Fake note factory busted, 2 arrested

Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) members busted a fake currency note factory in the city's Uttara area early Wednesday and seized fake notes worth over Tk 2 lakh. Rab also seized some equipment and chemicals used for making fake notes during the raid at Dakshin Khan area and arrested two people for their alleged involvement with the misdeed.

The arrestees were identified as Jahirul Islam, 27, and Ayasa Akter, 25, who had been allegedly making fake notes of different denominations for the last one and a half years, Rab claimed.

Maj Mohammad Mahabubul Haque of Rab-3 told that the unscrupulous spread their network in the capital and their supplied fake notes worth around Tk 1.5 crore are still in the market. Rab conducted the raid around 12:00am at the third floor of a four-storied building at Faidabad Maddyapara of the area.

Huge amount of note making papers, half-printed fake notes, two computers, four printers and several scanning machines were found in the hidden factory.

88.84 pc pass primary centre examinations

Students of a city school jubilating on Thursdayafter the publication of Primary Centre Examination results.

The percentage of pass in the primary school center examinations- 2009 stood at 88.84, according to results announced by the primary and mass education ministry here on Tuesday.

The Center Exams at class five were held for the first time in the country on November 21, 22 and 24.

Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr Afsarul Amin and State Minster Motahar Hossain announced the results at a press briefing in the conference room of the ministry. Dr Afsar said earlier Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated publication of the results switching on a computer in her office today. The results are now available on http://www.dpe.gov.bd/

Announcing the highlights of the results, he said, a total of 18,23,465 students appeared in the Center Exams of which 16,20,054 passed in all subjects. Among the successful students, 7,51,465 are boys (90.44 per cent) and 8,68,589 girls (87.51 per cent). As many as 41.77 per cent students secured first division, 37.98 per cent secured second division and 20.25 per cent third division.

The exams were held on six subjects of 600 marks.

According to the merit list, Sadia Sikder secured the first position in the country from Monohardi Model Govt Primary School of Narsingdi district. She got 593 marks.

Deepanwita Tithi secured the second position from Aarpara Shibnagar Model Primary School of Kaliganj Upazila, Jhenidah district. She got 592 marks.

Hasin Tanvir secured the third position from RK Govt Primary School from Tangail Sadar upazila.

The minister said Viqarunnesa School and College is in the top position as hundred percent students passed from there. Monipur High School is in second position while Ideal School and College was placed in third position. Country's highest percentage of pass is in Uzirpur upazila of Barisal district (99.94 per cent) while lowest (60.97 per cent) in Sarail upazila in Brahmanbaria district.

About the failed students and 1,937 schools from where none passed, Dr Afsar said the government would make queries about their failure and take necessary steps to improve their conditions.

Replying to questions, Motahar Hossain said people of all strata have appreciated introduction of public examination system in primary schools.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the ministry to ensure quality education for all through introducing welfare-oriented systems, he added.

He said at present 50,000 primary students get scholarship but his ministry made a request to increase the number and amount of scholarship, which is handled by the Ministry of Education.

Motahar said the students who passed the Centre Exams would be given certificates soon. But they will be able to get admitted to class six collecting mark sheets and testimonial from the primary schools concerned. He said grace marks were given in Mathematics and English subjects.

Koko-4 launch tragedy - Death toll from launch capsize rises to 83

Five more bodies were recovered on Wednesday raising the death toll from Friday's launch disaster in the river Tentulia to 83. Today, rescue vessels MV Rustam and Hamza jointly started salvage work from 10:00am in the morning.

Koko-4 capsized in the river near Nazirpur launch terminal about 40 kilometres from Bhola district town under Lalmohon upazila on Friday. Over 100 passengers are still missing, local administration sources said.

Rescuers fear many more might be trapped inside MV Koko-4, which capsized near Nazirpur launch terminal in Lalmohon with around 2,000 passengers on board.

The chairman of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority said overloading and mismanagement are the main reasons for the accident. He blasted the owners for what he said was their callousness leading to the disaster.

To collect ticket money, the Koko-4 authorities had stopped the vessel around 20 yards off the bank and tried to offload the passengers with the help of a wooden plank. They even locked the collapsible gate and kept open only one exit. Soon, the passengers panicked and gathered on one side, making the launch droop and capsize.

The Koko-4 was carrying four times its actual capacity, said AKM Fakhrul Islam, chief engineer and ship surveyor of the shipping department. A case was filed with Lalmohon Police Station Monday night in this connection, accusing eight persons. Kamal Hossain, a local politician, filed the case.

BIWTA has suspended its three officials for negligence and giving false information. They are Abdur Razzak, director of BIWTA (reservation and operation), Rafiqul Islam, senior deputy director and also port officer for Barisal port, and Shahjahan Khan, senior deputy director and also commander of Hamza.

Joint Chief of the shipping ministry Jayanta Kumar Nandi, convener of the seven-member committee formed by the government to investigate into the launch capsize, visited the spot and talked to local people including relatives of missing persons.

DATE EXPIRED SURVEY REPORT

The date of survey report on the launch expired on November 5, 2005. According to existing rule, every water vessel must renew survey certificate annually. But the launch was plying on the route for long without such certificate.

OWNERSHIP CHANGED

Tarique Rahman was the first owner of the launch. Then his friend Giasuddin Al Mamun became the owner. Nowadays, Fazlur Rahman alias Bachchu Mollah, brother-in-law of Mamun and also UP chairman of Sachra Union Parishad under Borhan Uddin upazila, is running the operations in Mamun's absence. Bachchu Mollah could not be reached for comments.

COMPENSATION

The BIWTA chairman said they are giving Tk 2,000 against each body and also granted Tk 20,000 for the family of each victim from a BIWTA fund. Families with more than one victim will get Tk 30,000 each, he said.

Khandaker Mehnaz Rashid, daughter of Lt Col (retd) Rashid arrested for blast link

Police yesterday arrested the eldest daughter of Lt Col (retd) Khandaker Abdur Rashid, a fugitive condemned to death in Bangabandhu murder case, for suspected links to Wednesday's bomb attack on Awami League lawmaker Fazle Noor Taposh.

The Detective Branch picked up Khandaker Mehnaz Rashid from her father's residence at Gulshan-2 in the morning. Later in the day, a court placed her on a five-day remand. Mehnaz is the second to be arrested from among the families of convicted killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Earlier on Thursday, police held Kamrul Haque Swapan, younger brother of Major (retd) Shariful Haq Dalim. Both Dalim and Rashid have been holed up abroad since the trial of August 15 killings began in 1996. Earlier in that year, AL came to power and Sheikh Hasina became the prime minister.

DB sources said Mehnaz has been involved in reorganising Freedom Party, an outfit formed by the self-confessed killers of Bangabandhu and most of his family members. She contested the parliamentary polls in 2001 and 2008 from Chandina of Comilla on Freedom Party ticket.

Metropolitan Magistrate Tania Kamal remanded Mehnaz for five days in response to police prayer for 10 days'. DB Assistant Commissioner Ali Akbar said a team led by AC Moniruzzaman made the arrest at house-7 on road-55 in Gulshan-2 at around 6:30am.

On the arrestee's request, police allowed her elderly domestic help to be with her for looking after her three-month-old daughter. Mehnaz said her husband Rafiqul Islam was not home overnight as he did not return from his brother's house in Badda. She also told police her parents are settled in Libya along with her three other sisters, while she and her husband live in her mother's Gulshan house.

With her arrest, police have so far detained three leaders of Freedom Party in connection with the attempt on the life of Taposh, whose parents were among those killed along with Bangabandhu and family on August 15, 1975. The investigators however declined to say what exactly the charges against the three are.

AC Ali Akbar, also investigation officer of the bomb attack case, said the other detainee, Abdur Rahim, was hauled in from the city's Fakirapool area on Thursday. A hotelier by profession, he was press secretary of Freedom Party. Akbar said they had gathered that Dalim's brother Swapan, who was arrested at his Gulshan residence, used to live in Pakistan and returned to Dhaka recently.

"We arrested him and Rahim as complainant of the case [MP Taposh] suspects their links to the attack." Besides, Akbar claimed, they too have information that for the last few days Swapan had been organising cadres to carry out the attack.

Taposh, also nephew of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is part of the team aiding the prosecutors in five convicts' appeals against the HC verdict in Bangabandhu murder case. A lawmaker from Dhaka-12, he has alleged that the attack on him was designed to interrupt the court proceedings. In the case filed with the Motijheel Police Station, he named none, but said families and friends of the convicted killers of Bangabandhu and family plotted the attack.

AC Akram said seven teams of DB have been assigned to crack the blast case. DB sources said one team is working to track down the calls made through cellphone towers near the blast scene and surrounding areas. Another team headed by AC Mohammad Nasir Uddin is interrogating the arrestees at the DB headquarters.

