Bangladesh faces food crisis

Pics: Food queues is getting longer and longer as prices of rice is rising adding miseries to disadvantaged population in

MARK DUMMETT

There is a simple enough way of judging how serious Bangladesh's food crisis has become this year - it is to count the changing number of people queuing up to buy government-subsidised rice each day.

AS THE weeks have passed and the sun above Dhaka has become stronger, so the queues are now forming earlier, and more and more people are joining them.

The shops are little more than bamboo and sheet-metal sheds set up on patches of waste ground, and the men working in them are soldiers of the Bangladesh Rifles.

This unit's normal job is to guard the country's borders.

But for months now it has been helping preserve the country's stability by selling cheap food to the poor.

The rice they sell is three-quarters of the market price.

New shoppers
The shoppers are no longer just rickshaw pullers and day-labourers, as they were in January, but government workers, security guards and teachers.

Instead of two orderly queues, one of men, the other of women, there are now often four queues, and a scrum of frustrated people at the front.

"The price rise has been really hard on the people of Bangladesh," Milon Das, a primary school teacher, said.

"Though I am a teacher, my salary is low, and I cannot afford rice at the normal markets. This is our country's biggest problem."

The price of a kilogramme of coarse rice, the staple food of Bangladesh's poor, has more than doubled over the past 12 months, to about $0.60 (30p).

By contrast, workers' wages have not changed.

Economic pressures
The owners of Bangladesh's garment factories, the backbone of the economy, are especially reluctant to raise wages, so as to keep the country competitive with China.

Their clothes are exported to many of the West's largest brands, such as Levis, Tesco, Carrefour and H&M.

Local problems, such as worse than average floods and the devastating Cyclone Sidr last year, have compounded global supply problems to push prices up.

The military-backed government has blamed speculators for making the situation worse, but many Bangladeshis think the authorities have been slow to handle it effectively.

At the government-run food shop in front of the American Embassy, many people told me they had responded to the price rise in three ways.

Firstly they had cut one meal a day out of their diets.

Secondly, they had stopped eating meat, fish and eggs.

And last, they had stopped saving money.

Food, they estimated, consumed more than half their earnings. Rent took up almost all the rest.

Social unrest
A former government minister has predicted social unrest if this situation worsens.

One of the shoppers agrees.

"There will be chaos, there will be demonstrations, there will be muggings, there will be hijackings, there will be strikes," Mohammed Akhtar Hossein, who works as a security guard at a luxury block of flats, said.

"If people don't have food in their stomachs they will go out into the streets to take whatever they can because they have to survive."

But salvation is not far away - by the end of April, Bangladesh's most important rice harvest, called Boro, is due.

Bumper crop
The government expects a bumper crop, so its effort now is to get enough food onto the market to last until then.

"This is the critical period; the period when the government really has to offload all it has got," says Dr K A S Murshid, of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies.

"The government says it has 100,000 tonnes, but I would have preferred something like 200,000 tonnes."

But despite the short-term relief the Boro harvest should bring, experts agree that the long-term trend of food price rises in Bangladesh will continue.

"A country like Bangladesh, which imports both food and oil, is on the losing side," says Dr Sajjad Zohir, of Dhaka's Economic Research Group.

"I would call the price changes, which followed the high price of oil, as a crime against humanity," he added. #

First published by BBC NEWS online, April 10, 2008

Mark Dummett is BBC News correspondent in Bangladesh
© BBC MMVIII

People’s representatives for people’s interests

RIPAN KUMAR BISWAS

A GOOD intention possesses completely, or in a high degree, if it serves the purpose for which it is intended. There can be a great deal of hope more than ever before in the ongoing battle against corruption and volatile political practices to keep Bangladesh alive if everyone practices good till the end.

According to the Chief of Army Staff in Bangladesh, General Moeen U Ahmed, the way army has discharged its responsibility in the past and is doing presently, is all for the good intention to see the honest and competent leadership come to power to govern the country. “As patriotic citizens, the army is extending round-the-clock cooperation to the caretaker government and certainly the army is not part of the government,” General Moeen reaffirmed army’s intentions, steps, and desires to the nation through the editors of national print and electronic media at the Army Headquarters on April 08, 2008.

The army chief further assured everyone along with the leaders of the different political parties that there would be no deviation from holding national poll as per roadmap by end-December and there would be nothing but democratic rule in Bangladesh. His remarks came just after while the detained former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her apprehension over holding of the general elections in time and restoration of democracy. Like her, on Monday, April 07, 2008, Jatiya Party chairman Hussein Muhammad Ershad also expressed the similar uncertainty at a press briefing at its Banani party office.

Bangladesh has a history of military takeovers. On December 16, 1971, Pakistani forces surrendered, and Bangladesh-- meaning "Bengal country"-- was born. Although the new country became a parliamentary democracy under a 1972 constitution with four basic principles nationalism, secularism, socialism, and democracy, but its democratic journey had been interrupted several times. Pakistan's history from 1947 to 1971 was marked by political instability and economic difficulties and was governed by martial law between 1958 and 1962, and again between 1969 and 1971. Apart between 1990 and 2006, the country was mostly administrated either by emergency or martial law.

Although the emergency rules have placed serious limits on civil and political rights, and have severely diluted constitutional protections of individual rights, but the recent ongoing state of emergency, which was triggered by weeks of pre-election opposition protests and violence on January 11, 2007, was welcomed by ordinary Bangladeshis, many of whom want a return to normalcy after the violent political standoff that has wracked the country. People were upset to see the same tainted politicians and their cronies who had been in and out of the government during the last sixteen years of our experiment with parliamentary democracy.

During the two months prior to the takeover by the caretaker government, the country had experienced unending riots and widespread demonstrations in which more than 60 people lost their lives, millions of dollars in property was damaged, and the economic activities in the country came to a squealing halt.

Like Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, people believe the present role of the Bangladesh Army in maintenance of the country’s law and order in order to bring the nation back on the right track. Their relief and rehabilitation activities in the wake of two consecutive floods and cyclone Sidr last year or their logistic or technical support in the crucial work of voter listing and national identity cards are obviously praiseworthy. People believe like the army chief that army will neither follow Pakistan or Thailand or previous takeovers in Bangladesh in the maintenance of democracy, through transfer of power to the elected representatives and holding a free, fair and transparent election by December 2008.

Starting with 2,193 member team to monitor peace in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during the first gulf war in 1991, Bangladesh Army started its peace keeping activities throughout the world. Following that, they participated different peace keeping activities under the United Nations Peace Support Operations. As of February 2008, Bangladesh remained the largest contributor with 11,200 troops in the UN Peacekeeping forces. In those mission, sometimes they worked to curb inter border terrorism or to clear illegal dwellings and establishments or they worked to restore democracy as they know how much it is important for a civilized society.

Like them, people also firmly believe that emergency can not be a permanent solution for any problem and civil society can not be run by commanded system. The recent remarks of former Chief Adviser and Chief Justice Habibur Rahman “that military involvement in politics and administration is likely to affect the country and the military equally adversely,” are very meaningful and logical. The US authority recently expressed the same political theory to the Bangladesh Ambassador in US Humayun Kabir, which has been proved globally.

The history of democratic governments, from the ancient republics of Greece and Rome to the modern states that have replaced earlier totalitarian governments, show that governing by committees, or legislative bodies, however never works in times, but at least it holds public opinions and debates over serious issues concerning general people. The army-backed non political government has failed to curb the price spiral, the sufferings of the people are intensifying day by day and people are leading inhuman life without food.

Failures of the past elected governments cannot be used as excuses to keep the democratic process suspended. People do believe that only “people’s representatives” can be a form in a civil society as they will be under constant watch and pressure and bound to look after the interests of the people. #

First published on April 10, 2008, New York

Ripan Kumar Biswas is a freelance writer based in New York. Ripan.Biswas@yahoo.com

Silent Famine Hits Bangladesh

Photo: Food queues are lengthening, so is the spiraling food prices

SUNITA PAUL

PEOPLE OF Bangladesh are possibly witnessing the come back of horrific days of 1974, when the entire country was affected in a devastating famine killing numerous people. There are numerous reports in the press that during those worst days of the people of the newly born nation (Bangladesh became independent in 1971), even there had been severe shortage in conducting proper religious rituals in burying dead bodies. In many cases, dead bodies were wrapped in Banana Leafs. Hungry faces were seen everywhere in the country. But, that happened when country's population was 75 million. Now, it has doubled. Bangladesh now has more than 150 million people, mostly living under the poverty level.

