never previously won a Champions League This time it was PSG who produced the turnaround, head US Olympic ‘Dream
knockout tie after losing the first leg at home, and their and they now have a glorious opportunity to reach a
prospects of doing so this time appeared slim after second Champions League final in five seasons. team’
they conceded the opening goal on the night. “This means a lot,” Dembele told Canal Plus. “We are LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant
Another disappointing exit threatened for the crossing our fingers that we can get to Wembley.” will spearhead a star-studded United States
Qatar-owned club who had gone out in the last 16 in The closest PSG have come to winning the Olympic basketball squad chasing a fifth straight
five of the previous seven seasons. gold medal at this summer’s Paris Games,
But they seized the opportunity given to them in officials announced Wednesday. USA Basketball
Dortmund became only the second side after Catalonia after Ronald Araujo’s red card left Barcelona
to play over an hour with 10 men, allowing Luis
confirmed a formidable 12-man roster bristling
Juventus (in the 2018-19 season) to have knocked with NBA talent that also includes reigning Most
out Atletico Madrid from the knockout stages of Enrique’s team to go on and win 4-1 on the night and
6-4 on aggregate. Valuable Player Joel Embiid along with Boston
the Champions League after losing the first leg of Celtics standouts Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday.
PSG were rampant with the extra player, as Ousmane
the tie away from home. Dembele again stood out against his old team by

It was only the second time that Atletico

scoring the equaliser on the night and winning a
penalty which Kylian Mbappe converted.
Mahmood in search of
conceded four or more goals in a single knockout In between, the outstanding Vitinha -- who had Pakistan’s best XI ahead of
game of the competition. The last time it already scored in the first leg -- netted with a brilliant
happened was when they lost 4-1 against Real strike from outside the box, and Mbappe made sure of T20 WC
the win late on to spark wild celebrations in the away Ahead of Pakistan’s home assignment against
Madrid in the 2013-14 final. contingent at Montjuic. New Zealand, newly appointed head coach
“It is a magnificent, historic moment for the club. It
is not easy to win here, but I was confident. I told the
Azhar Mahmood spoke in detail about his squad,
player combinations, and strategies. Pakistan
special, there’s a few others here who experienced Champions League trophy with Mbappe, bound for play 12 T20Is – five against New Zealand, three
that before.” Reakl Madrid next season, came in the 2020 final against Ireland, and four against England – in
Under coach Jurgen Klopp, Dortmund made it
Luis Enrique became the first former Barca manager to
knock the Catalan side out of the Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, behind closed doors in Lisbon preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
to the final in 2013, where they lost to rivals Bayern during the pandemic.
knockout stages. The last time he made the semi-finals
Munich 2-1. of the competition, he went all the way with Barcelona It really would feel like a waste for them if they do
Defender Mats Hummels and Marco Reus in 2014-15. not manage to win it with such a generational talent Romario returns to
are the two remaining Dortmund players from in their ranks.
that match, while defender Niklas Suele won the This is the first time in 14 occasions that Barca have not Questions have been asked about Mbappe’s recent professional football at 58
Champions League with Bayern in 2020. been able to go through in a knockout European tie after performances, but his goals on Tuesday took him to 41 Brazilian football legend
“The atmosphere, the energy on the field, was winning the first leg away from home. for the season in all competitions. Romario has officially come
extreme. We knew from the first minute that He is now just two goals away from a half-century out of retirement after
nobody was going to give an inch,” said Fuellkrug. PSG failed to qualify four times after going down in the in the Champions League, and is the competition’s 15 years since his last
“We were crazy aggressive. That’s something we first leg of a knockout tie at home. This was the first leading marksman this season with eight. professional match. The
need to take with us for the coming weeks.” time that they managed to overturn the deficit and go He also scored in the group stage against Borussia 58-year-old World Cup
Dortmund played PSG in the group stage, through. Dortmund, who will be PSG’s opponents in the
winner has signed with
losing 2-0 in Paris before drawing 1-1 at home to semifinals.
top the section. Kylian Mbappe is now second to only Cristiano Ronaldo Luis Enrique’s side -- who could wrap up the Ligue 1
America-RJ, a club playing in
“We played well at home against them but not in away goals scored in the knockout rounds of the title before then -- must be considered huge favourites the 2nd division of Carioca in the
away. We want to do better -- and of course reach Champions League. The Frenchman has taken his tally to overcome the team who are currently fifth in the Rio de Janeiro football league system.
the final,” said midfielder Julian Brandt, who to 15 in 12 matches on the road, while Ronaldo sits top Bundesliga. If they do that, then they would just be one
with 23 in 39 games. *Read full stories on The Daily Star website
opened the scoring on Tuesday. game at Wembley away from the glory they have chased
for so long.

Atalanta ready to deal fatal

Will Mushtaq make his presence felt?
SPORTS REPORTER series and the T20 World Cup in mind. We
have discussed long-term plans and about
and a mentor to many national team stars,
felt that perhaps too much focus is being
blow to Liverpool
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) appointed how the move benefits us. But nothing is laid on Mushtaq’s past as a leg-spinner. AFP, Milan the Covid-19 pandemic which devastated
former Pakistani leg-spinner Mushtaq certain. When a coach of Mushtaq Ahmed’s “He will look after all the spinners; it’s Bergamo.
Ahmed as the national team’s spin bowling level comes to Bangladesh, seeing that we not like there will be separate coaches for Atalanta have a chance to make history It was also unexpected as Atalanta’s
coach on Tuesday. The decision seemed have a dearth of leg-spinners, it will be a left-arm spinners, right-arm spinners or a on Thursday as they welcome Liverpool recent form has been patchy with three
like a curious one given the dearth of leg- big support for the promising ones, those leg-spinner. We have not reached that place to Bergamo with one foot in the Europa wins in 11 matches, and throwing away a
spinners in the national team and the apart from Rishad [Hossain], who is in yet. When there is a pool of spinners, he League semifinals thanks to a stunning two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with struggling
country itself. the national side. It will be a big first-leg win at Anfield. Verona on Monday reminded coach
will have opportunity to work. It would be
BCB had brought high- thing that Mushtaq shares Atalanta once again punched way Gian Piero Gasperini of the dangers of
very good if he can watch the players in the
profile coaches in the above their weight last week by dishing complacency.
his vast knowledge with league [DPL] going on.
past too. Daniel Vettori out a 3-0 hammering to Liverpool and are “Liverpool are a team that came back
them. At the same time, “I feel he is relatively more experienced
and Rangana Herath on the verge of reaching the last four of a from three goals down in a Champions
when Mushtaq is with compared to past appointments and he will
-- the past two spin European competition for the first time League final against a team of greats. We
us, we can arrange have less of a language barrier and also have
coaches were both since 1988. know that nothing has been decided and
spin hunt in every a better understanding of culture,” Fahim
left-arm spinners,
nook and corner of felt.
and given that left-
arm spinners are not the country, it will be “There has been too much emphasis In the history of the UEFA Cup and Atalanta have only Jurgen Klopp’s side
only highly-valued very good for us and placed on him being a leg-spinner. When it the Europa League, never have lost one of their 16 have only won three
in the domestic good for the future of comes to spin, he will have expertise on all been a three-plus goal advantage previous home games of their last eight
circuit but are also leg-spinners,” BCB’s kinds of spin. He will also be a role model overturned after the away side in the UEFA Cup/Europa matches across all
high in numbers, their cricket operations and an impact would be there if there is leg- had won the first leg of a two- League, winning 10 competitions, losing
appointments were a chairman Jalal Yunus spin camps or spin hunts,” he added. legged tie by three or more goals. and drawing five. two and drawing three.
regular scenario. told reporters on However, high-profile coaches are not
However, BCB, while Wednesday. a guarantee for improvements in results.
looking at Mushtaq’s vast “It’s very rare to get leg- Fahim opined that spinners have not Back then Atalanta were a Serie B team that we will have to play really well,” said
history of coaching, felt that it was spinners now. But after he comes, improved much in recent years. and knocked out of the Cup Winners’ Cup Gasperini to Sky Sport on Monday.
more than just leg-spin but his experience some will be inspired. Mushtaq gives a lot “Our spinners have not improved greatly, by Belgian outfit Mechelen, but nowadays Liverpool will step out onto a pitch
too which could make a difference. With of tips and given his experience of playing if you look at stats from last two to three the Italians are competing with and beating surrounded by a partly-built Gewiss
coaches such as Sohel Islam already present in World Cups along with his coaching and years. So I don’t know if there was any visible an altogether higher class of opposition. stadium. The shiny new stands will pulsate
as a mentor for majority of the finger playing career, he will create a different difference,” Fahim said. Last week’s win in England was probably with some of the most passionate support
spinners in the country, the BCB went atmosphere. It will be a big help and we How much the spinners progress under the greatest European night in Atalanta’s Italy has to offer. And the only thing
against the grain in its recruitment of the might get that support from him,” Yunus the guidance of Mushtaq will be of great history as their run to 2020 Champions missing from Gasperini’s reign in northern
spin coach. added. importance to the team’s cause going League quarterfinals -- where they were Italy is a trophy, but with last week’s
“We have brought him with the Zimbabwe Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, cricket analyst forward. desperately unlucky to lose to Paris incredible win the path to May’s final in
Saint-Germain -- came at the height of Dublin has opened up.
 City

