Bangladesh Fast Moving Toward Great Disaster

Bangladesh is moving toward great disaster. On one hand, startling activities of the Awami League government has begun in the name of amending the constitution, and on the other the apex court is being made the judicial sister concern of the Awami League in cold-blood through well-drawn out plan. Such irregular incidents are being taken place in the apex court because of the order of the Awami government from the remote-controlled that have not been seen in the local and foreign judiciary in recent times. A person who was the president of Gopalganj unit of the Awami League for 18 years has been appointed the judge to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. His name is Shamsul Huda. As he is very close to the Awami League, therefore, Shamsul Huda has been appointed to the Appellate Division superseding 51 judges of the high court. In the same way, a judge of the high court named Mamtaj Uddin has been appointed to the Appellate Division superseding 47 judges.

According to the experienced, there is no precedence of such blatant suppression in the seven countries under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The incident of violating seniority in appointing chief justice has been identified as the black stain of infamy. Before that A.B.M. Khairul Haque had been appointed the chief justice superseding two senior judges of the Appellate Division. Shah Mohammad Naimur Rahman and justice M.A. Matin were seniors to him. Feeling shame and humiliation Abdul Matin went on a long vacation and took the retirement while on leave. After the violation of seniority Shah Mohammad Naimur Rahman was the seniormost judge in the Appellate Division. Educated and concerned people thought that although the Awami League was not fair to him in the first turn, Sheikh Hasina would straight up her injustice and unfairness in the second turn. But after the retirement of Khairul Haque, Mozammel Hossain has been appointed the chief justice superseding Naimur Rahman again. In protest of this acute injustice and unfairness justice Naimur Rahman has resigned. This resignation protesting the violation of seniority in the apex court is unprecedented in the subcontinent.
Let God Save Judiciary
This is not said by the Weekly Sonar Bangla. This prayer has been uttered by Advocate Khandakar Mahbub Hossain, president of the Supreme Court Bar Association. He also said: "Justice Khairul Haque has murdered the judiciary in cold-blood". A huge anarchy has consumed the Supreme Court. Pro-Awami attorney general and pro-Awami minor part of the Bar Association have given reception to the two newly appointed judges superseding 51 and 47 judges. Thirty-five judges of the Hugh Court abstained from joining that reception. Chairs in the front row were vacant as they did not join. One of the senior justices Nazrul Islam was standing in the back row. Then, chief justice Khairul Haque requested him to sit-in the front row but he did not keep that request. With courtesy he said: "My Lord, Please forgive me." Such incident is also unprecedented in the high court or Supreme Court.
Elected Bar Association wanted to hold reception for the outgoing chief justice Khairul Haque. But M. Khairul Haque did not go to their reception. Then, the Bar Association held the "gayebana (offered in absence of anyone according to Islamic traditions) reception" in his absence. In giving speech in this gayebana reception Bar Association president Advocate Khandakar Mahbub Hossain said after taking the responsibility as the chief justice you have represented the Awami League in the last seven months. Justice Haque has destroyed the judiciary. At the same time he is saying good-bye putting the country in great disaster by destroying the constitution. We pray that the God save the judiciary from your destructive activities. Terming the chief justice ABM Khairul Haque as a cunning man of cold-blood president of the bar association also said the chief justice is a very gentle and kind man. At the same time he is cunning. Like killing people in cold-blood he has murdered the judiciary. Khandakar Mahbub Hossain said after the assumption of power by the Awami League not a single institution is out of politicization. The Appellate Division is also made the part of the Awami League. Being appointed as the guardian of the judiciary the chief justice Khairul Haque had represented the Awami League in his full tenure. After issuing verdict against the government in a bench of the high court he has written the nasty part of politicization by stripping off the power of that bench. Taken decisions in the executive council of the Awami League are being implemented through the Appellate Division. Taking the advantage of annulment of the Fifth Amendment Article 96 of the constitution has been reinstated. As a result, the judiciary has come under the government. The judiciary has faced the massive problem. For these reasons you have to seek forgiveness to the nation.