Bangladeshi economy although witnessed some serious setback right after the independence due to naïve economic policy of the then government led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, since 1978, its economy has started growing towards a positive direction. Mujib's administrative and economic formulas were basically imported from Soviet style, which preached Communism. Even today, Bangladesh Awami League follows socialist structure as its party's principles. Fortunately, in personal lives neither Mujib nor his followers are practicing such failed policy. Most of the Awami League leaders are rich enough to fit the affluent classes. Sheikh Hasina's only son Sajeeb Wajed Joy is one of the richest Bangladeshi youth in United States while her daughter Sayma Wajed Putul is no less rich. Mujib's youngest daughter, Sheikh Rehana lives fabulously wealthy life in United Kingdom. Many of the Awami League leaders are holding accounts with foreign banks, where they have reportedly deposited huge amount of cash, secretly.

Since Mujib's assassination in 1975 (15th August), Bangladesh Awami League went became extremely weak in its political strength as the famine of 1974 and the massive lawlessness and administrative corruption during the entire Mujib era remained as a prominent black dot in the history of Bangladesh as well as in the minds of the suffered people. Although all the members of Mujib's family were killed during the military coup in 1975, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana escaped death as both were living outside the country.

Sheikh Hasina was allowed to return to Bangladesh in 1980 during the rule of Ziaur Rahman. Ziaur Rahman is considered to be the only honest ruler in Bangladesh, although there are numerous questions about his political honesty. Press Freedom and basic human rights, which were seized by Mujib regime through Special Powers Act and formation of one-party rule was revoked by Zia with once again establishing multi party politics and giving freedom of press. Although Zia too began his tenure as a Martial Law administrator, he did not have any fascist character in him, which is yet endorsed by many of his arch political rivals.

After the assassination of Ziaur Rahman, military ruler Husain Mohammed Ershad came in power, who also showed numerous charismas to the people of Bangladesh in up building the nation. But his personal character is always extremely nasty especially because of his extreme womanizing. Ershad also stands liable as one of the conspirators of Zia's murder. But, in general, there is a clear perception in the minds of the people of Bangladesh; the two military rules in the country were the best eras for the nation.

Hussein Muhammad Ershad was forced to step back from power in 1990 following combined movements of Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami. Since then, Bangladesh has attained real democratic process. Although many argue that democracy was established in the country following the independence in 1971, a real democratic system was however established only in 1990. And of course, Bangladeshis have witnessed many ups and downs in the country since democracy came into existence.

The latest episode of sending democracy to cold storage and declaration of State of Emergency is no more an unknown fact to the global community. Many knows the fact as to why the Bangladesh army was virtually compelled to help a group of selected people in taking over country's administration, when the entire nation was on the verge of virtual civil war in 2007. But, at the first hour of such massive political shake, Chief Advisor (Chief Executive) to the Caretaker government expressed his willingness of holding a free and fair election within the end of the same year and handover power to people's representatives. But, in reality, that has not happened in 2007, although many predicted the election to take place. Now, the government has a newer agenda of holding the general election by December 2008. According to political pundits, such plan is also not sincere at all. Real intention of the present interim government in Bangladesh is to some how escape date after date and delay the holding of the election in the country, still a 'king's party' comes into prominent position. There are already two such parties already formed, one under a questioned editor-cum-politician named Ferdous Ahmed Qureshi and the other by a former military General. Both the parties seem to have already been failed to convince the people of Bangladesh with their own political agendas. Now possibly it is turn for the Caretaker Government to find one new player for this game.

Everything might have been possible for the present caretaker government, if there won't be acute power (electricity) crisis and massive food crisis, which has already resulted in silent famine in the small South Asian nation. A large section of the poor people in the country is already in full or partial starvation due to exorbitant prices of essentials. There are even reports of death due to food crisis from various rural areas in Bangladesh. The government tried desperately in buying rice from various nations including India, which has some how failed. Indian government increased export price for rice from US$ 350 to US$ 1,000 per ton in last couple of months. Now the Central Government has already banned any export of rice to any nation. Export prices of other edible products from India are also increased several folds. Being failed in collecting rice from international market, Bangladesh government is trying to comfort the people by saying that the coming agro production in mid April will resolve the rice crisis in the country. But, according to experts, such production may really ease the situation for several months; Bangladesh will have to buy rice and other essentials from the international market to save the nation from starvation. But, to really implement such huge purchase plan, the country requires adequate foreign exchange reserve. In a recent report it was said that, Bangladesh government has already borrowed 70 million US dollars from various foreign banks. Such information does not stand positively on the claimed foreign exchange reserve of the nation. And these are no good news for the people of Bangladesh. It is greatly anticipated that, the silent famine, which has already started in the country, may somehow be resolved for some months, the country and the nation is destined towards a very complicated situation in the months to come. International community really needs to look into this issue on companionate ground and help Bangladesh not only in overcoming the crisis but also in saving lives of thousands of people from such potential famine. #

First published in Global Politician, April 3, 2008 Sunita Paul is a writer and specializes on South Asian affairs

Bangladesh's next destination Islamic extremism

SUNITA PAUL

SOME PEOPLE say it is the next terrorism gator. Some say, a future land of Taliban and extremist Islamists. Some say, a failed nation. Some even say a country possibly under the greedy eyes of neighbours. What fate waits really for this second largest Moslem populated country in the world?
Bangladesh became independent in 1971 after a nine-month war with the then mighty Pakistani army. To my knowledge, it is the shortest ever war of independence in the world history for any nation to get independence. There are not many arguments that the independence of Bangladesh was almost impossible, if India would not get involved in the war of 1971.

To Bangladeshis, this is a war of independence where Bengali freedom fighters fought against the occupation forces, while in India, the concept is this was a war between Delhi and Islamabad. Many of the Indian policymakers are yet not ready to acknowledge the war of 1971 as the war of independence of Bangladesh. They believe that, this was an India-Pakistan war and Pakistanis were driven out of its eastern part and a new state was allowed to emerge by the Indian government. Whatever the argument is, it is a fact that Bangladesh is an independent country with 150 million populations. Since the independence, people of this tiny land has not only witnessed political ups and downs but faced with their highest morale series of natural disasters, including recent Sidr. The people are yet to forget the memories of 1974 famine, which possibly remains as a nightmare to Bangladeshis.

To international community, Bangladesh is gradually coming into focal point for its own importance for geo-political position. Someone may agree or disagree, but it is a fact that Bangladesh is the most important country to many of the world's players for several reasons. This is why, possibly, many of the actions in Dhaka are getting into world attention, may be not in press, but otherwise.

According to Dhaka's leading press as well reports published in international media, Bangladesh is under acute power crisis. The entire country is under 'load shedding' for hours, thus contributing in increased harassment of the people. When the military backed interim government came in power in 2007 (January 12), they categorically claimed that the previous BNP led Coalitions government had 'looted' millions of Dollars from this sector thus not adding even a single mega watt of electricity to the national gridline. The figure being looted by the previous government in five years was somewhere in One Billion dollar as per statistics provided by the interim government. Now experts are raising questions as to why the present government could not even add a single mega watt of power in past fifteen months, when it is believed that nothing was looted at lest by them?

Whatever clarifications or justifications this government may try to bring, it is a fact that they have already failed in solving the power crisis. The former advisor to the Energy Ministry, Tapan Chowdhury, who is known to be a former ally of corrupt Harris Chowdhury and a questioned businessman, fled the country since he was ousted from the post by the interim government in January this year. It is rumoured in Dhaka that this man did not approve even a single electricity generation project just to serve the purpose of the power generation company owned by his family's business concern named Square. At least three dozen proposals for establishment of power plants by local and foreign companies are awaiting government's decision or approval in the ministry concerned for years. Tapan made sure that none of such projects get approval.

Many even believe that, this was not only to serve the mere business interest of his family enterprise. But, Tapan Chowdhury was working under secret directives from his former partner and friend Harris Chowdhury and other elements. Even after being ousted from the interim government, Tapan rushed to Singapore, wherefrom he went to Malaysia to meet Harris Chowdhury. It may be mentioned here that, since military's crack down on corrupts, Harris Chowdhury fled to Malaysia, where is owns numerous business establishments.

Possibly it is even too late for the rulers in Dhaka to investigate the reason as to why there had not been any development in the power sector for past fifteen months. But, it is already a fact that, due to continuous corruption, mismanagement, lack of coordination and above all poor governance, this sector has gone to the virtual status of 'bankruptcy' and the entire nation will suffer greatly due to such situation. Power crisis will not only let the domestic establishments in the country suffer, it will hamper agro production, industrial production leaving a catastrophic future for country's economy. Even few years back, Bangladesh was termed as the 'Emerging Tiger in Asia'. But, now, it is known in different terms. But, now, at least for past couple of years or so, it is getting a new identity, which is undoubtedly disgraceful for the entire nation. Now before drawing at least an imaginary line of Bangladesh's future, let us try to understand various political connotations of a number of terms, already used about this country.

What is a failed state?
According to political theory, a failed state is a state whose central government is so weak or ineffective that it has little practical control over much of its territory. The level of control required to avoid being considered a failed state varies considerably amongst authorities. Furthermore, the declaration that a state has "failed" is generally controversial and, when made authoritatively, may carry significant geopolitical consequences.

