Daily Star Editorial

7/24/2019 Daily Star Editorial

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( 04/11/2015) Daily star Editorial Synonym

Editorial Editorial

1.clamp down ( ) : to impose restrictions :crack down

2.faction( , ): clan, a small, organized, dissenting group within a larger one,

especially in politics

3.supremacy( ) : domination, hegemony

4.dissuaded( , ) : deter, discourage

5.altercation(, , )

6.privilege( / ): to give an advantage that others do not have to(someone or something

7.flabbergasted(, ) : To overwhelm with bewilderment; to stun, confound oramaze, especially with ludicrous affect.

8.mayhem( , , ) : Chaos, disorder, :needless or willfuldamage or violence

9.ensued( )

10.tranquility(, ) :calmness, peace, serenity

11.merely( , , )

12.litany( , )

13.rowdy(, , , , ):rambunctious

14.errant( , , )

15. impunity( , )___________________________________

Sub Editorial

1.Mandatory( ) : compulsory,essential, obligatory, requisite

2.implementation( ) : exercise, employment

3.adhering to( ) : Abide by, follow agreement or instructions

4.come into effect:( ) : to become valid, effective, or operable

5.blatant:( , , ): very obvious and offensive, obtrusive, brazen

6.upward()

7.rationale ( , ): argument

8.inevitably ( ) : necessarily, unavoidably

9.stumbling block( , ) : impediment, hindrance

10.empower( , ) :give power, authorize


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11.aforementioned () : mentioned before : spoken about or named earlier

12.overhauling () : to examine thoroughly

(EDITORIAL)

Clamp down on BCL warring factionsMake campuses safe for students

What sort of message is the ruling party giving out when two factions of the Chhatra

League (BCL) battle it out for supremacy on Chittagong University (CU) campus during

admission tests on November 2? Apart from the fact that the incident has left fifty

people injured including policemen and that the admission test could not take place,

many have been dissuaded from sitting for future admission tests.

From what has been printed in this paper, an altercation between activists belonging to

rival factions of BCL over who will get the privilege of greeting admission seekers

apparently is the cause of the violent clash. We are left flabbergasted at the immature

behaviour displayed by these so-called student factions.

That these activists have no respect either for their fellow students or the law is clearly

evident from the mayhem that ensued. Where is the strong hand of the university

administration which is entrusted to maintain peace and tranquillity on the campus? This

is unacceptable behaviour and the university authorities must be held to account for

such recurring incidents.

Are public universities a playground for BCL? This is not the first incident this year that

saw BCL violence at CU. In fact the latest incident is merely an addition to the litany of

BCL's rowdy and violent behaviour in many institutions all over the country. And we are

shocked to see that despite assurances from senior AL leaders from time to time of

actions against errant members, the BCL is being allowed to carry on with its violent

and self-destructive activities with impunity.

_______________________________________

( Sub Editorial)

Mandatory use of fare meters ignoredEnsure implementation

A recent report published in this daily revealed that some auto-rickshaw drivers are not

adhering to the new fare chart and the mandatory use of fare meters that came into

effect from November 1. Many auto-rickshaw drivers continue to carry passengers on a

contract basis in blatant violation of the newly introduced rule of compulsory use of fare


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meters.

Despite the upward revised fare chart, passengers continue to be overcharged since

auto-rickshaw drivers, although required by the government to pay a daily deposit of Tk

900, are forced to pay even more by the owners. The latter's lack of rationale with

regard to charging auto-rickshaw drivers inevitably results in the ultimate burden of

higher fare falling on passengers.

Although the use of fare meters has been made mandatory, which is a commendable

move, the stumbling blocks in the way of its effective implementation need to be

identified. For one, there is an obvious need to address the absence of any binding

agreement between the auto-rickshaw drivers and owners of three-wheelers. A formal

contract which requires owners to rely on a reasonable, structured method will not only

empower auto-rickshaw drivers but also discourage the owners from overcharging

passengers. The traffic police must also play their due role in ensuring that auto-rickshaw drivers obey the fare meter rules.

It must be noted though that the aforementioned points are mere short-term measures.

The public transportation system remains the main challenge and long-term,

sustainable solutions lie in overhauling it.


Editorial Editorial

1.insensate (, , , ): inanimate, insensible, insentient, senseless,unfeeling

2.remark ( , ) : to make a statement about someone or something

3.assuaged( , , , , , ): soothe,relieve, alleviate

4.humiliating(): abase, disgrace

5.regrettably( , / ) : used to say that something isdisappointing or regrettable,to an extent that causes disappointment or regret

6.apologies( ) : excuse, plea7.wound( , , ) : a feeling of sadness, anger, etc., that is caused bysomething bad that has happened to you

8.inflict( , ) : to cause someone to experience or be affected by

9.brutal ( , ) :cruel, harsh, severe

10.associated ( , , ) :combine unite


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11.harbouring( , ) 12.ideology( , ) : Doctrine

13.unbecoming( , , ) amiss, graceless

14.absurd( , ) :foolish, insane

15.convoluted ( , ): complicated,knotty,tangled

16.grieving:( ) : sorrowful

17.ascribe( ) : accredit, impute

18.stark( , , )

19.exposition ( , , ) a systematic interpretation or explanation

20.brought down ( ) reduce or hurt, abase, damage

21.got better of( , ): defeat; gain advantage

22.divested( ) : deprive (someone) of power, rights, or possessions

23.attributes( , ) : to regard as a characteristic of a person or thing,classify, designate

24.hesitate( ) : waffle,waver

25.rhetoric( , ): wordiness; long speech

26.compelled( ): force or oblige (someone) to do something__________________________________

Sub Editorial

1.mourn( ): grief

2.steered( / ) : guide, govern.

3.tumultuous( , ) : turbulent, noisy4.phase( , )

5.culminated( , ) : the highest point

6.gratitude( ) : thankfulness

7.yeomen service ( )

8.rendered( , ) : perform

9.fledgling( ) : an inexperienced person

10.valiant( , ) : heroic, brave

11.mutineer( , ) rebel

12.usurped( ) : wrongfully take possession of

13.bearing the brunt ( ) : to receive the worst part ofsomething unpleasant or harmful, such as an attack

14.fawned( ,, )

15.abyss( / ): very deep despair


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brutally murdered in the Dhaka Central Jail, 40 years ago. They were the trusted

lieutenants of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and who steered the tumultuous

phase of the liberation struggle and the nine months of liberation war that culminated in

the ultimate victory of the nation on December 16, 1971. We also recall with gratitude

the yeoman service they had rendered to the fledgling nation in the aftermath of the

country's independence.

