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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Re: [mukto-mona] Re: Fwd: Chief Justice Ruhul Amin - A Jamaati ideolog?

WRT: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mukto-mona/message/46341

Anyone who believes that religiosity improves morals lives in a fools
paradise.

*****************************************
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

*****************************************
Mukto-Mona Celebrates Earth Day:
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/Earth_day2006/index.htm

*****************************************
Kansat Uprising : A Special Page from Mukto-Mona

http://www.mukto-mona.com/human_rights/kansat2006/members/


*****************************************
MM Project : Grand assembly of local freedom fighters at Raumari

http://www.mukto-mona.com/project/Roumari/freedom_fighters_union300306.htm

*****************************************
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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Re: [mukto-mona] Return of Ramayan: Lotus Brigade in Full Command Finalising Strategic Regrouping

WRT: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mukto-mona/message/46343

Why do the Indians go GAGA over Ram. Ayodya might really be Akkad, and Ram
might either be Ra-Ammun or Amar Sin; moreover, the whole story is full of
absurdities and hatred of women anyway.


*****************************************
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

*****************************************
Daily Star publishes an interview with Mukto-Mona
http://www.mukto-mona.com/news/daily_star/daily_star_MM.pdf

*****************************************

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.

*****************************************
Mukto-Mona Celebrates 5th Anniversary

http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/5_yrs_anniv/index.htm

*****************************************
Mukto-Mona Celebrates Earth Day:
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/Earth_day2006/index.htm

*****************************************
Kansat Uprising : A Special Page from Mukto-Mona

http://www.mukto-mona.com/human_rights/kansat2006/members/


*****************************************
MM Project : Grand assembly of local freedom fighters at Raumari

http://www.mukto-mona.com/project/Roumari/freedom_fighters_union300306.htm

*****************************************
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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"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
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[vinnomot] Blood Donor required

dear all

I am building a on-line data base of blood donors and for this purpose I need your co-operation.
please sms (01911302239) me if you are interested to donate blood with the following information:

Full Name
Location
Blood Group
Cell No.

you can also email me your information : manzurulinfo@gmail.com

Hope you all will response .

Thank you

Manzurul
01911302239


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[vinnomot] Re: [notun_bangladesh] Re: [banglarnari] Is Bangladesh a Sovereign Nation?

Despite the  frequent diturbance of some 'turkman' forces Bangladesh is still a Sovereign country.

Musfique Prodhan <chena_kew@yahoo.com> wrote:

It is a pleasure to see Md Asghar concentration on a subject matter which is important. What he have depicted about the foreign officials involvement in Bangladesh's internal matter is true indeed.

What he might have overlooked is the way our political culture has been structured. Though we might feel 'delight' in calling the system as parliamentary democracy; matter of fact it is dynastic hierarchy disguised under democracy.

When respect for opposing political view is difficult, when the political movement is aimed to raise to power only, when arson, looting and anarchism is a habitual normal political activism, when the corrupts reign;  it is still a wonder about that country to exist as sovereign state.

The unfortunate and unwanted dominance of partisan personals in the media, makes it impossible for non partisan views to be heard. Things got worse, when the media have started competing with other business institution in the rat race. Hence the voice of the millions are ignored.

Since birth, Bangladesh have been governed by weak administrators ( with an exception of President Ziaur Rahman). Hence  Bangladeshis have become an  dependent nation  with a sovereign  status. The economy is primarily based on foreign remittance and export items, with the West in the center. In addition to that, each year a handsome amount of foreign aid is also necessary ( in form of  debt) to run Bangladesh. Though insulting to our self dignity, we have no choice left but to practice on their "advices/suggestions" without crying foul. 

However, it is our morally corrupt politicians, who are solely responsible for literally inviting the foreign emissaries to get involved in our political arena. I believe Md Asghar is also aware of the presence of so called "The Tuesday Group" (consists of foreign diplomats) who play a decisive role in our political arena.

India's negative attitude towards Bangladesh has earned her bad reputation among Bangladeshis. Hence any suggestions good or bad constitute to mistrust and create controversy.

It is going to take enormous effort and massive change in political culture to clean the mess up which was created by our politicians in last  30+ years. Since such  goal  is attained, we have to swallow our own pride and be  the sovereign nation under covert occupation.


Sincerely


Musfique.




msa40@aol.com wrote:
Dear Moderator,
 
Please post this write up. Thanks.
 
