German double world champion Sebastian Vettel took the Indian Grand Prix crown at the Buddh International Circuit on 30 October. This was Vettel’s 11th win this season. He also became the youngest driver at 24 years of age to achieve the grand slam by winning the race, achieving the pole position, completing the fastest lap and by leading in every lap. This was only the second grand slam by any driver in the last seven years.
Home team Sahara Force India earned two points through Adrian Sutil’s ninth-place finish. His teammate Paul di Resta finished 13th, with the only Indian driver on the grid Narain Karthikeyan was 17th.
Red Bull’s Indian GP Vettel chalked up his 13th pole position of the year. He is now one short of the record set by Nigel Mansell in 1992. However, Vettel has two more races to go this season. Red Bull's 16 poles put them ahead of McLaren and Williams who have 15 poles each to their credit for a season. There are hushed whispers. Will Vettel take the Indian GP? If so, he will equal Michael Schumacher's record of 13 wins in a year. What are team orders? Will Webber. The other Red Bull driver, be told to stay as number two?
All this amid the euphoria of the Red Bull drivers starting from the first two positions on the grid. As a prelude to the grand finale, the drivers were driven around the track in some of the most delectable vintage and classic cars. For once, the crowds could see what the drivers looked like. It also gave the drivers a chance to go over the track one final time before the race and etch it into the mind’s memory card.
Well-Organized Event
Despite the massive line of cars converging on the Buddh International Circuit, the event went off with clockwork smoothness. Other than the clog-ged Noida-Greater Noida Expressway — caused mostly by lack of lane discipline — it was plain sailing on most fronts. Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar made himself part of Indian motorsport history, flagging home the finishers as teammates Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh graced the paddock too. For once the attention was rarely on them and a flock of other celebrities.As 24 V-8, 2.4 litre engines howled into life and went screaming off for the first of 60 laps, covering 300 km, it signalled India’s entry into one of the two most exclusive (and expensive) sporting clubs. Estimates of how much it cost vary between `1,200cr and `1,700cr.
Future Potential
Amid criticism that an expensive motor sport like Formula One (JP group spent Rs 2,000 crore to just develop the 875-acre race course and each car is believed to have burned 15,000 litres of fuel) had no place in India, an Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) study claimed that Formula One had the potential of generating Rs 90,000 crore and provide employment for several lakh people in the next 10 years. According to one estimate, several thousand people will be required to maintain the track alone. The ubiquitous ‘dust’ on the North Indian plains did play spoilsport but the drivers magnanimously chose not to mention it. The new track and the dust did tend to slow down the cars but next year it could be very different. The death of two drivers, Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli, following crashes on tracks in Las Vegas and Malyasia respectively in the last fortnight, would also have weighed heavily. Jenson Button, who came second, dedicated the Indian Grand Prix to the duo even as other drivers emotionally recalled their association with the deceased.
Driver Standings
Following is the driver standing at the Indian Grand Prix:
1. Sebastian Vettel 374
2. Jenson Button 240
3. Fernando Alonso 227
4. Mark Webber 221
5.Lewis Hamilton 202
6. Felipe Massa 98
7. Nico Rosberg 75
8. Michael Schumacher 70
9. Vitaly Petrov 36
10. Nick Heidfeld 34
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Confrontation Between China, US, India Continues in East Asia
Since the conclusion of the Cold War, Asia has provided a platform for the "soft confrontation" between China, the United States, and India, especially between China and the United States. These three nations have extensive common interests and tremendous potential for cooperation in the aspects of politics, economy and trade, regional security, and global governance. If they could agree to disagree and handle their bilateral and trilateral relations from a strategic perspective, there is a possibility for them to form positive and interactive strategic relations to achieve a win-win and mutually benefiting situation. This will, in turn, play a critically important role in the stability and development in Asia.
The United States has made corresponding strategic arrangement and policy adjustment in three aspects to prevent itself from being excluded from the process of regional integration, particularly to stop any potential newly emerged country from becoming a strategic competitor of the United States and the dominant player in the process of regional integration. This is to protect the political, economic, and security interests of the United States in East Asia.
In the aspect of security, the United States strengthens and develops the existing "axis and auxiliary security structure" centered round the United States by stepping up and adjusting its relations with its allies like Japan and North Korea. Economically, the United States takes the initiative to encourage negotiation on bilateral trade. It earnestly participates in and attempts to spearhead the process of economic integration in East Asia by signing free trade agreements with East Asian countries. Ideologically, it advocates its democratic value diplomacy. It tries to establish an "alliance of value" that corresponds to the US value system by using ideology as the criterion, so that it could influence the value system of the integration of East Asian region.
