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EDITORIAL
Quandary over political reform
Substantial furore and controversy emanating from disagreement -- even threatening rift -- has been engendered over the reform issue in the country's two major political parties - Awami League (AL) and BNP. The need for reform within parties was suggested months back by the Election Commission whose chairman, Dr. A.T.M. Shamsul Huda, in his remark expressed optimism over the issue adding that the parties are capable to do the job.
Leaders surrounding BNP and AL are hyper-active in this regard. Khaleda Zia dittoed the need for reform adding that grassroots-level leaders and activists should have a say on this subject. Welcoming reform proposals, BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia said she would hail any suggestions from her party leaders and workers across the country to reform the party. In her view, all reform proposals should be discussed openly in party forums and council sessions.
Howevere, Sheikh Hasina seems to have opened the Pandora's box by asserting that leaders aged above 60 years should retire from executive positions in the party which has visibly infuriated most of the senior AL leaders including Amir Hossain Amu and M. A. Sayeed.
Half a century back out in what is now Bangladesh various political parties -- doctrinaire right of centre, left of centre, liberal democratic and centrist -- were formed; they contested general elections; some of them left their indelible mark on the sands of time and many have sunk into oblivion. Larger-than-life personalities in respect of idealism, integrity and commitment led them; never ever was any murmur against their conduct; debate, if there was any, pertained to issues and decisions. Those were the days of our statesmen like Sher-e-Bangla A.K.Fazlul Huq, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani and Hussein Shahid Suhrawardy. Not a finger of suspicion fell on them nor a question of reform arose because all the leaders were unimpeachable. O tempora, O mores!
Since the early nineties of the past millennium the phrase 'parliamentary dictatorship' got currency, which is albeit paradoxical. Though conceptually self-contradictory, in reality presence of both the doctrines - Westminster-type democracy and authoritarian rule - were perceptible. The figure-head of parliamentary democracy, successive prime ministers wielded immense power during the past 15 years. The PMO or Prime Minister's Office was made the centre of gravity in defiance of all democratic culture, norms and practices. The Opposition preferred parliament boycott and frequent walkouts. Having been concurrently party chief cum head of government Khaleda or Hasina was the final arbiter deciding matters while the ministers and MPs were at the mercy of the supremos. Hence the question of reform.
It was presumed that certain clauses of reforms would automatically eliminate them, notwithstanding one's status as daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and another's as widow of Ziaur Rahman; but the scenario may metamorphose.
Reform implies democracy within a party in which should members not care wink/raise eyebrow. Councillors should speak their mind at council meeting and express opinions without fear or favour. Every party should categorically vow not to force Hartal on the masses who have the right to reject work and move freely. A party can, at the most, hold rally at designated places on national holidays, such as Eid, Victory Day, Pahela Baishakh and so on. A party shall be liable to severe punishment if its workers/activists resort to mayhem, lynching and arson. Once and for all, there must be an end to wild and savage manifestation of resentment, dissent or disagreement on the streets which has killed many and crippled many more who sustained injury in political clashes across the country.
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Unbridled hydra-headed corruption
Can we effectively curb the rot?
A. K. Faezul Huq
For Muslims, all over the world, Hazrat Osman [RA] is a very revered name. He was one of the four respected Caliphs of Islam, who was known for his remarkable honesty. But for Muslims in Bangladesh today, the story is quite different. Whoever has heard umpteen stories of different sins and corruption in the past, shudders when he hears about the misdemeanor of the man who used to head our forest department until recently and is known as Osman Saheb. Many people remained speechless and mum for quite some time when they saw the TV news footage and reports unfolding Osman Ghani's long list of misdeeds.
How could he do that, so nakedly and so fast, was the common query? And we are told, all those loathsome things were done by the twosome---Mr and Mrs Osman combined---in collusion with each other. In fact, people connected with the preliminary enquiry of the above case along with a host of investigators are of the opinion that Mrs. Ghani was not only responsible for instigating her husband to commit all the despicable crime and the accompanying sins, but she herself overshot the limit long time back. In fact, she physically collected the bribe money, moving around from office to office.
What is quite interesting is the disclosure by the criminal of the highest order that three former ministers of the past two regimes were directly involved with all his heinous activities and its operations. While the ACC has already got hold of the two alleged corrupt VIPs, [as they prefer to call the corrupt politicians in custody!] the third one is still at large and waiting to be brought to book for her own, supplementary [corrupt] activities, including the collaboration with the above mentioned Osman Ghani for all the unlawful gains during her stint.
Now the pertinent question is: How can all the vices, acquired over the years, be solved within only a few months of sincere efforts?
