Bangladesh: Crisis imminentSalah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury
Political dialogue turn negotiations between the military backed interim government in Bangladesh and political parties, especially with Bangladesh Nationalist Party [BNP] and Jamaat-e-Islami [JI] seems to get into a kind of peculiar but well assumed deadlock. There are clear signs of settlement with Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League, as the main demand of this former Prime Minister was to let her leave the country with the excuse of treatment, leader of BNP and another Prime Minister Khaleda Zia seems to be showing uncompromising attitude in either accepting the offer of leaving Bangladesh only with one of her two imprisoned sons, as well asking her party men to participate in any possible election in the country. After the arrest of JI's amir Moulana Matiur Rahman Nizami, as well possible arrest of its secretary general, it is crystal clear that this party will not accept any pre-condition of the government or even retreat from demanding release of its leader. The government and its force behind should be feeling delighted as Sheikh Hasina is already out of the domestic show by opting for abroad, but, possibly and quite certainly they are not aware of the fact that members of her family in abroad have meanwhile set a well planned propaganda offensives against the present rulers in Dhaka, by placing Hasina at the front. Sheikh Hasina will also denounce all allegations, fraud and corruption charges, brought against her, once she is abroad, and will also call for international interference into Bangladesh affairs. Those who are acquainted with Sheikh Hasina and her political style may also agree with this opinion. But, of course, allowing Hasina to go abroad for treatment on parole was certainly an excellent example for the government in showing respect to humanitarian side.
Commenting on Sheikh Hasina's bail and natural attention of global media towards her, a senior political analyst in Washington said, being the former Prime Minister as well as freed from prison, Hasina will surely be at the focal point of American and international media. She possibly also is aware of this reality and may use such excellent opportunity in spreading poison against the present military backed interim government in Dhaka as well denouncing all fraud charges, pending in Bangladeshi court. Although many are trying to see Bangladesh scenario with Pakistan, the analyst said, it is completely different from each other. In Pakistan, although Benazir Bhutto was forced to leave Pakistan, her husband Asif Ali Zardari was still in Pakistani prison facing numerous corruption charges. So, Benazir knew with certainty that any over reaction against Musharraf's government would put her husband's fate into complete disaster. But, in case of Sheikh Hasina, members of her entire family are in United States, United Kingdom and Canada. So, naturally she will have no reason to bother, but to foster terrific offensives against the present government. In this case, many of the absconding corrupts [both politicians and businessmen] belonging to Awami League and BNP will come forward in financing such efforts of Hasina.
It is although a fact that US media will mostly be occupied with the upcoming Presidential election while there might be a very limited scope for Hasina in getting continuous presses coverage. On the other hand, once she stays there for several months, it will ultimately isolate her from media's attention. At least, she will fail to attain large attention of the media till United States sees its next president in November. Moreover, Bangladeshi authorities also may monitor the 'treatment' progress of the former Prime Minister. In any case, if such physical ailment excuse by Hasina and some Bangladeshi physicians is found false, it will bring a powerful weapon for Bangladeshi government in showing the world that Sheikh Hasina used fake excuse of physical complications in attaining special favor from the government on humanitarian ground. In this case, Hasina will be taken as a fraud, who escaped possible conviction in Bangladesh using the excuse of physical ailment. So, whoever predicts a complete 'win-win' situation for Sheikh Hasina might ultimately be struck into being wrong! By taking decision to leave Bangladesh for treatment, Sheikh Hasina is basically stepping into a very risky path. It may either bring her political scope back or even kill it completely.
Now, let us put focus on the case of Bangladesh Nationalist Party [BNP] leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. According to latest press reports, she has already declined the possibility of going abroad for treatment. It is invariably a fact that her youngest son, Arafat Rahman Koko is severely ill and deserves to be sent abroad for treatment. Even being the sons of a former General, both Arafat Rahman and Tareq Rahman have the right to seek advanced and better treatment at Combined Military Hospital [CMH] in Bangladesh. Whatever people might say, the government really needs to settle the treatment issue of Arafat Rahman Koko forthwith.
