|
EDITORIAL
Ekushey rejuvenates nation's valour
The glorious Ekushey February is a grand milestone in the life of this nation. It is a an occasion of commemoration of the sombre incident in which Salam, Barkat, Rafik, Jabbar, Shafiur and other intrepid sons of our soil laid down their lives on the streets of Dhaka. The story of Ekushey is an epic of courage and resolve of our people. With due solemnity and fervour a grateful nation observed Shahid Dibash or Martyr's Day on Twenty first February to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs who laid down their lives 55 years ago for the cause of Bangla Bhasha, their beloved mother tongue. Millions offered their heart-felt homage with wreaths and flowers at the altars of thousands of Shahid Minars throughout the length and breadth of Bangladesh.
Since the Great Divide Bangla Bhasha suffered one assault after another under the rulers of Pakistan and their Bangalee lackeys. The conspiracy against Bangla Bhasha, nay Bangalees, was deep-rooted. The depraved scheme and stratagem to degrade and denigrate Bangla continued; and preparation was afoot in various forums of the central government of Pakistan under the initiative of the then central education minister Fazlur Rahman to make Urdu the only state language of the country. On receipt of this information, East Pakistani students became agitated and held a meeting on the Dhaka University campus in December 1947, demanding that Bangla be made one of the state languages of Pakistan. The meeting was followed by student processions and more agitation. It is a historical fact that the first Rastrabhasa Sangram Parishad (State Language Action Committee) was headed by Nurul Huq Bhuiyan of Tamaddun Majlish under whose banner rallied a group of intrepid youths; but it is deplorable that today most writers and columnists conveniently forget to mention the pioneers of 1948.
While the sacrifice remains of the hallowed soldiers of the Language Movement unique remains a unique event in the annals of mankind, the day assumed greater depth and dimension when the UNESCO declared the day as the Mother Language Day. The decision to observe 21st February as the International Mother Language Day was unanimously taken at the 30th General Conference of the UNESCO held on November 17, 1999.
Ekushey February has afforded the nation rare glory and Bangla, spoken by about 212 million people, is universally recognised. Our mother tongue has its respectable place from the children's primers to the highest seats of learning besides correspondence and communication in offices and other establishments. The annual Boi Mela or book fair at the Bangla Academy (BA) has now reached such a height that this year alone has witnessed the arrival of a thousand new titles. In a land dipped in a quagmire of perennial political strife, at times savagery, it is a significant positive gain.
The Bangla Academy, a direct progeny of Ekushey, has published some meritorious books including lexicons for learners but its outstanding work was accomplished by none other than the sage scholar Dr. Muhammed Shahidullah whose painstaking effort made it possible to produce Bangladesher Anchalik Bhashar Abhidhan, the dictionary of Bangladesh's diverse dialects. The BA, we are constrained to note, has dissipated its energy and resource by publishing fiction and poetry which ought to be the job of private publishers. A national institution of its stature should concentrate on essays, critiques, translation of classics of world literature into Bangla, and of course textbooks as far as practicable though medical books like anatomy, surgery or similar textbooks are near impossible to translate.
We are euphoric while talking about extensive use of Bangla, oblivious of the fact that some 50 per cent of the populace is deprived of the alphabets because of illiteracy. There are no two opinions about the fact that literacy is a must for national progress but the task is challenging as it involves various social dynamics. What seems stupendous is that though enough budgetary allocation has been provided and incentive has been given to underprivileged children so that they attend primary schools, adequate response is yet to come from the target groups.
A study reveals that of the country's 92.8 million estimated people aged 11 years and beyond, 45.8 million are non-literate, 8.6 million semiliterate, 19.5 million are literate at the initial level and 18.9 million are literate at advanced level. As was before, women still lag 12 percentage points behind men in terms of literacy - 35.6 per cent for women and 47.6 per cent for men.
Some 9.3 per cent are semiliterate which means that they have not crossed the stage of minimum acceptable level of skills. It needs no elaboration that people in non-literate and semiliterate categories do not have literacy skills useable in practice. Moreover, a third of students, who have completed five years of primary schooling, are still illiterate. Probably a thorough review of the whole gamut of the issue is required for making the literacy programme fully successful. And only then will the martyrs' dream be fulfilled.
 ^ TOP OF THIS PAGE ^ MAIN PAGE
US says it is fighting for democracy,
but is deaf to cries of Iraqis
Noam Chomsky
There was unprecedented élite condemnation of the plans to invade Iraq. Sensible analysts were able to perceive that the enterprise carried significant risks for US interests, however conceived. Phrases thrown in by the official Presidential Directive from the standard boilerplate about freedom that accompany every action, and are close to a historical universal, were dismissed as meaningless by reasonable people. Global opposition was utterly overwhelming, and the likely costs to the US were apparent, though the catastrophe created by the invasion went far beyond anyone's worst expectations. It's amusing to watch the lying as the strongest supporters of the war try to deny what they very clearly said.