12 DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024, BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

INDIA’S LOK SABHA POLLS

Congress, CPI-M pursue

‘Loot East’ policy
Says Modi, wraps up campaign in Tripura
OUR CORRESPONDENT, New Delhi corruption -- what ridiculous parties they
are?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “It’s incredibly opportunistic to see
yesterday wrapped up his campaign in them (Congress and CPI-M) fighting
Tripura for the Lok Sabha polls, accusing together in Tripura while opposing each
Congress and its ally Communist Party of other in Kerala. In Kerala, Congress brands
India (Marxist) of turning the country’s the Communists as terrorists while the
“Look East” policy into a “Loot East” strategy. Communists accuse the Congress of
Seeking votes for the corruption,” he added.
BJP in two Lok Sabha Meanwhile, West
seats of Tripura, Modi TMC unveils Bengal Chief Minister and
said Congress and the election manifesto. TMC supremo Mamata
Communists “in the Mamata vows to Banerjee yesterday
name of Look East said the Citizenship
Policy, the previous
repeal NRC, CAA if (Amendment) Act, 2019
governments renamed it INDIA bloc voted (CAA) and the National
as Loot East Policy.” to power. Register of Citizens
Modi further said that (NRC) will be scrapped
soon after assuming if opposition bloc INDIA
power in 2014, he put a stop to the looting forms government at the Centre.
by adopting Act East Policy so that each She also alleged that the BJP has made
state of the northeastern region becomes the entire country a “detention camp”.
a model of development. Addressing an election rally in Silchar
He alleged that Congress and CPI-M are in support of four TMC candidates in
allies in Kerala but are fighting each other Assam, she said that there will be “no
in the elections in the state. democracy and elections if Prime Minister
Without naming Rahul Gandhi, Modi Narendra Modi returns to power” for the
said “Congress Yuvraj demanded that the third consecutive term. Vehicles, mostly buses bound for Dhaka from southern districts, are caught in a tailback in the capital’s Shyampur around 3:30pm yesterday.
(Kerala) chief minister be sent to jail for SEE PAGE 6 COL 2 The entry to the city saw snarl-ups due the rush of Eid holidaymakers returning to Dhaka. PHOTO: PALASH KHAN

Ensure fair
Israel decided to Closely monitor Queen bumblebees
treatment developments survive underwater
for my son
Ashfaqul’s mother
retaliate against Iran in Middle East for days: study
pleads Says British FM; Tehran says it is ready Hasina asks ministers to AFP, Paris
make plans in advance
STAFF CORRESPONDENT to deal with any response Queen bumblebees can
Anowara Mahbub, mother STAFF CORRESPONDENT surprisingly withstand
of The Daily Star’s former REUTERS, Jerusalem to normalise relations” with Israel. days underwater,
executive editor Syed Washington and other Western Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has according to a study
Israel has clearly decided to retaliate against governments hope new economic sanctions instructed her cabinet colleagues to published yesterday,
Ashfaqul Haque, has
Iran for missile and drone attacks, Britain’s against Iran will help persuade Israel to limit closely monitor the war situation in the suggesting they could
demanded an unbiased,
Foreign Minister David Cameron said during the scope of its retaliation. Middle East and prepare plans in advance. withstand increased
thorough, impartial, and
a visit to Jerusalem yesterday, the starkest Cameron said Britain wanted to see She gave the directives during a weekly floods brought on by
fair investigation into the
warning yet of another volley coming in coordinated sanctions against Iran by the cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s climate change that
death of Preeti Urang, a
regional escalation. Group of Seven big democracies, which are Office yesterday. threaten their winter
domestic help at her son’s
World powers are striving to prevent a wider meeting this week in Italy. “They need to be Speaking at a press conference at the hibernation burrows.
house, to unveil the truth.
outbreak of conflict in the Middle East after given a clear unequivocal message by the G7,” Secretariat after the meeting, Cabinet The survival of these
In a media statement
Iran’s attacks on Saturday he said. Secretary Mahbub Hossain said, “The pollinators that are crucial to
yesterday, Anowara, wife of night, which involved Israel was expected prime minister instructed the ministers ecosystems is “encouraging” amid worrying global
late freedom fighter Syed hundreds of missiles and to discuss its response to prepare an outline of steps that might trends of their declining populations, the study’s
Mahbubul Haque from drones, the first time Israel will make its own to Iran at a meeting of be needed in different sectors if such a lead author Sabrina Rondeau told AFP.
Magura, also sought justice Iran has directly attacked Prime Minister Benjamin situation lingers.”
decisions about how to With global warming prompting more
for her son. Israel after decades of Netanyahu’s war cabinet Responding to a question from a frequent and extreme floods in regions around
“Finally, I urge the confrontation by proxies. defend itself: Netanyahu yesterday, which also journalist, Mahbub came up with an the world, it poses “an unpredictable challenge
investigators to conduct “It’s clear the Israelis are includes centrist example, “If the oil price increases due to for soil-dwelling species, particularly bees nesting
a fair investigation. I also making a decision to act,” Iran’s President Raisi rivals brought into the the situation in the Middle East, we will or overwintering underground”, co-author
request all media houses Cameron told reporters in hits out at countries that government as a unity have to think in advance about measures Nigel Raine of the University of Guelph said in a
and people from all levels his visit to Jerusalem. “We sought to normalise ties gesture. to be taken.” statement.
of the society not to spread hope they do so in a way with Israel Israel will make its own The cabinet secretary stressed the Rondeau said she first discovered queen
any misinformation, which that does as little to escalate decisions about how to need for making preparations in advance bumblebees could withstand drowning by
may obstruct justice,” she this as possible.” defend itself, Netanyahu said to deal with any kind of situation to avoid accident.
said. Meanwhile, Iran said yesterday during talks with making hasty decisions. She had been studying the effect of pesticide
She said she has yesterday its military was ready to confront any German and British foreign ministers, who both He said that the premier asked the residues in soil on queen bumblebees that
complete faith in the law of attack by Israel, with the air force saying it was travelled to Israel as part of a coordinated push ministers to be proactive instead of being burrow underground for the winter when water
Bangladesh. prepared for action. to keep confrontation between Israel and Iran reactive in the wake of any incident. accidentally entered the tubes housing a few of
Anowara said she made “Any attack by the Zionist regime (Israel) on from escalating into a regional conflict. The cabinet in yesterday’s meeting the bees.
the statement to shed light our soil will be dealt with a severe response,” Netanyahu’s office said he thanked David approved in principle the draft of the “I freaked out,” said Rondeau, who had been
on an accidental death Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said at Cameron and Annalena Baerbock for their Maheshkhali Integrated Development conducting the experiment for her doctoral
(according to prosecution a parade held for Army Day, state media support, while telling them: “I want to make it clear Authority (MIDA) Act-2024. studies. “It was only a small proportion... so it was
death arising out of reported. - we will make our own decisions, and the State of Mahbub said the government has not that big of a deal, but I didn’t want to lose
SEE PAGE 6 COL 4 He also hit out at countries that had “sought Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself.” SEE PAGE 6 COL 1 those bees.”