In fact, the present interim government, if it is allowed to continue smoothly until the winter of 2008, may find it stress-free to assist Gen. Hasan Mashhud Choudhury and his colleagues/team members to complete an enormous task to a great extent by that time, but certainly not earlier. And let us remember one thing. The overall system needs to be changed immediately. Unless there is a full and complete overhauling of the system itself, there can be no permanent solution. The hydra-headed corruption syndrome will raise its ugly head anytime in future if we do not address its basic flaw right now. But where do we go then if we treat the whole issue callously? Obviously, back to square one.
Of course, we have to admit that our society is today infested with hundreds - if not thousands - of Osman Ghanis and their likes. Further, the ACC itself has its own problems, like having a number of former officers on its roll from the now defunct Bureau of Anti-Corruption [BAC], whose service records indicate anything but their honest reputation. In fact, we used to call the previous BAC as 'multi-corruption bureau', a nomenclature certainly not without any reason. The problem of recruiting fresh officers who would be both honest and efficient is also there. If someone is honest, he or she is mostly found to be inefficient and vice versa. A single Hasan Mashhud Choudhury therefore cannot be expected to perform miracles. Under the circumstances, we shall have to proceed with caution, with the chief of the ACC keeping a close vigilance on his own citadel. Charity in all its form and under all circumstances would have to begin at home, no doubt.
But what we are really worried about is the highly politicised nature and mental make-up of our bureaucracy. Majority amongst them, even if they are not appointed purely on political grounds, are still found to be exceptionally conscious with strong political views. What happens then? If someone having BNP or Jamaat leaning/connections is recruited, he or she would at first try to find out ways and means to hook up an Awami Leaguer or someone whom he/she detests politically. Similarly, Awami-minded officers cannot be expected to do any better. They will indeed do the same. What happens then? The first thing therefore would be to de-politicise the officers of ACC. And for achieving that, a thorough brainwash is needed. They should be told in clear terms that any partisan attitude - while performing their duties in the ACC as investigating officers - would not be tolerated, and they would not only lose their jobs, but would be severely punished also.
I do not think it would be difficult to do this much in order to give the ACC a completely neutral and non-partisan image, which is the sine qua non before the majority of people can have full faith in its working and operations. Moreover, just the traditional 'witch-hunting' of any sort, or jumping to conclusions merely on a 'be-nami' [anonymous] complaint would be another blunder. There should be some prima facie case or ground to start with. However, in any case, in a country, where the head of a political party takes taka 50 crore as donation [obviously extortion!] and then gleefully agrees to nominate an equally corrupt man, there the angels would also fail, what to talk about Gen. Hasan Mashhud Choudhury?
However, another surprising recent revelation is the involvement of foreign businesspersons and business houses/large organisations in the corruption parade of our country. This part of the story I believe is perhaps unknown to the TIB people operating from their overseas offices who had branded us as the most corrupt country, on five consecutive occasions since 2001 onwards. In two previous cases filed by the immediate past [BNP] government in which Sheikh Hasina, during her tenure as Prime Minister, has been accused of being directly involved in corrupt transactions pertaining to the purchase of MiG 29 and a Frigate for the Navy, the names of two foreign governments were also linked up.
And now we find a big foreign cell phone investor, [Warid Telecom] from another friendly and brotherly country [the UAE], headed by someone with sub-continental origin, very much in the news. That person---or the CEO who has called all the shots so far for his company---we are told, was involved in huge corrupt practices, while operating on the soil of Bangladesh, as he tried to get the operational NOC from the BTRA. In fact, according to the press/media reports and confessional statements of a few former VIP detainees, including the former home ministry boss, who are under custody [or in police remand], millions of dollars have already been paid to the high ups of the previous BNP government to get the permission for the Warid Telecom to operate. I have a hunch, one or two BTRA bosses, who are frequently seen being pampered by a section of our media, are also involved in the scam.
Of course, the Warid Telecom authorities have completely denied the above-mentioned allegation ab initio, but it remains to be seen in future, as to how far the allegations are really true and correct. And if by any chance those are proved authentic, [which is very much likely as the confessional statements indicate], what action would be taken against those who paid millions of dollars to get their job done---in this case the much needed permission from the BTRA? We hope the rules will not be changed or altered overnight [for a few high profile corrupt friends], for the simple reason that both the 'giver and taker' of all corrupt deals are equally guilty!
If Koko and Babar are guilty of receiving millions of dollars as kickback money, then the CEO of Warid Telecom should also be brought to book, despite our excellent relationship with the investor country, which has always stood by our side and helped us in many ways. Chances are that very soon there will be a formal approach by the top boss of the investors, [in this case headed by a UAE Sheikh], to forget everything in the interest of our relationship. But I really doubt if that would be the official line of thinking of the UAE government also.
