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Saturday, August 22, 2009

[ALOCHONA] 90% poverty & corruption free Bangladesh _ Controlled Capitalism

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Greetings from the heart of Bangladesh. Be a patriotic Bangladesh.

According to the facts & findings published on the internet, electronic & print media of the world, it is clearly proven that the whole world is floating on Corruption & Violence. There is no exception among the countries, the poor or developing, least developed or developed countries, all are heavily corrupted. This is the obvious result of uncontrolled capitalism; uncontrolled greed on wealth, wine, women; free market economy, free mixing, free sex which are off course in favor of the riches and rich countries.

Minimum Needs Society (MNS) strongly believe that only "3 points" announcement from the Government in the way of "Controlled Capitalism" are needed to build about 90% poverty & corruption free Bangladesh within the year 2015. We also believe that this is possible within the limited budget and resources of our beloved country.

MNS has been working on very simple but most aspired & long cherished issues regarding poverty & corruption as follows:

1. Permanent "Money/Food for Work Project" in rural areas based on "Social Welfare Business Model".

2. Unemployment allowances for the vulnerable educated young or internship like medical students passing from universities at a rate of maximum 60% of their classes.

3. Permanent salary scale based on "The Guideline of Minimum Needs".

It is noteworthy to mention that Mr. Mahtir Mohammad had started the "Corruption Protected Salary" in Malaysia.

For detail, please visit the website, www.minimumneeds.org .

We are hopeful that the present government already has taken few steps like job for one person of each family, beggars free Bangladesh project etc. But those projects must be implemented through out the country irrespective of political affiliation; otherwise the entire project will ruin no doubt. Please follow the link below,

http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/fullnews.asp?News_ID=156364&sec=1

Thanks & Regards,

Engr M H Khan

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[ALOCHONA] Local BAL leaders kidnapped nine members of three Hindu families, later rescued



Local BAL leaders kidnapped  nine members of three Hindu families, later rescued
 
 
 
 
 



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[ALOCHONA] Increasing foreign influence on Bangladeshi culture



 
We need to divert ourselves and look at what we have in our country and be proud of it, before we start looking at what others have to offer, writes Nadim Jahangir


Cultural imperialism is rather widespread in Bangladesh. Rather than being proud of our own culture and heritage, nowadays, Bangladeshis are more inclined to either adopting or blindly following foreign culture. This is common among the younger generation of our country. Earlier, Bangladeshis were greatly influenced by the western culture. Now, the dominance of Indian culture in our society is very much evident and all credit for this goes to the introduction of satellite television in Bangladesh back in the early 90s. Bangladesh took a 360-degree turn from their previous preference of western culture to a totally new and rather prominent culture.


   The media is an effective way of influencing people. But unfortunately, in Bangladesh, always the negative side of all good things seems to influence people the most. Before the revolutionary existence and supremacy of satellite television in the lives of Bangladeshi people, very few people had television sets in their homes. When satellite television service first emerged in Bangladesh, for about a year, only the affluent section of the Bangladeshi society had cable connection in their homes due to its cost. People used to stare in awe at the huge dish antennas on the rooftops of people's houses in the posh areas, mainly in the capital, and they often wished that it adorned their rooftops also. But this scenario changed quite soon. Some people exploited this as they realised that this is a great source of income and started providing these connections commercially in various areas. Soon it spread in smaller towns and eventually in the most remote parts of Bangladesh. It is still one of the most flourishing business ventures in Bangladesh at present. Even the slum dwellers have cable television connection in their slums. Really, Bangladesh is a land of wonders!


   When earlier some people had an opportunity to brush up their English or to learn new words by watching English movies or programmes on the then only existing means of entertainment, Bangladesh Television, which actually aired really good US TV serials, the Bangladeshi people soon began to become addicted to the Indian culture. They ate, drank, walked, talked, shopped, and slept, Indian. They still do. As days passed, the number of Indian channels began to increase. Now there are more channels on air than there were channels on a TV set back in the 90s. Not only that the channels telecast round the clock.


   The strongest influence of this culture is on children and women. There was a time when teenage boys never watched a single Hindi movie even on VCR (there was no DVD or VCD back then). Nowadays, from toddlers to men all watch Hindi programmes including movies. Now, this is called success with a capital S. Unfortunately, this success is not for the Bangladeshi culture, but for Indian culture.


   Indian culture is eating up the creativity and productivity of many talented Bangladeshi individuals. Rather than expressing their own thoughts and ideas, they prefer to copy the Indian culture. The influence of Indian culture is rampant everywhere. Even Bangladeshi weddings are bereft of the Bangladeshi flavour which was the case before. Now there are Indian rituals involved with our weddings. Earlier when Bangladeshi weddings were limited to two holuds, a wedding and, a reception or maybe engagement ceremonies at times, now some people have wedding ceremonies which last for at least seven to ten days. There is a Sangeet ceremony, a mehendi ceremony, and some more such ceremonies. I wonder why? Is there any problem with our regular rituals that these have to be adopted as well? It's frustrating to say the least.