A state could be said to "succeed" if it maintains a monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force within its borders. When this is broken (e.g., through the dominant presence of warlords, militias, or terrorism), the very existence of the state becomes dubious, and the state becomes a failed state. The difficulty of determining whether a government maintains "a monopoly on the legitimate use of force" (which includes the problems of the definition of "legitimate") means it is not clear precisely when a state can be said to have "failed." This problem of legitimacy can be solved by understanding what Weber intended by it. Weber clearly explains that only the state has the means of production necessary for physical violence (politics as vocation). This means that the state does not require legitimacy for achieving monopoly on the means of violence (de facto) but will need one if it needs to use it (de jure).

The term is also used in the sense of a state that has been rendered ineffective (i.e., has nominal military/police control over its territory only in the sense of having no armed opposition groups directly challenging state authority; in short, the "no news is good news" approach) and is not able to enforce its laws uniformly because of high crime rates, extreme political corruption, an extensive informal market, impenetrable bureaucracy, judicial ineffectiveness, military interference in politics, cultural situations in which traditional leaders wield more power than the state over a certain area but do not compete with the state, or a number of other factors.

Terrorism Gator:
American journalist Gabriel Oppenheim wrote, "When I was nine, I loved playing Wacky Gators, an arcade game featuring five plastic alligators and a padded mallet. You had to whack the gators, but only one popped its head out of the console at any given time. And as soon as you moved to clobber it, that gator slid back and another emerged.

"You had to be quick, and you had to know that the enemy never stays in one place -- valuable lessons from a toy. But lately, I get the feeling our top administrators never played Wacky Gators. In Afghanistan, the Taliban has re-emerged in several areas since our Armed Forces turned their attention to Iraq. And in Bangladesh, a nation of 144 million, a gator of terrorism seems to be creeping out before our very eyes.

"It started on August 17, when 430 bombs exploded across the country, killing two and injuring dozens. The bombings were blamed on Jumaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh, a banned group that wants to replace secular law with strict Islamic law in this 83-percent-Muslim democracy. Three months later, on November 29, Bangladesh suffered its first suicide bombings, when at least three people detonated themselves in front of and inside two court buildings.

"That caught Osama's eyes. At least two arrested terrorists in Bangladesh have admitted to being sent by bin Laden (they were nabbed with $300,000). And Saudi Arabia noticed, too, beginning to send millions of dollars to the country's 64,000 madrassa, which preach radical Islam and are the only schools poor citizens can afford."

It is a fact that madrassa and kindergarten madrassa are having mushroom growth in Bangladesh for years. Although, according to a front ranking leader of Bangladesh Caliphate Movement (Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan) Kazi Azizul Huq, madrassa are not the breeding grounds of Jihadist, he failed to justify the reason as to why each of the Islamist terrorists belonging to banned Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) were having madrassa back grounds.

Kingpins of JMB, Shaikh Abdur Rahman and Siddiqul Islam aka Bangla Bhai (both executed by the Bangladesh government in 2007) were from madrassa backgrounds. Shaikh Rahman even studied in Medina University, a place infamous for breeding Jihadist for years. Moreover, kindergarten madrassa and kindergarten Cadet madrassa (having fabulous funds from Afro-Arab sources), are new avenues of Jihadist activities. These institutions are polluting minds of innocent children with Jihadist mesmerism. Students are encouraged to become 'Osama Bin Laden' or notorious elements like Abu Yasin.

In recent years, there is even emergence of a questioned extremist and Jihadist front like Hizb-ut-Tahrir, which is banned in many countries in the world, for its terrorist agendas. Knowing such global realities, Bangladesh is silent in taking any action against such groups. On the other hand, according to reports, Bangladesh's electoral policies are designed in a way to keep genuine Islamic political parties (which opposes jihad), such as Bangladesh Caliphate Movement, are barred from participating any of the future elections in the country. It is debated that, controversial elements like Brigadier General (Retired) Shakhawat Hossain, who happens to be a man of leftist-atheist-Islamist alliance and a newspaper group preaching jihad in a very tricky way, is already planted inside the Election Commission. Most of the members of the present advisory council in the interim government in Bangladesh are either non-believers or wolf in the scarf of deer. And, remarkably, they are the controlling force of the country.

Considering both the options, my readers may not get anything positive to think about the future of Bangladesh. On the other hand, general election in 2008, although repeatedly promised by the present interim government, remains greatly uncertain. The government is behaving like 'step brother' to politicians and democratic institutions. Trial processes of the held politicians are mostly non-transparent. It is alleged that, in many cases, made up charges were brought against many of the political figures in the country.

The reason behind failure and non-governance of the present interim government in Dhaka is because it has opened too many avenues to address, although it's main focus were supposed to be in holding an acceptable general election within stipulated time frame. And, each of the mistakes of the government led by Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed is leaving serious fate for the supportive power, the armed forces. Policies of the administrators are pushing army towards a confronting position with the remaining majority population of the country. Although the country is under State of Emergency, the entire scenario in Dhaka looks very familiar to any of the military rules in the world. Army Generals are seen giving political statements on a regular basis, which surely goes beyond military regulations.

As the food crisis in Bangladesh is already moving towards the alarming state of famine, corruption within administration and involvement of some of the military officers along with their family members in various crimes including grabbing of properties, harassments, blackmailing etc., are increasing very fast. People holding important posts in the army are some how trying to ignore such facts and even trying to defend their 'own people' with numerous lame excuses.

During last week, there had already been demonstrations inside Dhaka University against the State of Emergency and there had also been demands for release of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia. It is even learnt from sources that, political parties are now set to violate the State of Emergency and go into all out movements against the present administration in the country. Possibly some hardliners inside the government may suggest imposing curfew once again in the entire country and imposing complete ban on politics and political activities. There could be even a fresh crack down on some more politicians and journalists. #

First published in Asian Tribune.com, April 4, 2008

Sunita Paul is an expert on South Asian Affairs

Islamist Militancy in Bangladesh: What has been done?

Photo: Home-grown Islamic vigilante Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen leader dubbed `Bangla Bhai' captured after fire-fight in 2006, later hanged for declaring war against the country

Dr ALI RIAZ

ON MARCH 6, the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice designated the Harkat-ul Jihad al-Islami Bangladesh (HuJIB) a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). The official implications of such designation are very broad. Once an organization is so designated, it becomes illegal for persons in the United States or subject to US jurisdiction to provide material support to that organization. US financial institutions have to freeze any assets the organization holds, and the United States can deny visas to its representatives. The designation moreover carries a message greater than these legal implications: it indicates that the US State Department has been keeping track of the organization and is convinced that it constitutes a threat beyond its country of origin.

This announcement may surprise many casual observers of Bangladeshi politics, but those who have been following the political scene in Bangladesh and/or tracking the US State Department’s listing of terrorist organizations over recent years, would have been aware it was only a matter of time before this organization would be declared an FTO. The HuJIB, an organization closely connected to the Harkat-ul Jihad as-Islami (HUJI) notorious for its militant activities within and outside Pakistan, was listed among “Groups of Concern” by the State Department in 2007. Its elevation to FTO is more than a change of status; it is an indication that this organization has been using Bangladesh as a base for activities beyond state borders. Equally important is the fact that these activities continued to be carried on more than two and a half years after HuJIB was banned in Bangladesh with some key leaders of the organization executed and many behind bars. Despite continued efforts on the part of the government to check militancy and apprehend the organizers, militant organizations are ostensibly thriving.

From Afghan War to BNP-JI alliance
The HuJIB is one of many militant organizations present within the country, but it should be recognized as the fountainhead of the militant groups that have been spawned since HuJIB’s emergence in 1992. Organized by those who participated in the Afghan War as ‘volunteers,’ the HuJIB brought home the long shadow of a distant war. The state’s support to the rebels of neighbouring Burma, providing them with a safe haven in the southeast hill tracts had the unforeseen consequence of giving these organizations a free reign.

Additionally, factors such as a supportive domestic political environment due to the growing strength of the Islamist parties within mainstream politics; the easy availability of weapons from both the black and grey markets, particularly via Southeast Asia; an unremitting flow of funds from some international charity organizations such as the Restoration of Islamic Heritage Society (RIHS); the proxy war by the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and its Indian counterpart the RAW on Bangladeshi soil – all helped to engender these groups.

Under intense international pressure the reluctant coalition government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Jammat-i-Islami (JI) (2001-2006) took some steps in 2005; three militant organizations including the HuJIB were banned. In late 2006 the government began arresting and trying key militant leaders. On 29 March 2007, not long after the country witnessed a change in government, six militant leaders were executed after all legal processes had been exhausted by them.

A regrouping
Although the arrests, the executions, intense security campaign and growing public awareness dealt a serious blow to the militant groups, developments over the past year demonstrate that these groups have not disappeared. Instead, militants have regrouped and seem to be steadily gaining strength.

