Sunday, October 21, 2007

[vinnomot] NGOs and corruption in Bangladesh

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NGOs and corruption

As an ex-NGO activist for 15 years in Bangladesh, I strongly agree with the findings by the TIB regarding the NGO activities there. First, due to weak institutional framework, the NGO Affairs Bureau cannot monitor the NGOs' activities. Secondly, the NGOs give more than enough gifts to the donors to satisfy them and cover up their irregularities. Thirdly, many NGOs prepare their audit and financial reports improperly. Fourthly, the procurement process of many NGOs is not transparent, fake quotations are collected from the bidder that is pre-selected by the NGO concerned. A fixed percentage of money is also collected from the sellers on condition that materials will be bought from that company. Fifthly, employees of many NGOs are appointed according to the choice of the concerned NGO boss or on the recommendations of influential people. Employees of many NGOs are not paid salaries according to the proposals of the projects or pledged in the advertisements at times.
Gopal Sengupta
Canada

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[vinnomot] Egypt angry at EU block to nuclear free zone

http://iraqwar.mirror-world.ru/article/144995

Egypt angry at EU block to nuclear free zone
AP
Published: October 18, 2007, 23:32

Vienna: Egypt has sent a high-level protest to dozens of European countries expressing "astonishment and regret" at their refusal to endorse Cairo's call for a Middle East nuclear free zone at a conference last month.

"Egypt is unaware of the substantive reasons that led to such a decision being taken by your country and I would therefore greatly appreciate your views on the matter," said the letter.

The letter, which was made available on Wednesday to The Associated Press, also asks for an explanation. The October 4 letter, signed by Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Aboul Gaith, was an unusual reflection of rancour on the part of Cairo with the decision by most EU countries and aspiring members to move away from their traditional support of such a zone.

Tension

It also highlighted the tensions over the issue. Egypt and other Muslim countries consider Israel the main nuclear threat in the region.

The United States and its allies see Iran's defiance of the UN Security Council in its development of technology that could be used to make the bomb as the greatest menace to Middle East peace.

European countries at past conferences of the International Atomic Energy Agency have voted in favour of establishing a nuclear zone free. But at last month's session, 25 of the 27 EU countries abstained on the resolution as did other countries hoping to join the union.

http://mathaba.net/z.htm?http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/10/19/10161154.html

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[vinnomot] Fifty Protest at Saudi Embassy Over Lashings of Gays

Fifty Protest at Saudi Embassy Over Lashings of Gays

http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/07/Oct/1902.htm

¡ö The 'Rainbow Flag" outside the entrance to the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London today.

LONDON, October 19, 2007 ¡ª Around 50 students, some from as far away as Manchester, Salford and Hull, protested outside the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in London this afternoon following the sentences passed earlier this month on two young Saudi gay men.

The pair were sentenced on October 2 to 7,000 lashings each in al-Bahah following conviction for ¡®sodomy¡¯.

Amid chanting and singing, Claire Anderson and Scott Cuthbertson, LGBT officers with the National Union of Students, handed-in a letter of protest to an Embassy official.

The protest was supported by LGBT Labour and gay human rights group Outrage!

¡°What the Saudi courts have done to their own citizens is unacceptable,¡± said Katie Hanson, co-chair, LGBT Labour.

¡°Homosexuality is not a crime and LGBT Labour and others made our message clear that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans rights are human rights.

¡°The Labour government has achieved near legal equality for LGB people in the UK, we must now work through the UN and international structures to support others.

¡°It is in all our interests to further the campaign for human rights, LGBT rights is one vital part of this,¡± she added.

¡ö Claire Anderson and Scott Cuthbertson outside the Embassy with the letter of protest.

Peter Tatchell said that the 7,000 lashings is the latest incident that shows the barbarism of the Saudi regime.

¡°The Saudi leaders are also guilty of detention without trial, torture and the public beheading of women who have sex outside marriage,¡± he said.

¡°Migrant workers are de facto slaves, the media is censored and trade unions, political parties and non-Muslim religions are all banned. The country is a theocratic police state,¡± he pointed out.

