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EDITORIAL
Indoor politics: civilised norms needed
Party offices are abuzz in Dhaka with activists and workers assembling again. Politicians belonging to all parties now, except the BNP, are so to speak in their usual form as the ban on indoor politics has been withdrawn subject to certain conditionality. Party men will have to confine their talks and discussions to electoral and organisational matters.
Sane peaceable persons find the typical syndrome of politicking messy and chaotic in Bangladesh, which, however, is in no way behind her neighbours -- India, Nepal and Pakistan -- when it comes to speaking about the chronic, never-ending pandemonium. After a respite of over eight months the same hubbub has returned following the Caretaker Government allowing indoor politics. As regards Awami League (AL), activists attacked and assaulted Amu-led reformist AL organising secretary as he came out of a meeting of the central working committee at the Dhanmondi party office on Wednesday last. The agitated AL workers abused four senior party leaders and said that no reforms would be implemented in the AL without the release of detained party President Sheikh Hasina.
The BNP is in a quandary as police didn't allow the newly appointed secretary general Delwar Hossain and others to enter the party office on the third consecutive day. Law Adviser Moinul Hussein explained that the measure was adopted for maintaining safety and security.
Politics and politicking make strange bedfellows, and the maxim seems to be close at hand in Dhaka as a tug of war is on to woo former President and Liberal Democratic Party chief Dr Badruddoza Chowdhury, one of the founding fathers of the BNP in the late seventies, to come back home and hold BNP together.
Politics evolves and unfolds surrounding popularity, notwithstanding a party's blunders; even disgrace, as in the case of former Indian prime minister Rajib Gandhi; the Bofors gun scandal could neither smear him much nor was Congress harmed. The faking scandal of John Stonehouse, a British Labour minister, was not of any consequence to his party. Such instances are too many to recount.
During the Ershad regime moves were afoot to disintegrate the BNP under the leadership of its former Prime Minister Shah Azizur Rahman, but it miserably failed. After long 25 years the party is facing its moment of truth with its head Khaleda Zia now in jail. While the Awami League chief too has the same fate, its party office is open. A mutually acceptable solution has to be reached if indoor politics is intended to be meaningful. The sooner it is done the better. It is advisable that the party seeks opinion of the High Court to avoid a clash.
Similarly, after the tragic assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman- who had eliminated AL to form one-party rule of BKSAL, Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury led the Awami League, while BKSAL re-emerged with Mohiuddin Ahmed and Abdur Razzak as its leaders having little or no following.
Perhaps in no other country the populace is as much politicised as that in Bangladesh; it means the policy comprising activists and workers here have very strong opinions about heir respective parties. Not surprisingly, they feel and speak in absolute terms, leaving no scope for compromise. Rivalry turns to bitterness which gradually metamorphoses into enmity thus going beyond civilised norms. But this is a post-Independence phenomenon: before Independence there was a functional inter-personal relationship among politicians; and they were in talking terms. Things have degenerated lamentably.
Political hatred is still there. The Election Commission (EC) is intent on bringing about various electoral reforms. And the EC will do a great benign service to the nation if some principles are laid down so that the utterances and actions of politicians do not work their followers up into a frenzy leading to violence and mortal clash. All parties must abide by these mandatory and obligatory principles. So be it.
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In remembrance of Hiroshima Day
Use of first nuke bomb on Japan by US: Biggest holocaust in human history
A M M Shahabuddin
The peace-loving world cannot forget that darkest day in human history when the first atom bomb was dropped by American flyers on two Japanese cities, Hiroshima on 6 August and Nagasaki on 9 August 1945, instantly killing over two hundred thousand innocent men, women and children and fatally injuring tens of thousands of others with atomic radiation or horrific burns. It was indeed the doomsday for them all. And all the hell was let loose by the 'war heroes' just a week before the WWII came to an end officially on 14 August, 1945 and immediately after Germany made an unconditional surrender to the Allied forces. Germany surrendered following Hitler's and everybody was anxiously hoping that the war had ended. This show of murderous act on the part of the Allied powers, particularly, America, was widely considered as unnecessary and unwanted.
