[mukto-mona] Re: Prosecution of Asghar

Once you 'believe' in any truth, you are a dead-duck islamist. The idea is to have the pursuit of truth and freedom. "ei sei prithibir bishuddha prokria" - ultimate pristine process of human endeavor. Who could stop Asghar who has embarked on such an woderful trip!

Prosecution of Asghar is, therefore, a thought of criminals.

-Tistarbahe

--- In mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com, Kamal Das <kamalctgu@...> wrote:
>
> The perception of truth changes with time. Anyone believing in the
> truthfulness of any religious literature really lives in a fool's paradise.
> Since the time of Pythagoras, society had three strata, viz., the divine,
> the pythagoreans and the commoners. The divine delivers, the pythagoreans
> interpret, and the commoners learn. What the divine delivers may change
> with scientific revelations. The primitive telescope, as it seems, could
> help men to see more than Gabriel could. Not even Indra, the king of Gods
> with a thousand eyes, is a match for it. The brains of the believers is
> really buried in the heap of horsedung. May their God/Allah/Iswar take care
> of them.
>
> On Wed, May 27, 2009 at 11:04 PM, <> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > I would love to be prosecuted in a court of law in the West. It will
> > enable me to expose not only Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, it will also
> > help me prove to the court that the Quran is nothing, but a manual of
> > terrorism. I will try my utmost to get as much publicity for the trial as it
> > will be possible, so that the entire world comes to know what Islam is all
> > about and what it teaches its adherents.
> >
> > My evidence will be the Quran. I will not need any lawyer to defend me.
> >
> > So, my would-be prosecutors, please go ahead and file a case in any court
> > in the West and give me the chance to prove that I have not violated any
> > human rights; rather, it is the Quran that is guilty of this crime and as
> > such, the court should decide its fate!
> >
> > Mohammad Asghar
> >
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 5/27/2009 3:19:32 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> > islam1234@... writes:
> >
> >
> > *Dear Dr.Sayeed> Following your logic, a doctor who kills a patient, does
> > not have to worry about his punishment in washington court room---either
> > getting hanged or sent to jail for 50 years. Are you suggesting that
> > after getting hanged over here for a crime--Your Allah will again do
> > the 'real hanging' over there? Aren't you ashamed of this blood thirsty
> > Allah? What a silly person you are! You have thrown out the court system.
> > Unknowingly you have become a Taalibaan. If a person assasinates your
> > character, you just simply ignore him for the final judgment. Dear
> > Dr.Sayeed, is this what you are saying? Lawsuit idea was proposed
> > by Mufassil, Enayet and Ahsan. According to them, Mr.Asghar is defaming and
> > harming Allah's religion, so he must be prosecuted according to the law in
> > this world--in Dhaka or London. Please for God's sake, use your own brain
> > for once! Allah can forgive those uneducated people of 7th century Arabia,
> > but he will never forgive the socalled educated fools of today.
> > *
> > *SaifDevdas*
> > *islam1234@...*
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> > Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 01:50:00 -0700
> > From: abusayeedr@...
> > Subject: Re: FW: Prosecution of Asghar
> > To: jashimuddin@...; jjmchowdhury@...;
> > ajmol.ali@...; rascx@...; mrisa@...;
> > islam1234@...
> >
> > Real victory will be on the day of final judgment in the world
> > hereafter.
> > On that day the judge will be the creator of the universe.
> > Winning a verdict by human judge at the court room of Washington DC
> > is not the benchmark of success.
> > Let us all check ourselves whether we are prepared for that final judgment.
> >
> > If we seriously realize that, I am sure, everybody will stop this silly
> > fighting.
> >
> >
> > Dr Abu Sayeed
> >
> > *Khurram*
> >
> >
> > --- On *Wed, 5/27/09, SAIF Davdas <islam1234@...>* wrote:
> >
> >
> > From: SAIF Davdas <islam1234@...>
> > Subject: FW: Prosecution of Asghar
> > To: "Jashim" <jashimuddin@...>, "jjmchowdhury@..." <
> > jjmchowdhury@...>, "Ajmol ali" <ajmol.ali@...>,
> > "abusayeeddr" <abusayeedr@...>, "SULTAN" <rascx@...>, "Faruque
> > MW" <mrisa@...>
> > Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 8:57 AM
> >
> >
> > *Dear Enayatullah> **
> > "Truth has arrived, and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is (by its
> > nature) bound to perish." Quran 17:81*
> > * I am aware of the 'Hate Speech' laws of the United States of America.
> > On behalf of Mr.Asghar, I am accepting your challenge to test the hate
> > speech messages of Mr. Asghar against Islam in Washington D.C court room. You
> > claim that Mr.Asghar has Slandered and defamed Islam intentionally---you
> > should put your money where your mouth is. As an honorable man, I definitely
> > would like you to protect the good name of your Allah and His Religion. You
> > are 100% sure that your Quran and Hadiths are from your Allah---So why be
> > afraid? I would love to be party to this libel law suit against
> > Mr.Asghar. You see, in America, Libel is a form of defamation of character,
> > a civil wrong that falsely impugns the reputation or character of a
> > person---opening the target up to public ridicule. Mr. Asghar's willful,
> > and slanderous statement against Islam must not go unchallenged. You and
> > Mufassil should not allow this vicious, vitriolic and shameful attack on
> > Islam by Mr. Asghar go unchallenged. **I am not going to present any
> > argument that is not in your **Quran, the Sahih Hadith---Bukhari, Muslim,
> > Abu-Dawud, Ibn Ishaq, Tabari, and Ibn Saad as evidence**. Truthfulness
> > will eventually triumph. Liar will be exposed. Lies will be exposed.
> > Needless to say, punitive and compensatory measures are in order. Let's get
> > started. Allah expects His slaves to defend His good name. Let the search
> > for the truth begin. *
> > **
> > **
> > *SaifDevdas*
> > *islam1234@...<http://us.mc1125.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=islam1234@...>
> > *
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> > To: history_islam@yahoogroups.com
> > From: enayet_2000@...
> > Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 10:23:48 -0700
> > Subject: *~history**Islam~*** Asghar to Devdas: An emotional outpour!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Can someone provide the details of Asghar?
> > Asghar can be prosecuted to propel hatred and falsifying the true facts.
> > Insuniating hate and insulting a book of faith againist UN Charter and also
> > against the constitution of US. His emails can be considered as hate mail
> > for legal prosecution.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- On *Mon, 5/25/09, Mufassil Islam <mufassili@yahoo. co.uk>* wrote:
> >
> >
> > From: Mufassil Islam <mufassili@yahoo. co.uk>
> > Subject: *~history**Islam~ *** Asghar to Devdas: An emotional outpour!
> > To: history_islam@ yahoogroups. com
> > Date: Monday, May 25, 2009, 11:30 AM
> >
> > Dear All,
> >
> > The following letter from Mr. Asghar to Devdas is self-explanatory.
> >
> > Mufassil Islam
> >
> > Thanks Mr. Saif Devdas for your strong support. We need many more brave
> > people like you to face the hateful Muslims headon.
> >
> > This man claims to be a human right defender, yet he very strongly supports
> > the teachings of the Quran, which is, actually, a manual of terror and the
> > worst violator of human rights. It commands its followers to kill the
> > Polytheists, Jews and the Christians, if they do not convert to Islam, as it
> > is the only approved religion of Allah, or if they refuse to pay protection
> > tax to the Muslim hyenas.
> >
> > I wonder where is the United Nations' Human Rights Watchdogs? Don't they
> > know what Islam stands for, and how its followers are determined to
> > exterminate the non-Muslims from the face of the earth? Or have they closed
> > their eyes and ears and letting the Muslims do what they want to do?
> >
> > It is the lack of initiative on the part of the Human Rights Watchers that
> > has been encouraging people like the Harvard educated one to threaten the
> > true defenders of human rights. But I am not afraid; rather, I will be happy
> > to die while still defending the rights of all the human beings that will
> > enable them to live their lives according to their own choices. No amount of
> > threats will be able to force me out of my mission.
> >
> > Mohammad Asghar
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> > Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. See how.<http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_QuickAdd1_052009>
> > ------------------------------
> > Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. See how.<http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_QuickAdd1_052009>
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> > Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don't worry about storage limits. Check
> > it out.<http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage1_052009>=
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> > Dinner Made Easy Newsletter - Simple Meal Ideas for Your Family. Sign Up
> > Now!<http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221991367x1201443283/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215225819%3B37274678%3Bs%3Fhttp:%2F%2Frecipes.dinnermadeeasy.com%2F%3FESRC%3D622>
> >
> >
>