Mohammad Asghar
 
Is Bangladesh a Sovereign Nation?
Mohammad Asghar
I do not know of any other nation in which foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners are as publicly active as those who are accredited to Bangladesh. Some examples:
1. When Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party were at loggerheads on the appointment of a Chief Advisor of the Caretaker government, various emissaries from different nations descended on Bangladesh to help the feuding parties arrive at a consensus. The Secretary General of the Common Wealth was one of the foreign emissaries to have blessed Bangladesh with his presence on its soil
His and other luminaries’ presence and involvement in the feud was not an interference in the internal affairs of Bangladesh!
But when the Country Director of IMF complained against hartals, Mr. Saifur Rahman of BNP promptly threatened his expulsion from Bangladesh for his [unwanted interference] in what he termed to be the purely domestic affair of Bangladesh.
2. Foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners are very generous while dispensing their advices to the government and the people of Bangladesh. Take, for instance, the role Mr. William Malam (!) played, while he was representing the United States in Bangladesh.
After visiting the Chittagong Stock Exchange, he told the reporters: [Bangladesh, like Kuwait, is floating on oil. Its reserve of gas is inexhaustible, so Bangladeshis should not be worried about their future].
The fact is: Bangladesh does not have a commercially viable reserve of oil. It's gas reserve is going to become depleted by 2015, if it fails to discover new wells well in time (see the Daily Sangbad of Jan 28, 2008).
So, why the Ambassador lied through his teeth?
He knew Bangladeshis are prone to easily believing the foreigners; they find it difficult to believe their own kind.  He exploited their psychology to gain cheap popularity among the people of this unfortunate country.
3. Prior to the event of 1/11, the most active notables in Bangladesh to keep the press busy were the Ambassador of the United States and the High Commissioners of the United Kingdom. How many meetings they had with the political leaders of Awami League and BNP and the high officials of the government cannot be said with precision, but the fact remains that in the army’s decision to force the mind of the obnoxiously pro-BNP President of the country in favor of a new Caretaker government,  they played a major and vital role.
Even today, the British High Commissioner continues to play an effective role in the political life of Bangladesh. He can be seen on the TV screens talking about what the government of Bangladesh should or should not do now or at the time of holding the ensuing national elections of the country.
So far as I know, no intellectual of the country, in particular, and its common people, in general, has so far talked against the foreigners’ involvement in the affairs of the country. On the contrary, they appear to be pleased with them, for, they seem to reckon, Bangladesh does not have the capacity or the ability to make good decisions on matters that affect the life of its citizens.
But this attitude of the intellectuals of Bangladesh does not apply to the High Commissioner of India and its influential people. To many of them, any Indian, who speaks about Bangladesh, is an enemy of theirs and he or she, therefore, must be demonized in all possible ways.
What I saw in Bangladesh during my stay in it, and am still seeing from a distance, makes me ask: Is Bangladesh really a sovereign nation and if those Bangladeshis, who rule the country or have influence over its affairs, are really patriots? Can they ever do anything that would benefit their country and its ordinary people?  
 




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[vinnomot] Fwd: I'm with Obama


"Sen. Ted Kennedy" <info@barackobama.com> wrote:

Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:26:26 -0500
From: "Sen. Ted Kennedy" <info@barackobama.com>
Subject: I'm with Obama

Dear Friends,
When I endorsed Barack Obama on Monday, I was also endorsing a candidate with the power to transform America.
As President Kennedy said in 1960, "It is time for a new generation of leadership."
This campaign is about a new generation of leadership today. A generation ready to be part of something bigger than themselves. A generation ready to change the country, and a generation ready to change the world.
I'm doing everything I can to elect Barack Obama. With less than a week before my state and 21 others make their voices heard, there is no time to lose.
Please join me by making a $50 donation now:
Like my son Patrick and my niece Caroline, I have found a new generation of leadership for America in Barack Obama -- and I hope you have too!
Sincerely,
Senator Edward M. Kennedy
P.S. -- You may have already seen clips of my speech or parts of it on Monday. But take a look here. The energy in that room was amazing, and it's spreading across America:
Video: Kennedy Rally
Donate



 

Paid for by Obama for America
This email was sent to: worldcitizen73@yahoo.com
 


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[mukto-mona] Fwd: I'm with Obama


"Sen. Ted Kennedy" <info@barackobama.com> wrote:

Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:26:26 -0500
From: "Sen. Ted Kennedy" <info@barackobama.com>
Subject: I'm with Obama

Dear Friends,
When I endorsed Barack Obama on Monday, I was also endorsing a candidate with the power to transform America.
As President Kennedy said in 1960, "It is time for a new generation of leadership."
This campaign is about a new generation of leadership today. A generation ready to be part of something bigger than themselves. A generation ready to change the country, and a generation ready to change the world.
I'm doing everything I can to elect Barack Obama. With less than a week before my state and 21 others make their voices heard, there is no time to lose.
Please join me by making a $50 donation now:
Like my son Patrick and my niece Caroline, I have found a new generation of leadership for America in Barack Obama -- and I hope you have too!
Sincerely,
Senator Edward M. Kennedy
P.S. -- You may have already seen clips of my speech or parts of it on Monday. But take a look here. The energy in that room was amazing, and it's spreading across America:
Video: Kennedy Rally
Donate



 

Paid for by Obama for America
This email was sent to: worldcitizen73@yahoo.com
 


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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

*****************************************
Daily Star publishes an interview with Mukto-Mona
http://www.mukto-mona.com/news/daily_star/daily_star_MM.pdf

*****************************************

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.

*****************************************
Mukto-Mona Celebrates 5th Anniversary
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/5_yrs_anniv/index.htm

*****************************************
Mukto-Mona Celebrates Earth Day:
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/Earth_day2006/index.htm

*****************************************
Kansat Uprising : A Special Page from Mukto-Mona 
http://www.mukto-mona.com/human_rights/kansat2006/members/


*****************************************
MM Project : Grand assembly of local freedom fighters at Raumari
http://www.mukto-mona.com/project/Roumari/freedom_fighters_union300306.htm

*****************************************
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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[vinnomot] Adalote Hasinake chinte parrenna Azam J bisoi ta ki patano?ex prime minister k chinte parlen na?

dear all,
It appears very interesting.Adalote Hasinake chinte parrenna Azam J bisoi ta ki patano?ex prime minister k chinte parlen na?
 


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[vinnomot] Re: [khabor.com] Israeli Officials: Musharraf Met Israel's defense minister Barak

very sad and unfortunate for the muslim world.

