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Saturday, March 21, 2009

[ALOCHONA] State of the Nation

Dear Alochoks

 

Here are the headlines from today’s New Age Online Edition.

Just look at it!!!

 

It is true that the government has yet to settle down as it has only been in power a few months.

It is also true that it is not directly responsible for many of these problems.

 

But for the sake of the country we should all hope and pray that it puts the right people in the right positions.

And puts law and order as a top priority.

 

Otherwise, as it stands now, matters are not looking good.

 

And it doesn't help that most of the AL supporters I know think that the Government is doing the best it possibly can.

That's not good enough. Much more political effort needs to be poured into law and order.

There’s more to Bangladesh than having Bongobondhu’s daughter as Prime Minister.

 

The stories of recent threats against English medium schools are not good at all.

And, if true, the nation is in for an even more difficult time ahead.

 

Ezajur Rahman

Kuwait

 

 

 

 

New Age Headlines 22/3/09

 

Ex-deputy speaker in 30-day detention

 

Two killed, 16 shops, factories burned in city fires

 

Organised crimes back from wilderness

 

Patients unattended for 16hrs as DMCH interns on strike

 

1 killed in Barisal AL infighting

 

Ten killed in bus-truck collision in Tangail

 

19 more BDR men remanded

 

High food price pushes up number of malnourished children in 2008

 

One killed in gun attack in city

 

Political science students agitate at Dhaka Univ



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[ALOCHONA] 1971: Story of friendship in need and in deed

1971: Story of friendship in need and in deed

 

by Maj Gen (Retd) Syed Muhammad Ibrahim, Bir Protik

The Second World War began in September 1939, with the offensive against Belgium and France by Germany. Although part of Europe, England or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was separated by the waters of the English Channel. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill anticipated that Germany will have to launch offensive against Britain also; but in variably it had to begin with air offensive. The German Air Force had more planes than the British Air Force.. So, Churchill ordered an elaborate plan for the defense of British Isles should the German offensive begin. The offensive came as a deed, the peak period being between 24 August and 06 September 1940.

The combat between the Air force of the two countries with support from the ground became to be known as 'Battle of Britain'. The sincerity, patriotism, sacrifice of the soldiers of the British Air Force is indeed nearly unparalleled in the history of air-warfare. On 20 August 1940 the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill while speaking about the Battle of Britain, in the House of Commons, London, paid tribute to the pilots and airmen in the following world : "never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few".

I am neither a minister in any cabinet nor a Field Marshal or four star General in any Army, I am a humble freedom fighter who rose to two-star Generalship in the humble but proud army of a nascent but potentially rich country. I was born on 4 October 1949 and commissioned in the Pakistan Army on 6 September 1970. Therefore on the day of declaration of independence of Bangladesh on the 26th March 1971, I was 21 years 5 months and 22 days old and had only 6 months and 20 days of service. But, now when I am writing this column having the benefit of hindsight and benefit of retrospective evaluation, I can safely commemorate the contribution of India in the Liberation of Bangladesh, not independence, by saying: 'possibly no other nation or country in the history of the world has done so much in so many ways in so compact a time as India has done for Bangladesh between 26 March 1971 to 16 December 1971 that is why, the long title of this column should have been 1971: story of friendship between India and Bangladesh at the time of most crucial need of Bangladesh and delivered in reality'.

The people of East Pakistan as we were before becoming people of Bangladesh, have had difficult times before March 1971, as well as have had bad times after December 1971. Irrespective of the trials and tribulations, the most difficult time was the 9 months of the war of liberation. Liberation was achieved, we have survived 38 long years, and we must continue to survive. Our times of need have not ended; they do appear infrequently though. Friends and friendship is always a necessity, but realistic friend and friendship in-deed (or actions) is rare. Indian diplomat and a former Foreign Secretary J.N Dixit was not only a witness but a participant in the processes leading to the Liberation of Bangladesh. He was director of the special division created in the External Affairs Ministry to deal with the political dimensions of the East Pakistan crisis in 1971. Later he became the first Indian Head of Mission in Dhaka. He wrote a book titled 'Liberation and Beyond: Indo-Bangladesh Relations'. This particular title is a meaningful indicator for the thoughtful ones.

I pay my respects and tribute to the martyrs of the Bangladesh War of Liberation who were sons of the soil. I also pay my respect and tribute to those foreigners, neither Bangladeshi nor Indian, like the British, American, German, Australian, Japanese, French and the like, who also shed their sweat and tilled their brain for our liberation, who may have been decorated or not. I salute the 7 Bir Srestho (or Shaheed), the 68 Bir Uttom, 175 Bir Bikrom and 426 Bir Protik who were decorated. I pray the departed soul of the Martyrs or Shaheeds: 2022 from Bangladesh Army, 5 from Navy 51 from Air Force 817 from BDR, and 1639 from Bangladesh Police and the remaining unknown number which go to make the 30 lac or 3 million Shaheed.  I salute the unknown, unnamed and undecorated heroes also without whom the ballad of our liberation war will remain incomplete. (note: should there be any error in the figures, I apologize and will be happy to be corrected).

Although I am picking the name only as token, I pay my respect and tribute to the soldier of Indian Armed Forces who gave their life as well as those who shed sweat and blood on the soil of Bangladesh during December 1971 for our liberation. The name is Lance Naik Albert Ekka of 14 Guards who was awarded Param Vir Chakra. 14 Guards is an infantry battalion which took part in the Battle of Gangasagar in December 1971. Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award in the Indian Army as is the Victoria Cross for Britain, or the Nishan-i-Haidar for Pakistan, or Bri Srestho for Bangladesh.

