“He’s (UK PM Boris

Johnson) a proven
liar who’s engulfed in
sleaze and we can’t
have another couple of
months of this.”
UK Labour’s deputy leader
Angela Rayner

DHA K A SAT URDAY JULY 9, 2022

Regd. No. DA 781 Vol. XXXII No. 171 Ashar 25, 1429 BS Zilhajj 9, 1443 Hijri 16 Pages : Tk 15.00

Homegoers
get stuck in
tailbacks wishes its valued readers,
patrons, advertisers and
Sufferings unbound on highways well-wishers a very
to northern districts; trip to happy Eid
South relatively smoother
SHARIFUL ISLAM and SHAHEEN MOLLAH
HOLIDAY NOTICE
People going to their hometowns from Dhaka to spend
Eid suffered immensely due to shortage of buses, long
tailbacks on the highways and delayed trains. offices will remain closed
Tailbacks reached about 25km on Dhaka-Mymensingh for 3 days from today on
and Dhaka-Tangail highways at times yesterday. account of Eid-ul-Azha.
Hundreds of people heading to the southern districts There will be no issue of the
travelled on the flatbed of trucks and pickups paying newspaper from July 10-12.
exorbitant sums as there were not enough buses to carry
them. However, our digital version
As the train schedules fell apart, some going to the will serve the readers 24/7
north-western districts had to wait at Kamalapur Railway during the holiday.
Station for seven hours.
In Elenga area on Dhaka-Tangail highway, SK Enamul
Haq said, “My wife, son and I left Shyamoli [in the capital]
in my car around 6:00am for my village home and I am
still here on the road after more than 14 hours.”
He added that the entire journey would have taken
about two and a half hours if the traffic was normal.
Like him, thousands of people, including women,
children and the elderly spent hours on the road in
ALAM KHAN
(1944-2022)
Hope against hope
scorching heat. Govt’s plan to reduce power outage by Sept may hit snag,
Adieu, music
Sadi Rosni Suchana, a TV presenter, told The Daily
Star that her sister left for their home in Naogaon from experts suggest renegotiating capacity charges
Chattogram around noon on Thursday. “After 31 long

maestro
hours on the road, the bus was only able to cross the PARTHA PRATIM BHATTACHARJEE After a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office
Bangabandhu Bridge on the Jamuna.” and ASIFUR RAHMAN on Thursday, Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, energy
She added that the bus had air conditioning, but it adviser to the PM, made the assurance that there
stopped working on the way. The government has assured people suffering from would be some relief from load-shedding from
AAQIB HASIB
Quader Mia, a trader from Karwan Bazar, was going severe power cuts that the situation will improve September.
to Gaibandha from Dhaka with his wife and three after September when three new coal-based power He argued that three new coal-based power
children. His bus left Gabtoli terminal around 11:00pm “Hayre Manush, Rongin Fanush,
plants start operation, but experts expressed doubts plants will come into operation by that time.
on Thursday and only reached the eastern side of Dom Furalei Thush”.
about it. But the reality is, while the country’s two
Bangabandhu Bridge at 8:00am yesterday. These unforgettable lines,
The new power plants are the Rampal power running coal-fired power plants have the capacity
“The whole road is jammed. My children became sick etched in Bangladeshi musical
plant, the second unit of Payra power plant and to plug shortfalls in power generation, those are
being in the bus the whole night in this hot and humid history, reminds us just how
Adani Godda power plant in India. also suffering from a shortage of coal and lack of
weather. We do not have food, water, and there is no fragile our existence really is.
These power plants are to run on imported coal transmission lines.
toilet,” Quader told The Daily Star. SEE PAGE 6 COL 1
at a time when the forex reserves of the country are
SEE PAGE 2 COL 1 strained. SEE PAGE 2 COL 1

Japan ex-PM Abe Politician

who tried to
assassinated reinvigorate
Suspect held; world leaders condemn killing
AGENCIES It was all the more shocking given Japan’s
strict gun laws and low rates of violent
Japan’s glory
Former prime minister Shinzo crime, with Japan’s Prime Minister AGENCIES
Abe, the longest-serving Fumio Kishida, describing the
leader of modern Japan, was killing as a “barbaric act” that Japan’s longest-serving prime minister
gunned down yesterday was “absolutely unforgivable”. Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated
while campaigning for a Prime Minister Sheikh yesterday, dedicated his life to reviving
parliamentary election, Hasina yesterday expressed Japan’s economy with his bold
shocking a country where her deep shock and sorrow “Abenomics” policies, revising the post-
political violence is rare. over the killing. WWII pacifist constitution, and restoring
Abe was pronounced dead A suspect was arrested traditional values.
around five and a half hours at the scene. Senior police Abe, who left office in 2020, was shot
after the shooter opened fire on officers later named the and killed during an election campaign
him from behind as he spoke to suspect as unemployed 41-year- speech.
members of the public from a traffic old Tetsuya Yamagami, who said he During a visit to the United States in
island in the western city of Nara. had used a handmade gun. February 2013, shortly after becoming
The murder of the 67-year-old stunned Japan’s PM for the second time, Abe
PHOTO ON PAGE 12 SEE PAGE 5 COL 1
the nation and prompted an international declared, “Japan is back”.
BANGLADESH OBSERVES STATE
outpouring of grief and condemnation. MOURNING TODAY -- SEE PAGE 2 SEE PAGE 6 COL 2

Holidaymakers on the packed Jamalpur Commuter head home to celebrate Eid. The other train, Dhaka-bound Bhawal Express, was almost empty
at Gazipur’s Sreepur Railway Station. There was intense rush of homebound passengers throughout yesterday. PHOTO: ABU BAKAR SIDDIQUE
 NEWS
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022

2 ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

TANGAIL’S MADHUPUR Bangladesh observes

Foresters, Garo state mourning today
UNB, Dhaka
people at odds Bangladesh is observing a one-day state
mourning today for former Japanese prime
over land minister and the country’s true friend Shinzo
Abe.
MIRZA SHAKIL The Cabinet Division issued a notification in
this regard yesterday evening.
Tensions have been brewing between As a mark of Bangladesh’s deepest respect
members of the Garo communityand for Abe, the national flag will fly half-mast on all
foresters over pieces of land in the Amtali government, semi-government and autonomous
forest of Tangail’s Madhupur upazila. institutions’ offices, and missions abroad.
While Garos have been cultivating Special prayers will be offered today for the
crops on the land for generations, the eternal peace of the departed soul.
forest department has recently adopted Abe, 67, died yesterday after being shot while
a plan to dig an artificial lake there for delivering a campaign speech in southern Japan.
tourists.
A few days ago, the authorities put up a
sign forbidding people from entering the
Policeman, 3 others
land, saying it was “reserved forestland”.
Locals have been opposing the
held with yaba
lake from the very beginning, fearing STAFF CORRESPONDENT, Ctg
endangerment of their livelihood and
culture. Members of Rab-7 arrested four men, including a
Witnesses said some foresters, led by police constable, with 5,280 pieces of yaba pills in
Dokhala Range Officer Ismail Hossain, Chattogram.
went to the area on Wednesday after Upal Chakma, 45, a constable of CMP City
learning that Garos, including Kaushala The journey of joy has turned into pain for holidaymakers, who are heading for their home districts to celebrate Eid-ul- Special Branch, Nantu Das, 42, Kamrul Islam,
Nokrek, a well-known farmer in the area, Azha. This picture taken around 11:30am yesterday shows passengers bound for northern districts are stuck in a long 30, and Ghiyasuddin, 42, were arrested near
were ploughing the land with some other tailback on Dhaka-Tangail highway near Tangail town. The snarl-up of vehicles stretched about 25 kilometres at the Chattogram Medical College Hospital around
workers. east end of Bangabandhu Bridge. PHOTO: MIRZA SHAKIL
11:15pm on Thursday.
The rangers retreated following an A case has been filed against them under
altercation between the two sides. They, the Narcotics Control Act with Panchlaish
however, took policemen to the spot later Police Station, said Sadequr Rahman, inspector
to stop the farmers.
Garo farmers alleged that the rangers
G20 SUMMIT IN BALI (investigation) of the police station.

threatened to shoot them. Seven die from Covid

Contacted, Kaushala said they have
been cultivating the land for generations.
The foresters, on Wednesday, went there
and threatened to shoot.
“I asked them if the weapons were
West seeks to unblock STAR REPORT

Seven people died from Covid-19 in 24 hours

till 8:00am yesterday, read a press release of the
Directorate General of Health Services.

Ukraine’s grain ports

provided to them by the government to
shoot us,” she told The Daily Star With this, the death toll in the country now
Her question was met with a threat. stands at 29,195 and the death rate at 1.47 percent.
She asked this correspondent, “What At least 1,611 fresh cases were recorded during
will we eat if we can’t cultivate?” this period.
The current positivity rate stands at 16.82
Range Officer Ismail said they went
to the spot to forbid the Garos from
Russian FM walks out of the talks amid criticism; percent and the total positivity rate at 13.77 percent.
A total of 9,580 samples were tested across the
ploughing land with tractors.
“But they continued their work.” artillery barrages pepper Donbas country during this period.
He denied the allegation of threatening Meanwhile, at least 890 patients have
AGENCIES High on their concerns was getting invasion, diplomats said. recovered from Covid-19 within this time.
to open fire. “We didn’t say we would
shoot them. When we asked them to stop grain shipments from Ukraine out of Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno
Western officials yesterday tried to blockaded Black Sea ports. Marsudi called on the G20 to “find SUNNY MURDER
ploughing, they chanted ‘shoot us’. We coax Russia into allowing Ukraine to
then left the area.”
Local Garo leader Eugene Nokrek,
ship its grain out to the world as the
four-month-old war threatened to
At a plenary session, US Secretary
of State Antony Blinken urged
a way forward” to address global
challenges and said the repercussions
Rab arrests three more
also the president of Joyenshahi Adivasi Moscow to let Ukrainian grain out to of the war, including rising energy OUR CORRESPONDENT, Rajshahi
bring hunger to countries far away the world, a Western official said.
Unnayan Parishad, told The Daily Star and food prices, would hit poor
that several indigenous families had been from the battlefields. “He addressed Russia directly, Rab arrested three more persons for their alleged
Moscow, however, accused the countries the hardest.
cultivating crops for a long time on the saying: ‘To our Russian colleagues: The biggest conflict in Europe involvement in Rajshahi’s Sunny murder.
lands where the forest department plans West of waging economic warfare on Ukraine is not your country. Its Mohammad Moyeen, the prime accused in the
Russia by attempting to isolate it with since World War Two has killed
to dig the lake. grain is not your grain. Why are you case, his mother Bithi, and Habibi Kumkum Saba
The department is constructing a new sanctions imposed over the February thousands, displaced millions and were arrested from Kurigram, said Rab.
blocking the ports? You should let flattened Ukrainian cities.
rest house close to the area. 24 invasion. the grain out,’” the official said. The trio was trying to flee the country, claimed
Local lawmakers, following the On the frontlines in Ukraine’s On Sunday, Moscow declared Lt Col Riaz Shahriar, commanding officer of Rab-5,
Earlier, Lavrov had berated the
agriculture ministry’s directives, have eastern Donbas region, officials it had “liberated” Luhansk and at a press briefing in Rajshahi Rab office yesterday.
West, saying that instead of focusing
spoken to locals in this regard. The locals, reported continued Russian shelling now plans to capture parts of Meanwhile, two teams of Rab-5 arrested two
on how to tackle global economic
however, did not agree to the lake or the of towns and villages ahead of an neighbouring Donetsk it does not other accused -- Raheem, 20, and Shahi, 21 --
rest house. problems at the meeting, ministers
anticipated new push to grasp more had embarked on “frenzied criticism” control. from Dhaka and Narayanganj on Thursday.
Eugene further said, “We think it is territory. Luhansk governor Serhiy Gaidai On July 3, a group of miscreants abducted
important to resolve the issue quickly of Russia over the Ukraine conflict,
At a meeting of G20 foreign reports Reuters. said yesterday Russian forces were Sunny, son of Rafiqul Islam Pakhi, vice-president
through discussions.” ministers in Bali, Indonesia, some of of the motor workers’ union, from Rajshahi
He walked out of a morning session indiscriminately shelling villages,
Sajjadur Rahman, divisional forest the staunchest critics of the Russian Medical College Hospital premises.
officer in Tangail, said though the locals as German counterpart Annalena towns and cities.
invasion confronted the Kremlin’s top Later, he was stabbed to death in Hetemkhan
Baerbock criticised Moscow over its
SEE PAGE 6 COL 1 diplomat Sergei Lavrov. SEE PAGE 5 COL 5 Sahajipara area of Rajshahi city.

Homegoers get stuck in tailbacks Flood death toll now 113

FROM PAGE 1 on Dhaka-Mymensingh much less time on the plaza on the expressway for have lost all energy. anticipation that there Says the DGHS
Meanwhile, cattle traders highway has occupied two roads despite the tailbacks 15 minutes,” said Mahmud The transport company would be a scarcity of
have been in fear of losing lanes of the road at multiple near the Padma Bridge toll Hossain, who is a student. employees say they do not launch passengers because UNB, Dhaka
money as trucks going to places between Tongi plazas. But finding a vehicle In Gabtoli terminal know when the bus will of the Padma Bridge was
Dhaka from the northern Bridge and Chandana was a major challenge for in the capital yesterday reach Dhaka,” Parveen said. proven wrong. Although flood situation continues to improve in most
districts remained stuck in intersection, creating them. evening, several thousand Those travelling shorter At Kamalapur Railway places, another death was reported in Habiganj in 24
traffic. bottlenecks that resulted in Pick-up and truck people were seen waiting distances paid the drivers of Station, as trains arrived hours till yesterday morning, taking the total flood-
In Tangail, Traffic a 26km tailback. drivers took Tk 500 from for their buses that could trucks and three-wheelers behind schedule, hundreds related fatalities to 113.
Inspector Delwar Hossain Motorists said it took each individual they carried not enter Dhaka because to carry them for a lot more of people struggled to The latest victim drowned in floodwater, according to
said the tailbacks happened them over two hours from the capital’s Jatrabari of congestion on the than the usual fare. People get on board through the the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
as the number of vehicles to travel just about two to Bhanga in Faridpur. highways. Around 5:30pm, were seen travelling on the doors and windows. Many The total deaths were recorded between May 17 and
multiplied for the holidays. kilometres. Congestion was Some trucks carried people Parveen Begum, who was roofs of buses. were seen happy to be able July 8, it said.
Some trucks going out most severe in Konabari with cattle. with her elderly mother However, river traffic to climb to the rooftop. Among the total deceased, 85 people died by drowning
of order in the middle and Safipur Palli Bidyut “My mother and I had and three children, said was smooth yesterday: 14 [Our correspondents in floodwater, 15 from lightning strikes, two from snake
of the road also created areas, they added. to board a pick-up … She she had been waiting since launches left for Barishal in Tangail, Gazipur, bites, one from diarrhoea, and nine due to other reasons.
bottlenecks. Those going to the fell sick on the way as the 1:00pm. with a good number Munshiganj and Manikganj Of the deceased, 60 people died in Sylhet, 40 in
Construction work southern towns spent vehicle got stuck at a toll “My mother and children of passengers. The contributed to this report.] Mymensingh, 12 in Rangpur and one in Dhaka division,
it said.

Hope against hope Pilgrims pack Mt Arafat

FROM PAGE 1 the government has total,” he said. Only one out of three remained underutilised as Centre for Policy
The first unit of the already instructed He also said that as per units of the Barapukuria a substation required for Dialogue (CPD) estimated FROM PAGE 12 thousand in 2020 and
1,320-megawatt Payra restrictions on lighting his knowledge, no new coal power plant are power evacuation is being the number at Tk 26,533 before performing the 60,000 in 2021.
plant and the 525MW in social programmes, coal-based power plant operating, using coal repaired for back-feeding crore in the 2021-22 fiscal symbolic “stoning of the A number of world
Barapukuria plant are now shopping malls, shops will be in operation by produced in Barapukuria. electricity to the Rampal year and forecast that Tk devil” ceremony today. leaders have participated
generating 763MW -- less and households and it is September. These units cannot go into power plant.” 31,600 crore would be spent “I am so happy to be this year, including
than half their combined contemplating shortening “The second unit of full production because the Even if the government as capacity charge to power here... This is the biggest Mauritania’s president and
capacity. office hours, introducing Payra is ready but not coal mine is not producing adopts austerity measures plants in the ongoing 2022- hajj in the coronavirus era, Indonesia’s vice president.
Of a total of 152 power “home office” for its operating due to lack of a enough coal. and keeps fuel-based power 23 fiscal. but it isn’t big enough yet,” State media yesterday
plants across the country, officials and rescheduling transmission line, which Asked about plants out of operation, Contacted, CPD’s Egyptian pilgrim Saad reported that Chechen
only 59 were operational school timing. is likely to be ready in Barapukuria power plant, the capacity charges to be research director Dr Farhat Khalil, 49, told AFP. strongman Ramzan
on Thursday, according to An official of PGCB December. We are paying Tamim said, “Since we are paid to the power plants Khondaker Golam “There are one million Kadyrov had arrived in the
the Power Grid Company of told The Daily Star that Tk 103 crore every month not able to operate the will continue to be a huge Moazzem told The Daily here today, but if the kingdom to perform the
Bangladesh (PGCB). the government only said in capacity payment for Barapukuria plant because burden. Star that the government Saudis allowed more, 10
hajj.
The rest were out of “September” hoping that this power plant running of a lack of coal, firing Experts suggested should initiate two types of million would have come,”
At noon, thousands of
he added.
operation either because the winter will reduce at half-capacity [the first up three new coal-based renegotiating contracts initiatives. pilgrims prayed in Namirah
Entry roads were
of the fuel crisis or due to demand for electricity, and unit is running at 660MW]. power plants would not with power plant owners “One is austerity, which mosque, where the Prophet
packed with worshippers
maintenance issues. that the timeline is not And through the same solve the crisis unless coal and suspending capacity is going to be taken, which as helicopters buzzed Mohammed (PBUH) gave
On Thursday, 28 based on any study. transmission line, Rampal supply is ensured.” charges for the time being. will not be sufficient. That’s overhead and volunteers sermons.
power plants were out Prominent energy expert will also supply electricity. Replying to a question, According to data why the government needs handed out bottles of water The hajj is taking place
of operation due to fuel M Tamim said the difference Adani will also come next Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury of Institute for Energy to take initiatives for the and collected rubbish in against the backdrop of a
shortage, and that number of peak-hour demand in year.” said during Thursday’s Economics and Financial long term. They could green plastic bags. resurgence in the region,
was 19 on June 30, when winter and summer is more The Daily Star briefing that the full Analysis (IEEFA), the announce the suspension The hajj, usually one of with some Gulf countries
the government started than 4,000MW. reported earlier that the capacity of the Barapukuria government has paid a of capacity payments for at the world’s largest annual tightening restrictions to
power rationing, showed “Currently, our national transmission line to import power plant cannot be total of Tk 33,970 crore least six months. religious gatherings, is keep Covid outbreaks in
the PGCB data. AC [air-conditioner] electricity from India’s utilised as coal production in “capacity payments” to “Those payments were among the five pillars check.
The government is consumption load is more Adani power plant will not at the nearby coal mine has the independent power fixed by the contract of Islam and must be All participants were
trying to cut dependency than 2,500MW at peak be ready by this year. remained suspended for producers, rental and quick papers with the power undertaken by all Muslims required to submit
on imported fuel and gas- hours. The government M Tamim, however, development of the next rental power plants between plant owners and the with the means at least proof of vaccination and
based power plants and recommends setting the welcomed the power- phase of the mine. 2017-18 and 2020-21. government. But for any once in their lives. negative PCR tests. On
rely more on domestic thermostats at 25 degrees saving recommendations “The next phase will be In 2017-18, it was Tk emergency reason, as In 2019, as in previous reaching their white-tent
gas production, coal-fired Celsius. Even If everybody made by the government, ready for production after a 5,600 crore, in 2018-19 it per the contract law, the years, some 2.5 million encampment at Mina
power plants and imported adjusts their thermostats saying it was the only month,” he said. was Tk 6,241 crore, in 2019- government could change Muslims from around the on Thursday, they were
electricity. to 24 degrees, it would solution to reduce the “The Payra power 20 Tk 8,929 crore and in any terms and conditions,” world took part, a figure handed bags containing
To save electricity, save 700-800MW more in electricity demand. plant’s capacity also has 2020-21 Tk 13,200 crore. he said. that dropped to a few masks and sanitiser.
DHAKA 3
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022
ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

