The Jamuna multi-purpose Bridge is no longer a construction landmark; it has begun to show cracks, laying bare the negligence and inefficiency of the South Korean construction firm Hyundai. But the company has refused to heed the voice of reason. Instead of undertaking immediate repair works, it is pleading not guilty to the government of Bangladesh.
It was only nine years back that this 4.8 kilometer long bridge was opened, fulfilling the long-felt need for vital connection between the vast regions in the north and the north west of the country and the capital city Dhaka. Any damage of this bridge will certainly mean a major threat to the country's economy.
It is time Hyundai acknowledged its responsibility and made amends. Otherwise there will be no option left for Bangladesh other than having recourse to the international law court.
South Africa took Bangladesh on at cricket with devastating force in the first test match in Dhaka, winning the innings by 5 wickets. The hope of the Bangladesh team retaliating was completely dashed in the second test held in Chittagong, giving Graeme Smith (232) and Neil McKenzie (226) the rare opportunity to build a record-breaking partnership of 415. Ensuring a sure victory, South Africa decided to declare the innings on 583-7. But hope is a flame that flickers but never dies. So all eyes are now on the upcoming one day series starting from 9 March.
The world's greatest film festival is over and so is all the razzmatazz that goes with it. The 80th Oscars, the least watched Academy Awards so far, has bestowed the title of the best film on a low budget movie No Country for Old Men and the movie director Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, two brothers, received the award for best director.The best actor and best actress trophies went to Daniel Day-Lewis and Marion Cotillard respectively.
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