( 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 a straight
direct way;
6.inexplicable( , ): unaccountable, unexplainable
7.impunity ( , , ) :exemption, freedom from punishment, harm or loss
8.delicate( , , ) : fragile, easily broken
9.suspect ( , ) : not able to be trusted : causing feelings of doubt or suspicion,
dubious, disputable
10.sticking point( ) an obstacle to progress toward an agreement or 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 its container,
especially unintentionally.
13.sheer( ) : completely,nothing other than; unmitigated
14.precious( ) : valued, cherished, prized.
15.contingency( , ) : something (such as an emergency) that might
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
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 referring to an
upcoming problem, danger, or threat.
8.regrettably( / ) : to an extent that causes disappointment or regret
9.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 coalcarrying 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 the decision 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 the formulation of contingency plans on
how to deal with spills and sinking of vessels.

2/11/2015
( 02/11/2015) Daily star Editorial Synonym
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 a
particular issue
4.dumbfounded ( , ) : to make speechless with amazement; astonish.
5.off-shoots ( ) Something that branches out or derives its
existence or origin from a particular source
6.humiliating( , ) :disgracing, embarrassing
7.refute ( , ) : to prove that (something) is not true, to say that (something) is not true,
contradict, disavow
8.nabbed ( , ) : : to catch and stop or arrest (someone),apprehend, seize
9.peril ( , ) : hazard, threat, menace, pitfall
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, or
loss,exemption, immunity
4.dismal ( ,, ): disastrous, dreadful, gloomy
5. bear the brunt( , )to
receive the worst part of something unpleasant or harmful, such as an attack
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, 2015
EDITORIAL
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 the culprits 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 offshoots, 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 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?

03/11/2015
( 03/11/2015) Daily star Editorial Synonym
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 is disappointing or
regrettable,to an extent that causes disappointment or regret
6.apologies( ) : excuse, plea
7.wound( , , ) : a feeling of sadness, anger, etc., that is caused by something
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
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, noisy

4.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 of
something unpleasant or harmful, such as an attack
14.fawned( ,, )
15.abyss( / ): very deep despair
16.blot( , )
17.conscience( , ) : moral sense
18.closure ( ): the end or conclusion
19.slain( ) to kill by violence.
20. verdict( )

EDITORIAL
Hanif's insensate remarks
This is as low as politics can get
We are somewhat assuaged by Mahbubul Alam Hanif's apology for the remarks he had made on
the comments of Professor Fazlul Huq, father of late Dipan. However, the apology came after
millions of people had heard the humiliating remarks for a good ten hours. Regrettably,
apologies cannot heal the wounds such comments inflict.
The Professor had said after the brutal killing of his son that he did not want the trial of his
killers but only that good sense should prevail. But Hanif associated this comment with the
professor harbouring the same political ideology as of those involved in the killing. Such
remarks are not only absurd but also unbecoming of a person holding a high post in a party like
that of the Awami League.
To convolute the comments of a grieving father and ascribe a meaning to it, that he is in sync
with the ideology of the killers, is not only the most brutal blow to a person who is still to come
to grips with an irreparable loss but also a stark exposition of the level politics has been brought
down to by insensitive politicians whose tongues seem to have gotten better of their heads when,
for people like Hanif, the opposite should be the case.

We wonder whether our politicians have been divested of all human attributes so much so that
they do not hesitate even to make a man's grief part of political rhetoric. Did he give a thought
for a moment as to what compelled Professor Huq to say what he had said in respect of the
killers and the politicians?
______________________________________________
Sub editorial
Jail Killing Day
We deeply mourn
We join the nation in mourning the death of Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, Captain (Rtd.)
Monsur Ali and AHM Quamruzzaman, the four national leaders who were 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, badly needed. 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.

04/11/2015
( 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 or amaze,
especially with ludicrous affect.
8.mayhem( , , ) : Chaos, disorder, :needless or willful damage

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
11.aforementioned ( ) : mentioned before : spoken about or named earlier
12.overhauling ( ) : to examine thoroughly

(EDITORIAL)
Clamp down on BCL warring factions
Make 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 ignored
Ensure 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 meters.
Despite the upward revised fare chart, passengers continue to be overcharged since autorickshaw 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.

05/11/2015
( 05/11/2015) Daily star Editorial Synonym
Editorial Editorial
1.fatal ( , , ) :: Deadly, lethal, destructive
2.ratcheted up ( ) to increase/reduce something over a
period of time, To cause to increase or decrease by increments
3.jittery ( , , ): nervous, anxious
4.law-and-order( )

5.hitherto ( , , ): here,in this place, hither

6.getaway ( , / ) : Escape,bunk
7.fortnight ( ) : in a period of 14 days, two weeks
8.masses( )
9.aftermath ( , ) : result, consequence, effect
10.decisively ( , , ): resolved, determined
11.spate( , , ) : a large number of things that
appear or happen in a short period of time
12.merely( , )
13.mastermind ( ,
14.brushed aside ( , )
15.nabbing( ) : to catch, apprehend, arrest
16.erode( ): gradually destroy
17.interference ( , ) : impediment, hindrance,clog
18.proficiency ( , ) :command, mastery
19.rigorous ( ,, ) : rigid, severe, strict
20.enhance( , ) : improve,ameliorate, enrich
__________________________________
Sub Editorial
stunting ( , ) : prevent from growing or developing properly
2.nutrition ( )
3. indicator( )
4.assuring ( , ) :make certain, guarantee
5.malnutrition ( )
6.assessment ( , )
7.retardation ( , )
8.decline ( ): reduce
9.prevalence ( , , , , , , ,
)
10.anemia ()
11 obesity ( ) : fattiness
12.holistically( / ) :
13.approach ( , )
14. incorporated ( ) : included, integrated