Biometric Online cattle

attendance
at apex court sales on decline
from August 1 Many opt for old ways of
STAFF CORRESPONDENT buying sacrificial animals,
The Supreme Court as Covid situation better
is going to introduce
biometric attendance of its than last year’s
Appellate Division officials
and staffers on August 1. DIPAN NANDY
The officials and
employees of the apex As the fear Covid-19 is not as much when
court will have to attend compared to the situation last year, online sales
and sign off offices of sacrificial animals this Eid has declined. People
through electronic system have been showing more interest in on-the-spot
from that day. purchases so far this year.
This is being done Besides, the experience of buying animals
to ensure timely office online has not been smooth for everyone, which
attendance of officials and has contributed to the decline as well.
staffers. According to the Ministry of Fisheries and
The information Livestock, about 90,93,242 animals were
technology section of the sacrificed across the country last year, of which,
Appellate Division will 3,87,579 were bought online.
record fingerprints of According to Department of Livestock
the officials and workers Services, 1.21 crore animals have been prepared
of the division from July for sacrifice this year.
18 to July 21 to execute However, the digital “haat” is still being
biometric attendance, operated by Dhaka North City Corporation,
mentioned a notification e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB)
issued by Appellate and Bangladesh Dairy Farm Association (BDFA),
Division Registrar with technical support from a2i’s online platform
Mohammad Saifur Ekshop.
Rahman on July 6. Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir, a2i
After its introduction project director, told this correspondent, “The
in the apex court, the Despite the construction of Padma Bridge, many were seen to still travel on launches to reach their home before Eid. The large fear of Covid-19 is no longer the same as before.
biometric system will be Due to the lower number of infections this
vessels were filled with passengers, making multiple trips throughout the day. This photo was taken from Postogola bridge year, people are less keen to purchase sacrificial
launched in the High yesterday. PHOTO: ANISUR RAHMAN
Court as well, Saifur said.
For the last eight years,
Bikroy has been bringing
29 dengue
patients Dhaka cattle markets sacrificial animals for
Eid-ul-Azha. In today’s busy life,
digital purchases have become a
hospitalised
in 24hrs
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
finally booming necessity. Our site has so far posted
over 10,000 sacrificial animal
advertisements, and around 2,000
have been sold.
At least 29 dengue patients ISHITA SHARMIN, CEO of Bikroy.com
have been admitted to
different hospitals across
the country in the last
24 hours till 8:00am
Abu Musa animals online and more interested in on-the-
spot purchases. The response has been low so far,
yesterday.
All the new cases were
Chowdhury when compared to the last two years’.”
According to e-CAB, 3,87,000 cows, goats and
from Dhaka, and the total
number of cases rose to
passes away other animals were sold online last year, with a
STAFF CORRESPONDENT, market value of Tk 2,500 crore.
1,376, said Directorate Around 11,13, 809 visitors have visited “Digital
Ctg
General of Health Services Haat” this year as of yesterday, while 38,641
(DGHS). animals have been sold on the online platform
Freedom fighter Abu
PHOTO: PALASH KHAN

Among the patients, 121, and “Ancholik haat” under the platform. The total
Musa Chowdhury passed
eight of whom are from sales have amounted to Tk 355 crore.
away at his village home
outside Dhaka, are still Around 10,590 animals have been sold by
in Haidchakia village of
undergoing treatment. merchants, with sales amounting to Tk 87 crore.
Chattogram’s Fatikchhari
A total of 1,254 patients There have been 422 crore transactions online
upazila around 2:30am
recovered, while one this year so far.
yesterday.
patient has died so far. Although sales are low, the platform is working
He was 67. He is
Earlier, experts warned for better connectivity across the market.
survived by his wife, two
the city corporations of a HELEMUL ALAM and SHAHEEN MOLLAH bulls as those remained unsold. Customers can get more aware about their
children and a host of well-
major dengue outbreak “I had to sell those at Tk 30,000 loss for purchases, while new farmers are entering the
wishers.
this year, after the scenario After seeing a scarcity of customers, each bull to meat traders. If we had sold them platform as well.
On October 2, 1971,
came to light in a DGHS- Dhaka’s cattle markets have started gaining to customers at cattle markets, we would’ve Ishita Sharmin, CEO of Bikroy.com, said, “For
Musa, who was just a
conducted pre-monsoon momentum after Juma prayers yesterday, as a faced a loss of over Tk 1 lakh for each bull,” he the last eight years, Bikroy has been bringing
teenager back then,
survey. huge number of buyers rushed to the markets. said. sacrificial animals for Eid-ul-Azha. In today’s busy
destroyed a foreign ship by
Dhaka is at risk of a Though the demand for small bulls, priced Mohammad Sentu, a trader of Jhenidah, life, digital purchases have become a necessity.
carrying out “Operation
major dengue outbreak at Tk 50,000 to Tk 1 lakh, was said he sold all his three bulls Our site has so far posted over 10,000 sacrificial
Avloz” in Karnaphuli
this year, as clear, stagnant high, demand of medium- and animal advertisements, and around 2,000 have
water, the breeding ground Though the demand by Friday morning, facing a Tk river. He also took part in
large-sized bulls, especially been sold.”
for Aedes mosquitoes, those that are being sold for Tk for small bulls, 30,000 loss, fearing further
loss due to low number of
“Operation Jackpot” and
“Considering the overall Covid situation, this
five other valiant naval
at under-construction 2 lakh, was low. priced at Tk 50,000 customers. operations during the year, we have tried to bring a greater number of
buildings is abundant this Traders have started selling to Tk 1 lakh, was Cattle feed price has doubled sacrificial animals for customers. However, we
Liberation War.
time around. bulls at reduced prices from also recommend purchasing with caution. We
Experts have asked the
high, demand in the last nine months, which Musa’s nephew Mohsin
Thursday night, fearing losses. of medium- and is the main cause behind the Kazi, also joint secretary encourage vendors to use pictures taken from
authorities concerned to “I brought 23 bulls priced different angles while putting up advertisements,”
take immediate steps to between Tk 1.50 lakh and 7 large-sized bulls, high cattle price, he said.
Shariful Islam, a trader of
general of Bangladesh
she added.
Federal Union of
address the matter. lakh, but could only sell seven especially those that Karimganj of Kishoreganj, Journalists (BFUJ), told Chief Marketing Officer of Daraz Tajdin
of them,” said Ahmed Hossain, are being sold for Tk said he sold a bull for Tk 1.18 this correspondent that Hassan said their platform has sold 250 animals
manager of Hossain Agro, who
PRAYER was frustrated since he had to
2 lakh, was low. lakh yesterday at Gabtoli cattle
market, out of his five bulls, for
he was laid to rest at the
family graveyard yesterday
this year, while it sold 350 last year.
“Daraz provided free home deliveries and other
TIMING let them go, incurring around Tk 8,000 loss for Tk 9,000 loss.
each bull on average. “I’ve started to sell my bulls even at a bit of
after Asr prayers. offers for purchase of sacrificial animals,” he
added.
JULY 9 Earlier, his namaz-e-
Ahmed said he sold them for a loss due to a loss, as I’m still confused about the market janaza was held with state Some individual online-sellers, however, have
Fazr Zohr Asr Maghrib Esha lack of customers at Dholaikhal cattle market. trend,” said Shariful. seen better sales compared to last year.
honour.
AZAN 4-10 12-45 5-00 6-55 8-17 It’ll be impossible to sell them before Eid, and Mohamamd Dalu Mia -- a cattle trader of His first operation Sanjeeda Akhter, founder of Sanju-Shafiq
JAMAAT 4-45 1-15 5-15 7-00 8-45 there is little demand for big bulls on the last Gabtoli, who brought two bulls, said, “Although was Operation Jackpot in Agro, told this correspondent that 13 bulls from
SOURCE: ISLAMIC FOUNDATION day. Last year, he had to take back all his 31 big SEE PAGE 4 COL 4 SEE PAGE 4 COL 5 SEE PAGE 4 COL 5

A battle to reach home Univ teacher

arrested over
Dhaka residents struggling amid dearth of harassment
public transport, high fares of student
STAFF CORRESPONDENT short-distance passengers. They are also STAFF CORRESPONDENT
collecting extra fares for going to terminal
Due to a lack of public transport, Md areas. Police arrested a teacher at
Asif had to change vehicles several times Anisur Rahman, who wanted to go to Shanto-Mariam University
to reach Gulistan from Mirpur. He had Gabtoli from Motijheel, said, “I’ll go to of Creative Technology
to take a rickshaw ride, get off and then Rajbari for Eid. So, I want to go to Gabtoli on charges of molesting a
on a Laguna, and finally just walk to his by bus. But the conductor wants Tk 80, student.
destination. when the regular fare is The arrestee is Kumar
He said he could not use Buses running in Tk 30. Animesh Bhattacharjee
auto-rickshaws due to their Talking to several (42), a lecturer at
high fares.
Gabtoli, Sayedabad
others, it was learnt that Department of Fashion
Not only Asif, thousands and Gulistan areas Tk-30 fares are now Tk 70 Design and Technology,
of people are going are not taking to 80, and passengers are said police.
through a similar situation. short-distance still having trouble finding Mohammad Mohsin,
Those who want to leave passengers. They transport. Auto-rickshaws officer-in-charge of Uttara
Dhaka to celebrate Eid
with their loved ones are
are also collecting and rickshaws are being West Police Station, said
hired much more. they arrested Animesh on
especially suffering. extra fares for Rashedul Amin, who Thursday night, after the
On the occasion of Eid, going to terminal came to Sayedabad by auto- student filed a case against
public transport vehicles areas. rickshaw from Rampura, two, including classmate
that usually run inside said, “I was forced to come Nahidul Haque (25).
Dhaka are now going to nearby districts. here paying three times the regular fare. Quoting the case
As a result, they are not interested in Capitalising on this crisis is inhumane. statement, police said
carrying passengers travelling within This happens every Eid, but no one does Nahidul invited the
Dhaka. anything to stop it.” Chatai, a mat made of bamboo slates, is an essential item for Eid-ul-Azha, especially for the time of student to a party at
Buses running in Gabtoli, Sayedabad Passenger Welfare Association, in a sacrifice. Bundles of chatai, therefore, were being carried by these van riders on Manik Mia avenue, Animesh’s apartment
and Gulistan areas are not taking SEE PAGE 4 COL 4 possibly to be sold in a cattle market. This photo was taken recently. PHOTO: PALASH KHAN SEE PAGE 4 COL 4
 NEWS
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022

4 ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

Jamuna devours 1,000 Building wall at old FROM PAGE 5 “Dhopadighi Area for

homes in Tangail The prison authority earlier

claimed that the pole was
being installed inside the
Better Environment and
Beautification”, funded by
the Indian government,
MIRZA SHAKIL, Tangail recently told us that a project was area where a new wall of which was inaugurated on
already approved regarding the the jail is planned to be June 11. The mayor then
With erosion by the river Jamuna construction of an embankment,” constructed. informed the matter to the
taking a serious turn, over 1,000 said Shahidul Islam Apu, chairman of The minister said, “He foreign minister and higher
dwellings and vast tracks of croplands Solimabad Union Parishad. [DIG Prisons], not sure authorities of the local
have been devoured in Tangail. Affected by the flood and erosion, whether he admits it or government.
Numerous houses and other Jorina Begum (35) from Konabari not, did a wrong thing Contacted on Tuesday,
structures -- including educational in Bhuanpur along with family and by removing the pole. He Muhammad Manjur
institutions -- have also remained valuables has taken shelter in the flood should have informed the Hossain, senior jail super
under erosion threat. control embankment in Govindasi. “We authorities concerned of Sylhet Central Jail, said,
The homeless people are living do not know where we will go now. No about this disagreement, “For security reasons,
under the open sky or have taken one comes to us with any assistance so as both are government the wall needs to be
shelter in safer places, including their far.” offices.” constructed, and the pole
relatives’ homes, said locals. On the other hand, a portion of the “He [DIG of Prisons] was erected at the location.
Although the local administrations newly constructed embankment near may have shown security We will settle this matter
provided financial support to some Bangabandhu Bridge in Beltia, Kalihati reasons while approving soon by discussing with the
of the victims, they demanded the collapsed due to erosion, creating a the project of Tk 70 lakh, corporation.”
construction of an embankment for a possibility for the nearby localities of but this is useless and the DIG Prisons Md Kamal
permanent solution. being washed away. approving authority must Hossain could not be
The worst affected Mohammad Jinnah, have overlooked it,” he said. contacted after repeated
areas are Doptior, chairman of Kakua Momen said, “I will phone calls.
Solimabad and Bharra Union Parishad under inform the home minister Notably, the old jail near
in Nagarpur upazila, Sadar upazila, said in this regard, and I believe Dhopadighi remains as a
Beltia and Alipur the dumping of geo he will cancel the project.” backup jail, since a new jail An “ator (perfume)” seller hands out a sample to a customer to have a smell in
in Kalihati upazila, bags cannot stop On Tuesday, SCC Mayor at Badaghat in Sylhet Sadar
Ariful Haque Chowdhury
Barishal’s Chawkbazar area. Traditionally during the time of Eid, these sellers are
Govindasi, Arjuna erosion in the area. upazila is being used as
said the pole was installed seen in front of different mosques, selling 30 to 60 ml bottles at a price ranging
and Nikrail in Md Sirajul Islam, the main jail since January
Bhuanpur upazila as part of the project 2019. from Tk 120 to 600. This photo was taken yesterday. PHOTO: TITU DAS
executive engineer
and Kakua and of WDB in Tangail,
Hugra in Sadar
upazila.
said they were
dumping such bags on A battle to reach
FROM PAGE 3 Shyamoli to Gulistan. Fare In a dire state for 50 years
Mohammad Danej an emergency basis.
Sheikh, a farmer from Asked about the damage statement, made similar of Tk 25 for Dhanmondi to
claims yesterday. It said
FROM PAGE 5 her adolescent daughter five are required to run the
Khash Tebaria village in caused by the erosion, Tangail Sadarghat rose to Tk 200, hospital, while the number
since Thursday evening, suffering from diarrhoea, hospital properly.
Nagarpur, had relocated his home from District Relief and Rehabilitation it mentioned. was 5,331 in 2019. This year
fares of city buses have said it is uncomfortable to “There are three vacant
the riverside six times in the last few Officer Dilip Kumar Saha told The Daily However, Khandaker 2,100 patients have been
been increased by five to six stay in the same ward with posts for cleaning staff.
years. But he could not save the house Star, “The number of damaged houses Enayetullah, general admitted to the hospital till
times in some cases. male patients. There are no night guards
this year. must be at least 1,000.” secretary of Bangladesh June.
Tk 300 bus fare was “The authority should or office assistants. The
“Now I have nowhere to go with my He added that the district Road Transport Owners’ On-duty medical officer
being taken to go from put some boundaries at pharmacist himself
wife and children,” Danej said. administration has already allocated a Association, said the Shaila Nahid said even the
Uttara to Sayedabad, when least,” she said. performs all these duties.
Like him, numerous riverbank total of Tk 7.5 lakh in the three upazilas allegations of overcharging slightest shower during
the regular fare is Tk 50. Md Rashel Ahmed Sometimes, doctors need
people in three unions under the -- Nagarpur, Kalihati and Bhunapur. are not true. Some isolated monsoon causes rainwater
Passengers had to pay Tk got admitted with food to be on duty for 24 hours,”
upazila faced a similar fate. When contacted, Tangail Deputy cases may have occurred, to leak through the
200 instead of Tk 30 for poisoning in the first week he said.
Altab Hossain from Solimabad said Commissioner Dr Ataul Gani said which is another matter. ceiling, causing suffering of May, along with his four “We have sent a letter to
he already lost his dwelling house to assisting the affected families is to patients. It is especially colleagues. higher authorities seeking
river erosion.
“We have to get our children
continuing. However, this assistance is
not enough for them, he added. Univ teacher arrested difficult for female patients
due to the lack of privacy
“I couldn’t bear the
odour that was all around
support to construct a new
building and transform it
admitted to another school due to “We have already sent a proposal FROM PAGE 3 be there. and relaxed security.
in Uttara on Wednesday the hospital, coming from into a 50-bed hospital. But
erosion, hampering their education,” to the government through the Water There the two accused “Dampness has caused
night. Even after declining the abandoned spaces. we are yet to receive any
he added. Development Board to take measures to molested her, the statement the plaster to peel off
multiple times, she was The wash rooms were a response from them,” said
“The Water Development Board prevent river erosion permanently.” read. The OC said they large parts of the ceiling
urged by Nahidul to go, as nightmare too,” he said. Suzat Ahmed, Khulna civil
are currently looking for and walls. The hospital
other classmates will also “When we asked them surgeon.
Nahidul. premises have turned into to clean the wash room, About lack of doctors,
a good breeding ground
Dhaka cattle
FROM PAGE 3 and he will go to the market
for mosquitoes due to
excessive bushes and lack
the hospital authority said
there was no cleaner.”
Medical Officer Md
he said no doctor wants
to stay in the hospital due
to its poor condition. The
I’ve spent around Tk 10 of cleaning,” she added. Habibur Rahman said situation will improve
after evening today. Mahamuda Nipa,
lakh in the last six months “Last year, prices were there are only two medical once the new building is
to raise these two, I’m who was attending to officers, whereas at least constructed, he added.
lower on the last day, so
getting very low offers.” we’ll wait till then. If we
He’s demanding Tk 12 don’t get any bulls in our
lakh for his Australian bull price range, we’ll buy
and Tk 8 lakh for his Shahi goats,” he said.
Wall. Although the number of
MANY TRADERS WAIT customers and sacrificial
FOR LAST DAY animals were low in Gabtoli
Although there’s only one cattle market till Thursday,
day left, many traders are a huge number of cattle
still waiting to lower prices, carrying trucks were seen
just like last year. in the afternoon yesterday,
Irfan Hossain, a resident which made cattle traders
of Kazipara, said his budget more worried about getting
is Tk 60,000 to buy a bull, good prices.

