A M M Shahabuddin

This time it is the World Bank which has come under a heavy fire, inflamed by no less a person than former US Dy. Sec. of State, and Gearge Bush's 'hawkish' friend, Paul Wolfowitz (henceforth read Wolf), who was one of the architects for invasion of Iraq to establish there 'Bush regime', demolishing 'Saddam regime'. As a reward for Paul's wonderful performance in Iraq War, Bush wanted to decorate him with a much higher and prestigious job. Thus Bush put him at the right place and at right time as President of the World Bank, in 2005. As America has the supreme monopoly being the holder of the largest number of the bank shares, so the US nominee for the job always gets it unopposed, whenever the post falls vacant. But this time the US-nomination of Wolf for the job has become 'controversial' among the ten thousand bank staff because of his past dubious role in Iraq. This is for the first time that such an unwelcome situation occurred within the Bank premises. However, the appointment of Wolf was approved, in routine manner, by the board of governors, representing the entire membership of the bank and the 22-member Executive Directors board which run the bank show, authorised by the board of governors, without paying any heed to the growing resentment among the staff members.
   But to add fuel to fire, Wolf himself raised a 'tornado' that was enough to blow off the very existence of the bank not to speak of its sixty-year old goodwill speed over the world, passionlessly in the developing countries. Immediately after assuming office in 2005, Wolf made a blunder, creating a whirlpool for himself. He wanted to decorate his bank employee, girl friend Shaha Riza, just as he had been rewarded by Bush. He ordered a hefty pay rise for her to a fantastic level of about two hundred thousand dollars and transferred her to the US State Department. It literally shook the very moral and ethical foundations of the bank before the world. And the brewing resentment among the bank staff that began with his appointment now burst out when the staff association had stated that Wolf had "destroyed" the trust of the bank employees and should "quit". Wolf "must act honorably and resign", declared the bank's ten thousand staff members. He also came under fire from senior bank officials for this appointment of Republican Party allies to jobs in his inner circle.
   
   Staff 'rebellion' against Wolf
   Thus a "rebellion" seems to be in the offing, among the senior and junior bank staff to 'oust' him to save the Bank from further humiliations in the hands of a morally corrupt person like Wolf. Even one of Wolf's top-deputies, Managing Director Mr. Wheeler is reported is reported to have asked Wolf "directly" "to quit". Now it is quite apparent that "only his departure could rescue the bank", as indicated by some bank staff sources. Meanwhile, some forty ex-officers of the Bank had, in a letter, published in the Financial Times, called for his immediate resignation, saying he had lost "trust and respect" of all. The Financial Times in an editorial, as a follow-up, had remarked that if Wolf remains head of the World Bank, he will preside over a rudderless hulk." Now the question is: how long Wolf would continue to hold on his job to hear more music, both hot and soft? There is no sign so far of his vacating the post. Wolf knows well that he has the most impenetrable and impregnable 'umbrella' for his protections. It was clear when the White House had recently sent out a meaningful message saying that President Bush "has confidence" in Wolf. Perhaps that has prompted the Wall Street Journal to editorially describe Wolf's 'foul game' as "trival". So Wolf has now become bold enough to put up a brave face even against heavy odds.
   It was reported earlier that while the 3-day conference of the Finance Ministers from its 185 member countries was being held at World Bank HQ in Washington, Wolf had been working "behind scenes" "to drum up support" to stay in his post. What tangible support Wolf had received from the conference was not made public except that the Finance Ministers had expressed their "great concern" regarding Wolf affairs. However, at press conference, the body language of Wolf didn't show any sign of his capitulation to the popular demands made by the bank staff to resign and quit the job. On the other hand, Wolf boldly declared at the press conference that he was not going to resign, rather he "vowed" to carry on with, what he called, his "important work." As they say, your strength lies in the strength of the pillar you are tied too.
   Now the ball is in the court of the bank's board of 24-member Executive Directors. Whether Wolf would vacate his chair or continue to stay there depends on what the executive directors, who are dealing with the case, recommend. The Bank Directors had "promised" urgent action over the pay scandal, or call it 'favouritism scandal' of Wolf. But Wolf, with a contemptuous look at the executive directors board, had started kite flying to save his skin from the unusual heat of his own making. He is reported to have met top bank managers to discuss on changing his "leadership style", amid favouritism scandal, saying he was considering a "coach" to help change his "leadership style." A media report also said that he had already hired a top defence lawyer, Robest Bennet, who once acted for former president Clinton in a sexual harassment case, is 1988, to fight his case now being debated by the executive directors. And Bennet had already announced that Wolf "would not resign." So he would be grinding as long as the strong pillar is these. "O, what a goodly outside falsehood hath", to quote Shakespeare. The man, who had all through passed before the world as the champion of anti-corruption movement launched by him in the aid and loan-receiving developing member countries of the Bank, had a different picture behind the scenes! As they say, all that glitters is not gold. At the moment, let us wait and see what shape of things are in the offing.
   
