Fear that justice will not be served for UBC student

CTV.ca News Staff

Organizers of a rally for a University of British Columbia graduate student who was blinded in a vicious attack in Bangladesh say her friends and family are concerned that justice will not be served.UBC students Nicole Ong and Sarah Meli told CTV's Canada AM on Thursday that Sunday's demonstration outside the Vancouver Art Gallery will not only raise awareness for victims of domestic abuse but will also raise awareness for Rumana Manzur.The rally will "raise awareness that there is a fear among (Rumana's) family and her that justice will not be served," Ong said.On June 5, Manzur, who was pursuing a master's degree in political science at UBC, was allegedly brutalized by her husband in front of the couple's five-year-old daughter.Ong and Meli, who are both friends of Manzur, said they were shocked after they learned of the attack. They said the 33-year-old mother and student always had a smile on her face when she talked about her family."You could always tell from her cheerfulness and smile that she had just contacted her daughter," Meli said.The Fulbright scholar told local reporters during a bedside interview at a hospital in Bangladesh that her husband allegedly gouged her eyes and repeatedly bit her nose, face and throat after a row over Manzur's studies overseas.Manzur was admitted to LabAid Specialized Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, after the attack. She was transferred to India to see a team of eye surgeons, however, doctors say it's unlikely she will regain her vision.Manzur's husband, Syeed Hasan Sumon, was detained 10 days after the attack on June 15.According to local media, he accused his wife of being unfaithful in Vancouver. But residents of Saint John's College at UBC, where Manzur lived, have dismissed Sumon's accusation.They shared personal statements with local authorities and media attesting to Manzur's dedication to her family.The incident has sparked anger from women members of the Bangladesh Parliament. An online petition was started in Manzur's name, asking the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a speedy trial.In the petition, which has amassed more than 460 signatures, supporters say they "are afraid that justice might not be done; truth might be lost by the winks of the powerful."

Libya says NATO airstrike hits residential area

TRIPOLI, Libya – The Libyan government said at least four civilians were killed Sunday in a NATO airstrike that hit a residential neighborhood in the capital, adding to charges that the alliance is striking nonmilitary targets.Journalists based in the Libyan capital were taken by government officials to a neighborhood where rescue efforts were under way at a destroyed building that appeared to have been partially under construction.Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said the damage was caused by NATO rockets and bombs. He wasn't immediately able to provide the number of casualties, but said there were no military facilities anywhere near the damaged building."There was intentional and deliberate targeting of the civilian houses," said deputy foreign minister Khaled Kaim during a visit to the site shortly after reporters arrived. "This is another sign of the brutality of the West."NATO, which has a mandate to protect Libyan civilians, rejects allegations it targets civilians."We are conducting operations with utmost care and precision to avoid civilian casualties. Civilian casualties figures mentioned by the Libyan regime are pure propaganda," NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said Saturday.Journalists who were taken to a hospital were shown at least four people said to be killed in the strike, including two young children. It was not possible to independently verify the government's account of what happened. Foreign journalists in Tripoli are not allowed to travel and report freely and are almost always shadowed by government minders.On Friday, Prime Minister al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi accused NATO of a "new level of aggression," and claimed that the military alliance intentionally targeted civilian buildings, including a hotel and a university. He has called on the United Nations to take action to stop NATO's daily bombing runs.Libya's Health Ministry says 856 civilians have been killed in NATO airstrikes since they began in March. The figure could not be independently confirmed. Previous government tolls from individual strikes have proven to be exaggerated.Late on Saturday, NATO announced that it had mistakenly struck a column of Libyan rebel vehicles in an airstrike near an eastern oil town two days earlier and expressed regret for any casualties that might have resulted.The alliance has accidentally hit rebel forces before in its air campaign to protect civilians in the civil war between Gadhafi's military and the fighters trying to end his more than four decades in power.The rebels also have complained that NATO's strikes have not helped them gain decisive momentum against the Libyan leader's better trained and equipped military, which still has firm control over most of western Libya. The rebels control much of the east.The alliance statement gave no figures on casualties from Thursday's airstrike, but said it regretted "any possible loss of life or injuries caused by this unfortunate incident."NATO said its forces spotted a column of military vehicles near the frequent flashpoint town of Brega where forces loyal to Gadhafi had recently been operating and hit them because they believed they posed a threat to civilians.International military forces have had some trouble in hitting government troops because of their proximity to civilians. Gadhafi's troops have also used civilian vehicles, making them difficult to distinguish from rebel forces.A doctor in the nearby city of Ajdabiya said the bodies of four rebel fighters were brought to his hospital around the time of Thursday's strike, but it was not possible to confirm whether they were killed in the bombardment.A rebel military spokesman, Abdel-Rahman Abu-Sin, said Saturday that they appreciated NATO's efforts and understood the difficulty in differentiating between the two sides along shifting front lines.Thursday's airstrike was similar to one in April during which NATO hit a convoy of rebel tanks, killing at least five fighters. NATO officials said at the time they did not know the rebels had any tanks, a statement that raised eyebrows as footage of the fighters with tanks had been on YouTube for weeks.