Chuadanga
logs highest
Dubai reels from
temperature flood chaos after
so far this yr
STAR REPORT record rains
The highest temperature of
the year so far was recorded
at 40.7 degrees Celsius
in Chuadanga yesterday
afternoon.
It was recorded around
3:00pm, Jaminur Rahman,
in-charge of the district’s
Weather Observatory, told
our local correspondent,
adding that the severe
heatwave is likely to
continue.
Aminur Rahman, 45, AFP, Dubai
a local van puller said,
“People are not being able
to come out of their houses Dubai’s giant highways were clogged by flooding and
airport passengers were urged to stay away yesterday as
today [yesterday] due to the
the glitzy financial centre reeled from record rains.
extreme heat, resulting in
Huge tailbacks snaked along six-lane expressways after
losses in our daily incomes.
I am not being able to earn up to 254 millimetres of rain -- about two years’ worth --
enough for my family due fell on the desert United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
to the heatwave.” At least one person was killed after a 70-year-old man
According to the Met was swept away in his car in Ras Al-Khaimah, one of the
office, a severe heatwave country’s seven emirates, police said.
has been sweeping over Passengers were warned not to come to Dubai airport,
Chuadanga and Bagerhat the world’s busiest by international traffic, “unless
while a mild to moderate absolutely necessary”, an official said.
heatwave is occurring over “Flights continue to be delayed and diverted... We
SEE PAGE 6 COL 1 A man touches the head of a child killed following Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday. PHOTO: AFP SEE PAGE 6 COL 2
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024, BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS • [email protected]

BUSINESS
Wood plastic composites
in the form of kitchen
cabinets, bathroom and
balcony doors are slowly
gaining popularity in
Bangladesh
Story on B4

Drones to
help assess Social safety net to get US trade bodies
oppose tariff hike
crop losses
STAR BUSINESS REPORT

Bangladesh is preparing to
wider and better plan for garments
from Bangladesh
introduce drones to detect
crop damage caused by
extreme weather events
Rise of Social security ALLOCATION Change in REFAYET ULLAH MIRDHA

or diseases, the Asian beneficiaries SCHEMES FOR SAFETY NET allowance Four major American trade bodies have strongly
Development Bank (ADB) from FY25 17% (Allotment in %) 34% opposed the suggestion aimed at imposing
said in a press release Others Cash Transfer higher tariffs on apparel items imported from
yesterday. FY23 FY24 Allowance under Bangladesh and four other countries since it is
Around 20 officers
Beneficiaries for Total mother and the end-consumers who bear the additional prices
of the Department of old age allowance (In crore 113,576 126,272 child benefit ultimately.
Agricultural Extension by 2 lakh taka) programme will The American Apparel and Footwear
(DAE) are initially receiving Association (AAFA), the National Retail Federation
training to learn how to Beneficiaries for rise to Tk 1,000 (NRF), the Retail Industry Leaders Association
widows’ allowance Allocation from existing
use the state-of-the-art (RILA), and the United States Fashion Industry
technologies, it added. by 2 lakh in % of 16.75 16.58 Tk 800 Association (USFIA), collectively made the
Malay Choudhury, budget observation in a letter to David Johanson, chair of
additional agriculture Beneficiaries for Benefits for senior
secretary, and Edimon financial support 32% Allocation citizens will rise
the US International Trade Commission (USITC),
on March 25.
Ginting, ADB country for complex Transfer of 4% 13% in % of 2.55 2.52 to Tk 900 from The AAFA is the national trade association
director for Bangladesh, diseases by 20,000 materials Stipend Food GDP existing Tk 600 representing apparel, footwear and other sewn
inaugurated a workshop, products companies and their suppliers and the
titled “The use of drone NRF advocates for the people, brands, policies and
and satellite image for
ideas in the retail industry.
crop monitoring and crop REJAUL KARIM BYRON and AHSAN HABIB earlier this month to bring all safety net aged more than 62 with an average annual
READ MORE ON B3
damage assessment”, at the programmes under a new structure in order income of less than Tk 10,000 are eligible.
Hotel InterContinental in The government is going to increase the to reduce leakage, misuse, and corruption. All eligible elder citizens are getting the
Dhaka yesterday to initiate number of beneficiaries under its social A top official of the ministry said the benefit in 262 upazilas. If the number of
a seven-day training safety net programmes by around four lakh in government would increase the number of beneficiaries is increased by 8 lakh, it will be STOCKS
programme. order to extend support to more poor people beneficiaries in two major schemes – the old possible to bring all eligible individuals under
struggling to make ends meet amid lingering DSEX CASPI
The DAE and ADB age allowance and the allowance for widows, the scheme in the remaining 233 upazilas,
jointly designed the inflationary pressures. deserted, or destitute women. according to the finance ministry. 0.19% 0.47%
training programme to be The decision to include new beneficiaries He added that the allowances could not be At the meeting, finance ministry officials 5,763.77 16,459.54
conducted from April 17 to came following a cabinet committee meeting hiked due to fund constraints. said the number of beneficiaries needs to be
25. on social safety net programmes last week. The increase in the number of beneficiaries increased gradually.
Renowned geospatial However, the allowance of the schemes will will provide relief to those in need, especially The government has allocated Tk 1,711
experts from the remain unchanged. considering the persisting cost-of-living crore for the Widow, Deserted, or Destitute COMMODITIES
International Crops The finance ministry issued two circulars crisis. In Bangladesh, the inflation rate has Women programme in 2023-24. Gold Oil
Research Institute for the hovered above 9 percent for the Around 25.75 lakh women are already
Semi-Arid Tropics will last 13 months. beneficiaries of the scheme, which will $2,391.34 $84.87
conduct the training. Around 58.01 lakh elderly accommodate a further two lakh. (per ounce) (per barrel)
The trainees will receive people are getting Tk 600 per Under the programme, such women aged 18
four days of classroom month in the ongoing fiscal and above and with an annual average income
training on geographical year. Their number will increase below Tk 12,000, are getting allowances of Tk
information systems and by two lakh in 2024-25. 550 per month. ASIAN MARKETS
remote sensing analysis for For the current fiscal year, However, the allowance has been increased MUMBAI TOKYO SINGAPORE SHANGHAI
crop damage detection and the government has allocated for some other schemes.
participate in a three-day Tk 4,205 crore for the ‘Old Age Under the Mother and Child Benefit 0.62% 1.32% 0.32% 2.14%
field trip to Sylhet to learn Allowance’ programme. Men Programme, the allowance is going to be 72,943.68 37,961.80 3,154.69 3,071.38
READ MORE ON B3 above the age of 65 and women READ MORE ON B3
B2 BUSINESS
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024
BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS

MetLife, DU strike MoU on EXIM Bank

appoints new
career dev opportunities DMD
STAR BUSINESS DESK

Rizwan Dawood Shams EXIM Bank has promoted an

official to the post of deputy
IPDC Finance managing director.
The official, Md Moidul
Islam, was serving the bank
gets new MD as an additional managing
director prior to his new
charge, the bank said in a
STAR BUSINESS DESK
press release.
He joined EXIM Bank
IPDC Finance has appointed a new as a senior principal officer
managing director (MD), according in 2001 and worked in
to a press release received yesterday. different capacities in Dhaka
The appointee, Rizwan Dawood division.
Shams, had been serving as the acting An expert in Shariah-based
MD since last January following the investment management, he started his banking
resignation of Mominul Islam, who career at Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd as a
had served as MD and CEO for over a probationary officer in 1992.
decade, in November last year. He is an associate member of the Institute of
Shams joined the non-bank Bankers, Bangladesh. He completed his Banking
financial institution in November Diploma from the institute.
2007 and was promoted to the post
of additional MD in April 2021.
He previously worked for Standard
Chartered Bank, Habib Bank and GSP
Finance.
PHOTO: METLIFE BANGLADESH Oil price dips
“Despite having one of the lowest Prof Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, treasurer of the University of Dhaka, Prof Hasina Sheykh, chairman of the department of banking REUTERS
NPLs (non-performing loans) in the and insurance at the faculty of business studies, and Ala Uddin, deputy managing director and chief financial officer of MetLife
industry, our focus will primarily be on Bangladesh, pose for photographs after signing a memorandum of understanding at the university recently. Oil prices slipped for the third straight session
NPL management alongside ensuring on Wednesday as likely higher US commercial
sustainable growth,” said Shams. STAR BUSINESS DESK release. numerous professionals in various fields inventories weighed, while weaker economic data
The company will also uphold Through this MoU, students of the every year. from China and dimmed prospects of interest rate
the highest standards of corporate MetLife Bangladesh recently signed a department will have enhanced access Prof Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, treasurer of cuts stoked worries about global demand.
governance through internal process memorandum of understanding (MoU) to internship, employment and career the university, Naheed Rabbani, professor Brent futures for June were down 21 cents, or
optimisation and collaboration with with the department of banking and development opportunities at MetLife. of the banking and insurance department, 0.2 percent, to $89.81 a barrel at 0915 GMT, while
external stakeholders and regulators, insurance of the University of Dhaka. The MoU is part of MetLife’s continued Sadia Noor Khan, associate professor, US crude futures for May were down 19 cents, or
he added. Prof Hasina Sheykh, chairman of efforts to build trust and develop talented and Tauhidul Alam, additional managing 0.2 percent, to $85.17 a barrel.
Shams obtained his bachelor’s the department, and Ala Uddin, deputy resources for the insurance sector in director and chief HR officer of the life- Oil prices have softened so far this week as
degree from North South University managing director and chief financial Bangladesh. insurer, and Nowfel Anower, additional economic headwinds curb gains from geopolitical
and did an MBA from Victoria officer of the life-insurer, penned the MoU The University of Dhaka is the leading managing director and chief marketing tensions, with markets eyeing how Israel might
University of Melbourne in Australia. at the university, the insurer said in a press public university in Bangladesh, nurturing officer, were among those present. respond to Iran’s weekend attack.

NCC Bank, BRRI sign deal on agri research

STAR BUSINESS DESK

NCC Bank has signed an

agreement with Bangladesh Rice
Research Institute (BRRI) under
which the bank will provide
financial assistance worth Tk 90
lakh to a research project related
to the development of a “Prilled
Urea Applicator”.
Md Shahjahan Kabir, director
general (grade-1) of BRRI, and Md
Monirul Alam, senior executive
vice-president and company
secretary of the bank, signed the
deal at the bank’s head office in
Dhaka yesterday, the bank said in
a press release. Md Shahjahan Kabir, director general (grade-1) of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, and Md Monirul Alam,
Kabir said supporting senior executive vice-president and company secretary of NCC Bank, pose for photographs after signing an
agricultural research projects is agreement on an agriculture research project at the bank’s head office in Dhaka yesterday. PHOTO: NCC BANK
a great initiative of the bank and
thanked NCC Bank authorities for M Shamsul Arefin, managing seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and Hasnain Mamun, senior vice-
co-operating with the research director and CEO (current saplings among 15,000 marginal president and head of human
project, which aims to increase charge) of the bank, attended the farmers across the country free of resources division, were present.
fertiliser efficiency. He added that programme. cost. Among others, Md Golam
it would reduce the use of urea Arefin said NCC Bank has Md Mahbub Alam, Mohd Rafat Kibria Bhuiyan, principal scientific
fertilisers in paddy land by 30 supported marginal farmers to Ullah Khan, and Md Zakir Anam, officer of BRRI, Mohammah
percent. cultivate land across the country deputy managing directors of Kamruzzaman, principal
“Through this applicator, urea as a part of its corporate social the bank, Mohammed Mizanur investigator and senior scientific
fertiliser will be placed deep into responsibility. Rahman, senior executive vice- officer, and Mizanur Rahman,
the soil, which will help to reduce Apart from providing loan president and CFO, Mohammed scientific officer of farm machinery
Green House Gas emissions,” he facilities at lower interest rates, he Anisur Rahman, senior executive and post-harvest technology
added. said the bank distributed various vice-president and CIO, and Syed division, were also present.

Japan Inc makes Padma Islami

FROM PAGE B4 EV hub in the state. billion), the most since 2019 FROM PAGE B4 Bhuiyan added.
“That heightens the The Honda investment and roughly double from “The company has some Padma Islami settled 65
importance of the US showed how Japanese car a year earlier, according to plots of land, which were percent of its total claims
market,” he said, adding companies weren’t just LSEG data. More than half offered for sale, but buyers in 2020, 46.89 percent in
that historically, the United investing for next year but of that was in the United weren’t even offering the 2021, and 72.80 percent in
States has been the most for “years down the line” States. price that the company 2022.
profitable market for said Anita Rajan, general But the United bought those for. That’s Established in 2000,
Japan’s car companies, director of JAMA USA, a States is not without its why they can’t sell. Due Padma Islami has 167
exceeding even their home lobby group that represents complications. to this, a huge number of branches with 600 agents
country. the Japanese automakers. Nippon Steel’s $15 claims are pending,” he across the country. The
Toyota late last year said Privately, one senior billion bid for US Steel said. company has paid-up
it would boost investment executive at a Japanese has riled politicians, “I could not reply to capital of Tk 388.80
by $8 billion at its EV automaker said he was with President Joe Biden the IDRA’s show cause million.
battery plant in North amazed by the dynamism saying the manufacturer
notice as I went to perform There are 35 life
Carolina, bringing the of the US economy. must remain domestically
Umrah. A reply to the insurance and 46 non-life
total investment to around That, together with the owned and operated, while
$13.9 billion. The plant, difficulties in China, Donald Trump has pledged letter will be submitted to insurance companies in
which is expected to begin made him think the US to block the deal if he IDRA today [Wednesday],” Bangladesh.
operations in 2025 will be market offered the better becomes president again.
its first automotive battery
plant globally.
Honda this month said it
opportunity for growth, he
said.
NIPPON STEEL
And despite the many
headwinds in China, Japan
Inc remains heavily reliant
aamra networks’
would invest at least $700 Last year Japanese on its neighbour, both as a FROM PAGE B4 Besides, the management
million in transforming its overseas acquisitions manufacturing base and a corporate clients, who had emphasised on creating
Ohio plants as it creates an totalled 8.1 trillion yen ($53 market. realised the necessity of awareness among the
digitalisation to monitor employees to reduce
and keep their business unnecessary expenditure

Biden pushes to triple tariffs running remotely.

