I thnk for the first time in its history, Bangladesh finally has a decent government actually fighting for the benefit of the country. Before this caretaker government came to power, it was looking like bangladesh was again heading into political unstability and chaos which would finally only end with the electing of a corrupt government. But now with the caretaker government arresting corrupt leaders from both of the major political parties, it finally seems like bangladesh not only has a great future with its economy, but with its government too. On top of that, they have also finaly signed the UN accord against corruption, are working on a national ID card scheme so everyone gets a fare vote, and are working to build the countries infrastructure to compliment its boming economy.

The two major political parties however are now trying to push for elections before the corruption trials end and the ID card system is implemented. What do you guys think, should the elections be held within 120 since the caretaker government came into power like it says in the constitution, or do you wanna see this care taker governent finish its agenda of cleaning up bangladeshi politics first. I for one am in support of withholding the elections till the coruption and ID card issues are completed.

Zaki, without a doubt I hope the election takes place only and only after the criminals are convicted or atleast in trial. There is no rush. I also hope that we can make sure those corrupt politicians are forbidden to participate in the upcoming election. We can certainly do without them. I fully support the recent actions taken by the caretaker government. Only time will tell if this will be a historic time for Bangladesh or not. With a good leadership the sky is the limit for Bangladesh.

Zaki, without a doubt I hope the election takes place only and only after the criminals are convicted or atleast in trial. There is no rush. I also hope that we can make sure those corrupt politicians are forbidden to participate in the upcoming election. We can certainly do without them. I fully support the recent actions taken by the caretaker government. Only time will tell if this will be a historic time for Bangladesh or not. With a good leadership the sky is the limit for Bangladesh.

I dont think we even have to ban the corrupt politicians. If tried publicly enough and openly enough, i really dont think the people would vote for them even if they do run since i truly believe that people of bangladesh are tired of this kind of shit and just want to move on with developing the country.

The caretaker government should continue to catch the corrupt and hunt down those responsible for the displacement of millions of dollars.The elections can wait,we have had elections in the past,but what benefits did they bring to the people?Let this caretaker government take the time it needs and only then we will be able to have an election that would truly estabilish a government-Of the people,By the people,and For the people.According to what I heard in the news,the caretaker government would not allow any person guilty of corruption or of loan default to stand as a candidate in the coming elections.So I believe that no matter which party comes to power,the Bangladeshi people will have a good government in charge,as only good guys would be able to contest in the polls.

From BBC:
Bangladesh's split personality
By Jill McGivering
BBC News, Dhaka



Most Bangladeshis are tired of ceaseless political bickering


Enlarge Image

Democratic elections postponed indefinitely - and a state of emergency imposed. It is a scenario which might suggest suppressed civil unrest, the heavy hand of security forces and a frightening increase in tension.

But in Bangladesh, the reality has been very different.

After months of political protest and strikes, the latest round of the perennial feuding between the two main parties, the Awami League and the BNP, the mood in Dhaka under its new caretaker government is one of calm and relief.

Most people, it seemed, had felt the impact of more than enough political fireworks. Better to have stability and a chance to return to normal daily life, people told me, than to carry on with political dramas and elections which no-one expected to deliver reform or real change.

Confidence dented


Garment factory owner (and former general secretary of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturer and Exporters' Association), Annisul Huq, put it most bluntly, as he showed me round one of his busy garment factories.

Several hundred of his 7,000 employees, almost all women, were sitting at small tables in pairs, cutting, stitching and checking shirts for the US market and, downstairs, sweaters for Europe.


The garment industry is an important source of employment

The recent series of national strikes, called by an opposition alliance led by the Awami League, had hit his business hard, said Mr Huq.

Orders had been lost, customers' confidence dented and the country's image as a reliable manufacturer badly tarnished.

It would take him until the end of this year, he said, to make up the losses - and that was assuming there were no more disruptions.

"I'm sure, when you are in England, you think: oh, army is there, people are suffering!" he told me. "But when you are in the field, you can see, people welcome them because we don't appreciate the conflicting political rivalry. Civil society is very vocal against it."

"People are very happy now," he went on. "They want to get rid of this political conflict. They want democracy, for sure, but they also want peace, they want economic growth."

Bangladesh is suffering from a split personality. Its private sector, galvanised by entrepreneurs like Mr Huq, is healthy and thriving. The economy is growing at a steady six to seven per cent a year.

Dhaka is buzzing with energy and commerce. The clatter and grind of new construction resonates on every corner.

Bribes and bureaucrats

But its organs of state are fundamentally sick, suffering from inefficiency, corruption and politicisation. The tension between the two is becoming unbearable - and causing growing pressure for reform.

Anecdotal evidence of the ill-health is everywhere. I met Rashidul, a driver of one of the hundreds of auto-rickshaws that weave dangerously through Dhaka's traffic.


Many in Bangladesh remain in poverty

Every week, he said, he is stopped by the local police. They find a pretext, he said, from the state of his paperwork to the colour of his lunghi (wrap), to ask for a bribe. To get any work done in this country, he told me, you have to pay out at every turn, to the bureaucrats and to the police.

It was a familiar story. In one of Dhaka's slums, Rupnagar, I met a family who live in a corrugated iron and wood semi-permanent shack, built on government land.

They had recently managed to get their gas, water and electricity supply connected, they told me - but only after months of endless waiting in government offices and plenty of smoothing the way with bribes.

Corruption, I was told by everyone I met, is endemic in public life.

Civil society is growing and strengthening but Bangladesh is still one of the world's poorest countries. Almost half its population lives on less than a dollar a day.

To some, the priority is to alleviate poverty. As well as being an important goal in itself, the hope is that increasing demand for clean, accountable governance will also flow naturally once a greater percentage of the population rises above the poverty line.


Political parties have been urged to do more to help ordinary people

Fazle Hasan Abed is one of the towering figures in Bangladesh's modern development.

Along with his better known counterpart, Professor Yunus, the founder of the Grameen Bank and now Nobel Laureate, Mr Abed too has played a key role in shaping changes in Bangladeshi society.

'Grassroots democracy'

Mr Abed's contribution was the founding of the mammoth non-government organisation, BRAC, 35 years ago. He is still its chairman.

BRAC has multiple grassroots programmes. Many focus on supporting the country's rural women. It has proved so successful that it has also launched programmes in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and several African countries.

In a rare interview in BRAC's gleaming modern offices, Mr Abed, who presents as a gentle and mild-mannered man, described his own hopes for political change.

"What we were hoping for," he said, "was a kind of grassroots democracy we were trying to build in the countryside. You see the beginnings of people power. But it's not yet apparent."

As for the future, he said, the current crisis could well prove a turning point.

"I'm hoping this particular process will bring about dramatic, positive change," he told me, "in the way our politicians operate and behave and run our country.

"I hope it will change for the better and they would look at the interests of the people, rather than the interests of the parties and of themselves."

I dont think we even have to ban the corrupt politicians. If tried publicly enough and openly enough, i really dont think the people would vote for them even if they do run since i truly believe that people of bangladesh are tired of this kind of shit and just want to move on with developing the country.

I don't know about you guys.... I knew that we were being ripped off - but I didn't have a clue that it was so bad. I don't think they had any trouble sleeping after doing what they had been doing.

Those "politicians" were money hungry animals to be straightforward. This is one govt. we can be proud of to be honest. Startinf from the CEC, the Chief Caretaker, the Advisory Council, the Anti Corruption Bureau, everywhere we now have good, honest politicians. The dishonest guys of the former regimes should be brought to justice and only after that can be a free & fair election with honest candidates.

so have they accounced a date for the election yet?

I wonder what the two parties thinking right now. Surely neither wants the election to be delayed any further.

so have they accounced a date for the election yet?

I wonder what the two parties thinking right now. Surely neither wants the election to be delayed any further.


The two parties are doing all they can to get the elections underway asap and they're evoking the name of democracy and the constitution while they're at it. They're trying to use every meeting with foreign delegates (e.g. the US Congressman who was in Dhaka recently) to push for early elections. Funny how democracy and the constitution are only important when it can further their agenda and help the power/money hungry politicians (I wanted to used another word here but I'll be civil) get back their authority.

The longer the parties stay out of the power the more likely it is that more of their corrupt members will be convicted. Also, the disenchantment within the parties will continue to grow as people start slinging mud at each other to pass on the blame. This is all good because the mud-slinging only exposes more of the corruption and criminal activities committed by the politicians and other influencial/wealthy individuals.

Personally, I LOVE what the caretaker government is doing. Nothing like this has been done in the history of the Subcontinent, not at this scale. For too long these people have looted the poor and the very poor in the country (can you believe they stole biscuits and ordinary clothes meant for aid to the poor? - How low can you go?). And, I love the tactics of this government too, like how they removed the special security guarding Khaleda and Hasina. It's like they're saying...."Be scared...be very scared...we're coming for you"
I can't get enough of this! :)

The two parties are doing all they can to get the elections underway asap and they're evoking the name of democracy and the constitution while they're at it. They're trying to use every meeting with foreign delegates (e.g. the US Congressman who was in Dhaka recently) to push for early elections. Funny how democracy and the constitution are only important when it can further their agenda and help the power/money hungry politicians (I wanted to used another word here but I'll be civil) get back their authority.

The longer the parties stay out of the power the more likely it is that more of their corrupt members will be convicted. Also, the disenchantment within the parties will continue to grow as people start slinging mud at each other to pass on the blame. This is all good because the mud-slinging only exposes more of the corruption and criminal activities committed by the politicians and other influencial/wealthy individuals.

Personally, I LOVE what the caretaker government is doing. Nothing like this has been done in the history of the Subcontinent, not at this scale. For too long these people have looted the poor and the very poor in the country (can you believe they stole biscuits and ordinary clothes meant for aid to the poor? - How low can you go?). And, I love the tactics of this government too, like how they removed the special security guarding Khaleda and Hasina. It's like they're saying...."Be scared...be very scared...we're coming for you"
I can't get enough of this! :)

Haha,i agree with gohorns,this government is just awesome!!Btw,Awami League wants elections by June,and BNP by July according to what I heard today,but the caretaker govt. is yet to tell the people when they want the elections to be held.As for the people,I dont think they want elections anytime soon.

The two parties are doing all they can to get the elections underway asap and they're evoking the name of democracy and the constitution while they're at it. They're trying to use every meeting with foreign delegates (e.g. the US Congressman who was in Dhaka recently) to push for early elections. Funny how democracy and the constitution are only important when it can further their agenda and help the power/money hungry politicians (I wanted to used another word here but I'll be civil) get back their authority.

The longer the parties stay out of the power the more likely it is that more of their corrupt members will be convicted. Also, the disenchantment within the parties will continue to grow as people start slinging mud at each other to pass on the blame. This is all good because the mud-slinging only exposes more of the corruption and criminal activities committed by the politicians and other influencial/wealthy individuals.

Personally, I LOVE what the caretaker government is doing. Nothing like this has been done in the history of the Subcontinent, not at this scale. For too long these people have looted the poor and the very poor in the country (can you believe they stole biscuits and ordinary clothes meant for aid to the poor? - How low can you go?). And, I love the tactics of this government too, like how they removed the special security guarding Khaleda and Hasina. It's like they're saying...."Be scared...be very scared...we're coming for you"
I can't get enough of this! :)

Though i think what the care taker government is doing is great, i am still worried about the future. I mean they will have to call electoins eventually whether the people want it or not, but then what. Do you really think these parties will let the people in the caretaker government go? I fear that they will create such a situation this ime around that in the future no one even dares to prosecute the politicians. I hope it doesnt but i am scared it will.

Though i think what the care taker government is doing is great, i am still worried about the future. I mean they will have to call electoins eventually whether the people want it or not, but then what. Do you really think these parties will let the people in the caretaker government go? I fear that they will create such a situation this ime around that in the future no one even dares to prosecute the politicians. I hope it doesnt but i am scared it will.


it could go both ways I guess. I think the actions of the caretake government may bring the accountability back. I hope we do not let the criminals contest in the upcoming election. We have seen time and time (Ershad was the last one who had to resign) when the people want something, they get it done somehow.

Zaki,I dont think we need to worry about that,cause it appears that the caretaker govt. would make sure that dishonest/corrupt people are not able to contest in the upcoming elections.And if that happens,then even the next govt. would be a honest one,working for the people.

Int'l community sees renaissance has taken place: Iftekhar
Diplomatic Correspondent

Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday said the international community now perceives that a renaissance has taken place in Bangladesh where the people have taken up the control of their destiny.

"The international community is not only recognising steps being taken by the present Caretaker Government, but is profusely encouraging to move forward," he told the diplomatic correspondents at a press briefing on his return from a visit to New York.


In their opinion, he said Bangladesh would be considered a bright example among developing members of the United Nations if the government's various steps and principles are implemented "and there is no reason for us not to be that."

After meeting UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, Under-Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno and diplomats from different countries during his nine-day visit to New York, Chowdhury said, "they have perceived that a renaissance has taken place in Bangladesh where the people have taken up the control of their destiny."

"The path we are following and if we could establish a political and social system free of corruption, muscle power and black money, then Bangladesh will remain as a model for many countries," he observed.


When asked how the world community could consider Bangladesh as a model without democracy or an elected government for more than four months, Chowdhury corrected his statement and added that they would consider Bangladesh a model if next governments follow the steps and policies adopted by the present caretaker government.


Replying to another question if the UN secretary general wanted to know about the timeframe of holding the general elections, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said, the election will be held when time comes.


The adviser also met with UNDP Administrator Kamal Darbesh during the visit. Commenting on UNDP, he said the UNDP has pledged support to its current projects on governance and electoral support programme.


The adviser noted that Bangladesh 's signing of the UN Convention against Corruption was greatly praised.


When asked if he would take up new assignment as the secretary general of ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), the adviser said it was a speculation only and that no offer has been made to him yet. "I will give it a thought when they make the offer considering me as a potential candidate for the post."

About the stranded Bangladeshis in Chad, he said the stranded people would be brought back to the country and the government would bear the expenses from its welfare fund.

When asked about sending more Bangladesh troops to UN peacekeeping mission, the adviser said the government is trying to send troops to Sudan, Somalia and the Central African Republic.

Currently, around 10,000 Bangladeshi blue helmets are engaged in UN peacekeeping missions.


About the recently concluded meeting between director-generals of BDR and BSF in New Delhi, Chowdhury said it was a productive meeting where a ground has been created to further strengthen Bangladesh-India bilateral relations.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/06/d70306013021.htm

Zaki,I dont think we need to worry about that,cause it appears that the caretaker govt. would make sure that dishonest/corrupt people are not able to contest in the upcoming elections.And if that happens,then even the next govt. would be a honest one,working for the people.

I hope your right cause i am tired of the old crap. What i am really worried about though is not the old people cming back to power, but the old poeple still holding influence over the new party representatives.

There is one power in Bangladesh stronger than the rest, power of the people and the people have shown they are against corruption . There are howver some "people" remaining who are too influential to be touched yet. Best would be to arrest them but if thats not possible then send them abroad .They will be happy there and we too will be happy here :D

There is one power in Bangladesh stronger than the rest, power of the people and the people have shown they are against corruption . There are howver some "people" remaining who are too influential to be touched yet. Best would be to arrest them but if thats not possible then send them abroad .They will be happy there and we too will be happy here :D

Totally agreed. But nobody should be spared. Even the guys who are giving us 800 grams for 1 Kg should be punished at some point. They need to get the people behind these kind of schemes.

"Nobody will be spared" is certainly the best policy. I really liked General Hasan Mashud Choudhury of Anti-Corruption Commissions opening speech. He is very straightforward and I hope he can catch those mischief makers and set an example. :)

Until they arrest Tarek Zia, I am yet to be fully convinced that bangladesh can get rid of corruption from its future political system. He has probably stolen more thn anyone and he is set to become the leader of the BNP.

That is if BNP exists in future :lol: They set 5 consecutive records of stealing and corruption :lol: So good to see them fall. Even Awami League is nothing less- Jaynal Hazari, owner of Jamuna Group, they deserve the same fate, so does Ershad and his croonies.

Here is an interesting news:

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/06/d703061001121.htm

'Declare the corrupt, loan defaulters incompetent in polls'
Staff Correspondent

The caretaker government should declare corruptionists, smugglers and loan defaulters incompetent to be a candidate in the election so that black money and muscle cannot influence the election process, said former secretary Saiful Islam Bahauddin Ahmed Chowdhury.

He made this observation while delivering a lecture on 'Life and contribution of late justice Muhammad Ibrahim' at the auditorium of Asiatic Society of Bangladesh in the city.


He urged the government to impose five-year restriction on retired officers from participating in the parliamentary election and cancel all contractual appointments and retired justices.


He said justice Ibrahim remain immortal in the hearts of compatriots because he engaged himself for the welfare of the nation and humankind.


Prof KM Mohsin, chairperson of Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Trust Fund, presided over the programme while Prof Dulal Bhowmik, convener of the Trust, delivered the introductory speech on justice Ibrahim.


Top civil society members attended the lecture session.

Next 50 “corrupt” persons named - some really prominent figures. Tareque Rahman is in it. Many BNP and Awami League members. Thoughts?

http://www.thedailystar.net/latest/update.php#1

I can't believe it, the day after i said i wont fully believe bangladesh can get rid of corruption until they arrest Tareq Zia, they arrest Tareq Zia :dance: . This is really big news since Tareq Zia was pretty much gauranteed of becoming the leader of the BNP. Next stop, sheikh's palace:D . And gotta say, i am truly impressed, this really is a renaisance in bangladesh.

YES!!!

I couldn't believe it when I checked the papers today (online). Getting Tarique is BIG news. Who does that leave at the top? umm....oh yeah the two lovely ladies. :banana:

AM I DREAMING OR WHAT?SERIOUSLY GUYS,this is exactly the samething that happened in this hindi movie call 'NAYAK' and the Bangladeshi copy of that called 'MINISTER'...haha...its just unbelievable!

i think i would call it a "dream come true".....i promised myself i would donate something to the masjid especially when the prince of the dark gets busted with other culprits....guess its about time now :)...i just wanna read this page over and over again from dailystar http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/08/d7030801011.htm

haha true dat. This is trully a great news. This caretaker Govt. has some balls that's for sure. Almost all the MPs and ministers from the latest and the previous government are all in jail right now. Blessings from god continues.

Really this calls for a celebration. I Like Alladin's idea. I'll do the same.... give something to the masjid.

LETS GO PARTY TONIGHT!!! The Devil will be so happy, Tarek was running him out of business :D

LOL THANX MEGHNARMAJHI :_)...DHAKAIYA, TAREK HAD APPOINTED HIMSELF AS A NEW BOSS INSTEAD OF THE DEVIL BUT NOW HE IS FIRED...LOL SO LETS START THE PARTY ...SHALL WE?

yeah let's celebrate and have a party!!! this is really a big event for the nation that nobody is above the law!!!!

YAAAAAAAAAA!!!! PARTYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! First bangladesh beats NZ and now this. All we need now is for bangladesh to beat India and i am having the biggest party ever :D

As much as we love and respect Bongobondhu and Shaheed Zia, we often wonder what went wrong with AL and BNP. Here is an interesting and a must-read article.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/09/d7030901033.htm

As much as we love and respect Bongobondhu and Shaheed Zia, we often wonder what went wrong with AL and BNP. Here is an interesting and a must-read article.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/09/d7030901033.htm

very interesting article.

Yes I read the commentary by Mahfuz Anam today, interesting. Good to see them gone. The only thing which kept the nation alive in the last five years was the booming private sector. Now, with an honest govt. cooperating who knows what miracles Bangladesh can achieve (Insha Allah)......

Another reason for Bangladeshis to PARTY!

Hasina to spend time writing
Unb, Dhaka

As all political activities have been banned by the caretaker government, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina plans to spend her time writing.