Mr. Tatchell then went on to explain what lashings actually did to a body.

¡°A hundred lashes break the skin and after 150 the body goes into shock,¡± he said. ¡°Death comes after 500 lashes.¡±

He said it was not known how many lashes each man had at one time ¨C nor the interval between each series of lashes.

Mr. Cuthbertson pointed out that sexuality was not a crime.

¡°People around the world should be free to express who they are without fear of intimidation, arrest, or even torture,¡± he continued.

¡°When abuses of human rights take place we must not be silent that is why we are demonstrating today.

¡°I call on the Saudi Government to stop the torture and murder of its own citizens and for the British Government to use its relationship to press home the need for human rights and democracy.¡±

¡ö The Student Union at Manchester University made the long trip to London to join the protest.

The protest was staged on the eve of the annual ¡®two kingdoms¡¯ conference in London next week. Due to attend is King Abdulla and other members of the Saudi government.

Michael Cashman, the Labour MEP for West Midlands and the president of the all-party Intergroup on gay and lesbian human rights in the European Parliament, was on Brussels and could not be at the protest.

But he sent a letter to the protesters which was read out by Richard Angell of LGBT Labour.

¡°The continuation of the penalisation of same-sex relations throughout the world is an unacceptable blemish in a globalised 21st century world,¡± Mr. Cashman wrote..

¡°I immediately addressed a letter to the representatives of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia here in Brussels to protest in the strongest terms the continued sentencing of LGBT people for simply being who they are. I have called upon them to do all in their power to pardon these men and to take action to remove these laws from Saudi Arabia¡¯s law books.

¡°I strongly support your action today; it is only by standing together that we will end discrimination in the world. It is only by speaking out together that we will create a strong enough wedge for equality. Together, through our concerted efforts, we many yet ensure that the freedoms that we enjoy here in the UK are freedoms enjoyed everywhere in the world. I wish you well in your effort to ensure justice is done,¡± the letter concluded.

¡ö An hour before the NUS-organised protest outside the Saudi Embassy, there was an protest across the narrow Charles Street. A small, but noisy, group of exiles from Myanmar were protesting the recent action of the country¡¯s military junta opposite the Myanmar Embassy.

¡ö Peter Tarchell with Claire Anderson and Scott Cuthbertson.

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[vinnomot] Re: [chottala.com] How General Moeen U Ahmed earns over 66 lakh taka in one year?

Mr. Sheikh Hasnain,

You have written a moderate size of an e-mail with many information, logic (actually all are your speculation) and you finally concluded that "You and I do not know the source of 66 lakh. He may sell some other property or he may borrow from some body and pay it to avoid interests in the bank. "

This is not true at all.

Our army chief, General Moeen U Ahmed, now visiting the US, said yesterday that, "It's not true that I borrowed Tk 1 crore from Trust Bank. It's not true either that I paid back Tk 60 lakh." (Ref: bdnews24.com)

So, it proofs that all of your speculations, logics are not correct .

Some guys tried to proof them very smart by 'blindly' supporting & justifying one cores of BDT loan by our Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed form the Trust Bank and his reimbursement of 66 lakh BDT in one year.

But his (Gen Moeen) press conference made all of them (CHAMCHAs) as a villain and liar!

History proofs that this is the fate of all CHAMCHA, villain and liars.

There is a Bengali proverb that,

"OTI VHOKHTI CHORER LAKKHON"

So, be careful against these ultra fan, admirer, and enthusiasts!

"Sustha thakon, nirapade thakon ebong valo thakon"

Shuvechhante,

Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan (ANU)
NEW ZEALAND.

N.B.: If any one is offended by content of this e-mail, please ignore & delete this e-mail. I will also request you to inform me - to delete your name from my contact list.