EDITORIAL
Fatal attack on police
Enough talk, take action

The attack on the police in Ashulia yesterday, which killed one and injured four others, has just
ratcheted up the problem in an already jittery law-and-order situation. That police on duty can be
attacked from very close quarters in broad daylight was hitherto unheard of. The manner of the
attack shows that this was a careful operation and the attackers had worked out the plan that
ensured a safe getaway. This is the second fatal attack on the police in a fortnight. If the intention
was to strike terror into the hearts and minds of the masses that no one, not even the police, is
safe from attack, then it is succeeding.
Attacking law enforcers is equivalent to an attack on the State. The statement given by the
minister of home affairs in the aftermath of the latest incident is not enough. The State should
respond effectively and decisively. Failure to bring to book those responsible for the recent spate
of deadly attacks on writers and now the police will merely strengthen the hands of whoever is
responsible for masterminding these operations.
It's worth noting that the home minister has not brushed the attack aside as an isolated incident.
But he must act decisively now. Delay in nabbing the perpetrators will erode confidence of the
people in the State as the ultimate guardian of peace and safety for its citizens.
We repeat, the law enforcing agencies should be allowed to function free of political interference
and their proficiency including their ability to protect themselves against surprise attacks should
be enhanced through more rigorous training and appropriate equipment.
______________________________________________
Sub Editorial
Bangladesh on track for reducing stunting
More needs to be done for other nutrition indicators
It is assuring to note that Bangladesh is on course to meet the global targets for reducing the rate
of stunting, low height for age among children under five. The existing rate of this major
indicator of malnutrition is dropping faster than in the past and now stands at 36 percent.
While the Global Nutrition Report 2015, an independent annual assessment of the state of
nutrition in the world, lauds Bangladesh for this achievement, it also asks the government to do
more so that growth retardation among children declines at a faster rate as the prevalence of
stunting is still high in the country. The report also indicates the country's relatively poor
performance in six other major nutrition indicators -- wasting, anemia in women, exclusive
breast feeding, adult overweight, obesity and diabetes -- of which the threat of adult overweight
and obesity is growing fast.
So, the government needs to approach the malnutrition issue holistically and put emphasis on
improving the poor status of the six above mentioned malnutrition indicators. It also needs to
invest more on nutrition. Nutrition component should be incorporated in different social safety
net programmes. General people should also be made aware about nutrition issues through
nutrition behaviour change communication programmes.

 // Daily Star Editorial. Synonym

Editorial
1.slammed ( , , ) : criticise harshly,
attack verbally,to shut with force and noise.
2.the cat is out of the bag( / ) : the secret has been
made known.
3.fundamental( / , ) : essential, cardinal, primal
4.prerequisites( )
5.distinction( , , , ) : excellence, supremacy
6.blurred( ) : opaque, obscure
7.compelled ( ) : : to force (someone) to do something, to drive or urge forcefully or
irresistibly, constrain
8.verbal rapping ( ) : To criticize or blame,to utter sharply, a reprimand
9.entertain( , , / ) :maintain,to provide
entertainment
10.pervasive( , , ) : spreading throughout, existing in every part of
something : spreading to all parts of something
11.heartened( , ) : to cause (someone) to feel more cheerful or hopeful,
encourage, inspired, emboldened
12.regard( )
13.violate( ) : offend, contravene
14.recruitment( ) :
15.reveals( , ) :disclose, make public, bring to light
16.malady( ): Disorder, ailment, illness
17.insidious( , , , , , ) :
causing harm in a way that is gradual or not easily noticed, treacherous
18.meant for( ) : to be intended or designed for
someone or something
19.consequence( , ) :fate, outcome, upshot,
20.enduring( , , ) : lasting, durable, perpetual
________________________________________
Sub Editorial
1.trafficked( )
2.troubled(, , , , ) : : worried or anxious
: having many problems, perturbed,nervous
3.allegations ( )
4.war-ridden( )
5.concern( , ) : : to make someone worried, involve.
6.citing( ) : mention, quote
7.grievously( ): causing great sadness, suffering, or pain : very serious or severe

8.transnational( )
9.appearance ( , , , , , , , ) :figure,
look
10.tolerance( , , ) : patience, sufferance
11.rescue( ): save deliver, bring off
12.policy( )

EDITORIAL
Rajshahi University VC slammed
The cat is out of the bag!
One of the fundamental prerequisites for good governance is the distinction between the party
and the government. This stood blurred and now seems to be totally removed now. We are
compelled to come to this conclusion because of the reported verbal rapping the Vice Chancellor
(VC) and the Pro-VC of Rajshahi University was administered by Khairuzzaman Liton, the
president of Rajshahi City Awami League, for refusing to entertain the list of AL party cadres
provided by him for recruitment in the university administration.
The cat is out of the bag regarding the pervasive politicisation of the administration, including
public universities, when Liton charged the RU VC and Pro-VC that it was not because of their
qualifications but because they were involved in AL politics for which they were made the VC
and Pro-VC, and that it would not take the local AL much time to remove them from office.
We are heartened by the VC's stand in this regard and his refusal to violate the recruitment rules.
But more than that, the matter reveals the deep malady - that of the insidious politicisation of
institutions. It looks as if all government jobs are meant for the AL party men only, fit or unfit as if it were their right!
We request the ruling party leader to look beyond the immediate satisfaction of having party
cadres employed in various government institutions. The PM should look at the long term
harmful consequences that such employment is causing to the institutions. If heads of the public
universities are under so much pressure from ruling party leaders, we wonder what sort of
pressure other less important or visible institutions of the government are enduring to meet the
illegal demands of the party. The long-term cost of destroyed institutions is incalculable.
_______________________________________
SUB Editorial
Women trafficked as sex slaves
Government must put a stop to this
We are deeply troubled by the allegations that women from Bangladesh are being trafficked to
war-ridden Syria as sex slaves and domestic workers. According to a report in a leading Bengali
daily, Rab has expressed concerns regarding the issue to the government, citing at least 43 cases
of women being trafficked to Syria. Three victims, upon being sent back to Bangladesh once
they fell grievously ill, told the newspaper that hundreds of women from Bangladesh are being

used as sex workers in different cities of Syria, after being tricked into believing that they would
get jobs as domestic workers in Lebanon. The victims claim that there is an organised
transnational network trafficking women, of different ages andappearances, from Bangladesh
and selling them for approximately Tk 3 lakh.
We are at a loss to understand how these women ended up in Syria when they were supposed to
go to Lebanon. Did they have the necessary documents to go to Syria, and if not, how could they
pass the immigration?
Trafficking of women and girls is a serious crime, and one which the government must take a
zero tolerance policy on. The foreign and home ministries must work together to rescue the
women who are already there, and take urgent steps to identify and bring to book the networks
and agencies involved in this, particularly those that have already been named by victims and
their
families.
7/11/15 Daily Star Editorial Synonym
Editorial
1.burgeoning( , ) : Flourishing, bloom, to grow and expand rapidly
2.driving force( )
3.trends( , ) : tendency, course, direction
4.profiles( , ) : a brief written description that provides information about someone
or something
5.unveiled( , , ) : Disclose, reveal,expose, make
public
6.accumulation( , ) gathering, agglomeration, build up
7.populace( , ): the people who live in a country or area
8.policymakers( )
9.emphasis( ) : importance, priority, prominence
10.discount( , ) :reduction in cost, deduction, depreciation
11.ripple effect (
)a situation in which one event produces effects which spread and produce
further effects)
12.eventually ( ) : At last. finally
13.liberalisation ( , , )
14.regime ( , , ) : leadership of organisation, dynasty
15.engaged( , , ) promised to be married, contracted, bound
16.deadline( )
17.throughout( , , ) : completely
18.employment( , )
19.access( , )
__________________________________