This was reflected in
revenue growth. “Our
and build up efficiency in
running the office, they said.
At the same time, they
FROM PAGE B4 USTR investigation into Steel.
Currently, the average tariff shipbuilding and other The White House said revenue has grown for the were cautious over making
on steel and aluminum sectors comes after a on Wednesday that Biden corporate sector, which purchases, which helped
under this section is 7.5 petition last month by would continue making was more profitable,” said generate a bigger profit,
percent. unions including the clear that it is “vital” for the sources. said the sources.
The so-called Section United Steelworkers. US Steel to remain an
301 investigation was the
primary tool the Trump
administration used in the
They urged for action to
address “unreasonable and
discriminatory” policies
American company that
is domestically owned and
operated.
ADN Telecom plans
trade war with China to and practices used by Biden’s National FROM PAGE B4 amounts to US $10,642.50
justify tariffs. The White Beijing to dominate these Economic Adviser Lael As per the disclosure, the for the first 10 years.
House added on Wednesday industries. Brainard said the president company has been granted Afterwards the rate will
that Biden is also directing Biden won the backing understands American the lease for 40 years for increase by a maximum of
officials to work with last month of the United steel “built our nation” developing manufacturing 10 percent every three years.
Mexico to prevent tariff Steelworkers union and has with steel mills helping to facilities of international Shares of ADN Telecom
evasion by China. opposed a bid by Japan’s grow the US middle class standard. closed at Tk 114.70
Made in America Nippon Steel to take over in states like Pennsylvania The rate is US $1.50 yesterday, down from Tk
Meanwhile, the the Pittsburgh-based US and Ohio. per square metre, which 115.50 on the previous day.
 BUSINESS
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024
BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS
B3
MJL to double Stocks fall for
US trade body stake in 3rd day straight
reiterates support Prime Bank
STAR BUSINESS REPORT
STAR BUSINESS DESK

Although companies listed with the Dhaka Stock

Exchange (DSE) regained some strength in the

for GSP revival MJL Bangladesh, one of the nation’s

leading lubricants companies, is going to
buy 2.20 crore shares of Prime Bank in
early hours of trading yesterday, they eventually
ended in a decline extending the losing streak for
the third day straight.
The DSEX, the benchmark index of the premier
Prof Md Jonaid Shafiq REFAYET ULLAH MIRDHA tariffs will ever be,” he said. order to increase its stake in the lender. bourse of Bangladesh, shed 10.80 points, or 0.19
“This GSP program is also helpful to At the current market price, the shares percent, to close the day at 5,763.77 points.
The American Apparel & Footwear mitigate the costs faced by our nation’s will cost Tk 48 crore.
Jonaid Shafiq Association (AAFA) has expressed supply chains during this time of MJL Bangladesh, now a corporate
Likewise, the DSES, an index that represents
Shariah-compliant companies, slipped by 1.65
support for revival of the Generalised continuous disruption,” said Lamar. shareholder of Prime Bank, wants to buy points, 0.13 percent, to 1,266.41 points.
becomes System of Preferences (GSP) to reduce
costs faced by US citizens.
“Once renewed, this can have a very the shares at the prevailing market price
through the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE)
The DS30, which comprises blue-chip stocks,
real impact on the cost and offering fell by 5.36 points, 0.27 percent, to 2,014.93 points.
director of Introduced in 1976, the GSP was a
trade scheme allowing least developed
of everyday goods such as luggage for
summer travel and backpacks for school
within 30 working days, the lender said in
a disclosure on the DSE website yesterday.
Daily turnover, which indicates the volume
of shares traded during the session, stood at Tk
Meghna Bank and developing countries to export
goods to the US at low duties, and, in
in the fall,” he said.
“We were pleased to see several
Once the purchase is completed, MJL’s
stake in Prime Bank, one of the leading
482 crore, down 10.68 percent from the previous
trading session.
STAR BUSINESS DESK some cases, none at all. proposed reforms, including measures private commercial banks in Bangladesh, According to the daily market update of UCB
Bangladesh was suspended from it in to update the competitive need will stand at 4 percent, according to officials Stock Brokerage, the travel and leisure, IT, and
Professor Md Jonaid Shafiq, a June 2013 after two industrial disasters, limitation mechanism and open a At present, the company holds a stake of tannery sectors closed in the positive while the
renowned physician, has been around 2 percent. ceramics, mutual fund and non-bank financial
the Tazreen Fashions fire and Rana Plaza process to consider currently ineligible
“We are investing in the bank with the institution sectors closed in the negative.
elected as director of Meghna building collapse, which highlighted products,” said Beth Hughes, vice expectation that it will make good profits
Bank. serious shortcomings in labour rights president of the AAFA for trade and The pharmaceuticals sector dominated the
and we will get a good return,” said Azam turnover chart, covering 17.10 percent of the total
Shafiq is a pain medicine and workplace safety. customs policy. J Chowdhury, managing director of MJL market turnover.
specialist and the founder The scheme was cancelled for all Bangladesh has been putting in Bangladesh. In its daily market update, BRAC EPL Stock
of the pain medicine unit of beneficiary countries in December the effort to enjoy the duty benefit on The disclosure by MJL Bangladesh Brokerage said the market closed in the red as most
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib 2020. exports, State Minister for Commerce comes just two days after Prime Bank large-cap sectors posted negative performances.
Medical University, the bank “The apparel and footwear industry Ahasanul Islam Titu told The Daily Star reported a 20 percent year-on-year rise in The non-bank financial institution sector
said in a press release. encourages Congress to quickly pass over the phone yesterday. profits, to Tk 480 crore, in 2023. experienced the highest loss of 0.82 percent
He is the managing the GSP Reform Act,” said Steve Lamar, Bangladesh has fulfilled 16 conditions The bank also recommended a 17.50 followed by engineering (0.64 percent), fuel and
director of Japan Bangladesh president and chief executive officer for the reinstatement of the GSP and percent cash dividend for its shareholders power (0.30 percent), telecommunication (0.25
Friendship Hospital and (CEO) of the AAFA, in a statement on submitted the progress report to the for 2023. Prime Bank has over 113.22 crore percent), pharmaceuticals (0.18 percent), bank
Navana Pharmaceuticals April 15. United States Trade Representative outstanding shares, each with a face value (0.18 percent), and food and allied (0.08 percent).
Ltd. “GSP has always had bipartisan twice. of Tk 10. Block trades contributed 2.1 percent of the
He is also a founder support, and the record long lapse has However, on different occasions the Officials said MJL Bangladesh, a joint overall market turnover. Asiatic Laboratories was
member of the Bangladesh been unexplainable and damaging US has been saying that Bangladesh venture between East Coast Group’s the most traded share with a turnover of Tk 26.4
to American businesses, American needs to do more. subsidiary EC Securities and state-owned crore and rise of 1.3 percent in share value.
Society for Study of Pain.
workers, and beneficiary countries alike, Prior to the suspension, Bangladesh Jamuna Oil Company, began to purchase Of the issues traded at the DSE, 106 nudged
Shafiq is the co-chairman shares of Prime Bank in the second half of higher, 222 declined, and 67 did not see any price
of Japan Bangladesh all while handing a huge trade win to was exporting goods, such as dry fish,
China,” he said. tobacco items and ceramics. last year. movement.
Friendship Foundation, under Prime Bank shares gained 0.22 percent Coppertech Industries topped the gainers’ list
which there are three nursing “This retroactive renewal is far more Excluding the main export item,
effective at making our trusted partners garments, such goods worth $34 million to reach Tk 22 on the DSE yesterday while with a rise of 9.82 percent followed by SEML Lecture
institutes, a nursing College, MJL Bangladesh advanced 0.60 percent to Equity Management Fund, ACME Pesticides, and
a technology institute and a more competitive than misapplied were sent under the GSP.
Tk 83.5 in the market, which closed on a BD Thai Food & Beverage with 8.54 percent, 6.05
physiotherapy college. downbeat note for a third consecutive day. percent, and 5.41 percent respectively.