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[mukto-mona] Bangladesh shouldn't be a place to hide and thrive

Dear Editor,
�
Hope you are doing well and thanks for publishing my previous write ups.

This is an article titled "Bangladesh shouldn't be a place to hide and thrive". I will be highly honoured if you publish this article. I apprecite your time to read this article.

http://mukto-mona.com/wordpress/?p=449

Thanks

Have a nice time
With Best Regards
Ripan Kumar Biswas
New York, U.S.A

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[mukto-mona] My piece

Where have the Maoists gone? by Sankar Ray  23 Jul 09 (http://thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=4&theme=&usrsess=1&id=261835)

Fables like 1,500 Maoists or 100 specially-trained-in arms-operations Maoists are at Lalgarh or its surroundings, scripted by West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and his condescending subordinates like chief secretary Asoke Mohan Chakraborty and home secretary Ardhendu Sen, are now into the open.
Not a single Maoist is yet in the net of the joint forces. However, the 11,000-strong force has been successful in preventing newspersons from filing reports on torture let loose on subalterns.
Small wonder, the CPI-M's central committee member Benoy Konar happily said, rubbing his palms gleefully, "We are with the chief minister in his application of the Central Act to suppress the Maoists".
This is in contrast to the decision of the CC and LF neither to apply the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2008 nor to ban the CPI (Maoist) in the state. Who cares for the CPI-M's editorial posture in People's Democracy (21 December, 2008) warning the UPA government of the possibility of "gross misuse" of three clauses therein?
The first of them, "contained in clause 43D, seeks to amend Section 167 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to extend the period of detention without bail to 180 days beyond the existing periods ranging from 15 to 60 to 90 days. The maximum 90-day period is now proposed to be increased to 180 days if the courts are satisfied that such extension is required to complete the investigation", the editorial said.
Mr Bhattacharjee, LF chairman Biman Bose ~ both Politburo members ~ and general secretary Prakash Karat resort to a mystic silence over wanton repression on those who couldn't flee their hearth and home, while over 70,000 Adivasis left the place from 300-plus hamlets of Jangalmahal. All of them are languishing in poverty, malnutrition and social deprivation.
The Maoists of Jangalmahal ~ West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts ~ are inexplicably compared to terrorists of Kashmir or some far-flung Northeast region to justify classification of them under the UA(P)A. The comparison is absurd. After all, Maoists are not secessionists like Ulfa, NSCN factions and Kashmiri militants with Al-Qaida connections.
Ludicrous as it may seem, bureaucrats, rushed to Lalgarh ostensibly for development, admitted that no economic development had taken place there.
A booklet ~ Lalgarh: Paschimbanger Adivasi (Lalgarh ~ Adivasis of West Bengal), brought out by the Kolkata-based voluntary social action forum, Nagarik Mancha, reveals the pathetic condition of the inhabitants despite three decades of Left governance. The average number of days of work per household in 2008-09 under the NREGA was 6.02, 6.72 and 8.60 in West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura, respectively. About 95 per cent of children between six and 35 months suffer from anaemia against the state average of 78.3 percent.
Only nine per cent of villages of West Midnapore district receive piped drinking water, 15 percent and 14 percent in Bankura and Purulia, respectively.
Former RSP MP Manoj Bhattacharya admitted: "Out of Rs 6,700 crore programmed for socio-economic transformation of the western region over a period of five years (2007-11) as per recommendations of the IIT-Kharagpur, which was retained by the LF government to draw up the plan, Rs 82 crore was granted by the western regional development board for 2007-09. Out of this, only Rs 14 crore was incurred."
The pathetic performance under the minister for western region development, Susanta Ghosh, the CPI-M's  shah-en-shah at Garbeta, is there for all to see.
A 16-member experts group was set up by the Planning Commission to go into causes of extremism. It was headed by former revenue secretary D Bandyopadhyay, who conceived the idea of Operation Barga, CPI-M's USP until three years back. In its report, "Development Issues to deal with the causes of Discontent, Unrest and Extremism", submitted in 2007, it observed: "There is no denying that what goes in the name of 'Naxalism' is to a large extent a product of collective failure to assure to different segments of society, their basic entitlements under the Constitution and other protective legislation".
Villagers we met at Baropelia, Lalgarh, on 8 May denied there was anarchy under the people's committee. "For over six months, our male members have been sleeping peacefully at night as the nightmare of police torture has vanished for the time being at least. We are all with the Pulisi Santras Birodhi Janaganer Committee," said Meena Tudu (name changed).
The jingoistic rule under the home (police) ministry is evident from the deliberate default in the case of poet Prasun Bhowmik, convenor, Swajan, forum of poets, performing artists, academics etc like Aparna Sen, Saoli Mitra and Kausik Sen. He got repeated threatening phone calls when the Swajan team visited Lalgarh. 
"I recorded the calls specifically and filed an FIR but I got no response from the administration or police. No action has been taken against the caller".