"Now politics is banned...I will pass my time writing and complete my unfinished writings," she said while visiting the party's ailing Presidium Member Zillur Rahman at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute yesterday.

Zillur Rahman was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday with high blood sugar and kidney complications.

Hasina talked to the attending doctors and inquired about the condition of the ailing party leader.


She wished early recovery of Zillur Rahman and offered him a bouquet on his 79th birthday yesterday.


Awami League leaders Suranjit Sengupta, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Motia Chowdhury, Abdul Mannan, Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin and Dr Dipu Moni accompanied Hasina.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/10/d70310012012.htm

Another reason for Bangladeshis to PARTY!

Hasina to spend time writing
Unb, Dhaka

As all political activities have been banned by the caretaker government, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina plans to spend her time writing.

"Now politics is banned...I will pass my time writing and complete my unfinished writings," she said while visiting the party's ailing Presidium Member Zillur Rahman at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute yesterday.

Zillur Rahman was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday with high blood sugar and kidney complications.

Hasina talked to the attending doctors and inquired about the condition of the ailing party leader.


She wished early recovery of Zillur Rahman and offered him a bouquet on his 79th birthday yesterday.


Awami League leaders Suranjit Sengupta, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Motia Chowdhury, Abdul Mannan, Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin and Dr Dipu Moni accompanied Hasina.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/10/d70310012012.htm

ya whatever! She can't even talk properly with all those fake Phd's she has.

So what's going to happen to Tarique Rahman? I hope he gets sent to jail forever along with his buddies. If all these leaders are jailed and cannot participate in the election, then who will get nomination from Awami and BNP? Are actual good honest people going to associate themselves with these two parties anymore? Is there going to be a 3rd party rising and seizing the opportunities? Lots of questions very little answers.

ya whatever! She can't even talk properly with all those fake Phd's she has.

So what's going to happen to Tarique Rahman? I hope he gets sent to jail forever along with his buddies. If all these leaders are jailed and cannot participate in the election, then who will get nomination from Awami and BNP? Are actual good honest people going to associate themselves with these two parties anymore? Is there going to be a 3rd party rising and seizing the opportunities? Lots of questions very little answers.

I think some 3rd party is probably gonna come up this time,maybe Nagorik Shakti(yunus) or some other new one.

everyday 15-20 people are arrested. All MPs and ministers. I have never heard anything like this. This is trully a bellssing from god. I am so excited for people in Bangladesh.

this interim government whoever they are, allah has especially created them and blessed them to fix bangladesh problems. i am just afraid they will have to go back someday and what will we do then without them?<sigh>.we would probably have to find hasina/khalida again(sucks)..atleast hasina is trying to win the nobel prize this time by writing books instead of collecting her doctorate degrees..what about ershad and khalida?

this interim government whoever they are, allah has especially created them and blessed them to fix bangladesh problems. i am just afraid they will have to go back someday and what will we do then without them?<sigh>.we would probably have to find hasina/khalida again(sucks)..atleast hasina is trying to win the nobel prize this time by writing books instead of collecting her doctorate degrees..what about ershad and khalida?

Keep your hopes high. We are not planning on going back to that old crap (excuse my language). We are good people and we don't deserve that. We don't have to bring Khalida and/or Hasina back. We'll make a government that will be accountable to us.

=====================================================
Amader netara amader kaachhe jobabdihi korbe - emon neta chai amra.
=====================================================

I like Mr. Yunus. But, lately I see a lot of people doing to much hujur hujur with him. I hate chamcha because chamchas don't have good intention. Chamchas can bring down a person and a nation in no time. Because chamchas lack spine, they don't value the nation's dignity. Sometimes I see a cult figure in the making. If Tareq Rahman was on his way to become a "peer shaheb".

Something else I am not clear about Dr. Yunus: Is he going to be puppet of other countries? I could be dead wrong.... just a fear that I am having. I would like to hear from you guys too.

Hasina getting Nobel Prize -- ha ha ha .... we can talk about that later.

Don't worry too much and think positive. Allah will help us.

Yeah, lets be positive, BNP & AL are already in the political dustbin. BTW, Bangladeshis would not vote them if they had a better alternative, we are not dumb enough to vote them again, this time Insha Allah a patriotic 3rd power shall rise.

not sure about Dr. yunus weather he is a puppet or really a good man. so far he seems to be ok though but Allah knows the best!~ definitely we need a 3rd party and some new fresh faces! in fact we need to learn this from U.S.A how one peson cant run for the office more than twice.

we keep coming back to the same issue - lack of leadership. I can't possibly think of anyone worthy for the position.

I think the lack of true leadership is a cause for concern. Among the current group, if anyone would have to come back, I would prefer Ershad over Khaleda and Hasina. He isn't a great choice but he beats the Khaleda/Hasina/Jamaat.

Also, what about the people who left BNP to form LDP or whatever? Are those guys honest or did they just leave so as not to be associated with others from BNP and get in trouble themselves?

Other than the ones I mentioned, I guess there's Dr. Yunus's party. He seems to have good intentions and also has some good connections abroad but he seriously lacks any political experience and but may be important when it comes to dealing with people in government.

I don't know...it's still pretty vague. Right now, I don't even want to think of the next government. Let this caretaker administration continue and convict the corrupt individuals of the country and those who have abused their powers.

Yeah, Fakhruddin for prime minister :D and me for president :lol:

I am sorry to bring these up again - but I'm just so happy seeing theses:

http://www.ittefaq.com/get.php?d=07/03/11/w/n_zttqtz

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/11/d7031101011.htm

May be you think that I'm being ugly laughing at Tareque's humiliation - but honestly, do we deserve this? They should all be brought to justice. Let the people of Bangladesh have the last laugh.

ya but let's not get too excited. I am sure Tarique will find a way out. They always do. Criminals like him always have their escape route planned.

What about the Awami leaders? I hope they all go to jail as well for being terrorists. All Awami league did last few months was terrorize the country and murder people.

ya but let's not get too excited. I am sure Tarique will find a way out. They always do. Criminals like him always have their escape route planned.

What about the Awami leaders? I hope they all go to jail as well for being terrorists. All Awami league did last few months was terrorize the country and murder people.

Though i agree with you what awami league did was wrong, I am actually kind of greatful as well. Think about it. If awami didn't protest against the previous biased interim government the way they did, would we have the current government? Definitely not. The only reason we have this government who's fixing up bangladesh is because of those protests.

Though i agree with you what awami league did was wrong, I am actually kind of greatful as well. Think about it. If awami didn't protest against the previous biased interim government the way they did, would we have the current government? Definitely not. The only reason we have this government who's fixing up bangladesh is because of those protests.


I agree with Zaki..we now have this great government only because of Awami League destructive movement.But nothing to praise them about,cause their intention wasn't so good.Its just like how we can be so grateful to Yahya Khan because we today have Bangladesh mainly because of his brutal/stupid actions.Btw..the guy who once said during the awami league movement- 'SHARA BANGLAY AGUN JOLBEH',Obaidul Kader,has been arrested and sent to jail.

'SHARA BANGLAY AGUN JOLBEH' - how can you say something like that? Isn't it anti-patriotic?

'SHARA BANGLAY AGUN JOLBEH' - how can you say something like that? Isn't it anti-patriotic?

Maybe thats why they arrested him.

Thank you for taking this topic so seriously. We don't need our politicians (hate to refer to them as our "leader" anymore) to tell us to come out with "boitha" or "kaaste" to to kill the opponents. A anybody inciting violence this way against each other like this must be punished. I [used to] support one party and I have relatives/friends supporting different parties. Nobody has the guts to tell me to go ahead and kill them or hurt them in someway. Brutal killing of the person from Jamaat during the protest was ugly.

Look at this video and shed some comment on it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YepviTdfVFw

well I personally don't see anything wrong with what he said. The sub title was very poor and infact incorrect. In no where in his speech he mentioned violence. He talked about being strong and using one's strength to stand up. "Rukhe darano" means standing up, doesn't it?

Now let's not forget he is the biggest criminal we have ever seen. I don't value much of what he has to say.

:dance: Hey Guys,
I'm a new member and a huge fan of ASIAN (Bangladesh) forum. Special thanks to Tmac & Tanzirian for posting the best photos so far. The rest deserve equal credit for your hard work. I firmly believe that BANGLADESH must have it's own FORUM, no doubt this is one of the most active thread. I will start posting some nice photos from DHAKA and some real cool village pictures with vast green paddy fields, lines of coconut trees and not to mention the mighty PADMA river. Bangladesh is an amazing county with the least positive publicity perhaps!!!:speech:
Thanks to all of you.
ENU

:speech: Ladies and gentlemen --- please welcome Enu.

Thanks Meghnarmajhi.:cheers:

great to have you here Enu. Feel free to praticipate in all the discussions/threads.

By the way, Tanzirian and I are not the only ones that post photos here. Mirzazeehan is the king of Dhaka photos. Nayeem, Bangali, rmrplayer all have posted many many photos here.

Talking about posting photos.... Can you tell me what's the best way to post ? I got a cool picture of construction at Sonargoan Hotel.

'SHARA BANGLAY AGUN JOLBEH' - how can you say something like that? Isn't it anti-patriotic?

So far, Care taker Govt. has taken brave steps and done a fantastic job by arresting these culprits. These people needs to be punished. AL/BNP/JAMAT are full of terrorists. General people are tired of them and Inshallah we will get rid of the old dogs soon.

Welcome enu...

Welcome enu...

Thanks Tmac & Tareq79

Welcome to the forum enu. Nice to have another bangladeshi here.

so enu are you living in Bangladesh? How did you find out about this forum?

Welcome Enu!

so enu are you living in Bangladesh? How did you find out about this forum?

Thanks Zaki,Tmac & Dhakaiya. I live in Minnesota but we do visit home often. Not too much to say about midwest hahaha.....just too cold here.

Thanks Zaki,Tmac & Dhakaiya. I live in Minnesota but we do visit home often. Not too much to say about midwest hahaha.....just too cold here.

Great to have another bdeshi with us,we really need more bangladeshis here : )

GREAT NEWS

Powerful taskforces get legal cover
Vow to spare none in govt's crusade against corruption


Soon after the taskforces put on the legal vest yesterday, the all-powerful corruption and crime busting forces vowed to spare none, not even the top two political leaders-- Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, if graft links found.
"Of course, it depends on the complaints that we receive (against them)," Chief Coordinator of the National Coordination Committee Major General Masud Uddin Chowdhury told The Daily Star, coming out of his meeting with the Anti-corruption Commission Chairman Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury yesterday.

The general officer commanding (GOC) of Nine Infantry Division went to the ACC for reviewing the ongoing drive against high profile corruption suspects after the gazette notification on formation of the taskforce committees was issued yesterday (but dated March 8), giving retrospective effect from February 4.

The chief coordinatior also admitted that the taskforces, albeit unofficial then, masterminded all operations since February 4, when the political arena was caught off guard with the arrest of heavyweights like Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, former communications minister of BNP Nazmul Huda and ex-Awami League minister Mohammad Nasim.

Under the supervision of the National Co-ordination Committee headed by Communication Adviser Major General (retd) MA Matin, the taskforces will be authorised to detain persons without warrant, conduct search or confiscate properties of people linked with any types of crime and act tough on money-launderers.

"The taskforce has been working since early February. The formalisation process was completed giving retrospective effect to the taskforce actions," said the general, who warned his units would not judge who is who in their crusade against crime. "There is no consideration for who they are. You've already got evidence. Those who appeared untouchables once are already apprehended," he said.

ACC Chairman Hasan Mashhud meanwhile preferred to get his priorities right first. "We need to decide first whether we go after the crimes committed years back or we go for the corruption suspects of immediate past years."

"No-one will be spared eventually. Since the pent-up grievances of people are too high against the immediate past government, we would like to live up to their expectation first," said Mashhud, adding that the ACC would go ahead with the second list of 50 corruption suspects made public by the taskforces hours before Tarique Rahman, eldest son of ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia, was arrested in the early hours of March 8.

Sources said, the second list of 50 top corruption suspects was drawn up by the taskforces, and inquiry will be done by the ACC with the taskforces playing crucial role in the outcome.

The central body of the National Co-ordination Committee, which drafts in all seven GOCs as members, will prepare and update the list of corrupt people, giving the taskforces -- one central, seven regional/city and 64 district-based -- seven days to complete investigation after filing of a case.

The sweeping powers of the taskforces will compel any government and non-government organisations to provide information about persons linked with different crimes, giving rise to the fear of the ACC playing a second fiddle to taskforces.

But the chief coordinator of taskforces General Masud was quick to play down the fear, saying that taskforces will assist the ACC as the organisation runs short of manpower.

"It will require some time for the ACC for capacity building. The taskforces will help the ACC in the government's jihad (crusade) against corruption," he said. "The reason a comprehensive taskforce has been formed through assembling manpower from the government's different organs is to nail someone found guilty on different grounds."

It saves the government from carrying out separate investigations on a person with various offence charges, the general argued.

The ACC chairman also echoed the same. "The aim of the ACC and the National Coordination Committee is the same. So, there is no scope for a problem."

"The responsibility has been given to the committee in consultation with the ACC. That is why there is no chance for misunderstanding," asserted Mashhud, a former army chief and rebel adviser to the caretaker government of a controversial Iajuddin.

Twenty taskforces are now out in action in the Dhaka metropolitan area and another 20 would soon join them, said chief co-ordinator General Masud. Four taskforces are active in the Chittagong metropolitan area, and the number is to go up, if required.

The taskforces will not rest on getting ready cases and charge sheets but follow those up till the disposal by keeping constant contacts and communications with relevant authorities.

In case of inquiry, investigation and litigation, the taskforces will not only take help from different government organs but also communicate and coordinate with the ACC, National Board of Revenue (NBR), Auditor and Comptroller General, Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), police, Special Branch (SB), Criminal Investigation Department, Rab, National Security Intelligence (NSI), Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, Bangladesh Bank and any other organisations or sources.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/12/d7031201022.htm

Three decades after our great liberation war, finally feels like MUKTIR SANGRAM is back and alive. This is our last chance to turn around. We must give 100% support to the care taker Govt. for all the couragious steps they have taken. May God be with us.

Great news indeed!Ofcourse the credit for all this goes to our fav caretaker government.

Great news indeed!Ofcourse the credit for all this goes to our fav caretaker government.

Thanks Mirzazeehan:)

Many targets of anti-corruption drive
By John Sudworth
BBC News, Dhaka

Ishaque and Monowara
Ishaque and Monowara are now homeless

Mohammed Ishaque sits on top of a mound of rubble which is all that is left of his home.

He has lived in this Dhaka slum, with his wife Monowara, for the past 12 years.

Their baby daughter Maraym was born here. Now the family is homeless.

Ishaque's home was one of more than a 1,000 on this patch of land which have been flattened as part of the emergency government's drive against unauthorised settlements.

He tells me the government should do something to help him and thousands of his neighbours who are now living on the street.

Some aid organisations estimate that in the first two months of emergency rule more than 50,000 people have been evicted from more than a dozen slums in Dhaka alone.

Tens of thousands more in the capital city have had their livelihoods destroyed as the authorities also target the illegally constructed roadside stalls and shops.

It is a picture repeated in cities across the country.

'Lack of focus'

Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya from the Dhaka-based Centre for Policy Dialogue says the poor have been caught up in a catch-all drive against all forms of illegality by the new government.

"One of the reasons why this kind of thing is happening is because there is a lack of strategy and focus," he tells me.

"These poor people living in slums are in fact the major victims of corruption, so they should be the natural partners in the government's anti-corruption drive. The government is unnecessarily causing a backlash."

Bangladesh slum demolition
Aid groups say more than 50,000 people have been evicted

But despite the demolitions the anti-corruption drive means, for the moment at least, the government is maintaining its popularity.

There has been widespread support in the mainstream press for its arrest and detention of dozens of high profile politicians and businessmen.

The emergency administration came to power in January amid widespread political violence that led to a cancelled general election.

Its new leader, former central bank governor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, believes that the breakdown in Bangladesh's political culture can be traced to the corruption of its political elite.

So he has made tackling graft a priority and a precondition to restoring democracy.

Worn down by 16 years of confrontational politics under the leadership of Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Sheikh Hasina Wajed's Awami League, most ordinary people say they are happy to give the government time to clean up politics before fresh polls are held.

Detentions

There is also little apparent concern that the military is seen to be pulling the strings of the new government as well as having direct involvement in the anti-corruption drive.

The long-dormant National Security Council is being reconstituted, giving the military chiefs a formal means of expressing views about the way the country is run, and a potential veto over government decisions.

Eight central and 64 district-based anti-corruption task forces have been created, comprising members of the army, the Rapid Action Battalion and the different intelligence agencies.

Mohammed Ishaque
Mohammed Ishaque wants government help

The teams are being coordinated by the general officer commanding of the Bangladesh Nine Infantry Division, Major General Masud Uddin Chowdhury.

And they have been busy. At least 45 high-profile figures with links to both the main political parties have been arrested and detained.

Tarique Rahman, the influential son of the last prime minister, Khaleda Zia, is among the latest to be picked up by the security forces.

The government says it has begun filing cases against some of the accused.

Moudud Ahmed, a former BNP law minister, has not been arrested, but is facing allegations of tax evasion.

He denies the charge, and says many of the accusations against his former colleagues are exaggerated.

"Firstly, it is only a small section of the leaders who have been arrested on charges of corruption," he says.

"Secondly, if they're proved to be guilty the party will not stand by them."

Hit hard

But, he says; "Actually there has been a lot of exaggeration. Relating to my own case it is a kind of hassle, political harassment, but I think I will be able to overcome it."

Bangladesh has come a long way in two months. Plucked from the brink of anarchy and street violence by an emergency government that has managed to restore a sense of order.

It has also achieved something many people thought they would never see in their lifetime - bringing powerful people, long rumoured to be involved in corruption, before the law.

But in many cases the poor have been hit as hard as the wealthy. The demolition drive has left tens of thousands without jobs or homes.

"We are living without electricity or shelter, literally on the street," one man tells me.

"What can I say about the new government? I am just a poor man. But at least 1,000 houses have been destroyed here... we simply ask the emergency government to do something for us."

Very interesting and concerning read. I like the idea of going after everyone, but there should be compensation for the poor people. Like the article says, they really are the true victims of the corruption, they shouldn't be the ones being punished for it as well.

While I agree that the poor should be helped...I think the ******* brits need to mind their own business. As if they haven't caused enough problems already in the subcontinent since they set foot here hundreds of years ago. What's happening in BD is very important...and we, as the people who have seen how influential people have looted the country and its citizens can understand that...and relate to that...

and that pretty much goes to all the countries who think they need to interfere with what's going on...STAY OUT of this..

seriously...these people come to BD...and, most times, don't see what's really going on....

what's against the law is against the law....and the law applies to the rich and the poor....just because they're poor doesn't mean they should be allowed to take over someone else's land or government land....

what's against the law is against the law....and the law applies to the rich and the poor....just because they're poor doesn't mean they should be allowed to take over someone else's land or government land....

I agree with the point that they shouldn't be allowed to take over land, but i also think having this much homeless people isn't gonna help either. The government needs to find an alternative for them while they demolish their current homes.

I think government should try to discourage villagers from coming to Dhaka. Everyday thousands of people from villages all over Bangladesh are coming to Dhaka. Where do they stay? In these slums. Why only Dhaka? I strongly believe a country can never go anywhere until it takes care of it's poor people. Bangladesh needs a plan to take care of these people. As far as illegal land grabbing..it must stop regardless of one's wealth.

I agree with the point that they shouldn't be allowed to take over land, but i also think having this much homeless people isn't gonna help either. The government needs to find an alternative for them while they demolish their current homes.