   A group of culturally conscious people of our country are trying hard to protect our culture from the dominance of Indian culture. Now it has become a national demand to stop Indian culture from invading our culture. However, a certain group of people are working against this process. These groups on a frequent basis bring Indian singers to perform in Bangladesh and pay high remuneration to these artists. While we are struggling to save our artists, in such a situation for the Indian artists tickets are being sold at Tk 3,000 to Tk 5,000 — is this justifiable? Majority of these programs are organised in BCFCC auditorium or five star hotels. As a result, ticket price is high and it is not affordable for the general public. Only those belonging to the affluent society can enjoy the musical soiree. Even though we say music is for all but in reality it is out of the reach of middle and lower middle class people. Kumar Biswajit, Baby Nazneen, Asif and other local artists have on numerous occasions protested against organising expensive shows by the foreign artists. Organising these shows degrades the local artists. If the organisers put up shows with the local talented artists, then local public could have watched it at low prices. Moreover, it would have saved foreign currencies.


   The revolutionary Hindi serial culture has had significant impact on our personal and social lives as well. There was a time, and maybe there still is, when people did not like to visit others because they would miss an episode of their favourite Hindi serial. The ladies in the house became most irritated when guests arrived unannounced when they were seated to watch their favourite shows. The ladies were, and still are, highly influenced by these serials. They are constantly thinking of the things that they saw on the shows. Some are even topics of hot debate. Many people have been seen to be arguing about the plots of these so called popular serials! The serials influenced some people so much that they behave like the characters. They dress and imitate the characters of the programmes.


   Surprisingly, the Indian culture also has somewhat positive aspects. Some people earn a good living due to the dominance of Indian culture in our society. Many businesses focus on the preference of Indian items by Bangladeshi people and centre their business operation around that. For example, tailor shops are constantly getting orders to make dresses worn by some Indian actress. Same goes for beauty salons. Many people visit these places to want to get a haircut or a look like some actress. And the list goes on and on. Not to forget, there are the negative sides also. The once popular Benarasi saree is becoming nearly extinct because Bangladeshi women want to buy Indian sarees which are worn by Hindi serial actresses. They do not want to buy these traditional sarees anymore.


   One may wonder why I am so against the Indian culture. I would not have been so bothered if these programmes had some substance in them. What do they mainly teach us? People who have watched some of the most popular Hindi serials which ran for a minimum of seven to eight years would remember that the serials mainly revolved around power, money, jealousy, extra-marital affairs and not to forget, the occasional reincarnation!!! Then there was the time travel part. A trend started when serials began to move a few years forward in time. That was the most hilarious part watching the actors look exactly the same as they did twenty years ago. The parents and their children and grandchildren seemed to belong to the same age group. Sadly, people accepted and digested this quite readily. My logic fails to explain how this can be possible.


   I fail to understand what could be so interesting about these things? Compared to these serials, the Bangladeshi serials are so much better. Yes, they may not be full of glitz and glamour, but there is a bit of reality in them. The Bangladeshi serials do not teach people to suspect or hate one another or arouse jealousy in people. Bangladeshi programmes are centred on ordinary people and they reflect the real Bangladesh. But maybe not all the programmes are like this.


   There are some Bangladeshi entertainers who believe that they would be more successful if they copied Hindi serials and not to forget the often rather objectionable and vulgar music videos. There was also a time when Bangla film songs were an exact copy of Indian film songs. There still is a lot of influence of Indian movies in the Bangla film industry starting from the plot of the film, the costumes, songs, etc.


   Fortunately, things have started to change. Bangladeshi people, albeit not all, have begun to realise the true value and power of our own culture. Some people have begun to boycott Hindi programmes completely. But this will not be able to solve our problem. The Indian culture has sort of got mixed in our blood. Children who have been growing up watching these Hindi programmes fail to understand the true value of our culture. They are more into Indian films and songs. They talk and dress like the Indian movie stars.
   However, I must admit that it would take many, many years before the Bangladeshi film industry would be able to attract people with this kind of mindset, to the theatres. Some people have been successful enough to draw the general mass into the movie theatres but that is only a handful. If the Bangladeshi film industry once again tries to make the kind of films that were produced in the 60s and 70s, rather than copying the Indian films, they would be successful in their endeavour to entertain the masses rather than the lower working class people.


   The government must also step forward to change this scenario. When the Indian government is not interested to allow our Bangla channels to be aired in India, why is our government allowing Indian channels to be aired in Bangladesh? It is not fair. If they impose some restrictions on these channels, maybe then our local channels would also be more benefited. More people would be interested to watch local programmes, which are often a hundred times better than the programmes that are aired on the Indian channels. Moreover, Bangladeshi people have to be conscious as well. They should be aware of their own rights and values. They should not allow such discrimination to take place. They must not be influenced or guided by some other culture.


   Our culture, our music, our language are so rich and vibrant. There is so much to see, listen and enjoy. We need to divert ourselves and look at what we have in our country and be proud of it, before we start looking at what others have to offer. We must not complain about the lack of variety or quality of the things which are available in Bangladesh. If people think there is any lacking or deficiency in our products, they must try to enhance them or encourage others to change them. They must not give up and turn away and look for substitutes from other countries. Only this way shall we be able to free ourselves from the evil influence of foreign cultures. This will also help us to prosper and reach new heights.