One of the first signs of the regrouping of the militants came in April 2007: advocate Hyder Hossain, the public prosecutor and chief counsel of the case which resulted in the death sentence meted out to the six key leaders of the Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh was assassinated. Sporadic incidents of attacks occurred from the middle of 2007. For example, in May 2007, a previously unknown group called Jadid al-Qaeda Bangladesh detonated three near-simultaneous bombs in three divisional railway stations in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet. In November 2007, five militants of the banned JMB made a bid to escape from Comilla Jail, reportedly with help from the outside and from some jail employees.

In February 2008, the Rapid Action Battalion seized 46 live grenades from Satkhira, after the arrest of Mufti Moinuddin alias Abu Zandal, a key accomplice of the HuJIB leader Mufti Abdul Hannan. There were several other instances when grenades were recovered from various parts of the country. These and other similar incidents reveal that the networks of these militant organizations have remained intact, that financial support for maintaining the networks has not dried up, and that the flow of weapon has not been disrupted.

The government stalls...
From early on the present interim government had recognized the importance of dealing with militancy as a matter of concern, but it seems to be remaining one step behind the militants. One can argue that the steps taken to combat militancy have been inadequate, and that some necessary steps have not been taken yet. For example, although militant leaders had insisted that their pool of supporters consisted of 10,000-15,000 the total number of individuals arrested for their alleged involvement with militant activities is less than eight hundred – a number too small to organize the synchronized bomb blasts of 17 August 2005, let alone other operations. Those who had joined the Afghan war are estimated at 2800 according to government documents; yet not all have been traced and questioned, let alone apprehended.

The government has probed very little, if at all, into the suspected training sites used by militants. The possible political connection between certain members of the BNP and the militants has not been examined at length. There is enough evidence to show that the connections between the Jammat-i-Islami (JI) are more than accidental, and that these relationships are neither limited to individuals, nor to one or two units of the party.

... and patrons are still at large
Official records and press reports show that during the 4-party coalition government (2001-2006) a number of militant leaders were arrested, but released by the local authorities. To my knowledge no investigations, either public or administrative, has been conducted to identify the individuals concerned and the reasons behind the leniency displayed toward the militants. Patrons of the militants - individuals and organizations, domestic and foreign – have escaped justice altogether. This was one of the main topics of discussion immediately after the series of bombings, but over time it disappeared even from public discourse. Let me reiterate the point I made in my book, Islamist Militancy in Bangladesh: A Complex Web: "The importance of identifying, apprehending and trying the patrons of militancy cannot be overstated. Efforts to dismantle the networks of militants without bringing the patrons –- political and financial –- are bound to fail.”

The efforts of law enforcing agencies to seize weapons are commendable; these confiscations will delay the next rounds of attacks, and save many lives. But unfortunately these efforts are not sufficient to mitigate militancy; identifying the sources of weapons of the militants and breaking these networks is imperative to defeat the militants. The sooner the government addresses these issues, the better; delay will only make these issues more difficult to deal with. Let us hope that it is not too late already. #

Ali Riaz is Chair and Associate Professor of Politics and Government at Illinois State University. His most recent book is: Islamist Militancy in Bangladesh: A Complex Web. His has published four other books, including God Willing: The Politics of Islamism in Bangladesh. Earlier in his career, Professor Riaz worked for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service as broadcast journalist. He was a defiant student leader challenging the military despot General H.M. Ershad in mid 1980s.

The undemocratic War Child by the "Politicians for Democracy" in Bangladesh

MOHAMMAD GANI

IN RUSSIA, people eat ice cream there in the winter because it's warmer than the weather outside; more or less meaning! Politicians and their chauvinists in Bangladesh are now taking whatever atmosphere-warming they could get and thus Awami League and BNP leaders have now put a "pause" on stepping each other and been embracing closely for strategic partnership on super democracy; also perhaps in quest of developing a truculent joint forces to declare crusade against this unconstitutional Care Taker Government.

Our "Jono Netri" Hasina and "Gono Netri" Khaleda, nation's 2 ultimate and the only ultimate role models and champions of super-democracy in Bangladesh have fallen into the deep holes; visibly virtual consequences of inadvertently inviting "crocodiles" into the street of Bangladesh on 11 January 2007.Interestingly, they have not yet stopped digging down and their unscrupulous Comrades and Lieutenants querulously demanding to this unconstitutional Care Taker Government to unconditionally set these 2 step-sisters free; along with all other alleged "honest criminals" like Tariq Zia, Lord Babor, Sk. Selim and many more immediately. Recently they have gone even further, demanding that "all prisoners" throughout the country must be freed at once and all jails/prisons facilities must be shut down, abolishing Jail/prison systems!

Entire prison employee's brigade must be re-employed with "Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company" and with PDB. Meanwhile, all prison facilities must be converted into historic "Awami League University" campuses (not Ivy League University!) for advanced study and research on corruptions management and trainings where Dr. Hasina would be its distinguished Vice Chancellor. They also reminded that illegitimate Care Taker Government has no right or Constitutional Authority to apprehend/harass nation's aggressive "patriotic" leaders and must stop illegally persecuting them (except the War Criminals, formerly Razakars!).

Can't we include the killers of our founding father Mujib, Zia, Siraj Sikdar or Colonel Taher etc into this War Criminals list? One could now wonder how an "illegitimate" Care Taker Government could possibly conduct an "Election for legitimate Democracy" in Bangladesh regardless of how "fair or unfair, free or not free" it could be?" Imagine a "Democracy" coming out through the barrel of an "undemocratic" Care Taker Government; very interesting!

Not over yet! We have more exciting stories behind the story of this unconstitutional Care Taker Government though most often our recalcitrant politicians come up with misleading information for fooling the entire nation as usual. Why this nation or any democracy needs a "Care Taker Government" on the first hand? Who did exactly declare State of Emergency in Bangladesh for quite sometimes and why? Were State of Emergency and/or a Care Taker Government warranted for any good reason? Couldn't this nation or its democracy live without an illegitimate Care Taker Government? Allergic politicians (to CTG) and their lieutenants need to recognize the importance of all these truths-in-politics before castigating Care Taker Government with their upper hands. They need to recall that Emergency was actually declared by a "Legitimate, Democratic and Constitutional" President Iajuddin Ahmed (a.k.a formerly "YESuddin") of elected BNP-Razakar Government and not by this Care Taker Government by any means.

Didn't our founding father Mujib declare "State of Emergency" during a peaceful democratic Government? After proclaiming "State of Emergency", didn't he use his parliamentary majority to win a "Constitutional Amendment" limiting the powers of the legislative and judicial branches, establishing an executive presidency, instituted a one-party system (BAKSAL) that required all civilian government personnel to join the party? Was it warranted?

The CONCEPT of Care Taker Government or the "Other kind of Democracy" in Bangladesh is the conclusion of miserable failure of our national super-democratic minds; a Constitutional "war child" of estranged Hasina and Khaleda who trusted or committed to trust an illegitimate Care Taker Government over democratically elected Government. Regardless of whatever could be their strong reasoning and arguments behind trusting an illegitimate Care taker Government over democratically elected Government; the catch is that this manifestation or practice of approbation of an undemocratic Care Taker Government is entirely undemocratic and flouting the norms of any democracy! Why and how an undemocratic or illegitimate Care Taker Government could be more trustworthy to Hasina or to Khaleda over an elected Democratic Government?

If they do not trust a democratic government on conducting election, why this nation should trust their democratic government after the election or how they could possibly justify that an undemocratic Care Taker Government is better than a democratic Government in conducting national election? If Care Taker Government could be trusted for conducting crucial national election, then why can't it be trusted on other issues? Does any democracy; anywhere in the "civilized world" has a provision of Care Taker Government?

Well, if Bangladesh is "NO civilized democracy"; then thy shall be, a democracy of its own model and also it could be without Hasina and Khaleda too! What is so wrong about it? Wasn't it an ignominious and desultory political game of mercurial Hasina that invited and welcomed an undemocratic Care Taker Government over a legitimate Democratic Government?

Political aspirations and inspirations for democracy among the people of Bangladesh often become emotionally-charged ambitions despite having chronic poverty in their day to day life style. Our politician's habitual hegemonies during this process shock and shutter their consciousness and expectation over and over again. Leader's stentorian pre-election commitments and rhetoric get lost almost immediately after the election. Thus only voting or conducting a "free and fair" election alone does not guarantee true democracy in Bangladesh that could address and resolve nation's exigent problems.

Though outcry for democracy by our political leaders continues and becoming stronger, we shall see their actual interests behind this outcry clearly if look through carefully, 'that their rancorous noises are merely for their own benefits. Unlike the norms of true democracy, our candidates usually buy nominations from the political parties with huge and competitive price tags and then invest more wealth and muscles into win the election. Their election victories then bring them unimaginable fortunes during the following 5 years in return of their pre-election investment!