Yeah I agree with that. The government definitely should take steps to find alternatives for the homeless. Hey how about all the properties that are being seized from the corrupt politicans and businessmen? ;) (just kidding) But it would be hilarious to see the expressions on the faces of those people if the same people they looted were residing in their mansions. ha!

On Tmac's point that the government should take steps to stop the flow of people from rural areas to Dhaka, I've always felt that the government needs to decentralize itself and spread out to other cities/areas. I'm saying that because it's impossible to force private enterprise to relocate to other corners of the country. If the government moved some of its agencies to other cities, it would really help develop those areas, create jobs there, and stop some people from those areas from coming to Dhaka. That's just one way, obviously there are lots of other ways.

.......I strongly believe a country can never go anywhere until it takes care of it's poor people. Bangladesh needs a plan to take care of these people.............

Yes, these are the keypoints. Unless our government ensures financial security and acceptable living condition in other parts of the country, people will be pouring into Dhaka. Slums of Dhaka sometimes provide better shelter than where they migrate from.

Bottom line...... Bnagladesh government and Bangladesh people have a lot of work ahead.

Yup, what we need most is decentralization. With the development of greater sea ports in Southern Bangladesh, we should see a bigger boom in Chittagong soon enough. So in the near future the load should Insha Allah be shared equally with Chittagong. Also another bulging metropolis is needed to share the load- should be either Khulna or Rajshahi.

A "little" about the little one:

http://jugantor.com/online/news.php?id=54236&sys=3

As much as we love and respect Bongobondhu and Shaheed Zia, we often wonder what went wrong with AL and BNP. Here is an interesting and a must-read article.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/09/d7030901033.htm
aint got respect for em,

respect for what? trying to set up an autocratic regime? forgiving the razakars and co unconditionally?

Yup, what we need most is decentralization. With the development of greater sea ports in Southern Bangladesh, we should see a bigger boom in Chittagong soon enough. So in the near future the load should Insha Allah be shared equally with Chittagong. Also another bulging metropolis is needed to share the load- should be either Khulna or Rajshahi.
well unless the decision is made fast there wont be any benefit from the venture india is investing in burma to build a deep sea port

if that gets built many businessmen will prefer that over ctg

aint got respect for em,

respect for what? trying to set up an autocratic regime? forgiving the razakars and co unconditionally?

I don't know, maybe for freeing our country. People always criticize leaders, what you fprget though is those were real actual leaders unlike the current ones who just care about their own shit. And as for the razakars, if a dog bites you in theass, are you gonna bite them? It was a symbolic act to show that we are better than them. You dont start a country by killing of all who stood against you.

Exactly, it will be severe ungratefulness if we don't thank Mujib and Zia.

YAAAAAAAAAA!!!! PARTYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! First bangladesh beats NZ and now this. All we need now is for bangladesh to beat India and i am having the biggest party ever :D

your wish was granted!!! bangladesh really did beat india..party forever....wohooo!!!~ thanks to the magic lamp.lol

your wish was granted!!! bangladesh really did beat india..party forever....wohooo!!!~ thanks to the magic lamp.lol

lol i just came back from a party thats been going on for over 20 hours!!!! :D. I think this year is turning out to be pretty great for bangladesh.

The Parade that was held on the 26th of March,The Independence Day of Bangladesh


http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/front-b.jpg


Source:www.newagebd.com

The Parade that was held on the 26th of March,The Independence Day of Bangladesh..........

Nice picture, Mirza. Thank you.

Nice picture, Mirza. Thank you.

Your welcome Meghnarmajhi.I also like this picture very much,its all about National Pride.

Did you guys watch the display by the Mig-29s?

Did you guys watch the display by the Mig-29s?

Yeah,I did..but unfortunately..I couldn't capture it.

This is whats been making the headlines in Dhaka today..what do you guys think about it?I personally think this is the right way to go..and more time under this kind of a government would accelerate our economic growth and finally bring the rule of law fully back to the country.Let me know about what all of you feel about this....


CEC rules out polls in 18 months
Khadimul Islam

The chief election commissioner, ATM Shamsul Huda, on Thursday ruled out the possibility of holding national or local body elections in the next 18 months saying the time was a minimum requirement for preparation of a voters’ roll with photographs. He declined to give any timeline for holding the stalled ninth parliamentary elections saying the government had a major role to play in this regard especially in creating an environment conducive to free and credible polls after freeing politics of corruption and crime. ‘The government has taken initiatives to free politics of criminalisation and arrested a number of people on charges of corruption. We will have to discuss with the government when they will be able to ensure a congenial atmosphere for election after trials of corrupt persons and criminals,’ he said. Asked about the demands of different political parties for early parliamentary elections, the CEC questioned how polls would be free and fair if corrupt persons staged a comeback due to haste in holding the polls.
Giving reasons for the 18-month timeframe, the CEC said that the commission would require six months for preparing a project proposal including procurement of required logistics, recruitment of enumerators, photographers and other related workers. It will require one year more for field work for preparation of voters’ roll with photographs and national Identity cards.
‘There is no reason to hurry… a minimum time has to be allowed to complete the task of preparing a flawless voters’ roll. This is a huge project where the Election Commission will play the leading role and other agencies will also be involved. We have already received signal from the government to go ahead with the project,’ the CEC said.
Asked when the 18 months would be counted from, the CEC said from the day a six-member team comprising three local and three foreign experts would start preparing the project proposal including tender documents for voters’ roll and national ID cards. He hoped that the expert team would come to the commission next week adding that the army would carry out the task of voters’ roll preparation.
The CEC said the work for completing reforms in electoral laws and process would be done simultaneously with the field work for preparation of the voters’ roll. He hoped that the EC would be able to come up with a gazette notification of a comprehensive electoral law reform by July this year after holding dialogues with civil society members and political parties.
He said he had urged the interim government to lift the ban on indoor politics so that the commission could hold dialogues with the political parties.
‘We hope the embargo will be withdrawn soon, maybe on May 8 clearing the way for starting the dialogues,’ he said.

Source:http://www.newagebd.com/front.html#22

As long they hold elections I'm OK with it, I don't care if it takes a long time. A few days ago the military commander said that Bangladesh shouldn't go back to an "elective democracy." I hope he reconsiders. No matter that the democratic system is flawed, still autocratic rule is never the better option in the long run. Autocratic rule can start with all good intentions - but to hold on to power for a long time autocrats always need unwholesome tactics. We've seen that in past, and it wouldn't be any different this time. For now the caretaker government has my full support. I expect that they will do their job - which is to pave the way for an election free of corruption, not to try to form a permanent alternate government unaccountable to the public.

This is whats been making the headlines in Dhaka today..what do you guys think about it?I personally think this is the right way to go..and more time under this kind of a government would....
.....

‘We hope the embargo will be withdrawn soon, maybe on May 8 clearing the way for starting the dialogues,’ he said......


I think the care taker government needs sufficient time to restore law and order in the country. A series of difficult matters must be taken care of, before we go for an election.

18 months seems a little too long, then again this amount of time may be necessary to create a suitable environment for fair election.

Allah, help us achieve our goal.

As long they hold elections I'm OK with it, I don't care if it takes a long time. A few days ago the military commander said that Bangladesh shouldn't go back to an "elective democracy." I hope he reconsiders. No matter that the democratic system is flawed, still autocratic rule is never the better option in the long run. Autocratic rule can start with all good intentions - but to hold on to power for a long time autocrats always need unwholesome tactics. We've seen that in past, and it wouldn't be any different this time. For now the caretaker government has my full support. I expect that they will do their job - which is to pave the way for an election free of corruption, not to try to form a permanent alternate government unaccountable to the public.

Are you sure that's what he meant? I thought he said Bangladesh would need its own brand/model of democracy. It seemed pretty clear that's what he meant. From what I understood, he meant to say that we cannot simply follow a generic model of democracy designed after the American, British, or whatever. He was saying our model has to be unique and should include several components. He mentioned religion as one of the components, which would differentiate us from the US model.

As for the 18 months, I think that is acceptable considering the CG is going to try to come up with a credible voters list and a national ID card, which is very very very very very important. I can't believe we have gone on for this long without IDs. How the hell would you know someone is actually the person they are claiming to be?? That's a nightmare! In the US you need your ID for EVERYTHING. Considering the size of the country's population and the corruption that existed at various levels (national and local), 18 months seem reasonable. I'm all for them to stay that long or longer and procecute the criminals they've gone after.

^^ I don't think anybody is entirely sure what he meant - there were a number of ambiguities in his statements. But again, they have my support for however long they need to hold fair elections and clean up the political trash, as long as that remains their ultimate intention. I am pretty sure there is no way other than eventual elections, with powerful outside parties like the US exerting pressure to that end. No matter what the weaknesses of our democracy, it is nonetheless a source of pride for me, as not all countries have managed to sustain one.

Have a look at this guys,this is what I call-Movie like/dramatic change,lol

Law and Order

People-friendly Police Stations?

Kajalie Shehreen Islam

Going to the police station used to be a nightmare and not only for the guilty. Even for plaintiffs filing cases, or something as simple as filing a General Diary (GD), there was no end to the harassment from frauds outside the station waiting to swindle the already-aggrieved, to the busy, stressed-out and, ultimately, unhelpful officers inside. But, along with other recent welcome changes in different sectors, reform is taking place in the police service as well and in an area where the public can directly feel the difference.
“Before there used to be a lot of hassle at the station,” says Nazmul Hasan, who has come to Shahbagh Police Station to report the loss of some important documents. “Now everything goes smoothly. They even help with writing up the complaint, whereas before we had to do it on our own. I’m very satisfied with the new service.”
The credit goes to the officers of the recently-launched Service Delivery cell. After a pilot project in nine stations, the cell has been opened at all Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) stations from March 1 of this year.

The main aim of the initiative, says Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Helaluddin, is to provide hassle-free service to the public. “Before,” says the OC, “there used to be a whole group of touts outside the stations who would act as go-betweens, promising people quick and efficient service in exchange for a fee. But in the criminal justice system, you’re not supposed to pay to report to the police. You just have to let them know your problem and it is their duty to give you protection. People don’t know this and would needlessly take the help of fraud-agents. We couldn’t really stop them because the complainants would bring them along saying they were acquaintances or something of the sort.”

Helaluddin, OC, Shahbagh Police Station
Now, the Service Delivery cell is right by the gate of the station. There are no crowds outside, and people walk in leisurely on their own and file their complaints. One man has come to report an accident from the day before; another, to file a GD for his lost papers.

“We listen to people’s complaints and then tell them what to do about it,” says Duty Officer of Shahbagh Police Station, Faruq, “whether they should file a case or a GD and so on.”
“Before,” says Service Delivery Officer Sub-Inspector (SI) Surujuzzaman, “they would have to go to lawyers for this but now we provide the preliminary legal advice. It’s a lot simpler and we save a lot of time. The key word is service,” he emphasises.

The task of the Service Delivery Officers is clearly outlined and framed on their desks: to receive complainants, to behave very well with them, to listen patiently to their problems, to give them legal advice and to get them in touch with the relevant higher authorities where necessary.

“The response has been very good,” says OC Helaluddin. “Many people have started coming in, even with cases from as far back as the year 2000, because they know that they will get good service.” And, says Helaluddin, there are hardly any “reference calls” from high-ups anymore, requesting officers to handle so-and-so’s case quickly, efficiently, etc. What needs to be done gets done because the system itself has become simple and effective. Like everything else, however, this new service comes with a few problems too. “Because things are easier now,” says Helaluddin, “it is also easier for people to file false GDs, for example, and use them later in court. This does not happen in criminal cases where a First Information Report (FIR) has to be filed, but it does sometimes in civil cases.”


Providing quick and efficient service, the new Service Delivery cell at Dhaka's police stations has been a hit with the public.
Considering the extra service being provided now, the stations are also understaffed. No new officers have been posted at the Service Delivery cell so it is the officers of the station who work there as well. Duty Officer Faruq says, “We’re under a lot of pressure, we only get a few hours off a day. We’re almost always on duty.”

“We currently have 10 SIs where we need some 16, so it’s a lot of work,” says SI Surujuzzaman.

OC Helaluddin agrees that the station is short of staff. What would make the service even better, he says, is the assignment of police officers who are university graduates at the Service Delivery cell. “Police come from a variety of backgrounds,” says Helaluddin. “The more educated you are, the better-equipped you are to deal with all kinds of people. We have everyone, from the university Vice-Chancellor (VC) to slum-dwellers coming to our station,” he says. “We need people who can interact and communicate well with both.”

Some infrastructural changes may also make the service more effective, believes Helaluddin. “My office is across the courtyard from the cell. It would be better if they were all close together, with glass partitions so that I can monitor my officers.”

The Service Delivery cell is soon going to be launched at the different districts. So far, it has been met with positive response in Dhaka. There are a lot more people coming in with their problems and, most importantly, having them resolved as simply and as quickly as possible. This new initiative to make life easier for the public is a commendable first and hopefully permanent step towards changing the image and improving the efficiency of a service that used to bring to mind only harassment and bribes.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2007/04/01/law.htm

That police story reminds me of this story I read a couple of weeks back. The police had blocked off some road in Dhaka that leads through some park and this politician riding a rickshaw insisted on going through despite the blockade. So when the traffic police officer said he couldn't...he slapped the traffic police officer...seeing all that a regular cop headed over to help out. When he argued with the politician, the politician slapped him too. Then this cop calls his senior officer who's like a pretty high ranking official and when he reaches the scene the politician slaps him as well!! I was reading that and thinking...what the hell??!! :nuts: Were they just going up to him and putting their faces forward for the guy to slap them?? It's like a scene out of a comedy sketch... :lol:

THEN, when they arrested him, his family told the reporters...no he wasn't slapping the officers...lately he's been distressed and he has a tendency to touch people's faces...it might've seemed like a slap but it really wasn't!! :nuts:

I couldn't stop laughing :lol:

Hey, don't blame him just 'cause he didn't know his own strength! He only intended to give them a friendly pat...

why is 18th months long? democracy never improves a nation look at china, singapore, hong kong, malaysia, the middle east they dont got democracy look how they have changed over the last 30 years

and look at bangladesh, most of the industries of pakistan were located on its eastern wing bangladesh inherited them and could do nothing with thx to the polititcians, and as far as development goes during ershad bangladesh saw its golden age even if he stole money or stuff he did do go for the country which the others didnt, and one more thing there was no democracy in bd if there was then the heads of the country wouldnt have been related.

unless the two bitches move away nothing will happen to the country except for heading towards doom

18 months is OK, it is all right up to three years to clean up the current situation, then we need an election with honest candidates- no AL, BNP, Jamaat, Jatiyo Party or anything of that kind. Proper parties with educated intellectual people.

^^ Banning political parties will never work (intellectuals are great but an intellectual living in Dhaka will rarely be able to win an election from an outlying area he has hardly ever been to)...but I hope some of the people in those parties will take a long hard look at how they go about their jobs. The job of a politican is to represent his constituents and serve his country, not to earn favors for themselves or their cronies. Hopefully the fear of jailtime (even if only for 18 months) will help these folks get their priorities straight.

While they are at it, I hope the caretaker govt. forces all political parties to renounce violent hartal. Next to corruption this is perhaps the most severe impediment to our development as a nation.

...................
While they are at it, I hope the caretaker govt. forces all political parties to renounce violent hartal. Next to corruption this is perhaps the most severe impediment to our development as a nation.

Very important issue. Political parties have to stop using US to kill each other for their benefit. Also, banning political parties is undesirable. Individuals enagaged in violence and corruption must face severe punishment and be stopped from taking part in politics.

Hasina, Nizami chargesheeted in murder cases

Police today pressed charges against Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina and 45 other leaders of the AL-led 14-party combine though the name of the AL chief was not included in the murder case filed by Jamaat-e-Islami.

The complainant in the case claimed that the accused caused the deaths of six of their party activists at Paltan on October 28 last year.

In another case involving the same incident, police submitted chargesheet against the top echelon of Jamaat-e-Islami, including its amir, Matiur Rahman Nizami.

The case against the Jamaat leaders was filed by Workers Party in which it implicated 10 of the Jamaat top brass.

Court sources said investigation officers of the two cases, filed at Paltan Police Station, submitted the chargesheets at Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court in the early hours of today amid top secrecy.

Hasina and 21 other leaders, whose names surfaced in the chargesheet, were not originally included in the FIR while 16 people, including AL leaders Abdur Razzak and Tofail Ahmed, were dropped from the chargesheet.

Among others, AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil, Mohammad Nasim, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Dr HBM Iqbal and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haque Inu have been included in the chargesheet of the case filed by Jamaat.

Apart from Nizami, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mujahid and Hemayet Uddin are among the 10 Jamaat leaders included in the chargesheet.

http://www.thedailystar.net/latest/updates.php?pid=-96

The wide speculation is that the army is trying to exile both Hasina and Khaleda. Since Hasina is abroad, filing murder charges (whether or not she had anything to do with the party activitists' actions) ensures that she cannot easily return. Meanwhile Khaleda is under virtual house arrest.

A lot of harsh things are said about these two ladies, but think what the political situation would have been without them. They did not create the dirty politics of our country. And they are pretty much the only reason that the two big political parties were kept in one piece and the country didn't head toward true anarchy.

I have no sympathy for either one of the ladies. They are both criminals and should be punished just like others.

Just like others? I say more than others :devil:

I don't feel bad for either lady too. But one thig is starting to bother me. I think the army is becoming a bit too influential.

I don't feel bad for either lady too. But one thig is starting to bother me. I think the army is becoming a bit too influential.


I agree with you

Well, again, I am willing to give the government the benefit of the doubt for now. But, while I am all for a corruption crackdown, I'm also for the Rule of Law. That means that even criminals should have due process. If they have stolen, if they have killed...by all means, arrest them...but present the evidence in court, allow the defendants the chance to defend themselves, and let an impartial jury decide their fate. What worries me about all the charges brought against leading politicians is that they are not simply motivated by a desire to decrease corruption but also by a desire by the military brass to put in power a government which is to their liking...and that does not stand too well with me. I don't want to go back to a military dictatorship, whatever the short term benefits. But, for now, I withhold criticism, and let the goverment's actions speak for themselves.

Well, again, I am willing to give the government the benefit of the doubt for now. But, while I am all for a corruption crackdown, I'm also for the Rule of Law. That means that even criminals should have due process. If they have stolen, if they have killed...by all means, arrest them...but present the evidence in court, allow the defendants the chance to defend themselves, and let an impartial jury decide their fate. What worries me about all the charges brought against leading politicians is that they are not simply motivated by a desire to decrease corruption but also by a desire by the military brass to put in power a government which is to their liking...and that does not stand too well with me. I don't want to go back to a military dictatorship, whatever the short term benefits. But, for now, I withhold criticism, and let the goverment's actions speak for themselves.


Do you guys really think we can have a real democracy and have a relatively corruption-free government? I don't know...seems like a pipe dream to me honestly. I don't think the people of Bangladesh deserve a democracy because we have not learned to value the good things about a democracy, only the loopholes and freedom it provides to do wrong things. Yes, I know, you guys are going to say I'm being pessmistic and that the people of Bangladesh are not savages and do indeed deserve a democracy. Really?

Without some military involvement who will stop the atrocities that are committed during hartals? Who will ensure that criminals aren't hiding on campuses around the country pretending to be students only to unleash violence on their party's command? Who will ensure that hartals don't disrupt our economy and hurt our local business? Who will ensure that public buses and private vehicles aren't set afire during political demonstrations? Who will ensure that people in positions of power think twice, three times, ten times before they indulge in illegal activities? The police? Please...