The writer is a freelance contributor

 

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[ALOCHONA] India’s Hydro-Electric Project At Tipaimukh And The Hot Debate In Bangladesh

India's Hydro-Electric Project At Tipaimukh And The Hot Debate In Bangladesh By Bijon Sarma ABSTRACT:The government of India has taken up a project for the construction of a dam for the purpose of power generation at a place known as Tipaimukh on Barak river in Assam. After having preliminary information from that government, the government of Bangladesh under Begum Khaleda Zia got prepared a report regarding the affects of this dam on Bangladesh by a number of experts working as consultants. The report they gave was found mostly favorable for Bangladesh. This year, after the Indian government declared their program to initiate the project, the opposition party led by Begum Khaleda Zia nearly declared war saying that it would ruin the country. She has been successful in accumulating a number of like-minded experts and political leaders to speak in her favor. On the other hand, the government of Bangladesh seems to be in favor of its construction. In the meantime various experts and non-experts have expressed their ideas, explanations and predictions about the affects of the project. These have profusely confused the people, specially because while explaining matters some experts use technical terms in which the common people are not conversant. In such a situation this article would endeavor to give a transparent picture regarding the affects of the dam, reason of 'war cry' by the opposition, deficiencies of the present government to take right decision etc. avoiding unknown technical terms. INTRODUCTION : Before emptying it in the Bay of Bengal, river Karnafully was snaking her way through a number of hillocks in Chittagong hill tracts. In the years of heavy rain the river used to create flood and wash away everything including habitations on the river bank. Experts discovered that if a dam could be constructed on this river thus creating a large reservoir, it would be possible to (i) permanently solve the problem of seasonal flooding due to this river, (ii) generate large quantity of hydro-electricity, the cheapest type of energy, (iii) culture fish in the reservoir etc. They also discovered that its construction would create serious problems for the tribal people living in the to-be submerged areas. It was easily possible to rehabilitate these people. But the government of Pakistan did not take the issue seriously. Even though Islam declares equal rights for all, Pakistan, the Muslim country practiced the principle of having concern only for the Muslims and hating others. Naturally the tribal people found hard days. The country however, got huge power at minimal cost. Still today Bangladesh is enjoying that benefit. India discovered a similar site a Tipaimukh, where from they could generate hydro-electricity by constructing a dam. The government of India prepared a proposal for it at Tipaimukh, a place 100 miles upstream from Sylhet of Bangladesh and handed over the project proposal to the BNP-led government of Bangladesh in 1979. After this the project could not proceed as usual course because of India's internal problems. The issue was raised again with the BNP-ruled government under Khaleda Zia in 1993. The Bangladesh government employed SNC-Lavalin International, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants to prepare a report. The report was given with the following observations : Due to the construction of dam at Tipaimukh : (i)"occurrence of flood will decrease in the Barak, Surma and Kushiara rivers", (ii)"the amount of floodwater will decrease by 20 percent" and (iii)"water level in the Surma and Kushiara will decrease by 1.60 metres during floods". India raised the issue of Tipaimukh dam with BNP government in the 35th and 36th meetings of Joint River Commission (JRC) in 2003 and 2005 respectively, where the then government did not oppose the idea. In 2009 when Bangladesh Awami League is in power, however, the same person (Khaleda Zia) raised severe objection against the construction of the dam, alleging it that would ruin Bangladesh. Begum Khaleda procured a number of experts and leaders to talk for her. At this time, various spokesmen of the government also explained the government's views. Various claims, predictions, explanations and comments given by the opposition and the government have profusely confused the common people. In such a context the objective of this article is to find out the affects of this dam on the neighbouring country, Bangladesh, causes that encouraged Begum Khaleda to take the abnormal and new stunt and related issues. POINTS OF DEBATE : From the data's so far received, (i) the dimensions of the dam will be : Height = 166 m, (or 180 m above sea level, 178 m maximum reservoir level and 136 m minimum draw down level), Length = 390 m, Water carrying capacity = 16 m cu m. It would submerge 266 families in 8 villages. The project would generate Electricity = 1500 MW. Estimated cost : App. Rs 1,078 crore. The speciality of location of the project is, it is an earth-quake prone zone near the meeting point of two tectonic plates with possibility of earth-quake in the range 7.0 in Richter scale. That indicates that India would have to design it strong enough to withstand this hazard. Needless to mention that the failure of the dam would bring disaster first in the 100 mile stretched land inside India and then, vast area of Bangladesh. Now we shall mention and clarify some of the points raised and confusingly explained by various leaders under Begum Khaleda's influence. DAM AND RIVER WATER FLOW   Some people opine that the dam would reduce the flow of water in Barak river and its descending branches in Bangladesh. The fact is, after a dam for hydroelectricity project is commissioned, the authority would have to release all excess water from the dam for the safety of the dam and smooth running of the generators. So, it does not reduce water flow. The dam however, can give additional advantage of flood control by holding excess water in the rainy season and increase water flow in the winter by slowly releasing that water. DAM AND SILTATION : Some leaders have opined that the dam would create siltation in the rivers of Bangladesh. Such statements may be given by people lacking in intelligence. In a hydro-electric project only silt-free water is fed into the turbines below, and the over-flowing water (spillway) on top cannot contain silt. DAM AND EARTHQUAKE   Some leaders have opined that the dam would create earth quake due to weight of water or for drying of rivers. All these are wrong statement. Those who have little knowledge of geology and earth science know how huge and mighty the earth's tectonic plates are, and in comparison how tiny or insignificant the reservoir or weight of the water in it are. DAM AND SALINITY : It is unfortunate that some of the leaders opine that the dam would result in increase of salinity in the region near the mouth of the river. Their ideas are erroneous. The salinity at the river mouth among many other factors depends upon the velocity of water emerging out through the river. In the rainy season it is pushed away due to rainy water from the origin and catchment area. The possibility of the same to move up may take place during the winter season when the flow is feeble. The release of water from the reservoir can improve the situation. DAM AND DESTABILIZING THE NATURE :   Some people always think that any new project in the nature is harmful because it destabilizes the balance of nature. It is well known that whenever the original setup of the nature is interfered, there may some problems. However, intelligent and sincere men have always been able to solve those. Only the fools may shout for keeping everything in nature "unchanged" for the sake of "stability". Had the intelligent men followed the principle of the fools, then the world would have still remained in