Sub Editorial
1.empowerment , )
2.transforming( ) :change completely, revamp, remodel, reconstruction
3.realizing( , )
4.tremendous( , ) : huge, incredible, immense
5.significant( , )indicative, meaningful)
6.constraints ( , ) restrictions, repression, restraint
7.restrictions( ) : limitations, control, confinement
8.patriarchal( , )
9.dictate( , , )Command, order
10.household( )
11.suppressing( )
12.maternal( )
13.disastrous (, )
14.norms()
15.consciousness( , ) : attention, cognizance
16.affordable( , ) : able to pay, able to do

Burgeoning middle class
The driving force for development
According to the study 'Size and growth of the middle class in Bangladesh: trends, profiles and
drivers' unveiled recently by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), 1 in 4
Bangladeshis will belong to the middle class by 2025. This is being made possible thanks to
access to education, finance, IT services and an expansion of the private sector. Indeed, going by
what has been published, should present trends prove true, a third of the population will belong
to the middle class by 2030.
Greater capital accumulation has led people to invest in secondary or higher levels of education,
especially English education. Although two-thirds of the populace still choose Bangla as their
choice of language for education, policymakers need to give more emphasis on English as a
second language. That more people are moving out of poverty is due to many factors.
One cannot discount the fact that of the 1.3 million people who found employment over the
period 2010-13, 0.5 million actually went to work abroad. The ripple effect of billions of dollars
of remittances annually is being felt throughout the economy, particularly in more and more
people owning property and getting engaged in the informal economy and eventually moving out
of poverty.
For Bangladesh to maintain growth, it will require macroeconomic stability, the gradual
development of the financial sector, along with liberalisation of the trade regime. What could
potentially hold us back is the poor implementation capacity of the government that is leading to

cost overruns and missing project deadlines. This is where the challenge lies.
_____________________________
Sub Editorial
Many unable to decide their healthcare needs
Still a long way to go for women's empowerment
At least 37 percent women in Bangladesh are unable to take decisions about their own
healthcare, according to a report published by UN Women titled, Progress of world's women
2015-2016: Transforming economies, realizing rights. Despite the tremendous progress made in
terms of women's empowerment over the last decade, that women must still depend on their
husbands or other family members for their own healthcare needs goes to show that there is still
a long way to go before equality can be established within the household and the larger
community.
In both rural and urban areas, a significant proportion of women are unaware of their sexual and
reproductive rights, or are unable to exercise them, because of constraints such as societal
restrictions, lack of education, and limited access to resources. Patriarchal mindsets in our
society dictate that women remain passive within the household, suppressing their views and
ignoring their medical conditions, no matter how severe. This has had disastrous impact on
maternal health, child mortality, life expectancy and overall quality of life of many women.
The UN Women report states that women's economic empowerment plays an important role in
increasing her access to decision-making in the family. As more and more women become
financially independent, the hope is that they will be better able to challenge patriarchal norms
and have more of a say, particularly when it comes to their own lives. Consciousness-raising at
different levels, among both men and women, is necessary to establish the importance of
enabling women to make their own decisions. At the same time, we need to ensure quality yet
affordable healthcare for all women.
8/11/2015 Daily star Editorial.
Editorial
1.crunch: ( , ,),A
critical moment or event.,
a difficult situation that forces you to make a decision or do something, the sound of hard food
being crushed between the teeth,
2.remedy( , , , , , ):
Cure,medication
3.residents ( ) : living in a particular place usually for a long period of time
4.albeit( , ) : although
5.alternative ( ) : substitute, back up, surrogate
6.apparently ( ) : clearly, markedly, evidently
7.requisite ( ): essential
8.rationing ( , ) :allocate, apportion

9.at a loss( ) : perplexed, puzzled, in a state of uncertainty

10.satisfactory ( ) :adequate, decent,appeasing, cogent
11.diverted( ) deflect, redirect
12.precious ( , ) : valued, adored, cherished
13.chronic( , , ): marked by long duration or frequent recurrence, habitual
14. shortfall ( ): : a failure to get what is expected
15.inefficient ()
16.guzzlers( , ) : to consume to excess, to drink, or sometimes eat, greedily,
frequently, or plentifully:
17. shortsightedness( ): unable to see far; nearsighted; myopic
18.offshore( , )
19.mainland( , )
20.established( ) : built, to found, to install or settle
21.High time( ): big time, due season
22.consumption: ( , ) :use, devouring
23. at large( , , , , , , , ): in
general; according to a general sample, free; uncaptured,as a hole
_______________________________________
Sub Editorial
1.subjected( , )
2.disciplinary action( )
3.misconduct( , ) : bad or unethical behaviour,delinquency, mischief
4.allegations( )
5.accusation( , ) attribution, fault, charge of wrongdoing, allegations
6.exempted( ) : relieved,discharged 7.allegedly( ) : assertedly, avowedly,
supposedly
8.compliment( , , , ) : praise,flattery,
9.promptness( ,, ): eagerness,be ready and quick to act
10.cognizance( ,) : : knowledge or awareness of something, jurisdiction,
responsibility
11.proceedings( ) : dealings, documents, foing
12.oversight( , , , , , ,
) a mistake made because someone forgets or fails to notice something, watchful
and responsible care
13.apex( , , ) : zenith,acme,crest crown
14.aggrieved( , ) : feeling anger because of unfair treatment, troubled or distressed in
spirit, suffering from an infringement or denial of legal rights
15.sap( )gradually weaken or destroy (a person's strength or
power).