But the American war lords couldn't wait as they thought that any further delay, might deprive them of the golden opportunity of experimenting their 'home-made' worlds' first WMD. So they jumped on the wagon for experimenting with their fire-ball'. And for them what could have been a better choice than an Asian resort, preferably a Japanese neighbourhood, where the innocent Japanese men, women and children were used as 'guinea-pigs'. But the tragedy is that these criminals went scot-free after committing such a heinous crime described world-wide as the 'biggest holocaust in human history.' And to quote that great historian, H. G. Wells, "no single act of human destruction, and probably no natural disaster, had ever occurred, which could compare to what resulted. The towns and their inhabitants were very nearly obliterated." Exactly, what the war heroes wanted to happen.
Asians made guinea-pigs
However, one question emerges very clearly why the US waited till the fag end of the WWII to experiment their atom bomb on the Japanese people, instead of using it earlier on the German Nazi forces during their long-drawn war in Europe against Hitler? The only sensible answer to this haunting question is that the US had a prior-plan to use the Asians, preferably the Japanese people, as 'guinea-pigs' to terrorise them so that they do not dare in future to take the lead in international political and military fields. That is what had prompted them not to touch their 'kith-and-kin' in Europe, whether they belonged to Hitler or Mussolini.
That is exactly what had happened in the post-war period, beginning on 14 August 1945 when the war came to an end officially. America promptly buckled Japanese government as a 'pawn' or 'hostage' in their hands through a so-called peace-treaty that prevented Japan not to have their own armed forces. In fact, Japan was "prohibited" to raise their own army and General McArthur became the de-facto ruler of Japan after the war, pushing the Japanese King Hirohito inside the palace walls.
Even today, after six decades of the war, all that Japan militarily has is the non-fighting so-called 'defence force', although economically Japan has thrived as an Asian giant under US umbrella. The dark shadow of US network on post-war Japan still seems to be hovering there. At the same time, as a part of their dual policy, there was no such peace-treaty signed with the defeated Germany. Nor any compulsion or prohibition was imposed on Germany as was done with Japan.
Old bottle with new wine
However, the sixty-year old tradition of dual policy, followed by the West, led by America, is still there reigning supreme in the world- in the same of world peace and security. But it had taken a new shape and a new method. It may be the same old bottle, but now filled with more refined contents. And this is all being done on new 'play-grounds' with new players and actors. And they come from the same 'breed', assuming the role of new world leadership. The scenario has been changed to suit the new actors to promote their new strategy and 'road-map'. Now mostly the hawks and neo-cons hold the show on the plea of hunting 'terrorists', using a new phraseology, 'war on terror', as their Mantra.
Their tragic show began with 9/11 events that shook Washington and New York, with tragic suicidal attacks by well-trained 'terrorists', later dubbed as al Qaeda and Taleban, that led to the destruction of the World Trade Centre, killing 3,000 people. Some allege that the whole operation was stage-managed, organised and engineered by the intelligence services of the US (CIA) and Israel (Moshad), the purpose being to create the field for their future plan of action in the Mid-east, to destroy the "rogue" states for the safety of Israel.
Thus they began their mischievous game first in Afghanistan in 2001, destroying the Talibans, who were ruling Afghanistan after ousting the Russian occupation forces and their allies. The Talibans were adjudged to have engineered the attacks on US objects. Incidentally, thousands of the Talibans were raised and trained in 'Madrasas' (Islamic schools), in cooperation of Pakistan intelligence service, and the US poured in millions of dollars through the Pakistani dictator Gen. Zia-ul-Haq.
After finishing Afghanistan, the 'crusaders' against terrorists, jumped on Iraq, occupied it for alleged amassing of WMD by Saddam Hossain. Saddam was caught his under-ground hideout and later hanged allegedly killing some Kurdish rebels by using poisonous gas. But the questions is; while Saddam was hanged for killing Kurdish rebels by using poisonous gas, what punishment had been given to those leaders who had killed over two lakhs innocent Japanese in 1945 by dropping on the world's first WMD, known as atom bomb?