Judiciary and Administration Are on Verge of Ruining
Noted lawyer of Bangladesh Dr Kamal Hossain directly complained that the judiciary and administration are at the verge of ruining due to excessive politicization. People are not getting justice in the apex court. Daughter of Dr Kamal Hossain, Barrister Sarah Hossain, in a talk show of the television said that she is unable to understand why verdicts to some political cases are being given selectively. It is seen that in every verdict one side is getting satisfied while the other side is getting discontented. Indirectly indicating to Justice Khairul Haque Barrister Sarah Hossain said the way he is giving one-sided verdicts against the political cases, it seems he has not thought where he is pushing the country.
Double Standard in Declaring Verdict in Political Cases
Khairul Haque has declared verdicts to three outstandingly vital political lawsuits. These three lawsuits are: Fifth Amendment to the constitution, Seventh Amendment, and 13th Amendment. All three amendments are being annulled. If the amendments were annulled on the legal aspect fully then those would be discussed from different point of view. But, in fact, it is seen that in each of the three lawsuits the verdicts are given in such a way that in all the three verdicts it is the Awami League that becomes the benefactor unexpectedly and hugely. Although firmness has been shown externally on the question of legal aspect, if these three verdicts are reviewed then it is seen that Khairul Haque has left enough space for Awami League for maneuvering in all the verdicts. The main theme of the annulment of Fifth Amendment was that martial law is illegitimate and unconstitutional. When it was said that the Fifth Amendment was given approval by the Jatiya Sangsad (parliament) by necessary margin according to the constitution then counter logic was given that that election of Jatiya Sangsad was held under the martial law. Therefore the second Jatiya Sangsad election held in 1979 is illegitimate and the formed Jatiya Sangsad through illegitimate election is also illegitimate. For that reason, that Jatiya Sangsad has no legal right to approve. But for General Ershad that Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, i.e., Khairul Haque has practiced a mysterious silence. Third Jatiya Sangsad election was held on 7 May 1986 and that election was also held under the martial law of Ershad. Then Ershad became the president through another election under the martial law on October 1986. Both parties Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Awami League boycotted that election. Silence has been maintained in the final verdict of the Seventh Amendment regarding the legitimacy of the Jatiya Sangsad election held in 1986 and the president election held in the same year. If the Jatiya Sangsad election held under Zia in 1979 is illegitimate then both the Jatiya Sangsad election and president election held in the Ershad period are illegitimate and unlawful. But Khairul Haque bypassed that issue. Is it for this reason that Ershad is the coalition partner of the Awami League government?
Prof Asif Nazrul of Law of University of Dhaka raised a vital question in a talk show aired on Bangla vision at midnight on of 16 May on the basis of constitution and Jatiya Sangsad. He said that all political questions could not be weighed against the standard of law. Existing reality is needed to be taken into consideration as well. There is no system in the constitution called martial law. Based on this logic if several governments and parliaments become illegitimate then the election of 1970 is also become illegitimate. Because that election was held during the martial law of General Yahya Khan and under the Legal Framework Order promulgated by Gen Yahya Khan as the chief martial law administrator. The election of 1970 was held under the martial law. The main responsibilities of those who became the members of the then National Council wining in that election were to frame the constitution of Pakistan. At that time Bangladesh has not become independent. Therefore, their job was not to frame the constitution of Bangladesh. Asif Nazrul said these are all legal statements. But the hard reality is that Bangladesh has become independent through armed struggle. Therefore that legal version of law is not applicable to Bangladesh.
Political Face of Khairul Haque Is Revealing
For obvious reasons questions have been surfaced that if the deeds under the Fifth Amendment are declared null and void against the logic that the Fifth Amendment is the outcome of martial law then why did not Khairul Haque declare the Fourth Amendment, i.e., BKSAL system (Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League -- a political platform launched in 1975 amalgamating all the political parties) as illegitimate? Khairul Haque called the named of president Zia in the verdict of annulling the Fifth Amendment. But he did utter a single word against the massive autocratic step like BKSAL. In replying question regarding this he said the scope of his trial was 15 August 1975 to 9 April 1979. No period before or after that. If that is the case, would he provide reply that his main theme of consideration was whether the Moon Cinema Hall was to be returned to its owner or not. But he talked off the subject. That means, in returning the cinema hall he declared all rules, including Mostaque, Sayem, and Zia. He saved Ershad tactfully in annulling the Seventh Amendment and in annulling the 13th Amendment, i.e., caretaker government he has ensured its existence for another two terms. BNP leader M.K. Anwar and Moudud Ahmed have said for sure that none has made so much harm to the judicial system along with country that Khairul Haque did. This loss is not to be fulfilled easily.