It was on this day of 1975 that these four valiant sons of the soil were killed by a band of

mutineers who had usurped power after assassinating Bangabandhu and 19 members

of his family. We are still bearing the brunt of the politics of violence and murder that

these incidents had fawned. The ploy of the murderers was to throw the country in an

abyss of darkness which they had temporarily succeeded in doing. It is indeed a blot on

our conscience that it was not until the first Sheikh Hasina-led government was formed

in 1996 that the perpetrators of one of the most dastardly murders in our history were

brought to book. We thank her for giving us the closure that we, as a nation, badlyneeded. We would want to see the case concluded by bringing back the killers who are

abroad and implementing the verdict of the court. Only then can the souls of the four

slain national leaders rest at peace.


Editorial Editorial

1.isolated( ) : separated from other persons or things; alone; solitary.

2.misleading ( ) : to cause (someone) to believe something that is not true,misguide

3. fear mongering( ) the action of deliberately arousing public fear or alarm about aparticular issue

4.dumbfounded ( , ) : to make speechless with amazement; astonish.

5.off-shoots ( ) Something that branches out or derivesits existence or origin from a particular source

6.humiliating(, ) :disgracing, embarrassing7.refute ( , ) : to prove that (something) is not true, to say that (something) isnot true, contradict, disavow

8.nabbed ( , ) : : to catch and stop or arrest (someone),apprehend,seize

9.peril ( , ) : hazard, threat, menace, pitfall


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10.capitulation ( , , ):cession, relinquishment,surrender

11.miniscule( ) tiny, very small,meager

12. dogmatic ( ) : prejudiced, narrow minded,doctrinaire

________________________________Sub Editorial

1.Endangered( / ) : exposed, vulnerable, susceptible

2.species ( ) : category, group, class

3.impunity*( , ): freedom from punishment, harm, orloss,exemption, immunity

4.dismal ( ,, ): disastrous, dreadful, gloomy

5. bear the brunt( ,

)to receive the worst part of something unpleasant or harmful, such as anattack

6.tallied up ( , ):add up, add together

7.resolution( , ): solving, settlement, resolve

8.ambience ( ) : atmosphere, environment

9.unfettered( ) : free loose, unburdened, to free from restrain

10.unpleasant ( ) : displeasing,disagreeable, offensive

November 02, 2015EDITORIAL

These are not isolated events

Home minister's comment misleading

The latest killings indicate that the killers have expanded their target. Can it get any

worse than this? Will it be fear mongering to suggest that the next targets might be

those who sell their books and even those who buy them?

Just as we have been disappointed by the lack of progress of the police in netting theculprits in the past, so we are dumbfounded by the home minister's comment that

yesterday's tragedy was an isolated incident. What will it take to prove to him that it is

the same groups, or their off-shoots, who are doing all this? Whatever different name

they may adopt from time to time, the same poison of extremism drive all their actions.

We find the minister's stance humiliating. There are others in the ruling party who, like


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before, have already started politicising the tragedy. We would like to strongly refute the

minister and assert that these are not isolated incidents but part of a bigger scheme to

promote extremism in this country.

We want concrete action by the police. The killers must be identified and nabbed and

brought to justice as soon as possible.

The nation's soul is under threat. And unless we sink our differences and stand up to

the peril, the only alternative is capitulation of the majority of the people to a miniscule

number of misguided dogmatists. Is that what we want to see happen?

Sub editorial

Journalists endangered worldwide

States must ensure their safety

The journalists are increasingly becoming an engendered species. And we are

reminded of this unpleasant fact once again as we observe the 'International Day to End

Impunity for Crimes against Journalists' (IDEI) today.

The casualty figures are very dismal, made even more so by the fact that the number of

journalist targeted while in line of duty is rising. According to UNESCO reports, 680

journalists have been killed between 2006 and 2014 of which only 6 percent cases has

been resolved. The print media had to bear the brunt of losses that tallied up to 41

percent of the total casualties. And 70 journalists were killed up until September 2015.

It is regrettable that in spite of various resolutions adopted by the UN between 2006 and

2013 the number of journalists killed every year has not fallen primarily because of the

failure to address the issue of impunity of the perpetrators.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, in 2015 Bangladesh has been

among the top 10 deadliest countries for journalists in the world. Although the journalists

in Bangladesh are not facing a conflict situation as in many other countries, they

nonetheless at times fall foul of the political parties. Apart from the threat to life,journalists are often harassed with legal actions for doing their professional duty of

informing the people on matters of public interest. In fact, almost all cases of journalist

killings in Bangladesh in the last decade remain unresolved.

Good journalism depends on safe and secure ambience for journalists to function in.


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And without responsible and unfettered journalism democracy, and by extension the

people, is the loser.

( 01/11/2015) Daily star Editorial Synonym Editorial Editorial

1.cargo vessel ( , )

2.enforce ( , ): administer, apply, execute, implement

3.recommendation( ): advocacy, direction, guidance, instruction

4.aftermath() : consequent, outcome, upshot

5.squarely ( ) : with firmness and conviction; without compromise, in astraight direct way;

6.inexplicable( , ): unaccountable, unexplainable7.impunity ( , , ) :exemption, freedom from punishment, harm orloss

8.delicate( , , ) : fragile, easily broken

9.suspect ( , ) : not able to be trusted : causing feelings of doubt orsuspicion, dubious, disputable

10.sticking point() an obstacle to progress toward an agreementor goal, A point, issue, or situation that causes or is likely to cause an impasse

11.get into gear.( ) : to start to work effectively and with

energy

12.spill( / ) : cause or allow (liquid) to flow over the edge of itscontainer, especially unintentionally.

13.sheer( ) : completely,nothing other than; unmitigated

14.precious( ) : valued, cherished, prized.