On the US motives for staying in Iraq, I can only repeat what I've been saying for years. A sovereign Iraq, partially democratic, could well be a disaster for US planners. With a Shia majority, it is likely to continue improving relations with Iran. There is a Shia population right across the border in Saudi Arabia, bitterly oppressed by the US-backed tyranny. Any step towards sovereignty in Iraq encourages activism there for human rights and a degree of autonomy - and that happens to be where most of Saudi oil is.
Sovereignty in Iraq might well lead to a loose Shia alliance controlling most of the world's petroleum resources and independent of the US, undermining a primary goal of US foreign policy since it became the world-dominant power after the Second World War. Worse yet, though the US can intimidate Europe, it cannot intimidate China, which blithely goes its own way, even in Saudi Arabia, the jewel in the crown - the primary reason why China is considered a leading threat. An independent energy bloc in the Gulf area is likely to link up with the China-based Asian Energy Security Grid and Shanghai Cooperation Council, with Russia (which has its own huge resources) as an integral part, and with the Central Asian states (already members), possibly India. Iran is already associated with them, and a Shia-dominated bloc in the Arab states might well go along. All of that would be a nightmare for US planners and their Western allies.
There are, then, very powerful reasons why the US and UK are likely to try in every possible way to maintain effective control over Iraq. The US is not constructing a palatial embassy, by far the largest in the world and virtually a separate city within Baghdad, and pouring money into military bases, with the intention of leaving Iraq to Iraqis. All of this is quite separate from the expectations that matters can be arranged so that US corporations profit from the vast riches of Iraq.
These topics, though high on the agenda of planners, are not within the realm of discussion, as can easily be determined. That is only to be expected. These considerations violate the fundamental doctrine that state power has noble objectives, and while it may make terrible blunders, it can have no crass motives and is not influenced by domestic concentrations of private power. Any questioning of these Higher Truths is either ignored or bitterly denounced, also for good reasons: allowing them to be discussed could undermine power and privilege.
There is another issue: even the most dedicated scholar/advocates of "democracy promotion" recognise that there is a "strong line of continuity" in US efforts to promote democracy going back as far as you like and reaching the present: democracy is supported if and only if it conforms to strategic and economic objectives. For example, supporting the brutal punishment of people who committed the crime of voting "the wrong way" in a free election, as in Palestine right now, with pretexts that would inspire ridicule in a free society. As for democracy in the US, élite opinion has generally considered it a dangerous threat, which must be resisted. But some Iraqis agreed with Bush's mission to bring democracy to the world: 1 per cent in a poll in Baghdad just as the noble vision was declared in Washington.
On withdrawal proposals from élite circles, however, I think one should be cautious. Some may be so deeply indoctrinated that they cannot allow themselves to think about the reasons for the invasion or the insistence on maintaining the occupation, in one or another form. Others may have in mind more effective techniques of control by redeploying US military forces in bases in Iraq and in the region, making sure to control logistics and support for client forces in Iraq, air power in the style of the destruction of much of Indochina after the business community turned against the war, and so on.
As to the consequences of a US withdrawal, we are entitled to have our personal judgements, all of them as uninformed and dubious as those of US intelligence. But they do not matter. What matters is what Iraqis think. Or rather, that is what should matter, and we learn a lot about the character and moral level of the reigning intellectual culture from the fact that the question of what the victims want barely even arises.
The Baker-Hamilton report dismisses partition proposals, even the more limited proposals for a high level of independence within a loosely federal structure. Though it's not really our business, or our right to decide, their scepticism is probably warranted. Neighbouring countries would be very hostile to an independent Kurdistan, which is landlocked, and Turkey might even invade, which would also threaten the long-standing and critical US-Turkey-Israel alliance. Kurds strongly favour independence, but appear to regard it as not feasible - for now, at least. The Sunni states might invade to protect the Sunni areas, which lack resources. The Shia region might improve ties with Iran. It could set off a regional war. My own view is that federal arrangements make good sense, not only in Iraq. But these do not seem realistic prospects for the near-term future.
US policy should be that of all aggressors: (1) pay reparations; (2) attend to the will of the victims; (3) hold the guilty parties accountable, in accord with the Nuremberg principles, the UN Charter, and other international instruments. A more practical proposal is to work to change the domestic society and culture substantially enough so that what should be done can at least become a topic for discussion. That is a large task, not only on this issue, though I think élite opposition is far more ferocious than that of the general public.
*Adapted from an interview for Z Net with Michael Albert, published in 'The Drawbridge'. Noam Chomsky's latest book is 'Failed States' (Hamish Hamilton, June 2006; Penguin Books, March 2007).