Meanwhile, Taposh yesterday again alleged the killers of Bangabandhu hurled bombs at him on Wednesday. He said the attack was made at a time when the Supreme Court is hearing appeals by convicts in Bangabandhu murder case. He was talking to reporters while State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku was visiting him at his residence.

Tuku echoed the lawmaker's words. Besides, he said tough actions would be taken against the perpetrators. He said the attack was not a stray incident. Rather, it was a continuation of the conspiracy to annihilate Bangabandhu's family, Awami League and pro-Liberation War forces.

Shykh Seraj wins FAO AH Boerma Award

Bangladeshi TV journalist Shykh Seraj has won a UN Food and Agriculture Organisation award.

Shykh Seraj, of local private TV station Channel i, along with French journalist Laetitia Clavreul have jointly clinched the AH Boerma Award for 2008-09, declared on Friday at the UN organisation's headquarters in Rome on World Food Day, the FAO representative in Bangladesh said Sunday.

Shykh Seraj will receive the award on November 18 from the director general of FAO during the opening session of the FAO conference, Ad Spijkers told a press conference.

"This award is another milestone for Bangladesh after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was awarded the Ceres Medal, the highest recognition by FAO to a statesperson, exactly ten years ago in 1999 for her outstanding leadership in agricultural development," he said.

Since 1979, FAO has presented this award every two years to journalists, who have helped focus public attention on important aspects of the world food problems, especially agriculture and rural development, added Spijkers.

"You have been selected for this award in recognition of your pioneering contribution towards increasing public awareness of all aspects of agricultural and development in both the print and more lately the broadcast media in Bangladesh," wrote FAO director general Dr Jacques Diouf to Shykh Seraj on his winning the award, according to a statement by the FAO.

The award is named after former FAO chief Addeke Hendrik Boerma, the Dutch national who headed the organisation for two consecutive terms from 1968 to 1975 and was also the first executive director of World Food Programme.

‘Baul Samrat’ Shah Abdul Karim no more

Known nationwide as 'Baul Samrat,' mystic bard Shah Abdul Karim died of age related ailments at a Sylhet hospital yesterday morning. He was 93.

Nurjahan General Hospital authorities confirmed that Karim breathed his last at 7:58am.

The coffin of the 'Baul Samrat' was taken to the Sylhet Shaheed Minar at 1:00pm yesterday. People from all walks of life paid homage to the bard.

The legendary poet-lyricist was kept on life-support at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital after his condition deteriorated on Friday. Karim was taken to the hospital from his village home in Ujandhol, under Derai upazila of Sunamganj district on September 3.

Abdul Karim was born nearly hundred years ago. Karim never had a chance to attend school. But the gifted rhymester learnt from and was inspired by his surroundings, the people and nature and in time turned into a living legend.

The river Kalni, which flows very near to Karim's home, was a muse to the bard. Many of his songs articulate the riverine lifestyle. His songs metaphorically speak of the unsolved riddle of creation.

Some of his popular numbers are, "Agey ki shundor din kataitam," "Kon mestori nau banaisey," "Bashonto batashey," "Ami tomar koler gari," "Bondhey maya lagaisey," "Tomra kunjo shajao go" and "Gari choley na".

Karim's songs were published in six books: "Aftab Sangeet," "Gano Sangeet," "Kalnir Dheu," "Dholmela," "Bhatir Chithi" and "Kalnir Kooley." Bangla Academy translated ten of his songs into English.

The life and works of Karim have been featured in Shakur Majid's documentary "Bhatir Purush". Journalist Faruk Mehedy also made a documentary on the legend, titled "Shikor".

The late Ruhi Thakur and Ranesh Thakur are widely known as Karim's direct disciples. Karim's only son, Shah Nur Jalal, is also a folk singer.

The band Dolchhut and singer-composer Habib Wahid have widely popularised Karim's songs among the young urban music enthusiasts.

Habib, who is currently in London, couldn't be contacted. His father, renowned singer Ferdaus Wahid, said, "With the demise of Shah Abul Karim, we have lost a legend who could be considered a pillar of Bangla folk music. The divine bond between the creator and his creation has been defined in an uncomplicated, yet profound way in his compositions."

"Habib is what he is today, thanks to Shah Abdul Karim's incomparable songs," Ferdaus Wahid added.

It was in 2003, when Habib, a student of London University, came across the Shah Abdul Karim song, "Bondhey maya lagaisey". The song had an indelible impact on the young musician. For the next one and half years, Habib researched on Shah Abdul Karim's music. The result was Habib's debut album "Krishno".

Seasoned folk artiste Kiran Chandra Roy said, "If the contemporary Bangla folk music is compared to the solar system, Shah Abdul Karim was definitely at the centre. We have lost one of the greatest artistes and our folk music has lost a true 'son of the soil'.”

"We had performed together at several programmes. In 1997/'98, he asked me to tune one of his songs 'Pran kandey mon kandey'. It was a great honour for me," reminisced Roy.

Karim was awarded the 'Ekushey Padak' in 2001. In 2005, he received the 'Meril-Prothom Alo' Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 'Baul Samrat' will be buried next to his wife Sarala in his yard today.

Saifur Rahman dies in tragic car crash

Former finance minister M Saifur Rahman died in a road accident on Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Ashuganj yesterday.

A founding member of BNP, he was returning to the capital from his ancestral home in Moulvibazar when his sport-utility vehicle veered off the road and fell into a ditch at Khairala at 2:30pm.

Locals said the driver lost control trying to avoid running over a stray cow. Rapid Action Battalion personnel rushed Saifur, 77, to the Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital. But doctors there declared him dead.

Dr Tofael Ahmed of the hospital said the BNP leader had already died from being under water for too long.

Saifur's Personal Secretary AGM Shamsul Haque and aides Sajib and Sharif were also aboard the four-wheel drive.

They and the driver survived the fall but sustained injuries, and were admitted to the Sadar hospital.

A patrol team of Rab-9 reached the scene shortly after the accident. They had to pull Saifur and his companions from the wreckage five feet under water.

"He [Saifur] had his seat belt buckled tightly. It took 10-12 minutes to get him out of the water by breaking the door and cutting him free," local Awami League lawmaker Lutful Hai Sachchu told reporters at the hospital.

Saifur went to Sylhet Friday evening. There he visited the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal(R) and Shah Paran(R) and met the local BNP leaders and workers. In the evening, he left for Moulvibazar.

In reaction to the sudden death of its doyen, BNP has postponed all its programmes including a parliamentary party meeting that was to decide whether to join the upcoming session of the House. Besides, it has announced three days of mourning.

Apart from leaders and workers of BNP and front organisations, people from all walks of life thronged Saifur's Gulshan residence to pay respects to the man much revered for his ability to fix economy.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain, among others, visited the bereaved family in the evening.

As Khaleda stepped inside the house at around 8:45pm, Saifur's family gathered around her, leading to scenes of intense emotion.

The others who went there to offer their condolences include Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Tofail Ahmed, Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku and Major Gen (retd) Subid Ali Bhuiyan of AL, Industries Minister and Samyabadi Dal President Dilip Barua, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haque Inu, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojahid, Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andaleev Rahman and FBCCI President Annisul Haq.

In Brahmanbaria, thousands of people including local top brass of different political parties massed at the hospital on hearing the news.

Saifur's body lay in state at local Mukto Mancha for some time. It was brought to the capital at 8:00pm.

Moulvibazar sources says: On request for one more day's stay, Saifur told his relatives he was sick and must be in Dhaka by the evening. He sought doa from all before leaving the house.

Earlier, he offered prayers at the grave of his wife Durre Samad Rahman, who died in 2006 after suffering long from cancer.

As he was not feeling well, he did not fast yesterday. He had fried egg and bread for breakfast, said Minu, Saifur's sister-in-law.

Funeral

The third namaj-e-janaza of former finance minister M Saifur Rahman was held at south plaza of parliament after Zohr prayers.

Earlier, his first namaj-e-janaza was held at Gulshan Azad Mosque at about 11:00am while the second was held in front of BNP central office at Naya Paltan at about 12:30pm.

Hundreds of people, including BNP leaders and workers, attended the janazas.

His fourth and fifth janazas are scheduled to be held at Shahi Eidgah Maidan in Sylhet at 1:00pm tomorrow and at Moulvibazar Government High School ground before burial.

Saifur will be buried tomorrow at Baharmardan after the janazas.

Condolence

Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today expressed his deep shock at the death of former finance minister M Saifur Rahman. In a condolence message to Naser Rahman, elder son of the late leader, Dr Manhoman Singh said that he has lost one of his old and true friends at the death of Saifur Rahman.

“Bangladesh has lost a true and a patriotic leader and the region has lost an able leader,” the message said.

Govt confirms first swine flu death

The government has confirmed the first death from swine flu in the country. The official announcement came after Prime Minister's Health Affairs Adviser Prof Syed Modasser Ali held a special meeting at IEDCR with its officials this morning.