the same primitive state. In case Kaptai dam was not constructed at the cost of many things including miseries for the tribal people, neither Bangladesh would enjoy the huge benefit of power nor the region would become free from the propensity of flood. PROBABLE PROBLEMS OF BANGLADESH : In case the design and commissioning of the project does not take place by keeping in view the necessities of Bangladesh, then Bangladesh would definitely suffer from some evil consequences. It should however, be mentioned that before Bangladesh starts suffering from those hazards, the 100-mile long Indian region on both sides of the river would start tasting those. The most severe problem may occur during the period of first-time filling of the reservoir. The process may take several years even with the entire annual supply of water. In such a situation the dam authority should continue the filling-process at a slow rate, such that the rivers in the down stream do not get dry. In the above situation Bangladesh should be kept closely associated with every aspects of the project. The river Barak flows in two countries such that both the countries have rights on its contributions like water, transport facilities, hydroelectricity etc. In case Bangladesh could contribute proportionate share of land and finance for the hydro-electric project, the country could claim the share of electricity. We know, the country is not in a position to do that. After the project is complete we shall find two new phenomenons. These are : (01) At present the country suffers from the varying flow of water in the river due to nature's act on which no one has any control. After the construction of the dam, the control of water would depend up on human control, which will be in the hands of the operators in India. When the control is with the nature, Bangladesh cannot censure anyone for hazards. But after it would come to human hand, they can always hold the operating country responsible for genuine or fictitious reasons. (02) The huge quantity of sand, stone, fish etc. flowing from the Indian rivers is enjoyed by Bangladesh absolutely free. The construction of the dam would stop that possibility. In the above situation, there remain ethical reasons for Bangladesh to ask for a share in the generated electricity and India should consider the same, if not for logical reason, but as a gesture of goodwill. KHALEDA'S ABOUT-TURN : Those who do not have clear idea about Begum Khaleda and her party might find her recent attitude quite mysterious. The gentleman-like question is, why does the person who knew everything so well since 1993, who employed experts and got their positive comments, who were kept informed in 2003 and 2005, suddenly turns furious in 2009. In order to understand this mystery one needs to have in-depth knowledge of Begum Khaleda and her party. Begum Khaleda Zia, the ex-prime minister and now leader of the opposition is not highly educated, a harsh truth that compels her take advice from others in complicated matters. She however, fails to get advice of honest and superior quality persons, because the nature and principle of her party are not conducive for them. She does not have proven records of honesty, religious un-biasness or patriotism. Also she is renowned for short memory, anti-Indian and pro-Pakistani mentality. In addition, right now she is having extreme problems in organizing her party, rehabilitating her two sons, handling legal cases against the party members etc. Naturally she desperately looks for a platform for bargaining with the government. Brief descriptions of Begum Khaleda's problems are mentioned here under : (i) Honesty : During the period of the caretaker government she whitened huge money. The amount is such as can never be earned honestly by the prime minister of this country. It has been reported that she sent over 300 boxes of valuable items to Saudi Arabia. No body still what materials or documents those boxes contained. She allowed her two sons to earn unlawful money. Part of this money has been detected in foreign banks. (ii) Religious biasness : She is well remembered for her statement that "Hindu religious sounds will be heard from the mosques if Awami League wins". During her regime the minorities were treated as no class citizens. Her government and party's atrocities on the minorities after her win in 2001 nearly shattered the world. (iii) Patriotism The people of Bangladesh are aware that before the 2001 election one ex-president of an influential country offered the Awami League chief to extend assistance in winning election in lieu of "gas deal". The chief did not agree. Few months ago prime minister Sheikh Hasina disclosed this incident. She also disclosed that Begum Khaleda agreed to that proposal and won the election. (iv) Short memory : During her past regime, on one occasion she visited India and discussion on sharing of water at Farakka was one of the issues. After return she replied that did not do that because she "forgot". (v) Anti-Indian mentality : Begum Khaleda is well known for her extreme anti-Indian and pro-Pakistani mentality. During her regime high officials allowed 10 truck-loads of arms and ammunitions to use Bangladesh territory to reach ULFA, one of the worst terrorist organizations of India. Also, during her tenure many top-grade culprits working against the interest of India and patronized by Pakistan got safe asylum in Bangladesh. These are being revealed now and there are ample reasons to believe that her government was associated with such incidents. (vi) Party problem : At present Begum Khaleda is entangled in serious problem with her party. The party could not do the most essential "Council" in 16 years and she has recently requested for extension of time for the same. CONCLUSION : In case Tipaimukh dam is constructed as per proper design and with due consideration of the interests and requirements of Bangladesh, then Bangladesh can be immensely benefitted from it. While the common people may think in this way, BNP, Begum Khaleda Zia's opposition party however, may think differently. They are aware that good achievement or success of the present government would push away the possibility of their win the future elections. So, it is natural that they would endeavour their best such that the present government cannot do anything praiseworthy. In such a situation only the future can say, whether this project would at all be materialized. In the above issue, however, Bangladesh Awami League has committed the blunder at the very beginning by appointing one Hindu minister in the concerned ministry. They should have known that all the water related issues would have to be settled with India and a Hindu minister can never be the right choice for this job. Begum Khaleda, however, took full advantage of their mistake. The government should immediately appoint a Muslim minister in this position. As mentioned earlier, Prime minister Sheikh Hasina disclosed that she was proposed to sell gas to outsiders in lieu of assistance in election. She added that she declined, while the other party agreed and got elected. This time, however, before any foreigner could approach Begum Khaleda Zia her she sent a letter to the prime minister of India explaining her position in this issue. Does she expect the "same old proposal" from that corner? By all means, what is taking place in Bangladesh with the issue of Tipaimukh project of India is purely political. From what we have explained in extremely simple language, even a child with good knowledge of science would understand that, if properly designed and commissioned with due consideration of the interests of Bangladesh, what this dam can do for this country is complete control over flood due to some rivers and to increase water level during the winter months, what the experts have reported long ago. Bijon B. Sarma, Professor (on LPR), Khulna University, Khulna. Bangladesh. E Mail : rangada@gmail.com http://newsfrombangladesh.net/view.php?hidRecord=275853