Syed Aslam <Syed.Aslam3@gmail.com> wrote:

Israeli Officials: Musharraf Met Barak

JERUSALEM (AP) — Pakistan's president held a rare and secret meeting with Israel's defense minister in a Paris hotel last week, and the Iranian nuclear program figured high on the agenda, Israeli defense officials said Monday.
The two states have no diplomatic ties, and their officials rarely meet. But Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak saw each other by chance at the Hotel Raphael in Paris on Jan. 22, where they both were staying, the officials said. They then held a scheduled 20-minute meeting the following day, the officials said.
The defense officials spoke on condition of anonymity because Israel's Defense Ministry has not officially confirmed the meeting took place.
Barak and Musharraf discussed the possibility that Iran would develop nuclear weapons, the Israeli officials said. Iran and Israel are bitter enemies, and Israel — along with the U.S. and much of the international community — is concerned that Iran's nuclear program is designed to produce weapons. Iran claims it intends to produce energy.
Nuclear-armed Pakistan, which has close political and economic ties with Iran, has repeatedly said Iran has a right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and that the issue of Iran's nuclear plans must be resolved by diplomatic means.
At the meeting, Barak also expressed concern that instability in Pakistan could put the country's nuclear arsenal in the hands of Muslim extremists, but Musharraf assured Barak that Pakistan's nuclear weapons were safe, the officials said.
In Jerusalem, Barak spokesman Ronen Moshe would not comment.
In Islamabad, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammed Sadiq said Musharraf had a "chance" meeting with Barak in Paris.
"The president was leaving and the defense minister of Israel entered the hotel lobby and it was a chance meeting," Sadiq told The Associated Press. "I am not aware of any second meeting."
Pakistan is the only Muslim nuclear power. Israel will not confirm or deny that it is a nuclear power, but is widely reported to have the world's sixth-largest stockpile of nuclear weapons.
Israel and Pakistan are key allies of the U.S., and there have been indications of warming ties between them. In 2005, Israel's then-foreign minister, Silvan Shalom, met his Pakistani counterpart, Khursheed Kasuri, in Turkey, sparking protests from Islamic hard-liners in Pakistan.
In September 2006, Musharraf said Pakistan's government would have to recognize Israel after an independent Palestinian state was established — but not before.
"We cannot do something that sidelines us from the Muslim world," Musharraf said at the time.
Associated Press Writer Sadaqat Jan reported from Islamabad, Pakistan.

CNN-IBN
Israeli Officials: Musharraf Met Barak
The Associated Press - Jan 28, 2008
Barak and Musharraf discussed the possibility that Iran would develop nuclear weapons, the Israeli officials said. Iran and Israel are bitter enemies, ...
UN readies 3rd round of Iran sanctions Jerusalem Post
all 97 news articles »
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak speaks to the reporters as he leaves the Elysee Palace after a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, January 23 in Paris. Barak held talks in Paris last week with  Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf even though their countries have no diplomatic relations, officials said on Monday(AFP/File/Stephane De Sakutin)
AFP/File Photo: Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak speaks to the reporters as he leaves the Elysee Palace...
 
 


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[ALOCHONA] Re: UNB News - Prof Anwar for listing Shibir men doing politics at DU

Dear Alochoks,

I think the logic is as follows:

1. X thinks that activity A which goes against person Z and done by
person Y is incorrect.

2. Can we deduce from point 1 that X is a supporter of Z?

3. We can deduce from point 1 that X is a supporter of Z only if the
following conditions are also true:

a) Every person must be supporter of someone
b) A supporter of someone will always support him/her
c) No one will oppose any statement or activity unless it goes
against the person he/she supports.

Our problem lies in point 3.

Best regards.

Imtiaz


--- In alochona@yahoogroups.com, "musasarkar" <m_musa92870@...> wrote:
>
> Mr. Wohid,
>
> What's up man? I thought you mentioned earlier - you are not
> involved in the country's nasty politics whether that is BNP, AL,
or
> Jamaat; but yet you don't miss any opportunity to defend
> Jamaat/Shibir or make argument for them. I am little bit confused
> here. Or may be I am too stupid to understand the rationale behind
> it.
>
> Mohammad Musa Sarkar
>
> --- In alochona@yahoogroups.com, Wohid <bidrohee@> wrote:
> >
> > AS IF HE WAS JAILED BY SHIBIR ACTIVISTS, his real and only
grudge,
> only target, only enemy is SHIBIR. This is the first thing he says
> after coming out of jail! Not much to say against the govt. or on
any
> other issues as a reverend DU teacher. Shame on the nation -
> misfortune for the nation that a university teacher is asking to
list
> a group of students and directly calling for their persecution in
> worst fascistic manner and known & proven culprit students are his
> golden children. This is what the nation can now expect from
> university teachers and students. Government has not released some
> teachers - it has in fact released some snakes from cage. Please
> enjoy reading the below news.
> >
> > Prof Anwar for listing Shibir men doing politics at DU
> >
> >
> > UNB, Dhaka (published in Daily Star, Jan 24)
> >
> >
> > Prof Anwar Hossain, one of the four Dhaka University teachers
> released from jail, yesterday urged the students to make a list of
> Chhatra Shibir members doing politics on the campus and launch
> another movement for the trial of war criminals.
> >
> > The outspoken DU teacher said the activists of Chhatra Shibir,
the
> student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, will have to be
> identified to protect the university from destruction.
> >
> > "Identify those students who are involved in politics with
Shibir.
> They have been derailed. We all will have to be united to bring
them
> back to the path of light from darkness," he said.
> >
> > Prof Anwar, also the dean of Biological Sciences' Faculty, was
> addressing a "reception and solidarity" rally at the foot of
> Aparajeya Bangla at noon.
> >
> > "Students against Repression", a platform of the DU students,
> arranged the rally, marking the release of the DU students and
> teachers.
> >
> > Two other released teachers, Prof Sadrul Amin, president of Dhaka
> University Teachers' Association (Duta), Prof Harun-or-Rashid, dean
> of Social Sciences Faculty, and Prof Samad, Prof MM Akash and the
> released DU students addressed the rally.
> >
> > The teachers declared that their seven-day programme of wearing
> black badges and hoisting black flag atop the Arts Building have
been
> withdrawn.
> >
> > Prof Samad said they have decided to withdraw the programmes as
all
> the students and teachers have returned to their campus. "The case
no
> 51 has been withdrawn yet. Our five students were released on bail.
> If the case is not withdrawn, Duta with support of the students
will
> be forced to announce fresh programmes."
> >
> > Prof Anwar, also the Duta general secretary, said all progressive
> student organisations on the campus must activate their umbrella
> platform "Paribesh Parishad" to resist the "anti-state" activities
of
> Chhatra Shibir.
> >
> > "We should work together to make the Shibir men understand that
> they are living in darkness. I urge the Shibir men to come back to
> the path of light," he said.
> >
> > Anwar said another movement needs to be waged against the war
> criminals to compel the state machinery to bring the war criminals
to
> justice.
> >
> > "The killers and rapists of 1971 Liberation War must be put on
> trial. They cannot go unpunished. We'll have to start another
> movement to ensure trial of the war criminals," he said.
> >
> > The released students said the government has promised them to
> withdraw all the cases, but case no 51 is yet to be withdrawn.
> >
> > "We have been released on bail in the case no 51. But the
> government had promised us to withdraw the case. We urge it (govt)
as
> well as Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed to take steps for
immediate
> withdrawal of the case," Rafiqul Islam Sujon, one of the released
> students told the rally.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with
Yahoo!
> Search.
> >
>