US bakery brand US trade bodies oppose

Cinnabon opens FROM PAGE B1
The RILA is the trade
association for leading
basic sweaters to the US.
Despite ineligibility for
duty-free treatment under
and the US Congress has
not revived it since.
The US suspended the

outlet in Dhaka retailers while the USFIA

represents textile and
apparel brands, retailers,
the generalised system of
preferences (GSP), which
excludes apparel products,
GSP facility for Bangladesh
in 2013, citing poor labour
rights and poor workplace
STAR BUSINESS REPORT importers and wholesalers the five countries remain safety following the Tazreen
based in the US and doing competitive. Fashions fire and the Rana
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas yesterday business globally. “In part, this reflects Plaza building collapse.
inaugurated an outlet of American bakery brand
Cinnabon in the capital, according to a statement from The four associations the important role these The USITC heard during
the US embassy. comprise hundreds of countries play for apparel the hearing that the
Cinnabon’s expansion into this market not only members, recording sales brands and retailers’ decision to source products
tantalises tastebuds but also bolsters the trade amounting to several broader supply chain from a particular country
and investment relationship between the US and trillion dollars annually. diversification efforts,” the depends on a variety of
Bangladesh, he said as he inaugurated the outlet at The USITC is conducting letter said. factors.
Kemal Ataturk Avenue in Banani. an investigation -- under “While some have They include
Foreign Commercial Service Officer John Fay and the name of Apparel: suggested that the US vertical integration,
Public Diplomacy Counselor Stephen Ibelli of the US Export Competitiveness of should impose higher speed to market, cost
embassy echoed the same sentiments for the growing Certain Foreign Suppliers tariffs on apparel products competitiveness, product
presence of American franchises in Bangladesh. to the United States -- into from these and other capability, the skillset of
“Cinnabon joins a growing number of American the sudden price hike and countries, we strongly the available labour force,
People walk outside the Bank of England in London. The central bank is worried franchises interested in operating in Bangladesh,” the supply glut of garment disagree.” geopolitical stability,
said Fay, emphasising the role of American businesses
that a smaller workforce will sustain inflation by increasing labour shortages and items to the US markets The leaders also said proximity to raw materials,
interested in investing in Bangladesh, fostering
keeping pressure on wages. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE cultural exchange and economic cooperation. from five countries: they experienced through adherence to quality,
Founded in Seattle in 1985 and now based in Atlanta, Bangladesh, India, the imposition of tariffs social and environmental
Cinnabon is the market leader among cinnamon roll Indonesia, Cambodia, and on products from China, compliance standards, and

UK lags G7 as labour bakeries, according to its website. The company serves Pakistan. tariffs increase costs for US capacity.
fresh, aromatic, oven-hot cinnamon rolls, as well as a The joint letter comes businesses and American In the case of
variety of other baked goods and specialty beverages. two weeks after the consumers, not for foreign Bangladesh, India,
As of June 2023, Cinnabon had more than 1,850 commission held a hearing exporters. Indonesia, Cambodia, and

market ‘inactivity’ locations worldwide. on the issue on March 11.

In the letter, the
associations strongly
Tariffs are taxes that
are paid by importers and
eventually imposed on
Pakistan, the members
report that these countries
have well-established textile

Social safety net disagreed with the move to consumers. Current tariffs industries, characterised by