   'Bolt' from Bolton
   Meanwhile, another similar story comes to my mind. The Wolf scandal reminds me of another episode related to another 'Bush-gem' who became US Ambassador to UN, of course, with the blessings of Bush. But this time it was not a 'scandal' as in the case of Wolf, it was rather a 'political bullying' or 'bulldozing of UN image', when this glittering 'gem', John Bolton, a well-known 'neo-conservative' hawk and one of the master-minds of Bush's Iraq War, was rewarded for his billiant performance in Iraq War with the job of US Ambassador to UN, in New York. Immediately on arrival in UN HQ, Bolton raised a storm there trying to put everything topsy-turvy when the UN General Assembly at a special summit was to take up UNSG Kofi Annan's UN 'Reforms package' to give the world body new shape and a new image, freeing it from the dominations of some big powers. Bolton proved to Bush's satisfaction that he was the right person, at the right place and at a right time. When a 33-member UN core-body was busy analyzing Annan's reforms proposals to put its recommendation to the UN Summit for adoption, Bolton was very much conspicuous by his strong presence all around with some 500 amendments to tone down the reforms proposals. So these 500 'shots' (call it 'bolt from Bolton') were enough to kill his target. He also suggested, working behind the scenes, that the 'core-body' should turn their 30-page document into a three-page statement, called 'outcome document' for the consideration of the General Assembly this was a wonderful US 'road-map' to sabotage Annan's 'reforms package'. The outcome was inevitable. It fell much below Annan's expectations.
   
   No such thing as UN?
   And to add salt to injury, Bolton once had the audacity to publicly say that "there was no such thing as UN" and considered America was "the only super-power that could lead the international community." It was indeed a clear message for the wise and Bolton carried the house with him to call it a day. Hence there was nothing wrong in what Bush's much-esteemed and over-valued associates did or said, whether as president of the World Bank, or as US Ambassador to UN. Both of them must have been guided by the time-honoured adage: "All is fair in love and war." What Wolf had done in the case of his girl-friend was "fair" in all respects because it was a love-motivated action. Similarly. what Bolton had done or said at UN was a part of his 'war game' against 'evils', hence also fair in toto. Two sides of the same coin!
   The writer is a retired UN official.

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Airport highway: Do the needful now

Dear Editor:
   The big round about on the Airport Highway opposite to the Terminal Building of ZIA needs to be signal-controlled on top priority basis. Thousand of people and workers daily cross the highway on foot at the sole risk of their lives. Its like a mouse and cat race though it is the most convenient one. The overhead bridge is located at a distance that primarily caters the need of the railway station and not at all meant for the large number of pedestrians coming in/out of the airport. The drivers on the road have no respect for the passers-by and many lives have already been lost due to reckless driving. The drivers at times even ignore the hand signals of the traffic police ( when so on duty ) without any impunity, though Police here are supposed to be firm and as rigid as possible.
   A subway or another overhead bridge should be built to save precious human lives. But before any one of the above is taken in hand, the round about must be equipped with electronic signal posts on the topmost priority basis before we lose any more life. Similar arrangements may be considered for the next turn opposite to the Jasimuddin road in Uttara. I cannot understand how could it miss the eye of the concerned Authority so long?
   So better late than never.
   A.B. Mohammed Zakaria,
   Dhaka.