Abu Musa
FROM PAGE 3
August, 1971. Avloz was
his third operation. The
heroism of the freedom
fighters spread all over the
world after the destruction
of the Greek oil-laden ship
MT Avloz at Chattogram
port on October 2, 1971
under his leadership.
After the
accomplishment of
Operation Avloz, he
took part in operations
to destroy MV Turag in
Buriganga-Dhaleshwari
estuary, to destroy the
UN supply ship Mini Lady
and Mini Lion in front
of the World Godown in
Narayanganj and to blow
up Kanchpur ferry and
pontoon. These naval
operations have been
marked as milestones
in the history of the
Liberation War.
The head injuries
he sustained during
Operation Avloz turned
into a serious illness two
decades after the war, and
he bore the brunt of the
battle till his last breath,
said Mohsin.

Online cattle
FROM PAGE 3
her farm were sold online
last year.
“This year, we put 12
bulls for sale from our farm.
All of them have been sold.
We provide home delivery,
which has made our sales
faster,” she explained.
Many have also opted
for online purchases due to
their convenience.
Robin Raihan, a resident
of Uttara, said, “I buy
sacrificial animals from an
online shop because it is
hassle-free.”
CITY 5
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022
ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

Chui jhal, must-have Building wall

at old Sylhet
for a southerner’s Eid jail will waste
PARTHA CHAKRABORTY, Bagerhat

It’s a long-held heritage of the southerners to use “chui

money
jhal” (piper chaba) along with other spices to cook meat. Says foreign
This spice is extremely popular in the region throughout
the year. However, the demand multiplies before Eid-ul- minister after
Azha. argument between
In Bagerhat, seasonal traders have set up mobile shops
selling the item in different places. Crowds at these shops SCC, jail authorities
are a common scene. At regular times, it is sold at Tk 600 OUR CORRESPONDENT,
to 1,000 per kilo. But at present, it’s being sold at Tk 800 Sylhet
to 2,000 depending on the size.
According to Bagerhat Department of Agricultural The plan to construct
Extension (DAE), the spice is cultivated in the south- a new wall at old Sylhet
western districts of Bagerhat, Khulna, Narail, Jashore Central Jail-2 is useless
and Satkhira. and an attempt to waste
At present, its popularity as a spice is also increasing public money by looting,
in other districts. Chui is a creeper plant; its stems are says Foreign Minister Dr
grey, and the leaves are like betel leaves. The roots and AK Abdul Momen.
stems of chui jhal are all medicinal. The minister, also a
The spice goes wonderfully with duck, beef and goat. lawmaker from Sylhet-1,
Gauranga Das, a vendor in Bagerhat’s Kachua upazila, made this remark while
said the item sells well all year round. However, during visiting Dhopadighi
Eid-ul-Azha, sales shoot up. As a result, wholesalers raise area yesterday, where a
prices, and retailers also have to sell at higher prices. disagreement between
Depending on the size of the stem, it’s sold at Tk 800 Sylhet City Corporation
to 2,000 per kilo, he added. (SCC) and the jail authority
Saddam Sheikh, who came to buy the spice, said, took place on Tuesday.
“Even if the price goes up a little, chui jhal is a must have On that day, the jail
for our household to cook meat.” police with an order from
Ilias Kabir, a buyer, said, “The chui jhal price may go the DIG of prisons in Sylhet
up further before Eid. So I’ve come to buy it in advance to allegedly knocked down
avoid crowds.” an electric pole installed
Azizur Rahman, Bagerhat deputy director of DAE, said under the beautification
about 30 tonnes of the spice is produced by cultivating For southerners, Eid-ul-Azha is almost unimaginable without chui jhal -- a type of plant stem that’s used as a spice, especially for project of the city
on 15 hectares of land in the district. Its market value is cooking meat. Due to increased demand in Khulna, spice traders have set up mobile shops like these, where each kilo is being sold for corporation.
more than Tk 1.5 crores. Tk 300 to 1,800. This photo was taken from Khulna city’s Boro Bazar yesterday. PHOTO: HABIBUR RAHMAN SEE PAGE 4 COL 4

MINIMISING WATERLOGGING
In a dire state 5 killed in road
CDA-CCC joint crashes across
probe body submits
report with for 50 years country
STAR REPORT
Khulna’s lone infectious disease hospital grappled
recommendations with poor infrastructure, lack of manpower
Five people were killed in separate road crashes
across the country in the last two days.
ARUN BIKASH DEY, Ctg In Joypurhat Sadar upazila, a man was killed
and another was injured in an accident yesterday.
A joint probe committee of Chattogram Development The deceased is Dowlat Ali (58) of the upazila,
Authority (CDA) and Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and the injured is Razu Mia.
has submitted a report to the mayor with six short- and Quoting witnesses, police said Razu Mia was
11 long-term recommendations to resolve the city’s heading to Naogaon’s Damoirhat upazila on his
waterlogging problem. motorcycle.
The committee was formed following a meeting of As he reached Jitarpur, he hit Dowlat while
CDA and CCC on June 22, chaired by Chattogram City crossing the road. He died on the spot.
Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, after Locals rescued Razu and rushed him to
most of the port city’s low-lying areas recently remained Joypurhat Modern Hospital.
underwater for several days. In Thakurgaon Sadar, two people were killed
and four injured in a head-on collision between
PHOTO: HABIBUR RAHMAN

CDA Chief Engineer Hasab Bin Shams was made its

convener, and CCC Chief Engineer Rafiqul Islam member a truck and three-wheeler on Thakurgaon-
secretary. Panchagarh highway at Bhulli village on
The short-term recommendations include refraining Thursday.
from throwing waste into canals and drains, legal actions The deceased are Khalilur Rahman (60),
against grabbers, cleaning water bodies regularly, and driver of the three-wheeler, and Parvez (35) of
removal of pipelines set up by different organisations Kumarpur village.
that obstruct water flow. Md Keramat Ali, OC of Moidandighi Highway
The long-term suggestions include land acquisition Police Station, said the accident occurred around
for the project of digging new canal from Bahaddarhat 11:30pm.
Baroipara to Karnaphuli River, taking steps so that Injured Akhter Hossain (35), Supiar Rahman
DIPANKAR ROY, Khulna wards for male and female patients. Although
household and kitchen-market waste cannot be thrown (40), Azijul Islam (45) and his wife Hasina Begum
almost half the patients are children, no
into canals and drains, ensuring silt trap and trash trap, Khulna Infectious Disease Hospital has been (40) from Panchagarh’s Boda upazila took
paediatrician has been appointed in a long time.
formation of drainage and waste management cycle, facing multiple problems for over the last fifty treatment at Thakurgaon Sadar Hospital.
During a recent visit to the hospital at Phulbari
building new water reservoirs, entrusting the charge years. This, in turn, has made it almost A case was filed with Thakurgaon Police
gate, this correspondent found the
for the management of 40 tidal regulators to a specific impossible to offer quality treatment to Station in this regard, the OC said.
hospital building in a dilapidated and
organisation, and removal of earth from the box culvert patients. In Faridpur, two people were killed when an
risky state, due to lack of renovation.
on Sheikh Mujib Road. The 20-bed hospital, established auto-rickshaw overturned and caught fire after
Three buildings for staffers
Both the sources at CDA and CCC confirmed that the near Khulna-Jashore highway at being hit by a speeding truck on Dhaka-Khulna
have already been abandoned,
recommendation report was submitted on Thursday. Mirerdanga area in 1968, provides highway on Thursday night, said police.
with the northern side entirely
To know about the next course of action following the treatment to those infected with The accident occurred around 9.30pm in
unprotected.
submission, this correspondent phoned the mayor, but tetanus, diphtheria, chickenpox, Arkandi area in Madhukhali upazila, said Kankan
According to the civil surgeon
he did not respond to the calls. The CDA chief engineer rabies, mums, diarrhoea, Biswash, officer-in-charge of Kanaipur Highway
office, the hospital, built on four
did the same. pneumatic tetanus, varicella, Police Station.
acres of land, started its journey
The committee convener Rafiqul Islam declined to measles and hydrophobia. One passenger died on the spot and another
with 20 beds. Although 54 years
give further details. This is the only infectious-disease was declared dead by doctors at the upazila
have passed, the number of beds has
Similar refusal came from Mobarak Ali, a member of hospital in the south-western region, health complex, he said.
not increased, neither has the number
the committee and a ward councillor of Chattogram City where patients have been coming from 21 The identities of the deceased could not be
of staff. However, the number of patients is
Corporation. districts for treating such diseases for over 50 known, reports UNB.
increasing day by day.
He said the mayor himself will talk about it to years. “The truck has been seized and legal action will
In 2018, 5,498 patients were admitted to the
journalists if necessary. In the six-ward hospital, there are no separate be taken in this regard,” said the OC.
SEE PAGE 4 COL 6

Japan ex-PM Abe assassinated West seeks to Television’s beloved ‘Maa’

FROM PAGE 1 sympathy and shock massage. Japanese politicians are unblock FROM PAGE 12
cancer, barely took any
“Poush Phaguner e-janaza was held after
The suspected killer Pala”, “Meherjaan”, Juma prayers yesterday
poured in from around the Abe was showing no accompanied by armed FROM PAGE 2
break from the craft she
admitted targeting the The situation was similar “Abar Hawa Bodol”, at the Uttara Sector-11
world following news of vital signs when he was security agents but often loved so much -- acting. Her
politician and said he in settlements in Donetsk. “Brishtir Pore”, “Amader mosque. Later, she was laid
Abe’s death. taken to a hospital. He was get close to the public, love for acting began at the
held a grudge against an Vadym Lyakh, the mayor of Ananda Bari”, “Anchol to eternal rest at Banani
Russian President declared dead at 5:03 pm especially during political age of four, in her first play
organisation he believed Sloviansk in Donetsk, said a (2006)”, “Aguntuk”, Graveyard.
Vladimir Putin called the (0803 GMT), having bled to campaigns when they on stage. Born as Majeda
Abe was connected to, woman was killed overnight “Poshak”, “Chheleti”,
death an “irreplaceable death from deep wounds to make roadside speeches Mollick in May 1947, she “Uposhonghar”, “Chena
police said.
Police declined to give
loss”. British Prime Minister
Boris Johnson hailed the
the heart and the right side
of his neck.
and shake hands with
passers-by.
when Russian shelling hit a
residential building.
started her career in radio Manusher Panchalee”, and Nasa
in 1962, in film in 1964 and “Dhupchhaya”. FROM PAGE 12
details of the “particular leadership role taken by the He had received more The killing might change Britain’s defence
in television in 1968. She Unfortunately, the engineering test photo on
organisation” mentioned former premier, saying the than 100 units of blood the practices, analysts said. ministry said Russian
went on to make history veteran actress never won a Wednesday -- the result of
by the suspect, saying UK stands with Japan “at in transfusions over Abe served two terms as forces were likely to be
as a part of “Dompoti”, National Film Award for her 72 exposures over 32 hours
investigations were this dark and sad time”. four hours, Hidetada prime minister, stepping pausing to replenish before
undertaking new offensive the first drama serial of efforts. “It does not bother that shows a set of distant
ongoing, but several India announced one Fukushima, the professor down in 2020 citing ill stars and galaxies.
operations in Donetsk. Bangladeshi Television. me at all,” she had toldThe
Japanese media outlets day of state mourning, with in charge of emergency health. The image has some
The ministry said Russia’s Throughout her Daily Star. “The affection
described it as a religious Prime Minister Narendra medicine at Nara Medical The hawkish “rough-around-the-edges”
immediate tactical objective illustrious career, Sharmili and respect that people
group. Modi hailing Abe as a University Hospital, told a conservative had pushed qualities, Nasa said in
might be Siversk, a small went on to star in about show me, wherever I go, are
“I am stunned, outraged, global statesman. televised news conference. for the revision of Japan’s a statement, but is still
industrial city in the north 400 films and 150 tele- my awards.”
and deeply saddened by Abe had been making a Members of the public pacifist constitution to “among the deepest images
of Donetsk. fictions -- with the latter Many noted actors
the news that my friend campaign speech outside laid flowers near the spot recognise the country’s of the universe ever taken”
Ukrainian President parts portraying the role wrote on social media
Abe Shinzo, former a train station when two where Abe fell. TV Asahi military, and stayed a and offers a “tantalizing
Volodymyr Zelensky, in of a mother on screen. to pay tributes to the
Prime Minister of Japan, shots rang out. reported that Abe’s body prominent political figure glimpse” at what will be
his video message, said the And what a mother she great actress. “The entire
was shot and killed Security officials were would be transferred to his even after his resignation. revealed in the coming
raising of the Ukrainian flag was -- her warmth, grace acting fraternity lost its
while campaigning,” US then seen tackling a man Tokyo home today. Kishida, who won the weeks, months, and years.
on Snake Island in the Black and simplicity won over Amma,” wrote eminent
President Joe Biden said in in a grey T-shirt and beige It was the first killing of a premiership with Abe’s “When this image
Sea on Thursday was a sign the hearts of everyone who actress Suborna Mustafa
a statement. trousers. sitting or former Japanese backing, said the LDP was taken, I was thrilled
his country would not be is least aware of films and on Facebook. “Her earnest
“This is a tragedy for Kyodo news service leader since a 1936 coup would continue election to clearly see all the
broken. television programmes in smile and grace were
Japan and for all who knew published a photograph of attempt, when several campaigning today to detailed structure in
“Let every Russian the country. motherly -- Sharmili Aunty
him... He was a champion Abe lying face-up on the figures including two ex- demonstrate its resolve to these faint galaxies,” said
captain, aboard a ship or a Among hundreds of her was truly the ‘mother’
of the alliance between our street by a guardrail, blood premiers were assassinated. “never give in to violence”, Neil Rowlands, program
plane, see the Ukrainian flag meticulous TV and film of the screens,” wrote
nations and the friendship on his white shirt. People Post-war Japan prides and to defend a “free and scientist for Webb’s
on Snake Island and let him roles, she played notable Dhallywood ‘king’ Shakib
between our people.” were crowded around him, itself on its orderly and fair election at all cost”. Fine Guidance Sensor at
know that our country will ones in “Malancha”,” Khan.
Similar messages of one administering heart open democracy. Senior Honeywell Aerospace.
not be broken,” Zelensky said. Agun”, “Abirvaab”, Sharmili’s namaz-
6 INTERNATIONAL
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022
ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

‘Gun-free’ GEORGE FLOYD MURDER

Japan stunned
by Abe killing
Ex-cop sentenced
REUTERS, Tokyo
to over 20 years
Japan struggled with
AFP, Saint Paul
shock and sadness
yesterday, trying to
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police
come to terms with the
officer convicted of the murder of George Floyd,
assassination of former was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday on federal charges. Chauvin, who
in a nation where firearms is white, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to
are strictly regulated violating the civil rights of Floyd, a 46-year-
and political violence old Black man, during his May 2020 arrest for
extremely rare. allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy a
From politicians to pack of cigarettes. Chauvin is already serving a
ordinary people, there was 22-and-a-half-year sentence after being convicted
an outpouring of grief. of state murder charges for Floyd’s death, which
Japan’s gun-ownership sparked protests against racial injustice and
restrictions do not allow police brutality across the United States. The state
private citizens to have and federal sentences are to run concurrently.
handguns, and licensed Chauvin, a 19-year veteran of the Minneapolis
hunters may own only police force, was captured in a video that went
rifles. Gun owners must viral kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly 10
attend classes, pass a minutes, until he passed out and died. Chauvin
written test and undergo a and three other police officers who were on the
mental health evaluation scene during Floyd’s fatal arrest -- Tou Thao,
and a background check. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane -- were
Shootings, when they This image received from the Asahi Shimbun newspaper shows a man (centre R) charged with violating his constitutional rights

PHOTO: AFP
occur, typically involve suspected of shooting former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe being tackled to the and failing to respond to his medical needs.
“yakuza” gangsters using ground by police at Yamato Saidaiji Station in the city of Nara, Japan, yesterday. Inset, A
illegal weapons.
woman reacts in front of a makeshift memorial at the scene where Abe was shot.
Japan has
had mass CYBER LIBEL CONVICTION
killings,
but they
Ressa loses appeal
usually
have not
involved
Leave means leave AFP, Manila
guns.
Attacks
UK PM Boris Johnson faces calls to go now Philippine Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa
on politicians, AFP, London largest economy in the interim. it’s right that he has put a team in place lost her appeal against a conviction for cyber
Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner to continue governing whilst the selection libel, her news website Rappler said yesterday, in
though, are
Britain’s main opposition Labour party the latest blow for the veteran journalist. Ressa,
unusual. There have been yesterday said they aimed to trigger a procedure flows for his successor,” he told
yesterday threatened to call a no- 58, and her former colleague Rey Santos
only a handful in the last vote of no-confidence in parliament if the Sky News. “And we should do that I think
confidence vote in Prime Minister Boris Jr face lengthy jail sentences, but the
half century, most notably Tories do not get rid of him immediately. pretty quickly.”
Johnson to get him to quit immediately, company said they will “avail of all
in 2007 when the mayor “He’s a proven liar who’s engulfed in A timetable for the Tory leadership legal remedies available to them”,
of Nagasaki was shot and after he was forced to resign by a cabinet sleaze and we can’t have another couple of contest is expected to be announced on including taking the case to
killed by a gangster - an revolt. months of this,” she told BBC radio. Monday, with the winner installed in time the Supreme Court. The ruling
incident that resulted in Johnson quit as leader of the ruling “If they don’t, we will call a no- for the party’s annual conference in early comes less than two weeks after
still further tightening of Conservative party on Thursday, after confidence vote because it’s pretty clear he October. Defence minister Ben Wallace Philippine authorities ordered
gun regulations. a frenzy of nearly 60 resignations in hasn’t got the confidence of the House (of and Rishi Sunak -- whose resignation as Rappler to shut down ahead of
“I can’t stop shaking. less than 48 hours in opposition to his Commons) or the British public.” finance minister on Tuesday set off the former president Rodrigo Duterte’s
This is the end of peaceful scandal-hit leadership. To do so, they would need the support chain of exits -- were among the early last day in office. Rappler yesterday
Japan,” wrote Twitter user But the 58-year-old premier, whose of dozens of Conservative MPs. But the frontrunners to take over, a YouGov survey described the decision to uphold the
Nonochi. three-year premiership has been defined strategy is fraught as it could trigger a of Tory members suggested. 2020 conviction as “unfortunate”, saying it
“There’s plenty by Britain’s departure from the European general election, which could see Tories Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, another “weakens the ability of journalists to hold power
of politicians I’d like Union and Covid, said he would stay on lose their seats if Johnson is defeated. potential contender, cut short a trip to to account”. “What is ultimately at stake is our
to see disappear, until his successor is found. James Cleverly, newly installed as Indonesia for a G20 meeting to fly back. democracy whose strength rests on a media that
but assassination is As candidates readied for a battle to education minister, insisted that Johnson So far, Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat is not threatened by the state nor intimidated by
inconceivable. It’s the replace Johnson, he faced calls to leave would stay in charge for the next few and Attorney General Suella Braverman forces out to silence critical voices,” Rappler said.
beginning of the end of straight away and for an acting leader to months. have both officially announced their Ressa, who is also a US citizen, is fighting at least
democracy.” be appointed to head the world’s fifth- “It’s right that he has stood down and candidature. seven court cases.