The cataclysmic events of 1971 on the soil of Bangladesh have been described variously by various actors on the stage or observers form various angles of observations. Plenty has been written by eye-witness. Since I could not spare time to run around various libraries or delve into one or the other website, so I relied on my personal library only to refer to some books which will reflect the variety in perception, evaluation or description. Although there is a large number of books of Bangladeshi military and non-military authors with me, yet for the sake of space only I cannot mention them or quote from them. My salute to all the authors. To those Bangladeshis of present generation, my appeal is they must know 1971 and the sacrifices. To those who are elder to them, my appeal is, please reinforce what you know and dispel any unwanted insinuation.

I am making reference to some books and quoting odd sentence from one or two. These quotations are food for thought for the serious thinkers without me adding any remarks catalytically. (A) Hasan Zaheer was a member of the civil service of Pakistan who served in the-then East Pakistan in various capacities. He was serving in Dhaka at the time of the surrender of Pakistan on 16 December 1971 also. He later became a secretary to the Government of Pakistan. He wrote a book published in 1998 by University Press Limited, Dhaka titled 'The Separation of East Pakistan: The Rise and Realization of Bengali Muslim Nationalism'. (B) Richard Sisson and Leo E. Rose wrote a book titled 'War and Secession: Pakistan, India, and the Creation of Bangladesh' published from Oxford University Press, Pakistan in 1992. In reviewing this book, Thomas P Thornton of the School of International Studies, Johns Hopkins University said: 'This study makes a major contribution to our understanding of a series of events that are not only important in their South Asian context but also have major implications for the study of superpower relations and for international conflict more generally'. (C) Archer K Blood was the American Consul General in the former East Pakistan in 1971.

Following his term in Dhaka, Archer K Blood served the State Department and US Army War College ending with being the Charge d' Affairs in US Mission in New Delhi. He wrote a book titled 'The Cruel Birth of Bangladesh' published by University Press Limited, Dhaka in 2002. In the words of the publisher: "The book reflects deep commitment to freedom on the part of the author and reads like and epitaph for the martyrs of struggle of the Bengali people…. Blood had to wait until December 1998 for the State Department to declassify the documents, telegrams and other messages related to this period before he could use them."

(D) Siddiq Salik was a lecturer and journalist before joining Pakistan Army as Public Relations Officer. In 1971 he was a Major in the Army; he served in Dhaka between January 1970 and 20th December 1971 which gave him the unique privilege to observe the high level political drama in Dhaka. With two years of life as a prisoner of war in India, he had opportunity to reflect and analyze. He wrote a book titled 'Witness to Surrender' published by Oxford University Press, Karachi, Pakistan in 1977 which provides a narrative where events are more important than personalities. (E) Commissioned in 1954, Hakeem Arshad Qureshi was a Lieutenant Colonel commanding 26 FF (an infantry battalion) in Saidpur-Rangpur-Dinajpur during 1971 earning the gallantry award a Sitara-i-Jurat. He retired from the Army in 1990 as a Major General.

He wrote a book titled 'The 1971 Indo-Pak War: A Soldier's Narrative' published by Oxford University Press, Karachi, Pakistan in 2002. To me, as a military officer as much as to many others like Lieutenant General Muhammad Iqbal of the Pakistan Army and a former Governor of the province of Punjab, the most important chapter in the book is the last chapter, chapter 25 'concluding observations' where there is much self criticism. (F) Major General Tajammal Hussain Malik wrote a book titled 'The Story of My Struggle' published by Jang publishers, Lahore, Pakistan in 1991. In 1971 he was commanding 205 Brigade in Hilli-Bogra. In December 1971 he was taken a prisoner of war. Only a portion of the book deals with 1971. (G) Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi was commander, Eastern command of the Pakistan Army from end April to 16 December 1971. He wrote a book titled 'The Betrayal of East Pakistan' published by Oxford University Press, Karachi, Pakistan in 1998. The book is a very vivid account of the events in 1971 coming from the horse's mouth.

In page xxv of the book in the preface he writes "The final plan for the dismemberment of Pakistan was hatched between General Yahya and Bhutto at Larkana, Bhutto's home town. The plan, which came to be known as the M. M. Ahmed plan, aimed at abandoning East Pakistan without a successor government, which meant: by losing the war….." In page 46 he writes "General Tikka, instead of carrying out the tasks given to him, i.e., to disarm armed Bengali units and persons and to take into custody the Bengali leaders, resorted to the killing of civilians and a scorched-earth policy. His orders to his troops were: I want the land and not the people….." A very pertinent question is:  what does the author refer to, by the words betrayal of East Pakistan? Does he mean to say East Pakistan betrayed Pakistan or does he mean to say the Government of Pakistan and the high command of the Pakistan Army betrayed the Eastern part of Pakistan by not living up to their commitments before and during 1971? My personal feeling is General Niazi and his book has concentrated on the second possibility. (H) I mentioned earlier that for shortage of space I am not mentioning Bangladeshi authors although plenty of their books are with me and the feelings of the authors in my heart. Nonetheless, I have to mention the name of one book titled 'Secret Affidavit of Yahya Khan on 1971', edited by Abu Rushd and published by Bangladesh Defence Journal Publishing (email infobdj@yahoo.com), in February 2009. General Yahya Khan former President of Pakistan was the petitioner in writ petition number 1649 of 1978 in the Lahore High Court of Pakistan.