On 10/15/07, sheikh hasnain <majshamim2004@yahoo.com> wrote:

Dear All

Please do not blame General Moeen U Ahmed.It is our jealousy out which we are writing this sort of thing in this web site.General Moeen is not a thief like our politicians,who has taken our country to a point of no return.Without knowing the thing please do not publish such information against an honest man like General Moin.If you have any doubt about his integrity,you may write to him personally without any fear(to reason it out)

He would not have taken loan,if he is dishonest. A Chief of Staff can mange any time any amount of money illegally,if he desires and dishonest.It does not need any time.Or who is in power in the govt.He deals with millions each week.Please do not pull the legs of an honest man who is trying to make a corruption free Bangladesh.

I am not a military man, but I have lot of studies on South East Asian Armies and their structures By virtue of his position he becomes the chairman of couple of organizations like Sena Kalan Sangsta,Trust Bank,Some time Sports Federations,Golf clubs,some times public banks even and BCIC etc.It is not the wish of General Moin to become the Chairman.It is the desire of any government.

For your kind information many dishonest officers had lost their jobs just after the appointment was taken by Gen Moin.So do you think that a dishonest man is dare enough to do this? Never.

Do you have any statistics about the army officers/Generals who has lost their jobs in Bangladesh for corruption so far? Well, it is not publicly informed as it is related to the national interest and image of the country to the outside world.An officer who is dismissed he can never use the rank(general,major,Colonel etc) before his name. He is not given any pension as well.

After your information I have checked that Mr Iqbal was the MD of Trust Bank before General Moin become the Chief.It is not decided by him that who should be the MD of trust Bank.For your further information Trust Bank recruited a qualified and expert MD before who had stolen huge money and disappeared. Still the case is going with the civil court.

Getting commission in Any Army is not that easy.First he must be an honest man later he becomes a leader.A lot of struggle and hard work is needed.You may go to the web page of Bangladesh Army, where you may find the Chief of Army staff's life.In one day suddenly he has not become the Chief.He is a tested honest man as before giving the appointment he was tested from various angels by various agencies.

You and I do not know the source of 66 lakh.He may sell some other property or he may borrow from some body and pay it to avoid interests in the bank.

My request without sufficient evidence please do not put Gen Moin with other corrupted personnel of our country.It is beneath dignity and indecent in nature.

Shamim Hasnain

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[vinnomot] Re: [khabor.com] Re: General Moeen & Twinkie defense by Barrister MBI Munshi

Mr. Munshi,

Stop your outright lying.

It seems that you are trying to be a 'thirteen number' offspring of the 'goat'!

You 'ended' our Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed a 'corrupt' guy (through your reliable (!) inquiries, investigation and research & spreading them in internet) by 'justifying' that he (General Moeen) has taken about 1 cores of BDT loan form the bank and he paid 66 lakh BDT in one year.

But our army chief, General Moeen U Ahmed, now visiting the US, said yesterday that, "It's not true that I borrowed Tk 1 crore from Trust Bank. It's not true either that I paid back Tk 60 lakh." (Ref: bdnews24.com)

So, do not try to be too smart (actually you turned to a liar) and before advising others, you "should be careful", before throwing around with only a portion (!) of the information or nothing reliable at all.

Shuvechhante,

On 10/18/07, AbdurRahim Azad <Arahim.azad@gmail.com> wrote:

WRT:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/khabor/message/5479

Mr. M.B.I. Munshi

Where did you find this piece of information? How did General Moeen

managed to get two flats, while providing money for his kid for expansive

college education in USA?

Can you give some reference? Did he gain from selling his 2 flats?

How much gain tax did he pay?

Where did the original posting say anything about corruption?

[The blogger had just posed the question: How he could earn over 66

lakh BD taka to pay back part of his loan?

[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/khabor/message/5401 ]

Are you setting up some kind of "Ghore ke, Ami kola khai ni ....."

defense for Gemeral Moeen?

Another blogger, a supporter of General Moeen U., defended him by

saying that he got the money his foreign earnings.{short term

Rowanda Peace Keeping Mission].

Are you guys just imagining things to suit your immediate needs?

At this stage no one is charging General Moeen for corruption.