Every year the 6th August comes to remind the Holocaust. But that tragic silence of history about the world's biggest holocaust had not been able to kill the memory altogether. So the 6th August comes and goes every year shaking peace-loving people all over the world in their bones and conscience. They just observe the Day- the tragic 'Hiroshima Day' remembering countless victims in their agony and torture, but nothing else. How many had asked for a total ban on nuclear weapons and how many street demonstrations had taken place against the greedy world powers that are amassing such weapons in the name of peace?
So the Japanese people, the first and so far the only victim of the first experiment with the atom bomb by the US, participated in the observance of the Day on 6 August, remembering sad memories of the tragedy that befell on the innocent Japanese people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki some six decades ago. Heretofore Japanese Prime Minister Abe, who has just resigned on 12 September, participating in such a ceremony, urged the nuclear powers of the world to give up their nuclear arsenals. Bangladesh also joined the world-wide observance of the Day, expressing their deep respect for the victims of the atom bomb and sympathy for their families and other survivors of the ordeal. The Bangladesh peace council, in a statement on the sad occasion, alleged that the big powers have no intention of stopping nuclear proliferation rather they are spending billions of dollars for its expansion.
Enough is enough
But enough is enough. There should be a limit. A line must be drawn now to stop the nuclear powers from their new 'killing games' and creating new 'killing fields'. The time has come when "The peoples of the United Nations," in whose name UN charter was adopted and the world organisation was created, should now stand up united to tell the members of the so-called "Nuclear club" to abandon their dangerous game with nuclear arsenals. This should be more pronounced for America to follow, being the world's richest and oldest democracy to win the hearts of the peace-loving people.
But unfortunately the present power-drunk American leadership seems to be determined to follow the wrong path. President George Bush, during his first term of presidency, made surprisingly Hollywood-style statement that it was withdrawing from the 1972 UN sponsored Anti- Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, showing least regard to world opinion and its unilateral breach of obligations to the Treaty to which US is a signatory. His main argument was that the 1972 ABM Treaty had "hampered" (!) US efforts to keep peace. So the US is now marching ahead with its $60 billion National Missile Development (NMD) programme for self-defence! Thus US has literally opened the floodgates of nuclear proliferation, giving an unceremonious burial to UN's last three decades' achievements in the field of disarmament to create a nuclear- free world.
So what the US president's predecessors had begun some sixty years ago with their first WMD in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, President Bush as the worthy successor to this most valuable 'heritage', is now set to carry it to the end, unless the world opinion raises it's united voice to prevent the catastrophe. Let's hope for the best. Let not history repeat itself.
The writer is a retired UN official.
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VIEW POINT
Anti-Bangladesh propaganda
by Indian Govt., press
Muhammad Afsar Ali Farajee
Constitutionally India is a secular country. But in reality there is 'Hinducracy' and BJP, Bajrang Party and many other politicians are reported to be engaged serious conspiracy for 'Akhanda Bharat' 'Ram-Rajya'. One such serious example is: giving shelter and protection to controversial anti-Islamic and obscene Bangladeshi writer Dr. Taslima Nasreen.
In my opinion Taslima is an agent of Hindu fundamentalism. She is dancing like a snake charmer's snake. The Hindu fundamentalists are always engaged in a serious conspiracy against Bangladesh using Taslima Nasreen as a puppet of puppet show.
A section of Bangladeshi tribal insurgents took shelter in India under the leadership of Shantu Larma. Indian Govt. provided training, arms, logistics and all types of material support. These insurgent groups emerged as 'Shanti-Bahini' in three tribal districts of CHT in Bangladesh. These insurgent groups of so-called 'Shanti-Bahini' carried armed rebellion against Bangladesh for more than a decade.
Swadhin Banga Bhumi?