Whatever the caretaker government has done would not have been possible without the involvement of the military. People would not be obeying the state of emergency rules. The only reason things are working now and all these arrests haven't lead to chaos is that people in Bangladesh still respect and fear the military. The police force in Bangladesh has a horrible reputation (there was an article about that recently as well). They have, in instances, been just as corrupt as the politicians. Unless they are able to give their image a make-over they will not be able to take up significant roles..like the military has now. They need to show integrity and leadership. Then, maybe, just maybe, a democratic government will have some teeth and be able to clamp down on things like crime, corruption, etc.

If democracy means year after year, decade after decade we have to choose between the same corrupt politicians while they take turns looting the country and filling their pockets then perhaps it's better not to have a democracy. If democracy means we'll end up with the same corrupt, evil people (because there are people who change parties every few years) and still be forced to vote for them, then I don't want a complete democracy. Maybe, just maybe, our version of democracy requires some element of military presence....

I'll get off my soapbox now. :)

Do you guys really think we can have a real democracy and have a relatively corruption-free government? I don't know...seems like a pipe dream to me honestly. I don't think the people of Bangladesh deserve a democracy because we have not learned to value the good things about a democracy, only the loopholes and freedom it provides to do wrong things. Yes, I know, you guys are going to say I'm being pessmistic and that the people of Bangladesh are not savages and do indeed deserve a democracy. Really?

Without some military involvement who will stop the atrocities that are committed during hartals? Who will ensure that criminals aren't hiding on campuses around the country pretending to be students only to unleash violence on their party's command? Who will ensure that hartals don't disrupt our economy and hurt our local business? Who will ensure that public buses and private vehicles aren't set afire during political demonstrations? Who will ensure that people in positions of power think twice, three times, ten times before they indulge in illegal activities? The police? Please...

Whatever the caretaker government has done would not have been possible without the involvement of the military. People would not be obeying the state of emergency rules. The only reason things are working now and all these arrests haven't lead to chaos is that people in Bangladesh still respect and fear the military. The police force in Bangladesh has a horrible reputation (there was an article about that recently as well). They have, in instances, been just as corrupt as the politicians. Unless they are able to give their image a make-over they will not be able to take up significant roles..like the military has now. They need to show integrity and leadership. Then, maybe, just maybe, a democratic government will have some teeth and be able to clamp down on things like crime, corruption, etc.

If democracy means year after year, decade after decade we have to choose between the same corrupt politicians while they take turns looting the country and filling their pockets then perhaps it's better not to have a democracy. If democracy means we'll end up with the same corrupt, evil people (because there are people who change parties every few years) and still be forced to vote for them, then I don't want a complete democracy. Maybe, just maybe, our version of democracy requires some element of military presence....

I'll get off my soapbox now. :)

I don't completely agree with you. The only reason politicians have been able to do whatever the they have done is because the country and its people have allowed it to happen. When a politician indulges in illegal activity, its not the polices responsibility to hold them accountable, in a democracy, its the peoples responsibility. Your not gonna have a perfect system, no country has a perfect system, but if the country is responsible, then i think democracy can work.

You may think that corruption in politics has ruined the country in recent years but think just a few decades back, when we didn't have a democracy. Were we any better off. I wasn't alive back then to see the things first hand but from what my parents tell me, it wasn't that much better. Maybe the country wasn't as coorrupt, sure. But there were thousands if not millions of people going to bed hungry. There were millions of children not going to school (i know theres still a problem but not to that extent), the countries economy wasn't going anywhere, the country didn't have anything positive going. Not much better than the corruption we have with democracy.

Has democracy failed in bangladesh, it definitely has, but is it bound to fail, i don't think so. There reaches a point when people realize that a crruption free country is to their benefit, that democracy is something worth defending, something worth fighting for. And i think the people of bangladesh, after so many years, have reached that point.

^^ If democracy is flawed, then the solution is to fix the democracy, not to throw one's arms up and turn to an autocrat. I'm not saying that it would be easy. And I am not opposed to what has happened under the caretaker govt till now. Certainly, if politicians have occasional reason to fear adverse consequences, such as they are facing now, it bodes well for a less corrupt future. If their are jail terms for hartal violence, then they will be less eager to down this path again.

On the other hand...you think the caretaker / military government is corruption free? Well, they are, right now. Many autocratic regimes start out with good intentions. Where they invariably end up, is stuffing their own pockets, and reverting to increasing violations of human rights in order to hold onto power. In the history of human kind, how many exceptions can you find? In the cases where undemocratic societies have been economically successful, such as China, there is usually the tradeoff of an oppressive society where social and personal injustices are quite common and wholly unprotected by law. I don't know that I would want that for Bangladesh. Turning to the military whenever things get rough is a cycle of dependence kind of like a drug addict that pops a pill whenever he can't deal with his problems. It WILL make him feel good...but he will pay a price.

All that being said, I am still quite hopeful that the caretaker govt will fulfill its main task - to hold elections.

Govt. is saying elections by 2008, I don't know whether a cleansing is possible within this time but lets hope for the best...

Bangladesh definitely needs to have election by end of 2008 and return to a democratically elected government. A bad democratic government is much better than an autocrat. Iraq, N korea, Myanmar are examples how millions of people suffer due to misrule of one person. Atleast in democracy, there is an option to change a bad government but for a military rule, there is no prospect of change unless there is a bloody revolt.

Hopefully the interim government will be able to create and atmoshphere for free and fair election and Bangladesh will get some better leader than Hasina and Khaleda..

I never suggested that we should have a military government or autocratic rule. What I was saying is that maybe our form of democracy should involve the military in some way just as a stop-gap measure to keep a check on corruption. For example, ex-military personnel are in charge of the ACC now (as far as I know). Yes, I agree that the best solution would be not to involve the military at all. But realistically, to uphold the rule of law we may have to involve them to a certain extent.

Also, the country wasn't doing as poorly under Ershad as some people say/think. I wasn't old enough to understand the mechanics of the government and the economy then but I still remember how things were. Yes, there was corruption but it wasn't as rampant as it was under the BNP. And, in some cases the same people were running the country. Moudud and Nazmul Huda were ministers under Ershad as far as I remember. What bothers me is that people are left with the same people to vote for. Both are equally evil and corrupt so people just vote them in in turns.

Dependency on the military isn't good, I agree. Recently the army chief claimed that because he ordered that there be no destruction of property, nothing was burned or looted during the state of emergency. I thought that was a little arrogant but in some ways it is true. Could the police have done the same job? I don't think so...at least not now...maybe in the years ahead when they have some leadership and integrity. In some cases we have to rely on the military..

Cleansing has to be done before the election. Our caretaker government is doing a good job. Restoring democracy as soon as possible is a must too. Both important tasks - but we have to try hard to achieve both.

Arafat 'picked up' in late night raid
Police raid Harris Chowdhury's residence, confiscate household items
Staff Correspondent

The joint forces in a late night raid reportedly detained Arafat Rahman, younger son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, intelligence sources said.
They went to the BNP chairperson's Moinul Road residence in Dhaka cantonment at around 10:00pm and came out with Arafat at 1:10am.


In another raid yesterday, police confiscated some household items from the Gulshan residence of Harris Chowdhury, political secretary to immediate past prime minister Khaleda Zia.


At the time of filing this report at 3:00am, it could not be known on what charges Arafat was picked up and where he was taken as the joint forces as well as the intelligence agencies remained tight-lipped, declining even to confirm the raid.


A couple of hours before Arafat was taken away, top officials of the joint forces reportedly had gone to Khaleda's residence and had a lengthy negotiation during which the officials advised her to leave the country. She is learnt to have told the joint forces that she is ready to face any consequence but will not leave the country.

Unlike his elder brother Tarique Rahman, who was arrested on March 8 by the army-led crack forces, Arafat maintained relatively a low profile in business circle despite having monopoly in city's billboard business.


His advertising firm, Advance AD, allegedly wiped its opponents out of the market, thanks to his family influence. It has been in control of the most lucrative advertisement spots in the city during the last five years.


Tarique, also senior joint secretary general of BNP, who held a huge clout during the past five years of BNP-led alliance rule, stands accused in an extortion case. He was sent to jail on March 12.


The security forces on March 15 raided Arafat's Coco Navigations, also owned by Tarique's business partner Giasuddin Al Mamun, at Banani in the capital. In an hour-long raid they seized some documents from there.


Police yesterday also raided the Gulshan residence of Harris Chowdhury and confiscated some items from the house including 15 air conditioners, 27 ceiling fans, a suitcase and some furniture. The law enforcers said they will go back to the house again today to confiscate some more items since they could not enter the first floor of the house yesterday. The confiscated items were not yet deposited to the police station at the time of filing this report.


"We have conducted the raid following a court order," said Sub-Inspector Iqbal Hayet, who is also the investigation officer of a case filed against Harris earlier by the Anti-corruption Commission for non-submission of his wealth statement to the commission within a stipulated period.


Police said they went to Harris' house on Gulshan Avenue in the capital at 3:00pm and stayed there until 7:00pm.


Harris Chowdhury's name was on the first list of 50 graft suspects published by the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC), who were asked by the commission to submit their wealth statements to it in person within a stipulated time.


He was one of the four suspects against whom the anti-graft body filed cases for non-submission of wealth statements. The ACC also sought permission from courts to confiscate their movable and immovable properties.


Meanwhile, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested a ward commissioner of Dhaka City Corporation from Dhaka Renal Central and General Hospital yesterday.


Acting on a tip-off, a special team of Rab raided the hospital on Green Road in the city and arrested Abul Khayer Babul, commissioner of Ward No-49.


There are several allegations including extortion and encroachment of land against him, said a Rab news release.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/04/16/d7041601118.htm

Fair Price Shops
Firms in question also join initiative
Rashidul Hasan

A number of private companies including some of those sued for stockpiling and selling rotten or adulterated essentials have opened fair price shops in different parts of the country.
Sources said these corrupt companies have joined the others in this venture in a bid to build a positive image in public mind and evade harassment by law enforcement agencies.


Some 22 companies including Partex Group and Abul Khair Group that have been sued are selling essential commodities through their faire price outlets with cooperation from Bangladesh Rifles (BDR).


The other companies include Meghna Group, PHP, Imam Group, Masud and Brothers, Alam and Brothers, S Alam, Mostafa Group and Mabco.

A mobile court on February 13 fined Tk 7,50,000 and issued arrest warrant against former BNP lawmaker and Chairman of Partex Group MA Hashem, his wife and three sons as their company Partex Sugar Ltd supplied and sold sugar in the market forging the BSTI (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution) seal.


Another mobile court on February 19 raided Abul Khair Consumer Products Ltd in Chittagong and seized around 230 tonnes of inedible milk powder to be used as an ingredient in its Starship condensed milk.

The joint forces on January 31 arrested three police officials and two officials of Abul Khair Group who were giving the cops Tk 15 lakh in bribe inside Fatulla Police Station in Narayanganj for release of a huge quantity of rotten wheat seized earlier.


The district administration of Narayanganj on January 29 seized the rotten wheat worth around Tk 19 crore from five cargo vessels and from a warehouse at Aliganj. Abul Khair Group had imported it.

Asked about cooperation with companies sued for corruption, BDR officials said the authorities concerned would take legal steps against them for what they did. BDR is not looking into this matter.

" We are cooperating with companies that showed interest in sale of goods at fair prices. We have taken many initiatives to ease market price and this is one of those," said a BDR official wishing anonymity.


In reply to a question, another BDR official said, "We just ensure that they (companies) sell goods at fair prices ...We also ensure security."

When contacted, Riazur Rahman, sales manager of Partex Group said, "It (operating fair price shops) is a social service from us. We are helping BDR in their initiative to ease market price."

He added, " We took this initiative after getting permission from BDR."

Around 22 companies are running fair price shops in 19 districts.


Partex sells rice at Tk 19 per kg, potato Tk 13.50, onion Tk 14, garlic Tk 28 and pulses at Tk 44 a kg, and a half-kg pack of milk powder at Tk 160.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/04/16/d7041601129.htm

so the other criminal son of Khaleda Zia was arrested?....Nice!!

what's that tagline from the mcdonald's ads...umm..oh yeah "i'm lovin' it" :D

Well, so far the cleansing has been pretty good hasn't it?

From BBC today:

Bangladesh ex-PM 'in exile deal'

Security forces in Bangladesh have released the younger son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, official sources have told the BBC.
Arafat Rahman was taken from Khaleda Zia's home in Dhaka, by army forces in a pre-dawn raid on Monday.

His release comes amid mounting speculation that it was part of a deal with the government under which Ms Zia's family would go into exile.

Khaleda Zia's elder son, Tarique Rahman, was also arrested last month.

'Everything finalised'

More than 160 suspects have been held from both of the main political parties in a government anti-corruption drive under a state of emergency imposed in January.

Unlike Tarique Rahman - whose case was suspended for six months by a High Court ruling on Tuesday - Arafat Rahman was not involved in politics.

Leading English-language newspapers including the Daily Star and the New Age reported that Arafat Rahman's release was part of a "negotiated deal" with the government.

"She will be leaving the country for Saudi Arabia in a couple of days. Initially she will be leaving with a one-month visa to perform Umrah [a minor pilgrimage to Mecca] and her permanent residence there will be finalised upon reaching the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the Daily Star said, citing a senior government source.

"Everything has been finalised... now only the formalities, including getting a visa, remain to be completed," it said, adding that the younger son would leave with his mother and the elder brother would follow later.

"Zia has agreed to leave the country but she is taking her time," an unnamed aide of Khaleda Zia told the AFP news agency.

'Long time'

Khaleda Zia has been under virtual house arrest since last week.

"The army held several round of negotiations with her. The release of Arafat Rahman and halting of the case against Tarique Rahman were part of that process," the aide told AFP.

Government officials and leaders of Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were not available for comment.

Private ATN Bangla television reported that joint military and police forces carried out a massive search inside Khaleda Zia's house on Monday, while senior officials talked to her and her son for a "long time" before taking him into custody.

It said last month, security officials had searched Arafat Rahman's advertising firm, Adsign, and arrested one of his partners from the office on graft charges.

'False and fake'

The military-led caretaker government has launched a vigorous drive against corruption after its leader, Fakhruddin Ahmed, imposed a state of emergency and cancelled national elections planned for 22 January.

Ms Zia's Awami League rival Sheikh Hasina - who has been charged with murder and extortion - has meanwhile reiterated her intention to return home from the US to contest what she called the "false and fake cases" against her.

Sheikh Hasina told the Reuters news agency that she would leave Washington for London on Wednesday and intended to travel on to Dhaka at the week-end.

She said she did not fear detention or physical harm.

"They can do whatever they like, but I know my conscience is clear, I haven't done anything wrong, and I haven't committed any crimes," she said.

"They filed cases and more cases maybe just to punish me."

Leaders of Hasina's Awami League said they were preparing for a legal battle over the charges laid against her.

But some officials, who asked not to be identified, said the government might also want Sheikh Hasina out of the country as well as Khaleda Zia.

well I guess I was hoping she would be punished for her wrong doings but then again being in an exile my be punishment enough. As long as we can get rid of both Hasina and Khaleda and their families and their friends, I am happy. I hope Ershad doesn't take advantage of the situation and re-assumes power.

whats the point of sending them to exile? might end up just like pakistan

whats the point of sending them to exile? might end up just like pakistan

Pak and Bd are very different,dont think it would be wise to forecast the future of one based on the present of another.

whats the point of sending them to exile? might end up just like pakistan

I really hope not, and ya, i really don't agree with this exile deal. Having them go into exile allows them to look like the victims and puts them in a moral highground they wouldn't otherwise have if fully tried by the law.

I really hope not, and ya, i really don't agree with this exile deal. Having them go into exile allows them to look like the victims and puts them in a moral highground they wouldn't otherwise have if fully tried by the law.

true but I guess they deserve some consideration since they are ex-prime ministers. After all millions of people did vote for them and elected them. Neither Khaleda nor Hasina came into power illegally. They were both democratically elected. As far as the wealth they may have accumulated, I think we should seize those. I think govt. is already planning on bringing back the black money from the overseas bank accounts. Out of those people I hope tareque Rahman is punished and jailed for a long time.

Pak and Bd are very different,dont think it would be wise to forecast the future of one based on the present of another.

Don't be too sure. We are very similar in many ways, especially in the ways we screw up..

true but I guess they deserve some consideration since they are ex-prime ministers. After all millions of people did vote for them and elected them. Neither Khaleda nor Hasina came into power illegally. They were both democratically elected. As far as the wealth they may have accumulated, I think we should seize those. I think govt. is already planning on bringing back the black money from the overseas bank accounts. Out of those people I hope tareque Rahman is punished and jailed for a long time.

Do they really deserve any consideration at all? I don't think they do but that's just my opinion. Millions of people may have voted for them but here are two things we need to consider: 1) were there any viable candidates besides them? 2) how many of those "millions" of votes were obtained through bribery, intimidation, and violence?

I think letting these people get away sets a bad example. It just says that as long as you have stature, you can get away with pretty much anything. That's what we had before and my expectation was that things had somewhat changed. I hope they at least convict and punish Tarique for his crimes. The same goes for the other criminals.

Apart from that, my other concern is that at some point these people may try to come back into the country and use their influence again for their personal gains. (see what's happening in Pakistan with Benazir)

In the end though, I concede that sending them abroad may be the best solution. Not because they shouldn't be punished but because punishing..e.g. putting them away in jail, etc may just draw people's sympathy. They would be portrayed as victims of a psycho, military-backed caretaker government. Their associates would try to spin the story in their favor and try to get public support, which may turn out to be simpler than most people imagine. Remember that a lot of people still associate Khaleda with Zia and Hasina with Mujib, which is why a lot of people voted for them in the first place.

Let's just hope they don't come back :cheers:

Yeah, no more of them. La viva resistance :cheers:

From BBC today:

Bangladesh blocks ex-PM's return

The Bangladeshi government has barred former PM Sheikh Hasina from returning to the country from the United States.

The Home Ministry said her "provocative and inflammatory speeches" might create civil unrest. Officials have been told to stop her entering the country.

The government says that Sheikh Hasina, who is on holiday in the US, was responsible for recent street protests that led to a state of emergency.

Another former PM, Khaleda Zia, has reportedly agreed an exile deal.

'Confusion and hatred'

In a statement, the Home Ministry blamed Sheikh Hasina for issuing "inflammatory statements" against the military-backed caretaker administration and law enforcement forces.

The ministry said her return might create "further confusion and hatred" among the public.

"In the recent past, the civil discipline, security and economy were at stake due to irresponsible and non-stop political agitation and activities led by her party, the Awami League, and other political parties," the statement said.

"And due to this, a state of emergency has to be declared."

The statement said there was "apprehension" that she might jeopardise law and order, and create political instability, endangering public safety and economic life.

"For public safety, the government has issued a special security alert about Sheikh Hasina's return to the country. This arrangement is temporary."

The authorities have placed the police, immigration, air, land and port authorities on alert following their decision.

There has so far been no response form Sheikh Hasina - who has been accused of murder and extortion - to the government's announcement.

'Clear conscience'

But on Tuesday she reiterated her intention to return home from the US to contest what she called the "false and fake cases" against her.

She said that she would leave Washington for London on Wednesday and would travel to Dhaka at the weekend.

Sheikh Hasina said she did not fear detention or physical harm.

"They can do whatever they like, but I know my conscience is clear, I haven't done anything wrong, and I haven't committed any crimes," she said.

"They filed cases and more cases maybe just to punish me."

It was also reported on Tuesday that another former Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, had agreed to go into exile to Saudi Arabia with her family.

"She will be leaving the country for Saudi Arabia in a couple of days. Initially she will be leaving with a one-month visa to perform Umrah [a minor pilgrimage to Mecca] and her permanent residence there will be finalised upon reaching the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the Daily Star reported, citing a senior government source.

"Everything has been finalised... now only the formalities, including getting a visa, remain to be completed," it said.