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[ALOCHONA] Bangladesh: Rare leopard cub found

Bangladesh: Rare leopard cub found By Alastair Lawson BBC News The cat was thought to be extinct in Bangladesh A critically endangered clouded leopard cub has been captured by tribespeople in a remote area of Bangladesh, a leading zoologist has told the BBC. Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh (WTB) Chief Executive Mohammed Anwarul Islam said that the find was "exciting and hugely significant". Many conservationists believed that clouded leopards were extinct in Bangladesh. The WTB is now trying to secure the cub's release. Professor Islam said that the cub was found by indigenous villagers near the town of Rangamati in the south-eastern Chittagong Hill Tracts in June. "Obviously our long term aim is for it to be released into the jungle, but we have to be careful not to push our case too strongly," he said. "The villagers are understandably concerned that if they stop feeding it, it may die in the jungle without its mother." Professor Islam said that the last time a clouded leopard had been spotted in Bangladesh was in 1992. He said that the cat was considered extinct in the country because of habitat loss. Local people reportedly saw the cub's mother and one of its siblings as they were feeding on a monkey. They chased the leopard family away, but captured one of the cubs. Clouded leopards used to live in forests around Mymensingh, Sylhet, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. They are solitary, nocturnal and arboreal cats. They are also one of the least studied leopards, principally because of their secretive and timid nature. The species is considered to be vulnerable across Asia and is included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8162981.stm

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[mukto-mona] Re: Please publish it with photo in your MUKTOMONA [2 Attachments]

[Attachment(s) from Sona Barua included below]


 

---

Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:45:27 -0700

Thank you very much for your dedication.

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1 of 1 File(s)

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[mukto-mona] My madrassah article in Bangla

 
     You've got to roll down a bit to get to the text.
 
http://www.samakal.com.bd/details.php?news=23&view=archiev&y=2009&m=6&d=29&action=main&option=single&news_id=1044&pub_no=29
 
    I had no idea when it was published. Wish I had worked with the translator to clarify some of the things that he did not fully understand. One such spot was the mention of Dr. Saleem H. Ali's study on Pakistani madrassahs sponsored by U. S. Institute of Peace.
 
          The Assoc. editor of SAMAKAL tells me that the U. S. Embassy telephoned the paper enquiring about the article. I imagine it was about this information on USIP and its extensive work on Pakistani madrassahs that the Embassy was not aware of.  Serves them right! Now they have to balance between the heavy weight of the USIP studies and the light weight lies of the World Bank report on the 'goodness' of Bangladeshi madrassahs.
 
          There is serious business going on behind the scene, folks!
 
                    Farida Majid

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[ALOCHONA] My madrassah article in Bangla

 
     You've got to roll down a bit to get to the text.
 
http://www.samakal.com.bd/details.php?news=23&view=archiev&y=2009&m=6&d=29&action=main&option=single&news_id=1044&pub_no=29
 
    I had no idea when it was published. Wish I had worked with the translator to clarify some of the things that he did not fully understand. One such spot was the mention of Dr. Saleem H. Ali's study on Pakistani madrassahs sponsored by U. S. Institute of Peace.
 