Dear Editor:
   Army chief Moeen U Ahmed gave a speech last month regarding trial of war criminals and traitors of 1971 Independence War and holocaust. But it is a mammoth task because our revolution was unfinished Current CG will be in power for next 18 months. Freedom fighters are capturing top positions in Army. Even successive democratic governments couldn't solve this long standing problem for the last 36 years.
   Although Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared official pardon under pressure, we know the consequences of that. Furthermore, people of Bangladesh and families of martyrs had not given Mujib mandate to declare general amnesty. Now we get a disciplined and patriotic army which can fulfill aspirations of millions. Either now or never. Millions are still weeping silently for 1971 massacre by war criminals both at home and abroad.
   Many of my Pakistani friends are ashamed of war crimes in 1971. We are now members of SAARC. It is possible to negotiate with Pakistan about trial of war criminals to be in Bangladesh, even if some of them are dead. We DON'T need Geneva Convention to be implemented for Jews killed by Nazis only but for all holocausts. Unfortunately our POWs have been mishandled by the then Indian government due to their political advantage at Simla Pact. People need to know the facts. Nation will remember present CG and our Freedom fighters if we start the process as soon as possible.
   We know the US government's role in 1971. We hope that they will not be concerned about JMB or terrorism only. We don't need Henry Kissinger any more on the genocide in Bangladesh because US is very proud of its statue of liberty. So I hope we will get international support for searching for war criminals.
   Mohammad A Karim,
   1 Leonard St Dandenong 3175, Australia

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Political and electoral reforms are required

Dear Editor:
   I would like to hail the present government's effort to reform the EC and more importantly the effort to reform the political parties, even if it is the "Minus Two" formula (however, if there is any).
   The pact of Awami League with 'Khelafat Majlish" is a clear proof to this, where majority of the party members were completely unaware of it or against it and yet it took place and went forward.
   For the past 15-20 years, we, the citizens of our beloved country have become the victim of family-oriented politics. So much so that it has become unthinkable to many of us today that the major two political parties cannot be run without the two families or their children. If this is true, then how this is different from monarchy. For the last 15 or 16 years, we haven't seen any democratic practices within the parties, so, how can they offer the blessings of democracy to the people of the country?
   Years after years, we have seen the same persons leading the two major political parties. This, I believe allowed the power to concentrate on one single person or persons surrounding them, created more rigidness within the structure of the parties and gave rise to another form of dictatorship within the democratic framework. This is nowhere near the democratic practices that are the main driving forces for the most developed countries. On the contrary, we gained the "Top corrupt country of the year" award for four consecutive years.
   So, I believe it is up to us, the people of the country, to change our attitude and mindset to bring about a change and let not anyone think that this country is anyone's inherited property. And with this approach, collectively, we can force the reforms to happen within the parties and the country eventually.
   Shah Galib Habib,
   8450 Willow Place Drive,
   Houston, Texas-77070,
   shahgalib@yahoo.com

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Dissipating the political energy

Dear Editor:
   The Caretaker Govt. is facing a huge task: to defuse the huge political black energy boiling within the society (corrupt practices and black money). This multifaceted syndicates have a powerful, wide and vicious network, which cannot be controlled or wiped out in one phase before the clean and transparent elections are held in the near future; even with public backing, which is already forthcoming.
   Trimming the leaves and branches are not enough-the very roots have to be uprooted. The resolve of the current emergency regime is laudable, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The Army Chief sounds firm to eradicate corruption.
   The new government is passing through the incubation period-it is not an elected government, but enjoys public support. Then there are vested foreign groups who are putting pressure on this government through indirect diplomatic pressures of various kinds. The local psychology and culture have to be analysed carefully for fine-tuning this operation cleaning up process.
   Money cannot buy anything and everything, but it can do a lot of damage and slow down honest endeavours through delaying processes and subtle sabotage exercises. Only honest elected politicians can handle such operations on long-term basis. This is a big hurdle in underprivileged societies. Also we can learn a few lessons on what is happening in Pakistan today under a military general. Or, let us analyse the military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Military operations do part of the job-physical clean-up. How to introduce a revised culture in governance?
   The vast majority of the voters is rural and have weak holding power against powerful syndicates who control inputs, processing and outputs in day to day affairs. Now the militia are operating kitchen markets; which is not their job. There are shortages of food and the essentials of daily life. Thus a short-term emergency regime is theoretically handicapped in coping with the accumulated garbage of the nation for over three decades.
   Bangladesh can get out of the bottomless basket (the Nobel Prize and the cricket tigers, and the involvement of the armed forces in the background). Slow and steady is not the need of the day. Let us seek divine guidance.
   A Mawaz,
   Dhaka.