The three aforementioned aspects constitute the US strategic framework in East Asia after the Cold War. The main objective of this strategy is to support its allies with its hegemonic power to further boost the US dominant power in East Asia.
The East Asian region includes Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. This article will focus on analyzing and elaborating the strategic maneuvers of China, the United States, and India in Southeast Asia and its influence.
Both US, India Aim at Countering Against China
China, the United States, and India have taken persistent efforts to strengthen their relations with Southeast Asian countries to garner more strategic interests. The United States has officially started to intervene into the affairs in South China Sea. Meanwhile, India is also working hard to strengthen its cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and making this region as a breakthrough point for it to emerge as a strong power in this region on a par with China and the United States. India intends to become a new power in between the United States and China, so that it could elevate its international status to realize its strategic goal of becoming a regional power.
The United States has refocused its attention on its ties with Southeast Asian countries. One can observe from this adjustment the US strategic agenda to counterbalance, contain and diminish China's rising influence in this region.
Meanwhile, India introduced its timely "eastward" policy, aiming at expanding its influence and activities to South China Sea and part of Pacific region. India sees Southeast Asia countries as its important partners and hopes to step out of South Asia with the help of Southeast Asian region as India has "extensive strategic interests" from the Gulf to South China Sea. India's concern over the safety of the environment and potential security issues covers the area "the west, south and east of India from the Persian Gulf to Malacca Strait, middle Asia in its Northwest, China in its Northeast to Southeast Asia."
Southeast Asia is the focus of India's foreign policy, in terms of geographical strategy, economic, and political interests. India strives to strengthen its bilateral ties with Thailand, Burma [Myanmar], Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos through bilateral economic and trade cooperation with these countries to expand its influence to Southeast Asian region. Through the "eastward" policy, India expanded its influence and activity scope to South China Sea and part of Pacific region. Through the implementation of its "eastward" policy, India "improved its cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and even East Asian countries and bolstered its influence in Asia." By doing so, it has established an image of "big power" in Southeast Asia in time and at the same time; it counterbalances and diminishes China's influence in this region to a certain degree.
US Not Happy With India's Expansion of Maritime Influence
Yet, in its consideration of its global strategic interests, the United States would not allow India to become the world police in this waters and it will not allow India to be the dominant power in the Indian Ocean. Although the two countries have fostered increasingly closer cooperation in security, if India "goes overboard" to the extent that affects the US strategic interests in the Indian Ocean, the United States would definitely take action to contain India.
Nevertheless, in view of China's continuous emergence in politics and economy, the United States is thinking of developing closer bilateral ties with India and making India as its most important strategic ally in Asia to counterbalance China's rising influence in Southeast Asia. At the same time, following the expansion of China's political, economic and military powers in Southeast Asia, the United States is "back to Asia" to contain China. The strategic consideration behind the strengthening of economic cooperation between the United States and Southeast Asian countries is to counter China's expansion of influence in this region.
China should take more initiative to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asian countries and develop multilateral and bilateral ties with these countries to establish an image of a "big power" in this region. It should build up new security ties and bilateral cooperation in all aspects with Southeast Asian countries based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. At the same time, China should handle its bilateral relations with the United States and India properly, including dealing with the border issue with India in an appropriate manner. It should seek common ground with other countries and put aside differences between each other to create a stable and peaceful environment for the modernization process in China. The policy of developing relations with Southeast Asian countries conforms to China's national strategic interests.
Southeast Asian Countries on Guard Against China
The relations between China and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have further improved thanks to the efforts in building up political trust, economic cooperation, and common security. Yet, because of their differences, ASEAN countries are still concerned and worried about China's economic growth and the boost in its military power, particularly when China's military actions in Southeast Asian region are deemed by certain countries as actions meant to expand its military power. The unfavorable influence of nontraditional security factors keeps arising and this has directly or indirectly undermined the efforts to develop more closer ties between China and ASEAN member states.
Although far Southeast Asian countries have not explicitly voiced out that China poses a threat to that region, the intensifying arms race in Southeast Asia, in fact, reflects Southeast Asian countries' strategic intention to stay on guard against China. Essentially, the cooperation in economic sector has not diminished Southeast Asian countries' "hostility" against China. Therefore, China should reinforce its mutual understanding and exchange with Southeast Asian countries to do away with this sentiment.
China's Strategies in Southeast Asia
As opposed to China's strategies in Southeast Asia, apparently the United States has failed to maintain consistent and coherent strategies in Southeast Asia. During the times of President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush, the United States did not pay adequate attention to the region of Southeast Asia. Despite its endeavor to advocate democracy in Southeast Asia, the United States has not implemented free trade consistently and persistently in that region.