Though I aint sure what will happen in the long run, exile these women and punish their family inside the country!...at least better than doing nothing to 'em...it would be better if the Gov could bring some concrete charges against 'em...what if they make good terms with a future gov (like benojir with pak gov) and come back with those horrible days.
So charging 'em with legal procedure and sending 'em to jail and then implementation of law that prevents taking part in election by these kind of jailed people could solve the problem permanently...even people like Ershad would be caught-behind-type out.:D

what's that tagline from the mcdonald's ads...umm..oh yeah "i'm lovin' it" :D

Go horns..can I borrow that tagline of urs and mcdonalds?lol

Foreign Affairs Adv Dr. Iftekar Ahmed Chy is being interviewed on BBC (TV) right now. I am feeling good to hear his views.

ya, I'm lovin it too...

Foreign Affairs Adv Dr. Iftekar Ahmed Chy is being interviewed on BBC (TV) right now. I am feeling good to hear his views.

ya, I'm lovin it too...

what is he saying??

The BBC interviewer askes why the former prime ministers are being exiled and related consequences of this act, with sort of complaining tone, as they usually do. Dr. Chy answers sensibly that this is an temporary thing to do and to smoothen the ongoing reform process. He also said that common people are loving it...and they are determined to finish their reform process and free, fair and credible election within 2008. He promised to the nation to do so.

Go horns..can I borrow that tagline of urs and mcdonalds?lol

hell yes!

disclaimer: for legal purposes, "hell yes" does not constitute an actual consent and by using this phrase you agree to be held liable to the copyright holder for all penalties and related legal fees. :lol:

From BBC today:

Bangladesh blocks ex-PM's return

The Bangladeshi government has barred former PM Sheikh Hasina from returning to the country from the United States.

The Home Ministry said her "provocative and inflammatory speeches" might create civil unrest. Officials have been told to stop her entering the country.

The government says that Sheikh Hasina, who is on holiday in the US, was responsible for recent street protests that led to a state of emergency.

Another former PM, Khaleda Zia, has reportedly agreed an exile deal.

'Confusion and hatred'

In a statement, the Home Ministry blamed Sheikh Hasina for issuing "inflammatory statements" against the military-backed caretaker administration and law enforcement forces.

The ministry said her return might create "further confusion and hatred" among the public.

"In the recent past, the civil discipline, security and economy were at stake due to irresponsible and non-stop political agitation and activities led by her party, the Awami League, and other political parties," the statement said.

"And due to this, a state of emergency has to be declared."

The statement said there was "apprehension" that she might jeopardise law and order, and create political instability, endangering public safety and economic life.

"For public safety, the government has issued a special security alert about Sheikh Hasina's return to the country. This arrangement is temporary."

The authorities have placed the police, immigration, air, land and port authorities on alert following their decision.

There has so far been no response form Sheikh Hasina - who has been accused of murder and extortion - to the government's announcement.

'Clear conscience'

But on Tuesday she reiterated her intention to return home from the US to contest what she called the "false and fake cases" against her.

She said that she would leave Washington for London on Wednesday and would travel to Dhaka at the weekend.

Sheikh Hasina said she did not fear detention or physical harm.

"They can do whatever they like, but I know my conscience is clear, I haven't done anything wrong, and I haven't committed any crimes," she said.

"They filed cases and more cases maybe just to punish me."

It was also reported on Tuesday that another former Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, had agreed to go into exile to Saudi Arabia with her family.

"She will be leaving the country for Saudi Arabia in a couple of days. Initially she will be leaving with a one-month visa to perform Umrah [a minor pilgrimage to Mecca] and her permanent residence there will be finalised upon reaching the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the Daily Star reported, citing a senior government source.

"Everything has been finalised... now only the formalities, including getting a visa, remain to be completed," it said.


There is a lot of truth to what they're saying about hasina. She has made comments in the past that not only provoked violence and unrest in Bangladesh but also damaged our reputation abroad. She has told American and other Western leaders that Bangladesh harbors terrorists and may become more radical unless BNP-Jamaat were removed from power. Of course, the comments hit a nerve with some of these leaders and her comments got quite a bit of press. I've had many people express concern when I told them where I was from because they had heard we had terrorism issues. People like that, who are willing to create unrest, disorder, violence, and even ruin their country's reputation, for power and/or money, need to be treated harshly.

I dearly hope it's goodbye hasina..and good riddance. We won't miss you..and the same goes for you khaleda. I was either too young or yet to set foot in this world before the leaders whose names you associate yourselves with (Mujib and Zia) passed away. If those two men were anything like their true believers/followers say they were then all I can say is this: you have let them down miserably.

Despite all their wrong-doings, they have the rights like any other citizen of Bangladesh. Yes - they should be severely punished for their crimes - but, in my opininion, the current government has no right to throw them out of the country.

Despite all their wrong-doings, they have the rights like any other citizen of Bangladesh. Yes - they should be severely punished for their crimes - but, in my opininion, the current government has no right to throw them out of the country.
i think they are being thrown out for their own good, i would be glad if they govt puts these ladies in to jail or else everything the govt does wont have the public approval it had

Pak and Bd are very different,dont think it would be wise to forecast the future of one based on the present of another.
at least not in this regard!

i guess its a reminiscence of the fact that these two entities used to be one

I really hope not, and ya, i really don't agree with this exile deal. Having them go into exile allows them to look like the victims and puts them in a moral highground they wouldn't otherwise have if fully tried by the law.
exactly! if this goes on its a win win for them polititicans

^^ I think putting them in jail and locking them up will also make them look like victims. It's a very sensitive issue and one where we can't really win and we have already lost so much by having them in power for so long. Too bad they can't just disappear. Damn it, where's my vaporizer gun!!

^^ I think putting them in jail and locking them up will also make them look like victims. It's a very sensitive issue and one where we can't really win and we have already lost so much by having them in power for so long. Too bad they can't just disappear. Damn it, where's my vaporizer gun!!


I wish along with Hasina and Khaleda, their sons, daughters, brothers, cousins are all kicked out of the country. We can't have any member of Mujib and Zia family returning to politics. I wish there was a way to ban them from being part of a political party.

^^ Amen

^^

I agree as well.

^^
BNP/AL/JAMAT KICK'EM OUT. WE NEED NEW QUALIFIED FACES.

for all you guys living in bangladesh right now, how is the situation there? is everybody happy that these two political leaders are banned from the country? Over here in the US, all bangladeshis are exited and overjoyed that these two ex-PM's are out of Bangladeshi politics for good.

Out of politics is one thing... but i do not agree with denying anybody's right to be in his/her own country. Even though, most of us hate the way they had been doing politics, they have the right to live in their homeland. Caretaker government is talking so much about fairness and human rights, they shouldn't do this if they want to maintain the respect and trust they have earned. Personally, I have no respect for these to ladies, but I think they should be handled in a civilized manner.

I was reading that the government is trying to figure out how to fund Khaleda's exile. What the hell?? First they loot the country of millions of dollars and channel it to various accounts/investments abroad and now we have to put up with their expenses while in exile? If we HAVE to put up with their living expenses then why not let them stay at one of the many fine residences we have for people like her...our jails..

Out of politics is one thing... but i do not agree with denying anybody's right to be in his/her own country. Even though, most of us hate the way they had been doing politics, they have the right to live in their homeland. Caretaker government is talking so much about fairness and human rights, they shouldn't do this if they want to maintain the respect and trust they have earned. Personally, I have no respect for these to ladies, but I think they should be handled in a civilized manner.

it has been done before. I believe Former Philippino President Ferdinand Marcos was exiled from his own country. What's better....staying in Bangladesh but going to jail for a long time? or living a fabolus life in a foreign land?

I'm more and more convinced that neither Khaleda will be sent to exile or jail nor will Hasina be convicted of any crime. Both their parties will keep lobbying until they're back and leading their parties again. Now they're uniting to rid us of the caretaker government and I'm starting to think they'll succeed. And why not? The country is full of ignorant pieces of **** who'll kill each other for the sake of these b****** who keep drawing national sympathy because one is the daughter of the so-called father of the nation and the other is the wife of a great national leader. The people of the country make me sick. When will they ever realize that they need to stop supporting these politicians and dance to their tunes???

And I don't think anything's going to happen to Tarique either. He'll get released and maybe rule BNP again one day. Why not, his father was a great leader after all. He has the right to amass great wealth.

All that's going on right now makes me sick. People have learned nothing. Given the chance, they'd rather supported these people than support the CG to push these people out of politics. That's why the country has no future. The one time I saw some ray of hope....the people turn on what would have helped them in the long run. Fine...let's just all go to hell in a handbasket!

Sorry if I'm overreacting....I can't help it...

I'm more and more convinced that neither Khaleda will be sent to exile or jail nor will Hasina be convicted of any crime.

.........................
The one time I saw some ray of hope.....

.............Sorry if I'm overreacting....I can't help it...

You have the reasons to be upset. I am upset too. We all hope that:

- so called politicians are punished for the crimes they have committed.
- politics of violence is not tolerated anymore.
- any political leader inciting violence be banned from politics.

Our caretaker government can validate their claim of having all that respect for law only if they do everything in legal way. Everybody should be given full rights to defend themselves. Even the worst criminals have rights. This goverment cannot restore the state of law and order by breaking law themselves. Quick fix don't work. Expelling anybody from their homeland is barbaric, backwards, and outright irresponsible. They should be allowed to choose between finding refuge in a different place of staying in the country and face the severe consequences.

You have the reasons to be upset. I am upset too. We all hope that:

- so called politicians are punished for the crimes they have committed.
- politics of violence is not tolerated anymore.
- any political leader inciting violence be banned from politics.

Our caretaker government can validate their claim of having all that respect for law only if they do everything in legal way. Everybody should be given full rights to defend themselves. Even the worst criminals have rights. This goverment cannot restore the state of law and order by breaking law themselves. Quick fix don't work. Expelling anybody from their homeland is barbaric, backwards, and outright irresponsible. They should be allowed to choose between finding refuge in a different place of staying in the country and face the severe consequences.

it's not so simple. If Khaleda and Hasina stay in BD and put in jail, then can you imagine the chaos it would create? I can imagine activists from both parties will go on rampages. Hartals, violence, burning busses, destroying public and private preperties. No one can stop them. If Khaleda/Hasina are in the country they can order their gundas to do anything and the party crews will do anything for them. If they are kicked out of the country then they don't have as much power. It's called "out of sight out of mind". As soon as they are back in the country, they will start causing trouble. This is the only way our country can deal with them. We don't have sophisticated system and policing manpower to deal with these criminals.

^^ You're so right Tmac...I couldn't agree more. It seems like that's where we're headed now, unfortunately. I hope I'm wrong...I really do..

I don't think so, the army will go tough on any anti-social activities. We have one of the greatest Infranty Cores in the world, and they aren't going to tolerate hartals or anything, also most of the hartal goers where paid people, no one will bother to join those again. But I sure hope the government is going to return multi-party democracy (Without the 2 families) by mid 2008.

Government has lifted all restrictions on those two this afternoon...i am worried that they ll start their horrible activities very soon as well. I see a big big question mark on our fait again. Sorry to say like this, but I cant help saying, why dont they just disappear from this planet...

Well, they are back, for better or worse. I don't agree with the exile idea myself. That's like sweeping your dirt under the rug. BNP and AL are going to be there for a long, long time - certainly longer than the present govt - so they must be part of any long term solution for our country. The fact of the matter is that unless people within these parties can be convinced to reform, nothing will really change. I think while punishment of the corrupt is great, it is not sufficient...the caretaker govt must also engage the leadership of these parties to push for an end to violent protest and think more of the greater good. Not that I'm unduly optimistic about that happening. Anywho, here is the article from BBC. I am sure the US played a big role in this:

Bangladesh u-turn on former PMs

Bangladesh's emergency government has lifted all restrictions on two of the country's most powerful politicians, Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina.
Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina was no longer banned from returning from abroad, a government statement said.

It also said there were no restrictions on the movements of her arch rival Khaleda Zia, who has been held under virtual house arrest in Dhaka.

She has reportedly been under pressure to go into exile in Saudi Arabia.

'Under threat'

"All restrictions on the two former prime ministers are lifted," the government statement said.

The military-backed government says it wants an end to corruption

"The government is lifting the restrictions [on Sheikh Hasina] in view of the views expressed in the media and different quarters."

The statement made no reference to comments by the US State Department earlier on Wednesday that democracy in Bangladesh was under threat.

"If the caretaker government does not take right decisions, there is a real threat to Bangladesh democracy and nobody wants to see that," spokesman Sean McCormack said.

The government's statement went on to say that - contrary to media reports - there had never been any pressure on Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Khaleda Zia to leave the country, and there were no restrictions on her freedom of movement.

It is not clear whether Wednesday's announcement means that the two women will be free to resume their political careers and take part in elections which the government says will be held as soon as corruption in the country has been eradicated.

Khaleda Zia's family said last week that they had been told to prepare for imminent exile in Saudi Arabia, but the Saudi Arabian government reportedly declined to allow her into the kingdom - apparently because it was reluctant to take in an unwilling guest.

Attempts by the government to find another country for her to be exiled seem to have failed.

Khaleda Zia's son, Tareque Rahman, is one of around 160 politicians, businessmen and civil servants who have been arrested by the military-backed caretaker government on corruption charges.

The drive against corruption seems to have been welcomed by many ordinary Bangladeshis tired of seeing politicians and their relatives siphoning off the country's wealth.

'Clout'

The BBC's John Sudworth in Dhaka says that after days of political manoeuvring with the intention of sending the country's two most powerful political leaders into exile, the emergency government has seemingly backed down.

Sheikh Hasina, who was prevented from flying back to Dhaka on Sunday, has now been told that she can return.

She faces murder charges after Awami League members allegedly killed members of a rival political party during protests in Dhaka last year against the caretaker government prior to the imposition of a state of emergency.

Members of the emergency government had said that reform of the political system would be impossible with the two former prime ministers still on the scene.

Our correspondent says the two women seem to have won this particular battle with the government - which is perhaps a sign of just how much political clout they still wield.

i am sure the govt learned something from the 1991 movement if ershad started to kill the activists then i am sure the b1tches would have never come to power and am i sure the present govt will keep this in mind

seeing the sympathy of people for the two leaders makes me sick and yet they call the jamat-e-islami traitors

hell sometimes i think i would have been much better if it were pakistan were the people over would have been kicked in the ass from morning to evening people dont deserve anything goood

i am sure the govt learned something from the 1991 movement if ershad started to kill the activists then i am sure the b1tches would have never come to power and am i sure the present govt will keep this in mind

seeing the sympathy of people for the two leaders makes me sick and yet they call the jamat-e-islami traitors

hell sometimes i think i would have been much better if it were pakistan were the people over would have been kicked in the ass from morning to evening people dont deserve anything goood

Perhaps you forget, the police did start to kill activists, and that's why everything went downhill for him. If you are thinking that the Ershad regime was somehow less corrupt...well, the facts are different. Our democracy may be seriously flawed, but for me the solution is to fix the democracy, not to live in a country where people are beaten into submission.

Perhaps you forget, the police did start to kill activists, and that's why everything went downhill for him. If you are thinking that the Ershad regime was somehow less corrupt...well, the facts are different. Our democracy may be seriously flawed, but for me the solution is to fix the democracy, not to live in a country where people are beaten into submission.
why stick with something flawed? well since these people can have a lot of sympathies for the two ladies they lost my respect for them

look how they destroyed the country the biggest factories of pakistan were here and look how they destroyed it by unionizing it hartals and bandhs they should be deported to the 5th century bc

^^ So what's your solution? Can't solve a problem, so quick fix it with a military dictatorship? Let me think...I seem to remember having tried that before, and things weren't all rosy back then.

The fact that there are corruption and hartals is not the fault of two individuals. Calling them names and shipping them out of the country will solve absolutely nothing.

Arresting people for corruption is great. But you cannot rule just with a stick...there has to be a carrot as well. The government should use this opportunity to get the two sides to sit and down and have serious discussions on strategies and commitments to curbing the corruption and politial violence. Because, long term results can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy, which is one the main elements missing from our political process since the reestablishment of democracy.

Let’s not get so impatient and feel hopeless. Let us remember that we are trying to restore law, order, justice, and democracy. So the current government cannot be using techniques that will jeopardize these principles. Nobody is saying that it will be an easy task.

We don’t want politics of violence, we do not want corruption in every phase of life, and we do not want an authoritarian government. When government becomes authoritarian, human rights is under attack. Activists are not necessarily bad people. Presence of activists is the sign of a healthy society.

I’m a victim of police/army brutality myself and I know how bad it can be. When I was a student, I was kicked down on the ground and beaten by police/military for … guess what? … they didn’t like my long hair. Without going into details ... I am just telling you that it was pretty bad. That memory still gives me nightmares.

Sending the corrupt leaders (?) to the 5th century and letting them rot in the jail are all very acceptable ideas, but definitely we don’t want a government that will beat people to submission.

Tough days ahead… but we have to move forward…. we must not give up. Don’t be disheartened. The debate we are having here and sometimes disagreeing with others and making new suggestions is the right way to find solutions. Hopefully, someday our political leaders will do the same.

Thats right..we should not become hopeless..infact,I dont see much chance too.Finally,we now have a government that is ready to undertake all the tasks required to build a solid democracy,economy,and administration that caters well to the need of the people.The Police are now behaving well with people,the officials have become less corupt,state owned loss suffering firms including the four banks are being privatised,political parties are agreeing to carry out massive reforms,the corrupt are being hunted,initiatives to bring back millions of dollars sent abroad illegaly have been made.How can we be hopeless at such a stage..where all we wished for are being done by the govt.,the changes we have all been waiting for have finally started to come...so I see this as a phase of Hope,..hope of estabilishing a new nation that will be free of massive corruption and instability.

edit

i am sure the govt learned something from the 1991 movement if ershad started to kill the activists then i am sure the b1tches would have never come to power and am i sure the present govt will keep this in mind

seeing the sympathy of people for the two leaders makes me sick and yet they call the jamat-e-islami traitors

hell sometimes i think i would have been much better if it were pakistan were the people over would have been kicked in the ass from morning to evening people dont deserve anything goood


phew...I thought I was the only one really really pissed off...LOL

Government has lifted all restrictions on those two this afternoon...i am worried that they ll start their horrible activities very soon as well. I see a big big question mark on our fait again. Sorry to say like this, but I cant help saying, why dont they just disappear from this planet...

sometimes I wish history would repeat itself and this time take out all the scum it didn't take out the first time..

Perhaps you forget, the police did start to kill activists, and that's why everything went downhill for him. If you are thinking that the Ershad regime was somehow less corrupt...well, the facts are different. Our democracy may be seriously flawed, but for me the solution is to fix the democracy, not to live in a country where people are beaten into submission.

Actually, I would argue that the Ershad regime was indeed less corrupt. There was corruption but not as rampant as under the BNP in the last 5-6 years. The level of greed seen in this time around is probably unmatched in the country's history. Those days in the country were a bliss compared to how things were a year back...at least in my opinion...

Also, the notion of sitting both the sides down for a talk and sorting things out....well good luck with that one...it may be the best solution but knowing how the country is...I know that's not going to solve anything. These corrupt politicians are a disease that unite under the 2 ladies. If you think you can just douse them with some medication and they will stay down...you're mistaken. They need to be uprooted...starting with those 2...because that'll leave the most of the corrupt politicians without a symbolic leader to unite under (and draw national sympathy).

