EDITORIAL

Tragedy at Rangs Bhaban

A terrifying mix-up of shock, cries of pain and tears of agony pervaded the entire Bijoy Sarani at the city's Tejgaon locality when some 50 persons were trapped under the rubble of the 22-storeyed high-rise structure at10pm on Saturday last.
   True, in this land of niggling poverty, where human life is of little value, misery and wretchedness of the destitute do not draw attention. Subhuman existence of the underdogs largely goes unnoticed even in the capital city where socio-economic inequity of the milieu is disproportionately shocking. But not many people care.
   Take for instance the case of ill-fated dead workmen who remained trapped in the tangle of rods and concrete of a collapsed floor of the much talked-about building for over 80 hours. The stinking decomposed corpses dangling from above for so long is an utterly unacceptable scenario ought not to have happened.
   At least 15 were injured in the collapse of the Rangs Bhaban, which the government, engaging private firm Six Star Corporation, has been pulling down since September 9. A day labourer of the corporation, said he was working on the 21st floor at around 9:35pm when he saw the floors from 19th down to the sixth cave in. The day labourers were taking rest on various floors at the time of the accident, he said. People heard the sound and saw the roads and buildings shaking. The injured were taken to hospital.
   Fire service proved its utter failure when its personnel failed to enter the building till midnight. Six fire engines were conducting rescue work. They could rescue 12 of the trapped people.
   On the following day the government formed a three-member committee to investigate the collapse case that left three people dead and 16 more missing, feared to be trapped in the debris. Following a court order declaring the construction of the 15 top floors of the high-rise office building illegal, the government had engaged a private firm, Six Star Corporation, to demolish them.
   Officials from the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha or RAJUK and the housing and public works ministry visited the spot immediately after the accident on Saturday night, he said, adding that he did not find any neglect of duty on the part of the officials concerned behind the collapse.
   The dismantling of the building began after a Supreme Court verdict for demolition of the top 15 floors of Bhaban on August 2 and the decision of the government to acquire the remaining floors and demolish those to facilitate construction of the connecting road between Bijoy Sarani and Tongi Diversion Road, no one seems to have thought through the actual proposition of pulling down such a huge structure.
   What defies logic is how could the RAJUK authorities think it fit to make an attempt to pull down a high-rise building with hammers and chisels. Clearly, they have not taken into account the hazard such a demolition method poses to life and limb. What is saddening is at least four labourers' bodies --- all decomposed by this time --- are dangling.
   While we wish there will be no repeat performance of mindless disregard to rescue and burial of similar victims in future, it is advisable that Rajuk engineers update their knowledge of safe demolition.

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Another Bushman goes down fighting

A.M.M. Shahabuddin

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. This is exactly what happened first with Tony Blair, who at least saved his scared face by fleeing the unwelcome scene in a dramatic way, now with another Bushman, John Howard, Prime minister of Australia for four consecutive terms and who had gone out of his way to please his 'friend, philosopher and guide' lost his election.
   As they say, "as you sow, so you reap." If anybody sows 'winds', he would have to reap 'whirl-winds' one day. He cannot escape from it. So it won't be surprising at all if a veteran and seasoned politician like the out-going Australian PM Howard who had been ruling the roost in Australia since 1996 to 2004 and was aspiring for the fifth term. But his dream this time had been shattered in the last election to the parliament, proving that everything has its limits whether one likes it or not.
   Because of his consecutive victory in four elections to the parliament, Howard was living in a fool's paradise, ignoring the swelling ground-reality. And that is why he had to swallow the bitterest pill of most humiliating defeat and a big political shock of his life in the hands of the Labour Party. Thus the latest election, fifth in the series since 1996 of Howard's political career, brought a disastrous political end for him. It is not only sad for him but also tragic. He miscalculated and underestimated the popularity of the rising Labour Party under Kevin Rudd's leadership. Consequently, the Labour Party has swept into power in a land-slide victory to rule the country for the next terms. Howard's defeat even in his traditional home seat from where he had been elected during the last four elections, has been the most devastating for a sitting Prime Minister of Australia, being only the second in a century in Australian history.
   
   Why this catastrophe?
   This unprecedented catastrophe was waiting for Howard. There may be many reasons, known and unknown, open and hidden, but the most striking of them all was Howard's shameless role of a most obedient crony and lackey of George Bush to fight against terrorists, at the cost of national prestige. And also pro-Bush policy towards Kyoto Protocol on environment, perhaps Howard was trying to out-shine and over-shadow Blair's role as a 'poodle' of Bush. Imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery, and Howard had proved that through his nose, paying a very high cost. Howard, unfortunately, forgot the old saying that "a chain is no stronger than its weakest link", which he, being over-confident had overlooked his popularity and leadership to gain another victory.
   Many fools had rushed in (like Howard, Blair and even Pakistan's Musharraf), where 'angels' feared to tread. If Blair is considered as the staunchest and closest ally of Bush in his war on terror', Pakistan's Musharraf must be second in the row, if not Third. Musharraf who was almost lost in the quick-sand of rapid change in political development, had now narrowly been rescued by his god-fathers to decorate the Presidency of as a civilian President, after handing over military power to his successor.
   