China should make use of the good opportunity to develop China-US ties remain strategically strong. It should place more emphasis on East Asian region in devising its foreign policy and give more priority to the status and role of relevant East Asian countries and regional power in its diplomatic agenda. China should utilize various forms of media to publicize its policies to prepare the US mentally and attitudinally for the latter to accept a stronger China. As such, China, the United States, and India will be able to achieve a virtuous cycle in their interaction in Southeast Asia and this region could become a peaceful region that enjoys rapid economic development.
The United States has made corresponding strategic arrangement and policy adjustment in three aspects to prevent itself from being excluded from the process of regional integration, particularly to stop any potential newly emerged country from becoming a strategic competitor of the United States and the dominant player in the process of regional integration. This is to protect the political, economic, and security interests of the United States in East Asia.
In the aspect of security, the United States strengthens and develops the existing "axis and auxiliary security structure" centered round the United States by stepping up and adjusting its relations with its allies like Japan and North Korea. Economically, the United States takes the initiative to encourage negotiation on bilateral trade. It earnestly participates in and attempts to spearhead the process of economic integration in East Asia by signing free trade agreements with East Asian countries. Ideologically, it advocates its democratic value diplomacy. It tries to establish an "alliance of value" that corresponds to the US value system by using ideology as the criterion, so that it could influence the value system of the integration of East Asian region.
The three aforementioned aspects constitute the US strategic framework in East Asia after the Cold War. The main objective of this strategy is to support its allies with its hegemonic power to further boost the US dominant power in East Asia.
The East Asian region includes Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. This article will focus on analyzing and elaborating the strategic maneuvers of China, the United States, and India in Southeast Asia and its influence.
Both US, India Aim at Countering Against China
China, the United States, and India have taken persistent efforts to strengthen their relations with Southeast Asian countries to garner more strategic interests. The United States has officially started to intervene into the affairs in South China Sea. Meanwhile, India is also working hard to strengthen its cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and making this region as a breakthrough point for it to emerge as a strong power in this region on a par with China and the United States. India intends to become a new power in between the United States and China, so that it could elevate its international status to realize its strategic goal of becoming a regional power.
The United States has refocused its attention on its ties with Southeast Asian countries. One can observe from this adjustment the US strategic agenda to counterbalance, contain and diminish China's rising influence in this region.
Meanwhile, India introduced its timely "eastward" policy, aiming at expanding its influence and activities to South China Sea and part of Pacific region. India sees Southeast Asia countries as its important partners and hopes to step out of South Asia with the help of Southeast Asian region as India has "extensive strategic interests" from the Gulf to South China Sea. India's concern over the safety of the environment and potential security issues covers the area "the west, south and east of India from the Persian Gulf to Malacca Strait, middle Asia in its Northwest, China in its Northeast to Southeast Asia."
Southeast Asia is the focus of India's foreign policy, in terms of geographical strategy, economic, and political interests. India strives to strengthen its bilateral ties with Thailand, Burma [Myanmar], Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos through bilateral economic and trade cooperation with these countries to expand its influence to Southeast Asian region. Through the "eastward" policy, India expanded its influence and activity scope to South China Sea and part of Pacific region. Through the implementation of its "eastward" policy, India "improved its cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and even East Asian countries and bolstered its influence in Asia." By doing so, it has established an image of "big power" in Southeast Asia in time and at the same time; it counterbalances and diminishes China's influence in this region to a certain degree.
US Not Happy With India's Expansion of Maritime Influence
Yet, in its consideration of its global strategic interests, the United States would not allow India to become the world police in this waters and it will not allow India to be the dominant power in the Indian Ocean. Although the two countries have fostered increasingly closer cooperation in security, if India "goes overboard" to the extent that affects the US strategic interests in the Indian Ocean, the United States would definitely take action to contain India.
Nevertheless, in view of China's continuous emergence in politics and economy, the United States is thinking of developing closer bilateral ties with India and making India as its most important strategic ally in Asia to counterbalance China's rising influence in Southeast Asia. At the same time, following the expansion of China's political, economic and military powers in Southeast Asia, the United States is "back to Asia" to contain China. The strategic consideration behind the strengthening of economic cooperation between the United States and Southeast Asian countries is to counter China's expansion of influence in this region.
China should take more initiative to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asian countries and develop multilateral and bilateral ties with these countries to establish an image of a "big power" in this region. It should build up new security ties and bilateral cooperation in all aspects with Southeast Asian countries based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. At the same time, China should handle its bilateral relations with the United States and India properly, including dealing with the border issue with India in an appropriate manner. It should seek common ground with other countries and put aside differences between each other to create a stable and peaceful environment for the modernization process in China. The policy of developing relations with Southeast Asian countries conforms to China's national strategic interests.