hits eight-year high FROM PAGE B1

raised from Tk 800 to Tk
for many programmes are
disbursed through MFS, but
raise the tariff rates on the
imports of apparel items.
During
commission’s
the
hearing
on apparel especially
impact low- and middle-
income consumers, who
would be further harmed
highly skilled labour forces
and advanced sewing
capabilities, the letter said.
“India and Pakistan are
REUTERS, London challenges facing both this government, 1,000. Also, senior citizens they are often not registered
and whoever wins the next election,” said aged 80 and above will using the beneficiaries’ attended by the leaders of in the case of higher tariffs also vertically integrated.
Four years since the outbreak of the Charlie McCurdy, an economist at the get allowances of Tk 900 national identity cards. So, the trade bodies, it was said on clothing, the leaders And increasingly, members
Covid-19 pandemic, Britain remains Resolution Foundation think tank. per month from FY25 it is sometimes misused. that the US imposes higher told the hearing. report that apparel
beset by a persistent rise in working-age Ravine sits in the industrial Donbas compared to Tk 600 If a beneficiary can’t most-favoured-nation duty If the administration products sourced from
people who do not have a job and are not area in the Donetsk region. presently. provide fingerprints or does rates on apparel products is serious about its desire Bangladesh, Cambodia,
seeking one, a trend that sets it apart People are considered economically Under the financial not have a national ID card, than nearly any other for US companies to India, Indonesia, and
from its peers. inactive if they do not have a job and support programme for the rule may be relaxed for sector and factor into the reduce dependencies Pakistan contain inputs
Britain is the only Group of Seven have not looked for work in the past four cancer, kidney and liver them. cost competitiveness of on any single country, also sourced from within
economy where the share of working-age weeks, or are not ready to start one in the cirrhosis patients, 30,000 Comprehensive report source countries. imposing tariffs on other these countries.”
people outside the workforce remains next two weeks. beneficiaries are being given on safety net programmes Bangladeshi apparel source countries would be
higher than before the pandemic, slowing
its growth and boosting inflation.
That can include full-time students -
whose education is usually pays off over
a one-off payment of Tk
50,000 this fiscal year. The
The finance ministry
prepares a detailed
exporters are facing one
of the highest tariffs at
counterproductive,
said.
they Drones to
A smaller size of the workforce in
proportion to the population typically
the longer term - and a small number of
people who have given up looking for a
number of beneficiaries will
go up to 50,000 next fiscal
report of social safety net
programmes each year. This
15.62 percent in the US,
which imported more
“Instead, we encourage
the US government to
help assess
year. year, it is going to include
reduces average economic output, which
if not matched by an equivalent drop
job. But it also covers the sick and early
retirees.
The Ministry
Liberation War Affairs
of some new issues in order
to get a clearer picture of
than $116 billion worth of
garment items last year.
take additional steps to
help further accelerate crop losses
in demand for goods and services puts Before the pandemic, British rates Bangladesh’s share stands the ongoing supply chain FROM PAGE B1
recommended raising the who the beneficiaries are
upward pressure on inflation. of inactivity had been falling steadily at 9.3 percent. diversification efforts. how to collect ground data
allowance for freedom and which regions are being
The country’s fiscal watchdog, the since 2010, dropping to their lowest in fighters by Tk 10,000 to benefited most. Bangladesh, India, This includes immediate using mobile devices.
Office for Budget Responsibility, says nearly 50 years at 20.5 percent of the Tk 30,000. However, the The government Indonesia, Cambodia, and retroactive renewal of the “Proper assessment of
rising labour market inactivity is likely population aged 16-64 immediately committee has not taken provides safety net Pakistan are, respectively, GSP programme, as well as crop diseases and losses are
to cancel out the positive impact on before the Covid-19 lockdowns in early any decision to this effect. benefits under around 130 the third, fourth, fifth, expanding GSP to include critical to take appropriate
the economy of a growing population 2020. At present, two lakh programmes and the total sixth and the eighth largest certain apparel products.” measures to ensure
and last month it cut its estimate for Labour market participation fell and freedom fighters enjoy an allocation is Tk 126,000 apparel supplier to the US. Currently, the US does agricultural productivity
output per person, in part because of the inactivity rates then rose, hitting their allowance of Tk 20,000 crore for FY24. Bangladesh exports not provide the GSP to and food security in
problem. highest since mid-2015 in the three monthly. Analysts question products such as denim, any country. The tenure of the context of growing
Last July, the OBR estimated a 1.2 months to February at 22.2 percent, The government set aside whether some of the woven shirts, woven pants, the latest GSP programme threats of climate change
percentage point rise in the inactivity Tuesday’s data showed. Tk 43,389 crore for 1.39 programmes are truly t-shirts, active fleeces, and came to an end in 2020 in Bangladesh,” said ADB
rate would reduce gross domestic Unemployment hit a six-month high crore beneficiaries under benefitting poor people. Country Director Ginting.
its 10 core social safety net They also say a huge amount
product by 1.5 percent and increase
annual government borrowing by 21
billion pounds ($26 billion).
of 4.2 percent in the same period but
remains low by pre-pandemic standards.
Inactivity appears to be becoming
programmes. Of them, 8
lakh retired government
is being wasted, pointing to
allegations of corruption in
Traders get nod “The ADB will continue
to bring in innovative
solutions, including
employees will get Tk 27,413 distribution channels. FROM PAGE B4 and encourage businesses advanced technologies,
The Bank of England is worried that a more persistent, too.
smaller workforce will sustain inflation The proportion of inactive working crore. Therefore, the finance The price of medium and to bring in more rice. to help Bangladesh tackle
by increasing labour shortages and age people who tell the Office for Allowances through MFS ministry has ordered all fine grains also increased, The food ministry said climate impacts,” he added.
keeping pressure on wages, making it linked to national ID cards ministries concerned to according to market price the importers will have “With advanced
National Statistics that they want a job
In a circular issued earlier submit reports detailing data collected by the to inform district food
harder to cut interest rates. has fallen steadily since 2015 with the geospatial technology, our
this month, the ministry who is receiving allowances Trading Corporation of controllers about the
Official data published on Tuesday exception of a sharp jump at the start of said all funds for the social and the goals of the officers will be able to assess
showed the inactivity rate hit an eight- the pandemic. It was just 18.1 percent in Bangladesh. quantity of imported rice, crop damage and provide
safety net programmes programme by April 30. Bangladesh produced stocks and marketing.
and-a-half-year high, with more than the three months to February, its lowest must be provided through Based on the reports, the effective government
one in five Britons aged 16-64 neither in records dating back over 30 years. 3.9 crore tonnes of rice Imported rice cannot programs to mitigate the
mobile financial services finance ministry will prepare
working nor looking for work. The number of Britons aged 16-64 in fiscal 2022-23, up 2.49 be repackaged in the expected damage caused
that are registered using a comprehensive report as
“Rising inactivity - and its impact who are outside the workforce has risen the national ID card of the per the recommendations percent year-on-year. name of the proprietor’s by climate change in the
on the public finances, the benefits by more than 850,000 over the past beneficiary. This must be of the World Bank and the The NBR cut customs organisation. Also, the rice future,” said Badal Chandra
system, and people’s wider health and four years to 9.4 million, the highest ensured by June 30 of 2025. International Monetary tariff on rice in early has to be sold in imported Biswas, director general of
wellbeing - is one of the biggest economic since 2012. At present, allowances Fund. February to cut import costs bags, it added. the DAE.
B4
DHAKA THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024
BAISHAKH 5, 1431 BS
BUSINESS
Traders get Padma Islami
nod to import
124,000 served show
tonnes of rice
STAR BUSINESS REPORT
cause notice
The government has over Tk 211cr
allowed private traders to
import another 124,000
tonnes of parboiled and
unsettled claims
sunned rice after giving SUKANTA HALDER
the go-ahead to bring in
83,000 tonnes of the same The Insurance Development and Regulatory
kind of rice nearly a month Authority (IDRA) has given Padma Islami Life
ago. Insurance five working days to explain why they
This time, 91,000 tonnes should not be penalised for failing to settle claims
of parboiled rice will be amounting to Tk 211.82 crore last year.
imported and 33,000 The IDRA had served a show cause notice in this
tonnes of sunned rice, the
regard on April 8 based on the insurer’s unaudited
food ministry said in a
financial reports for the 2023 calendar year.
notification on Tuesday.
As per the Insurance Act 2010, claims must
The new move comes
be settled within 90 days of a policy reaching
more than a month after
the National Board of maturity.
Revenue (NBR) slashed the The claims owed to policyholders of Padma
related import tariff. Islami amounted to Tk 233.70 crore in 2023, of
The importers will which the company paid out just Tk 21.88 crore,
have to market the entire according to an IDRA document.
124,000 tonnes by May The insurance regulator also mentioned that it
15, according to the is a punishable offence for Padma Islami to not pay
notification. these dues, especially as they have an investment
Over the last month, portfolio amounting to Tk 190.69 crore.
prices of coarse rice, On condition of anonymity, an IDRA official
consumed mostly by low- said Padma Islami was unable to settle claims
income people, rose 2 due to an ongoing liquidity crisis resulting from
percent to between Tk 48 irregularities, including intentionally making bad
and Tk 52 per kilogramme Md Lokman Mollah planted these sunflower plants in the middle of December and hopes to harvest the seeds at the end of April. He plans investments.
in Dhaka. on pressing the seeds at local mills to extract the oil and sell it for about Tk 300 per litre. The photo was taken at Bhorotkathi village of “They invested in sectors that are bad. This
READ MORE ON B3 Jhalakathi district recently. PHOTO: TITU DAS is not the work of a good company,” the official
added.
The official also informed that the company’s

aamra
Wood plastic composites
life fund is in the negative.
A life fund is a fund that is paid to and invested
by insurance companies for life insurance, and
networks’ from which money is paid when a policyholder
dies.

gaining popularity
Noor Mohammad Bhuiyan, chief executive
Q3 profit officer of Padma Islami, said they could not pay the
majority of claims in 2023 because the company is

up 26% facing a cash crunch.