Thats right..we should not become hopeless..infact,I dont see much chance too.Finally,we now have a government that is ready to undertake all the tasks required to build a solid democracy,economy,and administration that caters well to the need of the people.The Police are now behaving well with people,the officials have become less corupt,state owned loss suffering firms including the four banks are being privatised,political parties are agreeing to carry out massive reforms,the corrupt are being hunted,initiatives to bring back millions of dollars sent abroad illegaly have been made.How can we be hopeless at such a stage..where all we wished for are being done by the govt.,the changes we have all been waiting for have finally started to come...so I see this as a phase of Hope,..hope of estabilishing a new nation that will be free of massive corruption and instability.


I think you misunderstood. It's not that we're unhappy with what the CG is doing. I think almost everyone is happy with the CG's activities. I'm unhappy because the 2 leaders are conspiring to bring the CG down and go back to being the leaders of their parties....Everything that's going on now is absolutely a dream come true :cheers:

I don't think it's possible to have both Hasina and Khaleda sit together and come to a consensus. They hate each other. They are also very childish when it comes to dealing with each other.

^^ That may be true when one is in power and the other is not. But recall how they cooperated to bring down Ershad. They were over at each other's houses having tea back then. So that's why now would be the time to force them to sit down and come to some agreements about the future of our nation. If they are guilty of any crimes, give them a fair trial and lock them up. Exiling them will only give them a moral highground to critisize the government and draw on foreign sympathy.

^^ That may be true when one is in power and the other is not. But recall how they cooperated to bring down Ershad. They were over at each other's houses having tea back then. So that's why now would be the time to force them to sit down and come to some agreements about the future of our nation. If they are guilty of any crimes, give them a fair trial and lock them up. Exiling them will only give them a moral highground to critisize the government and draw on foreign sympathy.

well that was 16/17 years ago before either one of them came into power. Their relationship has gone sour since then.

I don't think it's possible to have both Hasina and Khaleda sit together and come to a consensus. They hate each other. They are also very childish when it comes to dealing with each other.

^^ That may be true when one is in power and the other is not. But recall how they cooperated to bring down Ershad. They were over at each other's houses having tea back then. ........

LOL..... so true. They are so selfish, they'll compromise anything and sacrifice their "idelogies" for personal or party benefit.

^^ you hit the nail on the head meghnarmajhi

well that was 16/17 years ago before either one of them came into power. Their relationship has gone sour since then.

That's why I said the government should "force" them to sit down. I don't expect it them to do it by themselves, which is why the current situation offers a great chance to compel them to do so. You will be surprised how quickly politicians can change colors. I am not saying that this would be an easy process. Or that it would necessarily succeed.

The fact remains that for all their incompetency these political parties are hugely popular. And dictatorship is never a long term substitute for democracy, especially when you have people as anarchistic as Bangladeshis. Just look at us in this discussion...can anyone ever make all of us agree to follow one opinion? That's why I believe the caretaker govt should strive to have these parties as involved as possible in the reform process...no matter what this current govt does it will be in the hands of the politicians to ensure that any lasting benefits are derived.

Democracy is like an instrument i.e a sharp pencil. One can write a novel with that or poke in the eyes to make someone blind. The point is that a country like Bangladesh where the majority of our total population is still illiterate and poverished, what we really need is a team of elites(leaders) who have the visions to lead the nation forward. I strongly believe that our concept of nation is vague. Democracy will only bring good to a nation where people are aware of their rights. Without creating a social awareness, makes no sense to voting rights. You may not agree with me on this behalf but that's fine. We don't need to look too far for good examples... MALAYSIA,VIETNAM, THAILAND etc and the list can go on. Food security, Law & order, Accountibility as a whole.... you don't need democracy to achieve these.

^^ I absolutely agree with you enu. For democracy to work, the people of the country have to reach a certain level of civility, etc. The majority of the people in Bangladesh don't understand or appreciate the merits of democracy and deserve it even less. As much as people hate dictators, for a bunch of savages that we are (oh please...don't deny it) we need someone strong enough to establish some real rule of law and not cave in where the opposition calls for strikes or whatever. Sometimes, I think the government should warn people against these hartals and tell them that those who damage public property will be severely punished....and I mean very severely. How dare anyone set fire to a public bus? How dare they torch a car? Someone needs to remind people that in a poor country like ours, it takes a lot for the BRTC (or even private companies) to put a new bus on the road. For an average middle-class family it takes a lot to own a car. No one has the right to destroy those things. Nor to they have the right to destroy stores/shops or other businesses or anything. What has democracy done for these savages? Nothing. If the cops go after them, they're protected by the politicians.

A group of elites running the country, backed up by the military would be perfect, in my opinion, at least for the time being. This is pretty much what the CG is, except I would want them to continue for a few terms. I would want all the people they've caught to be procecuted. Also, I think a lot of people (victims of extortion and stuff) are afraid to come forward because they think the CG will be gone and those they testify against will be free and come after them.

And for you guys who think dictators were so bad (like Ershad) and we're so much better off with these 2 women running the country, how has it not been like a dictatorship since Ershad was removed? We've had the same 2 women taking turns to run the country. If the CG hadn't stepped in, they'd keep taking turns until one of them died or something or was killed. Being at the mercy of 2 illiterate, unqualified persons who will take turns ruling the country till they die....isn't that like a dictatorship? It sure seems like one to me...

Democracy is like an instrument i.e a sharp pencil. One can write a novel with that or poke in the eyes to make someone blind......

... I absolutely agree with you enu. For democracy to work, the people of the country have to reach a certain level of civility, etc. The majority of the people in Bangladesh don't understand or appreciate the merits of democracy and deserve it even less.......

I am angry too... but no, lets not go bacward. The two parties in question are just bad examples of democracy. Let's not give up. We have a strong belief that we can do better than most of our neighbors. Let's say no to autocracy or totalitarianism. Let's hope, pray, and work for an elected, patriotic government that will treat us like gold and be accountable to us. It won't be easy, but it is possible.

http://www.prothom-alo.org/issues/2007-04-27/vip-prisoners.jpg

^^ Salman Rahman was in jail? hmm that's news to me. Growing up, I always thought he was (for the most part) a legit businessman until he started the whole thing with AL. I haven't seen the guy in almost a decade but he's definitely seen better days. Isn't Saber Hussain Chowdhury in there too?

I am angry too... but no, lets not go bacward. The two parties in question are just bad examples of democracy. Let's not give up. We have a strong belief that we can do better than most of our neighbors. Let's say no to autocracy or totalitarianism. Let's hope, pray, and work for an elected, patriotic government that will treat us like gold and be accountable to us. It won't be easy, but it is possible.


That sounds nice meghnarmajhi but do you really think that's going to happen? Don't kid yourself. Think...think about the way people are in Bangladesh. I would very much like what you said to actually be the case in the future but knowing how people are (both the population and the leaders) it's very hard for me to believe in such good things. I hope what you said does come true..I'm sure we all do...but unless I see some more changes..or at least things going in the right direction...I'm going to remain a skeptic

gohorns I think it's possible for us to have a government that's accountable. It may take a while but the progress can be made in this regard.

Party leaders pushed govt to send Hasina, Khaleda abroad: adviser

Leaders of the two major parties, Awami League and BNP, encouraged the government to send their party chiefs off the country to help reform their parties, Law Adviser Mainul Hosein today said.

He told a private television channel that the government does not bother whether the two women stay in or outside the country.

"Instead, leaders of the two parties stated that if the two leaders stay abroad, it would be easier for them to reform their parties," he said.

Reacting to what Mainul said, BNP spokesman Nazrul Islam Khan said there is no such leader in BNP who would like to see Khaleda Zia abroad.

He said it would be good if the adviser discloses the names of those leaders.

Awami League (AL) presidium member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim said Sheikh Hasina is the symbol of the party's unity and AL leaders and activists cannot think of any reforms without her.

He said the adviser did not clearly say who made such suggestions.

http://www.thedailystar.net/latest/updates.php?pid=10

hah so it sounds like their own party members and not the caretaker government that want them out of the country.

That sounds nice meghnarmajhi but do you really think that's going to happen? Don't kid yourself. Think...think about the way people are in Bangladesh. I would very much like what you said to actually be the case in the future but knowing how people are (both the population and the leaders) it's very hard for me to believe in such good things. I hope what you said does come true..I'm sure we all do...but unless I see some more changes..or at least things going in the right direction...I'm going to remain a skeptic

You are right Gohorns. In the late 70's we dreamt about catching up with Singapore, 80's with Malaysia and late 90's Indonesia. Perhaps we are trying to catch up with Mayanmar now!!!! This is where we stand... a nation with no long term vision. Pls don't get me wrong, I would love to see democracy flourish in my beloved Bangladesh but when????? It's been 3 decades since our independence, I am not sure what are we thinking:ohno:
As a nation we have other priorities then to achieve democracy(at this moment). First of all is Food security, population growth control, power surplus, improved infrustructure and so many things to do. Corruption and religious bigotry is one of the major set back for us to move forward. The world is moving fast, I mean it. We can't afford to waste our time as a testing bed nation. What hasn't worked for 20 some years, probably wil not work at all. We need to customize our way of democracy if I may remind you. Please don't try to be a copy cat. Each nation is unique.

Tk 270cr laundered money recovered
7 businessmen involved in the illegal transfer; govt hopes to retrieve Tk 3,000cr more

For the first time in the country's history, the government has retrieved Tk 270 crore of illegal money from seven businessmen and is expecting to recover around Tk 3,000 crore more soon.

In the face of the government's anti-corruption drive conducted by the joint forces, these businessmen have paid the amount through several pay orders in local currency, banking sources said.

Sources said this is also the first time the government exchequer has collected money recovered after being pilfered from the public coffers. The central bank will consider the recovered money as "non-tax revenue".

Bangladesh Bank (BB) yesterday informed the finance ministry that the money has been deposited in the government account.

Meanwhile, the recovered money directly contributed to the improvement of the government's borrowing status, bringing it down to Tk 4,300 crore on Monday from Tk 4,700 crore in the first week of this month, according to BB sources.

Of the seven businessmen who deposited the amount through pay-orders, the names of three could be learnt. They are Anis Ahmed Gorki of MGH Group--business partner of former prime minister Khaleda Zia's son and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman, Nader Khan whose identity details were not available, and Salman Ispahani of the Ispahani Group. But, talking to The Daily Star, Salman Ispahani refuted the BB report, claiming that he did not deposit any money.

Gorki was earlier arrested and subsequently released upon his promise to cooperate in refunding the money gained through ill means.

A larger chunk of the retrieved Tk 270 crore consists of illegal money involving one single deal--the sale of 17 large tea gardens and other assets of the UK-based company to a group of eight leading local entrepreneurs for Tk 380 crore.

It is alleged that the actual price was never disclosed and the payment was made through an unofficial channel illegally.

Sources said following clues from top graft suspects, the joint forces interrogated many businessmen accused of being involved with high profile financial crimes.

Based on the primary findings, the joint forces believe the government can retrieve another Tk 3,000 crore, which was illegally transferred abroad, with a portion remaining inside the country.

Many of the corruption suspects have promised the government that they would pay it in US dollars through cheques to be deposited in the central bank.

The BB received Tk 230 crore as pay orders from the seven businessmen last week. It received another Tk 40 crore as pay orders yesterday, central bank sources said.

A source, however, said, "This recovery is almost nothing. But this proves the level of corruption in Bangladesh during the alliance government's rule."

When the joint forces launched the anti-corruption drive in February, the USA and the UK offered the government expertise help in investigating international financial crime, he added. But, for some unknown reasons, the government has not yet taken that help and meanwhile the anti-corruption drive has dramatically slowed down, he said.

"The recovery has been made despite the government's weaknesses in investigating financial crimes. Imagine what we could achieve if we had the expertise," the official said.

Maj Gen Masud Uddin Chowdhury, chief of the National Coordination Committee on combating corruption and crime, told the press after a meeting at the Anti-Corruption Commission on April 18, "The taskforce members from the army, navy and the air force do not have that kind of experience in investigations. This has specially affected the pace of the progress of investigations." He added that a move was being made to develop the expertise of the investigators.

The sale deal of foreign tea company, which has been producing tea since the time of British rule in the subcontinent, was secretly made in January last year.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/04/28/d7042801011.htm

i dont get it why are people willing to give democracy a chance again? these is the weekness the parties exploited..

democracy gets you no where... look at china, singapore, malaysia, middle east

by the time europe got democracy it was already stablished so it wont effect them

the sub continent has nothing it was said that when the british left india, the population of the entire subcontinent was like 300 million and it was among one of the poorest country in the world

so how do you guys think 70 years from 1948 democracy would be a big success?

truth be told bengalis dont know what to want when another example just look at our fellow bengalis in india while cities like bombay, madras, pune and bangalore (almost unheard of even 30-40 years ago) are thinking of becoming the shaghai of india lil old calcutta is almost left as it was but still you see the bengalis making something big out of it

same applies for bd

Tk 270cr laundered money recovered
7 businessmen involved in the illegal transfer; govt hopes to retrieve Tk 3,000cr more

For the first time in the country's history, the government has retrieved Tk 270 crore of illegal money from seven businessmen and is expecting to recover around Tk 3,000 crore more soon.

In the face of the government's anti-corruption drive conducted by the joint forces, these businessmen have paid the amount through several pay orders in local currency, banking sources said.

Sources said this is also the first time the government exchequer has collected money recovered after being pilfered from the public coffers. The central bank will consider the recovered money as "non-tax revenue".

Bangladesh Bank (BB) yesterday informed the finance ministry that the money has been deposited in the government account.

Meanwhile, the recovered money directly contributed to the improvement of the government's borrowing status, bringing it down to Tk 4,300 crore on Monday from Tk 4,700 crore in the first week of this month, according to BB sources.

Of the seven businessmen who deposited the amount through pay-orders, the names of three could be learnt. They are Anis Ahmed Gorki of MGH Group--business partner of former prime minister Khaleda Zia's son and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman, Nader Khan whose identity details were not available, and Salman Ispahani of the Ispahani Group. But, talking to The Daily Star, Salman Ispahani refuted the BB report, claiming that he did not deposit any money.

Gorki was earlier arrested and subsequently released upon his promise to cooperate in refunding the money gained through ill means.

A larger chunk of the retrieved Tk 270 crore consists of illegal money involving one single deal--the sale of 17 large tea gardens and other assets of the UK-based company to a group of eight leading local entrepreneurs for Tk 380 crore.

It is alleged that the actual price was never disclosed and the payment was made through an unofficial channel illegally.

Sources said following clues from top graft suspects, the joint forces interrogated many businessmen accused of being involved with high profile financial crimes.

Based on the primary findings, the joint forces believe the government can retrieve another Tk 3,000 crore, which was illegally transferred abroad, with a portion remaining inside the country.

Many of the corruption suspects have promised the government that they would pay it in US dollars through cheques to be deposited in the central bank.

The BB received Tk 230 crore as pay orders from the seven businessmen last week. It received another Tk 40 crore as pay orders yesterday, central bank sources said.

A source, however, said, "This recovery is almost nothing. But this proves the level of corruption in Bangladesh during the alliance government's rule."

When the joint forces launched the anti-corruption drive in February, the USA and the UK offered the government expertise help in investigating international financial crime, he added. But, for some unknown reasons, the government has not yet taken that help and meanwhile the anti-corruption drive has dramatically slowed down, he said.

"The recovery has been made despite the government's weaknesses in investigating financial crimes. Imagine what we could achieve if we had the expertise," the official said.

Maj Gen Masud Uddin Chowdhury, chief of the National Coordination Committee on combating corruption and crime, told the press after a meeting at the Anti-Corruption Commission on April 18, "The taskforce members from the army, navy and the air force do not have that kind of experience in investigations. This has specially affected the pace of the progress of investigations." He added that a move was being made to develop the expertise of the investigators.

The sale deal of foreign tea company, which has been producing tea since the time of British rule in the subcontinent, was secretly made in January last year.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/04/28/d7042801011.htm

This is really HUGE NEWS!I mean,all these years,we just talked about getting the money stolen by the corrupt back,but finally now,we have been able to do it.Just imagine the big difference that will be created if 3000cr is really recovered.

Its true,if the bd army wanted,it could have easily taken over...


Moeen rules out military takeover
Staff Correspondent
The army chief, Lieutenant General Moeen U Ahmed, has categorically said the military has no intention to enter politics. The army chief on Thursday expressed the view when he was talking with journalists at the British high commission reception to mark the 81st birthday of Queen Elizabeth, saying the military was assisting the interim administration in aid of the state.
To a question on whether the army was taking over, he said, ‘Why this question is raised?’
The Voice of America Bangla news service broadcast the news on Friday.
‘People know of the pre-January 11 state of the country. There was tremendous pressure on us to take over. We could have taken over, had we wished,’ Moeen said. To another question, he said, ‘Since we are not taking part in politics, the question of floating a political party does not arise.’
He said the proposed political reforms are a need of the time. It would not be a difficult task if the political parties come forward.
Moeen recalled his statement given on January 2 at an international seminar organised by the Bangladesh Political Science Association and said it drew much criticism.
‘I have decided to keep mum. I am at fault if I talk and I am also at fault if I don’t.’

Source:http://www.newagebd.com/front.html#17

Its true,if the bd army wanted,it could have easily taken over...


Moeen rules out military takeover
Staff Correspondent
The army chief, Lieutenant General Moeen U Ahmed, has categorically said the military has no intention to enter politics. The army chief on Thursday expressed the view when he was talking with journalists at the British high commission reception to mark the 81st birthday of Queen Elizabeth, saying the military was assisting the interim administration in aid of the state.
To a question on whether the army was taking over, he said, ‘Why this question is raised?’
The Voice of America Bangla news service broadcast the news on Friday.
‘People know of the pre-January 11 state of the country. There was tremendous pressure on us to take over. We could have taken over, had we wished,’ Moeen said. To another question, he said, ‘Since we are not taking part in politics, the question of floating a political party does not arise.’
He said the proposed political reforms are a need of the time. It would not be a difficult task if the political parties come forward.
Moeen recalled his statement given on January 2 at an international seminar organised by the Bangladesh Political Science Association and said it drew much criticism.
‘I have decided to keep mum. I am at fault if I talk and I am also at fault if I don’t.’

Source:http://www.newagebd.com/front.html#17
The Head of BD Army is a gentleman indeed.

Party leaders pushed govt to send Hasina, Khaleda abroad: adviser

Leaders of the two major parties, Awami League and BNP, encouraged the government to send their party chiefs off the country to help reform their parties, Law Adviser Mainul Hosein today said.

...................


Party members willing to throw them out ..... lol. You think these leaders(?) have any self respect? If they do, that should walk away from the politics forever.



Its true,if the bd army wanted,it could have easily taken over...


Moeen rules out military takeover
Staff Correspondent
The army chief, Lieutenant General Moeen U Ahmed, has categorically said the military has no intention to enter politics. The army chief on Thursday expressed the view when he was talking with journalists at the British high commission reception to mark the 81st birthday of Queen Elizabeth, saying the military was assisting the interim administration in aid of the state.
......................

That was a very clear message ... we needed to hear that... very comforting.

they cant if they army takes over around 30000 solders and officials from the united nations peace corps will be deported to bangladesh and thats not something the army wants

they cant if they army takes over around 30000 solders and officials from the united nations peace corps will be deported to bangladesh and thats not something the army wants

1. That won't be exactly deportation.

2. We want change for our own good, not because others are dictating us.

Our army is a part of us. They are from among us. They must work with us. I know a lot of things happened in the past, but OUR hopes ur still high.

what else can bengalis have besides high hope?

what else can bengalis have besides high hope?

You are right,Bangalis are full of hope,dreams.....and those are two of the most important things that a nation needs to go forward,and yea,the other vital ingredient-determination...I would say we have that too..thats why we build houses no matter how many times the floods take them away,thats what transformed us from the bottomless basket in 1971 to one of the 11 most promising countries in 2005...but hey,are you a Bangali?Cause you dont seem to have any of those--hope,dream or determination..