Adieu, music maestro

FROM PAGE 1 win seven national film Doyal Amare”, “Ki Jaadu recognised it as one of the
The unparalleled talent awards as music director, Korila Piriti Shikhaila”, best songs of the golden
behind the song, eminent started his musical career “Tumi Jekhane Ami age of Bangladeshi music.
composer and music at a very early age. At only Shekhane” and “Shobai to What solidifies Khan’s
director Alam Khan, the age of 10, the maestro Bhalobasha Chay”. The first legacy in the Bangladeshi
passed away yesterday at had made the music and two songs in particular music industry, is his role
11:32am at a hospital in the provided vocals for the were the ones that pushed in pushing artistes such
capital. song “Niribili Sondhaye him to superstardom. as Ferdous Wahid, Andrew
His son, Arman Khan, Dekha Hole Dujonaye”, “Orey Neel Doriya” from Kishore and Sheikh Ishtiaq
confirmed the news to which was written by his the 1978 movie “Sareng as playback singers -- with
The Daily Star. The artist’s friend Maksudur Rahman. Bou” was composed and all three making their
namaz-e-janaza took place While the song was never produced by Alam Khan, playback debuts under him.
at the Bangladesh Film released, it marked the with Mukul Chowdhury Even though Khan will
Development Corporation entry of the artistes into penning the lyrics and no longer be with us, the
(BFDC) after Asr prayers. the world of music. Abdul Jabbar providing his legacy he leaves behind
Khan was a titan in Fans and music lovers voice. The song was a pop- has ensured that we will
Bangladesh’s music will remember him as the culture phenomenon then never forget him. His music
industry. His body of work mind behind “Orey Neel and continues to be so. will forever be tied to the
solidifies his legacy, but it is Doriya”, “Hayre Manush Even today, the song culture of our country, the
also the person behind the Rongin Fanush”, “Ami is remade and covered history of our film music,
music that we remember. Rojonigondha Phuler Moto due to its popularity. A and in our hearts and
Khan, who went on to Gondho”, “Daak Diyachhen survey by RTV on the song minds.

Sri Lanka on
alert ahead of
Politician who tried
FROM PAGE 1 the late prime minister charter as responsible for
anti-govt rally Those three words would Nobusuke Kishi, seems to the country’s post-war
come to define Abe’s have mattered most. record of peace.
AFP, Colombo
unique and unparalleled Kishi was a wartime Abe’s underlying agenda
Thousands of heavily armed legacy on Japan’s politics, cabinet minister was to escape what he
troops were deployed in Sri both at home and abroad, imprisoned but never tried called the post-war regime,
Lanka’s capital yesterday where he did more than as a war criminal after a legacy of US occupation
ahead of a planned rally any other Japanese leader World War Two. He served that conservatives argue
demanding the ouster to raise Japan’s standing as prime minister from deprived Japan of national
of embattled President on the world’s stage. 1957 to 1960, resigning pride. Reforming the
Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The lawmaker first due to public furore over education system to restore
The island nation is became Japan’s youngest a renegotiated US-Japan traditional mores was
suffering through an premier since World War security pact. another of his goals.
unprecedented financial Two in 2006, lasting just Five years old at the time, He also adopted a less
crisis, and its 22 million a year before returning Abe famously heard the apologetic stance towards
people have endured for a rare second stint in sound of clashes between Japan’s World War Two
runaway inflation, 2012. Abe became Japan’s police and leftist crowds actions, saying future
prolonged blackouts, and longest-serving premier protesting the pact outside generations should not
shortages of fuel and other in November 2019, but by parliament as he played on have to keep apologising
essential goods since the summer 2020, support had his grandfather’s lap. for past mistakes.
start of the year. been eroded by his handling Kishi tried First elected to
of the Covid-19 outbreak as unsuccessfully to revise parliament in 1993 after
Foresters well as a series of scandals Japan’s US-drafted 1947 his father’s death, Abe
FROM PAGE 2 including the arrest of his constitution to become rose to national fame by
cultivate crops on the former justice minister. an equal security partner adopting a tough stance
land, it is the government- He resigned in with the United States and toward unpredictable
gazetted reserved forest September of that year adopt a more assertive neighbour North Korea in a
land which has been citing ill health without diplomacy - issues central feud over Japanese citizens
earmarked for the lake. achieving his long-held to Abe’s own agenda. kidnapped by Pyongyang
“On humanitarian goal of revising the US- Abe boosted defence decades ago.
grounds, the Tangail deputy drafted constitution. spending and reached out Though Abe also sought
commissioner has already But he remained to other Asian nations to to improve ties with China
pledged to give Tk 5 lakh to a dominant presence counter an increasingly and South Korea, where
the locals who cultivate there.
over the ruling Liberal assertive China. He pushed bitter wartime memories
The upazila administration
has promised to provide Democratic Party (LDP), through laws to let Japan run deep, he riled both
another Tk 5 lakh.” controlling one of its major exercise the right of neighbours in 2013 by
He said the locals were factions. “collective self-defence”, visiting Tokyo’s Yasukuni
even assured of earnings Abe hailed from a or militarily aiding an ally Shrine, seen by Beijing
from renting out boats on wealthy political family under attack. and Seoul as a symbol of
the lake, but they still did that included a foreign Revising the pacifist Japan’s past militarism.
not agree. “What can we do? minister father and a constitution remained In later years, he
As government employees, great-uncle who served as a top priority for Abe, a refrained from visiting in
we have to carry out our premier. But when it came contentious goal since person and instead sent
duties as per directives.” to policies, his grandfather, many Japanese see the ritual offerings.
 SHOWBIZ 7
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022
ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

Afran Nisho’s
TIME IS NOW
ASHLEY SHOPTORSHI SAMADDAR Is it a love story,
a bank theft or a
After landing only two tele-productions last Eid simple mystery—
ul-Fitr, Afran Nisho is back in full swing this these questions will
season with rom-coms, thrillers and mysteries. only be answered
Alongside his much-awaited web projects when they watch
RUMOUR MILL
“Kaiser” and “Syndicate”, the actor will also
appear in the Vicky Zahed directorial tele-fiction
“Bachibar Holo Tar Shaadh”, among many other
“Syndicate” on
Chorki this Eid. Rahul-Priyanka
single episodes, including “Chakri Noy Chakor”
and “Hot Temper”.
We caught up with Nisho to know more about
What other projects
are you looking
forward to this
getting back
this experience, with “Kaiser” and “Syndicate”
and his other Eid special releases
Eid?
Alongside my web
together after
How did you become ‘Kaiser’?
Being an 80’s kid, I have a knack for detective
productions, I will
also appear in a
handful of single-
divorce?
stories, and I always wanted to play a role like
Kaiser on screen. Kaiser does not fit into the episode telefictions Tollywood couple Rahul Banerjee and Priyanka
usual mould that we expect in a detective. He is a this Eid. Sarkar recently shared a family pic of the
very ordinary person, who has his own personal couple along with their baby boy Shohoj
I will be seen as a gangster in
struggles to deal with. He is short-tempered and on Instagram. The picture captioned “New
Vicky Zahed’s “Bachibar Holo
has trust issues. He also is a video-game addict. Beginning” stirred excitement among fans
Tar Shaadh” who gives rise to and they began speculating that the estranged
However, he is witty and is very good at his job. incidents in couple might be getting back together for
Is it a full-on detective story like his good. However, some have also speculated that
Byomkesh, Sherlock Holmes or Feluda? this might just be a promotion for Shohoj’s
“Kaiser” won’t come just as a detective upcoming movie “Kolkata 96”.
story to the audience. There is more
to the central titular character other
than just solving a murder case.
Holding on to Kaiser’s internal
conflicts while keeping up with
the pace of his intelligence is the QUOTE
beauty of this role and was the
most challenging part for me as
an actor.
OF THE
This production also gave me
the opportunity to work with
WEEK
a team that I had not worked
before with. This is also the first “I am
time I collaborated with Hoichoi
and overall experience was quite
mentally
intriguing! PHOTO: ALIF own married
way
Your production “Syndicate” also has
to reach
to
elements of suspense, thrill, and mystery.
How was your experience with it?
to fulfil his PHOTO: COURTESY OF HOICHOI
Ranbir
desires. I will also be
My character, Adnan, suffers from Asperger’s
seen in Shihab Shaheen’s “Chakri
Kapoor”
Syndrome, a form of autism which makes it
difficult for him to be romantically involved with Noy Chakor”, which deals with office - Dighi on
politics and workers’ rights.
anyone. He often finds himself deeply invested in
a single thought and his world revolves around “Ami Single” directed by Jakaria
her one-sided love for
that thought, ignorant of the externalities that Showkhin, Mohidul Mohin’s “Ekti Bollywood star Ranbir
might end up crossing his path.
However, the trailer of this production has
Harano Shongbad”, and “Paying Ghost”
and “Onakangkhito Biye”, both directed by
Kapoor.
given way to a lot of queries among the audience. Noyem Imtiaz Neeamul, will also air this Eid.
PRARTHONA FARDIN DIGHI

BACHELOR QURBANI CORRUPTION VOICE PAYING GHOST BACHIBAR HOLO TAR ICON MAN
WATCH
EID TV

(BANGLA VISION) (ATN BANGLA) CLIP (CHANNEL I) SHAADH (RTV) (DEEPTO TV)
Directed by Kajal Arefin Ome Directed by Mustafa Kamal Raz Directed by Shihab Shaheen Directed by Noyeem Imtiaz Directed by Vicky Zahed Directed by Sanjoy
Starring: Ziaul Haque Starring: Tariq Anam Khan, Starring: Mehazabien Neamul Starring: Afran Nisho and Somadder.
Polash, Marzuk Russell, Tasnia Farin and Chowdhury and Imtiaz Starring: Afran Nisho and Tanjim Saiyara Totini. Starring: Ziaul Faruq
Chashi Alam Shazu Khadem Barshon Sabila Nur Date: July 11 Apurba and Nusraat Faria
Date: July 10 at 11:35 pm Date: July 10 at 5:50 pm Date: July 10 at 11:05 pm Date: July 11 at 2: 30 pm Time: 7 pm Date: July 12 at 4 pm

Jaya Ahsan is bringing the heat

STYLE
statement

with her recent look, where she

is wearing a white halter-neck WHAT’S
crop-top and denim ripped
jeans. The actress is oozing
PLAYING?
hotness with her neat kohl
lined eyes and nude lips. If
anything, Jaya Ahsan is giving
us style goals
Eighteen:
for this
summer. Owned
Bangladeshi grunge band Owned
surprised everyone when they
released “Eighteen”, a banger of
an EP last year. Among the three
excellent tracks, “Shomorpon” was
the most well-received, getting
fanfare from all over the countries.
“Abahon” and “Bishorjon” also
brought a different flavour to
the usual sound that Owned is
associated with.

TV TALKIES

Jujutsu Kaisen
Animation redefined
Jujutsu Kaisen, usually called JJK, is people who can control this ‘Cursed Energy’, which
an anime based on the manga of the same allows them to protect regular people from these
name. In the world of JJK, monsters monsters and demons. Even if you’re not on board
and demons are made from the by hearing the premise of the show, what makes
negative feelings of people, JJK truly an amazing watch is its animation. Done
usually referred to as ‘Cursed by MAPPA, the same studio that did the last season
Energy’. of Attack on Titan, JJK is truly a visual spectacle
Jujutsu Sorcerers are that you need to check out.
8 EDITORIAL
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022
ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

FOUNDER EDITOR: LATE S. M. ALI

A sobering call for austerity
BLOWIN’ IN such as for fuel, water and electricity, will Europe does in an afternoon.”
THE WIND be slashed – a signature World Bank/IMF Unfortunately, we don’t have the
476 women Dr Shamsad Mortuza
prescription.
So, what went wrong? Our economy
was going strong even during the
strength to voice our needs. While we
critiqued the sanction, we couldn’t say
that we would buy the cheapest raw
is the pro-vice-chancellor of

raped in the last the University of Liberal Arts

Bangladesh (ULAB).
pandemic. We had some extravagant
events even when the world was reeling
from the ills of the coronavirus. Our
material for our energy production.
Instead, we are ruminating paying USD 41
per unit of LNG, which was USD 4 prior to

six months SHAMSAD MORTUZA hard-working remittance earners

continued to send money to aid their
Covid. The bulk of our energy production
has relied on imported LNG, which has

What has the state done

I
N a rare public call, our prime
minister has asked us all to maintain
austerity to cope with the economic
to prevent violence fallout caused by the Russia-Ukraine
war. As a statesperson, she reminded
against women and girls? us of the consequences of the war that
we are facing in the developing world.
The sanctions on Russia, following its

W
ORDS are not enough to express how appalled
we are by the increasing incidents of violence invasion of Ukraine, have disrupted
against women and girls across Bangladesh. our energy supply chain, crippling our
electricity production, forcing us to
According to a new report by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK),
return to the nightmare of load-shedding
at least 476 women have been raped in the country that was a recurrent feature 20 years
in the first six months of 2022. Among them, 24 were ago. The domino effects of the economic
killed after rape, and six died by suicide. sanctions on Russia are causing a
Our women and girls have suffered many other humanitarian crisis throughout the
forms of violence as well during this period of time. world via inflation and a spike in food
Reportedly, a total of 228 women were victims of prices.
domestic violence between January and June this year. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made
Of them, 140 were killed and 42 died by suicide. ASK an additional call to utilise every plot of
found that dowry was one of the major reasons behind available land to grow food, so that we can
domestic violence, and the number of dowry-related be self-reliant for food. The idea is simple:
We need to reduce food imports to save
deaths and suicides are extremely concerning. These
foreign currency. She also, probably for
numbers are truly horrifying, but we shudder to think the first time, admitted that “the burden”
what the real picture could be as these numbers were of 1.1 million Rohingya refugees is a bit too
collected from newspaper reports only. much at a time when we are all suffering, relatives at home. Our industrious suddenly intensified the crisis. What
These revelations point to the fact that all the efforts and the world should do something for VISUAL: workers defied the threats of the happened to our gas, coal, hydro, and
made by human rights groups, legal aid organisations, their repatriation. The message is clear: SALMAN SAKIB pandemic to meet export deadlines solar projects? Did we focus too much on
SHAHRYAR
and the media to combat violence against women We cannot afford to be generous when to keep the economy alive. And we a quick fix while ignoring a wide range
and children in Bangladesh have hardly yielded any the world is not ready to reciprocate. The demonstrated extreme resilience to adapt of energy production sources? Is there
government knows that, now that the to a digital reality over the last two years. any follow-up on the benefits of the solar
results. And how will they, if the state is not willing
Western world is focused on the influx of Then came the Russian invasion of panels that we are all obligated to install?
to take responsibility to ensure the safety of half of its Ukraine; nobody expected it to last this How effective will our solution of local
“blue-eyed,” “light-skinned” refugees from
population? long. Everyone started to feel the pinch. austerity be if we don’t address the issue
Ukraine, little attention will be paid to the
In the cases of rape, it is still the survivors who have Most of the countries were upfront in from a global perspective? The World
forgotten people forcibly displaced from
to suffer from social stigma, while the perpetrators Rakhine. The mineral-rich, strategically their responses. Some increased their Bank predicts long-term damage to
often roam around freely, further intimidating the located Myanmar’s weapon-savvy junta military budget, some compromised global growth due to this ongoing crisis.
victims and their families. When it comes to the can flout democracy and persecute its their climate action plans to ensure the It calculates global growth to slump
legal side of it, there are a number of loopholes that own people to make refugees out of them, immediate supply of fossil fuel, some from 5.7 percent in 2021 to 2.9 percent in
discourage survivors from filing rape cases and and still remain a darling of the West. Did we focus took economic measures to protect their 2022. “As a result of the damage from the
pursuing justice. The archaic definition of rape in our Such is realpolitik. too much vulnerable groups, and some pursued pandemic and the war, the level of per
law is one of the biggest examples of this. Although the This makes me think of an African on a quick austerity. capita income in developing economies
controversial “two-finger test” was finally prohibited by proverb: “When the elephants fight, fix while The double standard of the West this year will be nearly five percent below
it is the grass that suffers.” The prime became apparent as European countries its pre-pandemic trend,” it says.
the High Court in 2018, a more extensive reform is still ignoring a continued to import Russian gas Our prime minister’s message is
minister’s words are sobering. Already,
needed so that the law can do justice to rape survivors.
there have been office orders to reduce wide range notwithstanding the sanctions. Political a wake-up call to the forthcoming
Therefore, if we can’t change our mindset towards electricity production to save fuel of energy analysts feel that these countries recession. While austerity is one tool
the victims of such a heinous crime, bring the for power generation. Rationing of production undermined the effectiveness of of arresting the economic downslide,
necessary reforms to our existing laws, sensitise the law electricity has been planned, and special sources? How sanctions by refilling Russia’s depleted we also need programmes for robust
enforcement officials and the society at large about the decorative lights for social events at foreign currency reserves. When, at a fiscal activism. Given the devaluation of
effective will
issue, and break the existing culture of impunity that community centres, shops, offices, US-India ministry-level meeting, the currency, there is no political or public
the rapists enjoy, things will not change for our women and houses have been banned to save our solution Indian foreign minister was asked to stop mood for savings. It will be difficult
and girls, and we might continue to witness such high electricity. Load-shedding is back with a of local importing Russian oil, he categorically to inculcate a desire for austerity. The
number of rape cases in the coming years. vengeance. Earlier, we heard of a curb on austerity be said, “If you’re looking at energy challenge, then, is to dare to think big,
unnecessary foreign travel by government if we don’t purchases from Russia, I’d suggest your act big: Earn the confidence of the big
officials and postponement of some address the attention be focused on Europe. We do economic blocs, encourage trade and
less important development projects. buy some energy, which is necessary investment. Give social security to the
The drive included the devaluation
issue from for our energy security. But I suspect, vulnerable groups. It’s time to have a new
of our local currency. Now, there are a global looking at figures, our total purchases dream, fulfil it, and return to the world
Eid Mubarak to indications that all types of subsidies, perspective? for the month would be less than what stage.