15.contingency( , ) : something (such as an emergency) thatmight happen, case, event, possibility

16.dearth() : scarcity, famine, deficiency

__________________________________Sub editorial

1.violent ( ): fierce, ferocious, furious

2.gory( ) : having or showing a lot of violence and blood,bloodstained

3.succumbed( , ) : to stop trying to resist something,to die

4.recklessness( ) : carelessness, irresponsibility


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5 assailants(, ): attacker

6.barged( ): to move or push in a fast, awkward, and often rude way

7.looms large ( ) to be of great importance, especially when referringto an upcoming problem, danger, or threat.

8.regrettably( / ) : to an extent that causes disappointment or regret9.coordinated( ) : harmonize

10.anticipate( ) : expect, await, forestall

November 01, 2015

Cargo vessel route through Sundarbans

Enforce recommendations of probe team

The three-member investigation committee formed in the aftermath of the sinking of a

coal-carrying vessel in the Shela River in the Sundarbans has put the blame squarely

on the vessel operator. The probe committee has recommended that such vessels be

banned from operating in the mangrove forest to avoid future accidents of this nature,

and we agree with the recommendation. The Sundarbans is a world heritage site and is

home to many species of flora and fauna, and it is inexplicable that vessels carrying

harmful loads are plying the river with impunity at the cost of the delicate ecological

balance of the forest.

The latest sinking should serve as a wakeup call for the authorities. We await thedecision of the Department of Forests on what it intends to do with the report and

recommendations made thereof, because MV GR Raj is not the first vessel to sink, and

we suspect that unless steps are taken to limit the navigation of commercial vessels, it

will certainly not be the last.

The other sticking point in these incidents is the slow pace with which agencies get into

gear over a salvage operation. Back in March, we witnessed the dearth in preparedness

to deal with an oil spill. The refusal to use chemical agents to contain the spill, and the

sheer confusion among various agencies led to wastage of precious time. Setting up of

a permanent monitoring mechanism to monitor marine vessels is imperative as is theformulation of contingency plans on how to deal with spills and sinking of vessels.

Sub EDITORIAL


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Free thinking under attack again

We strongly condemn

In two violent and gory incidents yesterday, four publishers and bloggers were attacked

resulting in the death of one and severe injuries to three others who were in critical

condition till going to press. These are direct attacks on our freedom of speech and

thought and we condemn them in the strongest terms.

In one incident Ahmedur Rashid Tutul, a friend and publisher of Avijit Roy, along with

two colleagues, was attacked in his office in Dhaka by a group of men, reportedly armed

with machetes and guns. In the other incident later in the day, Faisal Arefin Dipan,

another publisher, was attacked in Shahbag and succumbed to his injuries.

The way these attacks were carried out speaks volume about the ever increasing

recklessness of the extremists who commit such crimes. In the first case, the armedassailants reportedly barged in Tutul's office in broad day light and locked him along

with two of his colleagues from outside. All three were stabbed and at least one of them

was shot.

The question that looms large at this point is this: Did the law enforcement agencies

provide Tutul with adequate security, if at all, after he filed a complaint with the police,

being threatened with death on Facebook following the murder of Roy earlier this year?

These attacks give a new dimension to the whole thing; not only bloggers, but also

those associated with them are now being targeted. And the extremists seem to beoperating with impunity. Regrettably, so far, of the five blogger-murder cases, some

progress has been made only in one. There must be a well-coordinated effort to identify

these extremist groups as well as their sources of funding, anticipate their actions and

catch and award them the due punishment.


Editorial Editorial

1. Unbridled ( ) : uncontrolled, unrestrained

2.endorse( ) : declare one's public approval or support of,sign (a check or bill ofexchange)

3.anxiety( , ) : worry, tension,fuss

4.allegedly(): ostensibly, seemingly

5.infuriated() : furious, angry


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6.mugging( , , ) : purse stanch, rob, steal

7.bestial (, ) : barbarous, beastly, cruel, depraved, feral, inhuman,savage

8.flaunting( ) : ostentatious, pretentious

9.Influence ( ) :domination, power, authority10.abrasive : ( , ) : rough, unpleasant

11.malaise ( /) : despair,discomfort,distress, sickness

12.prompt( ) : Immediate, early, instantaneous,rapid, expeditious

13. verdict ( ): law judgement, sentence

14. incorporate ( , ) :include, combine,amalgamate, assimilate

15.recurrence( ) : repeated happening__________________________________

Sub Editorial 1.embezzling ( , ) : steal money,misuse,

2.fled( , , ) : abscond, evade,escape, retreat

3.meagre( ): deficient in quantity or quality; lacking fullness or richness; scanty;inadequate:

4.deplorable( , ) :lamentable, causing a subject of grief

5.prey on( )

6.disgraceful (, ,, , , )

:ignominious, blameworthy, contemptible7.unsuspecting ( , ) : gullible, naive,credulous, ingenious

8.exploit ( ) : maneuver, to take unfair advantage.

9.come to light ( ): make (or become) widely known or evident.

EDITORIAL

Violence against children

Stop its unbridled rise

WE fully endorse the anxiety expressed by a local human rights organisation at the

increasing incidence of violence against children. The latest incident of the kind is the

shooting and killing of a young boy of sixteen, allegedly by the owner of the restaurant

he was working in. And the poor boy's fault was that he had asked for a raise which had

infuriated the owner who, as easy as anything, shot the boy dead and tried to pass it off

as a case of mugging.


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Several such acts of violence have been reported in the media since the bestial

treatment of Rajon. The alleged killer in this case have been flaunting his influence on

the law enforcing agencies in carrying himself in such an abrasive manner and meting

out rough treatment to his employees.

This is a sad picture that mirrors, unfortunately, a malaise which the state and the

society have not been able to cure as yet. And the ever increasing incidences of

violence against children in all spheres have been in good part due to the lack of prompt

legal action and punishment of the perpetrators. However, we are happy to note that the

trial of Rajon's killers has been concluded in good time and the verdict will be

announced on November 8.

While there is need for awareness for all concerned, unless exemplary punishment is

awarded, children will continue to be victims of inhumane behaviour. Perhaps a timehas come to revisit the provisions of the act related to the prevention of violence against

women and children and incorporate measures to prevent the recurrence of such acts.

Sub EDITORIAL

'NGO' cheats rural women

Where is the monitoring mechanism?