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RE: [vinnomot] BREAKING NEWS :Azam J Chowdhury says he didn't sue Hasina

Can any legal expert explain if the case against Sk Hasina can continue further ?
Shaheed


To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com; khabor@yahoogroups.com; notun_bangladesh@yahoogroups.com; vinnomot@yahoogroups.com
CC: srbanunz@gmail.com; Santa.mustafa@hotmail.com; babu_asad@yahoo.com; sbguha@yahoo.com; BobXLE@aol.com
From: gopalsengupta@aol.com
Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:14:55 -0500
Subject: [vinnomot] BREAKING NEWS :Azam J Chowdhury says he didn't sue Hasina


BREAKING NEWS
Azam J Chowdhury says he didn't sue Hasina
 
 
Thu, Jan 24th, 2008 1:11 pm BdST
Dhaka, Jan 24 (bdnews24.com) – Prime Bank chairman Azam J Chowdhury Thursday said he did not sue former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

He said he filed a case only against Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, her cousin.

"I don't know how she was implicated in that case," Chowdhury told reporters after he attended the annual business conference of Prime Bank at a Gulshan hotel.

"Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and I cannot even think of suing her."



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[ALOCHONA] Amnesty International: Ending the downward spiral in Bangladesh

Ending the downward spiral in Bangladesh
by Irene Khan,
Secretary General of Amnesty International
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/feature-stories/ending-downward-spiral-bangladesh-20080123


As British Airways flight BA144 takes off from Zia International Airport in the darkness of the night, I look out of the window of the airplane and think of the metaphorical darkness from which the people of this country are seeking to escape.

For decades, Bangladesh has been caught in a downward spiral of corruption, insecurity, political violence and organized crime in which human rights and the rule of law have been the first casualties. Political leaders have shown more interest in abuse of power for personal gains than in poverty eradication. The powerful and the privileged have acted with impunity, with no fear of being called to account by weak and ineffective state institutions.

Repressive laws, including laws granting special or emergency powers, have been used and abused by successive governments. Police and other state officials have sided with the affluent and the influential, so that the most vulnerable – women, minorities, the poor and the marginalized – have been the least protected. 

The declaration of the state of emergency and the installation of a Caretaker Government (CTG) in January 2007 were desperate measures to save the country from ever-increasing levels of insecurity and political violence, further bloodshed and mayhem, and set on track free and fair elections for a democratic government.

During the Amnesty International visit to Bangladesh, journalists constantly asked if the human rights situation in 2007 was better than that in 2006. They were disappointed when I refused to give a simple "yes" or "no" answer. And so, sitting on the plane, I turn on my laptop in the hope of penning a more satisfactory response than I have given so far.

Of course there has been an improvement in physical security and a dramatic decline in human rights violations related to political violence in 2007 as compared to previous years. Government figures also show a fall in the number of extra-judicial killings by RAB and other security forces from 195 in 2006 to 93 in 2007.

These developments are welcome but it would be wrong to endorse them as indicators of improvement in the human rights situation without probing more deeply into what is being done – and what more needs to be done - to ensure that these positive trends will endure beyond the life of the CTG.

We need to analyse more carefully the quality of change being brought by the CTG to ensure that they are not merely cosmetic. And we need to ask – indeed demand – that the political parties will uphold human rights and the rule of law when they come to power so that what is being done now is not undone in the future. 

In a country where the state machinery – courts, police and military – not only fails to deliver justice and security but is often the instrument of persecution, institutional reform is necessary to convert perpetrators into protectors. The CTG must be commended for taking some much-needed, long-awaited reform measures but it needs to undertake or at least set in motion some other measures to ensure that the reforms are truly effective.

Guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary requires not only separation from the executive but also other measures to ensure proper recruitment, appointment and security of tenure of judges without political interference. A new Police Ordinance will not end police brutality and inefficiency unless it includes clear provisions for independent scrutiny and greater accountability, for instance through the establishment of an independent police complaints mechanism.

The National Human Rights Commission must be given real teeth to investigate and take action against all organs of the state, including the Joint Forces and RAB. The CTG must appoint individuals to the National Human Rights Commission who are not only competent and qualified but command such a high degree respect and credibility that no future government will dare to sideline or undermine their work.  

These institutional changes, if carried out properly, will make a real difference to the range of human rights violations, from police brutality to gender violence, that plague the lives of ordinary people.