Bangladesh Signs Deal With US Oil Company

The Awami League government is furnishing antistate accords one after another in the power and energy sector. In this process they have signed an oil and gas production sharing charter against two blocks (Block No 10 and 11) in the Bay of Bengal with US Company Conoco Philips on 16 June 2011. Although the concerned people of the country opposed this accord, government has not paid any attention to that. Protesting this anti-state accord the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Port has called already hartal (general strike) across the country. In the mean time, allegation has been surfaced for showing special favor to this US Company using the equivocation of words. Energy experts have termed this accord as against the interest of the country. They said due to the accord instead of ensuring energy security of the country the crisis would be accumulated more. Since the reserve would be finished to cover the cost of extraction of only 55 percent gas. Prof Anu Mohammad, member-secretary of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Port, strongly criticizing the signing of accord with US Company said in a press briefing that India is extracting gas in one side of the Bay of Bengal while Myanmar is doing it on the other side. The Awami League has handed over whatever was left to the US Company on 16 June last through an accord. He said it is our resource but we are going to get only 20 percent and the US Company will get 80 percent. However, the government is saying that we are going to get 80 percent of the gas. It is totally baseless, he commented. He said that 55 to 80 percent of the profit had been mentioned in the accord. But before that they would take 55 percent for covering their expenditure. Because of the imbalanced nature of the accord we will not be able to see the face of profit ever. Since the reserve of gas would be finished just to cover the cost of extraction. This accord must be scrapped. Because of this imbalanced accord the energy security of the country will not be ensured. Rather it would make our crisis condensed as only the ocean was the major source of our energy security. Due to this imbalanced accord it has been started by handing over two blocks to the US Company. If we fail to resist it then the entire thing will be slipped through our hands.
Cost of Extraction
Presenting the different sides of the accord Professor Anu mohammad also said where a local company can dig well for only BDT 600 million to 700 million ($8.57-10 million) there foreign companies show the cost four to five times more to withdraw the cost of extraction. That means, 3.50 billion takas ($50 million). Scope has been given to withdraw 55 percent of the cost. He thinks for that they would take away 80 percent of the gas showing excess cost. They would used up the reserve of the gas for withdrawing the cost. Such has been done with Sangu gas field. He also said scope of export has been provided in the accord mainly to hand over the Bay of Bengal to foreigners. He said US Company would take away most of the gas that would be extracted from here. What would be left will not be possible to bring in to the coast setting up 280-km-long pipeline.
Almost 20 percent area of the two blocks that has been covered in the accord for exploration of gas is part of the disputed area. Among this India has objection to some part of block no. 10 while Myanmar has objection for a small part of block no 11. Neighboring country India has claimed over 1,164 sq km area of block 10. Among the 3,864 square kilometer area of block 10 2,700 square kilometer is non-disputed. Area of block no 11 is 2,899 sq km. Among this 2,460 square kilometer is free of dispute. The rest 439 square kilometer area is disputed. Myanmar has claimed over this area. In addition, there is claim of neighboring country over most of the areas of block no 5. Both the countries applied to the Arbitration Council of the United Nations for dispute resolution. The issue is waiting to be resolute.
Accord Consists
According to the production sharing charter signed with the US Company guarantee money would be $160 million. This would be used up in three phases. Among these in the first phase $52 million, $58 million in the second phase and $50 million in the third phase would be spent. For block development they have to make 2D survey in 100 square kilometer area. In the first phase geological survey would be done in 973 line kilometer. In the second phase they would perform 3D survey in 500 square kilometer area and in the third phase exploration wells have to be dug in the sea bed to 2200 kilometer.