We are amazed at the report of NGO officials at a remote village in Sadurapul upazila

in Kishoreganj embezzling about Tk 37 lakh from poor rural women in the name of

capacity-building and income-generation. The officials, who disappeared overnight with

the money, were from a fake NGO called 'Hosto Shilpa Private Ltd' set up six months

ago. Reportedly, the NGO employed women from the area as field officers to recruit

rural women as members for training on sewing and arts and crafts. From these

members, the NGO charged admission fee, training fee and security money for

electricity-run sewing machines. But on Tuesday, the five officials entrusted with the

money fled the village with the women's meagre savings, and their dreams of a better

life.

It is deplorable that unscrupulous people would prey on poor women in the villages.

That they should do this in the name of training and empowering these women, by

exploiting people's faith in NGOs, is even more disgraceful. The Kishoreganj UNO

informed the victims that the NGO did not have any registration with the social welfare

department and that there was no record of it at his office. The question is why has this


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fact come to light now and not before?

This highlights the importance of monitoring NGOs and of ensuring that they do not

carry out dishonest activities victimising unsuspecting people. With NGOs working all

over the country, particularly in remote villages, the social welfare department and local

government must remain alert to the possibility of dishonest persons setting up fake

NGOs, exploiting people's confidence in non-government development activities. The

perpetrators of this crime must be brought to book without delay.


Editorial Editorial

1.physically challenged ( ) Handicapped, Disabled

2.gem( ,,/ )Something that isvalued for its beauty or perfection, any precious or highly valued thing or person

3.commend( ) : To praise especially publicly,to recommend, hail, advocate,applaud

4.impaired ( , ) : Damaged, faulty,debilitated

5.imparts( ,, ) :carry, transmit, give, pass on

6.specialised ( ) : specially designed, particular

7.aspire ( , ) : hope, desire

8.barrier ( ) : obstacle, hindrance, impediment

9.preclude( , ) : make impracticable, prevent, interrupt

10.access ( , ) : admittance, passage, path

11.bypassed( / ) : avoid, neglect,circumvent

12.ambitious( ) : enthusiastic, ardent,eager, striving

13.remarkable(, ) :extraordinary, significant, noticeable, outstanding

14.instill( ) :implant, introduce, disseminate, inject

15.measures( , ): regulate

16.allocation:() :allotment, apportionment17.vulnerable: ( ) unprotectable, sensitive, susceptible

18.integration( ) : unification, assimilation________________________________

Sub editorial

1.notches (, ) : gap, score


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2.regulatory( ) : managing, supervisory

3.enterprise(, )action, undertaking, pursuit performance) ,

4.ridden ( , ): full of something unpleasant or bad:

5.assurance ( ) : promise, guarantee, pledge, surety

6.lagging behind ( )

7.reforms ( ): Rectify, ameliorate, regenerate

8.significantly( , )considerably, noticeably,

9.policymakers ( )

10.declining ( , ) : reducing,

11.benchmarks( , ) : reference point, standard

12.futile(, ,, ) : abortive, ineffective, barren

EDITORIAL

Educating the physically challenged

A gem of an organisation

We commend The Manab Kalyan Trust of Pabna for assisting higher education of 135

physically challenged students, many of them visually impaired. Starting with six

extremely poor students, in 1994, the trust, founded by a college professor, now imparts

specialised education through Braille and recorded lectures to blind students, some of

whom aspire to become civil servants and academics upon completion of theirpostgraduate studies.

In a country where several barriers preclude persons with different abilities from leading

a normal social and economic life and accessing essential services like education and

health, this extraordinary organisation sets a shining example of how a helping hand

can make a difference in the lives of those who are often bypassed by ambitious

development programmes and projects.

What's remarkable about the Manab Kalyan Trust is the fact that it instills in students

the courage and determination to overcome their limitations, often an important factorbehind success and failure in life, not only for them but all of us.

The measure of a society is how it treats its people including those physically

challenged. Currently dependent on donations, the institution needs government

support to extend its mission to help the most vulnerable members of the community.

And at the macro level, allocation of funds has to be increased to meet their special


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needs for education, health and integration into the society and the economy, enabling

them to live a meaningful life as citizens.

Sub editorial

Down two points in ranking

Simplify business process

According to the World Bank's (WB) latest edition of business-environment ratings, the

country slipped down two notches to rank 174 out of 189 countries globally. That it is

now more difficult to 'start a business' and it is harder to get 'access to credit' speak

volumes of the regulatory problems new enterprises and old ones face in the private

sector. It is not a happy position to be in, especially when other countries in the region

are doing much better than Bangladesh; India comes in at 130, earth-quake ridden

Nepal landed at 99 and even violence-ridden Pakistan scored 138.

In spite of the government's assurance to ease the process of starting a business we

have gone down in five indicators and remained static in the other five. It now takes

19.5 days to start a business in the country against an average of 15.7 days in other

South Asian countries. Bangladesh is lagging behind because much-needed reforms

that would significantly cut down lead times in dealing with construction permits, getting

electricity, registering property, getting credit, paying taxes, etc.all of which affect how

fast a business can get up and running - have not come about.

It is critical for policymakers to take a closer look at the declining performance because

such global benchmarks are what foreign investors refer to when considering the

country to be a good place to invest in. A poor showing in rankings are indicative of a

less-than-average performance on regulatory issues. Without serious reforms to

improve business and investment climate, it would be futile to expect Bangladesh to

draw investors both from home and abroad.