During last 37 years, nation's 75 million to 145 million people have done their part to the politicians and to their democracy but in return what exactly the politicians and their "home-cooked" democracy have done for this nation, if any at all? Existing and ongoing developments in Bangladesh were accomplished and /or would have been accomplished even more effectively and successfully without Hasina/Khaleda's circus democracy as those were actually executed by the spending funded by the donor nations and local entrepreneurs of course with huge invisible "line losses"! These developments have nothing to do with our picaresque democratic touts and thieves those have been reigning and ruining Bangladesh for years and to their tenuous policies of deceits, deceptions and manipulations.

Obviously, it is assumed without question that majority rule democracy is the best system "available" to organize humanity and to rule a nation. We all find the majority rule democracy which is rule "by the most" appears to offer a clear advance over dictatorships which are rule by the one, or oligarchy which is rule by the few. In Bangladesh, majority rule democracy of "we the people" actually ends the moment we exit the voting booth and our elected leaders then legally have no need of our opinions for the following five years. Nevertheless, compared to the rule by the one of dictatorship, the rule by the most of majority rule democracy appears to be working in a much fairer way. And "this fairness" is perhaps the only greatest value to any nation under democratic rule to embrace as the best "available system" to govern that nation but no, it is not the absolute!

Democracy is not always the best system that evenly fits all and thus often nations need to introduce its "own model" to develop an eclectic structure of government in accordance with their desired needs. In Bangladesh, we need a democratic model, a Government and a culture that shall respect the law of the land over power and honesty over greed for personal wealth. We need to consider the steps we must begin to take today to help shaping our Democracy in a manner to have a successful future for the entire nation. This nation could live and have lived without aggressive democracy of laconic Hasina and Khaleda who have been abusing and choking the teachings and philosophy of true Democracy for years.

Indeed, we always have a very poor opinion on our most political leaders; one of the noblest profession to serve our nation, to serve the humanity, to serve the mankind. Time to time, over and over; our eccentric politicians have failed to deliver this nation what they promised and thus lost all the public trusts. For years, they have pushed the already beleaguered fates of 145 million of people miserably down to the ground and to an alarming uncertainty to our future generations. We now vehemently disagree with their policies, performance and leadership etc. because of their unscrupulous behaviours who are always determined to do anything to gain power, always abusive of their position and privileges.

Their avarice for power and wealth made them lustrous to maintain hidden double life that ruined their morality and wisdom; and therefore are less likely to make any bold decision for circumstantial reasons. So, in a challenging game of politics, it becomes difficult for them to address injustices and create changes. We historically have a "culture of corruptions" and all politicians in the Government are susceptible to political corruption like bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, patronage, graft and embezzlement. These endemic corruption are so alarming that all level of government officials have proclivity for these greed, as if our entire nation have been held hostage by the rule of thieves.

Finally, 145 million people in a tiny slice of our "lonely planet" Earth, with only 55 thousand square miles lands do exert buckling loads on everything we could possibly effort as a nation. Our problems and issues are huge and truly resolving them by giving out some hopes to this impoverished nation is an onerous task. At this moment, all we need someone with authentic leadership, spirits of statesmanship and patriotism to supplant inscrutable Hasina and Khaleda at least for 1 (one) five year term. Let us close our eyes and open our hearts, then only pray and hope for delightful smiles of happiness from an "imaginary origin" in the pale faces of 145 million people of our beautiful Bangladesh!! #

First published in Mukto-mona.com, April 03, 2008

Mohammad Gani, a Bangladesh-born freelance writer and researcher lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

In defence of Shiekh Hasina

SHAMIM CHOWDHURY

AS AN ordinary citizen my humble opinion to Dr. Fakhruddin’s caretaker government and to Gen. Moeen the self proclaimed pillar of the house, please learn to read peoples leap and understand it is high time to give up any wicked malevolence plan and free hundreds of thousand detained political prisoners and stop meddling with judiciary. Free Sheikh Hasina or let her face the judicial battle and let the legal system work independently without provocation and repulsive interference. Utterly sickening motive, which prevailing for last 14 months to indict Sheikh Hasina disgracefully dose not care whether the complaints fits the profile . This practice ought to be stopped at once.

Government cannot and should not deny the rights of prisoners in states custody. Her current health condition is a concern for a huge population and government must ensure not only her safety but also above all her wellbeing. Bangladesh government that is championing in human right violation be reminded repeatedly, the great danger they will face if her wellbeing is not guaranteed.

On March 31, 2008 government apparatus forced Sheikh Hasina to appear in the court which reconfirms rumours, government is slow poisoning her and pushing her toward extreme ill health or death at worst where she will no longer be a threat for the military backed government. I urge caretaker government to free her and let her go abroad for her urgently needed care.

May Allah save her from any dire consequences from this denied treatment and like to give a stern word of warning, if she becomes totally hearing-impaired or her health condition deteriorates because of government’s convincible dubious spiteful act then we will give a deaf ear to government and will surely go into a battle to remove them from power. Do not consider our willingness to give time to Dr. Fakhruddin’s government as our weakness, with the grace of God and peoples support, we are capable of taking them down if they go wide of the mark. Your tanks will stand still and will have no use. No justice no peace.

Let there be no doubt that all cases against Sheikh Hasina is illegal in context of the law of the land. Sheikh Hasina been tried under Emergency Power Act which was promulgated on February of 2007 is not just illegal but a slap on the face of judiciary as well as constitution. The military-backed regime of Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed is trying her under Emergency Laws in a Kangaroo Court.

Bangladesh Army led by Gen. Moeen is determined to convict her and keep her away from politics to destroy the democratic process of the country, army finds her to be the chief impediment on their way to continue their military regime.

On February 6th 2008 at 12:08pm High court read out a historical verdict which was a severe blow to caretaker government and helped unmasking their abhorrent blue print against sheikh Hasina. The High Court quashed the trial of jailed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a Taka 3 crore extortion case filed by Azam J. Chowdhury saying it was "illegal" to prosecute her under emergency power rules since the alleged offence was committed much before the proclamation of emergency.

A High Court Division Bench comprising Justice Shah Abu Nayeem Mominur Rahman and Justice Shahidul Islam delivered the judgment upon a writ petition filed by Sheikh Hasina who was arrested on July 16, 2007 from her Dhanmondi residence in connection with the case, during an anti-graft drive. The verdict was given on a motion filed by Sheikh Hasina on July 29, 2007 challenging her trial under EPR. The High Court’s appellate division earlier had appointed seven attorneys as amicus curiae to have their briefs on the merit of the case trying Sheikh Hasina under the Emergency Power Rule. One attorney recued himself but the remaining six submitted briefs that trying Sheikh Hasina under the EPR for allegations that occurred seven years prior to the enactment of the EPR was indeed illegal and unconstitutional.

The verdict was not a mere victory of Sheikh Hasina but also the win of the rule of law restoring the rights of people and supremacy of the Constitution. One can only hope the government and its military backers will apprehend that it will be not that easy for them to implement their master blue print against Sheikh Hasina the symbol of democracy. People will fight their way up knocking every conspiracy until achieving the ultimate victor.

Even if we give the benefit of doubt and acknowledge caretaker government’s effort as honest and sincere to govern the country as interim, I am compelled to say their joint effort with Bangladesh military to govern Bangladesh has created non-fixable havoc in every sector.

Government must accept the reality; the seen and concealed advisers of caretaker government are simply unfit to run a government administration. There is absolutely no coordination among different component of this government. Dr. Fakhruddin’s government run by some very much educated but completely inexperienced bookish apprentice who has no ties to the people. Above all the biggest problem in my eyes will be this, the core of the government is not in one place but multiple places and you cannot run a country when incongruous contradictory decisions are in making independently from those entire legal and illegal frameworks.

Gen. Moeen’s so called mythological derailed train now failing to find any track at all to put on. Suspicion now brewing whether the track were removed deliberately to create a circumstance to bring the marching boots out! There is a widespread buzz, the tracks are carefully packed and stored in Dhaka cantonment, DGFI HQ and will not be put in place until the military brass feel confident they can prevail, which surely they will fail to accomplish.

Spiral price hike is putting the life of commoner’s almost to a screeching halt. The daily essentials price is out of reach for common people. Dr. Akbar fittingly attributed this as silent killer and a sign of famine in the horizon. Though the government is trying to transfer the blame into international market price, there is no doubt, all these happening because of lack of farsighted management team of this government. They despondently failed to understand the hard-core reality and rose pictures of their dream does not match and put the entire nation in this unbearable situation.

When people are already eating inadequate meals to survive, cutting half or even two third of their normal intake, government advisers make brutal frontal attack making cruel joke suggesting people to eat potato or the cauliflower instead of rice. Incompetent, inefficient clownish advisers are doing all kinds of unproductive tall talk when they miserably fail to run the country even for a day.