Meanwhile, 14 fresh cases of the deadly H1N1 virus were detected today, raising the toll to 213 since June 18.

Prof Mahmudur Rahman, director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), confirmed Mitali Chakraborty, 35, died of swine flu at a private hospital last night. He also said Mitali might not have survived as she has some other complications also.

Mitali, wife of Taposh Chakraborty of Savar, was admitted to the hospital on August 20 with fever. She was admitted to Savar's Enam Medical College Hospital on Aug 16 with suspected dengue, but when it was clear her symptoms did not match dengue, and might be swine flu, Mita was transferred to Lab Aid Hospital in Dhanmondi, her family said.

She was taking anti-viral drug after she was tested positive for the H1N1 virus on August 27.
Meanwhile, the officials concerned said most of infected people have been cured and the rest are suffering from mild swine flu.

Anti-viral drug is being provided to patients with complications and sufficient quantity of drugs is in stock at all public hospitals and a few private hospitals, they added.

"Currently, the government has a stock of 29 lakh Oseltamivir capsules to treat around three lakh patients," said IEDCR Director Prof Mahmud.

"The drug is needed for a few patients. In most cases, the patients recover without the drug. What is needed the most is to keep a patient isolated to contain the spread of the virus," he said.
Different pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh have started producing Oseltamivir. Beximco is manufacturing the drug with the brand name of Ose flu while Eskayef as SK Flu and Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd as Oselta.

Globally, Roche is producing the drug with the brand name Tamiflu. The ingredients for producing the drug are the same for all companies, said experts.

The government said a total of 12 hospitals are under surveillance while 15 are ready for providing treatment to swine flu patients immediately. Experts, however, said the government should specify which 12 hospitals are under surveillance and the districts where swine flu has spread.

The geographical distribution of swine flu should be revealed for making people more aware about the disease and the cautionary measures. They also said April-September is the peak time of seasonal flu. So, flu-like symptoms do not mean swine flu infection.

However, they warned the situation might worsen by winter as the A/H1N1 virus spreads easily in dry season. They suggested maintaining personal hygiene like covering the mouth while sneezing or coughing, maintaining safe distance from people with flu-like illness and using masks for protection.

Ordeal at hospital outdoors

People flock to a ticket counter to get medical services at the outdoor section of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University hospital where only one employee is there to issue the tickets. Patients throng city hospitals, struggle to get doctors' attention only for less than 2 minutes

Due to lack of manpower, other facilities and increasing number of patients, doctors at the outdoor departments of important city hospitals can only see a patient for as little as less than two minutes.

While the number of patients has more than doubled in the last few years, the number of doctors has not increased at all.

After buying a ticket and waiting in line for hours, outpatients often see that the doctor has finished writing the prescription before they had even finished telling what their problem was.

An attendant of a patient at the outdoor section of Suhrawardi Hospital said, "We are not receiving free treatment here. We pay taxes and buy tickets for the treatment. But the doctors behave in such a way as if we are disturbing them and they are doing us a favour."

The on-duty doctor of the hospital said, "Every day nearly 400 patients come here for treatment at the outdoor department of the medicine ward but there are only four doctors. It is not possible for a doctor to see 100 patients from 8:00am to 2:00pm at a stretch." He said the situation is almost the same at the outdoor departments of ENT, Skin and Gynae departments.

A medical officer at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) told The Daily Star that he has to attend around 200 patients every day between 8:00am and 2:30pm. Which means a doctor can only see a patient for less than two minutes.

"What kind of service can be provided in this short time?" said the on-duty medical officer, adding that even though the number of patients at the outdoor section increased manifold, the number of doctors has not been increased. Since the 70's there are only four medical officers at the outdoor section, there should be at least eight, he said.

The situation at the outdoors of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) is even worse. There is the cabin block outdoor section and the old outdoor section on the two edges of the large hospital, which is confusing for patients as to which outdoor section they should be going.

Osimon Begum, a 70-year-old lady, was found lying on a trolley at the old outdoor section around 1:00pm. She was suffering from brain haemorrhage and was brought to the hospital around five in the morning from a remote village in Naogaon.

Instead of getting emergency medical attention, she was kept in the noisy and suffocating outdoor section for a long time until a doctor was able to see her. The doctor, however, referred her to DMCH straight away since there were no vacant beds in the Neurosurgery section of BSMMU.

Fifteen departments are crammed into the two rather small outdoor sections of BSMMU. They are uninviting, dark, hot and the flow of air inside leaves a lot to be desired.

Many patients feel very uncomfortable there. During the summer the situation worsens and a patient fainting is almost a common scene.

"Who will say this is the top medical institution, where doctors do not even have the environment to serve the patients," said an associate professor at the cabin block outdoor section, adding that some 3,500 patients seek treatment at the two outdoor sections a day and it is really tough to pay attention to the patients properly in such an environment.

The Vice-chancellor of the university Prof Pran Gopal Dutta, however, told The Daily Star that the outdoor sections would be extended within six months and in three to four years' time an outdoor complex would be set up.

The environment of the outdoor section at Mitford Hospital have improved a lot during the last one year. The facilities, however, has not improved keeping pace with the increasing number of patients.

"The number of patients at the outdoor department was nearly 200 on an average day in July, 2007. This has now increased to 800," said the outdoor medicine section resident physician Shasanka Kumar Saha. Only seven people deal with nearly 800 patients, he said.

National Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases, the lone specialised public hospital for cardiac patients, also experiences manpower shortage that affects the quality of service.

Kajal Kumar Karmaker, resident physician of the institute, said, "There are only 13 posts of doctors at the outdoor department to attend to around 400 patients on an average day. This sometimes become impossible and often we have to call in doctors of the hospital to tackle a situation."

On an average day around 375 patients, a significant increase from only a couple of years ago, receive treatment at the outdoor section whereas the number of people working there has remained the same since 1996, he added.

The situations at the outdoor sections of NITORE, Kidney Institute and Cancer Institute are almost identical to those hospitals.

-Mahbuba Zannat

BRTA launched drive to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka during Ramadan

The drive to ease traffic congestion in the capital often proves counterproductive as queues of buses and cars seized by mobile courts obstruct the other vehicles on the roads.

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority has lately launched a campaign to alleviate the plight of the commuters during Ramadan. But the way its mobile courts stop vehicles to check papers, file cases, collect fines and leave the seized ones waiting to be towed away makes matters even worse.

Despite special measures by BRTA and Dhaka Metropolitan Police, almost all roads in the city clogged up yesterday, the first day of Ramadan.

Even the prime minister could not avoid the morning-hour gridlock and was late for office. Her motorcade got stuck in a snarl-up on the way from her official residence Jamuna, reports the state-run news agency BSS.

BRTA magistrates Masudur Rahman and Mashiur Rahman set up two mobile courts in front of BG Press in Tejgaon yesterday. The vehicles they seized formed long rows, adding to the tailbacks.

Asked about obstruction to the other traffic, Magistrate Masudur Rahman told that they have only one wrecker and it is never enough to take away so many vehicles and clear the roads immediately. They have no option but to keep the seized vehicles waiting to be taken to the dumping places later, he argued.

BRTA Director (enforcement) Tapan Kumar Sarker said the wrecker they have at their disposal now has been hired from DMP.

DMP Commissioner AKM Shahidul Haque said they have five wreckers but most of them are not fit to be in use at the moment. He said they need at least 10 more to haul away the huge number of unfit and unauthorised buses and cars seized by police and transport authority. For instance, he added, DMP alone seized 1,679 motorised vehicles and 1,652 rickshaws last week.

Meanwhile, the 12-member high-powered committee formed on August 20 to coordinate and monitor the measures to reduce traffic jam inspected several city roads yesterday.

The committee chief and additional communications secretary Shafique Alam Mehdi said this ever-worsening traffic situation cannot be solved overnight. Things will not improve unless some drastic steps are taken. "We have already proposed the government cancel the decision to lease out city roads for parking,” he continued.

"The reality is we need many more flyovers and roads to see a turnaround."

The ministry on August 20 recommended the government arrange for 20 magistrates to conduct drive against old vehicles, illegal parking, obstructions to vehicular movement and violation of traffic rules.

If the recommendation is implemented, at least 16 mobile courts would work in eight DMP zones.

Contacted, DC Zilllar Rahman said, "I hope we will get the mobile courts in operation in a day or two."

Sakib shines in Tigers win

Bangladesh captain Sakib al Hasan (R) acknowledges the crowd after scoring his century against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

Shakib Al Hasan starred with a delightfully aggressive ton in Bangladesh's second straight win in the five-match series against Zimbabwe. Tamim Iqbal laid the platform with a patient half-century before Shakib took over to charge Bangladesh to their highest ODI score. Zimbabwe tried gamely, courtesy fine half-centuries from Charles Coventry and Sean Williams, but the 321-run target proved beyond their reach.