          The Assoc. editor of SAMAKAL tells me that the U. S. Embassy telephoned the paper enquiring about the article. I imagine it was about this information on USIP and its extensive work on Pakistani madrassahs that the Embassy was not aware of.  Serves them right! Now they have to balance between the heavy weight of the USIP studies and the light weight lies of the World Bank report on the 'goodness' of Bangladeshi madrassahs.
 
          There is serious business going on behind the scene, folks!
 
                    Farida Majid

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Re: [ALOCHONA] Pinak terms 80pc visa seekers touts, brokers

Pinak da lost his brain.
We spend billions of dollars buying Indian goods and services and this
"Diplomat" is hurting his own country. Awami leaders went out of their
way to defend him the first time with Tipaimukh comment.
This time it will be difficult. India is not an European country.
Rather an oppressive country with little social protection. It is
possible that few people may overstay their Visa but Pinak da thinks he
is from California of last century. Is this guy for real or a cartoon?
No wonder south asian countries are having difficult time fixing
regional issues.

We just want to live in peace with dignity of a free nation. Don't
think it is too much to ask.
-qar

-----Original Message-----
From: Ezajur Rahman <ezajur.rahman@q8.com>
To: alochona@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:39:53 +0300
Subject: [ALOCHONA] Pinak terms 80pc visa seekers touts, brokers

 

Pinak
terms 80pc visa seekers touts, brokers

Courtesy New Age 21/7/09

Staff Correspondent

Some 25,000 of the Bangladeshi
travellers going to India with legal visas every year do not come back,
claimed
the Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, Pinak Ranjan Chakrabarty,
and
described most of the visa seekers as 'touts' and
'brokers'.

   He
made the allegations at a conference on 'Bangladesh-India Economic
Rela
tions' in Dhaka on Monday in a bid to justify the Indian High
Commission's cumbersome process of issuing visas, as shown by the
extremely long queues of visa seekers.

   'Eighty
per cent of the visa seekers are not genuine. Those [whom you see in
the queue]
are touts and brokers,' said the Indian 'diplomat', adding
that the visa issuing process would be much easier if the Bangladesh
government
ensured that touts and brokers no longer queue for submitting visa
applications.

   He
attributed the current visa regime to India's security concerns
against the backdrop of incidents such as the terrorist attacks in
Mumbai.
'Twenty-five thousand of the Bangladeshis who are going to India with
legal visas [every year] are not returning to their country,' he said,
although he could not specify the reasons for the alleged disappearance
of the
Bangladeshis.

   A
large 50-member delegation of the Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and
Industry, led by its vice-president Harsh C Mariwala, attended the
daylong
conference organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of
Commerce and
Industry at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

   Pinak's
far from diplomatic outburst was an attempt to rebut the complaints
made by the
president of the FBCCI, Annisul Huq, about India's slow and tortuous
process of issuing visas to Ban
gladeshis.

   Talking
about non-tariff barriers to bilateral trade, Annisul quipped that the
queue of
the visa seekers was usually three miles long and it should be included
as one
of the Guinness World Records.

   'We
certainly need to ensure a significant reduction in our apparently
small,
non-tariff barriers that threaten bigger opportunities of growth,' said
Annis.

   In
response, Pinak said that the High Commission would not object to
multiple
visas for businesspeople. 'I promise you that business visas will be
issued as quickly as possible.'

   Pinak
said that New Delhi had been offering duty-free
access of all goods and commodities from Bangladesh as a least developed
country since 2008, and had only excluded a 'small negative list of 434
items'.

   Speaking
at the opening session before leaving to attend the weekly cabinet
meeting,
commerce minister Faruk Khan urged the business leaders of the two
countries to
pressure their governments to develop cooperative relations for mutual
benefit.

   'We
have created problems ourselves. People-to-people contact is good but
when it
comes with governments, especially politicians, we see problems,' he
said, expressing the hope that the present democratic atmosphere in the
entire South Asia would give the politicians the 'right
message' to work20for cooperation.

   At
a seminar in Dhaka on June 21 Pinak had said,
'It is unfortunate that there are some so-called water experts who make
comments without considering some of the issues. They are basically
attempting
to poison the minds of the friendly people of Bangladesh
against India.'

   The
foreign affairs minister, Dipu Moni, who spoke later as chief guest,
did not
make any comments on Pinak's remarks that subsequently sparked off a lot
of controversy and indignation, although she later termed his haughty
attitude
and antagonistic remarks a violation of diplomatic norms.

 

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[ALOCHONA] BDR Massacre: Target Bangladesh