Southeast Asian Countries on Guard Against China
The relations between China and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have further improved thanks to the efforts in building up political trust, economic cooperation, and common security. Yet, because of their differences, ASEAN countries are still concerned and worried about China's economic growth and the boost in its military power, particularly when China's military actions in Southeast Asian region are deemed by certain countries as actions meant to expand its military power. The unfavorable influence of nontraditional security factors keeps arising and this has directly or indirectly undermined the efforts to develop more closer ties between China and ASEAN member states.
Although far Southeast Asian countries have not explicitly voiced out that China poses a threat to that region, the intensifying arms race in Southeast Asia, in fact, reflects Southeast Asian countries' strategic intention to stay on guard against China. Essentially, the cooperation in economic sector has not diminished Southeast Asian countries' "hostility" against China. Therefore, China should reinforce its mutual understanding and exchange with Southeast Asian countries to do away with this sentiment.
China's Strategies in Southeast Asia
As opposed to China's strategies in Southeast Asia, apparently the United States has failed to maintain consistent and coherent strategies in Southeast Asia. During the times of President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush, the United States did not pay adequate attention to the region of Southeast Asia. Despite its endeavor to advocate democracy in Southeast Asia, the United States has not implemented free trade consistently and persistently in that region.
China should make use of the good opportunity to develop China-US ties remain strategically strong. It should place more emphasis on East Asian region in devising its foreign policy and give more priority to the status and role of relevant East Asian countries and regional power in its diplomatic agenda. China should utilize various forms of media to publicize its policies to prepare the US mentally and attitudinally for the latter to accept a stronger China. As such, China, the United States, and India will be able to achieve a virtuous cycle in their interaction in Southeast Asia and this region could become a peaceful region that enjoys rapid economic development.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
ASEAN's Role in Democratization of Myanmar
In an atmosphere filled with fear and unrest, military-controlled Myanmar finally completed its purported 'multiparty democratic elections' after more than two decades. Although almost the entire world has been criticizing the elections as unfair, the Myanmar military government is expected to proclaim to the entire world that Myanmar had accomplished its democratic elections with a high voter turnout.
Myanmar is a member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, it is sad to point out that as a regional organization, ASEAN could only play an onlooker role in Myanmar's elections. Prior to the elections, ASEAN had proposed to send its observers to oversee the electoral process. Yet, the Myanmar military government, which obviously knew nothing about basic courtesy, flatly rejected the good intention of ASEAN with the reason that Myanmar had adequate experience about elections. In addition, the military government claimed that it would allow each of the embassies and UN agencies in Myanmar to send up to five representatives to observe the voting process at the polling stations. But at the end of the day, these representatives were blocked from visiting to the polling stations for security reason.
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation
ASEAN approved the membership of Myanmar in 1997. The decision was made out of the concern that in the face of the plight of being isolated by the Western countries, Myanmar might turn more and more to China. Furthermore, the Burmese military government had also announced earlier that it was ready to accept ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, demonstrating its wish to be on good terms with its neighboring countries.
After Myanmar officially became a member of ASEAN, the organization has consistently called on the country to conform to the rules and regulations of ASEAN and preserve the reputation of the organization. However, the Myanmar military government continues to go its own way and simply disregard the calls from ASEAN. For example, ASEAN has repeatedly urged the military regime to give proper treatment to the democratic icon of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, and hoped that the military regime would release her. But until today, Suu Kyi is still placed under house arrest. This is because the military regime has assumed that ASEAN needs Myanmar, which is abundant in natural resources, more than Myanmar needs ASEAN.
Fair Elections
For the elections this time, as usual, ASEAN released a statement to express its hope that the elections would be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. But what else can ASEAN do in addition to expressing its hope? Elections are part of the internal affairs of a country. At present, there is an unwritten rule among the 10-member states of ASEAN, namely the member states are not allowed to interfere into the internal affairs of other countries. Therefore, as long as ASEAN persists to 'abide by' this 'sacred' rule, it can do nothing even though it knows well that the elections were unfair.
While the entire world is condemning the elections held by the military regime, eventually ASEAN will still release a statement to welcome the accomplishment of the elections and express its hope that this will be the first step of the democratization of Myanmar.
Myanmar is a member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, it is sad to point out that as a regional organization, ASEAN could only play an onlooker role in Myanmar's elections. Prior to the elections, ASEAN had proposed to send its observers to oversee the electoral process. Yet, the Myanmar military government, which obviously knew nothing about basic courtesy, flatly rejected the good intention of ASEAN with the reason that Myanmar had adequate experience about elections. In addition, the military government claimed that it would allow each of the embassies and UN agencies in Myanmar to send up to five representatives to observe the voting process at the polling stations. But at the end of the day, these representatives were blocked from visiting to the polling stations for security reason.
