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Bangla journalists hold anti-terrorism rallies
by Nazrul Islam

     Dhaka: Journalists from across Bangladesh gathered in Dhaka and other parts of the country on Saturday to take part in rallies to protest against terrorist attacks on the fourth estate. Appealing to the Khaleda Zia-led coalition government to provide more security to mediapersons, the journalists said steps should be taken to immediately nab the perpetrators of such incidents. In this context, they recalled the deadly bomb attack on the southern Khulna Press Club early this month that left one journalist dead and several others injured. The rallies were organised following a call by editors of leading national media, both print and electronic. In Dhaka, over 200 journalists marched from the National Press Club to Central Saheed Minar on the Dhaka University campus, carrying banners inscribed with slogans like "Stop Violence Against Journalists" and "Stop Terrorism". They also observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect for their colleagues who had been killed in such attacks in the past. In the last decade, some 14 journalists have been killed and scores of others have been injured in grisly attacks in Bangladesh, mostly in the south-western region. The International Committee to Protect Journalists last year has described Bangladesh as the 'most vulnerable place' for journalists in Asia.

Pak team for India tour announced, Waqar bowling coach (Go To Top)

     Lahore: Young opener Taufeeq Umar and veteran spinner Arshad Khan were today named in a 16-member Pakistan Test squad for the high-profile series against India. While Inzamam-ul-Haq was reappointed captain, Younis Khan was named the vice-captain in place of Yousuf Youhana while Waqar Younis was appointed as the bowling coach. Umar, 22, last played for Pakistan against India at Rawalpindi while 34-year-old Arshad Khan's previous appearance in a Test was against England in November 2000. Paceman Mohammad Sami and Mohammad Khalil were retained in the squad after they passed fitness tests in the morning that were conducted by coach Bob Woolmer and foreign trainers Daryl Lifson, Murray Stevenson and Grant Compton. Squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (captain), Younis Khan (vice-capt), Taufeeq Umar, Salman Butt, Yasir Hameed, Yousuf Youhana, Asim Kamal, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal (wicketkeeper), Arshad Khan, Danish Kaneria, Shahid Afridi, Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Sami, Mohammad Khalil and Abdul Razzaq.

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