You are definitely right Mirza. You can never transform dreams into reality if you don't start dreaming.

BTW, did you know that we feed 10% of China's pop. in just 1.5% of China's area? We are a miracle and you still think we are unsuccessful, we are full of potential and even if the BNP, AL return, the private sector is driving us forward.

^^ Dhakaiya, I'm not sure if that statistic means much. If you think about it, 100% of China's area is not used to feed 100% of its population. They probably use only a fraction of their total area to feed their population.

Nonetheless, it's interesting... :)

BTW, did you know that we feed 10% of China's pop. in just 1.5% of China's area? We are a miracle and you still think we are unsuccessful, we are full of potential and even if the BNP, AL return, the private sector is driving us forward.

10% of china's population = Our's total population !!

Do we really produce so much rice!! (I don't think we give them enough vegee's and no meat). If this is true, it's a great achievement, WOW.

I haven't posted anything about the caretaker govt... what to say?.. they simply rocks.. never ever even dreamt of this.. its like a revolution... I wish like others they stayed forever... however, we have to get rid of those 2 ladies, ershad and all the failed leaeders out of the political scene.. Things looking promising :cheers:

I like the recent developments of not exiling Hassina and Khaleda. People may interpret it as a defeat for the caretaker government but i don't think so. I think this is just proof that the caretaker government is willing to do what the people want and the general opinion in bangladesh was that if those two commited crimes, they should be tried in Bangladesh.

You are right,Bangalis are full of hope,dreams.....and those are two of the most important things that a nation needs to go forward,and yea,the other vital ingredient-determination...I would say we have that too..thats why we build houses no matter how many times the floods take them away,thats what transformed us from the bottomless basket in 1971 to one of the 11 most promising countries in 2005...but hey,are you a Bangali?Cause you dont seem to have any of those--hope,dream or determination..
excess of anything is bad

we have a lot of dreams and only dreams

I like the recent developments of not exiling Hassina and Khaleda. People may interpret it as a defeat for the caretaker government but i don't think so. I think this is just proof that the caretaker government is willing to do what the people want and the general opinion in bangladesh was that if those two commited crimes, they should be tried in Bangladesh.
exactly!

but there are some bengalis who are very sympathetic for these b1tches and they just make my blood boil

I like the recent developments of not exiling Hassina and Khaleda. People may interpret it as a defeat for the caretaker government but i don't think so.......

Good point. There can be bad decisions and if they are abandoned before its too late its not a problem. It takes courage to admit mistakes. Glad that they have put people's opinion first.

excess of anything is bad

we have a lot of dreams and only dreams

Very true. We need some positive actions too. And not violent actions like our criminal leaders of the past did. Trust me... more and more people are realizing that politics of violence and corruption should be made a thing of the past. More and more people are realizing that we are the power.

exactly!

but there are some bengalis who are very sympathetic for these b1tches and they just make my blood boil

I feel the same way and that's why I was ranting in my earlier posts. What is it going to take for people to realize how these 2 women (and their follow party-members) are??? It's almost like people have to be very personally affected before they realize anything. :bash:

excess of anything is bad

we have a lot of dreams and only dreams

Our dreams will never see reality unless we can figure out a way to turn our dreams into reality. And I am not sure if the people of BD have the vision and capability to turn dreams into reality. We don't seem to know the difference between personal liking and ones capability. If we like someone, we give him or her lifelong blind support. It has been proven that both Hasina and Kaleda are incapable (lacks the ability) of taking the country in the directions of desirable prosperity. Yet we still support them because what their father or husband has done for the country. Their father's or husbands' contribution should be completely irrelevant when they became the ruler. They should be judged SOLELY on their merit.

I know that as long as these two unqualified women will be in the leadership position, nothing will be changed. I think the army chief knows that as well. But unfortunately the people are incapable of figuring this out.

We live in a third world country because we think and act like third world country people. If we want something better, we need to think and act differently.

Our dreams will never see reality unless we can figure out a way to turn our dreams into reality. And I am not sure if the people of BD have the vision and capability to turn dreams into reality. We don't seem to know the difference between personal liking and ones capability. If we like someone, we give him or her lifelong blind support. It has been proven that both Hasina and Kaleda are incapable (lacks the ability) of taking the country in the directions of desirable prosperity. Yet we still support them because what their father or husband has done for the country. Their father's or husbands' contribution should be completely irrelevant when they became the ruler. They should be judged SOLELY on their merit.

I know that as long as these two unqualified women will be in the leadership position, nothing will be changed. I think the army chief knows that as well. But unfortunately the people are incapable of figuring this out.

We live in a third world country because we think and act like third world country people. If we want something better, we need to think and act differently.

I don't think its solely based on their husband or father. I know its hard to see things that way now after all the years of their shit but there was actual reason why people supported both these women. After the assasination of sheikh mujibur, the entire awami league was in complete disarray. It was Hassina who came and slowly and tirelessly rebuilt the party. And same happened with Khaleda after the assasination of Ziaur Rahman. And also don't forget that these two women (though they did it clearly for personal reasons) is the reason we got democracy back in Bangladesh otherwise we would be living under a corrupt dictatorship.

The two women earned the respect of the people genuinely. Its just later they took complete advantage of this respect and raped the entire country for their own personal selfish wishes.

So thousands of people turned up to cheer the returning Hero Hasina...who evaded the evil and cruel caretaker government to come back home alive..
And in other news...party leaders of BNP are encouraging the Hawa bhabhan to make a move and take leadership of the party again...

So basically...we're returning to the rule of the two women..and their noble henchmen...what great news for the people of the country..

I'm glad I'm at the office and my passport isn't close to me....I think I'd set it on fire....why was I born in a country where people are such ignorant f****....

So thousands of people turned up to cheer the returning Hero Hasina...who evaded the evil and cruel caretaker government to come back home alive..
And in other news...party leaders of BNP are encouraging the Hawa bhabhan to make a move and take leadership of the party again...

So basically...we're returning to the rule of the two women..and their noble henchmen...what great news for the people of the country..

I'm glad I'm at the office and my passport isn't close to me....I think I'd set it on fire....why was I born in a country where people are such ignorant f****....

Listen the people who went to cheer hasina are the hardcore awami league supporters who would supporte hassina no matter what happened. There are crazy people in every country. And the BNP situation is exactly the same. These people would have supported them no matter what. What matters is by having all these peope go to jail you are hurting the reputation of the party and i doubt they would be allowed to run in the next election by the caretaker government. And even if they are allowed to run, i doubt people would vote for them. Just because a couple of thousand peoples puts a negative spin on an event that could be interpreted as the caretaker government giving the people what they demanded (Hassina be tried in Bangladesh rather than be exiled) doesn't mean you should feel so negatively about your country. Remember a few thousand people do not reflect the opinion of a country of 150 million people.

So thousands of people turned up to cheer the returning Hero Hasina...who evaded the evil and cruel caretaker government to come back home alive..
And in other news...party leaders of BNP are encouraging the Hawa bhabhan to make a move and take leadership of the party again...

So basically...we're returning to the rule of the two women..and their noble henchmen...what great news for the people of the country..

I'm glad I'm at the office and my passport isn't close to me....I think I'd set it on fire....why was I born in a country where people are such ignorant f****....

***sigh**** why are we so impatient sometimes. Party supporters are doing it. Let them.... Why let it bother us? We walk away or we give up - they win. We want to do everything the right way and peaceful way. IT IS GOING TO WORK INSHALLAH.

***sigh**** why are we so impatient sometimes. Party supporters are doing it. Let them.... Why let it bother us? We walk away or we give up - they win. We want to do everything the right way and peaceful way. IT IS GOING TO WORK INSHALLAH.

exactly!Things are still fine....why get so frustated so quickly?Look on the bright side...the Historic trials of corrupt political leaders have started yesterday,does that make no difference?....like meghnarmajhi pointed out--INSHALLAH it will work this time.So dont lose hope so soon,there is still alot to see.

Quickly? How long have we tolerated these 2? It's like...BNP comes to power...and by the time their term is over..people hate BNP...so then AL comes in.....and then people hate AL...and have totally forgotten what BNP did before...and support BNP...then again BNP screws the country over....then people hate BNP...and forget what AL did...and so they support AL. We have seen this vicious circle go on before and we will again once they're back at the helm of their parties. Yes, maybe I'm overreacting again but when I think how the people in Bangladesh have suffered because of these people...I get really worked up.

Anyway, let's hope I'm wrong and you guys are right...for the sake of the country..

^^ No reason to get so worked up. Our country has made steady progress despite our political problems. The sky hasn't fallen on anyone's heads. The fact that a young, poor, and populous country like ours has held three relatively free and fair elections in succession is a source of pride for me. Some elements of the system are flawed. So what. Work patiently to fix those flaws. They are nothing that cannot be overcome.

Quickly? How long have we tolerated these 2? It's like...BNP comes to power...and by the time their term is over..people hate BNP...so then AL comes in.....and then people hate AL...and have totally forgotten what BNP did before...and support BNP...then again BNP screws the country over....then people hate BNP...and forget what AL did...and so they support AL. We have seen this vicious circle go on before and we will again once they're back at the helm of their parties. Yes, maybe I'm overreacting again but when I think how the people in Bangladesh have suffered because of these people...I get really worked up.

Anyway, let's hope I'm wrong and you guys are right...for the sake of the country..

I share your frustration. Bangladesh is not going in the right direction. 1/11 gave us the opportunity to be on the right direction. But the people lack the vision so they will revert back to the old direction with some but inadequate change. What the people of BD don't realize is that the phase of change they need to attain to get out of the current poor state is unattainable having either of these two leaders in power. You are reacting this way because you saw and know how good things could be and what we are missing. When these fascist elements are embraced by so many people it feels like the sky is in fact about to fall on the head! The fact that most of the expatriates living in the western world don’t want to come back explains the situation.

Although I don’t want to tear off my passport, I lost confidence in democracy. I question if democracy is in fact suitable for BD. I question why is it that Singapore, China, Malaysia and others don’t need democracy to prosper but we think we do! I remember, one of my professors said one day in the class that democracy is beneficial for countries whose population is well educated and not beneficial for those countries whose population is uneducated, like BD, Nigeria etc. And I think this notion is not merit less.

^^ Well, just for example, China's economy is booming. But would you want to live there? There are plenty of examples of corruption, human rights violations, government interfering in people's lives, officials abusing power etc. And no protection if you are wronged by someone with central party ties. Personally I feel much more comfortable in a freer society.

On another point, you say that democracy is better with an educated populace. That's true. On the other hand, autocratic governments work well with people who unquestioningly obey authority and abide by rules. Bengalis (East Bengalis anyway) very seldom quietly obey anyone and are forever looking for ways around the rules. So I doubt long term authoritarianism would reap much more rewards than the alternate.

I share your frustration. Bangladesh is not going in the right direction. 1/11 gave us the opportunity to be on the right direction. But the people lack the vision so they will revert back to the old direction with some but inadequate change. What the people of BD don't realize is that the phase of change they need to attain to get out of the current poor state is unattainable having either of these two leaders in power. You are reacting this way because you saw and know how good things could be and what we are missing. When these fascist elements are embraced by so many people it feels like the sky is in fact about to fall on the head! The fact that most of the expatriates living in the western world don’t want to come back explains the situation.

Although I don’t want to tear off my passport, I lost confidence in democracy. I question if democracy is in fact suitable for BD. I question why is it that Singapore, China, Malaysia and others don’t need democracy to prosper but we think we do! I remember, one of my professors said one day in the class that democracy is beneficial for countries whose population is well educated and not beneficial for those countries whose population is uneducated, like BD, Nigeria etc. And I think this notion is not merit less.

Singapore is a city state hence not comparable. China is always criticized and if it wasn't or its vast size, it would be austricized in the internatonal community. And finally, the only reaosn malaysia is prosperous is because it had a visionary leader, something Bangladesh does not have. Democracy might not be perfect but its the best we got. We ve had dictatorships before and it wasn't any better, infact seeing how most people never want to go back to it, i am quite sure it was worse.

Also, for every example of autocratic success, there are many more that aren't. Take our next door neighbors to the east, Myanmar, who have had a stable military govt for a long time. This is a big country with relatively few people, great natural resources, and some world class tourist sites. There is no political unrest - the one democratic leader has been locked up. And they are doing just lovely aren't they? Just tops on the development ladder...

I share your frustration. Bangladesh is not going in the right direction. 1/11 gave us the opportunity to be on the right direction. But the people lack the vision so they will revert back to the old direction with some but inadequate change. What the people of BD don't realize is that the phase of change they need to attain to get out of the current poor state is unattainable having either of these two leaders in power. You are reacting this way because you saw and know how good things could be and what we are missing. When these fascist elements are embraced by so many people it feels like the sky is in fact about to fall on the head! The fact that most of the expatriates living in the western world don’t want to come back explains the situation.

Although I don’t want to tear off my passport, I lost confidence in democracy. I question if democracy is in fact suitable for BD. I question why is it that Singapore, China, Malaysia and others don’t need democracy to prosper but we think we do! I remember, one of my professors said one day in the class that democracy is beneficial for countries whose population is well educated and not beneficial for those countries whose population is uneducated, like BD, Nigeria etc. And I think this notion is not merit less.


You're right...1/11 gave us a great opportunity...one that I never believed I would see in my lifetime. I had given up on any hope I had of ever having good leaders....I thought we will go back and forth until these 2 are gone..
but then 1/11 happened and I was like wow...can this really be happening? few people in the world were happier than me as one by one these corrupt politicians were arrested...I felt like we were onto something...we were going to change....we were going to be different...it was so exciting to see some justice...and then when I see people treating hasina like a hero....people encouraging khaleda to take leadership of BNP (and potentially contest elections to lead the country) again....it is like the sky falling on my head..

And yeah..I also agree about the democracy part..I think your professor was onto something...

You're right...1/11 gave us a great opportunity...one that I never believed I would see in my lifetime. I had given up on any hope I had of ever having good leaders....I thought we will go back and forth until these 2 are gone..
but then 1/11 happened and I was like wow...can this really be happening? few people in the world were happier than me as one by one these corrupt politicians were arrested...I felt like we were onto something...we were going to change....we were going to be different...it was so exciting to see some justice...and then when I see people treating hasina like a hero....people encouraging khaleda to take leadership of BNP (and potentially contest elections to lead the country) again....it is like the sky falling on my head..

And yeah..I also agree about the democracy part..I think your professor was onto something...

I dont understand why the appearance of a few thousand PARTY ACTIVISTS at the airport bothers you so much....they are not the General People.Half of Bangladesh might be uneducated..but you go ask a beggar,barber,or a hawker...they will all give you the same answer-We dont want the same old parties in power!
So please..Dont treat this news as the Bangladeshi People Welcoming someone,becauses its simply about PARTY ACTIVISTS welcoming the Party leader.

^^ okay I won't...let's see if you guys are right :)

Go horns my friend,have a look at this....

5,500 AL activists charged
with flouting EPR
DC, ADC, AC of Uttara closed,
patrol inspector suspended
Staff Correspondent

The government has charged more than 5,500 unnamed Awami League activists with bringing out procession flouting the Emergency Powers Rules to welcome the party chief, Sheikh Hasina, on her arrival at the Dhaka airport and at Dhanmondi on Monday.
The administration on Tuesday also took punitive measures against senior police officers for their ‘negligence in duties’ or failure to tackle the situation around Zia International Airport.
Thousands of people thronged in front of the airport and paraded the Airport Road alongside the motorcade that carried Sheikh Hasina towards Sudha Sadan at Dhanmondi.
The spontaneous marchers chanted slogans and warned the government of serious consequence if any plot was hatched against Hasina, who was bared from entering Bangladesh by a press note issued on April 18. The ban was, however, lifted on April 25.
Sources in the government said three police officers of the Uttara division were closed to the headquarters and a patrol inspector was suspended for their ‘negligence in duties’ for which the government believed the activists could throng at the airport.
Deputy commissioner Tanvir Hyder Chowdhury, additional deputy commissioner Iqbal Hasan and assistant commissioner Salahnuddin were brought back to the police headquarters. Patrol inspector Kamruzzaman was suspended.
The government also formed a one-member committee to investigate how the Emergency Powers Rules which imposes ban on any sort of political activities and holding of any sort of rallies or processions was breached.
The airport police filed the case implicating some 3,000 Awami League activists. No one was named in the first information report filed by subinspector Shahrier Hasan of the police station on Tuesday. The on-duty officer declined to elaborate.
Earlier in the day, when asked about the breach of the emergency rules, the law adviser, Mainul Hussein also declined to make any comments.
Subinspector Abdul Matin of the Dhanmondi police filed the case against more than 2,500 Awami League activists as some 5,000 activists also gathered on the road in the area to welcome the former prime minister.
The case was shown recorded on May 7.

Source:http://www.newagebd.com/front.html#2

good!! i know most of these people are just activists by name only and hired guns with pretty much no party-affiliation (that's how it is at most political rallies) but I'm glad some action is being taken against them. People need to learn to obey laws.

Interesting:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070508/india_nm/india297171

Interesting:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070508/india_nm/india297171

Hope the reforms stick. Only time will tell.

Restriction on Hasina too

Hasan Jahid Tusher

The military backed caretaker government yesterday imposed a virtual restriction on the movement of former prime minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina, only allowing a handful of her close relatives and some senior AL leaders to visit her at her Sudha Sadan residence.

Regardless of the restriction on her movement, Hasina stepped out in public for the first time yesterday as she went to see the body of deceased AL leader Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan in a city hospital in the morning.

In the evening security officials tightened the restriction on Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and also on the visitors who went to Sudha Sadan to meet her. The law enforcers did not let some senior AL leaders into Sudha Sadan yesterday.


The AL chief was scheduled to visit the Bangabandhu Memorial building on Road No 32 of Dhanmondi, where most of her family members had been assassinated, and also her ailing aunt's residence in Gulshan, but she had to cancel the programme due to the restriction, party sources said.

Hasina's personal assistant Dr Hasan Mahmud told The Daily Star that the law enforcers restricted almost all the senior leaders from going inside Sudha Sadan. Although police have been saying that there is a restriction, they did not notify the AL chief about it officially, he said.

Intelligence sources said they have government directives to bar everyone from meeting Hasina, except her 'close relatives'. Talking to The Daily Star members of different intelligence agencies said the AL president is going to meet the fate of the BNP chairperson.

Hasina's hitherto bitter political rival BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been virtually confined in her cantonment residence for almost four months now. The High Court on Sunday asked the caretaker government to explain the restriction on Khaleda within four weeks.


Similarly only the close relatives of Hasina, whom the government will give permission, will be allowed to visit Sudha Sadan, according to the intelligence sources who added that within a couple of days, Hasina, who widely criticised the present government on various issues, will be put in virtual confinement or house arrest.

Another source said Hasina will be needing clearances from security officials to come out of her residence.

As part of the restrictions, police yesterday evening barred AL Joint General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, and two other AL leaders -- BM Mozammel Haque and former lawmaker Motahar Hossain -- from going into Sudha Sadan.

The law enforcers last night even kept AL's senior presidium members Zillur Rahman and Suranjit Sengupta, General Secretary Abdul Jalil, and AL Advisory Council Member Maj Gen (retd) Subid Ali Bhuiyan waiting for about 10 minutes before letting them inside Sudha Sadan.

Police also barred AL Presidium Member Motia Chowdhury and former education minister and AL Advisory Council Member ASHK Sadique from going into Sudha Sadan last night after having them wait at the security post 200 yards off the residence for about half an hour.

Earlier in the morning police did not let AL Organising Secretary Sultan Mohammad Mansur Ahemd, and some other mid-level AL leaders go into Sudha Sadan.