16.defame( , , ) : decry, reprove

EDITORIAL
Port city's gas crunch
Residents get no remedy
For the past week, Chittagong city residents have been forced to choose alternative, albeit more
expensive, fuel sources to cook. Apparently the Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Ltd.
(KGDCL) has tried and failed to supply requisite gas to residential areas. The shortfall of 50
million standard cubic feet per day has not been found despite rationing of power plants and
fertiliser factory, and going by what has been carried in this paper, authorities are at a loss as to
what to do. This is hardly a satisfactory state of affairs for the millions who call Chittagong their
home.
With more gas being diverted to feed Meghna Power Station, there is less of With more gas
being diverted to feed Meghna Power Station, there is less of the precious fuel to fire up stoves
for residents. Although we understand that industry must get priority, the fact that Chittagong has
been suffering from a chronic shortfall of gas supply is nothing new. For years, policymakers
have failed to address the issue of energy inefficient power plants which have become gas
guzzlers, wasting more of this precious fuel than necessary. Expert advice has been wilfully
ignored and now we are witnessing the result of short sightedness.
With little in way of finding new and promising sources of gas, either on the mainland or
offshore, the situation will only get worse. With a finite supply of gas now an established fact, is
it not high time to make power plants more efficient in gas consumption? That would make life
easier for both Chittagong residents and industry at large.
___________________________________
Sub Editorial
Action against District Judge
Shouldn't lower court come under the HC?
It is not very common to see a judge subjected to disciplinary action. Yet in what is a rare case,
the law ministry has initiated disciplinary action against a district and sessions judge after finding
allegation of his misconduct to be true. The accusation against the judge is that he had exempted
two accused from a murder case, based not on judicial but, allegedly, other considerations. The
law ministry and the Supreme Court deserve compliment for the promptness in taking
cognizance of the complaint and initiating proceedings against the said Judge.
That and the action of the government against a lower court judge brings up the question of
oversight, of the performance and control, of the lower judiciary, which happens to be in the
hands of the government and not the apex court of the country. And in this regard the comments
of the Chief Justice in May this year that if rules of discipline of lower court judges and right to
take disciplinary measures against them remain in government hands, then HC will have no
controlling power over the lower court deserve serious consideration of the government.
Because without that, the much needed supervision and control will continue to be absent.
Judiciary is the last resort of the aggrieved. And there is nothing worse than questionable actions

and behaviours of those associated with it that causes public confidence in it to sap. And there is
nothing better than to see the system punish those that defame it, as we see in this case.
9/11/2015 The Daily star Editorial synonym.
Editorial
1.awarded( / / ) : to give by judicial decree or after careful consideration, to give
(a reward or prize) to someone
2.accused( ) : operandi, charged with an offence
3.bunch of( ) : collection of something, gathering, gang, assemblage
4.bestiality( ) : inhumane, savage, brutality, barbarous
5.defy( , , ) : disobey
6.imagination( ) : contrivance, fancy
7.deem( , , , ) : consider,believe
8.restate( , ): paraphrase, recapitulate
9.of late( ) : recently
10.violence( )
11.loopholes( ) : outlet, technicalities
12.perpetrators( , )
13.stern( ) : hardcore, hard line
14.urge( ,) : encourage,exhort
15.measures(, )
16.furore( , , , , ) : ado ballyhoo
17.viral ( , ) relating to, or
caused by a virus <a viral infection,quickly and widely spread or popularized especially by
person-to-person electronic communication
18.disposed off : ( , ) throw away, eliminate, destroy
19.inordinate( , , ) : extreme, exorbitant
________________________________________
Sub Editorial
1.manifestly( ) : markedly, apparently
2.rigged( ) : to manipulate or control usually by deceptive or dishonest means, to fix in
advance for a desired result, situations where unfair advantages are given to one side of a conflict
3.turnout ( )
the number of people attending or taking part in an event, especially the number of people voting
in an election,group assembling for event
4.notwithstanding( , ,) :despite
5.flawed( ) : an imperfection or weakness and especially one that detracts from the whole
or hinders effectiveness, imperfection
6.conducted( ) : operate, administer, regulate, handle
7.quasi ( , , ) : in some way or sense but not in a true, direct, or complete

way, in some way or sense but not in a true, direct, or complete way
8.disenfranchising ( , ) deprived of the rights
of citizenship especially the right to vote; "
9.persecuting( , ) : agonize, anguish, Excruciate
10.ethnic( ) : tribal, racial
11.minorities( )
12.legislator( ) : a person who makes laws : a member of a
legislature, lawmaker
13.unfold( , , ) : unveil, disclose
14.albeit( , ) : though
15.segment( , )

EDITORIAL
Justice for Rajon and Rakib
Let the trial process be a lesson
The courts have awarded various degrees of punishment to most of the accused, including the
maximum punishment to several of them, in the killing of two young boys in Sylhet and Khulna.
The two were done to death by a bunch of heartless people whose acts of bestiality towards the
two defy imagination.
We deem it necessary to restate that of late violence against children has been on the rise. And
one of the reasons is that very few of the perpetrators have been made to face justice. On the
other hand, the long drawn procedure in the legal system and loopholes therein allow many of
the perpetrators to go free.
The two courts must be complimented for completing the trial in quick time. And the
government deserves compliment also for the promptness in bringing back the main accused in
Rajon murder from Saudi Arabia. In this regard we strongly urge the government to also take
stern measures and make examples of those police personnel who had helped Quamrul Islam, the
main accused in Rajon's murder, to initially escape. The government should also provide security
to Rajon's family, who feel threatened.
Admittedly, the two cases had received the attention of everyone because of the furore created
over it as well as the fact that Rajon's torture scenes were taped and put on the internet which
went viral. We would like the government to treat all such cases with promptness and form
special courts so that cases related to violence against children could be disposed off without
inordinate delay.
______________________________________
SUB EDITORIAL
A long-awaited election
Will it bring democracy in Myanmar?