   Blair wiser than Howard?
   However, one thing must be admitted that Blair was wiser than his Australian counterpart. He felt the heat of the shaky ground on which he was dancing, with rising tide of violence and street demonstrations against Bush's war on terror' policy in Iraq and Blair playing second fiddle to the 'Director' of the show. So Blair wanted to put up a brave face for a graceful exit from the fire to save his skin, by announcing that he would step down from Prime Ministership before the official expiry date, after handing over power to his deputy in the party Mr. Brown, the new British Prime Minister. And as soon as Blair quitted 10, Downing Street, Bush kept ready a nicely decorated flying 'Chariot' for him to ride on bon voyage on a pre-destined peace-mission in the Middle East to follow the US brokered peace road-map. It was a nicely planned exit to save himself.
   This is where Howard had failed miserably and in particular when he was showing too much eagerness to fill the place left by Blair. Now he must be repenting for missing the bus and misreading the writings on the wall. He had put all the eggs in one basket, while wise Blair kept some of them elsewhere at a safe distance. Alas! Howard's most coveted 'bread' had at last fallen on its 'buttered side'. Howard now stands a total political bankrupt for an unceremonious political burial.
   Howard might have given his country a tremendous gift of an unprecedented economic boom as had also been claimed by Blair and even Pakistan's Parvez Mussharraf but the people could not remain blind to what their leadership was doing and where they were driving their country. So nothing could save them when the 'deluge' or political 'tsunami' came. Moreover, at home Howard became a victim of a circle that he himself had created through his half-hearted policy on immigrants and other popular issues which he had neglected. And like an experienced and self-confident wrestler, Labour party leader, Kevin Rudd, threw his hat in the ring in time to give his rival a death-blow to end his political cancan to amuse the Australian people. Rudd had well studied Howard's weak points and accordingly applied the 'salt' to the proper places with a hard lesson pushing down his throat.
   
   Australia: Tilt towards left?
   According to media analysts, the emphatic victory for Rudd's Labour Party might tilt Australia towards political left after about eleven years of conservative rule and this might create some consternation in the US camp. Rudd had already declared, soon after his party's victory that his most important agenda, as new Prime Minister, would be to sign the Kyoto Protocol on cutting greenhouse gas emissions and pulling out Australia some 550 combat troops from Iraq. This would be a big blow for America, creating an alert in the US camp of allies fighting against terrorism in Iraq and elsewhere, but this would be a great victory for the Australian people as they had been agitating against Howard's policy on these two issues.
   It would, undoubtedly, serve as dazzling hallmark and a historic milestone to boost Australia's international image as a sovereign nation, but might create a big hitch in its relations with America. But Rudd had already tried to clarify his position vis-à-vis the US by saying that he would maintain good relations with America, as announced by a White Houses spokesman, that Rudd during his recent tele-talks with Bush had assured him that they "looked forward to working together." It would be the most critical moment for Rudd's foreign policy as he had already announced his decision to sign Kyoto Protocol and withdraw Australian combat forces from Iraq. However, to have good relations between two sovereign states is one thing, and to become a "yes man" of another country is something else.
   
   New leadership, fresh ideas
   Rudd's party slogan during the election campaign was: "New leadership, fresh ideas" served a brilliant catchword asking Australia's new generation to follow a new road to unfold a new chapter. The new PM had promised that he would be "a Prime Minister of all Australians," and would try "to unite Australians from different backgrounds and nationalities." Let all Australians, irrespective of white and black or yellow, immigrants from other parts of the world enjoy the sun. Winter for them seems to be over, with the arrival of the spring!.
   Racist 'One Nation' party doomed
   Back in 1988, this writer had the opportunity to observe as a visitor, some special election 'fire works'. At that time, elections were being contested between two main parties, the conservative, led by Howard and the Labour Party. But a third party, a racist party, named, 'One Nation,' appeared on the scene to contest the elections, under the leadership of one Ms. Pauline Hanson. Her main slogan was directed against the immigrants, with the aim of creating rift and enmity between the white Australians and immigrants, black or yellow. But luckily for all the venom-spreading slogans were disregarded by the conscious people and the new party leader, Ms. Hanson sank in the deep sea along with her party. She even lost her own seat which she won in 1996 elections. That was a great relief for all Australians. They boldly stood up against racism and voted Howard and his party to power.
   Tail-Piece
   Tell me who is your companion and I will tell you what you are.
   The writer is a retired UN official.