BDR Massacre: Target Bangladesh by M. Z. Abedin, 184 pages, Hard Bound, Published by Eastern Publishers, London, Price Tk 350, US$ 10/-, July 2009   A Review by M.T. Hussain   The book BDR Massacre: Target Bangladesh by journalist Mohammad Zainal Abedin is all about the massacre of the unprecedented and horrendous in history of the killings of Bangladesh Army senior officers, nearly five dozens, on the 25-26 February 2009 perpetrated in 'mutiny' by the worst brutes from among the BDR Jawans (foot soldiers). Possibly this is the first of such book that covered the mayhem in some available detail.   The author has introduced himself as the former student leader and a 1971 freedom fighter of the genre of the present ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League (BAL), but claimed to have left the party for every kind of evils and corruptions he had experienced in the body, then took to teaching and journalism.   He had some other books; the noted one was on the Indian Intelligence Service, R&AW that won him a prize of honor in 2007 of the LISA (London Institute of South Asia). For some time he edited and published a Bengali weekly EKALER KATHA until he left for the USA for residence there along with his family in 2007.   The book under review here consists of four main chapters, a few photographs of the Army officers killed, a foreword and author's own explanation. The book is dedicated to the memory of the Bangladesh Army officers killed in the BDR Headquarters on the 25-26 February 2009 that rightly gives his feelings about the unfortunate dozens. The foreword by Professor Mahbub Ullah has warned rightly the readers of some 'pitfalls' in the work. Even so, he has encouraged all to read it through.   Cunning Big Brother The title of the book has indicated what the author in the book had in his view in pointing out to the machination of the well-known BIG BROTHER (India) of Bangladesh in the mayhem.. He had some circumstantial evidences but not all to substantiate his thesis, possibly because, the cunning CHANAKYAN had been so crafty all along in the past history that many had been outwitted and so are still now. The motive for help of 'paratroopers' offer of Delhi to the PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh just at the onset of the mayhem on the 25th February curiously has not been explored in necessary detail.   Vulnerable Bangladesh The harsh reality is that Bangladesh has its own geographical vulnerability virtually encircled almost on all sides by the mighty regional power having nearly 4,200 km common border. Being thus advantageously situated, why should India care for any military threat from Bangladesh? Why should the Bangladesh Army be of any worth cognition so far as military engagement is concerned? The Baraibari or Padua fight of early 2000 between the border guards of the two countries, BDR and BSF, could have been nothing of show of military strength or any of major engagement between the two sides. There is no comparison of the armed strength and arsenals of the two sides, much less the existence of any nuclear one that Bangladesh does not have but India has many. All these questions and underlying points would certainly and clearly state that India had no good reason for the mayhem whatsoever against the Bangladesh Army or the BDR.   India Gains Most There are other issues, as well. India need not invade Bangladesh for she has been having since after 1971 all advantages that she wished to accrue. India dominates Bangladesh in politics, culture and above all in economy. The latest official figure in balance of trade in favor of India runs in nearly 3 billion US$. The unofficial figures, run still higher that occur as regular feature through all sorts of illegal trades like smuggling along the porous borders, land, river and sea waters not only for normal goods but also of illegal sale of items like arms, illegal drugs etc. The vulnerable economy of Bangladesh continues to face threats from much bigger Indian economy since the last four decades now that India continues to accrue benefits from, no matter if the BDR and the Army is more efficient or not. Unfortunately, these points have not been addressed in the book that made it one - sided view of things in drawing his conclusion in somewhat tunnel vision way.   Hasina and Moin The other amazing point was that the two days killings and massacres went on almost uninterrupted not only in full knowledge of the PM of Bangladesh and her Army Chief but also of their curious inaction and a sort of playing with lives of nearly five dozen senior and brilliant army officers. How come that Mr. Abedin did not throw enough light on this very vital and crucial point? What the writer would say if anyone would doubt his siding with these two persons, in particular, in his putting all blames on India?   Hide and Seek The hide and seek game the government has, in fact, been playing as were clear from the partial report made public and not the whole of it and still claiming 'success' in handling the mayhem should substantiate the point that the writer might have put his effort to isolate the two figures as mentioned here giving all blames on India that can not be beyond skepticism. No sensible person in the know of political dynamics can be oblivious of the fact that Hasina in particular in her heart of heart has a burning desire to punish any army men whenever she would have any scope to do so, particularly after the 15th August victorious army coup of 1975.   Politics for Reprisal One may recall here, a verbatim quote of Hasina made public by London based Octogenarian BBC Bengali Service journalist Mr. Serajur Rahman, 'AMI RAJNITI GHRINA KORI KINTU PITRIHOTYAR PROTISHODHER JONYO RAJNITIIE ESHECHI' (I hate politics but just only to take revenge of my father's killing I have taken on to politics)'. That she is after the blood of the 15th August 1975 coup heroes is no secret that she wish deeply to finish this time as all evidences are clear to any body keeping track of facts surfacing. Soon after she took the Chair of the PM in 2009 she has already cleaned off the general administration, law enforcing agencies, education, etc from all her 'undesirable' lots and replaced with the party men and women. She has then on put her ugly hand on the army, as well. Many brilliant senior officers have already been sacked and removed at her free will for she is the Defense Minister, as well. Should not the skeptics doubt that she enjoyed playing with the valuable lives of the five dozens army officers in the mayhem for her sadist pleasure?   Not Army but Militia Hasina's father under direct tutelage of the Indian R&AW raised the Rakkhi Bahini somewhat in fashion of Militia he had in the 6 Point autonomy formula aiming then in independent Bangladesh ultimately to replace and drop altogether the regular Army of Bangladesh. One may not but wonder if she has been going on for similar venture and for that end killing of senior officers and dismissal at random lately of meritorious senior officers of the regular army.     Blind for Vengeance That Hasina could be stooped to anything at her wish is well documented not only by the High Court of the country that twice warned her few years ago of misdemeanor. Justice Shabuddin after leaving the position of the President of the country in late 2001 had a statement published in the daily Independent on the 5th January 2002 that may speak well about her mentality of vengeance and of a clear psychopathic case. In making response to her calling Shahabuddin a 'betrayer' he retorted, " Did I give any undertaking that the victory of the Awami League would be ensured in the election (2001)'?   Rentu and Hasina Even though some of the facts about Hasina's abnormal behavior as mentioned in the Rentu's autography AMAR FANSHI CHAI may be questioned, but the fact has been proved beyond doubt from many other sources that she is really a psychic case, and so possibly had her sadist pleasure in the BDR massacre.   I would feel that by leaving Hasina off from the actors of the BDR massacre by the author, he lacked in his perceptional dimension that need be corrected.    Supplementary and Complementary So far as India's likely involvement in the mayhem was concerned, it was supplementary and complementary to Hasina's perception of gains and sadist lust for revenge.. India has a game plan in Bangladesh that according to Indian retired Bengali General Shankar Roy Chowdhury is part of the GREAT GAME in the region that Hasina is well placed in Dhaka to play very effectively for Delhi, when and how is a different matter. But one may look back and ponder coolly that for what Hasina had been motivated, trained and fully groomed for during her full protection she had been under the powerful Central Indian Intelligence Agency, the R&AW, and the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India for long six years during August 1975- May 1981.   May be the writer would in future bring out a revised edition of the book giving attention to the 'pitfalls' sooner than latter for the issue he has taken on to address is really a very important one for the safety, security and sovereignty of Bangladesh that his commitment to patriotism, I would suppose, would very much demand.