Term of Accord
The term of the accord would be nine years. It would be for five years at first then the extension of the accord would be made by two years at a time for twice. After the geological survey, according to the condition of the accord, if the US Company does not dig any exploration well then the accord would be null and void after three years.
Location of Block 10 and 11
Location of block 10 and 11 is 280 kilometer from the Chittagong port. Depth water in these two blocks has been fixed one to one and a half kilometer or 3,300 to 5,000 feet. The total area of these two blocks is 5,158 square kilometer including the disputed area with India and Myanmar. Among these the disputed area is 1,605 square kilometer.
Due of Bangladesh
US Company will get the highest 55 percent of the gas of the total explored gas as for charge of the cost of exploring gas if gas or oil is found in any of the blocks. Bangladesh will get minimum 60 percent to highest 85 percent of the gas out of the rest of 45 percent. And Bangladesh will get minimum 55 percent to highest 80 percent of the natural gas.
Condition of Export of Gas
Scope of exporting gas has been included in the accord. But in that case the Petrobangla has to be notified first. If Petrobangla does not respond within six months then they would look for some other excluding Petrobangla for selling gas within Bangladesh. If Petrobangla rejects then they would sell gas to third party within Bangladesh. If the third party is not found for selling gas then they would be able to export gas to abroad. But in that case the gas has to be transformed into LNG (Liquid Natural Gas). According to the international market value of the gas, Bangladesh has to pay that. Before exporting LNG permission of the Petrobangla is to be required.
Income Tax has to be borne by the Company
According to the accord, the US Company has to bear all the income taxes. In that case if the US Company signs agreements with other company then the tax would be borne by them including the income tax of all officers and employees of the company.
Allegation of Granting Special Favor to US Company Using Equivocation of Words
Energy experts have said that in the signed accord with US Company Conoco Philips more scope of protecting the interests has been given than the Model PSC 2008 where the scope of protecting the interests of foreigners was provided. Using the equivocation of words special favor has been made to this US Company. This not only hampered the interest of the country but also scope of giving ownership of most of the extracted gas from the seabed has been given to Conoco Philips.
An official of Petrobangla claimed anonymity said when the tender for exploring oil and gas in the deep sea has been invited on 15 February of 2008 then seven companies participated. Evaluation Committee recommended to award block 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 21 and 29 (total eight blocks) to US Company Conoco Philips. But due to conflict with India and Myanmar with maritime border later in the meeting of ECNEC on 24 August of 2009 permission to sign PSC for exploration in block 10 and 11 was given. US Company Conoco Philips participated in the tender following all the condition s of the tender. But later special favor had been provided to this US Company in several regards. Even the objection of the law ministry raised during the vetting of law ministry for verifying the draft of the accord has not been followed.
That responsible official of Petrobangla said there was condition in the Model PSC that for dispute it would be resolute in the court of Dhaka following the conventional laws of Bangladesh. But changing that, it has been said that if the contractor does not agree about Singapore then the arbitration would be held in Dhaka. That means, it entirely depends on the US Company. They do not agree about Singapore then it would be held in Dhaka. As a result, if any such major accident like Niko occurs then the resolution of that would be held in Singapore instead of Dhaka.
In the meantime, in the Model PSC sole authority was given to Petrobangla to determine the quantity point for gas. But changing that, it has been said that it would lie where the development plan would held. At the same time it was said that the contractor will be liable to pay compensation if any accident occurs due to inefficiency. But dropping the term inefficiency it is said that they would held responsible for the accident if it occurs due to negligence.
It is known, objection has been raised from the Law Ministry about this during the vetting. But the accord has been signed accepting that. According to that if any accident happens then it would be difficult to get compensation. Because they would say that they have not done anything that can be termed as negligence. Accident has been occurred because of inefficiency.
However, the government has to install pipeline to bring gas. But if the authority of determining the quantity point was given to Petrobangla then they would be liable to send gas to that point where Petrobangla would fix it.