Editorial Editorial

1.Rundown( , ) : a gradualreduction in thesize of a business, activity, etc., an item-by-item report or review :summary

2.disarray( ) :disorder, disorganization

3.hygiene: ( , ) : a science of the establishment and maintenanceof health,conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health

4.sorely( ) : agonizingly,bitterly


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5.paucity( ) : scarcity, unavailability

6.affair*( , , ) :amour, fling, commercial, professional, public, orpersonal business,matter, concern

7.accommodation( , ) : a place where people can live, stay,

or work;an agreement that allows people, groups, etc., to work together, lodge8.prospective( ) : likely to come about,expected

9.look forward to( , ) :

10.spic-and-span( , )

11.citing( ) : enumerate, give as an example

12.avail ( , ) : to be useful or helpful to (someone orsomething,serve, help

13.resources( ,): a source of supply or support :an available means

____________________________________Editorial

1.applaud( ) : to express approval of :praise,cheer

2.disseminate(): to cause (something, such as information) to go to manypeople, broadcast, propagate

3.fellow( ) : an equal in rank, power, or character; comrade, associate

4.initiative() : action, enterprise

5.boost( ): to increase the force, power, or amount of (something)

6.knowledge-intensive:( ) Requiringaccess to and manipulation of large quantities of knowledge

7.innovative( , ) :imaginative, inventive

8.contemporary( ): simultaneous, coeval

9.landscape( , )

10.remote( ) far away, outside

11.affordable( ) : to be able to pay for (something)

HomeEditorial

12:00 AM, October 29, 2015 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:00 AM, October 29, 2015

EDITORIAL

Sorry state of DMCH

Rundown condition not acceptable

The Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) is in a state of disarray when it comes to


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providing quality service to its patients. We are talking about lack of quality treatment

and the general rundown state of the facility where hygiene is sorely lacking. The

paucity of beds and cabins has become such a routine affair that many a patient may

have to wait weeks for admission, and when that comes through, the accommodation

that awaits a prospective patient is nothing to look forward to. Going by what has been

reported in this newspaper, the toilet facilities are not only lacking in hygiene, but

apparently also in running water in many of them.

So where does that leave the thousands of people in the city and those who travel long

distances from other districts to get treatment? Given the lack of choices for many who

cannot afford treatment offered by spic-and-span private medical clinics, their fate is left

hanging. We are informed by DMCH authorities that the hospital suffers from a shortage

of manpower. On paper, the number of beds in DMCH has increased nearly 50 percent

from 1,800 to 2,600 over the last 30 months. But that number is insufficient since the

number of indoor patients is anywhere up to 3,500 on a daily basis.

Hence, it is not only a question of a lack of manpower but a lack of physical capacity to

handle the number of patients it is serving now. Citing lack of resources is hardly an

excuse and we hope resources will be made available by the concerned ministry so that

DMCH can live up to its reputation and people can avail the service they deserve.

E-agri information centresA timely initiative

We applaud the government decision to expand e-Krishi (e-agriculture) services in rural

areas to disseminate agricultural information among farmers. Under the InfoSarker

project the government has chosen 254 farmers' associations to turn them into ICT-

driven Agriculture Information and Communication Centres (AICCs). Members of these

centres will work as 'smart farmers' who will provide agricultural information to their

fellows. This initiative will definitely boost our agricultural output by helping farmers

employ IT applications and services suited for firm and wider agricultural use.

The agriculture sector is increasingly becoming knowledge-intensive where farmers

require more information to make complex decisions on their land use, selection of the

crops, flexibility in the choice of markets for their produce and other necessary decisions

that impact their lives. Using ICT in innovative ways through ICT-enabled services helps

in disseminating timely information and agricultural advisories to improve farmers'

capacity and empower them with contemporary farming technologies and techniques.


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With these new 254 centres the number of AICC has risen to 499. Still we need to set

up more such centres to cover the whole agricultural landscape, particularly the remote

areas. We should also focus on ICT innovations like developing agri-apps, SMS,

weather alert, cloud computing, tracking services and so on. The government and

private ICT solution providers need to invest more in making these ICT tools affordable

to poor farmers.


Editorial Editorial

1.frittered away. ( , )

2.absurd (, ) : ridiculous, senseless, inane, illogical, incongruous

3.conspiracy ( ) : treachery, trickery4.allegation*: ( ) :accusation, assertion placing blame

5.farfetched( , ): unbelievable, dubious, doubtful

6.enactment( , ) : ordinance, statute, act, bill

7.measly( / ): very small or too small in size or amount, insignificant,negligible

8.praising( ) : laud, eulogize, extol, veneration

9.quorum: ( ) the smallestnumber of people who must be present at a meeting in order for decisions to be made.

10.irrelevant ( ): not bearing upon the case, not relevant, not connected with,insignificant

11.indifferent: ( ) : callous, apathetic, not interested

12.exalted(, , ) : praised, held in high esteem, dignified

13.lambasting( , ) : denounce, criticise, punish

14.cognizance () : awareness, attention, cognition

15.aspirations* ( , ) : hope, ambition_________________________________

EDITORIAL 1.organic ( )

2. Conductive ( , ):

3.Emulated ( , ) : vie with, strive to equal.

4.forgo( ) : give up, abandon, abjure, abstain

5.notion( , ) : belief, idea


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6.boon( , ): advantage, benefit, blessings

7.premium: ( )exceptional, prime, superior

8.adequate( ): sufficient

9.monitoring( ) : surveillance, watch carefully

10.supervision( )

11.pesticides( )

12.recommended( )suggested, advocated, argued

13.perishable ( , ): : likely to spoil or decay quickly : not likely to stay freshfor a long time if not eaten or used

14.commodities()

EDITORIAL

TIB's report card on parliament

Its time should not be frittered away

Predictably, the reaction from the government regarding the just released Transparency

International, Bangladesh (TIB) report on the performance of the current parliament, has

been total rejection and absurdly terming it as 'part of an international conspiracy' as

expressed by three whips of the treasury bench. The allegation that the study, which is

based on months of research, was made public after the murders of two foreign

nationals and the Ashura bomb attack is rather farfetched and illogical.

The report has found that a measly six percent of 388 working hours were spent on

formulation and passing of laws and only 29 of the 350 lawmakers took part in the

process of enactment of 30 laws in 14 months. The rest of the time, treasury and

opposition benches were busy praising their parties and the government and criticising

the BNP-combine. The study also pointed out a quorum crisis, though less than in

previous parliaments, that ate up more than 48 hours amounting to a waste of TK 32.42

crore.

A huge amount of taxpayers' money goes into funding the parliamentary sessions.Wasting it by talking about irrelevant matters or remaining completely indifferent, is a

huge letdown for the people and a discredit to the exalted position MPs hold.

The recommendation TIB has given includes: a bill on lawmakers conduct, encouraging

MPs to take part in the lawmaking process and making sure the opposition plays its

'actual role'. Thus instead of lambasting the report we suggest that the government


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takes cognizance of the constructive criticism the study has offered and make all out

efforts to ensure that the parliament is effective and representative of the needs and

aspirations of the people.