 The General made an affidavit therein. In the said affidavit in paragraph 9 (pages 39-40 of the book) the following is stated "That this threat of Mr. Bhutto that whosoever will go to Dacca his legs will be broken could put at stake the national solidarity. This aggravated the situation in East Pakistan and was a violation of the legal framework order. This threat from Mr. Bhutto's side provided a cause of revolt in East Pakistan. This was no less dangerous than the six points and clearly meant separation of the two wings of the country. The deponent times and again used to warn him and it was a matter of habit with him that he listened patiently but never bothered to act upon any advice. The speech delivered by Mr. Bhutto in Iqbal Park was tremendously perilous to the integrity of Pakistan. Rather, it was more suicidal to the integrity of Pakistan than the six points formula ……. but Mr. Z. A. Bhutto was a clever and venomous toad. Mr. Bhutto was slave to his lust for power so much so that he proposed the concept of two prime ministers in one country which the deponent strongly condemned. In answer to Mr. Bhutto's threatening speech of IDDHER HAM UDDAR TUM at Karachi, Sheikh Mujib on 12.3.1971 also delivered a public speech wherein he reiterated the unity and solidarity of Pakistan.

It is the opinion of the deponent that Mujib was patriotic at that time unlike Mr. Bhutto. Had Mr. Bhutto not been elected to the Assembly he would not have been able to make such unpatriotic speeches and statements which ultimately contributed to the breakage of Pakistan." (I) Lieutenant General Gul Hassan Khan wrote a book titled 'MEMOIRS OF LT. GEN. GUL HASSAN KHAN (The Last Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army)', published by Oxford University Press, Karachi, Pakistan in 1993. He had served as the director of military operations for more than four years when General Musa was the C-in-C of Pakistan Army. Later he became the Chief of General Staff at the General Headquarters of Pakistan Army and was occupying the same chair while the Eastern command surrender. General Gul Hassan devotes a minor but fruitful portion of the book to their war in East Pakistan in 1971.

(J) Ranabir Samaddar authored Azad Institute Paper 6 titled 'On Problems of Writing A Comprehensive History of the Bangladesh Liberation War', published by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Calcutta, India, 1997. I quote from page 19 of the book "Among the different arguments for retrying writing the history of 1971, this need to present the civil role in its proper shape certainly deserves attention. Much of the sense of discomfort over the received history of 1971 is due to the precarious way the political and the military are perched in that history and the uncertain balance between them. And it is true, countering a militarist reading is a step towards de-centering 1971 towards recovery of its political history.

 Yet such a recovery of the political history is also beset with problems born from its own dialectic. The political history of 1971 tells us how the political progress of the nationalist leadership did not go beyond the demands of autonomy in 1970-71 and it was the military measures of the Pakistani junta followed by Indian military intervention and the guerrilla activities of bands of patriots that suddenly resolved the issue. This history also tells how the nationalist state which was born in 1971-72 started quickly assuming militarist forms by eliminating radical groups which themselves were thriving on a kind of militarism, by proposing one-party rule, by rehabilitating military officers of erstwhile united Pakistan irrespective of their record, finally by allowing a military take-over on the logic of nationalism and the very logic on which 1971 had stood." (K) PN Kathpalia was the commander of 71 Mountain Brigade which operated in North-Western part of Bangladesh in December 1971. He retired as a Lieutenant General in October 1985. He wrote a book titled 'Mission with a Difference: The Exploits of 71 Mountain Brigade', published by Lancer International, New Delhi in 1986. In chapter one pages 11 to 22 he describes the Genesis of the Conflict. In page 21 he talks of when and how Pakistan Government imposed a military solution which encouraged Bengali defections from the Pakistan Army and the Government.

At one point he writes "The Awami League could pursue the only course available to it – partisan and guerilla warfare, with the hope that the people of Bangladesh would keep moving towards the professed aim of freedom and all actions in support of this aim would keep world attention riveted on the region with the ultimate hope of getting some support for the cause internationally." (L) Major General Sukhwant Singh was commissioned as an artillery officer in the British-Indian Army in 1944. He was deputy director of military operations at Army Headquarter, New Delhi, during the war of liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. He authored a three volume monumental study called 'India's Wars Since independence'. Volume one of this study is 'The Liberation of Bangladesh' published after his death by Vikas Publishing House PVT Ltd in 1981. In page 32 of the book in chapter 'The Mukti Bahini Takes Shape', he says "The biggest worry of the Indian Government in regard to the revolt was the threat it posed to India's own security. Extremist elements had already been active in West Bengal and had created a law and order problem in the previous two years.

The Army had been called in to assist the civil authorities in quelling them. In the other eastern states too subversive elements had been active for some years. If the leadership of the movement in East Pakistan fell into the hand of extremists, a very dangerous situation could have arisen for India. Hence the need to support the moderate element among the Bangladeshis, represented by the vast majority that had voted for Mujib in the December 1970 polls. The Indian aim was to get the refugees to go back, and this could be achieved only with the installation of an elected government in Dacca." (M) Lieutenant General JFR Jacob wrote a book titled 'Surrender at Dacca: Birth of a Nation' published by University Press Limited, Dhaka in 1997. He was Chief of Staff of Indian Army's Eastern Command Headquarter between May 1969 and June 1972. During Bangladesh War of Liberation he was still the Chief of Staff while Lieutenant General J. S. Aurora was the Commander, (a note for non-military readers: this designation means Jacob was the senior most staff officer). In page 38 of the book he writes "On 29 April Eastern Command was officially given the responsibility of assisting Bangladesh forces in their liberation struggle, and the BSF located on the border were placed under the command of the Eastern Army." In page 42 of the book he writes "The decision made at the end of March 1971 to help the Mukti Bahini was confirmed publicly later by the Minister of External Affairs. On 29 July, in a statement to the Parliament, he said 'This Parliament had unanimously adopted a resolution pledging sympathy and support, and we are pursuing that resolution in the best possible manner and we are doing everything possible to lend support to the freedom fighters'."