There are two key factors that will determine the ultimate success or failure of the human rights reform agenda: first, the CTG's willingness to close its credibility gap on human rights, and second, the readiness of the main political parties to embrace the changes and commit themselves to upholding human rights and the rule of law. 

How can the CTG's initiative to separate the judiciary from the executive be taken as a true commitment to creating an independent judiciary when there is widespread perception that the same government is manipulating the criminal justice system to deliver some pre-ordained outcomes in high profile political cases?

When I stressed the need for the government to be seen to be respecting due process, the Chief Advisor responded that this government is using existing laws and existing courts. Surely, that is not a satisfactory answer when it is well-known that these same laws and courts have been subject to substantial political interference in the past and so open to the same level of interference now. A government committed to the rule of law must show scrupulous regard for due process. 

How can the government's commitment to freedom of information be taken seriously when overt and covert pressure is exerted on the media? The government was keen to point out to me that although the emergency rules impose far-reaching restrictions, they are not being enforced rigorously. So, why leave them hanging like Damocles' sword over the heads of media, creating uncertainty and encouraging self-censorship?

With such emergency regulations in existence, the chilling effect of a telephone call from a  Directorate of General Forces Intelligence (DGFI) official to a TV station owner, or from the local RAB commander to a district correspondent should not be underestimated. Add to that a case like that of Jahangir Alam Akash, who claims to have been detained and tortured by RAB and charged in 2007 with extortion allegedly committed in 2004, days after he reported an incident implicating local RAB officials in an attempted extra-judicial killing.

Democratic institutions cannot develop in a climate of self-censorship. A period of transition and change must be informed by a diversity of views. That is why the government must immediately lift the restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association, including restrictions on the media.

How can people have confidence in the CTG's drive to create a culture of transparency and accountability when the government has failed to be transparent and accountable about investigating reports of serious human rights violations by RAB and the Joint Forces? Torture allegations made by Rang Lai Mro, a prominent leader from  the Chittagong Hill Tracts remain uninvestigated, as do the allegations by Jahangir Alam Akash, or the death of Dulal in Bhola reportedly at the hands of the Navy.

After much adverse publicity, the government set up a one-man judicial commission to investigate the death of Cholesh Richil, a Garo leader, allegedly tortured by a Joint Forces unit in March 2007, but has so far failed to publish the report or open any criminal prosecution. I welcome the statement by the Chief Advisor that the NHRC should have the power to investigate human rights complaints against military and security officials, including RAB, in the future. But justice delayed is justice denied.

The Richil case cannot wait. Only by publishing the report of the judicial commission and by following it up with criminal investigation and prosecution in an open court of law can this government show that it is determined to end the culture of impunity that has hamstrung the rule of law in this country.

The past year has been marked by a creeping expansion of the role of the armed forces in activities that should rightly be carried out by a civilian administration, from law enforcement to electoral registration and investigation of extortion cases. I was told by the Army Chief that this is because of the lack of capacity and competency in the civilian administration. Be that as it may, principles of transparency and accountability, which lie at the core of human rights, require that all activities by the armed forces should be circumscribed by law and put under civilian scrutiny and accountability.

If the CTG has the courage to confront and close these credibility gaps, then it will go a long way in creating public confidence in the human rights reforms agenda that no future government will be able to undo.  Turning now to the political parties, I fully agreed with the Chief Advisor when he said to me during our meeting that institutional change is a long term process and its success depends not only on the CTG but on the commitment of future governments.

That is why Amnesty International's recommendations on human rights reform are addressed not just to the CTG but also to political parties. That is why we asked all political parties represented in the previous parliament to meet with us, and the Awami League, one faction of the BNP (the other one led by Saifur Rahman did not return our call for a meeting) and Jamaat agreed to do so.

In these meetings, my colleagues emphasized our call for political parties to include a human rights agenda in their manifesto, and to support human rights reforms when they are in parliament. The test of the commitments which they declared to have for human rights will be in what they will say publically and will do in Parliament.

Regrettably, human rights have yet to enter the lexicon of political parties. They have little understanding about the relationship of human rights to democracy and good governance, and even less of their role as political leaders in upholding human rights and the rule of law. They are primarily preoccupied with protecting the human rights of their leaders who are feeling the brunt of the law.

They are yet to fully appreciate the irony that they themselves created and nurtured the laws, systems and practices of which they are now complaining. Now that they are at the receiving end of these repressive laws, policies and practices, let us hope that they will take more seriously Amnesty's oft-reiterated recommendations, including repeal of the Special Powers Act and the introduction of basic safeguards against torture and ill treatment of detainees.

Knowing the role that democratically elected governments played in the past in undermining the rule of law and human rights, civil society must be vigorous in demanding that political parties demonstrate a clear commitment to human rights. They must call on the political parties to set out their vision on human rights and to insert clear commitments in their electoral manifesto. In the run up to the elections, there is an opportunity to educate the political leaders on human rights as a means of good governance, and I believe the more astute and progressive leaders are ready to learn. 

So, the right question is not whether the human rights situation today is better or worse than last year. It is whether one should be more hopeful or less that this country will turn a corner on human rights.

And there I am optimistic. The public today is more aware of human rights than ever before. Civil society is more determined than ever to hold their political leaders to account. The call for democracy is not simply for free and fair elections but for a new style of governance that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs, demands and rights of the people.

I leave Bangladesh with a sense of hope, not because of what the CTG has done, or what political parties promise to do, nor even what civil society is determined to do,  but because of the growing realisation and determination of ordinary people to stand up for their rights.

The day labourers in my ancestral village in Sylhet, the women in the legal literacy projects in the village in Tangail, the fruit seller from whom I bought oranges on the street corner in Gulshan, the CNG driver who drove me to the market – they spoke to me frankly and simply with no sophisticated understanding of law or politics. But in their voices I heard the uncompromising demand for justice, equality and a decent life and livelihood for all. No government, caretaker or democratic, no leader, elected or unelected, can afford to ignore that call. 