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Let us learn from 36 years of governance

Dear Editor:
   I was searching and waiting to read what M. Shadidul Islam wrote in his despatch from Toronto (Holiday 20th April 2007).
   The Bangladeshis are apparently not running the present Dhaka regime (since 11/2/07). Outwardly the mission of clean-up operation against corruption is appealing to the public; but the puppet show controlled from behind the stage needs public awareness.
   The Tata intiative has the Western blessing. The interest in South Asia (SAARC) is now obvious - compete against rising China and contain it. Bangladesh would not have been in the priority list without gas/coal reserves; but for eyeing energy resources further South-East, on base is necessary.
   In Pakistan, Gen Musharraf's usefulness seems to be over. The Indian generation is madly in love with the younger of life, hence there are no mental barriers. S Asia is the best site for relocation of industries and investment (1.5 billion people) can Bangladesh fight against the rich and powerful West, who have made UN and Int'l organization redundant?
   Let us learn lessons from 36 years of governance.
   Alif Zabr,
   Dhaka.

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Not a very good decision

Dear Editor:
   The Government has recently allowed all the shopping malls to remain open all the seven days of the week. But the revised decision has not been hailed by the business community, maybe for the following reasons.-
   The peak hours of business at the posh shopping centres are in between 5pm and 9-39pm of the day. I am sure the shop owners will not mind opening their shops late say after 12 noon and will definitely prefer to keep the business open till late evening. Hot summer is another good reason for them to expect the majority customers in the evening.
   Probably it was an oversight, and the authorities did not consider that the large number of poor salesmen and all other workers employed in the shopping malls will be deprived of their holiday as a fallout of the decision. In this country in many private factories, industries and other business establishments/offices etc poor workers are intimidated to work all the seven days and even without any compensation/overtime. The CG should address this fundamental issue. By keeping open all 7 days more electricity will be consumed with no tangible gain for the business community.
   Adivser Tapan Chowdhury should review the decision and make it a pragmatic one. He has already earned a place in the hearts and minds of the commomn people.
   Mohammed Zakaria,
   1228 East Shewrapara
   Mirpur Dhaka-12316

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Restructure utility bill payment system

Dear Editor:
   For many years this is a common scene and practice in almost all banks wherein we are required to pay and obtain receipts for payment of our electricity, WASA, gas and telephone bills.
   On one side the bank manager and his/her entire staff members sit idle, read newspapers, take tea or gossip together. And on the other hand a lone staff member of bank sits timely and tightly in the bill payment counter.
   The said bank counter staff performs his/her onerous and multifarious works and duties single handedly. He/she collects cash from the members of public/consumers, counts and scrutinises the required money whither real or fake, sticks revenue stamps, puts seal and initial on the bills, makes necessary entries in different registers and hand over the payment receipts to the people/consumers.
   This is a very lengthy process of work and it is time consuming. The bill counter bank staff member is overburdened and exhausted. The members of public/consumers waiting and standing in the long queue are all tired and exhausted and. they suffer for unnecessary wastage of their valuable time and energy.
   We once again request the bank, DESA,WASA, Titas Gas and telephone authorities to sit together, cooperate and coordinate among themselves if necessary depute 1-2 special staff members, each their organisations, rotationwise, in a monthly routine system, use computer and Franking machine like equipment for smooth and speedy payment and receipt of bills in the interest of public service.
   O. H. Kabir,
   Dhaka.

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How to deal with India?

Dear Editor:
   After reading the article in the HOLIDAY "Transit deal aims to transport Indian soldiers, armaments" by M. Shahidul Islam (from Toronto), it clearly shows what is India's interest in Bangladesh and how the manipulation of propaganda of Islamist terrorism is working against the people of Bangladesh. India is becoming a powerful country and instead of going against it, we should try to gain from their weaknesses, because that's what they are trying to do as well. They are trying to take advantage, by exploiting the weaknesses of the corruption of our politicians.
   It probably will be a wise decision for Bangladesh government to bring India into negotiation table and charge premium price for our help to them after ensuring proper security and legal land protection agreement. We should even look for put up 'Farrakka Dam', proper water distribution and equitable trade deficit issues on negotiation table. I am sure India is a mature country, which will realise that in today's global environment it will be wise to negotiate, rather than trying to play dirty old tricks of divide and rule, where voices from everywhere can be raised and heard in a blink of an eye. The latest example is the Caretaker Government had to withdraw from pressuring to exile the two party leaders. Bangladeshis all over the world have learnt the power of lobbying as Indians did.
   Ekramullah Chowdhury

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