On the eve of our independence day we are not feeling comfortable at heart. The events of 25-26 February 2009 in Pilkhana have rendered the hearts sad and fragile. The column ends here with the age old saying: Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty. We were not vigilant in February 2009!

A decorated freedom fighter of Bangladesh War of Liberation 1971, the writer is a renowned columnist and a commentator on the electronic media. He is a graduate of the Royal Staff Collage UK, the US Army War College and holds Master Degree in Defense Studies. He has authored and edited a number of books and is currently a PhD researcher in the University of Dhaka. mgsmibrahim@yahoo.com

 

http://www.probenewsmagazine.com/index.php?index=2&contentId=4959




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[ALOCHONA] Pakistan in Turmoil

Pakistan in Turmoil

By RON JACOBS
Once again, the nation of Pakistan has found itself in what many commentators are calling a national crisis.  This time around, the civilian government of Asif Ali Zardari was forced to keep one of his party's election promises—reinstating Chief Justice Chaudhury (who had been summarily dismissed by General Musharraf in 2007—a move which precipitated Muharraf's downfall). 
 
This reinstatement was the result of a popular movement spearheaded by lawyers and other elements of the religious and secular opposition.  One element of the secular opposition is the Labour Party of Pakistan (LPP), a democratic socialist organization launched in 1997 from various elements of the Pakistani Left.  In 2007, after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, I communicated with Farooq Tariq, the secretary general of the LPP.  After the recent events, I got back in touch with him. What follows is an exchange conducted the past couple of days (March 16-17, 2009) between myself and Mr. Tariq.
Hello Tariq.  To begin, can you give the readers an idea of what is transpiring in Pakistan? In your description, can you identify the parties and prominent individuals involved?
What is transpiring in Pakistan is mass power. A real sense of victory after the restoration of the chief justice Iftikhar Choudry is one of the main features of this movement. It will be difficult for any government in the future here in Pakistan not to implement what was promised. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was forced to accept a demand only and only with the emergence of mass power in the streets.
 
It is a victory of the people against the traditional power brokers of Pakistan. It is a victory of hope against cynicism. There were many saying that Iftikhar Choudry would never be reinstated because President Zardari will never change his mind. The sheer expression of mass uprising frightened all the major actors of the movement. They rushed to accept the initial demand of restoration even before the long march reached Islamabad. Had it (the long march) not been called off by the lawyers' leaders after the acceptance of the first demand, the list of demands would (probably) have been expanded from the political to the economic area.  This movement showed that the people of Pakistan can make a difference. Pakistan has changed and changed for ever.
 
The Long March of the lawyer's movement proved that a consistent struggle and militant actions can be fruitful. The tactics and strategy of the lawyers movement were a combination of the united mass action of political parties and civil society organizations and a successful propaganda campaign through the electronic and print media. Had the lawyers movement gone alone, they could not have won the battle.  The main political parties that were in the forefront of this struggle are Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, Tehreek Insaaf, Jamaat Islami, Pukhtoonkhawa Mili Awami Party, Awami Tehreek, National Party, Labour Party Pakistan, Khaksar Tehreek, Baluchistan National Party, Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party, National Workers Party, Communist Mazdoor Kissan Party and a majority of Pakistan social organizations. Of these Jamaat Islami is a religious party and rest are Left, liberal and progressive parties. 
 
Anyhow, the most consistent political parties that were part of the lawyers movement since it started on 9 March 2007 are Tehreek Insaf of Imran Khan, an emerging party of the middle classes, Jamaat Islami, a religious fundamentalist party and the Labour Party of Pakistan (LPP), a socialist party.  The rest of the parties were of and are part of the movement.  The most prominent figures of the lawyers movement were Ali Ahmad Kurd, president Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), and three SCBA presidents including Aitezaz Ahsan, Hamid Khan and Munir A Malik.
 
They were all arrested but stood firm. From the political parties, Imran Khan, a former Pakistan cricket team captain has emerged as the most popular personality of the movement. His party was not very well known or active by movement standards , but because of the participation of Tehreek Insaaf (Justice Party) in this movement, it has become a household name in Pakistan.
From the Left parties, Labour Party Pakistan has gained to some extent. Also, the LPP is now better nationally known with a very militant position.  The party that got the most advantage from this movement is the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN). It won the February election arguing for the reinstatement of the top judges.
 
It used clever tactics after the elections. It left the Alliance at the Center with PPP on this question. The PMLN leaders and the Sharif brothers made very radical speeches before and during the long march. The party (PMLN) was ready to take risks and loose the provincial government in Punjab on the issue.. If there was an election today, this right wing bourgeoisie party would have a national land slide victory.
Does your party (the Labour Party of Pakistan) support any of the figures involved? If so why? If not, why?
LPP supported the leaders of the lawyer's movement all the time but with a critical attitude. Our literature produced during the movement helped to expand the nature of the movement. Our first poster read, "on the footsteps of the lawyers, till the end of dictatorship". We linked the restoration of the judges with the end of military dictatorship. We saw the potential of this movement to expand on a national level from the very beginning. We supported them because the nature of the movement was very progressive. It was not a religious movement of any kind although the religious parties tried to take it over.  However, the demand of an independent judiciary could never be termed as an Islamic demand.
 