The flight is about to land at Heathrow and I must turn off my laptop. But before I do that, I remember the words of the man guarding the door of the passenger terminal at Dhaka airport. As I entered the building with my luggage trolley, he recognised my face from TV and newspaper pages, and came running after me. "You have said what many of us want to say," he said. "We all want to see change in Bangladesh." Then, as I waved goodbye, he called out, "Apa, please do not forget us."

How can I ever forget people like him who give me hope that the struggle for human rights in Bangladesh will endure!

__._,_.___

[Disclaimer: ALOCHONA Management is not liable for information contained in this message. The author takes full responsibility.]
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[mukto-mona] Hiranmay Karlekar's opinion piece

Hiranmay Karlekar is arguably a good writer and very good in structuring of his points in argument.
A radical humanist with anathema towards communists (official species, although his secular mindset was unalloyed. The tragedy lies there as he is ed consultant to The Pioneer, virtually a BJP (not that way of RSS, outwardly) mouthpiece.

Once an anti-Soviet, he became an unabashed defender of Indira Gandhi, he became editor of HT during the Emergency, following the unceremonious exit of Khuswant Singh. HK had to quit somewhat humiliatingly soon after the Emeergency.

 

Indian way of development by Hiranmay Karlekar 31 Jan 08 (http://dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?main_variable=EDITS&file_name=edit3%2Etxt&counter_img=3)

The passage of yet another anniversary of Republic Day is an occasion to ponder what sort of a country India should become. The answer invariably heard is that it should become a developed country, with Mr APJ Abdul Kalam, perhaps India's most popular President ever, setting 2020 as the target year. This, however, raises a further question: What does one mean by a developed country?




To most people it is a country like the United States or the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan or Singapore. Talking of ideal cities, one invariably mentions New York or Singapore. One has nothing against any of these countries or cities. I, for one, have greatly enjoyed my visits to the UK, the US, Japan and Canada. New York is at the top of my list of favourite cities.



One, nevertheless, needs to ask: Should India aspire to become like another country, however admirable? Should the heir to perhaps the richest metaphysical legacy in the world, not seek to be a model for other countries? An affirmative answer need not involve the rejection of the stupendous achievements of the developed countries mentioned -- political democracy; intellectual, religious and cultural freedom; technological and scientific progress and affluence for large sections. India's cultural heritage is inclusive and not exclusive. Rabindranath Tagore summed it all up in his seminal poem Bharat Tirtha in which he depicted India as a pilgrimage centre on the shores of an ocean of humanity, to which streams of people have come throughout the ages from all directions, given and received, and become one.



What defines the ocean is its soul. Tagore wrote: "Here once the ceaseless sound of Aum/ Resonated in heartstrings to the mantra of the One/ Sacrificing many in the fire of the One through austere worship/ It forgot schisms and awakened a great soul." (Translation from Bengali by the author).



The 'One' here is the Brahman, the Universal Consciousness, of which, according to Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas, the entire universe is a manifestation. Everything -- human and non-human living beings, trees, forests, rivers, mountains, oceans, land -- is therefore sacred, a part of a cosmic order that is governed by a common morality operating through the instrumentality of karma, which stands for both action and the fruits thereof, the balance of which determines one's destiny in next life. A human being can be reborn as an animal, an animal as a human being. Equally, both human and non-human living beings can find release from the bondage of births and rebirths through karma.



Unfortunately, the feeling of inferiority bred by the colonial experience and the dazzling impact of Western culture, evolving from the time of the ancient Greeks, and through the intellectual churnings of the Renaissance and Enlightenment, has made us forgetful, if not contemptuous, of our own heritage. Consequently, our intelligentsia has unquestioningly accepted the intellectual and cultural assumptions of the West that underline the prevailing doctrine of Humanism, which incorporates the essence of Protagorus's aphorism: "Man is the measure of all things," and which privileges reason over everything else.



Central to Western Humanism is a belief in the omni-competence of reason and in freedom as the basic urge behind human progress. A perceived absence of rationality sets non-human living beings apart from humans and excludes them from the moral universe of the latter. Hence non-human living beings have no rights and can be abused at will if human welfare so requires. From the late-18th century, however, there has emerged a movement in the West for humane treatment of non-human living beings and the grant of certain rights to them. Experiments on animals are now severely restricted in the West where cruelty to them is a punishable offence in most countries. Germany's Constitution has gone to the extent of incorporating fundamental rights for them.



The movement, which has started in India too, is, however, still at a nascent stage and abuse of non-human living beings is widespread. This is disconcerting, as is the fact that this is only one part of a wider attitude towards everything non-human, including the environment, which is being ruthlessly plundered and destroyed. This attitude again is a part of an anthropocentric world view - a skewed offshoot of Humanism -- which has acquired a grotesque dimension with the emergence of market capitalism, which privileges consumption and indulgence over everything else, including salvation of one's soul.



Powered by advertisement-driven, ever-increasing consumption, market capitalism has triggered an unprecedented expansion of infrastructural facilities, ever-increasing energy consumption, a media revolution, and a continuous rise in the emission levels of greenhouse gases -- with the economy going into an overdrive to meet not needs but created demands. It has also given a new impetus to massive urbanisation which, apart from generating more greenhouse gases, has contributed to global warming with concrete structures and roads in cities radiating the heat they absorb from Sun. The danger this poses is bound to increase alarmingly as urbanisation continues apace.