The November 8 election in Myanmar is a step forward and a significant improvement on the
manifestly rigged affair in 2010. The elections were reportedly held peacefully and largely
participated with an 80 percent turnout, according to the Union Election Commission. That
notwithstanding, the election has to be seen as what it really isa flawed, partial exercise in
democracy that may not to lead to real changes. For it will be conducted mostly on terms set by
the quasi-military government, maintaining its lock on power while disenfranchising and
persecuting hundreds of thousands of ethnic minorities, most notably the Rohingyas.
The military-designed constitution specifically prevents Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming
president even though her National League for Democracy (NLD) might well win most seats.
And a quarter of the members of the lower house of parliament are appointed directly by the
head of the armed forces. That means, regardless of the outcome of the election, the constitution
will likely remain in place for some time because the votes of more than three-quarters of
legislators are needed to change it.
However, we have to wait and see how things in the political front unfold after the elections. But
the fact that an openly contested election was held after 25 years, albeit without participation of a
segment of its population, is a positive development. This, we hope, will lead to an environment
of inclusive politics in Myanmar.
10/11/2015 The Daily star Editorial synonym.
Editorial
1.revealed( , ) : exposed, disclosed, divulged
2.astonishing( ) : amazing,startling, bewildering, breathtaking
3.plea ( , , ) :begging request, petition, solicitation
4.contested( , ) : argued, challenged, debated
5.in the wake of( ) : after something; as a result of some event.
6.suspicion:( , ) : doubt, mistrust
7.prosecutor( ) : a lawyer who represents the side in a court case that accuses a person
of a crime and who tries to prove that the person is guilty
8.complicity( ) :collusion, conspiracy, connivance
9.dismay( , , ) :disheartened, unnerved, demoralize, frustrate
________________________________
Sub Editorial
1.factual( , ): limited to, involving, or based on facts, true, literal
2.dereliction( , ) : abandonment, desertion, forsaking, failure to do your job
or duty
3.complicit( ) involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing.
4.reiterate( ) : reassert, recap, recapitulate, say or do again
5.indict ( )accuse, face with charge
6.contrary to( , ) : opposite, counter
7.hindrance( ) : obstacle, curb

8.constitution( )

EDITORIAL
Many terrorists on bail
Why no appeal against it?
A report in Prothom Alo has revealed an astonishing fact a large number of suspected militants
are arrested but then get bail because their bail pleas are not contested. It may also be due to
loopholes in the investigation or flawed charge sheet. After all, the decision of the court is based
on the documents and evidence presented before it. Some of those on bail have gone on to carry
out brutal murders of individuals they considered opponents of their twisted ideology. Over the
last five years, 482 members of various banned militant groups have received bail.
While the courts may have given bail to these individuals, what is surprising is that in not many
of these cases was there an attempt by the state to get their bails cancelled. At a time when
antiterrorism is the number one priority for the government, and in the wake of so many murders
owned up by militant groups, it is surprising that alleged terrorists should get out on bail.
If the government is serious about combating religious militancy it must first make sure that
members of groups the state has itself banned, and who are arrested on suspicion of terror, do not
get bail. Public prosecutors must be on alert and immediately appeal for cancellation when such
bail is given. Possible complicity of law enforcers with the arrested militants, and allowing
suspects to get bail on technical grounds, must be eliminated. The law minister has expressed his
dismay at the situation and has assured that he has taken steps to make sure that it is prevented.
We hope the law minister will be successful in his efforts.
_______________________________________
SUB EDITORIAL
Rana Plaza disaster case
Government officials should not be above the law
Government rule requiring its clearance to proceed against any government official is standing
against the completion of the legal process of the Rana Plaza disaster. We are surprised to learn
that the Labour Ministry has refused to approve the inclusion of three of its officials in the
charge sheet of the Rana Plaza case. A senior official at the ministry has reportedly said that
there is "no legal and factual reason" to include the officials in the charge sheet as the case was
filed for murder. We cannot agree.
These three persons were factory inspectors and were supposed to monitor factories and issue
certificates of their safety and usability. In the case of Rana Plaza, they were in clear dereliction
of duty as the building was not structurally fit to hold so many garment factories, which makes
them complicit in the death of as many as 1,136 people. We wonder whether the Labour Ministry
should offer legal opinion on a matter that can and should be proven only in the court of law.

The law of the land should apply to the persons in question who should face trial where they can
prove their case. We also want to reiterate our position that this particular law requiring
government permission to indict its officials runs contrary to our constitution by putting a
category of people above others in the eyes of the law and is a hindrance to establishing a society
based on justice and fair play. It should be done away with at the earliest.
11/11/2015 Daily Star Editorial Synonym
1.countrywide( )
2.drive( , , ) : carry through, push forward,
3.troublemakers ( )
4.suspected ( ) : suspicious, doubtful, questionable
5.in the wake of ( ) : after something; as a result of some event,
In the aftermath of, as a consequence of,
6.subversive( , ) :rebellious, destructive, insurgent
7.laudable( ) : praiseworthy , commendable
8.alleged( ) : ostensible, pretended, professed, suspect
9.in a bid ( ) : in an attempt,attempting or trying:
10.reminiscent( , , , ): :tending to remind
:suggestive
11. apprehended( , ) : Arrest, seize
12.volatile( , , ) : capricious, mercurial,unstable
13.nabbing( ) : To seize or arrest
14.elements( , ) : a particular part of something (such as a situation or
activity), a distinct group within a larger group or community
15.concerning( , ,) : causing anxiety; worrying, on the subject of or in
connection with; about.
16.construed ( ): interpret (a word or action) in a particular way.
17.strategic ( )
18.victimisation ( , , , )
19.precious( , )
20.detrimental() : pernicious, hazardous,
21.recommend( , ) : delegate
22.squash( , )a state of being squeezed or forced into a small or restricted
space.
23.destabilise( ) : upset stability, cause unrest
____________________________________
1.contested( , )
2.headed by( ) aimed, directed, en route, going, in motion, moving, on the
way to, pointed toward,
3.landslide( , ) the sliding down of a mass of earth or rock

from a mountain or cliff,an overwhelming majority of votes for one party

4.wholeheartedly( ) with whole heart
5.culminated( , ) : : to reach the end or the final result of something,
climax, crown
6.aplenty( , , , , ) : in a large number or
amount,abundant
7.virulent( , , , )
malicious, cruel
8.communalism( )
9.disenfranchised( )
10.maneuver( , ) : a clever or skillful action or movement
: a planned movement of soldiers or ships
11.usher( , ,): to lead (someone) to a place, guide, steer
12.era( )
13.enhanced( )

EDITORIAL
Already more than 2000 arrested
Are they all criminals?
The government's countrywide drive to arrest 'suspected troublemakers' in the wake of the recent
killings of law enforcement agents and other subversive activities is giving out mixed signals.
Already more than 2000 people have been arrested. While it is laudable that the government is
going all out to catch alleged criminals and militants in a bid to restore security to the nation, that
most of the arrested belong to members of the opposition parties, will raise questions. It is
reminiscent of other similar drives in the past by whichever party has been power, during which
the majority of those apprehended happened to belong to rival parties or were random passersby
on the street.
If these individuals have criminal cases against them as law enforcers have stated, it begs the
question: why weren't they caught before? Why wait for the situation to get so volatile before
nabbing suspected criminal elements?
This is all the more concerning in the wake of the upcoming local elections as the large number
of opposition men being arrested may be construed as a strategic clearing of the field and
political victimisation. If that is the case, this drive will do precious little in improving the law
and order in the country. It will also be detrimental to good governance.
We strongly recommend that such security drives be strictly limited to catching the real criminals
who are trying to destabilise the country and not to squash political rivals.
_______________________________________
SUB EDITORIAL