We supported them (the movement) because it was producing an anti-militarist political tendency among a significant section of the middle class and was producing a new layer of young political activists who were not religious fundamentalist. We helped the movement and the movement helped the Left ideas to grow in both the political and organizational arenas. Those who were associated with the lawyers movement got a national identity and were heard everywhere.
Do the events occurring in Pakistan open an avenue for the Left? Will the PPP cease to exist as a party or will it return closer to its leftist roots?
It is a very complex political situation. The ideas of religious fundamentalism have a natural ally here. That ally is the presence of the NATO forces in Afghanistan. The objective situation is very favorable for the right wing ideas to grow. The nature of the Pakistan state is another help to them. (After all) It is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and not a people's republic. Yet, the ideas of the Left are growing as well. Our help from the international scene comes from the development of Left governments in Latin America and social movements in the advanced capitalist countries.
 
Internally, we are growing because of our tactics of helping and developing the mass movements of the workers, peasant women and the lawyers. The association with the movement is a key to our recent growth. Over 5000 have joined the Labour Party during our "peoples contact movement (drive)" in December and January 2009. Incidentally, our best growth was in North West Frontier Province, where over 2000 have joined during this time.
 
But our most stable basis is still the trade unions and peasant organizations. We have not left our work in this class base to join the lawyer's movement. It was possible for our comrades in Faisalabad, the third largest city of Pakistan, to lead over 100,000 against the shortages of electricity in January 2009. Twenty of them were arrested on 14 March 2009 and we had given a call for a general strike on 16 March, the day lawyers won. I was told by the comrade that the call has been supported by the traders as well. It would have been a total success if the lawyer's movement would have continued on the day (March 16). The success of the lawyer's movement has opened a new avenue for the growth of Left ideas. For the first time, we are witnessing the educated youth joining our party. Earlier, we were a handful of comrades within the party who had university degrees.
 
The PPP is the main loser of this whole episode. It has politically moved much towards the right since it came in power a year ago. It has tried to implement the neo-liberal agenda that was initiated by General Musharraf. It is seen as a party allowing the American imperialists to attack Pakistan directly without any state resistance. It failed to implement the promises of reinstatement of the judges despite written agreements three times. The leader Asif Zardari is probably the most hated politician among the mainstream leaders. He is seen as a liar, deceiver, swindler, trickster, charlatan, quack and cheater. A day after the reinstatement of the top judges, he made a statement that he wanted to reinstate the judges. This was after he was seen as the main hurdle in the path of reinstatement.
 
The PPP is distributing sweets all over Pakistan after the reinstatement claiming that they have fulfilled the promise of Benazir Bhutto. Yet for over eight months, their entire leadership was arguing that Benazir Bhutto never promised to reinstate them. They were saying that Iftikhar Choudry is a politicized judge. Their argument was that he should take a new oath like some other judges have taken. They were making a point that Iftikhar Choudry is just one person. They were using all sorts of  arguments against the judges in all the television and print media debates. Yet only a day later (after the reinstatement), they wanted the Pakistani people to believe that it was the PPP who had reinstated and fulfilled a promise of Benazir Bhutto. They believe the memory of the people is very short. They believe that we should forget our jails, arrests, tortures, ungrounded life, the barricades in the road to stop the long march and whatever else. The PPP leaders have become real hypocrites.
 
The party is not finished but is losing its support rapidly. It will remain as a major party unless another party replaces them with a revolutionary programme. The PMLN can never replace the PPP. It can win an election for the time being but it can never have the permanent support of the people because the nature of PMLN is almost the same as PPP. Both are right wing bourgeoisie parties with populist appeal at some times.
 
There is no possibility of the PPP taking a Left route. The reason is very simple, PPP leadership from top to bottom is committed to power and to (certain) people. They have proved again and again that they will serve the interests of the ruling class and imperialism and are not for the (majority of) the people. They have even abandoned the gesture of leftist ideas. It will remain in the political scene as a party of the capitalists and feudalists. All the time it is losing support. Benazir Bhutto's death gave it a breathing space but that is lost already.
What about the conflicts in Swat and other parts of the Northwest Frontier  Province (NWFP)? How are they affected by what occurs in Islamabad?
In Swat, the government signed a surrender pact with the religious fundamentalists.. Under their pressure, so-called Sharia courts have been established and the normal judicial structure has ceased to exist at present. It is a victory of the extreme religious fundamentalists in the area. They now control at least major parts of NWFP including the Malakanad division. There is a peace in Swat at present at the cost of abandoning all sort of normal democratic institutions and ideas. The public girls schools are now open with a totally different character. They have become the public Madrassa.
 
The girls have to read what the student girls are reading in (mosque-run) Madrassa.. The Islamabad answer to all this is to accept the Predator drone attacks by the Americans. On one side, they are signing surrender agreements with religious forces and on the other side (they are) helping American imperialism to fashion their air attacks. This entire situation is paving the way for the growth of extreme religious ideas in all parts of the NWFP. The government of the Awami National Party is unable to mobilize the mass support they had enjoyed only one year earlier on the question of peace in the region. The religious fanatics got less than three present votes in the February 2009 general elections as compared to 15 percent in 2002. The Islamabad government seems paralyzed in this situation. They are waiting for miracles to happen. They are still acting like it is "business as usual". There is no thought out strategy by Islamabad to handle the conflict with religious forces.
From your perspective, what role do you think Washington is playing in the struggle between the forces represented by Mr. Zardari and Mr. Sharif?
Washington is trying to bring them together and asking them to resolve their conflicts. The American ambassador in Pakistan is very busy between Raiwind, the residence of Nawaz Sharif, and Islamabad. They are asking both sides to come together to fight effectively the "war on terror". They always frighten both of them as to the consequences of the conflict between them. The best option (as Washington sees it, would be) that the both should form an alliance at (the) center and in other areas. Nawaz Sharif has been saying all the time that he was forced to go for the Long March.
 