   Nadim Jahangir is professor & director of School of Business at Independent University, Bangladesh

 

http://www.newagebd.com/2009/aug/23/oped.html




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[ALOCHONA] Aman holds key as crisis looms



Aman holds key as crisis looms

Dhaka, Aug 22 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) – Bangladesh officials said Saturday a good Aman crop was vital, alongside early preparations for necessary food imports, to cushion the country against the probable impact of neighbouring India's drought-hit crops on global food prices.

India, one of the world's biggest food producing countries, has said it may have to import food to make up for shortages as drought is reportedly affecting 700 million people, of half the population of the country, after poor monsoon rains.

India's monsoon rains have been 26 percent below normal since the start of the June-September season, hurting crops like cane, paddy, soyabean and triggering a sharp rise in local food prices.

In Bangladesh, officials say India's decision to go for export would also hit global food prices, which should be anticipated and prepared for ahead of time.

Food secretary Mokhlesur Rahman told bdnews24.com on Saturday, "We now have a stock of 13 lakh tonnes of food. With a good Aman harvest there should little risk of food shortages."

But, he warned, if the Aman crop failed for any reason, disaster could strike.

M Asaduzzaman, senior research director, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, also said, "Everything is now depending upon Aman production."

"India is one of the largest food exporting countries in the world."

"If the Indian government decides to go for food import, because of drought or whatever reason, it will spur panic in the world market. Many countries will rush to import foods from other exporters leading to prices spiralling internationally."

Asaduzzaman mentioned the most recent global food crisis of 2007-2008, when a tonne of rice soared in price from $300 to more $1000. "Prices of rice, wheat and other food grains in the international market went up abnormally during that period, as production was very low in India and other major exporting countries."

"Bangladesh was also doubly hit by this effect as Cyclone Sidr hit that year."

"Prices of rice, flour, pulse, edible oil and other things go up here chasing prices in the international market.'

"Learning from experiences, we will have to be very careful. We must keep an eye on the situation and import food well ahead if necessary," said Asaduzzaman.

Food secretary Mokhlesur Rahman said Bangladesh's food stock was larger than any other time in the past. "But if the Aman production is hit by floods or any other disaster, that will create a major problem," said Rahman.

Haji Golam Maola, general secretary of Maulavibazar Businessmen's Association, also said, "The government has enough food stock for now. If the production of Aman is good, we will not have to rely on imports from any country."

But, Asaduzzaman said, one major problem still to overcome, is storage. "We cannot even keep our home grown foods due to shortage of storage. Our own food grains are being damaged as we do not have enough storage facilities.. The government will have to take steps keeping this point in mind as well.."

He also said, like India, Bangladesh too faced drought this year, with planting of Aman beginning late. "It is now raining though. Our farmers are working in full swing, even it is late," he said.

"We will not face any major rice crisis if the Aman production is good. But other food stuffs, the ones we import from India, for example, pulses we have to be cautious about."

Drought-hit India may have to import

Indian finance minister Pranab Mukherjee was quoted by BBC News on Saturday, saying India would have to import food to make up for any shortages, but did not specify what would be imported and when, saying he wanted to avoid speculation on prices.

Mukherjee said any commodity that was in short supply would be imported to boost domestic stocks. He said details of the imports were not being revealed, though reports said lentils, edible oils and other staples might be among the foods to be brought in.

The drought is affecting almost half of Indian districts with food prices reportedly escalating by 10 percent. Millions of Indians, from rice-dependent families in the poverty-stricken plains of Bihar to the sugarcane farmers of western India, are struggling for survival.

To tackle the situation, the government has called for judicious use of ground water and reservoirs for irrigation, as India's main reservoirs stood at 38 percent of total capacity, down from 58 percent a year ago.

The monsoon is crucial to the health of Asia's third-largest economy, although an increasingly diversified economy means a deficient monsoon has less of an impact on the overall economy than in past dry years, and strength in manufacturing and urban demand could offset disappointing crop output.



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[mukto-mona] writtings on Shomoresh Basu

http://mukto-mona.com/banga_blog/?p=2229

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[ALOCHONA] Bangladesh rules out Kosovo recognition



Bangladesh rules out Kosovo recognition

Dhaka, Aug 22 (bdnwes24.com): The foreign secretary, Mohamed Mijarul Quayes, has ruled out chances of Bangladesh recognising the former Yugoslav republic Kosovo for now, despite repeated US pressures.

"At this moment, we don't feel the necessity to recognise Kosovo," Mohamed Mijarul Quayes said Saturday, just two days after ambassador James Moriarty had met minister Dipu Moni.

Washington has long been insisting that Dhaka recognise the Muslim-majority republic, which broke away from Serbia, backed by Russia, in Feb last year.

Quayes' comment came in response to queries from reporters at a regular briefing at the foreign ministry.




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