According to the energy experts, it is rare to provide such special favor to a foreign company dropping a word. Because, on one hand, scope of export has been given and on the other hand, Bangladesh has been deprived of rational share. According to them, we will only get 20 percent of the gas reserve and the rest would be obtained by the US Company. The 20 percent that we will get will not be able to bring to the coast. Since the cost of bringing that 20 percent gas is higher than the import cost of such amount of gas.

Arms Trade in Bangladesh

The list of the gunrunners and traders is updated during the period of all governments. But those, who control the arms market, remain out of touch. No drive against arms was carried out after the Operation Clean Heart in 2002 and the Combing Operation during the caretaker government in 2007.
According to the Home Ministry, after the changes in government, the special list remained confined to the file. It is not confirmed that when the operation will be conducted. The sources also said with the changes in government, local and foreign arms traders built relations with a part of the administration and the influential leaders of the ruling party. They also manage the officials of the Home Ministry side by side with the officer in charges, police supers and DIGs (deputy inspector of general) of the routes through which the arms are smuggled. The arms trade is carried out in cooperation with them.
During the period of the caretaker government, the field-level intelligence men prepared a list of 400 smugglers who are involved in arms trade. The list was scrutinized after the present government came to power. But the list was not published. When contacted, Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan said that the list of arms traders and smugglers was prepared which will be published soon.
The Home Ministry has no accurate statistics on the number of illegal arms in Bangladesh. The intelligence men updated a list of the illegal arms. But the Home Ministry expressed dissatisfaction over the list. The ministry sources said there are not an accurate number of the licensed arms in the Home Ministry. There is also no information to anybody that how many licenses for arms were given during the rule of the past Awami League and BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) governments.
According to the Bangladesh Development Partnership Centers (BPDC), there are 128 syndicates of arms. The number of illegal arms in the country is now 400,000, which price is 3 billion takas (Tk). Of the arms, 135,000 were traced, but the rest of the arms have no trace.
BPDC Director Sharif A. Kafi said the number of armed terrorists in the country is 600,000. Of them 40 percent are under 18 terrorists. As many as 10,000 licenses of arms were given on urgent basis in the past 15 years from 1991 to 2006 and verification was not done in most of the cases. These arms are not being traced by the law enforcement agencies.
The BPDC research sources also said that there were Tk 25 billions illegal arms in the SAARC countries except Afghanistan. And an international mafia and strong network of smugglers have been working behind it. This syndicate brings arms of Tk 5 billions in Bangladesh.
According to the intelligence agencies, about 10,000 big and small arms were recovered in 2002 under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army. In addition, 6,289 firearms, 29,493 ammunition and 1,625 kg explosives were seized during the Operation Clean Heart in 2007. During the time, 6,000 people were arrested in connection with the arms recovery, while 3,000 cases were filed against them. The sources also said arms, ammunition and grenade-making materials are smuggled through 40 routes of 4,500 km seaways, 189 km land route and 360 km open seaways.
Arms Coming in Those Routes
Smuggling of arms began in this country since the Pakistani rule. At that time, some people carried arms for self-defense. In the 70s, the ultra-revolutionists of the communist groups were procuring arms secretly. Since then, trafficking of illegal arms started. According to the information of the intelligence agencies, there are 48 points through which arms are smuggling into the country. Of them, Ramu, Moheshkhali, Inani Beach, Khashiakhali, Anwara and Shikalbaha are the most discussed routes. In addition to arms are entering into the country through Rajshahi, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Tentulia, Teknaf, Jointa of Habiganj, Chhatak, Meherpur, Akhaura, Bibir Bazar of Comilla, Chouddagram, Bilonia of Feni, Pechiabaria of Amtali, Patia of Chittagong, Dinajpur, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Srimangal, Jhinaigati of Sherpur, Kamlganj, Jadabpur, Khagrachhari, Cox's Bazaar, Halishahar, Jessore, Doulatpur, Netrakona and Sundarban. Arms are now coming from Kaikhali of the Sundabans to Chilmari of Kushtia.
The Price of Arms?