It was not his choice. He did not want the masses to come on the roads but the sheer bull-headedness of Zardari forced them to this situation. The feudal ego of Zardari has meant that the Sharif brothers are out of power for the time being. A day after the success of the movement, Nawaz Sharif told his supporters to behave and that he respects Zardari and Gilani of the PPP. His brother Shahbaz Sharif told a television that those who make a mistake in the morning and then come back home in the evening must be forgiven.
The last time I spoke with you (November 2007), I asked the following questions. I am hoping you can respond to them with your country's history since that time in mind: What, in your opinion, is the cause of the unrest in Pakistan? How much of a role do religious extremists play? How much of a role does the Army play?
There are multiple reasons for the constant unrest in Pakistan. The foremost reason is the inability of the ruling classes in Pakistan to solve all the basic problems faced by the masses. There exists a feudalistic relationship and land is not distributed to peasants. This brings a very feudal culture and atmosphere in Pakistan. Both the main bourgeois parties, PPP and PMLN, do not speak about it anymore. The major parts of the main leadership in both parties are from the feudal class. They use the ownership of land for political purposes and to win the elections. Sixty-one years of independence have brought no real independence for the majority of the people. This is the real crisis of leadership in Pakistan. Both main parties rely on the military generals. Even in this (most recent) crisis over the  days from 12-16 March 2009, the army chief was mediating between the president, prime minister and the Nawaz brothers. The Nawaz brothers (said they) were very thankful to the "positive" role of the army chief.
 
The failure of reformist parties like the PPP paved the way for the growth of religious extremism. The extremists were and are supported by a major section of the army. It is a very complex relationship between the rich, the army and religious extremists. It changes and adjusts all the time. 9/11 made an indispensable difference to this relationship. The fact is that the support of the ruling class for religious extremism is not open as was the case in the past, but the presence of the American forces in the region has given a real momentum for the growth of the religious fundamentalists.
 
The military is out of power in public but not in real terms. No military general has faced any truth commission after their unconstitutional rule. General Musharraf was given a guard of honor when he resigned on 17 August 2008. He still lives in an army house and enjoys all the privileges. The military power in the budget allocated to "defense", is a defense of the ruling class in real terms. Over 30 percent of national income goes to defense budget. The whole society is militarized.  (There are)  a lot of weapons everywhere and it is not decreasing.
Mr. Sharif was quoted after the crackdown by Pakistani police failed to stop the protests earlier this week as saying what happened was the "beginning of a revolution." Is this true? If so, would it be a revolution for the majority of the Pakistani people or merely the elites who seem to take turns ruling the country?
Mr. Sharif has used the words of revolution, rebellion and upsurge several times after his government dissolved in Punjab and governor rule was imposed. He told a gathering that he is flying a flag of revolution and to side with him.. His brother Shahbaz Sharif has recited Jalib and Faiz Ahmad Fiaz several times in public-- both poets are known for their revolutionary poems all over Pakistan. The word revolution to Nawaz Sharif  means nothing and only comes out of his mouth when he is in the  opposition. The revolution means for them, their power and that is it. The Nawaz brothers economic priorities are absolutely the same as those of the PPP. They both are for the neo-liberal agenda and both are happy to work with American imperialism.
 
Ron Jacobs is author of The Way the Wind Blew: a history of the Weather Underground, which is just republished by Verso. Jacobs' essay on Big Bill Broonzy is featured in CounterPunch's collection on music, art and sex, Serpents in the Garden. His first novel, Short Order Frame Up, is published by Mainstay Press. He can be reached at: rjacobs3625@charter.net 
 



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[ALOCHONA] Bangladesh lacks access to trans-boundary waters

Bangladesh lacks access to trans-boundary waters

 

Bangladesh has long been deprived of due shares of waters of trans-boundary rivers in the absence of effective water-sharing formulas and agreements with upper riparian countries, especially India.


   This is the state in matters of water-sharing when the World Water Day 2009 is being observed today with the theme 'transboundary waters: sharing water, sharing opportunities'.


   The International World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating sustainable management of freshwater resources.
   Blessed with spiralling rivers that helped evolution of this delta, Bangladesh shares 57 common rivers with its neighbours including India, Nepal and Myanmar.


   Dhaka has only one agreement with India for sharing of the Ganges [Padma] waters, although Bangladesh is not given its due share as per the agreed formula during the lean season.
   Also, the country has failed to manage the waters available internally, because of inconsistencies between its policies and programmes, according to experts.


   While touching on the issue of the Awami League government's plan to involve India, Nepal and Bhutan to resolve water crisis, environmentalist Atiq Rahman said that the move would be successful only if it focused on both water and trade.


   He said, 'The countries of the South Asia come forward only to know when their co-benefit water and energy will be ensured. Nepal and Bhutan come when they find that an integrated project of water and energy is set to be commissioned.'


   The UN environment award winner for 2008 emphasised the need of an integrated regional approach to address the need of both water and energy, saying, 'The trick of the trade will be the highest amount of co-benefit of the South Asian countries sharing trans-boundary rivers.'


   Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, chairman of Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad, said that the plan of the government to include India, Nepal and Bhutan for addressing the issue of scarcity of water resources would be fruitful if it focused on basin management.
   'If we can design the plan integrating related issues to meet the need of both water and energy, it will definitely attract India, Nepal and Bhutan,' he added.