Before discussing the political issues, let us first put focus on some other important happenings in Dhaka in last few days. One of the most influential architects of 1/11 takeover, Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury experienced 'ping-pong' shuttle in past few days, as he was first posted as the Commandant of National Defense College and in 24 hours was once again shifted to Foreign Ministry for possible posting as Bangladesh's envoy. Meanwhile, he has also been removed from the post of coordinator of National Committee on Serious Crime. It is well anticipated that, Lt. Gen. Masud will possibly be sent to any least important country, where he will rather enjoy diplomatic privileges, while having no scope of poking nose into Bangladesh affairs any more. It is worth mentioning here, General Masud, although appearing in public to be a very strong and committed individual against corruption, helped his wife's sister and brother-in-law [named Major Sayeed Iskander] from remaining untouched by ACC or any other agencies despite the fact that series of corruption charges are already in circulation against Iskander. During BNP-Islamist Coalition rule, Major [Retired] Sayeed Iskander's name came prominently as one of the most corrupt figures in Bangladesh, who was even considered as the 'Professor of corruption' for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's sons. Sayeed is the younger brother of Khaleda Zia. Due to General Masud's influence, Sayeed Iskander was not only some how saved from the ongoing drive against corruption, but his business establishments, including a private television channel, continue to run smoothly, without being questioned on the source of money.
Although postings are normal in any services, but General Masud's 'ping-pong' postings are not seen normally either domestically or internationally. On the other hand, there is strong rumor about a new chief of Bangladesh army in less than a month. Although General Moeen U Ahmed appears to be still having strong hold in army, he reportedly is under strong influence of some dubious individuals in Bangladesh, both from political and non-political arena. Mysterious politician in Bangladesh, Sirajul Alam Khan as well as controversial wife of late BNP leader are known to be constant advisors to the number one figure in Bangladesh army. Many of the people hailing from Noakhali [the district wherefrom General Moeen hails] continues to claim to have 'close relations' with the army chief. There are even numerous rumors centering brothers of the influential figure in today's Bangladesh. There is another news from country's most talked about, Anti Corruption Commission [ACC]. According to reports, chairman of ACC, Lieutenant General Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury [former army chief] has already resigned from his post and went abroad possibly to join an international organization. Difference of opinion grew between Mashhud Chowdhury and some of the key players of the present interim government on various issues, which prompted in resignation of this honest and committed individual. In his service life, Hassan Mashhud Chowdhury was known to be an honest, committed and patriotic individual having intellect and zeal of performing duties with highest standard. One of the reasons of Chowdhury's anger was due to growing tendency within ACC by some corrupt members in blackmailing innocent individuals with various threats. He [Chowdhury] brought this matter to the attention of high-ups in the government, but with no result. Moreover, several influential elements within ACC had been constantly conspiring to oust him from the post of Chairman. It is learnt that various persuasions are continuing to manage Chowdhury in getting him back to the post of ACC chairman. The policymakers in Dhaka are also considering alternative names for this extremely sensitive post.
Although the present interim government in Dhaka continues to say that it is committed in holding next general election by December 2008, it is rightly understood by every quarters that such promises are mere empty. According to experts, there is no hope or signs of holding any election in Bangladesh during this year, at least. Another quarter although argues that, the present interim government may go for an election, boycotted by Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Jamaat-e-Islami and many other political groups, while participated by former military dictator Hussein Muhammed Ershad's Jatiyo Party and some minor parties launched under direct patronization of the present regime in recent days. Some are even predicting that the present regime in Dhaka might have reached into under-table settlement with Hussein Muhammed Erhsad in forming another government with him as the Chief Executive or the President. There is ongoing effort in amending country's constitution; despite the fact that, such task is only for the elected governments.
Now, let me get back to the political future of BNP leader Khaleda Zia. By already rejecting the proposal of going abroad for treatment, Khaleda Zia has once again shown her firmness as well excellent leadership quality as she did in the past. Once Hasina is out of the scene, Khaleda Zia will get into media's prime attention. In this case, Khaleda Zia may even start getting sympathy of the people of Bangladesh for not abandoning her people and taking selfish decision of leaving the country for abroad, when country's future itself is under darkest cloud.
I have no idea who gave this formula of sending Sheikh Hasina as well as Khaleda abroad with the excuse of treatment. Now, in the days to come, Hasina will turn into a potential disturbance for the government in foreign countries, while the growing image of Khaleda Zia at home will also give instigation to people's agitation. Under both the realities and circumstances, Bangladesh is ought to face extreme crisis in the days to come. |
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