These people have no empathy for the suffering commoners because they are not the part of the suffering poor or the middle class. Drinking bottle water, eating French fries with juicy burgers and salad may make these ex World Bank employees and their project beneficiary’s status high but the hardworking poor masses and farmers desires not much but adequate rice and lentils which they failed to provide.

Let there be no doubt if there were no emergency then there would be a riot by now for food. Women’s of Bangladesh will be flocking to street with broomstick to clean the caretaker government with an outright rejection.

Militarization of civil administration
Militarization of civil administration is bulldozing the civil administration to establish an administration which will serve military top brass and their foreign masters. It is hard to find any public sectors where you will not find these ex and serving military officers not put emplace. It appears civil service is becoming a part of military administration with a calculative plan to strike. From national sports council to all other governmental institution and in-betweens presence of military personnel is alarmingly high. Gen. Moeen is following the footsteps of Gen. Musharrof of Pakistan when it comes to militarization of civil administration. It is probably impossible even for a statistician to keep account of how many positions Gen. Moeen’s cap is fathered with, similar stories goes for all his cronies. Civil administration is becoming a rehabilitation camp for retarded retired army officers instead of an institution to run administration efficiently and successfully.

I will urge political parties to have their eye on and keep account of government offices which has been forcefully occupied by military personnel to be replaced when political power resumes office. I will urge government employees to voice their grievances against militarization and demand immediate demilitarization of civil administration.

Military officers with complete lack of experience dealing public matters, out of practical knowledge what so ever ruining the public administration. These officers installed by military backed government are part of the camouflaged reward program for support and submission toward Gen. Moeen’s blue print. For God’s sake, this militarization and politicization process of civil administration and sports arena must be stopped at once; this is hurting our civil administration to work properly, bringing administration to a standstill with languishing demoralized spirit.

Economy
Economy of the country is almost on the verge of total collapse. Country’s economical growth rate is lowest among last fifteen years. Country is experiencing lowest foreign or domestic investment in the history of our recent time. Inefficient government even could not make use of 30 percent of Annual Development Plan (ADP) flushing eight months down to the toilet.

Few days ago government slashed four thousand crore BDT from original ADP budget of 21 thousand crore BDT. This leaves any one to ponder whether government will be able to use the rest fourteen thousand crore BDT budgeted for 2007-2008 Annual Development Plan (ADP) with only four months left when the record indicates they was able to spend only eight thousand crore BDT in preceding eight month. One cannot expect anything better when we all know this inefficient government with no sign of minimum coherence among themselves. Someone can reasonably question who they working for people of the land or World Bank-IMF who gives a dam about suffering of common people and plan to plunder our national resources.

Our expatriates are facing the most crucial time in their life. Because of governments inefficient, inactive and inadequate planning, our foreign labour market is shrinking everyday. Expatriates and their families are feeling the painful pinch as they had back after losing their jobs. Undoubtedly our already troubled economy will have to put up with a heavier burden in future to come because of this foolishness.

It took many years of steady effort to build this market and because of advisers and their subordinates failing captivating the underline danger rather taking this as mundane job we are loosing this lucrative market that is the lifeline for Bangladesh economy. Expatriates who propel huge amount of money to Bangladesh foreign currency reserve fund suffer lack of service. Nevertheless, caretaker government does not fail to do mockery of arranging so called expatriates conference spending taxpaying citizen’s money but leasing out the venue to contractors serving military government’s agenda.

I like to warn future elected government to prepare them self to embrace a severe economical breakdown when and if they gain control of governing this country according to the will of the people. Bangladesh probably has to pay a huge price for mishandling of economy by army backed caretaker government. Future government has to wage a struggle to regain the control of the economy and restore the economical order in place. To filter out the damage done in these two years will probably take another five to seven years.

Inflation rates are high as sky comparing anytime of the history. According to Bangladesh Central bank statistics, inflation is kissing the double digit since last year. However, according to most economists, actual inflation rate for poor and middle class are not just mere double digits but humping fifty percent. Economy of Bangladesh now desperately kissing the deceased bride to get out a diminutive pleasure.

Commerce and Industry
Commerce and Industry sectors have not seen any good news in last thirteen plus months but devastation. Defunct advisor Geeteara Safia Chowdhury, Dr. Fakhruddin’s Sister-in-Law and wife of Ex BNP MP Nazim Kamran Chowdhury’s wife on purpose destroyed our jute industries. Beside that, we all know her and hers husbands disgraceful scandalous act of barbaric attack on expatriate couple to grab their property. She was the re-enactment of political thug we have seen within the people of power who cannot be touched by law of the land. Instead of finding herself in jail along with her notorious husband she finds her staying in the occupied house without any problem.

Governments complete failure to rein in the renegade garment industry owners to comply with the agreement they reached with workers brokered by government. Contrarily, government security apparatus put steamroller over the agitating garment workers for demanding their legitimate rights. It is becoming frequent for this government to label anyone as traitor, conspirator or working for foreign interest if they speak about their just right.

The government see conspiracy every where from agitating garment worker for their legitimate right, laid off jute mill workers demanding their salary and layoff compensation package, Sidr victims demanding food to save their family from starvation, student demanding end of illegal takeover of university campus by military personnel, farmers demanding adequate electricity for water irrigation, demanding justly priced on time delivery of fertilizer, even a mere cartoonist like Arifur Rahman will not be spared but languished behind the bar accused as agent of foreign force who wants to breach countries security.

Natural Resources
I like to warn the caretaker government of dire consequence if they continue walking into the sleepier road of making our natural resource as charitable payment for international looters as bait to support them staying in power. Dr. Fakhruddin and his backers have absolutely no right to donate our natural resources. Dr. Fakhruddin’s loyalty to his ex employer World Bank-IMF should not cross his expected faithfulness to the people of the land. I am sure he is aware of chitchat about his deceptive loyalty during the glorious liberation war and his apparently uninterrupted undisturbed peaceful stay in US when the country was blazing and expatriates from all occupations doing everything they can to serve their motherland.

Caretaker government must abandon any immoral plan they may have to lease out our natural resources to foreign greedy corporate. Gullible within the government is making every effort to lease out our pride natural resources. It should be clear to all concern; an interim government has no right, yes no right to make any decision on leasing our natural resource, stop. This decision can and will be taken by an elected free parliament and no one else has the right to do so. If unelected incumbent government formulates any submissive treaty to any foreign entity, upcoming elected government will have to make sure they create an independent inquiry committee to report any wrong doings, no ratification of any law or treaty passed by this government with without transparent public clarification.

Judiciary
Judicial system in Bangladesh is facing an up battle to keep their self-respect alive, to keep the system working for the people alive, and to keep the people’s faith on the system alive.

Political vindictive mind of Dr. Fakhruddin and Gen. Moeenuddin’s government is making every effort to imprison the judge’s conscious and making obstruction to their dealing with free, fair and impartial justice that they took oath of as judges.

Judiciary in our country is suffering of malnutrition and severe functional disorder. Since the time of Ex Law Advisor Barrister Moinul Husain, judges have dictated what they can or cannot do. Government orders them the verdict of all cases. The pandemonium continues until date.

Courts and counsels of the lower courts to the Supreme Court that government find is not toeing their agenda either will be invited to presidents house to have a cup and then forced to resign or will be transferred to some court where they will have no power. Judiciary, instead of freeing itself from the clutch of the powerful quarter now becoming the enslaved part of the master plan to carry out the heinous agenda that is being cooked in DGFI kitchen to give it a legal stamp.

I fervently ask the government to watchfully observe the facts and failure of Pakistan model of military controlled democracy and judiciary which Bangladesh is dragging itself unto and stand back. Going further, caretaker government will face what Pakistan faced yesterday, a total disaster not just for the government but also for the entire nation. I like to make a stern prophecy that if the distortion and annihilation of judiciary continues, people feel there will be no justice at the end there should be no doubt, people will revolt. Let there be no doubt, it will be much more dangerous then what happened in 1971. Without justice there will be no peace, a civil war is forthcoming if the situation derails further. I hope government will not put the citizens and the army battling against each other. If that ever happens, then it will be Gen. Moeen and his backers who will be personally accountable for that mishap.

Dr. Fakhruddin’s Caretaker government that came to power on January 11th of 2007 was a direct result of Bangladesh Army, chief of Staff Gen. Moeen and his subordinates pointing a gun at infamous president Dr. Iajuddin’s head. Top army brass forced President Iajuddin to invoke his presidential power of declaring State of Emergency (according to constitution, emergency can prolong up-to 120 days and then it can be ratified for another 120 days which must be consulted with Supreme Court and take it recommendation on its legality and must be ratified by earliest parliament). Army chief and his men forced Dr. Iajuddin to resign from his position as Chief of then Caretaker government and appoint Dr. Fakhruddin as head of the interim government.