Sub editorial

Organic farming methods help

Increase awareness and monitoring

A young farmer from Lalmonirhat decided to do things differently. Where the bulk of

vegetables sold in the capital city are chemical-laden which is not at all conducive to

health, Atul Chandra Roy introduced organic fertilisers and pesticides on his farm, which

has been emulated by other farmers in his village. Given that his produce has met with

marketing success, some 100 odd farmers in the area have decided to forgo the use of

harmful chemical agents altogether. The commonly held notion amongst most farmers

is that unless chemicals are used in abundance, vegetables will not grow to optimal sizeand shape. What has been lacking is the sharing of knowledge that public health suffers

when such agro-products hit the human digestive system.

It is interesting to observe that most vegetables now grown in Dakhkhinpara village

where Atul hails from have stopped using chemical agents on their fields for the last five

years. But that has not stopped these farmers from making a profit. A growing

awareness, especially among urban residents about health hazards has provided the

boon needed for such farmers to produce agro-products that sell at a premium price.

In the absence of adequate monitoring and supervision by agriculture officials, the

chemical companies woo farmers into applying toxic chemicals that include banned

pesticides to vegetables. Indeed a recent study by Bangladesh Agriculture Research

Council (BARC) has found that farmers apply pesticides up to 8-10 times the

recommended level. The only way out of this situation is to improve preservation

technologies, packaging materials and proper transportation for perishable

commodities.

( 27/10/2015) Daily star Editorial Synonym Editorial Editorial

1.perpetrators* (, ) : criminal

2.deteriorated( ): to make or become worse day by day, to disintegrate

3.manifestation(, , ) personification, public demonstration of powerand purpose


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4.abduction:( ) : kidnapping, taking away by force

5.Ransom( ): blackmail money paid for return of possession or person

6.hostage( , ) : person held captive until captor'sdemand is met

7.downturn( ) deterioration,drop8.hauled( , ) move, pull to another spot, shift

7.insurgents( ) :rebel, agitator, anarchist, mutineers, Demonstrator

9.outfit( , ): set of clothes or equipment

10.clandestine:( ): secret, sly, illicit

11.hideouts( ) : den, hiding place, cover

12.territory( ) : Domain, region, enclave

13.accessibility*( ) :convenience, openness

14.impunity ( ) :exemption, immunity15.extract( , ) : abstract

16.in the offing ( ) : about to happen, advancing, almost on one, anticipated,aspiring

______________________________________

Editorial

1.headway( ) : progress, advance

2.unravel*( ) : unfold, solve

3.recovered ( , ) : found, renewed4.apparently *( ) : clearly, manifestly

5.Convicted *( , ) : find guilty, adjudge

6.confess( ) : grant, admit, confirm

7.insisted( , ) : reiterate, order and expect

8.militant*()

9.heartened*( ) : arouse, encourage

10.assassins( ): murderer, gun person

11.masterminds: ( )12.allayed( ): abate, alleviate, reduce something

13.come up with ( /) suggest, create, originate

October 27, 2015

EDITORIAL


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Kidnapping in the hills

Haul up the perpetrators

THE safety situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts has deteriorated sharply, a

manifestation of which we see in a rise in the incidents of abduction in the region.

According to reports published in this paper recently, 26 people have been kidnapped in

the last 10 months in Bandarban, Rangamati and Cox's Bazaar, of whom 20 have been

released after families paid ransom. Six people are still being held hostage. Not only

that, last August a BGB soldier was injured when Arakan Liberation Army (ALA)

members fired on a BGB patrol team. And last month, a VDP member was killed in an

exchange of fire with a terrorist group in the CHT. The situation points to a serious

downturn in the law and order, and, to make matters even more worrisome, no one has

been hauled up yet in connection with the abductions.

Myanmarese insurgents groups ALA and Mro National Party are, reportedly, behind

these abductions, which the outfits use to finance their clandestine activities. It is now

evident that they are using parts of our territory as hideouts. The hostile nature of the

terrain and its limited accessibility makes it easy for these groups to carry out cross

border activities with impunity.

This month, the so-called military commander of the ALA Renin Su was arrested from

Rangamati. Following the information extracted from him, a coordinated operation

against the ALA and other such group should be in the offing. The law enforcing

agencies need to work more on human intelligence to arrests the kidnappers andprevent abduction. The government should also seek the cooperation of the

neighbouring countries to flush out these criminal outfits.

Sub editorial

Headway in the Tavella case

Fair investigation will unravel the truth

After weeks of little visible progress in the investigation of the murder of Cesare Tavella,

an Italian national, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has caught four suspects involved inthe killing and recovered a motorcycle that was apparently used by the murderers to

escape. According to the police, the suspects are convicted criminals who have

confessed that they had been hired to kill any foreigner who was 'white'. They have also

admitted that they had been hired by a 'big brother' to carry out the killing.

The police have insisted that there are no militant links to this murder, thus rejecting the


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IS claim posted by US-based SITE Intelligence Group.

We are heartened that the police have made some headway in a murder that has

spread fear and confusion among the international community. We hope however, that

this case is not in any way politicised, and the investigation is carried out fairly and

efficiently. Not only the hired assassins but also the masterminds of this murder and that

of Japanese national Kunio Hoshi must be identified and brought to book. This is the

only way that the fears of the international community as well as those of all

Bangladeshis, will be allayed. We hope in the coming days the police will be able to

come up with more information regarding the cases and share it with the public.


Editorial Editorial

1.Dastardly ( ): Cowardly

2.mourners( ) : person who mourns,3.contempt*( , ) : disdain, scorn

4.unprecedented:( , ) :Unaccustomed, unfamiliar

5.sectarian( ) :narrow minded,parochial

6.remiss( , , ) : careless, negligent

7.congregation( , ) :gathering, assembly

8.evident ( , ) : assumed, apparent, putative, ostensible

9.destabilise*( ) : :to make unstable, to cause (as a government) to be

incapable of functioning or surviving

10.denting( ): make a depression into

11.dividend( / )

12.accrue( /) : to accumulate or be added periodically, tocome as a direct result of some state or action

13.swayed( ) : impact, influence

14.perpetrators*( , ) : culprit,

15.loop holes*( ) malfeasance

16.probe*( ) : investigation17.knee jerk( / ) an automatic or reflexreaction; an immediate reaction made without examining causes or facts.