Suu Kyi wins big

A new beginning for Myanmar
Myanmar's voters have spoken in the first openly contested election after 25 years, and the
National League for Democracy, the party headed by opposition leader and Nobel Laureate
Aung San Suu Kyi is on the way to a landslide victory. We wholeheartedly congratulate her and
the people of Myanmar whose long struggle has finally culminated in a new birth of democracy.
But the extent to which Suu Kyi will actually be allowed to lead the country is still uncertain.
Myanmar's military imposed constitution reserves a quarter of the seats in parliament for
unelected members of the military and includes a clause barring anyone married to a foreigner
from being president. The clause was apparently added by the military junta that has ruled the
country since 1962, specifically to keep Suu Kyi, whose late husband and two sons are British
citizens, out of power. Nonetheless, she is still likely to play an important role, saying she will
have an informal position above the president.
Challenges before her are aplenty. The Rohingya issue will be a major test for her given her
silence on the persecution of Rohingyas and the growing strain of virulent communalism that is
gaining force in the country's politics. While the NLD appears to have performed well in several
minority-dominated regions, the Rohingyas were disenfranchised under discriminatory voting
laws.
Suu Kyi has more room to maneuver now that she has won a mandate from voters. Her win, we
hope, will usher in a new era of inclusive policies in Myanmar and lead to enhanced cooperation
with its neighbours, particularly in trade and commerce, human trafficking and anti-drug
smuggling efforts.
12/11/2015 The Daily star Editorial synonym.
Editorial
1.expats( , ) : expatriate
2.deadline( ) : time frame, time limit
3.abroad ( , , )
4.tussle(, ) : struggle, conflict
5.switch to( ) : to change something from one thing into another
6.siphoned off( ) : To appropriate some money illegally or dishonestly,
7.in a nutshell( ): in a brief, in the fewest possible words.
8.mess( , ) disarray, disorder
9.tug of war( , ) : a hard-fought, critical struggle
for supremacy.
10.fate( ,, ) :destiny, fortune
11.foretell (, ) : augur, forecast
12.befall( )
13.expatriates( , )

14.inception( , , ) : the time at which something begins, commencement

15.juncture(, , ) : joint, connection, emergency, crisis
16.critical( ) :
17.unpardonable ( )
18.misconduct( , ) :misdoing, misbehaviour
19.repercussions( , ) : impact, influence, an action or effect given or exerted in
return :a reciprocal action or effect, reflection
20.magnitude( , )
_________________________________
Sub Editorial
1. rescuers ( )
2. harassed ( , )
3.confidence in ( , ): assurance,
faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way
4.disturbing ( )
5.allegedly( )
6.interrogation ( )
7.detainees ( )
8.sibling( ) : brother or sister
9.scene ( )
10.divulge ( , ) : discover reveal, expose
11.credible ( )
12.queries( , )
13.shrug off ( ) To dismiss something with a gesture of doubt, disdain, or
indifference,
To minimize the importance of something
14.responsibility ( )
15.whereabouts ( , , , , )
16.outrageous (, , ) : violent, unrestrained
17.gratitude ( ) : a feeling of appreciation or thanks, gratefulness, thankfulness,
18. conscientious ( , ) :scrupulous

EDITORIAL
Time running out for expats
No end in sight for MRP saga
THE deadline for Bangladeshis living abroad to switch to machine readable passports (MRPs)
runs out in about two weeks time and the tussle between the Department of Immigration and
Passport (DIP) and the contracting company IRIS continues as time runs out. On top of that the

company has apparently siphoned off Tk50 crore collected as passport fees. To put it in a
nutshell the whole situation is a complete mess and while the tug of war continues between the
government and IRIS, one cannot foretell what fate will befall the half a million expatriates in
two weeks' time when they no longer have valid documentation.
This whole situation has been mismanaged from inception. Despite the company violating one
guideline after another and the authorities failing to live up to its end of the deal in terms of
paying service charge owed to the company, we have now arrived at a critical juncture. This is
not how things are done when it comes to running the passport department. It is unpardonable
that the company in question was allowed to continue to work on the MRP deal, despite having
been found guilty of financial misconduct.
After November 24, the fate of 500,000 expatriate workers in countries of the Middle East and
Malaysia will depend on the governments of these respective countries. We have no one to
blame except ourselves should they be sent back. The economic repercussions of a fall out of this
magnitude do not require further explanation.
_____________________________________
Sub Editorial
Rescuers now being harassed!
It only affects public confidence in police
It is disturbing to note that police have allegedly unnecessarily kept three people for
'interrogation' in relation to the case of attack on constables at Ashulia Checkpoint. Two of the
detainees helped take the injured policemen to a nearby hospital and the third one is the sibling
of one of the rescuers who wasn't even present at the scene!
Several days have passed but still the family members have been kept in the dark about the three
detainees. Police has refused to divulge any specific detail about the detained persons, even their
names. Most worryingly, they have denied arresting one of the rescuers named Saikat. According
to Saikat's wife, he was picked up by police last Thursday and has been missing ever since. The
police authorities must have credible answers to the queries of the family members of the
missing persons. They also cannot shrug off the responsibility of finding the whereabouts of a
key witness of the attack.
People in general, do not want to get involved in helping victims of a crime, fearing harassment
from police. Now, those who would have will think twice before coming forward to assist a
person in need, more so if it is a law enforcing agent. It is outrageous that law enforcing agents
instead of expressing their gratitude to those who lent their hands to save their colleagues, are
allegedly unnecessarily detaining them. The authorities must immediately probe into this matter
and make sure that those conscientious individuals who spontaneously helped the injured
policemen are released without delay.
13/11/2015 Daily star Editorial Editorial
1.monitored( ) : supervision, surveillance
2.sadistic( , , ) deriving pleasure from inflicting pain,
suffering, or humiliation on others, Extreme cruelty.