Then we have the Belhasa group operating in a shady deal, where Mr. Obaidul Karim of the now infamous Oriental Bank scam is also involved. The Jatrabari mega flyover, which has remained a distant dream so far, has been the centre of attraction for all the above named people---plus, plus! Everything connected with that non-starter flyover was fishy and flawed, with the former PMO office winding and unwinding the screws, off and on! My question is: Why haven't they been taken to task so far? Instead, the Power Development [PDB] people are reportedly trying to give Mr. Karim[and his BON Consortium] seven more months as breathing time to deposit his financial closure timeline in another flawed case. And then we have a group of Chinese investors behind another Power plant deal in Narayanganj area[with a former Awami League leader close to its 'supremo' as the local agent], which was also dubbed as totally fishy. Is the Chairman of ACC aware all this? I very much doubt.
In any case, it would be quite a difficult task for even the ACC to deal with all the hi-fi cases with foreign connections, while the whole country remains eagerly looking forward [and watching] to see if justice is really done in those particular instances. In any case, we certainly do not want the Warid Telecom to shut down and go back---lock, stock, and barrel. We are only seeking punishment for the person directly involved from the investor's side---in this case the local CEO of that company---who has taken part in the colossal corrupt transactions sitting on the soil of Bangladesh, in order to send clear signals of justice and punishment to those who might be thinking otherwise. And if we can stick to our guns until the very end, our prestige as a nation would only go up; it cannot recede by any chance.
A.K. Faezul Huq is a lawyer, columnist and former MP/Minister.
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VIEW POINT
Trafficking must be stopped
Hazardous effects of drug addiction
Ripan Kumar Biswas
Drug addiction, a decaying menace, is not only injurious to an individual but also imperils the health of the entire social fabric with fast cascading impact.
Drug abuse and addiction have become an alarming phenomenon in Bangladesh.
Considering drug abuse and addiction a big problem, so many government and non-government organisations including media are working hard on this serious issue for a long time.
There are approximately 30,000 students in the Dhaka University. Most of them reside in 18 different Halls and 2 Hostels.
As a student of Dhaka University, my cousin believes that more than 5,000 students of Dhaka University are drug addicts. But actual picture may be more dangerous.
Of course, large number of drug addicts in Bangladesh is a serious national concern.
According to unofficial estimates, there are 2.5 million drug addicts in the country. An ever growing menace of drug addiction is affecting not only the younger generation, but also the society as a whole.
It is no exaggeration that a huge number of students of Dhaka University are becoming hooked-up into drug day by day as none is taking any action in the border areas against illicit drug trafficking.
Different kinds of drugs are selling at various parts of the Dhaka city including Kamrangirchar, Begunbari slum, Bhanga Gate, Shahinbagh, Nakhalpara, Titipara slum, Sutrapur, Dholpur, Demra, Tejkunipara, Chankharpol, Tilpapara in Khilgaon, Modongoli in Sipahibagh, Mirpur section 1, Agargaon, Adabar and Geneva.
There are many reasons to get involved with drugs, but easy availability is the main cause for becoming drug addicts.
All types of drugs are available in different places near Dhaka University campus. Drug dealers have developed a strong network on the campus. Some small stalls of different halls are selling drugs almost in broad day light. At night, some tea and cigarette sellers use to carry drugs to residents hall.
The guards and the security personals are helpless because they are threatened to keep quiet. Some of them are directly involved with the selling process. This situation is deteriorating due to administrative inaction.
Dhaka University campus is surrounded by densely populated area and small markets including Chankhapol, Shahbagh, Bakshibazar, Nilkhet and Newmarket South Gate, Kantaban, Hatirpul, Palashi and Sarwardi Park.
Gau-Sul Azam market of Nilkhet corner, small tea stalls of Shabag corner, cigarette shops and even small restaurants of Chankhar pol and Swarardi park are some of the ideal places of drug trafficking.
Ganja (Marijuana), Puria (Heroin), Da-ill (Phyncidile) and Pathedine injection are found everywhere on the campus or those areas. They usually start with Marijuana and Phyncidile and then take all kinds of drugs, including heroin. A drug addict spends from Tk. 1,200 to Tk. 12,000 on drugs a month.
Extortion, snatching money from pedestrians or asking from parents by saying that they need more money to maintain their rising educational expenses are some ways students basically use to arrange money to buy drugs.
Unemployment, family feud, parents' unruly behaviours, degradation of moral values and lack of healthy entertainment are the main reasons behind the drug addiction of the students. The government should take measures to stop drug trafficking.
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LETTERS
New party must reject corrupt elements
Dear Editor:
While there is a move to form a new political party, everyone involved should be very much cautious in selecting the members willing to join the new party. It is noticed with much anxiety that some old guards starting from Ershad regime till the present time are gathering around the new party formation effort.