A question has been raised ,,,,, and everyone deserve to

know the truth and see transperency ....... Let General Moeen himself

or the ISPR/DGFI clarify it ....

I will give him the benefits of doubts. But, the people of Bangladesh has

the right to know if there is any improper use of authority, if there is any

conflict of interest or any law has been broken by some politician, bureaucrat

or Armed Force personal.

We must resist the process of Pakistanization of Bangladesh and will

not allow any kind of MilBus that perpetuates the military's political predatory

style to flourish in Bangladesh.... .

We don't want another Military Inc in Bangladesh.

By the way, I thought you specialize in India-bashing and RAW affairs?

Since when you became a BD Army insider?

Dear All: FYI -

MBI Munshi is a Full Members in the Pakistan

Defence Forum

[www.defence.pk/forums/members/mbi -munshi.html ]

A. Rahim Azad

On 10/17/07, M.B.I. Munshi <MBIMunshi@gmail.com > wrote:

Re: General Moeen
After making some inquiries on the issue it seems that Gen. Moeen
repaid the Tk. 66 lakh by selling two flats. The original allegation
was that he had committed some kind of corruption when he repaid the
loans now the allegation appears to have changed into suggesting that
as chairman he should not have been allowed to take the loan. Could
someone clarify whether he in fact took the loan while he was
chairman and whether the law disallows the taking of loans by bank
chairmen.

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[vinnomot] Crude oil prices too low: current inflation rates and depreciation, Nozari

ALeqM5iD1GxTGziOt6xjvg9vwOaWrc6rkw

Crude oil prices too low: Iran

14 hours ago

TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran, OPEC's number-two exporter, hit out Saturday at the recent hike in oil prices, saying real prices were far lower than the 90-dollar-a-barrel level of last week.

"Oil is still cheap," acting Oil Minister Gholam Hossein Nozari said in an interview with the Iran newspaper.

"The sweet taste of oil is not tangible because it is very far from the range that is expected by us (Iran and OPEC)," Nozari said.

Nozari argued that calculations based on current inflation rates and depreciation of the dollar's value as well as high costs of oil and gas projects puts oil's true price at less than 50 dollars a barrel.

"Today's prices even at the level of 90 dollars a barrel (in the market) are not effective because the real price of oil is currently about 47 dollars per barrel (as profit)," he said.

Nozari also said political issues were casting a "shadow of threat" on the flow of investment into the oil-producing countries, especially Iraq, Nigeria and Venezuela.

"If the owners of financial sources do not make a meaningful investment in the oil-rich countries, oil prices will be uncontrollable in the near future," he warned.

Oil prices ended lower Friday after striking a record high above 90 dollars in New York amid global supply jitters and lingering tensions between Turkey and crude producer Iraq.

New York's key oil futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in November, closed down 87 cents at 88.60 dollars a barrel. But the contract had earlier surged to a record 90.07 dollars. That beat the previous high of 90.02 dollars set late Thursday.

In London, Brent North Sea crude for December delivery settled 81 cents lower at 83.79 dollars after hitting a record 84.88 dollars on Thursday.

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[ALOCHONA] Re: Gen Moeens US trip, and my long exhalation

There is a possibility that Dr. David C. King will not be arranging the event for Gen. Moeen to be introduced to his class rather he may be instrumental arranging an alternative. Some sources claimed Harvard teacher originating from West Bengal India were persuaded to arrange such event who failed to get permission from Harvard authority.

Not sure yet, but it looks like finally if not Harvard University which is very unlikely from all the information in hand then The Roy and Lila Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation institute might arrange a podium for our general to deliver his much talked speech on 21^st or 22^nd of October. Most likely 22^nd as general will be leaving Boston on 23^rd arriving on 21^st.

There are numerous institute and organization with Harvard and Ash Institution is one of them The Ash Institute was established in May 2003 aiming to work on understanding comprehensive perspective and involvement with the ever increasing issues of democratic governance itself—from its philosophy and principles to the more specific operational processes where the 'government meets the people.