READ MORE ON B2

STAR BUSINESS REPORT The wood alternative used in kitchen cabinets, doors
Profits of aamra networks
increased 26 percent year- JAGARAN CHAKMA
is witnessing double-digit growth in sales
production earlier but postponed it due to amounts to around Tk 240 crore to Tk 250
ADN Telecom
on-year in the third quarter
of the current fiscal year
of 2023-24 driven by its IT
Wood plastic composites in the form of
kitchen cabinets, bathroom and balcony
the general elections,” he added.
Currently, the wood plastic composite
market is almost wholly dependent on
crore.
Besides, they are producing wood plastic
composite sheets of 180 tonnes per month.
plans to make
support, software services
and internet data sales.
In a Dhaka stock
doors are slowly gaining popularity in
Bangladesh for being an alternative to wood,
according to industry insiders and realtors.
imports as manufacturers cater to a fraction
of the market and that is why National
Mohammad Plastic Industries, a concern
of Chattogram-based N Mohammed Group, telecom devices
Polymer Group wants to grab a bigger portion has been manufacturing wood plastic
Exchange website STAR BUSINESS REPORT
The composites are a combination of of the sales. composites on a limited scale for around a
disclosure yesterday, the
wood particles or fibres and thermoplastics, Wood plastic composites look like natural decade. ADN Telecom, a leading IT and telecommunication
company attributed it to
meaning those that are mouldable at a wood but absorb very little moisture while Mohammad Nazrul Hoque, managing service provider in Bangladesh, has availed land
“efficient cost control”
measures. certain elevated temperature and solidify the price is almost 50 percent less than that director of the group, said they manufacture to set up facilities and locally manufacture
According to its financial upon cooling, offering a durable and low- of teak, a good option for those seeking the 120 doors per day and mainly cater to the port telecommunication devices to substitute imports,
statements, the net profit maintenance alternative. looks but not the high price tag. city market while the doors were gaining more according to company officials.
increased to Tk 7.84 crore There is no credible data on the annual popularity than non-plasticised polyvinyl “We are at the initial stage and have just availed
during the January-March market sales of such composites. Now, there are at least chloride or UPVC doors. the land for the factory. We have a plan to set up
period. However, the manufacturers believe it three manufacturers in the “We are supplying wood plastic composites the facility at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-Tech
During this time, the crossed Tk 250 crore over the last decade to renowned real estate companies across the Park in Sylhet,” said Company Secretary Md Monir
whereas annual sales of doors made of all country -- Pran-RFL Group, country, including bti, and retailing them in
company’s revenue earning Hossain.
stood at Tk 30.20 crore types of materials stands at around Tk 3,000 N Mohammad Group, and the market,” he claimed. However, he said they were yet to finalise the
whereas it was Tk 29.96 crore. National Polymer Group Ayesha Siddika, executive director (brand type of telecommunication device that they would
crore in the same period of The products have been witnessing and communications) at real estate developer manufacture or how much investment would be
the previous fiscal year. a double-digit growth in sales on being Each door, priced at around Tk 14,000, is Building Technology and Ideas (bti), said they required.
Similarly, earning per introduced to the market just a decade ago very durable and can last a long time. Besides, use wood plastic composites in bathrooms, According to him, they would conduct
share (EPS) amounted although the use of such products started they are environmentally friendly for being kitchens and balconies as it is a waterproof, a feasibility study before investing in the
to Tk 1.26 and Tk 1.01 in developed countries many years ago, they made from recycled materials and for being durable and environmentally friendly manufacturing of any device.
respectively. said. recyclable, Ali claimed. material. “It is tough to grab the telecom device market
For the July-March Now, there are at least three manufacturers It is one of the most dynamic sectors However, she said the attraction for natural as consumers in Bangladesh are very careful about
period, it was Tk 3.64 and in the country -- Pran-RFL Group, N in the plastic industry in Bangladesh and wooden doors will never die down. purchasing any such device. Besides, consumers
Tk 3.25 respectively. Mohammad Group, and National Polymer may altogether replace wood meant for the Kamruzzaman Kamal, marketing director do not rely on local products even though some
The company’s share Group. manufacture of doors, he said. of Pran-RFL Group, said they entered the companies are producing quality products,”
price closed at Tk 39.30 National Polymer Group recently made The sales are increasing steadily as they are wood plastic composite market a few years Hossain said.
yesterday, undergoing a a fresh investment of Tk 80 crore in the a good alternative to wood while being more ago as they understood that its demand “So, we will enter the market cautiously,” he
3.69 percent increase from manufacturing of wood plastic composites. durable than plastic. would grow as an alternative to wood. added.
that on the previous day. “We started commercial production just According to him, their new production Besides, it is durable and since it resembles The company signed an agreement with
Company sources said three weeks ago at our factory in Tongi’s line is churning out nearly 8,000 doors a original wood, it looks better than plastic, he the park authority on Tuesday to take lease
they managed to provide Cherag Ali area,” said Riad Mahmud, month and the output will gradually increase said. of 1.75 acres of land, according to a company
services during the managing director of National Polymer in the future. He believes it is just a matter of time before disclosure on the Dhaka Stock Exchange
pandemic to a number of Group. According to their market assessment, the wood plastic composites gradually dominate website yesterday.
READ MORE ON B2 “We had a target to start commercial annual sale of wood plastic composite doors the market for doors. READ MORE ON B2

Biden pushes to Japan Inc makes a renewed US push

triple tariffs on as China fears mount
Chinese steel, REUTERS, Tokyo cautious view, executives and analysts
say. Almost half of Japanese companies
a senior Astellas Pharma executive
on suspicion of spying - while many
research director at the Canon Institute
for Global Studies think tank.

aluminum Japanese companies are increasingly

hitching their growth plans to the United
States, as concerns about Chinese demand
operating in China did not invest there
last year or reduced investment, a survey
showed in January.
companies cite pessimism about Chinese
demand and a weakening economy.
“The illusion about the Chinese
“I think Japan and the United States
started to discover the merits of each other.”
Miyake said he has been advising
AFP, Washington and Beijing’s influence over supply chains Some of the caution is due to economic economy, the Chinese market, is companies to bring home state-of-the-art
prompt a noticeable pivot toward the security risks - China last year detained disappearing,” said Kunihiko Miyake, technology from China.
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday urged a tripling world’s largest economy. The share of Japanese firms planning
of tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum, citing “unfair Robot maker Yaskawa Electric drinks to expand in China fell below 30 percent
competition” as he seeks to win blue-collar votes in company Asahi chipmaker Renesas for the first time, an annual survey, opens
November’s election. Electronics and automaker Honda are just a new tab from the Japan External Trade
Biden’s call comes as the US Trade Representative few of the companies that in recent months Organisation showed in November. Only
(USTR) announced it is launching a probe into China’s have either expressed interest in expanding Hong Kong and Russia scored worse.
trade practices in the shipbuilding, maritime and logistics in the US or announced plans to do so. Meanwhile, the share looking to
sectors in response to a recent petition by five US unions. While Japan remains tied to expand in North America rose above 50
The president is preparing to address steelworkers in China through extensive trade and percent. Still, it remains to be seen how
Pittsburgh on Wednesday, the second day of a three-day manufacturing operations, Tokyo has the tension around Nippon Steel’s bid for
trip through the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania. pledged with other members of the Group US Steel will impact the outlook.
Both Biden and his election rival Donald Trump are of Seven (G7) nations to “derisk” but not AUTO INDUSTRY
competing for vital blue-collar voters, promising to revive “decouple” from the world’s second- For Japanese automakers, the
American manufacturing. largest economy. importance of the US market has been
“Chinese policies and subsidies for their domestic That trend of limiting supply-chain amplified by their decline in China, where
steel and aluminum industries mean high-quality US exposure to China was highlighted by they have steadily ceded ground to electric
products are undercut by artificially low-priced Chinese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s trip vehicle giant BYD and other local players.
alternatives produced with higher emissions,” the White last week to the United States. Kishida, “China has turned into very rough
House said in a statement. who visited North Carolina to tour a going for the Japanese automakers as
A senior US official told reporters that China accounts Toyota Motor EV battery facility now sales have declined there a lot, particularly
for about half of global steel production, while exporting under construction, also emphasised as consumers have been tilting towards...
the metal at a significantly lower cost than US steel prices. cooperation on supply chains. electric vehicles made by local brands,”
As the USTR reviews tariffs imposed on China during After years of seeing China as a market said Christopher Richter, senior Japan
Trump’s administration, Biden urged it to triple an existing of almost endless opportunities, Japanese Workers assemble fourth generation Toyota Prius cars on the production line at the autos analyst at brokerage CLSA.
rate under Section 301 of the Trade Act. READ MORE ON B2 companies are now taking a more company’s Tsutsumi assembly plant in Toyota City. PHOTO: AFP/FILE READ MORE ON B2