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation
ASEAN approved the membership of Myanmar in 1997. The decision was made out of the concern that in the face of the plight of being isolated by the Western countries, Myanmar might turn more and more to China. Furthermore, the Burmese military government had also announced earlier that it was ready to accept ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, demonstrating its wish to be on good terms with its neighboring countries.
After Myanmar officially became a member of ASEAN, the organization has consistently called on the country to conform to the rules and regulations of ASEAN and preserve the reputation of the organization. However, the Myanmar military government continues to go its own way and simply disregard the calls from ASEAN. For example, ASEAN has repeatedly urged the military regime to give proper treatment to the democratic icon of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, and hoped that the military regime would release her. But until today, Suu Kyi is still placed under house arrest. This is because the military regime has assumed that ASEAN needs Myanmar, which is abundant in natural resources, more than Myanmar needs ASEAN.
Fair Elections
For the elections this time, as usual, ASEAN released a statement to express its hope that the elections would be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. But what else can ASEAN do in addition to expressing its hope? Elections are part of the internal affairs of a country. At present, there is an unwritten rule among the 10-member states of ASEAN, namely the member states are not allowed to interfere into the internal affairs of other countries. Therefore, as long as ASEAN persists to 'abide by' this 'sacred' rule, it can do nothing even though it knows well that the elections were unfair.
While the entire world is condemning the elections held by the military regime, eventually ASEAN will still release a statement to welcome the accomplishment of the elections and express its hope that this will be the first step of the democratization of Myanmar.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Global Financial Recession Affects Bangladesh's Exports
The country's export sector has been gripped afresh with recession. And as a result, the export orders in the country's main export earning sector -- the readymade garment (RMG) industry -- are declining. The orders in the past six months decreased by 20 to 25 percent. The growth in the RMG sector declined to 28 percent in July 2011 from 42 percent in June the same year. The export sector of Bangladesh has started experiencing a negative impact, as a fresh recession hit the RMG buyer countries, including those in the United States and Europe.
Exporters said buying orders in the knit and woven sectors have decreased. If the trend continues, it will turnout to be bad for the industry. Work in most of the RMG units at this moment has reduced by 50 percent. If the recession is a fact, the government will have to activate the announced taskforce right now.
Sector's Real Export
It has been learned that the RMG sector is the highest export earner of the country. In the knit sector of this industry, the export growth is 46.25 percent. The sector's real export has stood at $9.482 billion against the target of $7.131 billion. That means the real growth is 32.96 percent higher than the target. The growth in the oven sector has been increased by 40.23 percent. The sector exported items worth $8.432billion against the target of $6.614billion. The real export in the sector has been increased by 27.48 percent against the target.
This sector is not getting their exact export orders due to the gas and electricity crises. Bangladesh has lost a goon number of buyers as orders could not be supplied on due time. Many entrepreneurs had to supply the consignment by planes spending more money to contain the buyers.
Portion of Export Orders
In addition, recession in economy of the United States, Europe, Greece and Canada is pushing the coming days toward a crisis. By this time a considerable portion of export orders has gone to our neighboring country. Export to the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan been declined. Among the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, the exports to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka have decreased.
About the state of exports, former BKMEA (Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association) President Mohammad Fazlul Haque said our orders have reduced in comparison with the normal time. He said the orders started declining from two months back, which is 20 percent less than the expectation. He said the US economy has a definite impact on all over the world. The Europe is undergoing recession. We are apprehending a crisis in the coming days. Our economy is experiencing unrest in the export order. Things will not be clear before two or three months onward. He said it will be very difficult to contain the growth that achieved in the last fiscal (2010-2011).
Overcoming Recession
For maintaining the growth, he suggested taking initiatives in the private sector. He said we have to diversify our import basket. We have been confined to some items. We have to come out of that. He said we are unable to produce more diversified items and this is our failure. He said helps from the government is necessary to enter new markets. The governments of our competitors are giving that.
Exporters Association of Bangladesh President Abdus Salam Murshedy said it is true that our export orders are declining. Not only in the RMG sector, there is a fall in overall export. He said we could overcome the recession in the fiscal 2010-2011. But a new recession is approaching us. Our buying countries are also gripped with recession. The economy of Europe, America, Greece, Portugal and Denmark has been suffering from recession. Their purchasing power is also decreasing due to the recession.
He said our readymade garment has 90 percent export market in Europe and America. He said the export in July 2011 reduced to 27 percent from 50 percent in June 2010. The export is likely to reduce further in the coming days. He said the overall export order has been reduced by 20 to 25 percent.