   Dwelling on the issue of mobilising funds for such a mega project, Atiq said, 'There are investors even in the region who want sovereign guarantee from all the nation states that they [investors] can purchase all the energy immediately after the production. So, money is not a big factor here.'
   He said the country's internal water resource management system was a sorry state.


   Touching on the issue of enhancing efficiency of our internal water resource management, Kholiquzzaman observed that the country's internal water management system was very poor.
   The economist said, 'We have a national water management plan passed in 2006 which mentioned to commission projects on priority basis. So we can go by that integrated plan. Also we have to revise policies and programmes which are faulty and fix our priorities.'


   Atiq Rahman, executive director, the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies said, 'It is known to all that we waste trillions of cusec of water during the monsoon. If we can manage at least ten per cent of that water it will do a lot for the country.'
   The environmentalist, however, said that scarcity of land was a major concern for the country to manage water.


   Touching on the issue of implication of such projects upon the population of the region, Atiq said, 'We [environmentalist] will have to consider how environmentally sound and fair such a project is for all before commissioning those.'
   Emphasizing the common benefits of the countries sharing trans-boundary rivers, he said that multi donor agencies like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank could be instrumental in engaging everybody in the process.
   'Before moving ahead with such a mega project for water and energy, they [donors] can play an important role especially for study and providing technical assistance at the initial stage. Afterwards they can come forward with money,' Atiq added.

 

http://www.newagebd.com/2009/mar/22/front.html




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[ALOCHONA] Faith and Fear.

Some one in the forum has asked me about my ancestry. I am not surprised because if fear overcomes ones faith he/she may raise this question. Religious extremism needs to be castigated, abhorred and must be stopped. A philosophical basis of faith takes precedence over any institutionalized religion. It generates freedom from fear and relief from dogmatism. No logic or political opportunism can be the basis of Muslim anger which is sweeping this faith now. No one can conquer the world or defeat the so called infidels by suicide bombings. The stupid idea of a theological Islamic state is nonsense. There was never anything like that in history or even now. Sharia law is a medieval mechanism which is a repugnant idea now. The so called Islam lovers who want to start a holy war to bring back the seventh century Islam are just hypocrites and a bunch of fools living in a fantasy world devoid of any pragmatic principles. This is a very dangerous trend must be faced and fought.

 

Akbar Hussain



 

   



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[ALOCHONA] Re: We are the masters of our own destiny

Rajakar bait and switch, Cyrus chase shifting story and the story is what is on his mind is that India's internal issues that we have nothing to do with it. If someone who had opposed the millitary means to achive independence from then west pakistan and make em "Rajakar", don't you think, who went to india and fought against pakistani regime make them terrorist?

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[ALOCHONA] Fw: RE: how can I handle Bangladesh



--- On Sat, 3/21/09, Zoglul Husain <zoglul@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:
Very beautifully presented. But why does it end with a note of despair? Those who awaken and unite people, usually do it alone, at least at the initial stages. The best thing is to unite with one person, on a small number of mutually agreed good propositions and programmes. When this develops into motivation, conviction and dedication, then one can approach a third person, and repeat the process. Thus at least one group is organised. There are many such groups in Bangladesh. So, one needs to form such groups, heighten the campaign and gradually unite these groups and relevant individuals into a formidable force. If we do not do the right thing, what else would we deserve except for loneliness and despair? 
 

Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:32:56 -0700
From: bd_mailer@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: how can I handle Bangladesh
To: zoglul@hotmail.co.uk; shahin72@gmail.com; alfazanambd@yahoo.com; ahmadashiqulhamid@yahoo.com; farhadmazhar@hotmail.com; mahmudurart@yahoo.com; kmamalik@aol.com; dhakamails@yahoogroups.com; alochona@yahoogroups.com; bdresearchers@yahoogroups.com; bangla-vision@yahoogroups.com; mouchakaydheel@yahoo.com; delwar98@hotmail.com; serajurrahman@btinternet.com; mbimunshi@gmail.com; odhora@yahoogroups.com; ayeshakabir@yahoo.com; sayantha15@yahoo.com; minarrashid@yahoo.com; history_islam@yahoogroups.com; udarakash08@yahoo.com; dahuk@yahoogroups.com; shahahmadreza@yahoo.com; hossain.khilji@yahoo.com

How can I handle Bangladesh alone?
 
OLineGroup
Population: 16 crore (Approx.)


3 crore  retired


1 crore
in Govt;
(Doesn't work)



3 crore
  professionals in private sector
(Doesn't work for Bangladesh )




1.8 crore
in school


2.5 crore
under 5 years



3 crore 
unemployed



0.6 crore
anytime in hospitals
 



10,999,998 
anytime in jail




the balance are


U

&

Me.


U are busy
checking Mails
and forwarding them '..!!!




how can I handle Bangladesh

alone?

 



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[ALOCHONA] Is Pakistani army intelligence behind the bloody BDR revolt?

This man Ranjan, a RAW agent is very actively spreading lies. If someone lost friends in a brutal attack such as this can't deliberately run such a propaganda machine. I can challenge that he hasn't lost a single friend. He may not be a Bangladeshi. Ranjan, what are the name of your friends? I will cross check because I know some of the dead ones as well as two survived ones.
Simple math, if it were anyone other than BAL men and RAW operatives, the PM would have ordered military operation as promised to Gen Shakil Ahmed. Moreover, a safe exit wouldn't have granted to the culprits if it were not  BAL men and RAW operatives.



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[mukto-mona] Let Him Speak: Allow George Galloway To Speak In Canada!

The Canadian Conservative government has banned British MP George Galloway from entering Canada for his North American speaking tour.