Technology can doubtless decelerate the process of global warming by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. It can also help tap new energy sources as the reserves of fossil fuel are exhausted through over-utilisation. The world's tardy response to the challenge of global warming, however, shows that it is difficult to generate the political will to spare the resources needed for all this. Heady with the economic success they have achieved, and filled with a sense of invulnerability instilled in them by the tremendous achievements of industrial civilisation, those who control the levers of economic activity tend to dismiss warnings of impending disasters as professional doomsayers' hyperbole.



Societal pressure, which can generate the political will needed, will remain elusive as long as people view consumption as an end in itself, and the whole of non-human nature as an object of plunder to sustain the indulgent lifestyle which they are unwilling to give up. Instead of preventive measures, global warming and a growing energy crisis may lead to conflict over shrinking spaces and vanishing resources.



The world needs a new way of living, one in which humankind is not the measure but the preserver and protector of all things, and which reveres non-human nature. For that, it requires a new philosophy and new coordinates of economic growth. India can provide both if it ceases to imitate but delves within to chart a new path to development.

__._,_.___

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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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[vinnomot] [Fwd: Dhaka Dilemma]

>  http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/569qhyrd.asp 
>
>Dhaka Dilemma
>One year after the the implementation of military rule in Bangladesh.
>by Maneeza Hossain
>01/11/2008 12:00:00 AM
>
>
>
>TODAY MARKS THE first anniversary of the momentous events of January 11, 2007, when Bangladesh's constitutional government was replaced by military rule. For 365 days, Bangladeshis have lived under a state of emergency: their constitutional rights have been suspended, civil liberties limited, and hundreds of thousands--ranging from former prime ministers to ad hoc peddlers--arrested under the banner of "fighting corruption." One year after taking power, the military "caretaker" government's promises to implement a better, truer democracy have not been fulfilled.
>To the contrary, the unelected, paraconstitutional government of Bangladesh can claim credit for two appalling developments: the politicization of the army, which has blurred the lines between the army and civilian administration and has introduced into the army the same corruption rampant in Bangladeshi politics; and the creeping delegitimization of democracy, which has occurred as various undemocratic actions--arrests of perceived enemies, the exclusion of duly elected leaders from political life, the ban on "indoor politics," which forbids private political discussions--are normalized under the army's rule.

>Despair is setting in among many Bangladeshis. But in the West, and even among some in Bangladesh, there is denial rather than despair. Some reject the idea that a military coup took place. Bangladesh's two previous military takeovers both had a visible military face. The uniqueness of the new takeover is that the military hand is hidden in the velvet glove of a renowned technocratic team, led by Fakhruddin Ahmed, an internationally acclaimed, world-class economist.

>But the refusal to recognize the coup as a coup goes deeper than that. Perhaps Western democrats never believed Bangladesh really capable of democracy, or perhaps they are willing to endorse a fictional democracy if doing so is in line with perceived international interests. Or perhaps new global risks have prompted the international community to accept an unelected government in Bangladesh: the belief that Islamism must be contained at all costs is taken to justify support for this new order, even if it means the indefinite suspension of democracy.

>It is hard not be reminded of Pakistan. Bangladesh, once known as East Pakistan, is afflicted by many of the same ills: Islamism is a rising threat; corruption has eroded the political system; democracy appears a luxury too dear for the present; and the military, as the foremost professional institution, is the most trustworthy partner against the rise of Islamism. In both countries, moreover, reform will depend on the government bureaucracy and the expatriates.

>One difference between the two, however, is in the response of Western diplomats. When Parvez Musharraf declared the state of emergency in Pakistan in November 2007, governments of democratic nations expressed their disapproval and dismay. "The people of Pakistan deserve the opportunity to choose their leaders," declared John Negroponte when he flew over to Islamabad. But a year has passed since the military assumed power in Bangladesh, and the silence of much of the world amounts to complicity in the destruction of Bangladesh's democratic potential. While the West remains silent, Bangladesh sinks deeper into crisis. The country's currency has lost 10 percent of its value, leading businessmen are kept behind bars, and the price of commodities such as edible oil and rice are being forcibly kept down by the army's experiment in state-controlled economics.

>Husain Haqqani, a Pakistan expert and advisor to the late Benazir Bhutto, has referred to the "Pakistanization" of Bangladesh. A decade from now, we may see in Bangladesh a politicized military that holds the reins of power, controls the economy, and has the final say in social, economic, and political affairs. We can likewise expect a shrunken and weakened political class exhausted from losing its leaders to exile, trial, intimidation. The other effect is likely to be a growing grassroots movement that appeals to urban as well as rural populations, that provides services parallel to the government's, and that--under the banner of an ever-radicalizing Islamism--offers an outlet for venting frustration with corrupt politicians and dire economic circumstances. We may even witness Western powers arranging for the return of a former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, in response to the military's failure to contain the Islamist threat.

>The current unelected government claims to pursue genuine democracy, respect for political pluralism, and avoidance of radical intolerance, but the course it is now following is not conducive to the fulfillment of these goals.

>Still, Western governments seem inclined to continue their tacit support for the actions of the Bangladeshi Caretaker government--contingent on a timetable to elections. In turn, the Caretaker is adamant about excluding both former Prime Ministers ("the feuding ladies") from any future political role. What remains to be seen is whether the Bangladeshi electorate is willing to go along with this exclusionary stand. From the military's point of view, this remains a sine quo non. Political change will be limited to tinkering with the current configuration of façade players.

>Instead of containing Islamism and paving the way for the blossoming of democracy, the current arrangement has delegitimized democracy in practice as well as in culture, and in doing so has helped to consolidate and strengthen Islamist movements. A sensible approach for the current government of Bangladesh would be to adhere to its formal task of preparing for elections using technical, not political, criteria. It should also immediately stop attempting to force reforms within political parties; this is a task that should be left for the electorate. Democrats worldwide, notably in India, Europe, and the United States, should unequivocally demand that the state of emergency be lifted at once in preparation for the restoration of democracy.