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Fate of NAM and US-India naval exercise

Muhammad Afsar Ali Farajee

After the great breakdown of USSR- the USA emerged as the only super military power in this unipolar world. Definitely, USSR could challenge the USA. We are aware of massive arms aid of USSR, China and other socialist countries to North Vietnam against US forces and South Vietnam.
   The Non-Aligned Movement or NAM is not a military alliance. The NAM was launched by few famous great leaders like Nehru of India, Dr. Ahmed Soekarno of Indonesia, Nakruma of Ghana, Chou En-Lai of China and Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia in the 6th decade of 20th century. More than 100 countries participated in it including Cuba. NAM played a great vital role against US hegemony and US imperialism NAM. provided moral and International political support to many Afro-Asian and Latin American countries for their struggle against imperialism. The last summit meet was held in Havana of Cuba. USA is reported to be engaged in a serious conspiracy to destroy N.A.M. It seems India is the trump-card in the hand of USA. Hence, countries of NAM should take note of it because its necessity has not come to an end. It is a great solidarity of the Third World countries.
   After the fall of USSR India has become a great ally of USA for hegemony and imperialism. In the second US-Iraq war (2003) US warplanes got refuelling facility in Mumbai airport, casting vote in IAEA against Iran and support of US proposal by India is a good example. India is dreaming to be a military power and also permanent member of UN Security Council with veto power.
   It seems to US that India has already lost her non-aligned character and also abandoned the non-communal, secular and non-violent philosophy of late Mahatma Gandhi. In the past, India always opposed US imperialistic policy. Even India always proposed the formula of creation of a nuclear-free peace zone of Indian Ocean and she always opposed the presence of US-British military bases in the Indian Ocean, even, she demanded withdrawal of all US-British military bases from the Indian Ocean. India always demanded to close down US military bases from Diago-Garcia islands. But India has changed her foreign policy.
   India has turned into a puppet of US Imperialistic power. A joint naval exercise of India, USA, Japan, Austrlia and Singapore started in the Bay of Bengal. A huge number of nuclear-powered warships equipped with latest sophisticated atomic weapons along with hundreds of warplanes took part. The main aim of this war game is to threaten China, Iran and Pakistan of military strength of US-led powers. It may be mentioned here that China has already built a large naval and military base in Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal. China always opposes such war-games which was held in her neighbourhood.
   We demand immediate withdrawal of all foreign military bases from the Indian Ocean. All the littoral states of the Indian Ocean should talks steps for creation of nuclear power free peace zone in Indian Ocean. I appeal to peace loving states of the region in this regard.

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Triple 'talaq' is untenable

Dear Editor:
   During my recent visit to Kolkata the article under the above title written by Tahir Mahmood published in the Times of India, Kolkata dated 1st Dec, 2007 on the edit page drew my attention. I fully support and agree with the views expressed by the writer as well as by the honourable Delhi High Court Judge Badar Durrez Ahmad.
   In this respect I quote the following verses from the Holy Quran :- Allah Gafurur Rahim says, "If their intention is firm for divorce, Allah Samee' A'leem heareth and knoweth all things. Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods and it is not lawful for them to hide what Allah hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last day, and their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree over them and Allah is exalted in power, wise. A divorce is only permissible twice; after that the parties should either hold together on equitable terms or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you (men) to take back any of your gifts except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah...." ( EMQ 2:227.228)
   The verdict is absolutely clear and unambiguous. So utterance of the word "Talaq" in a fit of emotion or anger more than once at a time is only considered as 1st Talaq with clear provisions for reconciliation till the third and final Talaq. Even after completion of 90 days when 1st and 2nd Talaq are confirmed the couple still can get remarried any time through a Qazi (marriage registrar).
   No one has any right to interpret the Quranic verses in violation of the basic injunctions. Enough of opportunities have been provided for the couple to understand each other's folly, shortcomings and misunderstanding thus leading to reconciliation and continuation of a peaceful conjugal life.
   But it is most unfortunate that the Islam as a religion is misunderstood by many in today's world. I am positive the controversial writer Taslima Nasreen never read the Holy Quran.
   Without understanding the religion Taslima Nasreen tried to do blasphemy against her own faith Islam. In doing so, she has clearly violated the first and foremost principles of Islam i.e. to have absolute faith in Almighty Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) and thus forfeited herself to remain a Muslim. She has turned into a nonbeliever.
   Nasreen should immediately denounce her faith in public, give up her Muslim identity and get converted to any other religion of her choice. She should leave the religion Islam alone to the relief of one and all. It is equally tragic that she being a qualified medical doctor instead of serving the humanity she has preferred to concentrate on blasphemy with an ulterior motive of appeasing others at the cost of hurting one particular community who believe in Islam. I being a Bangladeshi/British Muslim feel so ashamed of her dirty tricks.
   A.B.Mohammed Zakaria,
   Shewrapara, Dhaka- 1216