As the AL chief went to pay her last respects to AL leader Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan who had died in the early hours of yesterday in Lab Aid Cardiac Hospital in the capital, a few hundred people including the hospital staff rushed to have a glimpse of the leader who had been away for 52 days in the US and UK. That was her first public appearance since her return from London on Monday.


Bhuiyan, a former commissioner of ward No 48 of Dhaka City Corporation, suffered a heart attack on Monday and was taken to the hospital.

Hasina stayed there for half an hour from 11:00am. Senior leaders of the party Abdur Razzak, Suranjit Sengupta, Tofail Ahmed, Abdul Mannan and Dr Hassan Mahmud were also present.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/05/10/d7051001033.htm

July 11, 2007 10:58 AM

Bangladesh Caretaker Govt Bags Many Achievements


DHAKA, July 11 (Bernama) -- The present caretaker government of Bangladesh completes its half year Wednesday bringing about momentous changes mainstreaming good governance to establish the rights of people.

They took a series of landmark steps to curb corruption and terrorism, uphold demands for electoral reforms to institutionalise democracy, and ensure accountability of the political and governance systems, Bangladesh news agency, BSS, reported.

Just after the caretaker government took over, the nation witnessed a sea of positive changes in the national life that were considered to be an unending, but unfortunate phenomenon for common people of the country.

The most-striking changes, that had taken place during the six months, were arresting and convicting the people, who had amassed huge illegal wealth and assets during the past decades using power and failed governance system.

Immediately after coming to power, to carry out and authentic drive against corrupt people, the government launched almost fool proof system to catch hold of the culprits who had plundered the national wealth.

Apart from putting task forces into operation against grievous crimes, the government rejuvenated the independent Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) freeing it from all unwanted influences and proved the body effective. So, the heydays of the people, who once considered to be above law, are over.

In a short span of time, the ACC ensured conviction of at least two former ministers, four influential political leaders and businessmen for amassing huge wealth through corruption and misusing political power.

In addition, many others are on the process of trial while over 150 former ministers, political leaders, businessmen and bureaucrats were asked to submit their wealth statements.

In fact, the change-over of 1/11 in the country, the present government opened "a new chapter" to bring about far reaching reforms in politics and various national institutions to break with the past marred by politics of chaos, violence and corruption.
The 1/11 was an inevitable or unavoidable incident of the national life. The present state of politics resulted from the rotten political past in which politicians could be corrupt either willingly or unwillingly.

In the recent past the unfortunate scenes, one had to witness people armed with ores killing fellow citizens on the main streets in the capital or people setting running buses on fire near the Hotel Sheraton to kill fellow citizens.

The incidents proved that the installation of the caretaker government was justified. As soon as the present government took over, the anarchic situation disappeared instantly.

The developments at that time suggested that the proclamation of the state of emergency and reconstitution of the government was the only option as the government under President Iajuddin Ahmed virtually collapsed.

The entire process of the reconstitution of the government was valid as any adviser, including the chief adviser of the caretaker government, could resign according to the constitution as it happened on 1/11. The present government also touched some of the areas of development where everything seemed to be stalemated in the past regimes.

The present government has taken landmark steps to effectively separate the judiciary from the executive that was hanging despite repeated court orders. The land grabbers have been brought to book to stop plundering life-time savings of the people in the name providing shelters.

The power sector that witnessed protracted corruption and bogged down to a "no new generation" level during the past years now seemed to be getting a new lease of life with fresh funding from international donors and gradual streamlining of the sector's management.

According to official sources, during the past four months, 200 megawatts of power could be added to the national power grid, which has been projected to reach over 700 megawatts by the end of this year through maintenance and rehabilitation of the existing plants.

In this short period of time, the non-party government has taken steps to implement citizens' rights and reconstituted several controversial public organizations, including the public service commission.

-- BERNAMA

Source:http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=272530

If they can clean up some of the big mess, including corruption that has been accumulated for the last 36 years the nation will prosper fast.

Thats awesome news! Bangladesh is going through what Pakistan went through back in 1998 when Gen. Pervez Musharraf came to power and immediately "took out the trash"! These filthy politicians have sucked our peoples blood for far too long!

Tell me something, the caretaker Government, who does it consist of? Military+Civilian or only Civilian with a military backing?

Also the guy from Grameen Bank, is he coming into politics or what?

Peace my Bengali brothers!

Thats awesome news! Bangladesh is going through what Pakistan went through back in 1998 when Gen. Pervez Musharraf came to power and immediately "took out the trash"! These filthy politicians have sucked our peoples blood for far too long!

Tell me something, the caretaker Government, who does it consist of? Military+Civilian or only Civilian with a military backing?

Also the guy from Grameen Bank, is he coming into politics or what?

Peace my Bengali brothers!

This is very different from what happened in Pakistan. In Pakistan you had the Prime Minister ousted and democracy wasn't restored. Here there was just a natural transition and works are already underway for the next election which is taking place next year. Also the government is civilian but it has the support of the military. And the guy from grameen bank is going into politics anymore. Pakistan didn't get rid of its trash, it just had its trash politicians replaced with trash military, something us Bangladeshi's have also had to go through in the 80's.

This is very different from what happened in Pakistan. In Pakistan you had the Prime Minister ousted and democracy wasn't restored. Here there was just a natural transition and works are already underway for the next election which is taking place next year. Also the government is civilian but it has the support of the military. And the guy from grameen bank is going into politics anymore. Pakistan didn't get rid of its trash, it just had its trash politicians replaced with trash military, something us Bangladeshi's have also had to go through in the 80's.

True true.

All this time I was under the impression that there was a military takeover in Bangladesh aswell. But what I was actually referring to was the rejuvenation of the economy and accountability courts, allbeit the accountability in Bangladesh is allot more transparent.

Regardless of the differences, I must say that I am very happy to see Bangladesh on the road to prosperity!

Another question, what is the power generation capacity of Bangladesh?

Well, Oogabooga is right in that Musharraf did step in to put an end to corruption, and he did come to power with widespread popular support, but I agree with Zaki there are some fundamental differences.

The BD military did not oust the former govt, which although corrupt, was nonetheless democratically elected. The military simply chose to back the caretaker govt. Caretaker govt is constitutionally mandated. Also, although military is very influential, actual decisions are still being made by a civilian cabinet. The only aspect of constitution that was not followed, was stipulation to hold election in 3 mos. However, reason given for this was to create an error free voter list and arrest those who had violated law in past and gotten away with it.

Musharraf went wrong on two counts. First, he assumed power himself, rather than delegating authority to a respected proxy. Second, he did not hold any real elections. While I acknowledge that Pakistan presents a wholly different set of challenges than BD, nonetheless Musharraf has not remained true to the principles which won him popular support to begin with. BD caretaker govt has promised elections by end of next year. I have faith they will be true to their word. If not, they may well find themselves on the same slippery slope where Musharraf is today.

True true.

All this time I was under the impression that there was a military takeover in Bangladesh aswell. But what I was actually referring to was the rejuvenation of the economy and accountability courts, allbeit the accountability in Bangladesh is allot more transparent.

Regardless of the differences, I must say that I am very happy to see Bangladesh on the road to prosperity!

Another question, what is the power generation capacity of Bangladesh?

Thank you, really appreciate your support. :)

As for our current power generation capacity, I am not sure about the exact numbers, maybe someone else can fill you in, but one thing is for certain and that's the fact that it is currently well below the demand. Thankfully however the current government has taking the initiative to find real solutions to this problem and are actively exploring several tangible options unlike our past corrupt governments who would just settle for band aid solutions cause of bribes. You can find more info on the issue in this thread.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=490559

Well, Oogabooga is right in that Musharraf did step in to put an end to corruption, and he did come to power with widespread popular support, but I agree with Zaki there are some fundamental differences.

The BD military did not oust the former govt, which although corrupt, was nonetheless democratically elected. The military simply chose to back the caretaker govt. Caretaker govt is constitutionally mandated. Also, although military is very influential, actual decisions are still being made by a civilian cabinet. The only aspect of constitution that was not followed, was stipulation to hold election in 3 mos. However, reason given for this was to create an error free voter list and arrest those who had violated law in past and gotten away with it.

Musharraf went wrong on two counts. First, he assumed power himself, rather than delegating authority to a respected proxy. Second, he did not hold any real elections. While I acknowledge that Pakistan presents a wholly different set of challenges than BD, nonetheless Musharraf has not remained true to the principles which won him popular support to begin with. BD caretaker govt has promised elections by end of next year. I have faith they will be true to their word. If not, they may well find themselves on the same slippery slope where Musharraf is today.

That's why I am glad that though elections were postponed, they were done under a civilian government and we still have a civilian government in charge. Throughout history military takeovers have always come through good intentions but have always led to the military committing the same criminal acts as the previous civilian governments. Ershad being a perfect example of that for Bangladesh.

True true.Another question, what is the power generation capacity of Bangladesh?

Sorry couldn't say for sure, but I am sure that it is fairly limited for a country with our population base. At this time it is largely dependent on natural gas reserves and Kaptai hydroelectric plant. However, there has been initial approval for a nuclear reactor, which should help.

BTW...loved the Youtube video in your forum about the Pakistani guy on America's Got Talent. That guy has some serious guts to do what he did.

That's why I am glad that though elections were postponed, they were done under a civilian government and we still have a civilian government in charge. Throughout history military takeovers have always come through good intentions but have always led to the military committing the same criminal acts as the previous civilian governments. Ershad being a perfect example of that for Bangladesh.

Ershad was stupid...had he contested through democratic means, he may well have won the presidency legitimately...he was quite popular at one time. But he decided to go the dictatorial route and ended up in the jail house...where he should have stayed.

Well I appreciate that you guys identify the totally different set of challenges Pakistan presents as compared to Bangladesh! I am an ardent supporter of democracy but I will also say this, I would rather have Musharraf in power in Pakistan than a civilian elected Government. One of the biggest hurdles for democracy in Pakistan are the feudels and they prevent free and fair elections from taking place.

But Musharraf has proved to be a GODsend for Pakistan. However you are right that he is performing a highwire balancing act these days.

Anywho, enough about my problems! :tongue3:

I didnt quite understand, that Younus guy from Grameen Bank, is he coming into politics or not? And tell me a bit about Grameen bank too, is it all hyped to be something its not or it is really changing peoples lives?

Well I appreciate that you guys identify the totally different set of challenges Pakistan presents as compared to Bangladesh! I am an ardent supporter of democracy but I will also say this, I would rather have Musharraf in power in Pakistan than a civilian elected Government. One of the biggest hurdles for democracy in Pakistan are the feudels and they prevent free and fair elections from taking place.

But Musharraf has proved to be a GODsend for Pakistan. However you are right that he is performing a highwire balancing act these days.

Anywho, enough about my problems! :tongue3:

I didnt quite understand, that Younus guy from Grameen Bank, is he coming into politics or not? And tell me a bit about Grameen bank too, is it all hyped to be something its not or it is really changing peoples lives?

Ofcourse every country is different and must find its solutions by itself.

As for Younus. He did enter politics for a time being and had plans to contest the next election back when the elections were supposed to be held in January. However after the postponement of the election and the arrival of the caretaker government, many of Younus's platforms such as eliminating chronic corruption, improving infrastructure, etc, were and are already being covered by this government. So having his points already taken care of, he kind of just lost support and decided to leave politics.

And as for Grameen Bank. It really has done a lot to improve the lives of poor people and to especially empower women in the more conservative rural areas where before women didn't completely have equality. Though it is not a complete solution, it has and is still playing a huge part in developing the country and really is almost what it is hyped up to be.

Younus also realized that he simply did not have the grass roots establishment that Awami League and BNP possess. He is also unpopular in some circles because of certain popular beliefs regarding Grameen Bank such as a perception of excessively high interest rates. Which brings up a point about Grameen Bank...it IS a business, not a charity or NGO. BUT it is a business which has contributed significantly to poverty alleviation and women's advancement in BD, and has also done untold good to the country's reputation abroad, where the only thing most people hear has to do with floods or poverty.

Younus also realized that he simply did not have the grass roots establishment that Awami League and BNP possess. He is also unpopular in some circles because of certain popular beliefs regarding Grameen Bank such as a perception of excessively high interest rates. Which brings up a point about Grameen Bank...it IS a business, not a charity or NGO. BUT it is a business which has contributed significantly to poverty alleviation and women's advancement in BD, and has also done untold good to the country's reputation abroad, where the only thing most people hear has to do with floods or poverty.

Yeah I heard about that! I read it in the western media how Grameen bank has excessively high interest rates like 20% and that it is really not as revolutionary a concept as it is touted to be. However, if grameen bank is taking that interest and using it to give loans to the lesser fortunate without asking for any guarantees or collateral than I dont see the Harm in it? Afterall it all boils down to the people Grameen bank is helping right? If one person who has been lifted from dire poverty contributes towards to the uplift of another fellow Human being then whats the harm in it?

On the other hand, if Younus (whats his last name BTW?) was getting rich and building houses for himself and buying cars then yes it could be called exploitation of the poor.

My :2cents:

^^ I don't think its any problem for someone to get rich through honest business. If you can help other people in the process of making yourself rich through honest means, then even better. So as far as I am concerned Younus can buy all the houses and cars he likes, as long as there is no bribery, extortion etc. involved.

As for Grameen Bank being a revolutionary concept, that depends on how you think of it. It can certainly be argued (with merit) that Younus did not invent the idea of microcredit. Nonetheless, he was the first to apply the concept to a practical situation, and also demonstrated how it could be the basis of a self-sustaining business, while helping the underpreviledged at the same time. He also came up with certain predictions, for example the notion that gender can influence the likelihood of loan repayment, that were proved to be correct.

Oh and in answer to your question Younus IS his last name; first name is Mohammad.

Well considering the fact that he was lending money to people who were dirt poor, I don't think 20% interest is excessive at all since this was a huge risk for him. No other bank in the world would even give these people a cent no matter how high the interest so you have to take things into perspective.

I agree with tanzirian when he said "Grameen Bank...it IS a business". That's exactly what it is. One dirty secret you might not know - Dr. Yunus forced (sometime using pressure through int’l donors) GOB (Govt of Bangladesh) to provide tax exemption while all other commercial banks pay regular tax charging much less interest rate.

Many see Yunus as visionary, he rightly so in terms of his business success and application of micro credit. BUT he is also morally corrupt by not paying tax out of his profit-making venture. Many corrupt politicians are in jail because they did not pay taxes or made money illegal way. But using pressure Yunus made tax dodging legal for his case. In fact total tax dodged by Grameen bank or Yunus (if it were collected for all years) might exceed much of alleged corruption money. Well make you ponder, doesn’t it?

In Bangladesh there are so many such morally corrupt people and many unfortunately dominate today’s power structure. In west there is term for these clever, sophisticated and dodgy people – “white color criminals". In Bangladesh media you would not see any such revelation but read the archive of Wall Street Journal at least you will have an idea about trickery.

Success and moral corruption are two completely differnt things, but are NOT mutually exclusive.

Note: This is no way any effort to put Yunus and his success down. Rather Yunus act(s) is shown as an example. It is frightening how people are fooled so easily and how inept our opportunist media.

Though snoq I would agree with you that Younus did something that are questionable. The fact still remains, because of him, whether that was his main goal or not, millions of people especially women were able to come out of total poverty and make something out of their lives. It has helped Bangladesh and many other poor countries both economically and socially. And its not just Younus, if you look back at many of today's heroes and the "good" people of history, you will find many of them had other intentions and are in fact accidental heroes. This is the reality of the world.

Though snoq I would agree with you that Younus did something that are questionable. The fact still remains, because of him, whether that was his main goal or not, millions of people especially women were able to come out of total poverty and make something out of their lives. It has helped Bangladesh and many other poor countries both economically and socially. And its not just Younus, if you look back at many of today's heroes and the "good" people of history, you will find many of them had other intentions and are in fact accidental heroes. This is the reality of the world.

Well Yunus clever scheme of dodging tax is called "questionable" or not questioned at all (by media, ACC or new wild corrouption cops). Yet other people are thrown in jail for much lesser scale of corruption. Selective justice never A justice but used as a tool to fool people. I guss chief advisor being university friend does help Yunus hiding his real color.

We are not talking about heros here (at least not mine). Besides who wants their hero to be morally corrupted? At least not the world I share with few billion people.

By the way, Yunus contribution and efforts for fighting poverty was duly acknowleged in my previous post.

Well Yunus clever scheme of dodging tax is called "questionable" or not questioned at all (by media, ACC or new wild corrouption cops). Yet other people are thrown in jail for much lesser scale of corruption. Selective justice never A justice but used as a tool to fool people. I guss chief advisor being university friend does help Yunus hiding his real color.

We are not talking about heros here (at least not mine). Besides who wants their hero to be morally corrupted? At least not the world I share with few billion people.

By the way, Yunus contribution and efforts for fighting poverty was duly acknowleged in my previous post.

Younus can't be charged. The government and judiciary approved his tax free status therefore what he did, though morally maybe wrong, was completely legal. And especially now that he has won a nobel prize, he has international support so to start investigating on how he got the tax free status would not be favoured by the international community and would also be damaging to Bangladesh's reputation internationally. Its not because he has personal connection but because he has international support, someone the international community would not like to see discredited.

First, I will say that I do not know enough details of this tax issue to make a final judgement. But, IMO, if GOB OK'd tax free status for Grameen, then no one at Grameen can be said to have violated law. If GOB gave in to external pressure, then that is more fault of GOB than Grameen, because business will always try to advance its own agenda. Through lobbyists and other means they do the same here in USA.

PS I started writing this post before Zaki's last one was up, so pardon if I restated much of what he said.

Dr. Yunus is closest to a "hero" Bangladesh has had in a long time. It is sad that Hasina, Khaleda and company are so corrupt and criminal that Doc Yunus stands out as a hero despite his morale corruption. I am not sure who specifically is being thrown in jail for lesser corruption?

Snoq I get the feeling from your posts that you are not comfortable with this current caretake govt. Do you prefer the previous govt? or the one before that? From what I understand poeple are sick and tired of the Awami/BNP/Jamaat. You seem to be thinking differently.

I will be in BD by this sunday inshallah. I will tell you guys my impression of the situation when I get back.

Younus can't be charged. The government and judiciary approved his tax free status therefore what he did, though morally maybe wrong, was completely legal. And especially now that he has won a nobel prize, he has international support so to start investigating on how he got the tax free status would not be favoured by the international community and would also be damaging to Bangladesh's reputation internationally. Its not because he has personal connection but because he has international support, someone the international community would not like to see discredited.

Well that was the whole point, why Yunus can not be charged explained in my earlier post. As far being legal I am sure if most notorious criminal has his way to pass a resolution in next Parliament then his crime would be leagal too. Or would it? Forcing illegal to legal at gunpoint or through pressure is hijacking which is grossly criminal period.

Well that was the whole point, why Yunus can not be charged explained in my earlier post. As far being legal I am sure if most notorious criminal has his way to pass a resolution in next Parliament then his crime would be leagal too. Or would it? Forcing illegal to legal at gunpoint or through pressure is hijacking which is grossly criminal period.

Please, now your exaggerating the point. He did not force anybody at gunpoint or its metaphorical equivalent. Nor is Younus a notorious criminal. He is an economist and a business man and like all businesses he lobbied to have his company exempted from taxes. And its not like his company was just any old company, his other subsidiaries like grameen phone still have to pay taxes. The only reason Grameen Bank is tax free is because he was able to justify its tax exemption status through a valid point. Different companies and organization attempt the same thing all the time, some succeed, some don't, there is nothing criminal about it.

I agree with Zaki. If there's one company in Bangladesh that can be exempt from paying taxes it's Grameen Bank. No other business can compare to what Grameen bank does. I am not sure why when someone in our country reaches a high level success and fame, we always try to bring him/her down. It's as if we can't accept their success.