Country's Economy
Murshedy said our export is about taka 240 billion. He said it is urgent to form the taskforce suggested by the Prime Minister. The activities of the taskforce should begin soon. He said we will have to increase the ability in completion to contain the growth rate. He said initiatives will have to be taken for solution of the present electricity and gas crises. He said the diesel and furnace oil based industries will have to be given duty-free facilities. He said capacity of the Chittagong Seaport will have to be increased. Mongla Seaport will have to be built as an alternative port. He suggested reducing the high rate interest on bank loan. He said we have been failing to survive in the race with our competitive countries due to these reasons. He also stressed the need for ensuring political stability in the country. He expressed the apprehension that the country's economy might suffer a lot in the recession set to recur before the passage of one-year time.
About the present state of export, Faruk Hasan, vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said that the orders in the export sector have been reducing for the last two months. Some of the RMG factories have already been closed down for lack of work orders. But the condition of sweater industry is good. The sweater industry has enough work. The recession is continuing in the cases of knitwear and oven garment orders. He said 50 percent work has reduced in factories of the said sectors. Faruk Hasan believes from August to October 2011 will be a very bad time. He said 50 percent of our export is going to Europe, 5 percent to Canada and 26 percent to the United States. We are taking preparations to fetch export markets in the neighboring countries. We will be able to increase our export to the neighboring countries by 10 percent in the next 5 years. The export decreased in July 2011 as against June 2010. The export stood at 28 percent in July 2011, which is higher than that of the previous year.
Foreign Exchange Reserve
Economist and Adviser to Former Caretaker Government Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam said reduction of order in our export sector is not an unusual phenomenon. He said the US economy suffers from considerable uncertainty. The governments could overcome the recession in the fiscal 2008-2009 through bailout packages. But they have no such a scope this time. He said the condition of economy in Greece, Portugal and Spain is not good. Under the above circumstances, he said, the reduction in export order is not an unusual event.
He said: “We have to see whether quantity or value is declining.” He said the growth in RMG export in the last year increased export by 15 percent. And the value was increased by 35 percent. He said more abnormal situations might be created in the coming days. Our remittance is declining. The foreign exchange reserve is on the wane. He said the price of oil in the Middle East will fall if the recession strikes. And as a result, this will leave a negative impact on the Bangladeshis working in the Middle East countries.
Exporters said buying orders in the knit and woven sectors have decreased. If the trend continues, it will turnout to be bad for the industry. Work in most of the RMG units at this moment has reduced by 50 percent. If the recession is a fact, the government will have to activate the announced taskforce right now.
Sector's Real Export
It has been learned that the RMG sector is the highest export earner of the country. In the knit sector of this industry, the export growth is 46.25 percent. The sector's real export has stood at $9.482 billion against the target of $7.131 billion. That means the real growth is 32.96 percent higher than the target. The growth in the oven sector has been increased by 40.23 percent. The sector exported items worth $8.432billion against the target of $6.614billion. The real export in the sector has been increased by 27.48 percent against the target.
This sector is not getting their exact export orders due to the gas and electricity crises. Bangladesh has lost a goon number of buyers as orders could not be supplied on due time. Many entrepreneurs had to supply the consignment by planes spending more money to contain the buyers.
Portion of Export Orders
In addition, recession in economy of the United States, Europe, Greece and Canada is pushing the coming days toward a crisis. By this time a considerable portion of export orders has gone to our neighboring country. Export to the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan been declined. Among the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, the exports to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka have decreased.
About the state of exports, former BKMEA (Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association) President Mohammad Fazlul Haque said our orders have reduced in comparison with the normal time. He said the orders started declining from two months back, which is 20 percent less than the expectation. He said the US economy has a definite impact on all over the world. The Europe is undergoing recession. We are apprehending a crisis in the coming days. Our economy is experiencing unrest in the export order. Things will not be clear before two or three months onward. He said it will be very difficult to contain the growth that achieved in the last fiscal (2010-2011).
Overcoming Recession
For maintaining the growth, he suggested taking initiatives in the private sector. He said we have to diversify our import basket. We have been confined to some items. We have to come out of that. He said we are unable to produce more diversified items and this is our failure. He said helps from the government is necessary to enter new markets. The governments of our competitors are giving that.
Exporters Association of Bangladesh President Abdus Salam Murshedy said it is true that our export orders are declining. Not only in the RMG sector, there is a fall in overall export. He said we could overcome the recession in the fiscal 2010-2011. But a new recession is approaching us. Our buying countries are also gripped with recession. The economy of Europe, America, Greece, Portugal and Denmark has been suffering from recession. Their purchasing power is also decreasing due to the recession.
He said our readymade garment has 90 percent export market in Europe and America. He said the export in July 2011 reduced to 27 percent from 50 percent in June 2010. The export is likely to reduce further in the coming days. He said the overall export order has been reduced by 20 to 25 percent.