18.unsubstantiated( , ) :not proved, arguable, controversial

19.nabbed : ( ) detain, arrest, apprehend_______________________________________


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Editorial

1.Encroachment*( , , , ) : intrusion on aperson's territory, rights, etc, To take another's possessions or rights gradually or

stealthy,To advance beyond proper or former limits

2. underscore ( ) : underline3.commitment( ,, ) : assurance, undertaking, vow

4.Unscrupulous*( ) :unethical, immoral,

5.unabated*(/ ) : relentless, persistent, incessant, unstoppable, neverending

6.eviction() : throwing out of a residence, dislodgement

7.peril ( , ) :danger risk, cause for alarm

8.unregulated( ) : uncontrolled

9.accountable ( ) : answerable, liable10.prosecute ( , ) : carry out perform

"*" Editorial

Editorial

October 26, 2015

Huseni Dalan bombing

A black day for us

We are shocked at the dastardly bombing targeting the mourners at Husseini DalanImambara on the night before the Ashura. The act deserves our strongest contempt.

This is unprecedented in Bangladesh. In fact Muslims in this country have been

participating in mourning the martyrs of Karbala and observing the Ashura peacefully

cutting across sectarian divide, over a long time.

It would not be remiss to suggest that there is a pattern in the three violent incidents of

the last one month. First it was the killing of the two foreigners. And now we have the

bombing at a Shia place of congregation.

It is evident that the purpose of these attacks is to destabilise the country by exploiting

as many issues as possible to create a divide within the country including denting the

sectarian harmony that Bangladesh has enjoyed for so long. But we are not sure what

dividend it will accrue to the perpetrators of these crimes.

We would strongly recommend that the government and not the police, as has been

done, should form the probe body to investigate the matter, because there is a need to


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bring out the loopholes in police arrangements, if any, covering the Ashura observance.

But be that as it may, we would hope that the probe body would not be swayed in their

investigation by the knee jerk comments of some politicians of the ruling party on the

matter. Nothing damages more the course of an investigation than unsubstantiated

comments on an issue under probe. The real culprits must be identified and nabbed and

brought to justice soonest.

Sub editorial

Encroachment of the Shitalakkhya

Grabbers more powerful than the law!

Arecent photo in this newspaper showing the illegal setting up of shipyards on the

banks of the Shitalakkhya after filling it up and changing its course at Kanchpur area in

Narayanganj underscores the lack of commitment of the authorities to save our riversfrom illegal encroachments, and the Shitalakkhya, one of the main sources of water for

Dhaka city.

It is extremely disturbing to see the unscrupulous activities go on unabated under the

very nose of the BIWTA, the body responsible for protecting the rivers although the High

Court, in 2009, directed the government to take necessary steps to stop encroachment,

earth-filling and unlawful construction of structures on the banks of four rivers including

the Shitalakkhya. What has followed is even more frustrating. As soon as an eviction

drive ends, the encroachers, reportedly, return to continue with their land-grabbing. At

least Tk18 lakh has so far been wasted from public exchequer to carry out six eviction

drives at a single site along this river.

This is, however, not an isolated case. Rivers and even canals are being filled up in

different parts of the country for commercial gains causing severe environmental

hazards. According to another recent report, the Karnaphuli, a lifeline of Chittagong city,

is in peril due to widespread encroachment and unregulated waste disposal.

We renew our call to the government to act immediately to hold the agencies

accountable whose job it is to not only prevent illegal grabbing of public land but alsoprosecute those responsible for it. Also, a nationwide campaign to safeguard and

develop our rivers may yield positive results in this regard.


Editorial Editorial


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1.Chocked (, ) : pack,suffocate. strangled

2.thrive( , ) to grow or develop vigorously; flourish, to prosper; befortunate or successful

3.spectator ( ) : bystander, viewer, onlooker

4.paved (): covered5.unbridled( , , ,) :unchecked, rampant,intemperate

6.Encroachment( / ) : to gradually take or begin to use oraffect something that belongs to someone else or that someone else is using.

7.regulatory authority( )

8.vested( / ) fully and unconditionally guaranteed as a legal right,benefit, or privilege

9.propped up ( ) : support, sustain, strengthen

10. on the sideline( ): Observing rather than taking part, out of the action,not actively involved in something

11.shrunk( ) : Compress,contract

12.span( , ): an extent, stretch, reach, or spread between two limits, alimited space of time

13.land grabber ( )

14.opted for ( ) : Choose a particular option

15.immense( ): extremely large or great, enormous

16.untreated ( /)

17.effluents( ): liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea.

18.sedate( , ) :calm,undisturbed

19.constraints( , , ) : barricade, demur

20.high time ( )

21. indiscriminately( / ) :haphazardly

22.Degradation( / ) : abasement, degeneration___________________________

Editorial

1.embody.( , ) :materialize, actualize

2.spirit ( , ,, ) : enthusiasm, consciousness

3.significance ( , , ) : inner meaning, importance

4.observe ( , ) : keep in view, comply with, perform duly

5.ignominy( , ) : dishonour, disgraceful


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6.perished ( , , ) : lose life, decay, come to anultimately end)

7.descendants( )

8. fateful( ) :Fatal

9.grief( , ) : hardship, regret, sorrow10.mourning( , ) :grieve, be sorrowful

11.martyrs ( )

12.prevail( , , ) : be in force, win, provestronger than

13.internalise ( )

14.vow ( , , )

15.sectarian ( )

16.cohesiveness( )17.abjure( )

18.distort ( ) : twist out of natural or regular shape or meaning

19.glorify( , ) : praise, make glorious

20.immensely( )

Karnaphuli River being choked

DoE strangely silent

Big cities thrive on the banks of great rivers. For Chittagong it is the Karnaphuli River.

Yet over the nearly two and half decades, we have stood as silent spectators to its

gradual degradation as greed paved the way for unbridled encroachment. The

Department of Environment (DoE), the regulatory authority has also stood on the

sidelines in the face of powerful vested interests and not taken effective steps to protect

it. It is shocking to find that the river's width has shrunk from 870meters in 1990 to a

mere 600meters in the span of two decades as manmade illegal structures propped up

on its banks and land grabbers opted for filling up the river over this period.