Most likely Gowher Rizvi, Director of Ash Institute and probably Stephen Goldsmith Director of the Innovations in American Government Program at the John F. Kennedy School will be present at this occasion among others if Ash Institute host the event.

Sincerely

Shamim Chowdhury

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shamim Chowdhury <veirsmill@yahoo.com> wrote:

Gen. Moeen U. Ahmed on his way to America stopped by London and gave a personal glorifying interview with local Bangla TV.

Please check video excerpt of his interview

Link: http://deshivoice.blogspot.com/2007/10/genereal-moeens-interview.html

Gen. Moeen proudly mentioned the very reason he is taking this long trip because Harvard University has invited him to deliver a speech. He did not fail to mention that Bangladesh should feel proud that such a big institution has invited his military chief. While he was talking about receiving his invitation, his face was beamingly glowing with proud.

Surely, we should be proud of such event, which suppose to take place on 21^st of October. We will closely monitor the outcome of such event if it really takes place. It is not just for personal ecstasy but which need to be shared as a nation according to general himself.

I am trying to learn about this scheduled historical event for Bangladesh from Harvard University web portal as well as their offices but unfortunately, so far I am completely unsuccessful. Neither their web portal nor their offices can trace such event exist.

Nevertheless, I cannot give up! It hits my pride as a nation. My General is not lying for sure, so it must be the incompetent officio of Harvard who does not have any knowledge about this historic event for Bangladesh. Alternatively, may be something more interesting then that, Uhoo! Is it possible that America is giving security of my general highest priority and therefore not disclosing his appearance?

However, some of the sources I have with Harvard is giving me very hart breaking news, what is it? It is not Harvard but a teaching staff namely Dr. David C. King who invited General Moeen in his personal capacity to speak in front of student of his own class therefore this scheduled event is not published in Harvard notice board.

Though, by now I am very disappointed but still looking for an escape window not for my self but for my nation from this disgraceful situation. I started my inquiry about who is this David C. King. In my mind, he must be some one very especial with high connection that brought my general here in US with hope that this will be glorifying for his nation, which is, mine too.

But when bad news comes it comes from all side, I take a deep breath, lungful of air and exhale a very long mouthful of air with complete frustration. Dr. David C. King is a Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he teaches about the U.S. Congress, Election Reform, and Youth Political Engagement. Professor King joined the Harvard faculty in 1992.

Dr. Kings resume includes following as his specialty

Legislatures and representation

Elections and election administration

The mobilization and political attitudes of young people

Bangladesh government sought his advice for election reform and wanted to appoint him as special consultant during his visit to Bangladesh. For that reason and out of courtesy, he invited Gen. Moeen to come to his school and to speak to his class and probably finalize the deal of him working as consultant. That is it, nothing more and nothing less remains about this story and my investigation ended there with a face longer then when I started. Now readers it is up to you to decide how proud you feel out of this ordinary story to make this event extraordinary for my poor nation.

I am still field with optimism that the accounts I am giving you is untrue and Harvard will give my general a red carpet reception. Let me confess, its not just for him or my nation but my over frustrated long face to go normal.

Sincerely with long exhalation

Shamim Chowdhury

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[vinnomot] Re: Gen Moeens US trip, and my long exhalation

Sincerely

Shamim Chowdhury

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shamim Chowdhury <veirsmill@yahoo.com> wrote:

Gen. Moeen U. Ahmed on his way to America stopped by London and gave a personal glorifying interview with local Bangla TV.

Please check video excerpt of his interview

Link: http://deshivoice.blogspot.com/2007/10/genereal-moeens-interview.html

Gen. Moeen proudly mentioned the very reason he is taking this long trip because Harvard University has invited him to deliver a speech. He did not fail to mention that Bangladesh should feel proud that such a big institution has invited his military chief. While he was talking about receiving his invitation, his face was beamingly glowing with proud.

Surely, we should be proud of such event, which suppose to take place on 21^st of October. We will closely monitor the outcome of such event if it really takes place. It is not just for personal ecstasy but which need to be shared as a nation according to general himself.