There should be thorough scrutiny of their past tract records as some names appearing in the hierarchy of the sponsors are known to be having high corruption record. Some ex-ministers of the Ershad regime who made volte-face several times in their political career and were known to have amassed ill-gotten wealth through corruption of high magnitude are harbouring to get the upperhand in the new party. This will eventually demolish the very objective of the new party.
There is also an apprehension that the present regime is backing the formation of the new party and that is why they are not touched by the ACC.
So, be cautious about the people taking shelter in the new party to hide their past misdeeds.
Monirul Islam,
Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
Private universities
Dear Editor:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) reported that 56 1oca1 and foreign universities have been operating their academic activities without its prior approval and running illegally since inception. According to section 6 of the Private University Act 1992 and the Private University Act (Amendment) 1998, no private universities or local campuses of foreign universities can be set up or run their academic activities without necessary license from the Bangladesh government. The UGC also asked the people not to take admission to any subject, course, department or faculty of these universities.
These universities have been running their functions illegally since inception. The quality of education of some universities is steadily falling. They are mainly for earning money and not for true institutions, it is alleged.
Persons responsible for violation of Private University Act should be brought to book. We hope the government will take necessary action in this regard.
A.M.K. Chowdhury,
West Masdhair
Narayanganj.
The umbrella effect
Dear Editor:
For sun and rain, when you go out, you take an umbrella with you. Well, you can fight corruption in the society, because you are armed [symbolically].
You protect your body from hot sunshine and rain with the shade of your umbrella. Consider the sunshine and rain symbolising corrupt practices. Multiply this protection effect by millions (of voters or citizens), using anti-corruption umbrellas.
Suppose out of 10 persons, eight were protecting themselves with the umbrellas. The corrupt groups watching you would note that they have only two targets or kills out of ten [20 per cent; while eight were resisting].
That is the first part or the game. Now suppose the sunshine could be covered with cloud effect high up in the sky; you get some local freedom of not using the umbrella all the time. This is the next phase, controlled by the society, backed up by the government. In 1990 the autocratic regime was toppled as two major political parties put up a similar effect into operation. Now the latter are vying for monopoly with disastrous effect on the society.
The ground has to be prepared. The helping hand is extended towards you, to protect your motherland and your personal freedom. Volunteer to say NO to corrupt practices.
Alif Zabr,
Dhaka.
Agri-subsidy and artificial fertilizer crisis
Dear Editor:
Very often it is complained that the subsidy to the agriculture sector given by the government does not reach the farmers. I think the main cause for it is the long chain of middlemen who do not supply the subsidised fertilizers, seeds, pest controllers and other agricultural inputs to the farmers timely. They dishonestly waste time to create artificial crisis, hike price and get undue money from farmers.
In the recent past the country experienced severe artificial fertilizer crisis that even sparked farmers' movement and cost valuable lives. This is how and why the farmers do not get benefit of the government subsidy.
Another thing is the fuel subsidy for irrigation. Most of this subsidy does not go to farmers. The huge price gap of the fuel with the two neighbouring countries encourages smuggling out of substantial amount of fuel which is purchased with hard-earned foreign currency. In this regard I think electricity subsidy for irrigation system is more effective and direct to the farmers.
The agri-machinery like tractors need more subsidy as their use is increasing day by day.
Saifuddin Ahmad Tinku,
Dhaka.
Dying Dhaka
Dear Editor:
Without extensive reforms and restructuring of DCC and RAJUK Dhaka (population 10 million plus) will collapse and die.
Immediate decentralisation of Dhaka metropolis is a must. Give more powers at District levels.
Imagine an earth-quake hitting Dhaka; rehabilitation would be impossible. Elections can wait.
Dhaka displays the fare meters, but does not use it. It is a political symbol.
A Mahasen,
Dhaka.
For fair and good administration
Dear Editor:
The current CG has done a lot of good things. The CG has committed some mistakes regarding expulsion of Hasina and Khaleda, and by demolishing shanties and slums of poor people without rehabilitating them. The CG has not taken action against corrupt bureaucrats and corrupt retired generals.
Corrupt people will try to create problems with their black money but as long as CG listens to the demands of the general masses they have no problem. Why are some politicians so allergic to civil society or Dr Younus /Kamal Hossain? Because they feel threatened by better competitors in this traditional ''amra ar mamara'' looting game.
In summary, make no mistake, we need quality, not quantity both in economic management and political philosophy of the future of Bangladesh. Fighting should be between wise versus wise rather than wise versus idiots. I can assure Sheikh Hasina, that was the dream of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Being a daughter of Mujib is not enough.
We need a leader like Mahathir who built modern Malaysia and made Malayasian economy strong. Bangladeshi politicians and bureaucrats need policy shift rather than sympathy votes.
Dr Mohammad Karim,
Medical practitioner,
Australia.
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