Dr. Fakhruddin took oath of Chief Advisors office under the constitutional clause of Non Partisan Caretaker Government and gave a speech to the nation where he promised to hold an election according to constitutional boundary within the shortest possible time which will be free, (constitutional allotment for a caretaker government to hold an election is 90 days) fair and transparent. He also promised to create a level plain field where muscle, black money, and misuse of governmental power will come to an end.

Nevertheless, regrettably we saw the repetition of field Marshal Ayub Khan’s indoctrinated policy, which Bangladesh unfortunately endures during Gen. Zia and Gen. Ershad’s martial law for more or less seventeen years. The same policy continues under the guns of Gen. Moeen but in a different form and shade to duck their heinous agenda knowing the peoples dislike about uniform martial ruling class. Ayub Khan 10 year rule was based on concept of controlled (Basic) democracy for the people of then united Pakistan. This has remained the rationale of all subsequent military rulers for customizing democracy according to their own geniuses; we can see the similarities with Gen. Moeen’s recent actions and comment of own brand of democracy which he has put in print in his recent book.

They come as friend in uniform, they stay in power as master and then they go as the betrayer. They give us hope and then start the hoopla talk dance and then finally hopes are kaput and they go but by the country take a heavy pounding of socio-political and economical breakdown. One of the most common phenomenon or paradigm of military rule is their common policy of “You are with us or against us” therefore any one disagree with their policy will be treated as conspirator, anti sate element, traitor and unpatriotic and must be eliminated.

Sheikh Hasina knew this routine, therefore she saw what’s coming next and she refuted to the suggestion of caving in under the pressure and talked for people’s constitutional rights to pursue their democratic aspiration. She did what she had to as the people’s leader. The daughter of Bangabandhu Mujib cannot be shut with the whims of some general’s and she did not.

Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh on March 15th of 2007 for seeing her ailing daughter in law Christine, wife of her only son Sajeeb Wazed Joy who happened to gave birth of a baby girl, a new inclusion of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib family short ago. She will also be doing her own treatment with her troubled ear, which was severely fractured during the grenade attack on her life that she escaped narrowly but 26 of her comrades died and several hundreds become crippling for life.

While she is abroad, the notorious think-tank of DGFI went all-out to ascertain their blue print of elimination theory. On April 9th of 2007, the first case was logged with Tejgaon police station on extortion charges. This case was field by Tajul Islam Farook, Chairman of Westmont Power Company. In his complain Tajul stated that on December 12, 1998 at 7:45 PM he went to Gonovhobon to meet then prime minister Sheikh Hasina with a suitcase containing Take 3 crore in 600 bundles of Taka 500 notes. This was probably the joke of the century that proved two things very clearly.

(1) DGFI agents proved the old saying as true, old sayings says that the army personal brains resides in their knees rather then its normal place head because of doing too much left-right parade, therefore it is very difficult for them to do much of the thinking business. It was hilarious to imagine some one walking with a gigantic suitcase, which weight about 50/60 KG full of cash in Gonovhobon without anybody noticing. It was no brainier for citizens to figure out the absolute falsehood, knee jerker DGFI got it too but late as always in their case. The case is now in hibernation and will be remembered as one of comical and as a sign of extreme incapability of DGFI brain.

(2) Commit to memory of the old story of hyena who wants to eat the lamb anyway makes the logic of the lamb making the water murky, when the lamb replied how I could do so when I am in the down stream and you are in the upstream. The hyena replied if it is not you then it must be your father therefore, you have to pay the price. DGFI had a similar situation and they had to get rid of her no matter how awful and illogical it looks as she is the one in-between them and staying in power.

One after another, agents of DGFI logged civil cases against Sheikh Hasina. In cases by the ordinary people under tremendous pressure of losing their own and their loved ones life in crossfire if they do not agree with the military intelligence chart of filing civil suites against Sheikh Hasina to pressure and frighten her to stay abroad.

Defiant Sheik Hasina instead of taking a U-turn did what expected from a courageous women like her, she affirmed coming back by April 14th 2007 earlier then her original date of return to face the charges and fight the court battle against all these concocted, fictitious court case.

To scare her further DGFI forced police to bring murder charge against her within three days from filing the first case citing October 28th of 2006 unwarranted unwelcoming but planed incident of loss of human life in the streets of Dhaka. It is note worthy to point out the case was originally field by Jamaat-e-Islami right after October 28th of 2006 where even Jamaat the diehard ante Awami League force did not mention Sheikh Hasina’s name as accused. Government put her name on the charge sheet after five months of the incident took place brings the question of legitimacy of the charge and helps people to understand the vicious mindset of this government.

Military controlled so-called neutral caretaker government was not ready for this; Sheikh Hasina’s gallantry challenge was not what coward top brass was expecting. Seeing all their hush-hush plans evaporating in the thin air DGFI quickly decided to play a clandestine role. On April 13th of 2007, Adviser Gen. Matin called Sheikh Hasina who was visiting his son in Washington DC suburb. Gen. Motin assured her that the government would undertake every effort to investigate these falls allegation and her dignity would be restored. Gen. Motin requested her not to shorten her trip based on this false allegation and to keep her original plan inline. Sheikh Hasina agreed and decided to return home on April 23rd according to her original plan.

On April 17th 2007, Bangladesh Awami League requested caretaker government to take proper security measure for the returning leader. In response, caretaker government laid barricade, Sheikh Hasina virtually barred from returning to the country a plan went out to execute to set her permanently into exile.

On April 18 2007, the caretaker administration issued a press note imposing restrictions on her entry into the country sanction. A ban now laid to stop Sheikh Hasina’s quest to return to her own homeland to face the manifested charges to malign her and her party’s reputation.

Talking to the BBC Bangla Service on same day, now defunct law adviser Barrister Moinul Hosein said that the government has already requested different airlines not to carry her home. Barrister Moinul further said, "Though there are criminal cases against her, we don't want a leader of her stature to be in trouble, therefore she should stay out otherwise we will take legal action if she defies the ban on her entering Bangladesh. On the other hand, Dr. Fakhruddin’s government issued a warrant against Sheikh Hasina showing her absconding.

Rebellious Sheikh Hasina stood firm to challenge the illegal ban on her return and vowed to return to her homeland on April 23 dead or alive and face the challenge.

April 22nd of 2007 Sheikh Hasina reporting to British Airways London Heathrow counter for boarding passes. British Airways declined to issue a boarding pass and to carry Sheikh Hasina from London to Dhaka responding to a written notification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh "Sheikh Hasina had been barred from entering Bangladesh.”

The struggle between right and wrong flamed out not only in Bangladesh but also among expatriate citizens abroad. National and international media played a fundamental role shaping the populous support condemning Bangladesh government and demanding immediate withdrawal of ban on her return to her own country and people.

On April 24th of 2007, a representative of Sheikh Hasina moved to file a writ petition with the High Court to challenge legality of the government press note imposing restrictions on her returning home.

Dateline April 25th 2007, government finally had to put down their nose on the ground and walked back to the date April 18th 2007 to catch the falling spit of their arrogance in their own mouth. In a dramatic reversal, the military backed interim government withdrew the bar on Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's return to the country

Dateline Monday May 7th 2007, Awami League President, daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Sheikh Hasina finally come home again to be welcome by thousands and thousands of adoring overjoyed jubilant followers braking all their fears of military backed rule of emergency. It was 20 days after the military-backed interim government frenetically sought to force her to stay abroad to execute their minus formula. To date Monday May 7th of 2007 is considered her 2nd home coming day, the first one happen on Monday May 17th of 1981 when she return from her seven years of exile during gen. Zia’s belligerent martial rule.

Sheikh Hasina continued to her task of reforming Bangladesh Awami League to give it 21st century look. A high-level committee was formed to look into party constitution thoroughly and identify any changes needed to reflect people’s aspiration, amend and ratify. At the same time, Sheikh Hasina continued to speak out for people’s right of speech, right to practice democracy. Her demand for earlier national election mandated by the constitution upon the caretaker government and demand for withdrawal of the emergency power act, which disfranchise people’s right, started receiving peoples support. Caretaker government started getting smack out of it. Their blue print of ruling Bangladesh by implementing minus theory now has a propensity to wash away to the river Ganges. Army led government cannot allow it to happen; therefore the snake started to make rattle and a vigorous new plan on its way to implement.

To hunt her down and create pressure the government decided to crackdown on her close aids. On May 28th of 2007, the army-led joint forces in a sudden move took Awami League (AL) General Secretary Abdul Jail and until today jail remained in custody though currently, he is in parole to explore his treatment. Mr. Jalil was tortured physically and psychologically by DGFI to make confession which the failed greatly. Because of DGFI's use of brutal coarse method Mr. Jalil health condition was completely knocked down and now; he is fighting for his life a direct result of physical torture.

On the same day, Awami League Presidium Member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim was arrested too for the same reason, to compel Sheikh Hasina to go into retreat.

On May 29th 2007 Mr. Abdul Jalil remanded for four days, he was whisked away blindfolded for interrogation by joint force. Torture continues.