Raising of the illegal arms market started in Bangladesh after 1975. During the rule of General Ziaul Haque, smuggled arms entered into Bangladesh from China and Pakistan. Those arms had gone to the hands of the Indian separatists. In addition, arms came from Pakistan for the Burma Rohingas. From this time, United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), Nagaland and Mijoram rebels used to stay in Bangladeshi hilly areas. Bangladeshi terrorists collected some arms from this rebel groups.
The arms, which are smuggled into Bangladesh include AK-47, US pistol, M-16, 9mm pistol, Mouzer pistol, US Taraus, Italy's Pertrobarota, Germany's Ruby, US Revolver, Chinese rifle, Kalashnikov, Indian pistol, Indian revolver, LMG, SMG, pipe gun and 22 bore pistol. Grenades and rocket launchers are also being collected now. The smugglers are selling these arms to the terrorist groups. Underworld sources said that heavy arms were sold to the foreigners and in this case, Bangladesh was a safe transit route. The same sources said that AK-47 was being sold at Tk 300,000, M-16 at 300,000, US pistol at Tk 100,000, 9 mm pistol at Tk 150,000, Mouzer pistol Tk 150,000 , US Taraus Tk 225,000, Italy's Petrobarota 145,000 lakh, US revolver 100,000, Chinese rifle 100,000 and pistol are being sold at Tk 30,000. Fifty godfathers are controlling the arms world, while politicians and industrialists give shelter to them. Intelligence sources said of the 400 arms smugglers, 88 in Dhaka division, 34 in Chittagong, 87 in Khulna, 70 in Rajshahi, 35 in Sylhet, 58 each in Barisal and Rangamati. Though they were arrested at different times, they were engaged in the old trade after releasing from the prison.
Those Who Are Accused
According to the list of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police, Hafizur Rahman Hafiz, Gias Hazarica and Tasbih Jahngir were the leading arms traders in the country. Hafiz and Tasbih Jahangir are now in prison, while Gias Hazarika was killed in the cross fire of the RAB. Abdur Rahman and Manzurul Alam are known as the godfathers in the Chittagong-based arms trading. In addition, Dalim of Cox's Bazar and Arif of Feni are engaged in this trade. Chief of Bhaijan Bahini of Bera Abdul Baten and Ajit Dutta are controlling the North Bengal-based arms and narcotics market. Extremist leaders Razu and Shaheen, who are the brothers are directly involved with them. In addition, Sazedur Rahman Chowdhury of Dinajpur, Tutul and Ali Ahmad of Magura, Shaheen of Jessore, Maqbul Chairman of Meherpur, Mahbubul Alam of Kushtia, Tipu and Habib Khan of Manirampur in Jessore, Helal of Bagerhat, Ruhul of Satkhira and Mashiur Rahman and Abdul Hai of Jhenidah are doing arms trade. The arms traders are selling the arms to the Rohinga and CHT rebels with the cooperation of international smugglers. In addition, they supply arms to different areas of the country, including Chittagong, Dhaka, Feni, and Comilla.
Heavy Arms in Extremists' Hands
The extremists are now using various heavy arms like AK-47, AK-56, LMG, SMG, Chinese rifle. These arms are coming through southwestern and Burma frontiers. Purba Banglar Communist Party, the split part of the Indian naxalites (Maoist guerrillas), is collecting these arms. The Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) sources said a large number of centers, which are providing arms have been raised in the Indian bordering areas. The areas include Ranaghat, Nadia, Mohadevpur, Maslandapur, Bangaon and Helencher. Arms training is given to the terrorists in these areas. The consignment of arms comes from India through two routes of Mujibnagar and Gangni. Arms are supplied to across the country from different spots of Damurhuda through Dariapur region. The Chief of Amzad Bahini, Amzad, is controlling trade of smuggled arms. The godfather of the force, Minhazuddin Dukhu, looks after all things from India. Arms come through Kushtia, Comilla and Jessore routes under the political shelter and in connivance of police.