The ecological balance of the river has suffered immense damage as untreatedindustrial effluent, about 1,400 tons of solid and liquid waste of some 6million residents

have been dumped indiscriminately into the waters of Karnaphuli on a daily basis

through various canals. Yet authorities work at a sedate pace to set up a central effluent

plant for the city's industrial belt. We are informed by a report published in this paper

that a master plan on sewage treatment will be finalised by 2017. Hence, it is not clear

precisely when the actual plant will go into operation.


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In the meantime, Karnaphuli continues to be polluted and encroached upon. The DoE

operates under severe constraints of resources including lack of manpower and

enforcement authority. The Karnaphuli is Chittagong city's bloodline and it is high time

for the government to wake up to realities on the ground and take a hard line against

polluters and land grabbers

Sub editorial

EDITORIAL

Lessons of Ashura

Embody its spirit

Though the day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram and the first month of the Islamic

calendar, is related to many events of historical significance, the Muslims today observeit as the day of Karbala, where on this day, Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy

Prophet chose death to ignominy of surrender to the unjust demands of Yezid. With him

perished a small but dedicated band of Muslims, including nearly all of the direct

descendents of the Holy Prophet.

And since that fateful event more than 1300 years ago, the day is being observed by

some in open expression of grief, and by some in quiet mourning and remembrance of

the episode and prayers for the martyrs of Karbala.

But while we mourn the martyrs we feel that the day should be a day for more than just

mourning. The lessons of the day, that justice shall prevail over injustice, should be

internalised by all Muslims; and that injustice must be protested and Yazids, who

appear in all ages and all countries, must be resisted at all costs.

This is also a day for all Muslims to vow to sink their own differences. We are pained to

see the sectarian clashes, particularly in the Middle East that threatens to not only pull

the countries down but also destroy the cohesiveness of Islam. We must also join hands

and declare to not only abjure violence but to unite to resist those who are distorting the

teachings of Islam and wreaking suffering on innocent people which does nothing toglorify the religion of peace but harm it immensely.


Editorial Editorial

1.reaffirms( ): make known clearly or officially, claim, reassert

2.syncretic( ):


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the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or

parties, as in philosophy or religion

3.Fanfare: (, ): a showy outward display

4.heartening (): Encouraging inspiring

5.observed( , ): notice, celebrate6.isolated( ): anomalous, desert,solitary, stranded

7.merely( , )

8.harmony( , ,): Balance, consonance

9.reactionary( , ): orthodox, conservative

10.disrupt( , ) :dismember, break

11.significant( , ) :revealing, expressive

12.reflection:( )

13.tradition( ) : Custom, heritage14.invoked( ) : to refer to (something) in support of your ideas, to petition for helpor support

15.kindred( , , ) : closely related

16.diversity:( ) :variety, heterogeneity

17.pluralistic( )

18.integral ( , ): basic, fundamental

19.reinforced ( ): fortified, strengthen.

20. creed( /) : believe, principles, article of faith_______________________________

Editorial

1.ensure( ) :assure,guarantee, make sure

2.uniform(,) :consistent, stable, regular

3.Directive( ) :command, instruction, injunction, dictate, regulations

4.enrolment()

5.announced( ):broadcast, declared

6.gridlock( ) :clog, barrier, blockade, bottlenecks, congestion7.rationale( , ) : argument, explanation

8.implement( ) :application

9.discrepancy( ) : conflict, disagreement

10.glaring(, ) :blatant, manifest, obvious

11.prospective( ) : forthcoming, anticipated, potential


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12:00 AM, October 23, 2015 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:00 AM, October 23, 2015

EDITORIAL

Celebration of Puja

Reaffirms our syncretic culture

We congratulate the Hindu community for celebrating Durga Puja with all the fanfare it

deserves, in peace and a festive manner. It is also heartening to see that the

celebration was participated by the other communities as is the tradition. That the 10-

day religious festival was observed without any major incident, excepting a few isolated

ones, merely goes to reaffirm our society's acceptance of all religions in the land.

Although credit is due to the authorities for maintaining law and order, the real thanks

should go to the people, who have always stood up for harmony amongst the major

faiths in Bangladesh and against reactionary elements bent on disrupting that harmony.

Durga Puja is not only the most significant festival for the Hindu community, it is also an

event that brings together members of other faiths and a reflection of Bengali culture

that signifies respect for motherhood and women. These are values that have deep

roots in our traditions, and we believe that the festival has invoked kindred feelings

among members of all faiths in an atmosphere of peace and joy and reaffirmed, once

again, our unity in diversity.

Bangladesh may be a Muslim majority country, but it is also a pluralistic one. Although

religion is an integral part of our existence, we are also a people who believe in peaceful

coexistence of all faiths and cultures. Harmony is a way of life for our people and we

hope and pray that through such festivals, our faith in one another is reinforced,

regardless of what creed we belong to.

Subeditorial

Children to go to schools in their locality

Ensure uniform standard first

The Prime Minister's directive to the education and other ministries to take steps tomake sure that all children are able to enroll into schools in their localities is certainly

laudable. This is normal practice in many countries and has helped to ensure higher

enrolments. The education ministry, in line with the Prime Minister's directive, has

announced a 40 percent quota for local admission seekers of public and private

secondary schools. This announcement, we think, should have been preceded by some

serious homework.


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Ideally, making education available in the locality where a child lives would solve

several problems. It will ease the unnecessary anxiety parents and their wards go

through every year trying to get into a school of their choice. It will lower the time and

cost of travel to and from school. The huge gridlock created by traffic generated by

school goers will also be lessened to a great extent.

However, there is a strong rationale for seriously examining the idea. We feel there are

preconditions that ought to be addressed before the idea is implemented. In this case,

the main challenge is to ensure that the standard of learning is the same in all schools,

which is hardly the case in the present context. For private schools in particular, the

discrepancy in standard is quite glaring, making thousands of prospective students vie

for the limited seats in institutions of good repute. The government must first adopt a

strategy to monitor the quality of education in all schools, public or private, before

implementing this new directive. Otherwise, a good idea will not be able to deliver theresults that are expected from its implementation.

Daily Star Editorial

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