Dear Alochok Siraj
Your maya for the PM is sweet and, as I am aware of the weaknesses of our national character, perfectly understandable. After all, the daughter of Bongobondhu is, after all, the daughter of Bongobondhu. You probably have never been critical of her in public in your life. Such is the power of true love.
Our PM - not AL's PM - must of course travel, network and politic abroad. Its part of her job and our national pride requires it. There is no issue with that.
But you are very brave indeed to suggest there is no reason to be unhappy about her visit. I'll give you 10 reasons without thinking too hard or knowing too much about what happened in NY.
1. She wore the symbol of her political party during her UN address. It was a selfish gesture that offends the office of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. It is also a deliberately divisive and provocative action that indicates no understanding of the importance of bringing the nation together - for the sake of the nation. No doubt a few of the more than 150 world leaders at the UN asked her what the symbol stood for. I think they would have been privately appalled at the answer. You however may think the world leaders would have been impressed. Perhaps you might expect Obama to wear a Mujib coat during a visit to Bangladesh? He's a smart guy after all.
2. She took her sister with her everywhere - even to the UN. She took her at the expense of the State. It is blatantly obvious that her sister is being groomed for office. It is offensive that she is being groomed at the State's expense. It is offensive that she is being groomed at all. Instead of asking why the PM should not travel abroad why don't you show some real guts and ask why the PM's sister should not travel abroad? Don't be shy - this is Bangladesh. You can imagine how impressed foreign dignitaries were at being introduced at the UN to our PM's sister. Well, family bonds are very important in 3rd world countries aren't they? Truly family is important - thats why a long and successful career as a housewife qualifies Rehana to be a future PM of Bangladesh.
3. She was escorted by her son to most events. He stayed at the same hotel. As he is an Advisor to our PM he most probably stayed at the State's expense. Why? What pleases you about that? What makes you think none among 140 million Bangladeshis should be unhappy about that? Imagine how impressed foreign dignitaries were to meet the son of the PM of Bangladesh in an official capacity. Some must surely have thought our nation is full of talent and promise - a land where mothers give birth to their own officially recognised Advisors. I wonder if the leaders any Banana Republics have their sons as Advisors at official meetings?
4. The seminar in NY on why Bangladesh is a good investment destination may have impressed you. No doubt you were impressed at the way she read rote from a piece of paper. Though, to be fair, how many Deshi politcians can use 'capital market' and 'regulatory framework' in a sentence? Foreigners understand 'Share bazaar' - lets use that on the world stage. Still I would have preferred our PM to have a firm grasp of business and the confidence to speak freely. Wouldn't you? Well nevermind. You can't have everything. Beggars can't be chosers I suppose.
5. The seminar in NY was sponsored by a money remitter. Again you probably have no issue with that. I do. Why should Bangladesh hold a seminar on investment sponsored by a money remitter? What the heck does it say about us? It was a small seminar - no more than 20 in the audience based upon the tv footage. Why couldn't the State pay for it? I know my people. Probably there's a Deshi at Fast-Trans who is a devout AL and got the company to pay the $5,000 or less needed to sponsor the event. Either that or the Deshi owns a franchise outlet maybe in Jackson Heights. We might as well have the next investment seminar sponsored by Pran Chana Chur or Beanibazar Superstore. Not that you would publicly complain.
6. The PM's son spoke at the seminar. He cut a handsome figure and spoke very smartly. No doubt. But then he said investment was welcome because it reduced dependence on foreign aid which is disliked because it comes with political strings attached. Huh? Which donors pull political strings? Don't we have a right to know? If I was a donor I would cancel all donations and just pay for the PM to travel the world holding investment seminars. A lot cheaper. Even if the PM's sister and son travelled with her.
7. Rumours are that our PM's two nieces, a nephew and the nephew's girlfriend stayed at the hotel. I say rumours because I am cautious there maybe an element of error here. But the point is I don't think the entire suggestion is incorrect. More importantly, if it was proved that the rumour is entirely correct - you still wouldn't have a problem. That's the problem.
8. Our PM and her political machinery perpetuate the triumphalism surrounding the fact that she gave her speech at the UN in Bangla. Thats why AL party men are busy bragging about the fact. What? A PM addressed the UN in her native tongue and the nation should be proud? Wow! Surely none have accomplished this historic feat before! Were you moved to tears by this fact. Were you happy that the Language Movement since 1971 has triumphed so victoriously against insurmountable odds?
9. The PM and her political machinery created a carnival for her arrival back in Bangladesh. Bands, throngs, crowds and chanting greeted her. How happy they all were at her triumphs abroad. How she beamed that her triumphs were so well appreciated. How they missed her. Except that these weren't crowds of the general public. These were politcial activists organised and instructed by the various AL units. And yet you couldn't find maybe 5 out of 5,000 who have a grasp of ANY of the issues facing the country today. This scenario perpetuates ignorance. It is sickening.
10. And this is the biggest critcism: you can't see any of this. Drowning in love for the daughter of Bongobondhu you want us to love her equally and unconditionally. It's not possible friend - because the country comes first.
Well lets say I'm wrong abouty everything. You are welcome to challenge me.
In the meantime our PM has returned to learn that Mohilla League has grabbed land in Chittagong and one of her Ministers has said extra judicial killings are a matter of policy. Should we cut AL some slack because her trip abroad was such a success?
What is your comment?
Eiguly kichu na kichu tho thakbey?
Ezajur Rahman
Kuwait
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alochona@yahoogroup s.com, Siraj Zaman <sirajuz@... > wrote:
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> Was PM's visits to foreign countries including USA was that bad as uttered here? Should she stay inhouse in the country always and not do any networking with any other head of the state and/or their staff? Should it be the motto of all just to criticize Pm for everything irregardless of any valid reasons?
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alochona@yahoogroup s.com> From: drz321@...
> Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 14:09:25 -0500
> Subject: [ALOCHONA] ON HER TRIUMPHANT RETURN!
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> On Her Triumphant Return
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> The year 1601 chronicles the birth of the lofty "Buland Darwaja" to commemorate the conquest of Gujrat by the great Akbar. No - it was no fun-filled trip flanked by a dear sister or spearheaded by an expatriate IT-Expert (!) son. Yes, he had his minions, but he knew their exact nature. The trip was incarnadine with real jostling and he really did own. Thus this majestic sandstone gate stands for something real.
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> Well, our great Prime Minister also returned after a victorious blitz (!) on the banks of Hudson. Let's count the victories:
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> She spoke in Bangali at the highest of the world forums. Yes, it is a proud moment but I hardly can call it a victory.
> She dined with Barak Obama to commemorate the mercenary nature of our military (Oh no – it's taboo to talk about!). It's no victory either.
> Millennium Fund – remains in the yonder, thanks to the rampant corruption (Tarique is not to blame any more).
> Duty Free access – again a "NOT YET…"
> And while she was busy with her dizzying victory lap and having quality time with family and cutting her B-Day Cake, one little girl lost her "NakFul" in the hands a few lustful BCL goons (abetted and sheltered by none other than her own AL-men).
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> And yet, as the Qatari Aircraft (I wish, it is Bangladeshi) landed at Zia, throngs of AL-activists inundated the vicinity of airport, chanting frantically for a little attention from their dear leader never minding the plight of morning commuters…
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> Well, it's not just Gujrat – it's the conquest of the "AMERICA"! A "Buland Darwaja" may be a little expensive, but hey – it's not too bad to chant high at the expense of a few stranded passengers!
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> After all, she is the PM – our unreal "Princess-Majestic" !!
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> Mohammad Zaman
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