Bangladesh's strategy was simple: keep a tight line and wait for the pressure of the steep target to start telling on the batsmen. And it worked. Coventry provided some momentum to the chase by counterattacking after the early wickets. There was a very skilful hit over extra-cover against Syed Rasel and couple of big sixes against the offspinner Naeem Islam but he fell, trying to keep pace with the required run rate.

Post Coventry's exit, Williams played a gem of a cameo, filled with improvisations, but he too became a victim of the run-rate. Sean, who notched up his highest ODI score, not only used his feet well against the spinners but also repeatedly put the reverse sweep to good effect to upset the rhythm of the bowlers. He ran hard between the wickets and kept picking singles and twos to keep the scorecard moving. Near the end of the chase, he took more risks, charging out to the seamers as well. He sashayed down the track and heaved Nazmul Hossain to the cowcorner and slapped him over covers but fell, failing to clear long-on. Elton Chigumbura biffed around in the end to raise hopes but could only succeed in reducing the margin of the loss.

Bangladesh's win was set up by their batsmen led by Shakib, who provided momentum with an imposing knock. Bangladesh were 108 for 1 in 25 overs but Shakib ensured that they finished strongly.

The feature of his innings was his skill in repeatedly picking the gaps: there were quite a few hits over extra cover, a few to the straight boundary and many swings to midwicket. He started carefully, dealing in singles and twos to reach 15, before breaking free with two pulled boundaries. The explosion started in the 38th over, bowled by the part-time spinner Williams, with Shakib, who was denied the services of a runner just prior to the over, swinging twice over midwicket boundary. He went on to crash Ray Price to the straight boundary before lifting Prosper Utseya over long-off and twice over extra-cover as he made full use of the batting Powerplay.

He was aided by some poor fielding and was dropped twice in the inner circle: when he was on 59, Stuart Matsikenyeri spilled a sitter at midwicket off an attempted reverse-sweep against Utseya and when he was on 71, Price dropped another off a top-edged paddle-sweep.

Shakib went on the rampage after the twin drops. He looted 19 runs, with the help of three boundaries that included a stunning six over long-off, off the 44th over bowled by Chamu Chibhabha. He brought up the hundred in 63 balls and celebrated it with a cheeky scoop shot off Ed Rainsford before he was run out going for the third run after Mushfiqur Rahim had slashed to deep point. Rahim sought to make amends for his mistake with some big hitting in the end to push Bangladesh well past 300.

The platform was laid earlier in the day by Tamim, who forged a more staid partnership with Zunaed Siddiqui at the top of the order. Only four fours came in the first fifteen overs and only one boundary was hit in the air. It not only reflected the intent of the batsmen but also the disciplined lines and length of the new-ball bowlers Elton Chigumbura and Rainsford. If there was to be any criticism, it has to be said that they perhaps strayed to the middle and leg line a touch too often against Tamim, which shows up in his wagon wheel: Tamim picked 48 runs on the on side.

For their part, the batsmen were absolutely focused on playing themselves in before going for their shots. Things were looking good when Siddiqui was run out. He pushed Utseya, who brought himself on in the 11th over, to the left of short midwicket, was caught in a yes-no situation with Tamim and couldn't get back to his crease in time. Tamim, himself, was run out soon in a comical fashion. He had missed to connect a leg-side delivery but was stranded in the middle due to a faulty call from Shakib and was easily run out by the keeper. However, it didn't prove to be a major set back as Shakib set the stadium ablaze with his power-hitting.

Tigers prey on the Lions - Ashraful Star of The Show

It couldn't have been any more emphatic for the Tigers. An eight-wicket victory to start the five-match series against Zimbabwe at their own backyard just lighted up the Grameenphone Cup at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday.

Carrying their form and confidence from the Caribbean and not distracted by the shock loss in the practice match, Bangladesh made a statement loud and clear, we are here to win.

And who is better to lead the way than their most successful batsman, Mohammad Ashraful? Once again he led Bangladesh to their victory with a magnificent unbeaten century, one that was full of class, temperament, cleverness and audacity.

Ashraful hammered a run-a-ball 103 as Bangladesh chased down a modest Zimbabwe total of 207 with a lavish 15.3 overs to spare. Ashraful, who struck a dozen boundaries and a couple of sixes, completed his third hundred by running down a ball to the third-man boundary. His bout with left-arm spinner Raymond Price was the highlight of an otherwise one-sided match. Understandably irked after being taunted by the bowler, Ashraful hit back by smashing a six followed by three successive fours in the 15th over that produced 19 runs.

It all started with Tamim Iqbal and Zunaed Siddiqui getting the innings off to a flyer on a pitch that lived up to its reputation as a belter. Tamim thrashed the second ball of the innings from Elton Chigumbura through point for four followed by a splendid straight drive for the same result. His opening partner Zunaed provided even harsher treatment to the other bowler, Chamu Chibhaba, spanking him for three boundaries in different directions. The bowler had the last laugh though, as Zunaed played one drive too many, this time going straight to the hands of Graeme Cremer at mid-off. Bangladesh had raced to 30 in four overs by then, 28 of those coming in boundaries and Zunaed contributing 21 off only 12 balls.

Zimbabwe skipper Prosper Utseya was quick to read the signs and brought himself on as early as the sixth over in a bid to stem the flow of runs. Ashraful was cautious to start, probably not in form as yet, left a few deliveries outside the off-stump and dealt with the spin carefully. But he was soon to join the act as he slashed two slightly wide deliveries from Utseya through point for back-to-back boundaries. Both batsmen were looking at ease with the bowling as they maintained a steady run-rate of six through the first two powerplays. Zimbabwe's most experienced bowler Price was taken to task by Ashraful as the spinner was dispensed to all parts of the ground including a huge six over long-on. Both the batsmen soon got to their fifties and started to milk in the boundaries without showing much respect to any of the bowlers. Utseya tried out all his options, but no one seemed to make any impact on the scoring rate as the Tigers raced towards the target. Tamim's late dismissal brought a few cheers from the crowd and a few smiles on the Zimbabwe players, but was too little to bring in any decisive turnaround for the home team. Ashraful inserted his total command over this benign attack and led the visitors to a most convincing victory, beating their bitter rivals by eight wickets and 15 overs left.

Earlier, having won the toss and electing to bowl first on a wicket with some grass that surely had some assistance for the pacemen early on. And the pacers didn't take long to reward their skipper.

Syed Rasel, the left arm seamer with very little pace, used the early moisture expertly and beat opener Hamilton Masakadza a couple of times before the batsman went after a wide ball only to nick it to keeper Mushfiqur Rahim. The other opener Mark Vermeulen, back after a long time in the wilderness, would go on to play a commanding knock.

Along with Rasel, other pacer Nazmul Hossain kept the batsmen quiet for most part, occasionally faltering in line and length and being duly punished for. The second wicket to fall was Chibhaba having scored only 7 runs. Nazmul bowled a back of a length delivery outside off-stump, and the batsman got a thin edge to the keeper with the score on 25.

It was in the 13th over that spin was introduced as captain Shakib Al Hasan brought himself into the attack and immediately made some impact as he had a loud appeal against Vermeulen for lbw only to be tuned down by the umpire. Enamul Haque was brought in at the other end.

Shakib was unlucky again a few overs later as Vermeulen swung one high over midwicket but the fielder (Nazmul) under that one, having all the time in the world, spilled it in the end. That proved to be a costly mistake. Shakib however got the reward for his consistent line and length when he trapped Brendan Taylor in front of the wicket. The batsman might consider himself a bit unlucky as replays showed that he got a thin inside edge as he defended, and he had got a massive stride in as well.

Vermeulen, at the other end, was batting quite comfortably, no sign of rustiness from his long absence from international cricket. He milked deliveries on all parts and hit boundaries occasionally as he reached his 50 off just 73 deliveries.

Chris Coventry came in and was looking ominous as he hit a boundary and a six off to race off to 19 before Shakib made a surprising change to bring on Ashraful who with his very first delivery lured the batsman to play a big shot towards mid-wicket, but he top-edged it and Mahmudullah took a well-judged catch just within the rope.

The later batsmen came in and played a few lusty blows but eventually were skittled by Nazmul who outshone others taking three wickets for 29 in 6.5 overs. Once looking good for a 230-plus score, the Zimbabweans tottered to the modest total before being all out in the 48th over.

Fishing around Dhanmondi

People fish on the sidewalk around Dhanmondi Lake in the capital yesterday as heavy rain over the last few days left the lake overflowing.

Historic Whitewash

Bangladesh players along with officials celebrate winning the third and final one-day international against the West Indies at Warner Park in Bassterre on Friday. Bangladesh won the match by three wickets to take the series 3-0.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan poses with the winners' trophy after the third and final one-day international against the West Indies at Warner Park in St Kitts on Friday.

All-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad drives the ball on the off-side during his match-winning knock of 51 not out in the third and final one-dayer against the West Indies at Warner Park in St Kitts. Bangladesh won the match by three wickets and the series 3-0.