I am trying to learn about this scheduled historical event for Bangladesh from Harvard University web portal as well as their offices but unfortunately, so far I am completely unsuccessful. Neither their web portal nor their offices can trace such event exist.

Nevertheless, I cannot give up! It hits my pride as a nation. My General is not lying for sure, so it must be the incompetent officio of Harvard who does not have any knowledge about this historic event for Bangladesh. Alternatively, may be something more interesting then that, Uhoo! Is it possible that America is giving security of my general highest priority and therefore not disclosing his appearance?

However, some of the sources I have with Harvard is giving me very hart breaking news, what is it? It is not Harvard but a teaching staff namely Dr. David C. King who invited General Moeen in his personal capacity to speak in front of student of his own class therefore this scheduled event is not published in Harvard notice board.

Though, by now I am very disappointed but still looking for an escape window not for my self but for my nation from this disgraceful situation. I started my inquiry about who is this David C. King. In my mind, he must be some one very especial with high connection that brought my general here in US with hope that this will be glorifying for his nation, which is, mine too.

But when bad news comes it comes from all side, I take a deep breath, lungful of air and exhale a very long mouthful of air with complete frustration. Dr. David C. King is a Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he teaches about the U.S. Congress, Election Reform, and Youth Political Engagement. Professor King joined the Harvard faculty in 1992.

Dr. Kings resume includes following as his specialty

Legislatures and representation

Elections and election administration

The mobilization and political attitudes of young people

Bangladesh government sought his advice for election reform and wanted to appoint him as special consultant during his visit to Bangladesh. For that reason and out of courtesy, he invited Gen. Moeen to come to his school and to speak to his class and probably finalize the deal of him working as consultant. That is it, nothing more and nothing less remains about this story and my investigation ended there with a face longer then when I started. Now readers it is up to you to decide how proud you feel out of this ordinary story to make this event extraordinary for my poor nation.

I am still field with optimism that the accounts I am giving you is untrue and Harvard will give my general a red carpet reception. Let me confess, its not just for him or my nation but my over frustrated long face to go normal.

Sincerely with long exhalation

Shamim Chowdhury

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[ALOCHONA] Palm Beach, Florida:Bangladeshi general's visit spurs protest

Click-2-Listen

By DON JORDAN

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Patrons in tuxedos and evening gowns were greeted by a group of protesters picketing outside a prestigious local golf club near Royal Palm Beach where a Bangladeshi military leader had a party Saturday night.

About 50 men, women and children of Bangladeshi descent crowded under streetlights near the entrance to The Breakers West, 1560 Flagler Parkway, to protest the arrival of Gen. Moeen U. Ahmed, chief of staff of the Bangladeshi army.

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The general, who has family living in Palm Beach County, has abused his power by arresting popular politicians and holding them under trumped-up charges of corruption, the protesters claimed.

"He's putting all politicians in jail and is trying to manipulate democracy," said Mohammed Khan of Boynton Beach. "He should not use the army for politics."

Bangladesh has been under a state of emergency since January, when violence broke out ahead of elections. The elections were canceled, and the country's military now holds most power.

Critics argue that some of the top soldiers, including Ahmed, are using the anti-corruption push to arrest prominent politicians and vault themselves into the ensuing political vacuum.

The protesters huddled under umbrellas, waved signs written in English and Bengali and mugged for a Bangladeshi news crew.

The group called for the release of Sheikh Hasina, a former prime minister and daughter of the nation's first prime minister, who is in prison on corruption charges.

"This is a big setback for women in Bangladesh," protester Farzana Khan said.

Some people arriving at the club cheered or whistled. More gawked through rolled-up windows.

The military leader traveled to the county to visit relatives, including his son, a student at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, said his brother Salam Ahmed.

He will return to Bangladesh today after delivering a speech at Harvard University.

"This isn't a political event," said Salam Ahmed, who lives in suburban West Palm Beach. "He's just coming to see me."

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[vinnomot] Palm Beach, Florida:Bangladeshi general's visit spurs protest