^ TOP OF THIS PAGE ^ MAIN PAGE
LETTERS
Paying respect to National Heroes
Dear Editor:
The other day I was watching a television interview with one of our veteran language movement hero, Abdul Matin, who is rightly called Bhasa Matin. I do not have any doubt that Matin along with few other outstanding student leaders of that time made history by doing a commendable job. Their action ultimately shaped the destiny of the nation and that is why we now proclaim ourselves a proud people of a free Bangladesh. Their services to the language, to the cause of independence and to our identity as a nation 'Bengali' is unparalleled and we all need to remain grateful to them. They are our pride, they are our national heroes.
But unfortunately ours is a country where money and muscle rule, so nothing is in order. It is not unusual to see that our hero like Bhasa Matin has no place to live at the age of 85. As per the statement of his wife Matin has been sheltered by his daughter. What a shame!
My earnest appeal to the Caretaker Govt. - please do something for him, proclaim him a national hero. Immediately arrange free furnished accommodation with all facilities. If black money holders and criminal minded ministers (presently fugitive) can enjoy all state facilities at the expense of poor tax payers, the people would rather be delighted and honoured to pay respect to such most distinguished persons.
M. S. Zoha,
On email
Bangladesh needs strong leadership, not Yunus
Dear Editor:
I can only foresee tragedy for Bangladesh if Yunus enters politics. In a hostile region and shifting alliances in Asia you need strong political leadership who are prepared to take risks and defend Bangladesh. Yunus is not such a man. His skills are in getting 'Danone' to set-up a factory for nutritional products! You would have thought Danone would be interested in capturing a market with 20 million (60 million is the actual potential) mobile phones but no, they are here to do social service and charity! Multinationals don't do charity. That is what Yunus and co have done to Bangladesh for the last 30 years turning us into a charity shop. What harm would it have done Yunus to have spoken to multinationals to form partnerships with Bangladesh enterprises?
I recall what the British did when Bangladesh championed a candidate for the post of Secretary General of the Commonwealth. UK sent representatives to promote one of their own colonials from the colony of New Zealand to Africa and Asia spreading rumours that a Bangladesh SG would hog the international aid! Such crudity proved to be effective. Why am I remembering such an event? Just watch out for all the crude Yunus and Bangladesh jokes at dinner parties at DAVOS.
Yunus is bigger than any one nation. He can do much to heal a wounded and divided world.
Taslima
Yunus vis-à-vis misdeeds of political parties
Dear Editor:
Through this column I wish to convey the following words to Nobel laureate Dr Yunus.
Dr Yunus, I welcome your decision to join politics and I support you in this direction. This will open an alternate platform for us we were looking for, to get rid of the present corrupt political parties.
However, I have few suggestions. a) Learn from the misdeeds and mistakes of the two large political parties of the country. Due to the educational shortcomings, their two women leaders were mainly after power and its retention through terrorism. Their next aim was to amass wealth for themselves, their family and other party men through corruption or whatever other means open to them.
Finally, both of them wanted to install their dynasty in the country and treated this country as their Zamindari. b) Publish your political mission and vision which one may term as your election agenda, manifesto and your strategy and approximate time frame to achieve.
c) You should introduce death sentence for corruption and terrorism and bring the country within ten numbers of least corrupt countries.
d) You will ensure equal distribution of wealth as far as practicable and achieve optimum literacy in the country. e)You will work for rural-based economy and industrialization to prevent mass exodus from rural areas to urban areas.
f) You will stop unhealthy student politics connected to national politics to prepare them to take future national leadership.
g) You will shift capital from Dhaka city to release it from its tremendous pressure due to overcrowding.
h) You will spread equal health, education and other economic opportunities throughout the country which are now concentrated only in Dhaka city due to wrong or no planning at all.
I know it is extremely hard for someone to implement those in one's lifetime, but with sincerity and dedication if proper planning and attempts are made right now, one can at least expect the next generation to fulfill those. The problem with us is that, no body is willing to start any good thing and if one does not start how he is going to finish.
May Allah bless you and wish you all success in your noble mission.
Mohammad Ataul Hoque
CG must nab miscreants sans fear, favour
Dear Editor:
Though the Caretaker Government (CG) is not an elected one, yet the people have confidence in it. When this government was formed after declaration of state emergency the people were relieved of their worries. This government is doing many works like recovery of unauthorized arms, nabbing of wanted criminals, demolition of unauthorised structures on roads and footpaths, separation of Judiciary, organizing the process of holding credible polls in the shortest possible time etc. for the welfare of the people. It appears from the activities of the Caretaker Government that it may do its best to hold a free, fair and acceptable election for the sake of democracy. In this connection I like to add here one more thing regarding the general election.