Tamim Iqbal (L) completes a magnificent diving catch while his opening partner Zunaed Siddiqui drives Bangladesh to a position of strength during the third and final one-day international against the West Indies at Warner Park in St Kitts on Friday. Tamim struck a brisk 30 while Zunaed scored a measured 55 to lay the foundation of a three-wicket win.

West Indies ODI series whitewashed by Tigers

Half-centuries from Junaid Siddique and Mahmudullah led Bangladesh to a three-wicket victory, and a 3-0 cleansweep of the one-day international series over West Indies early today. Siddique struck six fours in 55 from 73 balls, and Mahmudullah, who was named man-of-the-match, hit two fours and one six in an unbeaten 51 from 70 balls to help Bangladesh overhaul a victory target of 249 in the third and final ODI at Warner Park. Mahmudullah made sure of victory when he flicked a delivery from Kemar Roach through square leg.

Bangladesh won the opening match in Dominica last Sunday by 52 runs, and the second match at the same venue on Tuesday by three wickets. Their ODI series victory followed a cleansweep of the preceding two-Test series against a home side decimated by a player boycott.

"After winning the Test series, we were looking forward to this ODI series," said Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan. "It was a total team effort. Every time the team was under pressure, someone was able to put their hands up and do the job. This success in the Caribbean will help to take us to the next level."

Bangladesh dismissed West Indies for 248 in 47.4 overs, after the home team decided to bat. Siddique and fellow opener Tamim Iqbal set Bangladesh on their way with a stand of 54 for the first wicket. But they slid to 133 for five in the 28th over before Mahmudullah joined Mushfiqur Rahim and added 50 for the sixth wicket. It however, took a stand of 49 for the seventh wicket between Mahmudullah and Naeem Islam which virtually pushed the Tigers over the threshold. Earlier, Mahmudullah, bowling his off-spin, along with fast-medium bowler Mahbubul Alam, and left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak all captured two wickets.

The Bangladesh bowlers maintained the pressure throughout, and several West Indies batsmen got starts. Andre Fletcher led the way with 52 from 42 balls, captain Floyd Reifer and his deputy Darren Sammy made 40 apiece.

"I think throughout the series we needed to build more and better partnerships when we were batting," said Reifer. "Whenever we seem to be building partnerships, the guys always seem to be getting out at the wrong time. They needed to carry on at crucial stages in the game." He added: "But we had a young, inexperienced team. We have got to continue to play hard, keep talking more about the game, and looking back at our mistakes.


"All the games were very close, and it was just that we kept making crucial mistakes at crucial times." Bangladesh restricted West Indies to 10 for two in the fourth over before Dowlin and Andre Fletcher put on 76 for the third wicket. Fletcher reached his 50 from 40 balls, when he slogged Abdur Razzak over mid-wicket for his eighth four in the 14th over, after he had taken a four and a six off the third and fourth balls of the same over. Bangladesh then made West Indies wobble on 124 for five in the 28th over, but were revived when Reifer and Sammy added 64 before they were among a cluster of wickets that fell in the last 15 overs.

Bangladesh wins ODI series chasing highest run

When West Indies put up 274 runs on the board during the 2nd ODI at Windsor Park in Dominica, not many in Bangladesh were convinced that the Tigers would be able to chase down the target. It was not just that it was something Bangladesh had not successfully chased before (their highest run-chase was 250 against Australia in Cardiff in 2005), but also the past records of the batters that often succumbed to self-destructed pressure, notwithstanding the strength of the opponents, that led to that belief.

Every time they step on the field, Bangladesh seem to be making history. After having beaten West Indies for the first time in Tests and ODIs, they sealed their first ODI series win against the hosts on Tuesday. More importantly, this win came by way of their highest successful chase in the limited-overs format, reaching the requisite 275 with six balls to spare.

At the centre of the accomplishment once again was Shakib Al Hasan, pulling West Indies back from a flying start, and then seeing his team through a tricky chase with a calm 65. Mohammad Ashraful, who got to back-to-back fifties for the first time since 2006, set up the Bangladesh reply after the openers struggled on a sluggish pitch that made it difficult to stroke the ball cleanly. The Shakib-Ashraful combination outdid an exceptional effort from Travis Dowlin, whose maiden international century lifted a fledgling West Indies to a fighting total.

Ashraful and Shakib came together after a sensible third-wicket partnership between Ashraful and Rokibul Hasan had ended, thanks to the pressure created by a slow pitch and tight bowling. Nevertheless, they had added 52 after the openers fell in a quick succession.

It was here that Ashraful took the lead, not letting the pressure mount. He first made room and slashed Bernard in the 28th over for the first boundary in 70 balls. When Rawl Lewis replaced Bernard in the next over, Ashraful lofted him over long-off for a six, bringing up his second fifty in three days. Shakib joined him in that charge, sweeping both Lewis and Bernard over midwicket. Those three overs brought Bangladesh 32 runs, and also brought down the asking-rate to less than six.

When Ashraful went for another six off Lewis, he put his team in a tricky state again, holing out to long-off. Until then, his 77-ball 64 had been well-paced, and he had added 74 with Shakib in 63 deliveries. But with 85 still required, Shakib had a major role to play. The boundaries were not easy to come -- even Lewis negated the big sweep with googlies and straighter ones -- but Shakib ran purposefully. He had to run all but six of his last 50 runs, but hardly did he ever let the scoring-rate fall.

During the match, the cameras panned to a spectator reading a magazine article on Shakib, titled the "Ice Man". Shakib indeed played like one, but needed some luck on his side. With 71 required off 60, Shakib tried to hit Lewis out of the ground, only skying it to land perfectly between cover and long-off, which also resulted in a collision between Darren Sammy and Bernard. That shot also took Shakib to his half-century, kicking off a spell of ordinary cricket from both sides.

With 56 needed off the last eight overs, Shakib called for the batting Powerplay, and Roach immediately threatened to finish the match in a hurry. Even before he could do that, Floyd Reifer almost let him bowl with five fielders outside the circle. Roach started with a half-volley and a fulltoss both hit for boundaries, before bowling his second beamer of the match to be removed from the attack. What's more, Shakib deposited it for a six.

Now it was the Ice Man's turn to falter with the match almost pocketed. He swung across the line to Sammy, getting out with 37 needed off 41. Three wides came in the next two overs before Bangladesh contributed their bit to the chaos. Devon Thomas, the designated wicketkeeper, had to bowl what was left of Roach's overs, and Mahmudullah gifted his second delivery with a leading edge. Riefer brought the fine leg up, Thomas saw two of his straight deliveries being punished and bowled two off-side wides to compensate. Mushfiqur returned the favour by hitting a fulltoss straight to cover. During that surreal period, the only question was which team wanted to lose more badly.

An overthrow here, an edge there, and Bangladesh reached the series win with an outside-edged boundary by Abdur Razzak. During this period of drama, the turnaround earlier in the day was almost forgotten. For the majority of the first innings, both Dowlin and West Indies seemed to struggle to get the ball off the square against the spinners. West Indies had huffed and puffed their way to 176 for 4 in 40 overs, struggling to combat the grip and the turn. Dowlin's story was no different -- he took 88 deliveries to reach his fifty and had trouble with his running between the wickets, too.

But with the Powerplay taken in the 41st over, things changed. Dowlin slog-swept the spinners with vengeance, getting close to the pitch every time, and hitting to long-on, cow corner, midwicket, square leg, et al. By the end of the Powerplay, West Indies had reached 216 for 5, and Dowlin 87 off 105 deliveries. In the next five overs, Dowlin took little time to reach his maiden century, and Lewis and Sammy made sure West Indies finished with 98 runs in their last ten overs. In the end, though, they were to be second-best.

Overnight downpour inundates vast areas of Dhaka city

Overnight heavy shower has inundated vast areas of the capital and its low-lying suburbs putting life in Dhaka in complete disarray. According to the Met Office, Dhaka experienced this season’s highest rainfall of 333 millimeters within a time span of just 10-hour till seven this morning. It is still drizzling with the Dhaka sky looking overcast following the heavy downpour triggered by a monsoon low.

School and office-goers got hard time negotiating knee to waist-deep water on the alleys and on also on many main city thoroughfares. Some of the city schools declared suspended their scheduled classes and examinations this morning. Normal life and business activities came to a total halt in many parts of the capital as its inadequate drainage system failed to cope with the heavy rush of rain waters and became clogged and water-logged at many places.

The downpour left things quite chaotic in the morning rush hours as commuters frantically looked for transports to get to offices, schools and business establishments. As the public transport system went out of gear, rickshaws, taxicabs and CNG-run three-wheelers braved the torrential rains and charged their passengers outrageously very high fares. Thousands of commuters were stuck in traffic jams in rush morning hours on the waterlogged streets.
The worst affected areas are Jatrabari, Motijheel, Mirpur, Kalyanpur, Shyamoli, Basabo, Goran, Azimpur, Dhanmondi, Minto Road, Press Club, Fakirapool, Moghbazar, Mowchak, Shantinagar, Kakrail, Uttara and the old parts of the city.