It is reported that a section of Indian press is routinely engaged in different types of anti-Bangladesh propaganda. It is alleged, a group of Indian politicians are engaged in a serious conspiracy of establishing a "Swadhin Banga Bhumi" comprising parts of Khulna and Barisal divisions. It is always found that both the Government of India and a section of Indian press accuse Bangladesh and her Government for providing shelter, sanctuary and training to ULFA and other insurgent groups who are active in seven sister states of north-east India. But in reality. Bangladesh never provides any shelter and sanctuary to any such insurgent groups. Bangladesh will never allow her territory to be used for insurgency against any country.
It is learnt that many of our alleged corrupt politicians of different political parties including the Awami League have taken shelter in India. Joynal Hazari, Shamim Osman, and Mirza Azam are only a few of them. It is also learnt that these fugitive Bangladeshi politicians are leading a lavish life with the help of Indian Government.
Many convicted criminals are also reported to be hiding in India in order to avoid arrest and conviction. I do not know about the actions of our Government. But, it is a fact that our Government miserably failed to bring back those wanted criminals to Bangladesh for trial/punishment.
JMB training
As per print media, both JMB and JMJB cadres got training in some foreign soil and they procured explosives, arms and bomb making devices and materials from India very recently. A few bombs were exploded in Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) of India and as per press reports more than 50 persons were killed. But, Reddy, a minister of India and the Indian press termed the incident as an act of insurgents of Bangladesh and ISI (Pakistan). I fail to understand how an India minister and a section of Indian newspapers put the blame to Bangladesh without any enquiry. Our foreign adviser has already termed Indian propaganda as false, fabricated and baseless and strong protest was made.
We want to remind that Bangladesh may be a small but fully independent country and Bangladesh never interfere in the internal affairs of another country.
India should also realise that Bangladesh is not Sikkim and Bangladesh should never allow such false Indian propaganda unchallenged, will good sense prevail in India and her press?
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LETTERS
Teacher's apology
Dear Editor:
The DU teacher's public apology (Aug 30) was dramatic- and unexpected to many.
Change of heart? When would DU teachers be consistent- and neutral?
Let us wait and see.
A spectator,
Dhaka.
Citizenship for Urdu-speaking people
Dear Editor:
Newsnet said on 6 September that Bangladesh may grant citizenship to most of its Urdu-speaking people, particularly those born since it separated from Pakistan in 1971 and "showed allegiance to the country". The Election Commission, which is preparing to issue National Identity Cards, wants the Government to take a stand on the issue and they might be included in the voter list.
In this connection, as a general citizen of the country, I demand that the said citizenship not only required "showing allegiance to the country but also to the Bangla Language".
I also propose for the 'stranded Pakistanis' to give them other type of appropriate identity cards for security reason (each and every person in Bangladesh must has a Identity Card). In this process the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) can be involved and government of Pakistan and other related international bodies can be notified to accept the 'stranded Pakistanis' to their opted land.
Saifuddin Tinku,
Motijheel, Dhaka.
Biman: Plundered by one and all
Dear Editor:
It is tragic that today the national airline should come to such a deplorable state despite having so much of commercial potential both at home and abroad. The Biman initially grew fast through the dedication of majority of the employees of the erstwhile PIAC. Soon it drew the attention of the outsiders, who started getting in by virtue of influence but without any airline background and professional knowledge and capability.
During the period of President Ershad retired personnel of the armed forces got appointed directly thus depriving and blocking the future of the legitimate employees. They had the upper hand and imposed their own way of administration not suitable for a commercial airline.
Genuine employees got frustrated. Then the former President himself dealt the biggest blow by purchasing ATP aircraft from Britain only to fill his coffer. So did the other political leaders and their goons in many ways thus paralysing the growing airline day by day. The airline had to bear the brunt.
Internally a number of unions mushroomed. Corruption crept in due to lack of administration. Check and balance disappeared. It became a paradise for the looters. Union leaders and their cohorts numbering a few hundred used to be above the law. They drew salary, overtime and earned promotions without any work. They used to flex their muscle.
The management used to remain wary of them. They used to interfere, dictate, humiliate and even manhandle the officers without impunity. The union bosses used to lead luxurious lives.