you and yours

May the essence of
sacrifice, both spiritually Are the BRICS breaking up?
and materially, embrace Shashi Tharoor,
a former UN under-secretary-
Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Rehman the power of the Western-dominated
Makki as an international terrorist Bretton Woods institutions meant that
us all general, is an MP for Indian
National Congress under the provisions of the UN Sanctions
Committee.
the group’s agenda was political as well.
BRICS seemed to be emerging as the

T
HIS year, we celebrate Eid-ul-Azha amid a number This was not the first time that China premier platform of the Global South,
of crises. Thousands of people in Sunamganj, stymied proposals for the Sanctions articulating developing countries’ dissent
Sylhet, and other parts of Bangladesh have only Committee to list known Pakistan-based from the so-called Washington Consensus
recently lost all their belongings to one of the most terrorists. It has repeatedly blocked efforts – a tendency underscored by the addition
to designate as international terrorists of South Africa, the only African economy
devastating floods seen in a hundred years. The world is SHASHI THAROOR
Masood Azhar, chief of the UN-proscribed in the G20.
experiencing one of the scariest inflationary trends in
terrorist entity Jaish-e-Mohammed, In recent years, however, the global
recent times, which has also spilled over to our country.

T
HE recent virtual BRICS summit, and others associated with the equally environment has changed dramatically.
People all across Bangladesh are struggling to afford which brought together the murderous Lashkar-e-Taiba. Indian Prime A backlash against globalisation and a
even the most basic necessities, while it seems that heads of state and government of Minister Narendra Modi pointedly stated US-China trade war, as well as heightened
another wave of the Covid pandemic has begun to rear Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South at the BRICS summit that the group’s suspicions among US policymakers of
its head. It is in times like this that the deeper message Africa, was interesting as much for members should understand each other’s China’s geopolitical intentions, have
of Eid-ul-Azha becomes even more important. what did not happen as for what did. security concerns and provide mutual been compounded by military hostilities
Let us all remember that this Eid is really about The two-day gathering was marked by support in the designation of terrorists, between China and India.
sacrificing in the divine way. And what can be more some constructive discussions, but also adding that this sensitive issue should not As a result, BRICS appears to be
divine than to use some of our material wealth to help platitudes and pablum, and concluded be “politicised.” undergoing an identity crisis. Indian
with a grandly titled but thoroughly It was against this background foreign policy mandarins initially saw the
out our fellow man and woman? There is no shortage
anodyne “Beijing Declaration.” that China, the summit chair, floated group as a useful platform to increase
of people around us right now who need help. It is our Few doubt the huge potential of the a proposal to enlarge the group by India’s international influence, in keeping
religious and moral obligation to extend a helping hand BRICS, which comprises the world’s two accepting new members, and subsequent with its traditional role as a leader of the
to them, and to ensure that they too can have somewhat most populous countries (China and reports claimed that Argentina and Iran developing world. But India is plainly
of a joyous Eid. India), a former superpower (Russia), and had applied to join. But the matter was uneasy about efforts to turn the bloc into
If sacrifice is what this festival is all about, then the two of the biggest economies in Latin The common not officially discussed at the meeting and a geopolitical forum supporting Chinese
people in distress should be the prime beneficiaries of America and Africa. But the grouping’s concerns of featured only tentatively in the closing and Russian interests – and to enlarge
what we do on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. This Eid, let record since the first annual BRIC declaration. it to include other “like-minded” states
the four (later Underlying the enlargement issue are such as Iran. (Brazil has also maintained
us resolve to break away from the temptation to show meeting in 2009 (South Africa joined
the bloc the following year) has mostly five) emerging two questions that go to the heart of a studied silence on Argentina’s reported
off our worldly riches, and focus on sharing some of markets
been a story of lofty rhetoric and chronic the BRICS grouping. First, is it a largely membership application.)
our blessings with the less fortunate. In keeping with
underachievement. about the economic organisation or a geopolitical It appears that China has not taken
the true spirit of Eid, we hope that government and one? Second, if the BRICS is primarily India fully into its confidence regarding
The Beijing Declaration states that direction
non-government organisations will also come forward the BRICS High-Level Dialogue is an a geopolitical bloc, will it become the BRICS expansion plans and the pending
with various initiatives that can alleviate some of the of global principal vehicle for the emergence of a applications. India can scarcely be
opportunity to deepen cooperation
sufferings of the people who have been hit badly by the in the fight against Covid-19, digital
development global axis led by China and Russia – a expected to welcome an enlargement of
floods and ongoing inflation. transformation, supply chain and the goal that China appears to support and BRICS that is intended to make the bloc
We would also like to remind everyone how resilience and stability, and low carbon power of the that the proposed enlargement, and the more China-centric. There are also the
important it is to maintain proper hygiene during Eid- development. All these goals are being Western- putative candidates, seem intended to inevitable concerns about whether, given
pursued in a variety of multilateral serve? In that case, what is India doing China’s patronage, Pakistan would be
related ceremonies and distributions. The government dominated in it? next in line to join.
must ensure that the city corporations and other local forums.
More hypocritically, the declaration
Bretton As to the first question, the BRIC India has always been the indispensable
administrations diligently carry out their duties, so that Woods
condemned terrorism and called acronym was initially impelled by a swing vowel in the BRICS acronym. If the
garbage and other waste material don’t pile up on our institutions vision of economic cooperation. The bloc’s current strategic direction and
for the finalisation and adoption of
roads and other public places. Finally, we hope that Eid four (later five) emerging markets’ shared possible enlargement push the country
the Comprehensive Convention on meant that
travellers have a safe journey home and back, properly International Terrorism within the United and compatible perspectives on issues toward the exit, the grouping will become
following all the health guidelines to prevent another
the group’s of global governance reform certainly not just unpronounceable, but also
Nations framework. This rang rather
sizeable outbreak of Covid post-Eid. hollow, since the summit took place just
agenda was provided a raison d’être. unviable.
We wish our readers and patrons a happy and safe days after China blocked a joint proposal political as But their common concerns about
Eid. Eid Mubarak! by India and the US to designate the well. the direction of global development and Read the full article on our website.
OPINION 9
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022
ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

What makes us the seventh

saddest nation? suffering. Every resident of Dhaka knows internal and external corruption levels. in conflicts. One critical element of
well how much stress one has to cope Unfortunately, these results won’t the study shows that Bangladesh has
with just to survive every day. They cheer you up either as Bangladesh done equally badly in both the Positive
don’t need the Economist Intelligence ranked 94th on the list. We know that Experience Index and the Negative
Unit to tell them that their capital is our government attaches the highest Experience Index. In the Positive
the seventh least liveable city in the importance to making our country a Experience Index, the 10 lowest-scoring
world. Its pollution level, air quality, high-growth economy, raising per capita countries include our neighbours Nepal
KAMAL AHMED noise, availability of clean water, traffic GDP, and graduating to a developing and India, along with Egypt, Tunisia,
jams – all rank among the worst. Unless country. So, where do we stand after Ukraine, and Georgia. But their scores in
someone is a superhuman having

T
Kamal Ahmed HE lead headline in this newspaper
is an independent supreme patience, it is quite natural
on July 4 reminded us of the
journalist who writes that people would forget to smile, and
from London. His Twitter arrival of an austere time, but
become angry and sad all the time.
handle is @ahmedka1 another story inside was even more
Though the world is suffering from
depressing, telling us that, according
war, inflation, and a once-in-a-lifetime
to the Global Emotions Report 2022,
pandemic, Jon Clifton, the global
Bangladesh is the seventh saddest
managing partner of Gallup, said the
nation in the world. And we became
global rise of unhappiness started
miserable well before the onset of high
long before any of those issues made
inflation and cost of living crisis. How
headlines. In fact, unhappiness has
was it possible? Haven’t we got dozens
been rising for a decade, he said in the
of occasions round the year to celebrate
report. And the report identifies five
– some religious, some cultural, and
significant contributors to the rise
many more political? Or are we about
of global unhappiness: Poverty, bad
to hear that some quarters opposed
communities, hunger, loneliness, and the
to the government and its world-class
scarcity of good work. Economists have
development have been conspiring
long been saying that inequalities are
against us? The Global Emotions Report,
rising alarmingly because of our growth
however, is not produced by any of the
strategy, which has not created as many
opposition parties, including the BNP,
quality jobs as it should have.And the
or any human rights groups. It is a
Covid pandemic has worsened it further,
report by the global polling giant Gallup,
increasing poverty and hunger. And
constructed as part of its annual survey
now, rising inflation and a prolonged war
on people’s emotional well-being.
would certainly be bringing in further
In its quest for assessing the
distress and despair.
emotional state of people and what Another part of the study has
contributes to their happiness or produced the World Happiness Report
unhappiness, Gallup asks hundreds of for the United Nations focusing on
thousands of people in 122 countries different variables, such as income,
questions about both positive and health, and social support. Could that a decade-long pursuit for economic the Negative Experience Index are not so
negative emotions. Think about how you have a different result that can cheer us prosperity and well-being of the people? poor.
felt yesterday. Did you smile or laugh up? The World Happiness Report, which
Every resident of Besides GDP and life expectancy, among The authors of the report claim
a lot? Did you learn or do something has used statistical analysis to determine
Dhaka knows well other things, Gallup questions included, that higher scores in the Positive
interesting? Were you angry? Sad? It also the world’s happiest countries, “Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with Experience Index indicate that positive
asks whether someone was treated with concluded that Finland retained its how much stress your freedom to choose what you do emotions are more pervasive in a
respect, felt well-rested, or suffered from standing as the happiest country in the one has to cope with your life?” and “Is corruption country. These scores strongly relate
stress. Gallup asks people to imagine a world for the fifth consecutive year. To with just to survive widespread throughout the government/ to people’s perceptions of their living
ladder, with the lowest rung representing determine the world’s happiest country, every day. They businesses in this country or not?” standards, personal freedoms and the
the worst possible life and the highest researchers analysed comprehensive don’t need the EIU Would one be mistaken in drawing the presence of social networks. On the
rung representing the best possible Gallup polling data from 149 countries to tell them that conclusion that lack of freedom and contrary, in the Negative Experience
life. People rate where they stand today for the past three years, specifically their capital is widespread corruption, both in public Index, the higher the score, the more
and where they expect to stand in three monitoring performance in six the seventh least and private sectors, are the reasons that pervasive negative emotions are in a
years. Based on how they respond, particular categories: Gross domestic liveable city in the keep us stuck in the lower rankings of country. People’s experiences with
Gallup classifies them as thriving, product (GDP) per capita, social support, global indices? health problems and their ability to
world.
struggling, or suffering. healthy life expectancy, freedom to make Other nations faring as badly as ours afford food are predictive of higher
According to this index, we are not your own life choices, generosity of the PHOTO:
in the ranking of sadness or unhappiness negative scores. Reading such analyses
thriving, not even struggling, but are general population, and perceptions of SK ENAMUL HAQ are mostly known to be entangled would surely make one even sadder.

Salma Khan: A mind without fear and a head held high

of us were in the middle of a discussion ways she helped her relatives, friends,
on how to be a “real woman,” a female and domestic help – most of which will
friend commented, “I am so confused perhaps remain unknown.
trying to decide whether to be a Betty My aunt was the first to tell me about
Crocker and bake cakes or a Virginia Prof Yunus’ work in Grameen Bank and
Woolf and work toward women’s how the programme’s income-generating
emancipation.” Although the remark was activities empowered women. She made
MILIA ALI made flippantly, I immediately thought me aware about Brac schools and their
of my aunt Salma, for she was the first impact on girls’ education long before I
woman who taught me that there was joined the World Bank as an education

T
Milia Ali ODAY I have set out to write one of
is a Rabindra Sangeet no need to make these choices. Real specialist. This knowledge inspired me
exponent and a
my most difficult columns. Difficult, emancipation of a woman lies in forging to approach development work with
former employee of because I am writing about a her own path professionally, socially, and passion, not just as a profession. And
the World Bank. person who is so intimately entwined in her personal life. Salma Khan was a every time I feel the urge to protest
in my existence that it will be hard to good wife (to her extremely supportive against some inequity or injustice,
separate myself from her larger-than-life husband, Habibullah Khan), a loving I remember how Situ implanted a
persona. This is a humble tribute to my mother, a dutiful daughter, a loyal seed that helped me understand how
late aunt, Salma Khan (lovingly known to friend, a doting grandmother, and also important it is to enable the voices of the
the family as Situ), who passed away last
an excellent professional. Her household disempowered to be heard.
week.
chemistry was so well-balanced that her Salma Khan sparked a dynamic
Before I recount my aunt’s multiple
mother and mother-in-law lived with her, change with long-lasting implications
contributions and achievements, it
under the same roof, in perfect harmony. in many lives. For my cousins and I, she
may be appropriate to touch upon her
She believed in strong family ties and was an aunt, a second mother, and a
challenging childhood.
made special efforts to lend support to friend. But above all, she was the wind
Situ was merely a toddler when her
she took on a horde of men resisting her her near and dear ones whenever they beneath our wings – as I hope she will
father prematurely passed away. Her
ideas. Apart from exceptional courage, needed her. I will never forget that when be for many young women of the new
world suddenly shifted from security
her greatest quality was that she did her Salma Khan I was going through a difficult transition generation.
to uncertainty, the future turning into
homework and articulated her viewpoints (1942-2022) in my life, she arrived at my doorstep Wherever you are Situ, you will always
a question mark. But her mother – my
forcefully and persuasively. in remote Yerevan in Armenia to give make the champak trees bloom. Rest in
grandmother – took up the difficult
Her attributes were recognised at PHOTO: COLLECTED me moral strength. There are countless peace under their fragrant canopy.
task of raising and educating her seven
international forums. She became the
children with great fortitude. Situ grew
founder chairperson of NGO Coalition
up under the aegis of a matriarch who
on Beijing Process (NCBP), a network
never cowed under pressure and did of 624 NGOs working towards the
not differentiate between her four sons CROSSWORD BY THOMAS JOSEPH
implementation of the Beijing Platform
and three daughters. The unconstrained for Action. She distinguished herself as
and liberal environment at home proved ACROSS clash 8 Tapestry
the first Asian chairperson of the UN 1 Music award 33 Shaq of the subject
ideal for a talented woman like Salma Committee on the Elimination of All
to navigate the rapids of life with utter 7 Rough shacks NBA 9 Amused
Forms of Discrimination against Women 11 Save 34 Danger 10 Didn’t budge
confidence, ability, and a belief in herself. (CEDAW). Having worked in the CEDAW
Salma Khan’s many accomplishments Committee for over 12 years, she left her
12 Hand or foot 35 Sandbox toy 16 Bank robber’s
cannot be encapsulated in a single mark in the UN human rights system. 13 Certify 36 Spot advance man
column, but let me highlight the As the ambassador to Indonesia, Salma 14 Layered 37 Paddy crop 18 Move furtively
important ones. Although she herself Khan demonstrated to the international mineral 38 Thrilled 20 Terrible
was comfortably placed in the social community that women in Bangladesh 15 Subatomic 39 Pub brews 22 Pedicure
structure, Salma was a feminist. She could rise to the highest levels, not only particles 40 Scooter’s target
invariably stepped out of her comfort in politics, but also in the government 16 Overly cousins 23 Hockey team’s
zone and walked the extra mile with the sector. confident advantage
less fortunate. Whether it was fighting for In her book The Fifty Percent: 17 Frau’s spouse DOWN 24 Patella YESTERDAY’S ANSWERS
equal rights of female workers or rallying Women in Development and Policy in 18 King of music 1 Plot out 25 Writer
against the domestic violence that women Bangladesh, Salma Khan gave visibility 19 Galley needs 2 Fix a loose lace Deepak
are subjected to – she left her footprint to the invisible by exposing the exclusion 21 Roulette bet 3 Silents star 28 Store events
by challenging the many injustices and of women from development activities.
inequities. In the process, she raised
22 “Blinding Mary 30 Drain cover
Her research revealed that, despite Lights” singer 4 1984 31 Lubricated
public awareness and helped reshape being in a disadvantaged socioeconomic
our social and political consciousness, 25 Dove call Wimbledon 32 Some coasters
situation, and contrary to patriarchal
especially towards women. beliefs, women contribute substantially to 26 Forest plant winner 34 Game with
As a member of the Planning the economy. She thus inspired women 27 Alters, as a 5 Disarrange mallets
Commission, she was instrumental in to “act” for their rights, rather than be skirt 6 So far 36 Writer
mainstreaming gender issues in the passive dissenters. 29 They may 7 Comic’s forte Stanislaw
macro framework of the country’s Five- My narrative about Situ would remain
Year Plans. She was always unafraid to act; WRITE FOR US. SEND US YOUR OPINION PIECES TO
incomplete if I did not write about the [email protected].
I closely observed her in meetings where woman she was. Recently, while a few
 DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022, ASHAR 25, 1429 BS “Girls have role models today. When
I teach them freestyle, I ask: Who
would you like to be as a footballer?
They used to say Ronaldo and Messi.
Now they tell me: We want to be like
Alexia [Putellas]”
Female professional freestyler
PALOMA