Activities at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the administrative hub of the country, could not be started till noon as many officials and employees failed attend their offices on time due to overnight heavy rainfall. Many of them entered the Secretariat at about 12:00pm while some others were still trying to reach their offices, sources said. Around 30 percent of the officials and employees remained absent due to the waterlogging at different parts of the capital.

Six lifts at different buildings inside the Secretariat went out of order after the Secretariat went under the knee-deep water. Officials of Fire Brigade, Power Development Board (PWD) and Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) are trying to pump out the water.

The low developed over North Bay and adjoining Bangladesh coast Monday. The southwest monsoon was also strong over the North Bay and active over Bangladesh. Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Mongla were earlier advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three. Met officials foresee more rains over the next couple of days by the influence of the monsoon low.

Meantime Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday summoned top Dhaka WASA officials to her office over the water-logging in the city, a WASA official said. WASA chairman Golam Mostofa and acting managing director Mahbubur Rahman and several others went to meet with her at about 3pm, deputy chief public information officer at WASA Afsar Uz Zaman Khan said the reporters.

Bangladesh wins 1st ODI against West Indies, Razzak man of the match

Abdur Razzak made a triumphant return to the Bangladesh side when he helped the Tigers win the opening one-day international against West Indies by 52 runs on Sunday.

Razzak, who was prevented from bowling in international cricket in December 2008 due to a suspect action before having his suspension lifted in March, opened the bowling and took four wickets for 39 runs as Bangladesh defended a target of 247 at international cricket's newest venue of Windsor Park.

"I was not surprised when the captain gave me the new ball, especially the way the pitches have been playing in the Caribbean during this series," said Razzak. "When I played in the Caribbean in the 2007 World Cup, I also used the new ball, so it's normal. "But this was important for me. I was out of the team for eight months, and now I am back in the side, I am looking to do well."

The victory gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the second ODI scheduled for the same venue on Tuesday, and the final ODI on Friday at Warner Park in St. Kitts.

Razzak again exposed the West Indies' frailty to spin bowling, after Bangladesh, sent in to bat, were restricted to 246 for nine from their allocation of 50 overs.

Mohammad Ashraful hit the top score of 57 and captain Shakib Al Hasan stroked 54 to lead the Bangladesh batting, despite Kemar Roach taking a career-best five wickets for 44 runs. But Razzak, who did not play in his team's successful Test series, then gave Bangladesh a boost, when he trapped West Indies opener Dale Richards lbw for one in the second over.

Bangladesh continued to build the pressure, particularly with their spin bowlers operating from very early, and West Indies slumped to 42 for four in the 12th over. Devon Smith and Dave Bernard Jr added 78 for the fifth wicket to stabilise West Indies.

But Shakib, bowling his left-arm spin, made the breakthrough in the 29th over, when he trapped Smith lbw for the top score of 65. Naeem Islam scalped Bernard caught at deep mid-wicket for 38 three overs later to leave West Indies 130 for six.

Rawl Lewis then put on 41 with Darren Sammy for the seventh wicket before Rubel Hossain bowled him for 21 in the 40th over. Bangladesh found little or no resistance from the remaining West Indies batsmen, although Sammy got 28 before Razzak trapped him lbw in the 42nd over.
"We lost the game with our batting," said West Indies captain Floyd Reifer.

"We didn't get the start we wanted from the top, and this is something that is worrying us at the moment. "We are not getting enough partnerships at the top of the innings. We are quite happy with the balance of the team."

Earlier, Ashraful held the Tigers' top-order together, and when he was dismissed, Shakib kept his nerve to take advantage of the powerplay in the closing overs to help Bangladesh post their highest total against West Indies.

Shakib said: "We were always confident with the final total we posted because we knew the pitch was playing a little slowly and we had four spinners in our side. "I have been surprised by the nature of the pitches in the Caribbean. I thought they would have had more bounce and pace. But it suited our spinners, and Razzak came back into the side, bowled well, and did a good job for us."

HSC result published, pass rate 72.78 percent

A student of Viqarunnisa Noon College speaks to her loved ones by mobile yesterday to break the news of her success in HSC exams.

The results of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations 2009 held under the country's 10 education boards were published yesterday, with average pass percentage of 72.78. A total of 20,136 students under all the education boards secured GPA-5.

Jubilant examinees of Notre Dame College flash victory sign as the college retains the number-1 position in terms of number of GPA-5 scorers. Notre Dame students scored highest 1,207 GPA-5.

Happy faces crowd Dhaka City College as it held on to second place in terms of number of GPA-5 scorers. Dhaka City College students scored second highest 934 GPA-5.

This year Viqarunnisa Noon College held on to third place in terms of number of GPA-5 scorers. Viqarunnisa Noon College students scored 531 GPA-5.

Top scorers of Chittagong College, their college secured first position in Chittagong Board in terms of number of GPA-5 scorers.

Examinees of New Govt Degree College Rajshahi pose for the camera after their college secured first position in Rajshahi Board in terms of number of GPA-5 scorers.

High scorers of Boyra Women's College in Khulna celebrate their results.

Eclipse evokes cheers in Panchagarh

Tens of thousands of people packed into a sports stadium in Panchagarh today with some weeping and shaking with fear as the moon passed over the sun for a full solar eclipse.

Around 100,000 people descended on the town of Panchagarh, a normally sleepy home to 30,000 people, according to district chief Banamali Bhoumik. "People filled the stadium hours before the eclipse took place," he said. "When the sun was covered, some people cried while others were shaking in fear as the moon ate up the sun completely.

"The whole stadium erupted in thunderous applause as soon as the sun emerged again." Bhoumik said thousands of devout Muslims prayed during the eclipse, believing the rare celestial event would trigger natural disasters in the impoverished country.

FR Sarker, the head of the Bangladesh Astronomical Society, said the total eclipse lasted less than four minutes, during which time stars were visible in the sky. "There were some clouds, but they shifted so we have still seen the best solar eclipse of our time. A cold spell hit the town as soon as the total eclipse began."

Bangladesh wins first-ever away Test series

Bangladesh stand-in captain Shakib Al Hasan (L) sprints into history in dashing style while his partner in a match-winning fourth wicket stand Rokibul Hasan (R) plays a delicate cut shot on the fourth day of the second Test against the West Indies at the National Stadium in Grenada on Monday.

The historic first-ever away Test series victory of the national cricket team against the West Indies was the talk of the sports arena on Tuesday as everyone greeted the Tigers for their brilliant success in the Caribbean.

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Sina ibn Jamali (L) is having a sweet festival with the board officials and national team sponsor Grameenphone's chief communications officer Rubaba Dowla (R) while celebrating Tigers' first-ever away series triumph at the BCB's Sher-e-Bangla Stadium headquarters yesterday.

Tigers win 1st away Test

Bangladeshi cricketers celebrate their victory at the end of the final day of the first Test match between West Indies and Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.

Ford eyes strong foothold

2010 EXPERIENCE: Models (in the foreground) pose at the launch of Ford's new car at the Uttara showroom of AG Automobiles Ltd, the local agent of the US auto giant. Commerce Minister Faruk Khan (second from left in the background) attended the programme as chief guest.

Gen Mubeen takes over as army chief

General Md. Abdul Mubeen took over as the new Chief of Army Staff, replacing General Moeen U Ahmed who went on retirement on completion of his tenure. An ISPR release said that a ‘handing-taking over’ ceremony was held at the Army Headquarters, making the change over of the military leadership. The new Chief of Army Staff, General Mubeen, formally took over the command of Bangladesh Army from his predecessor, General Moeen, by signing the handing-taking over book, it said. Principal staff officers of the army headquarters and senior military officers were present on the occasion. On assuming office, the new army chief called on prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also in charge of the defence ministry, at the Prime Minister’s Office. Navy chief rear admiral ZU Ahmed and air chief air marshal SM Ziaur Rahman ceremonially adorned Mubeen with badges of the rank of General in presence of the prime minister. Among others, defence secretary Kamrul Hassan and senior military officers were present on the occasion. Prior to his appointment army chief, General Mubeen was Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division. He was commissioned in the Regiment of Infantry of Bangladesh Army on November 30, 1976. Besides serving in various capacities at the battalion level, General Mubeen commanded two infantry battalions and an infantry brigade. At the staff level, he served as Brigade Major in an independent infantry brigade headquarters, General Staff Officer First Grade in infantry division headquarters and Bangladesh Military Academy, Private Secretary to the Chief of Army Staff and Director of Military Training Directorate at the Army Headquarters. The General also served as Director General of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).