On May 30th 2007, Sheikh Selim was taken into remand for three days by same joint forces. Inhuman brutal torture continues to compel him to speak against Sheikh Hasina that can help and fuel the government plan to contain her. DGFI forced Sheikh Selim to make confessional statement linking Sheikh Hasina’s involvement with so called three core BDT extortion case. Sheikh Selim was threatened to be killed in crossfire if he fails to comply.

Sheikh Selim and Mr. Abdul Jalil were compelled to read DGFI scripted statement. Their statement was recorded and then circulated among masses to create panic and at the same time to engender bewilderment among common people.

The only evidence the military regime has provided to the court until today is the confession of Sheikh Selim. On the very first day of hearings Sheikh Selim submitted to the court in writing that he was physically tortured repeatedly and threatened with death to make a false confession against Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Selim made written petition to the court wishing to retract his confessional statement made during DGFI interrogation.

On May 31st, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina directed the party leaders to provide necessary legal support to the party leaders and workers who have been arrested. Sheikh Hasina vowed to continue her struggle for people’s right until her last breath. Sheikh Hasina however has assured her worried colleagues that she would not cave in to any pressure. She would rather face the crisis. She also told them that the government might even detain her.

Certain powerful quarter of caretaker government were out to destroy the image of Sheikh Hasina as they had to retract from their decision not to allow her return home in the face of national and international public opinion in short. DGFI and other powerful could not accept the defeat and they went out for settling of scores, retribution was imminent.

On June 13th 2007, retribution for her defiance came through to generate the final climate. Two separate extortion cases--one for Taka five crore and another for over Taka 2.99 crore--were filed against former prime minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.

First case was filed by a person name Noor Ali, managing director of Unique Group of Companies, filed a case with Tejgaon Police Station accusing Hasina extorting Taka 5 crore in exchange for mediating between the Power Development Board (PDB) and his firm to finalize a power plant in 1997.

Azam J Chowdhury, managing director of East Coast Trading Private Ltd, filed the other case with Gulshan Police Station against Hasina and AL leader Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim for extorting over Taka 2.99 crore.

I will fervently ask the readers to go just a day earlier and read daily newspaper for June 13th of 2007. On June 13th, almost all-national newspaper published small but very important news item centering businessman Noor Ali.

On June 12th of 2007, Businessmen Noor Ali who is also an Awami League leader and ran for Member of Parliament of 2001 election was picked up by plain cloth personal identifying themselves as joint forces for questioning, and you know what that translates into, torture.

Mr. Noor Ali was blindfolded and taken to DGFI Head Quarter and was asked to give confessional statement accusing Sheikh Hasina on extortion charges or face crossfire. An ordinary citizen like Mr. Noor Ali can and will do anything to save his or her life. Mr. Noor Ali agreed, he was released next day and was told that plain cloth intelligence unit will trail him until he files the complaint case against Sheikh Hasina on extortion charge. Businessman Noor followed by intelligence unit went to Tejgaon Police Station and filed a case accusing Hasina extorting Taka 5 crore.

Yes, since then the caretaker government and its backers started implementing their grand theory of minus formula once again.

Please allow me to do just the opposite, a fast forward of the events that followed to uncover the mystery of the other case which was filed by Ajam J. Chowdhury on the same date June 13th of 2007. Sheikh Hasina was arrested on July 16th 2008 on charges that was filed by Azam J Chowdhury.

On January 24th 2008 Businessman Azam J Chowdhury, the plaintiff of the extortion case against Sheikh Hasina denied having filed any case against the former prime minister and Awami League president although Sheikh Hasina has been in jail over the last eight months being arrested in the same case. "I didn't file any case against Sheikh Hasina. She is the daughter of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and a former prime minister of the country. I don't know how her name was implicated in the case," he said.

Let us fall back to go thru unfolding events following the conspiratory case filed against Sheikh Hasina on June 13th of 2008

On June 15th 2007 the army-backed caretaker government did not let Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina leave the country for the USA to assist her pregnant daughter. A mother right to see her ailing daughter was denied. Earlier on Wednesday 13th of June 2008, Sheikh Hasina was also prevented from visiting Chittagong, "for security reasons", where she meant to meet families affected by last week's rain and landslides, killing around 120 persons. It become open secret, government is making every effort to pressure her by not allowing seeing her ailing daughter. On many occasion it was confirmed DGFI and insurgents within the caretaker governments are attempting to pursue her to leave Bangladesh and not to come back.

Since her rejection and her stand for human right, people’s right of free speech government decided to handle her differently. Yes, arrest of former prime minister, president of Bangladesh Awami League and daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was imminent.

July 16th of 2008, finally the day arrived; first, around 2:00 am, her police protection was withdrawn. They were ordered to report to the Rajarbagh Police Lines. Short after that, thousands of law enforcer’s raid her residence at dawn. A 30-member dog squad along with at least 100 members of RAB and police entered the Sudha Sadan premises at around 4:50 am. Joint forces arrested Awami League President Sheikh Hasina at her Dhanmondi residence in the city at around daybreak. At 7:30 in the morning, the AL chief, a never-say-die spirit, was whisked away, later a court sent her to jail on charges of extortion filed by Azam J Chowdhury.

To any one who followed unfolding events, it should be graspable by now that all allegation brought against Sheikh Hasina has not merit. The first case against Sheik Hasina field by Tajul Islam Farook alleging he carried a 50/60 KG weighty extra large suitcase full of cash and went to prime ministers official residence to bribe her without any of her security details notice was nothing but a cruel swindle. Second charge brought against Sheikh Hasina by caretaker government based on original case filed by Jamaat-e-Islami was another ridicule of rule of law and fairness. We be familiar with the facts that Sheikh Hasina’s arch rival Jamaat-e-Islami did not brought any charges against Sheik Hasina when they filed the Paltan murder case right after October 28th 2007 incident , it is the vindictive caretaker government which included her name long, long after the incident. Third case filed against Sheikh Hasina by Noor Ali was another example of desperation of caretaker government. Businessperson Noor Ali had no choice other then filing case against Hasina following abducted by DGFI and threaten death by crossfire. The fourth case filed by Azam J Chowdhury had nothing to do with Sheikh Hasina though government arrested Sheikh Hasina on that charge. Azam J Chowdhury himself openly denied bringing any charge against Sheikh Hasina. He said, "I didn't file any case against Sheikh Hasina. She is the daughter of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Sheikh Hasina knew what is going to happen days earlier, and she was mentally and physically ready to face any challenges. The night before on July 15th Sunday, she returned from the Bangabandhu Memorial Bhaban on road number 32 at around 10 and told all her relatives and staff that she was going to be picked up shortly. She asked them not to panic.

Caretaker government miserably failed to understand Sheikh Hasina embodies fearless Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib the most courageous men in our thousand year’s of history. She may bend a bit but she will not break for sure. Sheikh Hasina visited Bangabandhu Bhaban the night before where her father and her family members died in the hands of conspirators among Bangladesh army. Paradoxically, she also had to put up with the same conspirators among the same organization Bangladesh army.

Bangladesh army that is responsible for at least two dozens or more unlawful rebellion and heinous brutal killing of two sitting president, man, women, children, unborn child and thousands of civilian and military personnel. There is no doubt Bangladesh army that ruled our country ruthlessly for seventeen years out of 37 years since its emancipation now going to confront another defeat. Nothing will go unchallenged like the ones before. However, people still hope the government will realize and stop using our national organization otherwise common people and sensible army personnel will revolt to restore democracy.

Free all political prisoners. Restore democracy. Withdraw state of emergency. Stop extreme violation of citizen’s human right. Restore constitution to its entirety. Stop interfering on judicial matter. Stop spiral price hike of daily essential. Take messier to ensure setting tribunal for trial of war criminals. Ensure immediate national dialog with political parties to discuss and to take advice on all national issues. Make all out arrangement for national parliamentary election. Last but the least, make sure to restrain and restructure DGFI an anti state anti people organization very much linked and mimic notorious Pakistani Inter Service Intelligence or ISI. DGFI is working to derail Bangladesh progress toward democracy and its economic independence since its creation.

People will support, ensure their safe exit giving benefit of doubt for all their blunder and conniver moves. People may even remember and appreciate their work in years to come if the government correct themselves immediately. Reconcile with the people and let their right prevail. Caretaker government has to understand they might have the backing of tanks and machinegun but people have their courage with which they defeated one of the most infuriated evil forces of Pakistan army. If needed, we will fight again to liberate us from the shackle of any power wearing combat dress.

At the end I like to remind Dr. Fakhruddin’s caretaker government and Gen. Mooenuddin the Chief of Staff Bangladesh army the historical quotation from the life of Abraham Lincoln “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.” #

Shamim Chowdhury, is a freelance writer and lives in Maryland, USA. <veirsmill@yahoo.com>