‘Spectators boost
our confidence
level from 100 to
120 per cent’
Twenty-eight-year-old Sabina
Khatun is the captain and top-
scorer of the Bangladesh women’s
national football team. The veteran
striker shared the experience of
the change of perspective and
scenario of Bangladesh’s football
fans towards women’s football
throughout her career and made

In sync despite being

comparisons on their journey
of success with the story of FC
Barcelona Femeni while talking to
The Daily Star’s Ashfaq Ul Mushfiq.
The excerpts are below:

5 thousand miles apart The Daily Star (DS): 6-0 in the first match
against Malaysia and then a goalless draw in the
next one despite dominating them. What was the
realisation after the last match?
Sabina Khatun (SK): When you play consecutive
One can easily ASHFAQ UL MUSHFIQ remained in effect until July 1971. pressure and positioning. Even while their matches against the same side in the space of
imagine a While there were independent bodies that men’s team has failed to entice spectators to a few days, the opponents will understand your
The beautiful game has been the most organised Women’s World Cups, FIFA only the stadium on a regular basis, the Femeni
Classico popular sport on the planet for over a held the inaugural FIFA Women’s World team are beloved not only in Catalonia, but
plans better. Even though they are well ahead of
where the us in the FIFA rankings, I think they couldn’t read
century, but although the field has been Cup in China in 1991, which accelerated all over Spain. us well in the first match. However, they came
likes of Karim dominated by men for most of its history, the women’s game’s popularity on a global A similar scenario has unfolded 5068 back well in the next match and gave us a good
Benzema, times have begun to change in the last few scale. Since then, the sport has gained in miles away in Bangladesh over the last few fight.
Vinicius Jr. decades. popularity, with over 1.12 billion people years, albeit on a smaller scale.
Women’s football can trace its history worldwide tuning in to watch the 2019 FIFA Packed stadiums during domestic DS: Women’s football in the country has been
and Luka back to the 1890s, when there were a number Women’s World Cup in France. football matches have not been witnessed witnessing a greater amount of spectators on
Modric of women’s clubs in England and one in Nations like Germany, USA and Japan in generations, but female footballers a regular basis compared to men’s football.
were lining north London was reported to have attracted have dominated the international stage, but have started to get appreciable success Since you’re a veteran of the game, how much
up against 10,000 to a game at Crouch End. FC Barcelona Femeni have emerged as the after groundbreaking success in SAFF difference do you see today from the time you
Preston was the stronghold of women’s crown jewel of club football in Europe and competitions, starting when the Under-15 started playing?
Pedri, Sergio
football in those days after the famous Dick pulled off miracles. side recorded huge wins such as the 6-0 SK: I think spectators generally come to watch
Busquets, Kerr’s Ladies were formed in 1894. Their On March 30 this year, Barcelona faced hammering of Nepal and 3-0 triumphs over
and Gerard women’s football matches. But to me, what
match with St Helen’s Ladies on Boxing off against Real Madrid in front of a capacity Bhutan and India in 2017. changed noticeably is people’s perception.
Pique, but Day 1920 featured the largest crowd for Camp Nou. A record crowd of 91,553 turned The following year, a 14-0 victory And this is noticeable on social media as well.
none of those a women’s game as 53,000 packed into up for that Champions League semifinal over Pakistan in the SAFF U-15 Women’s Whenever we play good football, fans appreciate
megastars Goodison Park and thousands remained clash, which saw Real Madrid thrashed 5-2 at Championship and 10-0, 8-0 and 7-0 us and feel hopeful that these girls can actually
locked outside. Camp Nou. victories against Bahrain, Lebanon and
were on the However, following this success, the One can easily imagine a Classico where UAE respectively in the AFC Under-16
give something to the country’s football and
pitch that take it a long way. In Bangladesh, there are some
Football Association initiated a ban in the likes of Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr. and Championship qualifiers inspired the entire people who don’t like girls playing football and
night. 1921 in England that disallowed women’s Luka Modric were lining up against Pedri, nation. wearing shorts. But I think success speaks for
football games from taking place on the Sergio Busquets, and Gerard Pique, but none Ever since, the number of spectators itself and what we have achieved in the last 5-7
grounds used by its member clubs. That ban of those megastars were on the pitch that for the women’s game has increased years has changed people’s perception and the
night. Instead, it was the Barcelona Femini drastically. The most recent example would pattern of saying things about women’s football.
taking on their counterparts. be the final of the 2021 SAFF U-19 Women’s
Only matches at the unofficial 1971 Championship, when Bangladesh beat DS: Do you find similarities in the growth of
Women’s World Cup have ever attracted India 1-0 in front of a capacity Bir Sherestha Bangladesh women’s football with FC Barcelona
attendances for a women’s sporting event Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium. Femeni?
in excess of that, with 110,000 people At the same venue this year, the SK: Actually the scenario of women’s football
turning up for the final between Mexico and Bangladesh senior women’s team defeated now is very different from the time when we
Denmark at the Azteca Stadium. Malaysia -- a team ranked 60 places higher started. At first, people thought that the girls
It was little over a decade ago that than them -- by a massive 6-0 margin in were barely able to play. But times have changed
Barcelona Femeni were training on whatever front of yet another bustling crowd. since the success of age-level teams, especially
pitch was available at ridiculous hours of the Despite the difference in level and quality, from the U-15 level. People now automatically
day. They have only been a professional side the growth of Barcelona Femeni and the arrive in stadiums during the girls’ games hoping
since 2015, but they now dominate Spain and Bangladesh women’s football team have to see a good display of football. And in terms of
have won the Women’s Champions League followed roughly the same timeline. Barcelona’s tiki-taka style of play, there was a time
in 2021 while breaking a 22-year record for The only question that remains is what when the women’s team only played defensive
attendance at a women’s game. the future holds for these young footballers football and concede as less goals as possible. But
How this team has become such a of Bangladesh. Will there be a sustainable now times have changed and girls can now play
powerhouse in such a short amount of time? approach that can form a solid foundation? dominating football. We can now dominate in
The main factor was the injection of And can the Bangladesh Football Federation the opposition half more than ever. These girls
Barcelona’s DNA, shaped by iconic figures implement a structure that ensures a long- have stayed together in the camp for a long time,
like Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola and lasting impact defined by the current run of we have great chemistry and we understand each
the philosophy of the three P’s: possession, success? other’s roles very well. If you follow our games,
you will see that our players don’t stick to the

‘Aim to give girls a beautiful life’

Golam Rabbani Choton has been the head coach of Bangladesh women’s football team, both at senior and age-level, and
has delivered nine trophies at different international age-group tournaments while also guiding his side to the runners-up
position four times, including once in the SAFF Women’s Championship. The 52-year-old spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur
Rahman about the different aspects of women’s football in Bangladesh. The excerpts are below:
The Daily Star: How would you DS: What was the main challenge come to the stadium in numbers. from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
describe the journey of the current in grooming these girls as a team? Why do you think that is? whenever they deliver international
batch of girls? success.
GRC: Compared to countries like GRC: We used to defend and try
Golam Rabbani Choton: (GRC): This India, Nepal and Bhutan, a footballer to resisting the opponent in our DS: Do you think the existing
journey started in late 2013 under the is trained through academies before own half. But now our coaching women’s football league is helping the
U-13 football tournament programme coming into the national teams. But philosophy is to play entertaining girls improve?
initiated by the BFF women’s wing in Bangladesh, girls come into the football. Irrespective of results, the GRC: The women’s football league same position the entire game; we rotate around
and financed by Plan Bangladesh. national teams directly from villages girls can now build-up the play and is being held as required, but I think the pitch and change our roles. That’s something
Changes started at that time because without proper knowledge play pressing football, which it is not helping the girls much apart quite similar to Barcelona’s possessional game.
we before formed the women’s or techniques. Fresh spectators love to watch. from financial benefits. I think the But in the end, when it comes to fans, their
squad with the girls from different footballers also lack International success authorities should find a way to make presence in the gallery boosts our confidence
disciplines like handball, kabaddi, nutrition. These have is another reason. the league more competitive. Our level from 100 to 120 per cent.
volleyball and judo but they returned actually been our Although these national women’s team players run
to their respective disciplines after main challenges. girls are gradually DS: You once said that girls are now keener
9,000 to 1,000 meters each game
participating in football matches or The girls in the improving, I to take football as a profession. But is there
against Malaysia but they can hardly
tournaments. We lacked specialised BFF training think they have to any guarantee of longevity in terms social and
run 4,000 meters in league matches.
football players, who would be playing camp also have improve in every cultural obstacles in Bangladesh?
only football and then we found to face challenges area. DS: What is the target for women’s
that group of girls from the U-13 every day because football in Bangladesh? SK: Well, there was a time many girls, including
DS: There are myself, struggled a lot financially while playing
tournament. they must show GRC: There was no target or vision
concerns that professional football. But now so many girls
Then the BFF groomed them improvement daily, a few years ago, but now it is to give
the girls, who are are not only earning well but also are the
through long-term training of otherwise they have the girls a beautiful life in the future
growing older, might breadwinners of their families. So today families
210 footballers. The number was to quit. With 68 girls through football. Eight to nine
leave football due to family don’t force the girls to quit football and get
trimmed to 46 ahead of the AFC U-14 from different groups in the players have already been admitted
pressure. What initiatives has married like they once used to.
Championship Qualification in 2014. training camp at present, some 50 to to different private and government
the BFF has taken to keep them in
Since then, the girls have been 60 girls had to leave the camp due to universities as footballers. The girls DS: In the world of football dominated by male
football?
kept in a group and trained round non-improvement. Newer, talented are also dreaming of getting big role models, did you come across girls saying, “We
the year. Their development gathered players replaced them. GRC: The federation has kept them want to be like Sabina Khatun”?
contracts from clubs in the coming
steam when those girls became group in training round the year. They are
DS: The women’s football team women’s league. Our target is to play SK: Yes, I hear that a lot, and it’s a different kind
champions and moved into the AFC still under 20 and the BFF provides
hardly drew spectators before but the final of the next SAFF Women’s of feeling when someone says she looks up to me
U-16 Women’s Championship in a salary. They also earn from the
that has changed and spectators now Championship. as a role model. Even after the I scored against
Thailand. The journey is still going on. women’s league and get bonuses
Malaysia, the junior girls told me that the goal
really inspired them.
 DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022, ASHAR 25, 1429 BS
SATURDAY STAR SPORTS 1 & HD 1 West Indies vs Ban- England vs India Sri Lanka vs Australia
TEN 2 Wimbledon gladesh 3rd T20I 2nd Test, Day 4
Sri Lanka vs Australia Women’s Final 1st ODI Live from 07:30 pm Live from 10:30 am
2nd Test, Day 2 Live from 07:00 pm Live from 07:30 pm STAR SPORTS 1 & HD 1 TUESDAY
Live from 10:30 am SUNDAY TEN 2 Wimbledon TEN 2
SONY SIX T SPORTS Sri Lanka vs Australia Men’s Final Sri Lanka vs Australia
England vs India Ireland vs New Zealand 2nd Test, Day 3 Live from 07:00 pm 2nd Test, Day 5
2nd T20I 1st ODI Live from 10:30 am MONDAY Live from 10:30 am
Live from 07:30 pm Live from 03:45 pm SONY SIX TEN 2

Blatter, Platini
cleared of fraud
Jamal, Saif share
REUTERS, BELLINZONA the spoils of an
Former FIFA President
Sepp Blatter and France entertaining draw
footballing legend Michel SPORTS REPORTER
Platini were both cleared
of corruption charges by a Saif Sporting Club and Sheikh Jamal
Swiss court on Friday after Dhanmondi Club shared the spoils of an
a seven-year investigation entertaining 2-2 draw in their Bangladesh
during which they were Premier League fixture at the Birshrestha Flight
booted out of the sport. Lt Motiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj
A judge said the pair’s yesterday.
account of a ‘gentlemen’s The two sides have been been in a dogfight
agreement’ for FIFA to for a top-three finish and the result left neither
pay Platini 2 million Swiss team in a better position.
francs ($2.05 million) Midfielder Shonanur Rahman gave the home
for consulting work was side, Sheikh Jamal, the lead in the 37th minute
credible, and serious with a header on a corner from Shakil Ahmed.
doubts existed about the
The hosts held on to the lead for 40 minutes
prosecution’s allegation it
before Emery Bayisenge equalised for Saif in
was a fraudulent payment.
the 76th minute, scoring from the spot after
As a result Blatter, who
Jamal Bhuyan’s corner kick hit Sheikh Jamal
led FIFA for 17 years, was
midfielder Mazharul Islam on the hand inside
cleared of fraud by the
the box.
Federal Criminal Court
Saif thought they had nicked all three points
in the southern city of
when Asror Gafurov scored one minute into
Bellinzona.
stoppage time with a fine solo effort. But another
Platini, a former France
Australia’s T20 cricket captain Aaron Finch (3rd L) holds the trophy with former international players Shane Watson (L), Waqar penalty – this time Sohan’s shot hitting Saif
national team captain
Younis (2nd R), Morne Morkel (R) and Australian women’s players Georgia Wareham (2nd L) and Tayla Vlaeminck (3rd R) as 100-day- defender Abid Ahmed on the hand inside the box
and manager, was also
– came to Sheikh Jamal’s rescue as Vali Jonov
acquitted of fraud. countdown ceremony for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 was held in Melbourne on Friday. PHOTO: AFP
Otabek made no mistake from 12 yards out.
The draw saw Saif move to 34 points from 19
matches in third position while Sheikh Jamal

T20I humbling offers scope

were just behind them, level on points but having
Kyrgios’ secret an inferior goal difference. Both teams are 14
points behind league leaders Bashundhara Kings.
to success With this fixture, the top-tier professional

for introspection
REUTERS league of the country went into a five-day break
for the Eid-ul-Azha.
Nick Kyrgios’s
mum believes the
Australian’s success

Wimbledon
SPORTS REPORTER unable to lead the side from the front since
in reaching his first the last World Cup and, with Bangladesh
Grand Slam final at Yet another disappointing performance scheduled to play at least 12 games before
Wimbledon is down

braces for a
from Bangladesh on Thursday saw the the T20 World Cup this year, it will be
to leaving his video visitors lose the three-match T20I series important to settle those questions.
games behind in against the West Indies 2-0 after a five- It has been a difficult Caribbean sojourn
his hotel room and

new queen
wicket defeat in the third and final T20I in for the visitors so far. Bangladesh lost the
getting out to see Guyana. two-match Test series comprehensively
the world. Bangladesh’s inability to adapt to the prior to the T20I series defeat. However,
Nill Kyrgios told shortest format of the game has seen the visitors can take some positives
Australia’s Nine
questions raised about a lack of power- heading into their favoured 50-over AFP, London
Media that she had
hitting, which is proving the biggest format, with the first of three ODIs
seen a big change Ons Jabeur said that the seeds of her history-
concern ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled for July 10 in Providence.
in her son’s outlook making charge to the Wimbledon final were sown
scheduled for later this year in Australia. Bangladesh won the first ODI in the
on life since the 12 months ago when she told her coaching team:
Australian Open at The three-match T20I series in West same venue during their last tour in
Indies was expected to be the start of 2018 and went on to win the series 2-1. “I’m coming back for the title.”
the start of the year. format is still in limbo, the Bangladesh
the build-up to the mega-event for Bangladesh’s performance in the ODI Jabeur became the first African woman to
“It was so hard for Cricket Board, selectors, T20I skipper
Bangladesh, with the team management format under Tamim this year has been reach a Grand Slam final in the modern era when
us to get him to do Mahmudullah and head coach Russell
expressing hopes of forming a balanced remarkable. They won a historic ODI series she beat close friend Tatjana Maria, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
anything,” she said. Domingo need to come up with a solution
squad. in South Africa in March this year after in the semi-finals.
“He was happy to sit in order to improve the Tigers’ fortunes,
After a disastrous T20 World Cup winning a series against Afghanistan at She will face Russian-born Elena Rybakina,
in his room and play especially at the top.
campaign last year, there was plenty of talk home to begin the year. now representing Kazakhstan, for the title on
video games all the There are questions over the lack of
about reforming the Tigers’ T20 approach. However, it will be important for Saturday. Twelve months ago, Jabeur, 27, made
time. His shoulder power-hitting towards the latter stages of
would hurt him from But things do not look to be in good shape innings as well, which keeps Bangladesh Bangladesh to gain confidence, which
how much he would overall. A failure to have an impact in the from getting quick runs and crucial at the moment seems very low. In the
play. Powerplay overs is another major concern, momentum. There are also questions absence of veterans like Shakib Al Hasan
“In Beijing, we as is the team’s search for a stable opening regarding Mahmudullah’s capabilities as a and Mushfiqur Rahim, the ODI series is
wanted him to walk duo. batter and also as captain. expected to pose a tough challenge for the
the Great Wall of While Tamim Iqbal’s future in the The experienced cricketer has been visitors.
China with us. Who
wouldn’t, right?
But Nick wouldn’t
go. He was happy to
sit in his room and
order in, that’s what
worried me.
“I remember in
Labuschagne, Smith tons drive Aus the quarter-finals for the first time, losing to
AFP, Galle bring up his 28th Test hundred as he Aryna Sabalenka.
Canada we said, But on the way she knocked out five-time
‘Let’s go to Niagara raised his bat to an applauding dressing
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith room. champion Venus Williams, 2017 winner Garbine
Falls’. He wouldn’t Muguruza, as well as current number one Iga
both hit centuries to give Australia It was the former captain’s first
even go there. I Swiatek. Having never previously got past the
opening day honours against a Covid-hit hundred since January last year during
actually went on my second round at the All England Club, that run
Sri Lanka in the second Test on Friday. the third Test against India in Sydney.
own on the tour bus. gave her the taste for more.
Nick wouldn’t want The tourists reached 298 for five at Labuschagne, who made 104,
stumps after electing to bat first in their and Smith put on 134 runs for the Russian and Belarusian players are banned
to do those things.” from this year’s tournament following the
bid to clinch the two-match series in third wicket to take the attack to the
Galle. Smith, on 109, and wicketkeeper- opposition bowlers after Australia lost invasion of Ukraine.
batsman Alex Carey, on 16, were batting their openers in the first session. But there will be a Russian presence in the final
at close of play after debutant left-arm Labuschagne recorded his seventh after Rybakina, playing in her first Slam final,
spinner Prabath Jayasuriya took three Test century and his first away from switched allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018.
wickets. home in an attacking knock before “I’m really happy representing Kazakhstan.
Smith smashed fast bowler Kasun Jayasuriya got him stumped at the They believed in me. There is no more question
Rajitha for a cracking cover drive to stroke of tea. about how I feel,” said the 23-year-old.
“It’s already a long time my journey as a
Kazakh player. I played Olympics, Fed Cup.”
12 DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022, ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