Arms in Phensidyle Factories
Indian traders have built 52 phensidyle factories on their border. A list identifying these factories has been handed over to the Indian authorities on behalf of Bangladesh. The phensidyle produced in the factories enters into Bangladesh through the border. Arms are coming with phensidyle, recently. It was learnt that the smugglers are using the consignment of phensidyle as the advanced consignment. Keeping the police busy with the phensidyle consignment, they are bringing arms and heroin in other consignments. The RAB seized some types of consignments recently. Smuggled arms are being stocked in the 52 phensidyle factories side by side with producing the contraband syrup.
Courier Service is Used
For smuggling arms and narcotics, courier service and transports are being used for a long time. There are allegations that courier service, transport owners, employees and members of the law enforcement agencies are involved with the arms and narcotics traders. Some types of consignments were recently seized. Identified arms and narcotics traders are using some established courier services and transports for smuggling of arms and narcotics. Doing this business, many people have become millionaire. The RAB arrested three foreign nationals with heroin and arms recently. They admitted that they used to sell heroin in Bangladesh after bringing it from Pakistan through courier service. About this, RAB Director General Mokhlesur Rahman said the matter is true. We are monitoring it and the criminals will be arrested by identifying them.
Rohingas are Buying Arms
According to the intelligence agencies, the Rohingas have started buying arms newly. The Rohinga militant groups have raised a fund of Tk 30 crore for purchasing arms. A meeting between international arms traders and the Rohingas was held at Naikhongchhari in Bandarban in December 2010. After the meeting, a decision was taken to purchase arms from the smugglers, while money was already handed over to buy the arms. According to the intelligence sources, a consignment of arms has already reached to the Rohinga militants. The Rohinga militants narrowed their internal conflict, paving the way for receiving assistance from the Middle East. Arms are being reached to them through Naikhangchhari and Teknaf borders.
Hill People Are Not Lagging Behind
The CHT was one of the arms market in Bangladesh. The supply of arms was stopped after the peace treaty in 1997. But the President of Pahari Chhatra Parishad Prasit Bikash Khisa opposed the peace treaty. He formed an organization named United People's Democratic Front or UPDF. With this, activities of collection of arms resumed side by side with the opposition of peace treaty. The Indian separatists have geared up their activities. When BNP came to power in 2001, the implementation process of the peace treaty became standstill. As a result, the UPDF was strengthened gradually. On the other hand, leaders of the Jana Sanghati Samity (JSS) became frustrated as the peace treaty was not successful. As a result, a reformist group was created among the JSS. In addition to the UPDF, they also started collecting arms. And in this way, the trend of stocking arms was seen in the hill tracts. Both JSS and UPDF started using these arms to establish supremacy in the hills. When asked, UPDF Chief Prasit Bikash Khisha said: "We do not accept the peace treaty. We would do whatever necessary in the interest of our security."
Militant Activities
The militant activities began with assumption of power by the BNP in 2001. The militants who returned from Afghanistan became active allover the country splitting into many groups for Islamic revolution. Intelligence sources said that JMB, HuJI-B, JMJB, Allahr Dal, Hijbut Tahreer, Hijbut Tawhid, Amir Ud-Din showed arms openly as there were special blessings to them by the then government. At one stage they started carrying out bomb and grenade attacks with an aim to capture state power. They carried out the heinous grenade attack on the Awami League rally on 21 August 2004. They showed their strength by conducting bomb attacks across the country on 17 August 2005. Intelligence sources said the grenades used in the Awami League rally were produced in Pakistan. These militants are still active. Various sources think that they are also involved in the arms supply process.
Replying to a question about the market and network of the arms, Inspector General of Police Hasan Mahmud Khandakar said that illegal arms are being used in the country. Different terrorist groups are using the arms. He said: "We have prepared a list of the terrorists and the godfather who use arms. As per the list, efforts are continuing to arrest them."
However, Home Minister Sahara Khatoon said that the use of illegal arms was less than any other time. She said: "Many people had used Bangladesh as a route of arms smuggling and we stopped it after coming to power." She said that the country was freed from militancy and a list of gunrunners and their godfathers was prepared. "Efforts are on to arrest the culprits side by side with facing the foreign conspiracies."