Dear Editor:
   By beating two front ranking cricketing countries in the last world cup, Bangladesh first came into the limelight but went down miserably in her subsequent encounters. Similarly they defeated the strong WI side in the recent T20 game but, as usual, were miserably defeated in their subsequent games. Why this inconsistency? There is allegation of groupings in the team, as noticed in the 'harakiri' committed by our players in the match with Sri Lanka to the utter dismay of the commentators!
   This phenomenon gives rise to the question as to what is wrong with our national cricket players. Obviously there is no dearth of talents but then what is the reason of their unexpected failures: is it lacking in their physical or mental capabilities to take on pressure, or lacking in concentration or what?
   Perhaps they are not giving due weight to the international events and are in the habit of taking those games very lightly. Perhaps they are not getting any guidance as to how to play during varying conditions. They seem to be more concerned with their individual performances rather than team performance. Right from the start, without taking the cognizance of the batting or bowling conditions, our batsmen were after sixes only and thereby after blind hitting few balls, got out cheaply. Ones, twos, cover drives or on drives are not there in their dictionary.
   To come out of such hopeless situation I have the following suggestions for the Bangladesh Cricket Control Board to consider:
   a) To look for coaches either from Sri Lanka or West Indies. Separate specialised coaches for batting and bowling may be seriously considered.
   b) Domestic and school cricket need to be rejuvenated to find out new talents and proper training given home and abroad. In this respect the example of Sri Lanka may be a guiding factor.
   c) The players should be encouraged to consolidate their cricket career first rather than their family career. Early marriage of Mashrafee, Shahriar Nafees and Aftab led to their recent poor performances as they are now unable to give more time to cricket due to their family obligation.
   d) Mushfiqur has totally failed to live up to the expectation, both in wicket keeping and batting and, therefore, should be dropped. Moreover, his height is not suitable for wicket keeping. If the previous selectors picked him up as wicket keeper cum batsman, then why he was placed down the line to bat? This was not understandable. In his place Dhiman Ghosh, who has done exceptionally well during the recently concluded Australian tour by the National Academy Team, may be considered.
   e) Nazimuddin although a talented batsman failed in his maiden debut, perhaps due to his wrong placement by the team management. He should not have opened the innings rather should have been used at middle order. Let us not loose hope on him and may try him out once more in down the order.
   f) Mashrafee should not be used in the last over as he cannot deliver dot balls and his deliveries outside the off stamp met with smashing hits by Afridi. Any way he seems to be on the wane.
   g) Ashraful seems to be suffering from complacency, otherwise after conceding miserable defeats how he could sound positive? His batting was atrocious, excepting one in all other matches he could not even reach the double figures. Unless the captain leads from the front, how the other members of the team will get encouragement? He seems to be lacking the instinct to win.
   h) Last but not least, young talents should be picked up from our A team and the Academy team which recently performed well in Australia.
   It is the ardent hope of the countrymen; let the tigers roar again!
   Mohammad Ataul Hoque

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Sidr and Bali conference

Dear Editor:
   I have read an article on Bali conference, republished last week, originally from The Guardian 30 Nov 2007 in your newspaper. Tivoli and southern part of Bangladesh will be submerged, under water by 2040. Apocalypses happened before in planet earth
   So question of migration to other countries comes up which have lots of lands and wealth. If we really think of ''one planet" theory and "new world order'' then this question should be raised in Bali conference. Surprisingly, nobody raised the issue so far, neither Bangladesh nor international communities. Bangladesh will be submerge because of somebody else's pollution caused consciously or unconsciously. The poor people have the right to survive. G7, UN and Kyoto Protocol policy makers should begin thinking as soon as possible.
   The victims of Sidr should not be a separate issue. The Sidr victims need food, shelter and pure drinking water. Economic history says our wealth, rice, etc were taken to UK which colonized us for 190 years.
   Can this caretaker govt. and NGOs arrange loan quickly for starting cultivation, fishing and cottage industry? Will they invest in our country without much profit margin? Flood control saved Holland and China. Bangladesh wants to be saved similarly.
   Dr Azizul Karim,
   victoria, Australia
   email mounaj@optusnet.com.au

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