From the Guardian: "Anti-war MP George Galloway has been banned from Canada, it emerged today.

A Canadian spokesman confirmed that the Respect MP had been deemed inadmissible on national security grounds and would not be allowed into the country.

Galloway today branded the ban "idiotic" and vowed to fight the ruling with "all means" at his disposal. He is due to give a speech in Toronto on 30 March.

Earlier today the Sun said border security officials had declared Galloway, 54, "inadmissible" because of his views on Afghanistan and the presence of Canadian troops there and would be turned away if he attempted to enter the country."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/mar/20/george-galloway-banned-canada

This group is dedicated to lifting the ban on Galloway's entry into Canada, and ensuring his right to speak, and engage with Canadian civil society.

*** Sign The Petition ***
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/galcan09/petition.html

Remember, this group is in favour of Galloway's right to speak and engage with Canadians, and is against the Conservative government's shameful decision to block his entry into our country.

We have growing numbers including those who do and don't agree with Galloway, those who do and don't support Hamas and Hezbolla and those who are in favour and against the war in Afghanistan. We have Jews, Muslims, Arabs, Christians, Sikhs, countless other religious groups, atheists, agnostics and secular minded folks.

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


Dear Friends, please spread the word through the following ways:

TEXT MESSAGE - Send text message to your friends - George Galloway banned frm Canada. Get every1 u know to phone Jason kenneys office - (403) 2253480 or (613) 992 2235 to let him in or good-bye freedom of speech.

PHONE CALLS - Call him and ask WHY George Galoway is not allowed to do his talk on March 30th and 31st.

Constituency office: (403) 225-3480
Parliamentary office: (613) 992-2235

EMAILS:
Please send an email to the Minister and your Member of Parliament.

Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
Hon. Jason Kenney
House of Commons
Ottawa, Canada
E-mail: minister@cic.gc.ca, Kennej@parl.gc.ca

The Right Hon. Stephen Harper
E-mail: pm@pm.gc.ca
--------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
Minister,

Freedom of speech is an essential part of our democracy. Banning British MP George Galloway from speaking at public meetings in Canada is an affront to Canadian democracy and freedom of speech.

As a Minister and MP, you have claimed to be a proponent of freedom of speech. Apparently, you are afraid of what George Galloway has to say, including his critique of your government's pro-war and anti-Arab policies including your failed combat operations in an increasingly dangerous and deadly war in Afghanistan.

As the Minister responsible for keeping George Galloway out of Canada -- an act even the repressive regime in Egypt was not able to do -- you will stand solely responsible, along with your Conservative government, of denying freedom of speech and association for political reasons of censure and ideology.

I call on you as Minister responsible not just to your minority party but to all Canadians to allow George Galloway to come to Canada and speak. As a democratic advocate, you have no right to censor a British Member of Parliament who has been invited to Canada by thousands of his Canadian supporters to travel and speak freely about the failures and biases of your Conservative minority government.

Sincerely,

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

WE CAN NOT BE COMPLICIT, WHILE OUR FREEDOMS ARE UNDER ATTACK!
******************************************************************************
Here is a list of contacts compiled by Bahija at NCCAR. Copies of emails can be sent to all these MPs.

If you wish to have a say on the banning of George Galloway from entering Canada, here is a list of officials who can be contacted:

1. Prime Minister's Office: Phone: 613-992-4211 and email pm@pm.gc.ca

2. Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney
Ministry Office: 613.954.1064
Parliamentary Office: 613.992.2235
minister@cic.gc.ca and Kennej@parl.gc.ca

3. Standing Committee on National Security and Defence (Senate):

kennyco@sen.parl.gc.ca
gautht@sen.parl.gc.ca
dayja@sen.parl.gc.ca
kennyco@sen.parl.gc.ca
meighen@sen.parl.gc.ca
moorew@sen.parl.gc.ca
tkachd@sen.parl.gc.ca
wallip@sen.parl.gc.ca
zimmer@sen.parl.gc.ca
lebrem@sen.parl.gc.ca
cowanj@sen.parl.gc.ca
defence@sen.parl.gc.ca

4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Phone: 613-944-4000 - FAX: 613-944-4500 -
L.Cannon@international.gc.
ca ;
Cannon.L@parl.gc.ca ,
Obhrai.D@parl.gc.ca ;

Opposition:
Ignatieff.M@parl.gc.ca ;
Parliamentary Office: Phone (613) 995-9364 Fax: (613) 992-5880
Constituency office: (416) 251-5510 Fax: (416) 251-2845
Layton.J@parl.gc.ca ;
Duceppe.G@parl.gc.ca ;
leader@greenparty.ca ;
RaeB1@parl.gc.ca ;
Patry.B@parl.gc.ca ;
Martin.K@parl.gc.ca ;
Goodale.R@parl.gc.ca ;
Leblanc.D@parl.gc.ca ;
Dewar.P@parl.gc.ca ;
Paquette.P@parl.gc.ca ;
Faille.M@parl.gc.ca .
******************************************************************************************
Facebook Action Groups - PLEASE JOIN TODAY!

Let Him Speak: Allow George Galloway To Speak In Canada

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=62965075809&topic=8523#/group.php?gid=62965075809 

GEORGE GALLOWAY speaks in Toronto
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=56664028510




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****************************************************
Mukto Mona plans for a Grand Darwin Day Celebration: 
Call For Articles:

http://mukto-mona.com/wordpress/?p=68

http://mukto-mona.com/banga_blog/?p=585

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

VISIT MUKTO-MONA WEB-SITE : http://www.mukto-mona.com/

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

"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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