3.frightened( ) : appalled, scared, unnerved

4.visibly( / ) : apparently, seemingly, clearly, evidently, undoubtedly, noticeably
5.trauma( , ) severe mental or physical pain, agony
6.confined( , , , , ) : enclosed, restricted, restrained
7.absconding( ) : run away, depart secretly, sneak away
8.shocking( , , ) : outrageous, heinous
9.inhuman( )
10.numerous( )
11.minors( , )
12.subjected to( )
13.humiliating( , ) disgracing, embarrassing
14.torture( ): severe mental or physical pain, ache, affliction, agony,distress anguish,
15.severe( ) : stern, grave
16.cane( )
17.starved( ) : famished, hungry
18.appealing( , ) : horrific, horrifying, alarming, dismaying
19.prohibiting( , ) : ban, restrict, halt, constraint, prevent, preclude
20. corporal punishment( )
21.emphasise( ) : stress, give priority
22.directives( )
23.violation ( )
24.beastly ( )
25. deter( , ) : prevent, discourage
26.meted out( )
____________________________________
Sub Editorial
1.uncaring( )
2.unaddressed( )
3.attitude(, )
4.unpleasant( , ) : harsh, nasty
5.rickety( , , , / ) : not strong or stable and likely
to break
6.depicts( , , ) : Describe, to describe (someone or something) using
words, a story, etc.
7.wondrous( , )
8.smack down( , / ) the act of knocking down or
bringing down an opponent
9.former( )
10.merrily( )

11.give two hoots( , ) to not care about something or someone

12.commuters( ) daily travellers, travellers
13.unwary( ) : thoughtless, heedless, careless
14.grievous( )
15.crying hoarse ( , )
16.apathy( ) : indifference, lethargy, stoicism
17.utter( , , ) : carried to the utmost point or highest
degree :absolute, total, sheer
18.entrusted( , , )
19.dumbfounding( )
20.amenities( , ) : something that makes life easier or more pleasant

EDITORIAL
Another minor tortured
Madrasas and schools must be monitored
Yet another madrasa student has become victim of a sadistic teacher. The picture of a visibly
frightened seven-year-old Md Siam Hossain in Pabna, with chains on his feet, speaks of the
trauma this little boy has gone through. The child's 'crime' was that he kept trying to run away.
For this he was confined to a room for a few days with his feet tied in chains. Not surprisingly,
the accused teacher is absconding.
What is shocking, however, is the number of instances of such inhuman torture in these
institutions that have been reported recently. Just this year there have been numerous news
reports of young madrasa students all minors being subjected to the most painful and
humiliating forms of torture. This includes severe beatings with a cane, shaving the head,
confinement in a room, being half starved and being hung from a ceiling fan. It is appalling that
institutions supposed to be imparting religious education and moral values employ teachers who
engage in these beastly acts of torture. This despite a law prohibiting corporal punishment in
educational institutes which includes madrasas.
We cannot emphasise enough the need for the government to thoroughly monitor the behaviour
of teachers towards their students, whether in madrasas or regular schools. Clear directives must
be given to the authorities of these institutes regarding what constitutes the violation of a child's
rights and that such violations will be severely punished by law. It is not enough to suspend or
fire teachers who physically and mentally harm students who have come to them for learning.
The offenders must be arrested and meted out appropriate sentences that will deter other
potential torturers from committing the same crime.
_____________________________________
SUB EDITORIAL

Authorities' uncaring attitude

Safety issues remain unaddressed
For the fifteen million or so people who call Dhaka their home, life is never short of unpleasant
surprises. From rickety buses that should have been taken off the roads decades ago to foot over
bridges with gaping holes are just some of the accidents waiting to happen. Two pictures printed
in the November 12 edition of this paper caught our attention. The first shows a passenger's leg
proudly on display from the back of a bus which had an entire panel simply missing. The other
depicts a wondrous gaping hole smack down in the middle of a foot over bridge between
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Birdem Hospital in Dhaka.
In the former case, we wonder whether it ever catches the eye of BRTA or those on police duty
that we have passenger buses running around merrily without giving two hoots about their
fitness. And in the latter, the gaping hole in the metal floor of a foot over bridge that services
hundreds, if not thousands, of commuters could easily turn into a death trap for the unwary. Even
if someone managed not to fall through, the rusty metal could and would cause grievous injury.
This paper has been crying hoarse for years on the apathy displayed by authorities on various
problems faced by Dhaka residents. But the utter lack of concern by those entrusted to look after
the welfare of residents is dumbfounding. Taxpayers' money would be well spent if regulatory
authorities actually did something to improve amenities, and what could best be described as the
appalling state of city buses.

November 14, 2015

14/11/2015 Daily star Editorial Synonym
Editorial
1.heartened ( ) : encouraged, to give courage
2.duo( ) : Duet, two person commonly associated with each other
3.toddler( ,) : infant, child, kid, baby
4.indomitable( ): steadfast, invincible, impregnable
5.potential( , ) : ability, capacity, aptitude
6.spirit( )
7.zest( ): delection, eagerness
8.inspiration( )
9.reminder( )
10.amidst ( ) : i middle of, among, between
11.liability( , )
12.asset( ) : benefit, credit, resource
13.victim( )
14.capability-based( , )
15.integral ( ) : entire, complete
16.concerned ( )
17.allocate( )

18.comprehensive ( , ) absolute, all inclusive

19.preconceptions ( , )
20.humbled( , )
21.pledged ( ) : promised, guaranteed, obligated
22.strenuous( , ): onerous
____________________________________
Sub Editorial
1.gridlock( ) A condition of total, interlocking traffic congestion on the streets or
highways of a crowded city, in which no one can move because everyone is in someone else's
way.
2.urgent( )
3.aware of( )
4.enormous( )
5.revealed( )
6.staggering ( ) : overwhelming, astonishing
7.associated( , )
8.conduct( )
9.adequate( )
10.occupying( )
11.boost( )
12.urgency( , , ): desperation, imminence
13.congestion( , , ) : bottlenecks, clogging, overcrowding
14.proportion ( , , ) : relative amount, distribution
15.empowering( )
16.crucial( , ) : critical, important, essential
17.relevant( ) : appropriate,accordant allowable
18.choking( , ) : block clog
_____________________________________
An indomitable father-daughter duo
Why is society blind to the potential of disabled persons?
We are heartened by the real life story published in this paper of a young girl leading her blind
father from the crossbar of a rickshaw as he drives it. She has been her father's eyes since she
was five-years-old. Every day, after she finishes school, the father-duo takes to the streets with a
rented rickshaw to earn some money for the family. Monir Hossain, blind since he was a toddler,
has been pulling the rickshaw for 28 years now. The indomitable spirit of this father and his
family, and their zest for life, should serve as an inspiration for us all.
The story should also be a reminder of the ways in which we treat physically challenged persons
amidst us we think of them as liabilities rather than assets, as victims in need of our pity
rather than productive citizens of this country who, too, deserve an opportunity to make the best
of their lives. A little more than 9 percent of our total population has varying disabilities, but