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[ALOCHONA] Re: Pinak terms 80pc visa seekers touts, brokers

Dear Alochoks

I intensely dislike Pinak and he is not fit to be Ambassador at all. We want him recalled.

I wonder if he is the true face of India's relationship with Bangladesh. I wonder if the smiling faces of visiting ex PMs and stars of the Gandhi clan are irrelevant in this relationship.

However I have to confess that I grudgingly admire Finak for some of his forthright comments - in particular his comment about touts and brokers.

I think he is right.

Newly weds, prospective in laws and senior businessmen seem to have no trouble in going to India and the airlines are all doing a brisk trade between Calutta and Delhi.

I like the fact that he had the guts to refer to touts and brokers as touts and brokers. I love it. Because politcians have empowered an entire class of touts (tout is a Bengali word I think!), batpars, dalals, beymaans and choors. Our commentators refer to these same scum as 'lobbyists and agents'.

Its better to have an Indian Ambassador who speaks his mind than and Indian Ambassador who massages our egos with praise and decorum but who thinks the same as Pinak! At least we know where we stand!

So another Ambassador thinks that touts mostly queue outside the Embassy but says efforts are being made to speed up visa applications when actually nothing is being done. We would accept it.

So another Ambassador thinks the Tipumaikh dam is unstoppable, just like Pinak, but says that serious reviews are being done - when actually nothing is being done. We would accept it.

So another Ambassador thinks we should open, deregulated markets at our border, just like Pinak, but he just doesn't say it publicly and pushes Ministers discretely for such markets. We would accept it.

I hate Pinak. But anything that exposes our true condition is welcome to me. Even if it is insulting.

As is there is real shock and puzzlement that 25,000 Deshis would seek to stay illegally in India - when it is part of our culture to stay illegally in any country. Or am I wrong?

Thats right Pinak - you shut up and don't upset our sovereign pride.

India should still respect us. Even if actually doesn't.

Because we hardly have any touts, dalals, batpars and choors in Bangladesh who are protected by politcians. We only have very bad shushils and Army people. Right?

Ezajur Rahman

--- In alochona@yahoogroups.com, "Ezajur Rahman" <ezajur.rahman@...> wrote:
>
> Pinak terms 80pc visa seekers touts, brokers
> Courtesy New Age 21/7/09
>
> Staff Correspondent
>
> Some 25,000 of the Bangladeshi travellers going to India with legal
> visas every year do not come back, claimed the Indian high commissioner
> to Bangladesh, Pinak Ranjan Chakrabarty, and described most of the visa
> seekers as 'touts' and 'brokers'.
> He made the allegations at a conference on 'Bangladesh-India Economic
> Relations' in Dhaka on Monday in a bid to justify the Indian High
> Commission's cumbersome process of issuing visas, as shown by the
> extremely long queues of visa seekers.
> 'Eighty per cent of the visa seekers are not genuine. Those [whom you
> see in the queue] are touts and brokers,' said the Indian 'diplomat',
> adding that the visa issuing process would be much easier if the
> Bangladesh government ensured that touts and brokers no longer queue for
> submitting visa applications.
> He attributed the current visa regime to India's security concerns
> against the backdrop of incidents such as the terrorist attacks in
> Mumbai. 'Twenty-five thousand of the Bangladeshis who are going to India
> with legal visas [every year] are not returning to their country,' he
> said, although he could not specify the reasons for the alleged
> disappearance of the Bangladeshis.
> A large 50-member delegation of the Federation of Indian Chambers of
> Commerce and Industry, led by its vice-president Harsh C Mariwala,
> attended the daylong conference organised by the Federation of
> Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the Pan Pacific
> Sonargaon Hotel.
> Pinak's far from diplomatic outburst was an attempt to rebut the
> complaints made by the president of the FBCCI, Annisul Huq, about
> India's slow and tortuous process of issuing visas to Bangladeshis.
> Talking about non-tariff barriers to bilateral trade, Annisul quipped
> that the queue of the visa seekers was usually three miles long and it
> should be included as one of the Guinness World Records.
> 'We certainly need to ensure a significant reduction in our
> apparently small, non-tariff barriers that threaten bigger opportunities
> of growth,' said Annis.
> In response, Pinak said that the High Commission would not object to
> multiple visas for businesspeople. 'I promise you that business visas
> will be issued as quickly as possible.'
> Pinak said that New Delhi had been offering duty-free access of all
> goods and commodities from Bangladesh as a least developed country since
> 2008, and had only excluded a 'small negative list of 434 items'.
> Speaking at the opening session before leaving to attend the weekly
> cabinet meeting, commerce minister Faruk Khan urged the business leaders
> of the two countries to pressure their governments to develop
> cooperative relations for mutual benefit.
> 'We have created problems ourselves. People-to-people contact is good
> but when it comes with governments, especially politicians, we see
> problems,' he said, expressing the hope that the present democratic
> atmosphere in the entire South Asia would give the politicians the
> 'right message' to work for cooperation.
> At a seminar in Dhaka on June 21 Pinak had said, 'It is unfortunate
> that there are some so-called water experts who make comments without
> considering some of the issues. They are basically attempting to poison
> the minds of the friendly people of Bangladesh against India.'
> The foreign affairs minister, Dipu Moni, who spoke later as chief
> guest, did not make any comments on Pinak's remarks that subsequently
> sparked off a lot of controversy and indignation, although she later
> termed his haughty attitude and antagonistic remarks a violation of
> diplomatic norms.
>

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

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