A coalition including France, Britain and the United States launched the first strikes against Gadhafi's forces under a United Nations resolution to protect civilians on March 19. NATO, which is joined by a number of Arab allies, assumed control of the air campaign over Libya on March 31.Senior delegates from the Arab League, the European Union and the African Union along with envoys from the U.N. and the Organization of the Islamic Conference met in Cairo to review the developments in Libya.Arab League chief Amr Moussa said the NATO mandate is not about bringing down Gadhafi's regime and a political solution is urgently needed."The situation has gone beyond what was expected. It is only natural that we speed up the search for a political solution and achieving a cease-fire," he said.

UK drops DNA tests for refugees and asylum seekers

LONDON – Britain has dropped a policy of using DNA tests to identify the nationality of African refugees and asylum seekers after criticism that there is no scientific merit to the practice.The government "does not plan to take forward DNA or isotope testing for country of origin identification purposes," and has also suspended an internal review of the program, according to a statement issued Friday by the U.K. Border Agency. It did not explain why it was discontinuing the program.The pilot project first began in 2009 and was heavily slammed by experts, who said it was not possible to pinpoint a person's nationality based on their genes. British authorities described the testing as voluntary, and some applicants were asked to provide a mouth swab or hair or nail sample in cases where there were questions about their nationality.The government said such tests provided valuable evidence in assessing whether asylum seekers are telling the truth about their country of origin. The tests were used only on people who claimed to be from Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda and Sudan.Refugees may be eligible for asylum in Britain if they can prove they face persecution at home because of their race, religion, political views, sexual orientation, or other factors. People from more repressive or chaotic countries, like Sudan or Somalia, often have a better chance of gaining asylum than those from more stable countries like Kenya.U.K. Border Agency experts were hoping to match DNA samples to genetic lineage in certain countries, which might suggest where a person was from. But scientists maintained the tests offered very little solid proof."Science is an uncertain business," said John Harris, a professor of bioethics at Manchester University and a member of the Human Genetics Commission, a government advisory panel. "This was probably a mistake from the start, because it was unlikely to be reliable."

The project was completed last March, with an evaluation scheduled to be published later — but those plans have also now been shelved.Besides genetic tests, British officials also used isotope analysis of asylum seekers' hair and nail samples. Scientists can look at the composition of certain elements like oxygen or strontium to see where a person has been.But these isotopes are present only so long as the hair and nails have recently been growing, meaning such tests will only give clues into an applicant's recent whereabouts.Refugee Council chief executive Donna Covey said she welcomed the decision to scrap the DNA tests.She said the tests highlighted the insensitive attitudes of the U.K. Border Agency to refugees and asylum seekers. "It is imperative that people seeking safety in the U.K. are treated with dignity while their asylum claims are processed, and not subjected to unnecessary tests that are shown to be inconclusive."Britain has one of the largest DNA databases in the world, with more than 5 million samples collected by authorities to help fight terrorism and crime.Harris said that even if the genetic tests were not overly intrusive, the perception of authorities taking DNA from asylum seekers is disturbing."Scientific tests are often wrongly regarded by all parties as infallible and it becomes very difficult to challenge them," he said. "It then becomes very difficult to have a level playing field."