According to newspapers report, some 76 people were killed, a good number of vehicles were damaged, some garment factories were set on fire, the chamber and the office of the Chief Justice were ransacked, the National flag was brought down due to political programmes like blockade, hartal, gherao, jalao/porao, destruction of properties both public and private, killing/burning, agitation, Logi-Boitha culture etc. since October 28, 2006. These caused a loss of several crore Taka to the country. So the miscreants behind all these illegal work should also be nabbed and punished exemplarily for the sake of democracy. We hope the government will take necessary action against them without fear or favour.
A.M.K. Chowdhury,
West Masdhair, Narayanganj.
BB Governor and victims of share market scandal
Dear Editor:
Industrialist Salman F. Rahman, Vice Chairman of the BEXIMCO Group, the top loan defaulter jointly with his elder brother visited the Governor of Bangladesh Bank (BB). They threatened the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Lutfor Rahman Sarkar that he would face dire consequences if actions were taken against Salman for his loan default; and also they further misbehaved with the Governor which was outrageous.
The same Salman F. Rahman along with an Indian Marwari and a Bangladeshi couple in a planned way plundered the then Share Market. As a consequence of that planned games, hundreds of innocent people turned poor. Salman F. Rahman should be made to compensate at least 50 per cent money lost by those poor people cheated in Share Market. The rest 50 per cent compensation should be made by that cheat couple, whose names can be traced out from the records of Share Market scandal of that time. The Creataker Government should ensure that the proposed exercise is implemented.
On the other hand, the then Governnor of Bangladesh Bank, Lutfor Rahman Sarkar may demand minimum Taka ten crore from Rahman brothers of BEXIMCO as compensation against the insult done to the Bangladesh Bank Governor Lutfor Rahman Sarkar by them.
S.A. Hussain,
G-21, Pallabi, Mirpur, Dhaka.
Wrong selection of World Cup squad 2007
Dear Editor:
We are shocked at the exclusion of Khaled Masud from the World Cup Squad. The reason cited by the Chief Selector does not seem to hold good. His preference to batsman-wicket keeper from wicket keeper-batsman only speaks about his shallow knowledge. It is the wicket keeper who can render effective support to the bowlers in winning a match. Batting performance from the wicket keeper is a secondary requirement.
In the current South Africa-Pakistan series, it is due to the failure of Kamran Akmal as a wicket keeper to perform led to their debacle although he fared well in his batting. Mushfiq Rahim has not matured enough to deliver his best at the most important event where experience will play a major role in reading the direction of the ball and where world class batsmen will be playing.
Besides, Khaled Masud is undoubtedly one of the best wicket keepers of the Subcontinent. However, if the selectors wanted to infuse more blood in the batting line up, they could easily do so by retaining Mushfiq as a specialist batsman in replacement of desperately out of form Ashraful whose performance in recent days both in national and international level have been disastrous.
I think time is not over, and the selectors should re-consider inclusion of Khaled Masud in the team which is a national demand. World Cup tournament is not the right kind of event to make experiment. In this respect I remember in one of the previous World Cup Squads. Minhazul Abedin was initially left out of the team due to internal politics but was subsequently included on national demand who went on to score highest run for the country in the tournament. This time also we are smelling a rat in the selection procedure which led to the exclusion of the very much in form Khaled Masud.
M. A. Hoque
William wallace trust fund scholarship
Dear Editor:
There are some hundreds of post graduate students are studying at different universities in the UK. Most of them are self financed. Some of them lost a year or two to provide or to arrange tuition fees abroad.
Bangladesh High Commission in the UK announced to offer scholarships to Bangladeshi postgraduate students in the UK. The name of the scholarship is William Wallace Trust Fund. It is for the student who wants to undertake postgraduate degree in 2007 and also for continuing postgraduate students who are already doing a postgraduate course and will finish it in 2007. The deadline for the application was 26 th January.
I am an applicant, I called Bangladesh high Commission in the UK where an official, preferring anonymity, told me that the procedure is a bit lengthy. They send the file to Bangladesh, and a decision comes after the scheduled time.
Officials from Bangladesh Education Ministry informed me that every year some of the scholarships from this fund had been lost because of the lengthy process at inter-ministerial process.
I would like to urge appropriate body to take necessary steps this year in time, so that students who applied for it can get huge help from the government in time, not after finishing their course.
Imran Tareq,
Postgraduate student,
International Relations,
University of Durham, UK
Duty of ZIA immigration officers
Dear Editor:
I like to draw your attention to the immigration officers at Zia International Airport (ZIA). When passengers arrive from outside Bangladesh their passports are stamped for entry. Similarly, when they depart from Bangladesh they must also be stamped and this is the duty of the immigration officers -- but that is not done.
Probably it is a trap to catch and stop those persons [who will arrive] and hand them over to the Special Branch for interrogation.
Bangladesh Home Ministry should look into the matter.
Abul Khan,
155roll gdns, ig2 6tl London
^ TOP OF THIS PAGE ^ MAIN PAGE
|