Tk 1,238cr
lost to flood
in Sylhet
Says govt report
Television’s
beloved ‘Maa’
no more
SADI MOHAMMAD
SHAHNEWAZ

“All these years, the love

that I have received from
fans and fellow artistes is
unparalleled. I feel proud
and emotional when my
co-actors call me Maa,”
Sharmili Ahmed had said
in her last interview with
MAHBUBUR RAHMAN KHAN The Daily Star in May.
The entire
Flash floods in Sylhet last month caused a financial loss entertainment industry
of about Tk 1,238 crore, claimed six lives and displaced was in mourning when the
around 3.68 lakh people. news broke of Sharmili’s
About 2,718sq km area of 92 unions and wards of the death at her Uttara home.
district’s 13 upazilas wasseriously affected by the deluge, The 75-year-old artiste,
according to the assessment report prepared by the who was suffering from
District Relief and Rehabilitation Centre. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe lies on the ground after he was shot during an election campaign in Nara, western Japan SEE PAGE 5 COL 6
Heavy rains in the country’s north-eastern region and yesterday. PHOTO: REUTERS
onrush of water from upstream Indian states of Assam
and Meghalaya caused
the flooding, which badly
damaged roads, dams, crops
and houses.
In a bid to take up short
Heavy rains in the
country’s north-
eastern region
12 crore people can’t Nasa releases
and long-term programmes and onrush James Webb
to address the loss, the
Department of Disaster
Management (DDM) has
of water from
upstream Indian
states of Assam
afford healthy diet telescope
taken an initiative to
Says UN report about Bangladesh
prepare damage assessment
reports on 17 flood-affected
districts.
and Meghalaya
caused the MOHAMMAD AL-MASUM MOLLA According to the WHO,
healthy diets include less than
begin to improve but world
hunger rose further in 2021.
‘teaser’ picture
flooding.
The Daily Star has Do you know how much a 30 percent of total energy intake “The increase in global AFP, Washington
obtained a copy of the person living in Bangladesh from fats, less than 10 percent hunger in 2021 reflects
assessment report on Sylhet district. The deputy needs to pay every day to of total energy intake from exacerbated inequalities across Nasa has provided a
commissioner of Sylhet has approved the report and sent maintain a healthy diet? free sugars, consumption of at and within countries due to an tantalizing teaser
it to the DDM, said sources. It is roughly Tk 286 ($3.064) least 400 grams of fruits and unequal pattern of economic photo ahead
Floods completely damaged 2,072 thatched houses in in Bangladesh whereas the global vegetables per day; and not more recovery among countries and of the highly-
the district’s six upazilas and partially damaged another average is about Tk 331 ($3.54), than 5 grams per day of salt (to unrecovered income losses anticipated
34,175. About Tk 122.80 crore is needed to rebuild and according to the UN’s flagship be iodized). among those most affected by release next
repair those, reads the report. report styled “The state of food “Between 2019 and 2020, Asia the Covid-19 pandemic.” week of the
Another Tk 90.81 crore is required for repair of 9,019 security and nutrition in the witnessed the highest surge in Although the prevalence of first deep-
semi-pucca houses damaged partially, it adds. world 2022: Repurposing Food the cost of a healthy diet (4.0 undernourishment rose to 9.8 space images
Floodwaters swept away 886 cattle worth about Tk and Agricultural Policies to Make percent),” said the report, adding percent in 2021 from 9.3 percent from the James
77.3 lakh and about 48,000 poultry worth Tk 1.45 crore. Healthy Diets More Affordable.” that almost 3.1 billion people in 2020, the rate in Bangladesh Webb Telescope
The devastating flood has also damaged cropland and The daily cost of maintaining could not afford a healthy diet in was 11.4 percent in 2021, the –- an instrument so
seedbeds. a healthy diet for a person in 2020 – an increase of 112 million report said. powerful it can peer
Data shows the damage to 18,940 hectares of cropland Bangladesh was $2.882 in 2017, more people than in 2019. It said around 2.3 billion back into the origins of
in Sylhet caused an estimated financial loss of Tk 115.44 $2.971 in 2018, $3.024 in 2019 When it comes to affordability people in the world were the universe.
crore. The deluge also inundated seedbeds, causing and it reached to $3.064 in 2020, of a healthy diet in Bangladesh, moderately or severely food The $10 billion observatory --
financial damages of Tk 22.98 crore. said the report. over 12 crore people could not insecure in 2021, and 11.7 launched in December last year and now orbiting
Many power stations were submerged in the flooding, “In 2020, the sharp increase afford healthy diet in 2020 and percent of the global population the Sun a million miles (1.5 million kilometers)
causing disruptions in electricity supplies to many parts in global food prices in the the number of such population faced food insecurity at severe away from Earth –- can look where no telescope
of Sylhet. second half of the year translated was two crores more than the levels. has looked before thanks to its enormous
The report shows the deluge affected 253km power directly into an increased average previous year. But the number When it comes to Bangladesh, primary mirror and instruments that focus on
lines in nine upazilas. cost of a healthy diet at the was 12.3 crore in 2017. a total of 10.7 percent people infrared, allowing it to peer through dust and
Floods destroyed about 3,388km road worth around global level, and for all regions The report said although there of the total population faced gas.
Tk 357.24 crore and damaged 442 bridges and culverts. and almost all subregions in the were hopes that the world would severe food insecurity while 31.7 The first fully formed pictures are set
About 188.66km of embankments were also damaged world,” the report said published emerge from the pandemic in percent people faced moderate for release on July 12, but Nasa provided an
in the river and haor areas of Sylhet. yesterday. 2021 and food security would or severe food insecurity. SEE PAGE 5 COL 8

Pilgrims pack
Mt Arafat for
climax of hajj
AFP, Mount Arafat

Huge crowds of robed

Muslim pilgrims prayed
on Saudi Arabia’s Mount
Arafat yesterday, the
climax of the biggest
hajj pilgrimage since the
pandemic forced drastic
cuts in numbers two years
in a row.
Groups of worshippers,
many holding umbrellas
against the fierce sun,
recited verses from the
Holy Quran on the rocky
rise, where the Prophet
Mohammed (PBUH) is
believed to have given his
final sermon.
Muslim pilgrims gather to pray atop Prayers on Mount
Arafat are the highlight of
Mount Arafat, southeast of the Saudi the pilgrimage, capped this
holy city of Makkah, during the climax year at one million people
of the Hajj pilgrimage yesterday. Inset, including 850,000 from
Pilgrims touch the pillar atop Mount abroad.
Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma Pilgrims, many in white
(Mount of Mercy). The crowds, capped robes, chanted “Oh Allah,
at one million including 850,000 from here I am” as they reached
abroad chosen by lottery, are the biggest Mount Arafat on foot or
since 2019 after two Covid-hit years in buses from their nearby
when only tens of thousands were tents.
After sunset, they will
allowed. travel the short distance
to Muzdalifah, where they
will sleep under the stars
PHOTO: AFP SEE PAGE 2 COL 7

EDITOR & PUBLISHER : MAHFUZ ANAM. Printed by him from Transcraft Ltd, 229, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208 on behalf of Mediaworld Ltd, 52, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000. Editorial, News & Commercial Offices: 64-65, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka-1215,
Tel: 09610222222, 9144330 & 9117796, Fax: 58156306, GPO Box No: 3257, for Advertisement: 01711623910, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
 WEEKEND READ DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022

WR1 ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

‘Time to look at
what we’re doing
for our children’
MD SHAHNAWAZ KHAN CHANDAN

Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury is a professor

of the department of clinical psychology of
Dhaka University and programme director of
Nasirullah Psychotherapy Unit – an outpatient
mental health unit managed by DU’s department
of clinical psychology. He has been researching
adolescent mental health and juvenile delinquency
for decades. Recently he talked to The Daily Star
about the sudden rise of criminal behaviour
among youths and adolescents.
Q: Adolescents are forming street gangs
and often commit organised crimes. Multiple
instances of faceoffs between rival gangs have
been reported. What is influencing them?
A: Adolescents love to spend time with their
peers. They want to learn from them and they
want their recognition. They love group activities.
When such groups commit an offence, we call
them gangs, adding a negative connotation to
their activities. But groups of youth have also done
great work such as road safety movements. When
these youths are not motivated to do positive
activities, when they are not appreciated for their
good qualities, and when they are treated as “the
other” in society, they may form such groups.
However, social media and popular media are
also some of the biggest contributing

No clear remedy for

factors. Through social media, which
they have used excessively during
the pandemic, they learn to
interact with people who are just
like them.
They join social media

a pervasive ill
groups where they find many
youths who act and think like
them. Many of these youngsters
have millions of followers
without making any real
contribution to society.
In this manner, these youths
SHAHEEN MOLLAH, ZYMA ISLAM juniors had refused to comply. Instead, one keeps an English vocabulary notebook and confine themselves to a very narrow
AND MUNTAKIM SAAD of the juniors brought out the big guns – a shares a bed with his grandmother. All his sense of identity and culture, which they
“senior” cousin and his “older” friends. social media activity, his forays into PubG was reproduce by forming groups in their real lives.
The Cabinet Committee on Law and Order “On that day I was called by a junior who done using his mother’s phone. They take inspiration by observing other such
at the home ministry recently suggested that said, a senior bhai is here to solve this issue. Rakin lives in a two-bedroom apartment, groups on social media and popular media, such
the legal age determining who is a “child” be They told me that they have agreed to give that his father and older brother can barely as drama serials and cinema.
They came to lowered. me ‘respect’,” said the boy. And so, off Farhan afford with their jobs as a personal driver and Q: What is your comment on the mental
our house and Chief of the committee, Liberation War went, lured by the prospect of being granted waiter. The apartment is airy and the building health condition of Bangladesh’s adolescents?
Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, said the much-coveted “respect”. has a caretaker and a lift – Rakin is clearly A: According to a 2019 study conducted by
took Rakin the age should be 14 years and below instead of As they beat him up in the Eid-gah field, the loved and cared for. National Institute of Mental health, 14 percent of
away, without the current 18 years. whole episode was recorded and edited with This beloved teenager however is growing the below-18 population have been suffering from
telling us This will allow law enforcers to send slow-motion special effects. The video was up in a neighbourhood where the only after- conduct disorder, which means these children
where they children to jail and not let them get away with then laid over with a trippy “drift” tune and school activity involves going to coaching persistently show anti-social behaviour.
are going. He committing “heinous crimes”, he said. someone rapping lyrics roughly translated as centres for lessons and hanging out in street- Among them, 1.7 percent are involved in
The issue of what age defines a child or “Beat him up, don’t mess with Mirpur boys, we corners and making TikTok videos. criminal activities. If you consider Bangladesh’s
was kept in minor has come to the fore ever since 10th- will make you wear a sari from Benarasi palli.” There is usually only one cultural event population, the number is huge. Again, this study
the lockup grader Ashraful Islam Jitu beat his teacher to The level of creative effort cannot be denied. a year, held in a nearby field. Even though was conducted before the pandemic. I believe that
inside the death with a cricket stump in Ashulia on June Farhan’s sister called 999 and the boys were the neighbourhood is not affluent, gaudy the mental health condition of our youth has
police station. 25, supposedly, to impress a girl. hauled off by the Pallabi police and slapped sports bikes are plenty and there is an inverse deteriorated drastically during the pandemic.
As public outrage poured over the death with attempt-to-murder charges – after all, More than 90 percent of these adolescents
This arrest of Utpal Kumar Sarkar, the teacher and a
relationship between the engine capacity of
putting aside the notion that this was turf war the motorbike, and the willingness to wear a do not get any medical attention due to lack of
will define his Hindu, certain questions were not asked: How fought in the teenage spirit, Farhan could truly helmet. As our female correspondent walked awareness in the family and also due to scarcity of
life even if he does a teenager like Jitu become “Jitu Dada”, have been killed. into an alley, an older woman verbally harassed mental health services in our country.
does get out who thought nothing of beating his teacher Pallabi Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Parvez her for “wearing her scarf wrong”. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused the
on bail. to death with a cricket stump in front of Islam called it a “gang” and said “7 members In this neighbourhood, teenagers like situation to further deteriorate as children have
the whole school? Jitu’s teachers have given of the gang including its team leader were Rakin, Farhan and the others are left to become severely deprived of healthy recreation,
RAKIN’S MOTHER extensive interviews about his errant ways, his arrested in a raid”. The inspector (investigation) entertain themselves using smartphones. They and are overly engaged in social media. Many
find their own idols. On TikTok, homemade adolescents find their families suddenly in
videos like the one Rakin and his friends were impoverished condition due to income losses
making while beating up Farhan, are plenty – induced by the pandemic.
most, in all probability, being staged. Many adolescents and youth have been
Teenagers like them, act out exactly how suffering from depression due to such factors and
and when to slap or beat up their girlfriends getting addicted to narcotics. Suicide rate among
and promote toxic masculine behaviour. them has also increased alarmingly.
Since this is user-generated content, there Q: What effective measures can be taken
is no oversight on what values are being to keep children away from such destructive
represented, and since this is a new technology, activities?
the parents have no idea. A: The time has come to think about what
Mohammadpur Police Station OC Abul services we are providing our adolescents and
Kalam Azad said the situation is similar in youth instead of focusing on what they are doing.
his area. “Children of low-income families If we can think in this way, we shall see that we
are getting involved in such teen gangs. In have deprived them of healthy recreation, and co-
many cases, they do not even know what the curricular activities in schools, we have deprived
punishment will be if they commit a crime. No them of a safe childhood within their own
one in society makes them aware. They commit community.
various crimes due to lack of awareness.” We must ensure healthy recreation, outdoor
physical sports and outdoor co-curricular
He said many are school dropouts with
activities for adolescents. We need to build
parents working long hours. “These parents
organisations such as clubs, volunteerism-based
don’t know how their children are passing
youth organisations so that youth are engaged in
their time,” he said. Soon they gain the
creative activities and community services.
patronage of local criminals and move to
Teachers’ training and parenting training is also
bigger crimes.
essential. Including everything in the textbook
PHOTO: Farhan was asked why everyone wanted
ANISUR RAHMAN and syllabus will not help at all unless teachers are
“respect” so badly – he had no answer. The trained to deliver quality and impactful teaching.
response perhaps is that no teenager wants Some parents impose excessive, unnecessary
to be left out. Zahin (not his real name), a restrictions on their children. They often physically
When asked bad manners and propensity towards drugs cast them off as “hopeless cases” saying that teenager from a slum of Bhashantek, explains punish their children and use abusive words against
and gang culture – but could say little about “no amount of arrests will fix this problem the pangs of being ostracised by his friends them. When these children find their back against
why he had after he had to drop out after fifth grade to
what he likes, what his struggles were, who his until the parents learn how to control them”. the wall, they start to commit offences to break free
been beaten idols were. The “gang’s” active presence on social help his father sell fish. from those restrictions. Ultimately, they want to
up like that, Last Tuesday, high-school student Farhan* media, shows that the arrested team leader is “I like going to the gaming arcade but they break social norms and create their own rules.
Farhan (not his real name) lay on his bed in his Pallabi an adult named Md Habibur Rahman, but the do drugs there. On the other hand, overly permissible and
launched home, his leg bandaged and resting on a rest of his followers seem to be teenagers and “I do not have a smartphone so I cannot be protective parenting can also encourage them to
pillow. younger children. Some of the teenagers hold in my friends’ TikTok videos, but I am good at commit crimes as they think they will get away
into a shooting videos so they at least let me shoot.
The leg had been hacked last Saturday when official roles like “Shooter of HD” presumably with their misdeeds with the help of their parents.
convoluted, some neighbourhood boys calling themselves for producing TikTok-style videos. “I cannot go to school, and they sometimes Again, overlooking offences of one’s own children
lengthy “DTCB Street” beat him up in the schoolyard. Most of the videos involve the group bunk school and hang out, so I cannot go with and maintaining silence is also an instance of such
tale about a “They had rods and one boy had a large walking down the street in large numbers or them. parenting that encourages children to commit
tussle over cleaver. He swung at me and I moved so the posing with bikes, flashing victory signs. The “Outside of work, I just hang out with my further offences.
blow landed on my leg,” said Farhan. nod to hip-hop culture is overt in the videos. friends. I miss English and Religion classes.” Also, if children see their parents involved
“respect”. Grownups would be quick to judge
“DTCB Street” is a gang of Mirpur-12, where Fifteen-year-old Rakin* (not his real name) in criminal activities, they are very likely to get
the letters stand for “D, Ta, C Block”. who was taking part in the assault, and was the teenager and dismiss these as juvenile involved in criminal activities as they see their
This is an area where flats cost between arrested by the Pallabi police, features in problems – but to Zahin, these are big. He parents as their role models.
Tk 9,000-12,000 per month, and most have several of those videos. manifested his pain through self harm – he has Recently we have conducted a study on parents
gated security, but no lifts. The streets are “They came to our house and took Rakin two rows of over a dozen blade-cut scars on his of children having conduct disorder. We developed
clearly laid out, and kindergartens and snack away, without telling us where they are going. forearm. The cuts are neat, deliberately done a module on positive parenting and after training
stalls dot every corner, making it an ideal He was kept in the lockup inside the police and only a month old. the parents for one month, we conducted an
neighbourhood for low to middle-income station. This arrest will define his life even if he “I cut myself in front of my friends. They assessment.
families to live and raise children in. does get out on bail,” said Rakin’s mother. thought I was crazy. I let them think that.” Our assessment proved that the training
When asked why he had been beaten up On social media, he portrays himself as Juvenile “delinquents” – the law enforcers parents reduced the frequency of anti-social
like that, Farhan launched into a convoluted, a tough teenager, sporting side-fades and criminalise them; society calls them products behaviour among children significantly. Another
lengthy tale about a tussle over “respect”. rectangle sunglasses, adding strobe effects and of failed parenting and the media call them follow-up study after one month showed similar
In a nutshell, he had demanded “respect” high bass to his videos. gang members. But there is hardly anyone results. We should organise training on positive
from his juniors on account of his age, and the At home, he is a kid who is stellar in math, helping them grow in a healthy way. parenting all over the country as soon as possible.
WR2 LITERATURE
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022
ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

Chandrabati Kotha Remembering Dr. Halima Khatun on

her 4th death anniversary on July 3

MOON
A Tale of the First Feminist DREAM 
Previously
Poet of the Sub-continent
ABDULLAH AL MAMUN
HALIMA KHATUN

I could make a kite

From the petals of my heart
To be flown by my son
apprenticed In a time when Bangladeshi film industry
As a magic carpet,
under and Instead of an elegy
is grievously experiencing the dearth of Lamenting my death. 
trained by powerful narrative and proper storytelling; Though the moon cannot die
her own be it commercial or historical or any other Let it be my epitaph
father in the genre, Chandrabati Kotha (The Tales On the petals of the sky
composition of Chandrabati) directed by N. Rashed Written with the stars.
Chowdhury shows some light for the Or the gospel of Buddha 
of lyrics, this industry. His courageous attempt to portray That I might leave with him
first Bengali the life of the first feminist poet of Indian And be an eremite, 
feminist sub-continent, Chandrabati, took more Then he could touch 
poet is seen than five years of pre-production works The mystery of my hair
in the movie including research work, collecting ballads And make it a switch 
from a particular region of Bangladesh, Turned into a wish,
questioning Kishoregonj, etc. makes the film worthy of To stop the thunder of guns,
the grabbing people’s attention particularly for That annoys meditation, 
presentation academics and for those who are lovers of Killing Bidyapati and the moon.
of Sita in the historical genre. Finally, it was released in
epic- Sita October, 2021. I could not reach the moon
Set in the 16th century, this period Because it was under my pillow
forced to prove drama explores not only the elegiac life Or behind his brow covered with thought. 
her chastity of Chandrabati but also tries to capture I dived into the bay
through the contemporary social and political life To gather lost moments, 
walking on where several plots go hand in hand. The Distilled with the honey
fire- that is why story begins with ballads of a contemporary Oozed from mermaid dreams.
her version of famous bayati (an age-old Bengali village The moon became the pearl,
minstrel storytellers) Nayanchand Ghosh- And clouds petalled oysters,
Ramayana found in Mymensingh Geetika (Ballads of To be merged with the wings
becomes a Mymensingh)- performing his lyrics based Of the peacock night.
story of Sita on Chandrabati’s love-life. However, her He could not drink the coffee 
instead of Ram love-life ends in tragedy with the betrayal of Because it was my blood
metaphorically her childhood lover Jayanand who is also a Served in the skull of Bidyapati.
poet. He leaves her on the eve of marriage for Sad moments turned to shadow
representing another woman. From thins point onward, Devouring the mermaid, 
years of her life takes turn to another direction, a life Like Hemingway 
subjugation of seclusion that probably paves the way to To be shot by his own gun.
of women. think deeply about life and connect herself He went down the stairs
Director of with the sufferings of Sita in the Ramayana. Caged in my ribs,
Heavy-hearted Chandrabati, the daughter And wanted to dance 
this movie of veteran poet Dwij Bangshi Das who is Accompanied by the 
N. Rashed the composer of Manasa Mangal, decides Drumbeats of my heart. 
Chowdhury to spend the rest of her life in the devotion Frozen into a dream of deathless life
in one of his of God Shiva and write her own version of My heart missed a bulb 
writings about Ramayana. Which could withstand love,
Previously apprenticed under and trained And shot into a red dahlia. 
this movie says, by her own father in the composition of
“According to lyrics, this first Bengali feminist poet is seen (Oct. 1981)
some experts, in the movie questioning the presentation
Chandrabati’s of Sita in the epic- Sita forced to prove her Halima Khatun was a Bangladeshi activist,
chastity through walking on fire- that is writer and academic. She took part in Bengali
version of Language Movement in 1952 along with
Ramayan why her version of Ramayana becomes a
other activists including Rawshan Ara
story of Sita instead of Ram metaphorically
is actually representing years of subjugation of women.
Bachchu. She was the recipient of Bangla
Academy Literary Award in 1981 and Ekushey
Sitayan! It Director of this movie N. Rashed Chowdhury Padak posthumously in 2019.
hardly talks of in one of his writings about this movie says,
Ram; rather “According to some experts, Chandrabati’s Rakayet as Dewan, Arman Parvez Murad as language in their tongues was the most
becomes an version of Ramayan is actually Sitayan! It Qazi among others. Brilliant performance challenging task for the director. But the
hardly talks of Ram; rather becomes an elegy both from the veteran actors and the movie maker triumphs over this difficult
elegy of Sita.” of Sita.” Apart from weaving the journey of junior rising stars adds another dimension. test and shows his craft with stupendous
Chandrabati, other plots including portrayal Particularly, Doyel’s role as Chandrabati is cinematography, costume design, and
of the Dewans of that time and the life of more of acting and giving expressions with exclusively the delivery of dialogue in
the followers of Vaishnabites are also found few dialogues provides a realistic depiction of dialects. In short, it can be said that this
narrated in the performance of the bayatis the central character. biographic drama added a new dimension
that makes its audience a part of the journey Excellent music composition by Satyakee to the history of Bangladeshi movie for it
and takes them back to a 400 years old Banerjee, a folksong artist from Kolkata, will invoke creative people to dig deep the
Bengali riverine village. However, the story of creates an ambience more connected to the riches hidden under the soil. Therefore,
Dewans seems to be loosely connected with soil, giving the spectators an opportunity to watching this cinema is simultaneously
the eponymous character of the movie. have an authentic taste of the medieval rural experiencing a significant time and feeling
Produced by government and Bengal Bengali music. the root.
Creations this 105-minute long biography Upon watching this movie, one realizes
stars Dilruba Hossain Doyel as Chandrabati, that the illustration of the story against Abdullah Al Mamun is a lecturer in the
Imtiaz Barshan as Jayananda, Jayanta the backdrop of sixteenth century and department of English at University of Skill
Chattopadhay as Dwij Bangshi Das, Gazi presentation of characters with local Enrichment and Technology (USET).

HASAN MARUF
WHAT HE DID weekends talking through an opening in streaming out from the garage. I called out Na” was rending asunder from the old
the wall that had separated our properties. to him but I didn’t hear a response. radio that hung on the other side of the
He joined the army at eighteen; a soldier Once in a while, his old comrades would Knocking on his front door, and upon wall.
through and through. He was tall, sturdy, traipse all the way to Tathari Bazar getting no reply, I surveyed around to the “It’s too late” Mahmud murmured. “I’m
ruddy-faced, and almost always urbane. to come and visit him. But as far as I wooden door on the side of his house but alone; my family’s far away…” he added.
Mahmud was my neighbour for nearly five remember in those five years he had been it was locked. Tidying up the backyard, and “All my dostos (buddies) are gone; I saw
years. He had moved from barely inhabited my neighbour, his kids never came to visit cleaning the temporarily built fireplace, I them die before me. The things we did—
hilly terrain of Khagrachhari to the city of him. went back to my house and set about my the things I did— are heartless, deleterious,
a heightened breeding place, old Dhaka. Mahmud would sometimes tell his business. and unforgivable.”
His decision to leave the vacuous and kaleidoscopic range of stories, often My wife was inside the house taking a “Don’t say that” I retorted as I held his
soulless life of the barrack could be being recalling his childhood and his teens. nap and my kids were in the living room hand. His hands were inert, rough, cold,
closer to his own children– all of them How he signed up to be in the army the playing and watching Friday matinée show and wan now.
were assumed to be in their primes. day after he passed matriculation simply on television. As I started to dredge up “The things I did,” he repeated. “I’m
“I have six,” he once told me. “Seven,” he because he didn’t want to go to school the makeshift hearth, expecting him to sorry for the things I did,” apologizing to
corrected himself a second later. Two from anymore. bob up with one of his friends, suddenly I me as if I had been a haunted victim of his
each of his three ex-wives and one boy heard a groan. At that moment, I decided tortuous past.
whom he had picked up during an eviction the UN mission to Africa, Middle-eastern I thought of inviting old to peep through the door hole. My cell phone was in my pocket as I
mission in Bangladesh Myanmar border Asia, and other missions. But he couldn’t There he was on the floor. He had fallen was still in delirious doldrums. I could feel
reminisce about those memories in a
Mahmud to come and join
when his platoon was making their way from a chair under his workbench. I called my voice breaking, my eyes welling up. He
through the fur-flung jungle of Ukhyia buoyant mood. He had seen the good, the for an adda fuelling feast. My out his name, but he didn’t respond. I tried sparked into one last smile, through the
when there was a state of emergency in bad, and the ugly side of humanity for the kids always enjoyed chatting to pry the door open. Then, I shattered the thick mustache, and muttered “I’m sorry”
Rakhine state in a series of besmirching umpteenth times. to him; he was sardonically window in, removing the craggy board and one last time.
battles between Rohingya and Myanmar Every morning, I would hear him funny yet quite affable with unlocking it from the inside, I rushed to I stood up, transfixed; my legs were
Army. The village had been raided just working at his backyard as the music his side. shaking and I saw the gun wasn’t loaded.
a few days before they got there. “There played from his tape recorder, always
them. However, he was
On his workbench was a gun, a bottle But he had taken gluts of aspirins as if he
were severed and burnt bodies strewn local folksong. I would usually see him nowhere to be seen. of aspirin, and a bunch of old pictures. He could not withstand the choice of having
everywhere,” he proclaimed. Some people working on household chores, his old tape had slit his wrists with his old switchblade. an easeful end.
were still trying to salvage whatever they recorder; tinkling with things, taking them One sluggish Friday noon, as my family Blood was diffused everywhere, his Photographs of him and his old buddies
could. He drifted onto a discarded flotsam apart, and putting them back together. and I came back from Jumma prayer, I pajamas were draped in it. As I bent down, from his military days lay cluttered on
when a little girl crawled up, speaking One evening, he played something had prepared to marinate the beef to cook my white sandal suddenly became soaked the floor. In one of these pictures, I could
inaudible Arakanese and crying, asking from Lalon’s mystic melody. A galaxy of in the backyard. I thought of inviting old in the crimson liquid. I panicked for a unerringly recognize a much younger
him to take the sickly nine-month-old memories fizzed through the beam of his Mahmud to come and join for an adda second and that’s when he turned his head Mahmud. Next to the photographs was a
baby she held in her arms. conscience and it took him into a state fuelling feast. My kids always enjoyed slightly and hissed, “I’m sorry.” pile of letters in envelopes with different
He took the baby; fed him some dry of surreal stupor. The music seemed to chatting to him; he was sardonically funny “I got to call for help.” I could feel myself names. It seemed he wanted to go slowly,
food, and a few days later he handed the pour salt into his unvoiced wounds as he yet quite affable with them. However, he faltering like a flickering flame of a white- unnoted, and unsaid; luxuriating in his
child over to the mobile Red Cross team. crooned, — “O the woe-fraught bird in the was nowhere to be seen. hot candle. last moment with Lalon Shai.
He also registered the baby as his own cage… How do you fly repressing all your His old bicycle was parked in the front “No” he spluttered; his breath came in
giving the baby a Bangladeshi moniker rage?” doorway; the bicycle he’d been working ragged, shallow gasps, memories of the Hasan Maruf teaches English at DPS STS
“Babu Miah.” More often than not, he and I would on was in the backyard along with the past swarmed all over him as the music of School, Dhaka. His interest lies in diverse
He was a career soldier; he had been in bask in propitious camaraderie on the little tape recorder. I could hear music Lalan Shai’s “Somoy Gele Sadhon Hobe genres of literature.
COUNTRY IN FRAME
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022
ASHAR 25, 1429 BS
WR3

AT MERCY
OF NATURE
D
EVASTATING floods turned
highways into rivers and
displaced hundreds of thousands
of people in Sylhet region in recent
weeks. Many poor people who only
owned one or two farm animals
had to see them get washed away
by the sudden rush of water. As
communications got disrupted,
reaching food and drinking water to
the people became a challenge.

PHOTO: STAR
WR4 SATIREDAY
DHAKA SATURDAY JULY 9, 2022
ASHAR 25, 1429 BS

The shoe
garland
maker’s
manual
CHAP AL MALA

With the climate as it is nowadays,

means of meting out justice is few and
far between.
We have all lost faith in law
enforcement nowadays, because now
they take people into custody and
“interrogate” them. What does that
even mean?
Anyway, like always, it is up to us,
the people, to mete out justice and
swiftly. None of this namby pamby
stuff about due process or torture in
custody, away from the eyes of the
world.
That is why we, at Rokto Gorom
Jubok, have put together a simple,
easy-to-follow guide on making the
traditional garland of shoes.
FIRST, ITS BENEFITS
Derived from the garland brides and
grooms put around each others’ necks
to mark their holy union, the garland
of shoes is, in many ways, a mark of
respect. The person who has to wear
it will be married to humiliation and
vow never again to do whatever he or
she did to warrant the garland.

All oil used for flattery, none It is non-violent. At least the act
of putting it on is not a violent one.
If the recipient resists, then one can
use some forms of creative coercion,

left for energy production

but that is neither encouraged nor
discouraged.
Lastly, it is a community and
communal activity. Anyone can join
in. That creates fellow feeling among
power stations that produce perpetr… ahem… participants.
“Where are MAHBUB ALAM MUNNA
those people energy,” Jaya Ahsan, failing to
Due to the national habit of study for her upcoming HSC
who were applying generous levels of oil exams due to frequent load-
oiling their to slide one’s way to the top -- or shedding, asked. It is non-violent. At
bosses for most often, barely middle, levels Other career oilers felt least the act of putting
promotion, -- of organisations, Chapasthan cheated. “I read years ago that
has been facing an oil crisis for
it on is not a violent
political for there to be electricity, we one. If the recipient
the past few days. have to inject oil into the power
leaders As a result, the country has resists, then one can
grid. That is when I saw my boss
for posts, failed to produce necessary use some forms of
wearing chequered clothes, and I
teachers for electricity to enlighten its thought that was the power grid creative coercion,
good grades people, which even 75 percent
literacy rate has not been able to
… Now people are telling me that but that is neither
and voters there is a national grid,” a man encouraged nor
do. The massive hue and cry have
for votes? We become a regular activity the
from Chapasthan’s port city said. discouraged.
desperately Meanwhile, those superiors,
people of Chapasthan have been
who have been oiled for years,
need them doing despite having an obvious
reluctance of doing so. are suffering from severe
now to Representational image of oil being wasted. PHOTO: AFP insecurity. As the news went
supply their “Had I not oiled my boss NOW, THE HOW
frequently, I wouldn’t have to unsolved mystery of the world recently did they realise that viral that the country is running
Everyone must wear shoes. On this
natural oil to face this recent power blackout,” that, despite having been blessed all the oil people produce here out of oil, their daily lives were matter there can be no debate. We
those power Telbaba, a jobholder, repented. with the most sycophants per is spent on their superiors for disrupted. Unknown sources further recommend that sandals are
stations that “We had plenty of oil to capita, a rare (but very common personal benefits instead of said they have faced a nearly 70 best suited for the job as it is easier
produce electricity, but instead in Chapsathan) type of human exporting to foreign countries, percent fall in flattery in just a
produce to thread a connecting wire/cloth/
of using that in power stations, who can produce oil naturally, or to inject into the power grid. week and the rate is booming lace through to make a magnificent
energy.” every day. “I am a leader and no
we used those on people, Chapasthan – a country that “Where are those people footwear necklace.
who only recycled the oil and looks like the Eiffel Tower from who were oiling their bosses one oils me now like before. If Most people are encouraged to
flattered their bosses,” he said, the sky -- isn’t a member of for promotion, political leaders things go like this, I will leave carry smartphones in order to be
displaying his newfound honesty OPEC. for posts, teachers for good this country soon and settle able to monitor Facebook statuses,
in a place of his mind that was Scientists, both social and grades and voters for votes? We in an oil-rich country,” Pathok comments and likes. Smartphones are
previously occupied by blubber. antisocial types, worked on desperately need them now to Bhattacharya, a student leader also helpful in gathering a crowd to
It has always been a famous the problem for years but only supply their natural oil to those expressed his feelings in despair. do the deed, because none of us are
carrying multiple shoes. Which leads
us to…
A shoe garland party must be of
at least four people, otherwise the
garland doesn’t look pretty as the
footwear is not spaced out sufficiently.
If one of the party is wearing a belt,
that is perfect, because the neyar that
holds up one of the others’ panjabis
will come in handy when tying the
shoes together. But we also need the
neyar volunteer to be able to hold his
panjabi up, and that’s where the belt
comes in. Pro tip: think ahead.
Once the attac … ahem … ceremony
is complete, the participants will
suddenly find themselves without
shoes. That is when the value of
planning ahead is illustrated. Always
conduct the ceremony near a mosque
during prayer times.
One final pro trip. To save time
and effort, drag around the newly
garlanded with you while you are
checking FB for more statuses. If you

THUG LIFE find a new targe… ahem… recipient,

just take the garland off the old and
put it around the neck of the new. If
6-WHEEL you need new thread, check to see if
the old recipient, who is by now wholly
EDITION compliant, is wearing a panjabi. If so,
you are in luck.
After rickshaws were banned
on Pachmoshjid Road,
rickshaw-pullers have come
up with an interesting way to
bypass the law. They are now
transporting their vehicles on
vans. But law enforcers are
quick to take action as well
and are fining these poor
rickshaw-pullers, proving
that late-stage capitalism is
out to kill us. PHOTO: STS
PHOTO: PRABIR DAS

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