Army chief to embark on five-day Bangladesh visit

New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) Forty years after he participated in the 1971 India-Pakistan war to liberate Bangladesh, Indian Army chief General V.K. Singh will embark on a five-day visit to Dhaka Sunday, when he will gift three antique 3.7 Howitzers to the neighbouring country's army as mementoes.

General Singh, who fought in the war as a freshly commissioned second lieutenant in the Rajput Regiment, will also present all required equipment for setting up a computer lab for the Bangladeshi armed forces, apart from a rock-climbing wall, both for training purposes, army officers said here.The gestures are part of India's and the army chief's efforts to take forward the growing defence relations between the two nations, they said."Bangladesh's first artillery battery, called the Mujeeb Battery, was formed with 3.7 inch Howitzers. India too used these several decades ago. Since Bangladesh wanted some guns for its legacy value and for perpetuating the Mujeeb Battery's memory and accomplishments, these guns are being gifted," an officer said.Gen. Singh will meet top government leaders, senior armed forces officers and will also attend the passing-out parade of two batches of the Bangladesh Military Academy in Chittagong.Army officials said here that Singh will fly to Dhaka Sunday at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart General Mohammed Abdul Mubeen. "The visit assumes special significance in the light of improving military cooperation between the two countries in consonance with the growing relationship," they said.Gen. Singh, who will be accompanied by his wife Bharti Singh and five senior army officers, will also call on President Mohammed Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.At Chittagong, he will be the chief guest at the passing-out parade of the 64th Long Course and the 35th Special Course of the Bangladesh Military Academy June 22, another first for an Indian general. He will return to India June 23.As India's eastern army commander based in Kolkata, prior to taking over as the chief of the Indian Army, General Singh made special efforts to expand military ties between India and Bangladesh."The India-Bangladesh relations are multifaceted and founded on historical linkages. The successful visit of Bangladesh prime minister in January 2010 and Bangladesh army chief in March that year to India has also contributed significantly to the consolidation of the existing ties and given a further boost to the cordial relations between both the nations," an officer said."The visit will further cement India's defence relationship with Bangladesh and add impetus to the ongoing defence cooperation. Maintenance of enhanced military-to-military contacts with Bangladesh by the Indian Army is mutually beneficial to the strategic interests of both the nations," he added.

BCCI to discuss Taufel proposal on improving umpiring standard

The Umpires' sub-committee of the BCCI which is scheduled to meet in Mumbai on Saturday to discuss the names of the Indian umpires for ICC International Panel will also discuss a proposal submitted by top Australian umpire Simon Taufel regarding the ways to improve the standard of umpiring in the country."Taufel has by far been the best international umpire for the past 10 years. He has also delivered lectures at BCCI workshop for umpires and was well received. He has given some valuable suggestions on the process of improving the standard of umpiring. The pros and cons of the proposal is likely to be discussed at the Umpires' Committee meeting tomorrow," a BCCI source informed PTI on Friday.The committee that will analyse the proposal consists of former India captain and international umpire S Venkataragahavan, former international umpires AV Jayprakash and S K Bansal.There has been nothing to write home about the Indian umpires after Venkataraghavan's retirement.None of the Indian umpires have been able to make it to the ICC's Elite Panel which has a new entrant in Sri Lankan Kumar Dharmasena. The three Indians Amiesh Saheba, Shahvir Tarapore and Sanjay Hazare are in the ICC International PanelInterestingly, as Umpires' Committee zeroes in on the names for the next season, Saheba's performance will certainly be under scanner. The performance of 51-year-old Saheba who has officiated in three Tests apart from 51 ODIs and four T20 Internationals hasn't exactly been impressive."His performance has been pretty poor. But then there is dearth of quality umpires in our country. That's why Saheba may just get away despite a not-so-good show," a source informed.