Arms Are Produced in Moheshkhali
According to an influential intelligence agency, illegal arms are being produced at some factories inside the country. These arms are being produced at remote hills of Moheshkhali and deep forests of Khagrachhari. These factories are producing guns which have huge demands among the local terrorists. Earlier, the members of the law enforcement agencies seized some arms, arms-making materials and explosives and arrested the arms-makers.
The sources said arms are being produced at Karaibunia, Putirjhiri, Saralia, Gulur Barghona, Kamlghona, Morakiri, Loharchaara, Murichhari and Shaplapur in Moheshkhali hilly areas. To avoid risk of arrests in the day time, the makers are working to produce arms at night. The environment of the factory is like almost a workshop or a shop of blacksmith. There are iron blade, iron-cutting machines and gun handle-making machineries in the factories. Concerned sources said minimum Tk 600 to 700 was spent for producing arms. But it is sold locally at Tk 1500-1600. However, the price of the arms in outside of the area is Tk 5,000. Allegations have been raised that a strong syndicate is selling the arms, produced here, to the terrorist groups across the country. The RAB arrested leading arms-makers Gura Mian, Faridul Alam and Rahmat Ali after conducting a drive in 2010. The elite force also seized 12 arms, including cut-rifle, revolver, and pistol. In the absence of them, another organized circle is selling arms after producing.

India-Bangladesh Goodwill Ties To Impact Neighboring Nations

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 's India visit can be characterized historic in many respects. Bangladesh came into existence as an independent country in 1971. In 1947-1971 it was a part of Pakistan and was known as East Pakistan. It became independent after a prolonged struggle. At that time, the Pakistani military killed thousands of its people. India had been instrumental in the achievement of its independence. Sheikh Majibur Rehman was the first prime minister of independent Bangladesh. It invariably extended friendship to India. But, in 1975 Sheikh Mujibur-Rehman was murdered along with his entire family.
However, his daughter Sheikh Hasina Wajed was saved because she was away from Bangladesh then. In the wake of the murder of Mujibur Rehman, the political history of the country had been chaotic. The Constitution adopted by Mujibur Rehman in 1972 was based on democracy and socialism, but in 1979, former President Ziaur Rehman made a series of amendments in the Constitution, directing it toward Islamic ideology.
Over the past three decades, Bangladesh continued to pass through similar chaotic conditions. Hence, it distanced itself from India persistently, passing through different regimes. At one state the distances between the countries seemed to be turning into animosity. After a prolonged struggle Hasina assumed power in Bangladesh. In the December 2008 elections, her Awami League party emerged victorious with a vast majority.

Anti-Terror Strategy
Hasina has always been recognized as "pro-India." With her latest India tour, the India-Bangladesh ties can be expected to be fortified. During her visit she stated in no uncertain terms that "anti-India" terror activities from the soil of Bangladesh. The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced monetary aid to the tune of $1 billion to Bangladesh, which can be termed the highest financial support extended to Bangladesh from any other country. Manmohan Singh also said that Hasina's visit will not only usher a new era in the India-Bangladesh relationship but also the two nations will continue to maintain the friendship in the future also.
In the context of the tension between the countries over the river water problem, the Indian Government, exhibiting magnanimity, declared that India will not implement its Tipaimukh dam project. Simultaneously, India will also start a 250 megawatt power project for Bangladesh. The two nations have also resolved to prevent terrorism and smuggling of narcotic products. Under it cooperation, it will be extended at all levels. It was also announced that India will promote marketing of Bangladeshi goods by providing a slew of incentives. The two countries will extend cooperation to each other in the agricultural sector also. So far so, India will be able to use the Chittagong Port of Bangladesh for exports and imports of Indian goods.

Developing Mutual Goodwill
We are of the view that as a consequence of the newly developed mutual goodwill the two nations will greatly benefit from each other and its impact will be extended to other neighboring nations also. India has maintained cordial ties with Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Pakistan is the only country with which cordial ties would be possible only after a long period of time. Maximum regard is due to be paid to the sentiments of the daughter of Bangladesh.