with adequate education, capability-based training and other services, they can become an
integral part of the workforce and society. Concerned ministries must allocate specific budgets
and draw up a comprehensive plan of action to incorporate them into society as active members.
Meanwhile, the media must play its part in changing societal preconceptions by highlighting
these stories of struggle and success. We are humbled that, following the publication of this
story, the local administration has pledged to give Monir khas land and materials to build a home
as well as a job that is not as strenuous as rickshaw pulling.
__________________________________________
SUB EDITORIAL
Traffic gridlocks cost us $12.5 billion
Urgent steps must be taken
That traffic gridlock is costing us huge economic loss is something we are well aware of. Every
day countless hours, enormous amount of fuel, not to mention the uncountable level of energy,
are wasted because of traffic jams in major parts of the city. But that it costs us about $12.5
billion or 7 percent of GDP every year, as revealed by a Board of Investment (BOI) study, is
staggering.
The estimate was calculated by adding up the cost of lost travel time, avoidable social cost and
expenses associated with fuel, vehicles and accidents. The director of BOI, who conducted the
research, has found that lack of adequate public transport has led to middle and upper middle
income people to use cars, occupying 78 percent of road capacity but carrying only 5 percent of
trips. He has further stated that if the traffic crisis is solved Bangladesh has the potential to boost
its economic growth from 6 percent to 13 percent.
These numbers point to the urgency of taking steps right now to ease traffic congestion that has
now reached unbelievable proportions. The study has made numerous recommendations, the
most immediate ones being to enforce traffic rules and ensure efficient traffic management.
Decentralising the administration, creating a metropolitan government, empowering local
government, quality healthcare in districts and rural areas, are some of the other steps the study
has suggested, to reduce traffic congestion.
The government must therefore take some crucial measures to stop this unacceptable bleeding of
the economy. A taskforce can be formed to expedite such measures. Relevant ministries and
government agencies must work together to implement the solutions and enforce traffic rules.
We cannot afford to lose any more time, money and productivity from choking traffic jams.
15/11/2015 Daily star Editorial Synonym Editorial

1.Tale ( , , )
2.relieved( )
3.fled( , )
4.perplexed ( , ) : bewildered, puzzled, confused
5.accused ( )
6.gruesome ( ) : horrid, horrible, awful, ghastly
7.quizzed () cross examine, ask check
8.echoing ( )

9.sentiment ( , ):feelings, opinion

10.assume ( , )
11.on the contrary ( )
12.collusion ( ) : secret understanding, fraudulent artifice
13.dragnet ( , ) : manhunt, chase, search, pursuit
14.demystified ( , , )
15.deemed : ( )regard, consider,account, allow, appraise,
16.perception ( )
17.agency ( )
_____________________________________
Sub Editorial
1.Mayhem( , , ) : actions that hurt people and destroy
things : a scene or situation that involves a lot of violence
2.High time( )
3.synchronised( ) : operate simultaneously, - arrange or represent events so that they cooccur;
4.condemn( ) - belittle, decry, denounce
5.condolence( ) :solace, sympathy, compassion
6.grieving( , ) mourn, feel deep distress,lament
7.eradicate( ): destroy, remove, expunge,erase
8.brewing( , ( )
9.urgency( ):pressing necessity
10.consistently( , ) : habitually, usually, frequently
11.reiterating( ) : reassert, re affirm
12.barbarous( , ) : cruel, atrocious
13.manifestation( ) : exhibition, demonstration, indication
14. menace.( ): hazard, jeopardy, nuisance

EDITORIAL
Nur Hossain in jail
Does he not have a tale to tell?
We are relieved that at last Nur Hossain has been brought back from India. The very manner in
which he fled the country had raised many questions. Now we are perplexed as to why the prime
accused in the most gruesome murder in recent times is not being quizzed. And in asking why
Nur Hossain has not been taken on remand so far, we are only echoing public sentiments.
Are we to assume that in a murder case that involves an agency of the state, the police have
nothing further to find out from the prime accused? On the contrary, we feel, there are many
unanswered questions.
Was Nur acting alone, or in collusion with others? How is it that a unit of Rab got involved in
the matter without the higher authority getting a wind of it? And how did he manage to escape
the dragnet that was supposed to be in place when the murders were discovered? These are

mysteries that can only be demystified if Nur Hossain is taken on remand. We wonder how can
the case be proceeded with on the basis of the current charge sheets when the main character in
the case has not been questioned even once; how can the investigation be deemed complete?
We feel there is a need for further probe because, according to common perception, there is more
than just the involvement of Nur Hussain. And there is the name of a state agency which needs to
be cleared by determining that indeed those who participated in the killings were acting on their
own.
__________________________________________
SUB EDITORIAL
Mayhem in Paris
High time to unite against terrorism
We are shocked and appalled by the synchronised terrorist attacks in multiple locations in Paris
on Friday that have left at least 128 people dead (till going to press) and countless more injured.
Gunmen, reportedly, burst into the Bataclan concert hall and opened fire on the audience, while
gunshots and explosions took place at five other sites across the city, including a stadium where
France and Germany were playing a friendly football match. Only a day earlier, two suicide
bombers killed at least 43 people and wounded more than 200 others in what was the deadliest
bombing in Beirut since the civil war ended 25 years ago. We condemn these attacks on civilians
in the name of religion, and express our condolences for the grieving families and the people of
France and Lebanon.
These attacks highlight, once again, that terrorism is a global phenomenon necessitating a global,
coordinated response to eradicate extremisms of all forms brewing in different parts of the world.
An attack on Paris is, indeed, an attack on our ideals of liberty, democracy and tolerance, and the
international community must act with urgency.
Bangladesh has consistently taken a zero tolerance stance on terrorism, with the Prime Minister
reiterating the importance of global unity to combat the barbarous forces in all their
manifestations that are committed to wanton violence. We are confident that Bangladesh will
continue to play an effective role in fighting the global menace in all its manifestations, both
within and outside of its borders.