New Delhi Indian Army chief to visit Bangladesh June 19-23

Forty years after he fought in the 1971 India-Pakistan war to liberate Bangladesh, Indian Army chief General VK Singh will be on a five-day visit to Dhaka beginning June 19 in an effort to take forward the growing defence relations between the South Asian neighbours, army officials said Thursday.General Singh, who as a freshly commissioned second lieutenant in the Rajput Regiment in 1971, went to battle during the Bangladesh liberation war, will meet top government leaders, senior armed forces officers and also attend the passing-out parade of two batches of the Bangladesh Military Academy in Chittagong during this visit.Army officials said here that their chief will fly to Dhaka June 19 on the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart Gen Mohammed Abdul Mubeen.General Singh, who will be accompanied by his wife Bharti Singh and five senior army officers, will call on President Mohammed Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and also meet senior officers of the Bangladesh armed forces.At Chittagong, he will be the chief guest to review the passing-out parade of the 64th Long Course and the 35th Special Course of the Bangladesh Military Academy June 22. He will return to India June 23.As India's eastern army commander based in Kolkata prior to taking over as the army chief, General Singh made special efforts to expand the military-to-military ties between India and Bangladesh.

Tamim goes Outlaws

Tamim Iqbal's dream of playing in English county cricket is about to be a reality as the dashing opener is all set to be signed up by Nottinghamshire.Bangladesh vice-captain Tamim yesterday informed that Notts Outlaws confirmed his services for the next six matches in the Friends Life t20 tournament. Tamim will be the second Bangladeshi player to play in the English county circuit after captain Shakib Al Hasan, who is now playing his second season with Worcestershire.Nottinghamshire, who are now leading the North Group with nine points in six matches, roped in the Chittagonian as a replacement for Australian all-rounder David Hussey, for whom Nottinghamshire were fined for playing him as an unregistered player.Hussey is returning to Australia to prepare for his country's one-day series against Sri Lanka and will play his final game for the county against Lancashire Lightning on June 26.Local agent Armada Aces has negotiated the deal with Nottinghamshire, who are playing in Division One of the competition. Coach Mick Newell, who was one of applicants for the head coach of the Tigers, first congratulated the Tigers vice-captain on Wednesday night."Finding quality overseas players at short notice is always a challenge but we are very pleased to have agreed a deal with a player of Tamim's quality," said Newell.Tamim, who came to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) office in Mirpur to get the NOC (no objection certificate) yesterday, however was not ready to disclose the news until he put pen to paper as luck had gone against him several times in regard to playing T20 cricket."You know luck was not favouring me in this matter. And also I think I had chosen wrong agent previously and for that I had to wait for long to make my dream come true. Now it's feeling really great as Nottinghamshire confirmed me for the next six matches in the T20 competition," said an excited Tamim while talking with reporters."I am really happy that I am going to play county cricket. I'm little bothered about the financial package, rather I am excited as I have got an opportunity to show my mettle. It's also an opportunity to make the country proud," he added.Tamim informed that he must fly for England before June 29 as he has a match on July 1. "Everything is now depending on when I get the visa. If everything goes smoothly then I will fly for England before June 29, but it's also subject to confirmation of the registration," said Tamim.Tamim will return home by July 20 to join the national team to play one Test and five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe. Bangladesh team is scheduled to fly out for Zimbabwe on July 29.Tamim has however virtually no chance to play in the quarterfinals in the first week of August if his team qualifies because he will then be busy with the national team in Zimbabwe."My main target will be to capitalise on every opportunity in the competition so that I can continue with the county," said Tamim, who will get a chance to play two games against his national teammate Shakib.