Country's Economy
Murshedy said our export is about taka 240 billion. He said it is urgent to form the taskforce suggested by the Prime Minister. The activities of the taskforce should begin soon. He said we will have to increase the ability in completion to contain the growth rate. He said initiatives will have to be taken for solution of the present electricity and gas crises. He said the diesel and furnace oil based industries will have to be given duty-free facilities. He said capacity of the Chittagong Seaport will have to be increased. Mongla Seaport will have to be built as an alternative port. He suggested reducing the high rate interest on bank loan. He said we have been failing to survive in the race with our competitive countries due to these reasons. He also stressed the need for ensuring political stability in the country. He expressed the apprehension that the country's economy might suffer a lot in the recession set to recur before the passage of one-year time.
About the present state of export, Faruk Hasan, vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said that the orders in the export sector have been reducing for the last two months. Some of the RMG factories have already been closed down for lack of work orders. But the condition of sweater industry is good. The sweater industry has enough work. The recession is continuing in the cases of knitwear and oven garment orders. He said 50 percent work has reduced in factories of the said sectors. Faruk Hasan believes from August to October 2011 will be a very bad time. He said 50 percent of our export is going to Europe, 5 percent to Canada and 26 percent to the United States. We are taking preparations to fetch export markets in the neighboring countries. We will be able to increase our export to the neighboring countries by 10 percent in the next 5 years. The export decreased in July 2011 as against June 2010. The export stood at 28 percent in July 2011, which is higher than that of the previous year.
Foreign Exchange Reserve
Economist and Adviser to Former Caretaker Government Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam said reduction of order in our export sector is not an unusual phenomenon. He said the US economy suffers from considerable uncertainty. The governments could overcome the recession in the fiscal 2008-2009 through bailout packages. But they have no such a scope this time. He said the condition of economy in Greece, Portugal and Spain is not good. Under the above circumstances, he said, the reduction in export order is not an unusual event.
He said: “We have to see whether quantity or value is declining.” He said the growth in RMG export in the last year increased export by 15 percent. And the value was increased by 35 percent. He said more abnormal situations might be created in the coming days. Our remittance is declining. The foreign exchange reserve is on the wane. He said the price of oil in the Middle East will fall if the recession strikes. And as a result, this will leave a negative impact on the Bangladeshis working in the Middle East countries.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
New National Manufacturing Policy
Facing criticism over lack of decision making on economic issues, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government has approved its ambitious National Manufacturing Policy (NMP) that seeks to create a massive 100 million additional jobs in the manufacturing sector by 2025 as well as create large sized industrial zones with easier compliance and labor laws.
Enhancing Share of Manufacturing in GDP
The NMP seeks to enhance the share of manufacturing in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25 per cent within a decade and create 100 million jobs in manufacturing as part of the inclusive growth agenda of the UPA,
The new policy, cleared by the cabinet, seeks to boost the stagnating manufacturing sector to contribute at least 25 per cent of the national GDP by 2025. The policy has been discussed for almost a year but was stuck due to objections from the environment and labor ministries.
The share of manufacturing in India's GDP has stagnated at 15 to 16 per cent since 1980 while the share in comparable economies in Asia like China, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia is much higher at 25 to 34 per cent. Also, the manufacturing sector has a multiplier effect in creation of two to three additional jobs in the allied sectors.
The policy seeks to empower rural youth by imparting necessary skill sets to make them employable. Sustainable development and technological value addition in manufacturing have received special focus.
The policy envisages specific interventions broadly in the areas of industrial infrastructure development and improvement of the business environment through rationalization and simplification of business regulations. In addition, development of appropriate technologies, especially green technologies for sustainable development, and skill development of the younger population are envisaged.
National Investment and Manufacturing Zones
The policy will be a partnership between the central and state governments. The former will create the policy framework, provide incentives for infrastructure development on a public private partnership basis through appropriate financing instruments, while state governments will identify the suitable land and be equity holders in the National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs).
Large scale China style industrial zones will be set up in the form of national investment and manufacturing zones — green field integrated industrial townships with a land area of at least 5,000 hectares. Industrial townships are proposed to be self governing and autonomous bodies and managed by a special purpose vehicle.
Seven regions under the Delhi Mumbai industrial corridor have been identified as NIMZ in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
While the NIMZs have been identified, the proposals apply throughout the country wherever industry is able to organize itself into clusters. The first phase of the NIMZ will be established along the Delhi Mumbai industrial corridor which will see early results in the next few years.
Improving Business Regulatory Environment
A defining feature of the policy has been the endeavor to improve the business regulatory environment by providing single window clearances. In order to protect the interests of labor in the eventuality of a closure of a unit, a suitable mechanism has been devised using innovative job loss policy and sinking fund to insure workers against such loss.