The pilots so vocal today should do their own introspection. They without any mercy for the airline used to humble the Management and get one after another agreement executed, never realising the airline's financial viability. Their strong union used to play dirty tricks to realise their demands. They would come up with numerous demands during Hajj and put the brakes on.
Under the circumstances the political Governments had to give in unconditionally. They have one of the best enviable service conditions in this country. In this respect, one will notice a gulf of difference between them and the rest of the employees.
The CG should look into each and every agreement. Which airline of the world will allow for years a full set of crew to lay over in a city like Tokyo for full seven days just after operating BKK-Tokyo flights. The Biman management was helpless. This is only a tip of the iceberg.
Biman suffered in many ways from internal as well as external thrusts. The Aviation Ministry put the airline under its tight grip primarily to serve their interest and started interfering in each and every matter of the Biman administration. Biman as a commercial airline should be left alone, free from interference to compete with other carriers.
Retrenching dedicated and experienced employees at the mid-stage of their career and depriving them of their livelihood along with their family members is no answer to the problem at all. It is like putting the cart before the horse.
Aren't the cockpit crew members surplus when the airline has already shrunk so much? But before anything else the national flag carrier should be protected first by procuring a modern fleet of aircraft. Else it may be too late for the dying patient to survive.
An ex-employee of Zia International Airport
Sarkozy's hint at bombing Iran
Dear Editor:
It has been only a few months since Nicolas Sarkozy became the French president, but he has already shown his true colours. And he has done it so openly that it leaves little room for doubt in our minds.
Recently, Sarkozy delivered a speech in Senegal in which he addressed all of Africa. In his speech, Sarkozy expatiated on what Africa's problems were and how to get rid of them. He suggested that Africans were backward people who had always shunned progress. The speech was condemned by many African intellectuals.
Sarkozy's words were so racist that he sounded like the European colonialists of the 18th or 19th century. For a leader of one of the world's major countries, such brazen racism is simply unbelievable. Naturally, question arises as to why Sarkozy made such unintelligent remarks despite knowing what they were likely to cause. Is he a callow idealist, or is it a deliberate political strategy to gain support of xenophobic French voters?
It is hard to believe that a French president can be so ignorant of Africa's history and current state. If Sarkozy is indeed ignorant, he is probably blissfully so.
The real threat to the world would be Sarkozy's stance on international issues. He recently hinted his uncompromising stance on the Iranian nuclear issue by stating that the choice lay between "bombing Iran and the Iranian bomb." So if the US attacks Iran, it would probably be backed by France under Sarkozy. France would become a real danger to the world if the new president infuses his foreign policy with racism.
Ridwan Billah Kushal,
Dinajpur.
How to minimise losses in flood-hit areas
Dear Editor:
Flood is not a new phenomenon in Bangladesh. The world has now developed technology to warn in advance when it will strike. This is possible by using satellite technology.
Bangladesh is a flat low-lying country; this is why flood strikes here frequently. The government and many other social, national and international groups/agencies are doing in many ways to mitigate the sufferings of the flood-stricken people.
What surprises us all is that we are not trying to solve this basic problem. Many seminars, research, technical surveys have been made but few of them have so far been implemented. The following measures can reduce flood losses substantially:
The Government should procure a good number of dredgers. Dredging of rivers should be done throughout the dry season. All villagers should make their houses high above flood level. They should also make their cowsheds high above flood level.
They should sink tube-well in a higher place with brick made base. All schools, Madrasas and colleges have small or big playgrounds high above flood level, so that affected people with their cattle can take shelter there.
There are beautifully constructed cyclone shelters in the coastal areas. Similar shelters should also be made in some places for seriously flood-affected people.
If possible all single storeyed schools, Madrasas, college buildings should be made multistoried so that in case of emergency those can be used in times of floods.
Meanwhile government should continue all long and short-term projects to contain the recurring floods in Bangladesh.
M.A. Alim,
42/B- 1, Indira Road
Dhaka-1215.
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