The detention of two former prime ministers by the military-driven caretaker government is a blot on our democracy. Clearly, the court and police are unwilling to consider their record as popular party leaders and their records of service to the people. (Published in The Daily New Age on May 30,2008) www.newagebd.com
the government
The caretaker government's stance on the issue compromises its responsibility to uphold the rights guaranteed by the constitution. Every citizen has a right to speech and association and the government ought to protect these rights. They also have a right to a speedy and fair trial.
As Bangladesh sets out to expand its influence in global affairs, its record on civil rights will increasingly be under scrutiny. No government can claim special powers and suspend civil rights like freedom of speech and association.
The trial of the two former prime ministers has now started after a year they spent in prison. Scores of similar under-trial detainees are languishing in Bangladesh's makeshift jails. It just doesn't do any good to Bangladesh's brand image as a country that protects civil rights. Democracy enhances Bangladesh's soft power potential on the world stage. However, disregard for democratic rights will take the sheen off Bangladesh's patchy but promising record as a liberal democracy. Make a practice to judge persons and things in the most favourable light at all times, in all circumstances.
Gopal Sengupta
Canada
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Sign the Petition : Release the Arrested University Teachers Immediately : An Appeal to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh
http://www.mukto-mona.com/human_rights/university_teachers_arrest.htm
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Daily Star publishes an interview with Mukto-Mona
http://www.mukto-mona.com/news/daily_star/daily_star_MM.pdf
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MM site is blocked in Islamic countries such as UAE. Members of those theocratic states, kindly use any proxy (such as http://proxy.org/) to access mukto-mona.
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Mukto-Mona Celebrates 5th Anniversary
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/5_yrs_anniv/index.htm
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Mukto-Mona Celebrates Earth Day:
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/Earth_day2006/index.htm
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Kansat Uprising : A Special Page from Mukto-Mona
http://www.mukto-mona.com/human_rights/kansat2006/members/
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MM Project : Grand assembly of local freedom fighters at Raumari
http://www.mukto-mona.com/project/Roumari/freedom_fighters_union300306.htm
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German Bangla Radio Interviews Mukto-Mona Members:
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/Darwin_day/german_radio/
Mukto-Mona Celebrates Darwin Day:
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/Darwin_day/index.htm
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Some FAQ's about Mukto-Mona:
http://www.mukto-mona.com/new_site/mukto-mona/faq_mm.htm
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VISIT MUKTO-MONA WEB-SITE : http://www.mukto-mona.com/
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"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
-Beatrice Hall [pseudonym: S.G. Tallentyre], 190
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