Gen Moeen retires

General Moeen U Ahmed is set to retire as the army chief as Lieutenant General Md Abdul Mubeen takes over as the army chief today. Moeen had his last day in office on Sunday, ending his job at the helm of the Armed Forces. He called on the president, Zillur Rahman, at Bangabhaban on Sunday. Moeen was widely criticised for his role in the declaration of the state of emergency on January 11, 2007 and his functioning during about two years’ rule of the military-controlled interim government. After meeting the president, Moeen told reporters, ‘Despite many limitations, I tried my best to serve the country. Now it is the people who will evaluate my work.’ Asked what he will do after his retirement, Moeen said, ‘I am just going into retirement… definitely I will do something in future… I will think about it later.’ Moeen had his service as the army chief extended by a year on April 6, 2008 with effect from June 15. Mubeen, also a former general officer commanding of the 24th Infantry Division in Chittagong, was made principal staff officer to the Armed Forces Division on June 4, 2008.

ভুল সবই ভুল

বিরোধী নেত্রী বেগম খালেদা জিয়া। ঘটনাচক্রে এসেছিলেন বাংলাদেশের রাজনীতিতে। ক্ষমতার সিংহাসনে বসেছেন তিনবার। মাঝখানে জেলও খেটেছেন দুর্নীতির অভিযোগ মাথায় নিয়ে। পরে অবশ্য দুদক বলেছে, ব্যক্তিগত দুনর্ীতির খতিয়ান তারা পায়নি। তবে দলের নেতারা দুর্নীতিতে ডুবে ছিলেন এটা আর কোন ঘটনা নয়। তদারকি সরকার দুর্নীতির অভিযোগে তার দলকে নাস্তানাবুদ করে ছেড়েছে। ওয়ান ইলেভেন বিএনপি জমানার সীমাহীন দুর্নীতি আর অপশাসনের কারণে এসেছিল তা-ই বলে গেছেন এর নায়কেরা। যদিও এই নায়কদের এখন আর কেউই ক্ষমতার ধারে কাছেও নেই। সরকার প্রধান হয়েছিলেন ড. ফখরুদ্দীন আহমদ। খালেদা জিয়া তাকে অনেক ভালবেসে বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের গভর্নর বানিয়েছিলেন। বিশ্বব্যাংকের এই চাকুরে মার্কিন পাসপোর্ট নিয়ে রেখেছিলেন অনেক আগেই। তথ্য গোপন করে সাবেক অর্থমন্ত্রী এম সাইফুর রহমানের শরণাপন্ন হয়েছিলেন একটি চাকরির জন্য। এক সকালে সাইফুর রহমান তার ফাইল নিয়ে যান প্রধানমন্ত্রীর দপ্তরে। খালেদাকে বোঝান- ফখরুদ্দীনকে বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের গভর্নর করা হলে ক্ষতির চেয়ে হবে লাভ বেশি। এক দিকে দক্ষ অন্য দিকে বিশ্বব্যাংকও খুশি হবে। খালেদা রাজি হয়ে যান। এক সপ্তাহের মধ্যেই ফখরুদ্দীন ঢাকায় এসে দায়িত্বভার বুঝে নেন। সময় দ্রুত বয়ে যায়। একদিন বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের গভর্নরের চাকরির মেয়াদও শেষ হয়ে গেল। আবার ধরনা, নতুন চাকরি চাই। খালেদার দক্ষ অর্থমন্ত্রী তাকে পিকেএসএফ-এর এমডির চাকরি দিয়ে আবার পুরস্কৃত করলেন। কে জানতো এই ফখরুদ্দীনই একদিন ক্ষমতার কেন্দ্রবিন্দুতে পেঁৗছে যাবেন জাদুর পরশে। অনেক নাটকীয়তা পর্দার আড়ালে। তত্ত্বাবধায়ক সরকার প্রধানের পদ নিজেদের কব্জায় রাখার জন্য মরিয়া। সাবেক প্রধান বিচারপতি কেএম হাসানকে এই পদে বসানোর জন্য কিচেন কেবিনেটের পরামর্শে তখনকার আইনমন্ত্রী ব্যারিস্টার মওদুদ আহমদ বিচারপতিদের বয়সই বাড়িয়ে দিলেন। বিরোধীরা সুযোগের অপেক্ষায় ছিলেন। জনমত তৈরি হলো এর বিরম্নদ্ধে। অথচ সমালোচকরাও বলেন, এমন একজন যোগ্য ব্যক্তিকে এভাবে বিতর্কিত করার কোন প্রয়োজন ছিল না। দলীয় অভিযোগে অভিযুক্ত হলেন কেএম হাসান। ঘটনার এখানেই শেষ নয়। সংবিধানের বিকল্প ধারাগুলো আমলে না নিয়ে প্রেসিডেন্ট ইয়াজউদ্দিন আহম্মেদকে দায়িত্ব দেয়ার পেছনে ভূমিকা রাখলেন খালেদা নিজেই। যুক্তি একটাই, তিনি দলের প্রতি অনুগত থাকবেন। ইয়াজউদ্দিনের নিয়োগও ছিল সে রকমই। অত্যন্ত স্মার্ট প্রেসিডেন্ট হিসেবে পরিচিত অধ্যাপক বদরুদ্দোজা চৌধুরীকে সরানোর জন্য কত কাহিনী তৈরি করা হলো। অথচ এই ভদ্রলোকের বাড়িতেই বিএনপি'র জন্ম হয়েছিল। বদরুদ্দোজা বিদায় নিলেন। কে হবেন পরবতর্ী প্রেসিডেন্ট। খালেদার টেবিলে অনেক নাম, অনেক প্রসত্দাব। একদিকে ইয়াজউদ্দিন অন্যদিকে অধ্যাপক মনিরুজ্জামান মিয়া। ঢাকার একটি দৈনিক খবর দিয়ে বসলো অধ্যাপক মিয়া নামাজ রোজা করেন না। তিনি একজন নাস্তিক। ড. খন্দকার মোশাররফ হোসেনের একান্ত ইচ্ছায় খালেদা জিয়া তার ব্যক্তিগত সচিব মোসাদ্দেক আলী ফালুকে পাঠালেন ইয়াজউদ্দিনের কাছে। ডেকে নিয়ে এসে যখন বলা হলো তাকে প্রেসিডেন্ট করার ইচ্ছে বিএনপি হাইকমান্ডের। তখন তিনি প্রায় কেঁদে ফেলেন। সংশ্লিষ্টদের মুখে এ নিয়ে অনেক গল্প শুনেছি। খালেদার ইচ্ছে বাস্তবায়ন না হয়ে পারেনি। ইয়াজউদ্দিন প্রেসিডেন্ট হয়ে গেলেন। বর্তমান প্রধানমন্ত্রী শেখ হাসিনা এক সময় তাকে ইয়েসউদ্দিনও বলেছিলেন। যথার্থই ছিল তার মন্তব্য আখেরে তাই প্রমাণিত হয়েছে। নির্বাচন হবে কিনা, হলে কিভাবে হবে এ নিয়ে টানটান উত্তেজনা চারদিকে। বাংলাদেশের শুভাকাঙ্ক্ষী বিদেশী বন্ধুরাও সরব হলেন। নির্বাচন হতে হবে লেভেল প্লেয়িং ফিল্ড গড়ে। সে চেষ্টায় বাদ সাধলেন ড. ইয়াজউদ্দিন। পর্দার আড়ালের ইশারায় সব কিছু নিজের নিয়ন্ত্রণে নেয়ার চেষ্টা চালাতে লাগলেন। অস্থিরতা বাড়লো। জাতীয় পার্টির চেয়ারম্যান হুসেইন মুহম্মদ এরশাদকে নির্বাচনে অযোগ্য ঘোষণা করা হলো উপদেষ্টাদের পরামর্শ উপেক্ষা করে। উপদেষ্টাদেরকে ইয়াজউদ্দিন জানিয়ে ছিলেন এতে প্রশাসন কোন হস্তক্ষেপ করবে না। তিন ঘণ্টা পর নিজেই সিদ্ধান্ত বাতিল করলেন। প্রশাসনিক হস্তক্ষেপে এরশাদ অযোগ্য হয়ে গেলেন। শেখ হাসিনা নির্বাচনী কাফেলায় যোগ দিয়েও অনেকটা নাটকীয়ভাবে সরে দাঁড়ালেন। নির্বাচন পড়লো অনিশ্চয়তায়। সেনাবাহিনীকেও এ সময় বিতর্কিত করা হয় নানা কৌশলে। এর মধ্যেই ওয়ান ইলেভেনের আয়োজন সম্পন্ন হয়। নেপথ্যের আয়োজকরা দেশের রাজনৈতিক ও অর্থনৈতিক পরিস্থিতিকে আরও টালমাটাল করে দিলেন। সবই যেন এক ছকে বাঁধা। জনগণ বিকল্প চিনন্তা করতে থাকলো। গণতন্ত্রের প্রতি সাময়িক কালের জন্য হলেও আস্থা হারালো। সুশীল সমাজের তিন প্রতিনিধি ছুটে গেলেন নোবেল বিজয়ী প্রফেসর ইউনূসের কাছে তদারকি প্রশাসনের দায়িত্ব নেয়ার জন্য। তিনি তাদের ফিরিয়ে দেন নানা যুক্তি দেখিয়ে। এর মধ্যেই ঘটে যায় ওয়ান ইলেভেন। কিন্তু কে হবেন তদারকি প্রশাসনের প্রধান। সেদিন মাঝরাতে প্রফেসর ইউনূসের বাসায় হাজির হন তিন পদস্থ সামরিক কর্মকর্তা। ইউনূস তাদের প্রস্তাবও ফিরিয়ে দেন। তবে পরামর্শ দেন তার বন্ধু ড. ফখরুদ্দীনকে বানানোর জন্য। ওয়ান ইলেভেনের নায়কদের সামনে বিকল্প নেই। রাত দুটার সময় ড. ফখরুদ্দীন সম্মতি দিলে এ নিয়ে অনিশ্চয়তা দূর হয়। ১২ই জানুয়ারি শপথ অনুষ্ঠান। দুই নেত্রীকে আমন্ত্রণ জানানো হলো। শেখ হাসিনা দাওয়াত কবুল করলেন। বললেন, এই সরকার তাদের আন্দোলনের ফসল। তাই বঙ্গভবনে যেতে হবে। খালেদা মনঃস্থির করতে পারছিলেন না শপথে যাবেন কি যাবেন না। এই যখন অবস্থা তখনই এক সম্পাদক তাকে ফোনে বললেন, ম্যাডাম আপনি ওখানে যাবেন না। এটা আপনার বিরুদ্ধেই এক অঘোষিত সামরিক শাসন। খালেদা হুট করে সিদ্ধান্ত বাতিল করলেন। এর মধ্যে বঙ্গভবনের অনুষ্ঠানে যোগ দেয়ার জন্য তার অর্থমন্ত্রী এম সাইফুর রহমান ও ঢাকার মেয়র সাদেক হোসেন খোকা রওনা হয়ে গেছেন। শিল্প ব্যাংকের কাছাকাছি চলে যাওয়ার পর খালেদা নিজেই ফোন করেন সাইফুর রহমানকে। বললেন, অনেক তো বঙ্গভবনে গেছেন। আজ নাই গেলেন। সুচতুর সাইফুরকে বুঝতে দেরি হলো না। অর্থাৎ খালেদা চান বঙ্গভবনে না যেতে। সাইফুর রহমান ফিরে যান তার গুলশানস্থ জালালাবাদ হাউসে। ড. ফখরুদ্দীন-এর টেনশন বেড়েই চলেছে। হাজার হলেও তো কৃতজ্ঞতাবোধ! দূত মারফত নিশ্চিত হলেন, খালেদা যাবেন না তার শপথ অনুষ্ঠানে। ঘটনা মোড় নিল অন্যদিকে। এর পরের ঘটনা সবার জানা। মার্কিন মুল্লুকে যার তিনটি বাড়ি, ভিন দেশের নাগরিকত্ব লাভকারী ব্যক্তি ফখরুদ্দীন রাষ্ট্র পরিচালনা করে গেলেন। কেউ একটা প্রশ্নও তুললো না। সংসদীয় স্থায়ী কমিটি এখন তার ফাইল ঘাঁটাঘাঁটি করছে। টের পেয়ে তড়িঘড়ি করে দেশ ছেড়ে চলে গেছেন। এক বছরের জন্য এসএসএফ সুবিধা কম ছিল কি? কিন্তু গোলমাল অন্যখানে। তদারকি প্রশাসন যখন রাজনীতিক ও ব্যবসায়ীদের সম্পত্তির হিসাব নিয়ে ব্যস্ত তখন সেনা শাসকেরা চেয়েছিলেন অন্তত উপদেষ্টাদের সম্পত্তির হিসাব প্রকাশ করা হোক। কিন্তু এতে ঘোরতর আপত্তি জানান ড. ফখরুদ্দীন। এখন বোঝা যাচ্ছে তিনি কেন এর বিরোধী ছিলেন। যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে তিনটি বাড়ি যার, তার পক্ষে তো হিসাব দেয়া এক ধরনের তামাশা। ড. ইয়াজউদ্দিন মুখ খুলতে গিয়েও খুললেন না। একটি টেলিভিশন নেটওয়ার্ককে তিনি বললেন, খালেদা-হাসিনাকে তার নির্দেশেই গ্রেপ্তার করা হয়েছিল। পরে তার স্ত্রী ব্যাখ্যা দিয়ে বলেছেন, সরি, ইয়াজউদ্দিন ভারসাম্য হারিয়ে এসব বলেছেন এটা তার মনের কথা নয়। সমালোচকরা এটাকে সহজে নেননি। ইয়াজউদ্দিন টিভিতে আসার সিদ্ধান্ত নিলেন কেন? তিনি তো একদম মুক্ত মানুষ নন। তাকে এখনো নিরাপত্তা কমর্ীরা পাহারা দেয়। তাছাড়া তার সুযোগ্য স্ত্রীকে নিয়েইতো তিনি এসেছিলেন টিভিতে কথা বলতে। নিজের ওপর দোষ চাপিয়ে তিনি মজা পেতে পারেন। কিন্তু পেছনে অনেকেই এর তাৎপর্য খুঁজে বেড়ান। কিভাবে ওয়ান ইলেভেনের দলিলে সই করেছিলেন এটা এখন অতীত। জাতির উদ্দেশে তার ভাষণ যিনি লিখেছিলেন তিনিও ছিলেন খালেদার অত্যন্ত ঘনিষ্ঠজন। আর অন্তত চারজনকে ডিঙ্গিয়ে ওয়ান ইলেভেনের নায়ক জেনারেল মইন উ আহমেদকে সেনাপ্রধান করেছিলেন। মেজর জেনারেল রেজাকুল হায়দারকে সেনাপ্রধান নিযুক্ত করে আদেশও জারি হয়ে গিয়েছিল। কিন্তু পরে সাঈদ এস্কান্দারের চাপাচাপিতে খালেদা সিদ্ধান্ত বাতিল করেন। অবসরপ্রাপ্ত মেজর এস্কান্দারই পর্দার আড়ালে থেকে সেনাবাহিনী নিয়ন্ত্রণ করতেন। সেনাবাহিনী কখনোই বাইরের হস্তক্ষেপমুক্ত অবস্থায় সিদ্ধান্ত নিতে পারেনি। এখনও সে অবস্থার অবসান হয়নি। খালেদা জিয়া যখন জেলে তখন তার সঙ্গে একাধিকবার কথা বলতে গেছেন জেনারেল এটিএম আমিন। সেনাপ্রধান মইন কখনও যাননি। যদিও খালেদার একান্ত ইচ্ছা ছিল তার সঙ্গে কথা বলার। কিন্তু জেনারেল মইন কেন জানি খালেদার সঙ্গে কথা বলতে চাননি। ক্ষমতা হস্তান্তরে যে মানুষটি মুখ্য ভূমিকা পালন করেন তিনি হচ্ছেন জেনারেল আমিন। অতি সমপ্রতি তিনি চাকরি হারিয়েছেন অন্য অভিযোগে। আত্মীয়তার সুবাদে মেজর জেনারেল মাসুদউদ্দিন চৌধুরীকেও খালেদা জিয়া নবম পদাতিক ডিভিশনের জিওসি করেছিলেন। আর এই ভদ্রলোকই ছিলেন ওয়ান ইলেভেনের অন্যতম রূপকার। জেনারেল হাসান মশহুদ চৌধুরীকেও খালেদা তার পছন্দের লোক হিসেবেই সেনাপ্রধান নিযুক্ত করেছিলেন। যাকে আওয়ামী প্রশাসন সংযুক্ত আরব আমিরাতে রাষ্ট্রদূত করে পাঠিয়েছিল। ক্ষমতা পেয়েই খালেদা তাকে ডেকে নিয়ে এসে সেনাপ্রধানের দায়িত্ব দেন। যিনি দুদকের চেয়ারম্যান হয়ে খালেদা এবং তার পরিবারকে দুনর্ীতির কালো কালিতে নাম লিখিয়ে রীতিমতো উল্লাস করে গেছেন। রাজনীতিতে এটা অস্বাভাবিক কিছু নয়। যুগে যুগে দেশে দেশে এমনটাই হয়েছে। দূর প্রতিবেশী পাকিস্তানে কি হয়েছিল? জুলফিকার আলী ভুট্টো এগারো জন জেনারেলকে ডিঙ্গিয়ে জেনারেল জিয়াউল হককে সেনাপ্রধান বানিয়েছিলেন। আর এই জিয়াউল হকই তার প্রিয় প্রধানমন্ত্রীর মৃতু্য পরোয়ানায় সই করে ক্ষমতা পাকাপোক্ত করেছিলেন।