>Yes, the Bangladeshi experimentation with democracy was riddled with problems. But that is the nature of democracy. A democracy's problems have to be resolved within the context of democracy, not within the context of military rule.

>Maneeza Hossain is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute and author of Broken Pendulum: Bangladesh's Swing to Radicalism (Hudson Institute Press, 2007).


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[mukto-mona] [Fwd: Dhaka Dilemma]

>  http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/569qhyrd.asp 
>
>Dhaka Dilemma
>One year after the the implementation of military rule in Bangladesh.
>by Maneeza Hossain
>01/11/2008 12:00:00 AM
>
>
>
>TODAY MARKS THE first anniversary of the momentous events of January 11, 2007, when Bangladesh's constitutional government was replaced by military rule. For 365 days, Bangladeshis have lived under a state of emergency: their constitutional rights have been suspended, civil liberties limited, and hundreds of thousands--ranging from former prime ministers to ad hoc peddlers--arrested under the banner of "fighting corruption." One year after taking power, the military "caretaker" government's promises to implement a better, truer democracy have not been fulfilled.
>To the contrary, the unelected, paraconstitutional government of Bangladesh can claim credit for two appalling developments: the politicization of the army, which has blurred the lines between the army and civilian administration and has introduced into the army the same corruption rampant in Bangladeshi politics; and the creeping delegitimization of democracy, which has occurred as various undemocratic actions--arrests of perceived enemies, the exclusion of duly elected leaders from political life, the ban on "indoor politics," which forbids private political discussions--are normalized under the army's rule.

>Despair is setting in among many Bangladeshis. But in the West, and even among some in Bangladesh, there is denial rather than despair. Some reject the idea that a military coup took place. Bangladesh's two previous military takeovers both had a visible military face. The uniqueness of the new takeover is that the military hand is hidden in the velvet glove of a renowned technocratic team, led by Fakhruddin Ahmed, an internationally acclaimed, world-class economist.

>But the refusal to recognize the coup as a coup goes deeper than that. Perhaps Western democrats never believed Bangladesh really capable of democracy, or perhaps they are willing to endorse a fictional democracy if doing so is in line with perceived international interests. Or perhaps new global risks have prompted the international community to accept an unelected government in Bangladesh: the belief that Islamism must be contained at all costs is taken to justify support for this new order, even if it means the indefinite suspension of democracy.

>It is hard not be reminded of Pakistan. Bangladesh, once known as East Pakistan, is afflicted by many of the same ills: Islamism is a rising threat; corruption has eroded the political system; democracy appears a luxury too dear for the present; and the military, as the foremost professional institution, is the most trustworthy partner against the rise of Islamism. In both countries, moreover, reform will depend on the government bureaucracy and the expatriates.

>One difference between the two, however, is in the response of Western diplomats. When Parvez Musharraf declared the state of emergency in Pakistan in November 2007, governments of democratic nations expressed their disapproval and dismay. "The people of Pakistan deserve the opportunity to choose their leaders," declared John Negroponte when he flew over to Islamabad. But a year has passed since the military assumed power in Bangladesh, and the silence of much of the world amounts to complicity in the destruction of Bangladesh's democratic potential. While the West remains silent, Bangladesh sinks deeper into crisis. The country's currency has lost 10 percent of its value, leading businessmen are kept behind bars, and the price of commodities such as edible oil and rice are being forcibly kept down by the army's experiment in state-controlled economics.

>Husain Haqqani, a Pakistan expert and advisor to the late Benazir Bhutto, has referred to the "Pakistanization" of Bangladesh. A decade from now, we may see in Bangladesh a politicized military that holds the reins of power, controls the economy, and has the final say in social, economic, and political affairs. We can likewise expect a shrunken and weakened political class exhausted from losing its leaders to exile, trial, intimidation. The other effect is likely to be a growing grassroots movement that appeals to urban as well as rural populations, that provides services parallel to the government's, and that--under the banner of an ever-radicalizing Islamism--offers an outlet for venting frustration with corrupt politicians and dire economic circumstances. We may even witness Western powers arranging for the return of a former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, in response to the military's failure to contain the Islamist threat.

>The current unelected government claims to pursue genuine democracy, respect for political pluralism, and avoidance of radical intolerance, but the course it is now following is not conducive to the fulfillment of these goals.

>Still, Western governments seem inclined to continue their tacit support for the actions of the Bangladeshi Caretaker government--contingent on a timetable to elections. In turn, the Caretaker is adamant about excluding both former Prime Ministers ("the feuding ladies") from any future political role. What remains to be seen is whether the Bangladeshi electorate is willing to go along with this exclusionary stand. From the military's point of view, this remains a sine quo non. Political change will be limited to tinkering with the current configuration of façade players.

>Instead of containing Islamism and paving the way for the blossoming of democracy, the current arrangement has delegitimized democracy in practice as well as in culture, and in doing so has helped to consolidate and strengthen Islamist movements. A sensible approach for the current government of Bangladesh would be to adhere to its formal task of preparing for elections using technical, not political, criteria. It should also immediately stop attempting to force reforms within political parties; this is a task that should be left for the electorate. Democrats worldwide, notably in India, Europe, and the United States, should unequivocally demand that the state of emergency be lifted at once in preparation for the restoration of democracy.

>Yes, the Bangladeshi experimentation with democracy was riddled with problems. But that is the nature of democracy. A democracy's problems have to be resolved within the context of democracy, not within the context of military rule.

>Maneeza Hossain is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute and author of Broken Pendulum: Bangladesh's Swing to Radicalism (Hudson Institute Press, 2007).

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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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