Green manufacturing has received a special attention. Also, small and medium enterprises will be given access to this patent pool up to a maximum of Rs 20 lakh for acquiring patented technologies.
Enhancing Share of Manufacturing in GDP
The NMP seeks to enhance the share of manufacturing in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25 per cent within a decade and create 100 million jobs in manufacturing as part of the inclusive growth agenda of the UPA,
The new policy, cleared by the cabinet, seeks to boost the stagnating manufacturing sector to contribute at least 25 per cent of the national GDP by 2025. The policy has been discussed for almost a year but was stuck due to objections from the environment and labor ministries.
The share of manufacturing in India's GDP has stagnated at 15 to 16 per cent since 1980 while the share in comparable economies in Asia like China, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia is much higher at 25 to 34 per cent. Also, the manufacturing sector has a multiplier effect in creation of two to three additional jobs in the allied sectors.
The policy seeks to empower rural youth by imparting necessary skill sets to make them employable. Sustainable development and technological value addition in manufacturing have received special focus.
The policy envisages specific interventions broadly in the areas of industrial infrastructure development and improvement of the business environment through rationalization and simplification of business regulations. In addition, development of appropriate technologies, especially green technologies for sustainable development, and skill development of the younger population are envisaged.
National Investment and Manufacturing Zones
The policy will be a partnership between the central and state governments. The former will create the policy framework, provide incentives for infrastructure development on a public private partnership basis through appropriate financing instruments, while state governments will identify the suitable land and be equity holders in the National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs).
Large scale China style industrial zones will be set up in the form of national investment and manufacturing zones — green field integrated industrial townships with a land area of at least 5,000 hectares. Industrial townships are proposed to be self governing and autonomous bodies and managed by a special purpose vehicle.
Seven regions under the Delhi Mumbai industrial corridor have been identified as NIMZ in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
While the NIMZs have been identified, the proposals apply throughout the country wherever industry is able to organize itself into clusters. The first phase of the NIMZ will be established along the Delhi Mumbai industrial corridor which will see early results in the next few years.
Improving Business Regulatory Environment
A defining feature of the policy has been the endeavor to improve the business regulatory environment by providing single window clearances. In order to protect the interests of labor in the eventuality of a closure of a unit, a suitable mechanism has been devised using innovative job loss policy and sinking fund to insure workers against such loss.
Green manufacturing has received a special attention. Also, small and medium enterprises will be given access to this patent pool up to a maximum of Rs 20 lakh for acquiring patented technologies.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Midyear Review of Monetary Policy 2011-12
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 25 October raised interest rates by 25 basis points and lowered the economic growth forecast to 7.6 per cent for the current fiscal even as it expressed hope that inflation will start coming down from December. RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao also deregulated savings bank deposit rates with immediate effect.
The policy is expected "to continue to anchor medium term inflation expectations", while stimulating investment activity to support growth.
Borrowers, who are livid at repeated rate hikes, can heave a sigh of relief as the RBI hinted at a reversal of policy stance by saying the likelihood of a hike in December is "relatively low".
The central bank has kept other key rateand ratio — Bank Rate and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) — unchanged at 6 per cent each. It also retained the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) at 24 per cent.
Earlier in May, RBI had raised the savings deposit rates to 4 per cent from 3.5 per cent.
The RBI has also proposed to notify banning prepayment penalty on floating rate home loans, as recommended by the Banking Ombudsman recently. The policy document further stated that RBI will issue the final guidelines on credit default swaps by November-end.
Economic Growth Rate
Factors like weakening global macroeconomic outlook and high domestic inflation will pull down the economic growth rate further, RBI said while lowering the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast for the current fiscal to 7.6 per cent from its earlier projection of 8 per cent.
The central bank had earlier projected the Indian economy to grow by 8 per cent in 2011-12, lower than 8.5 per cent recorded in 2010-11.
The risks to the policy emanate from worsening global macro scenario, commodity prices and increase in government spending which could crowd out private investment, it said.
An important policy decision RBI announced is the freeing of savings bank deposit rates with immediate effect, the last bastion of the regulated interest rate regime.
The RBI said: "While growth in advanced economies is already weakening, there is a risk of sharp deterioration if a credible solution to the euro area debt problem is not found."
Rate of Inflation
In addition to inflation, the RBI said slowdown in project investments was also impacting growth. The overall inflation has remained above 9 per cent since December 2010. It was 9.72 per cent in September.
Elevated inflationary pressures are expected to ease from December 2011. The projection for Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation for March 2012 is kept unchanged at 7 per cent.
Food inflation, which account for 14 per cent in the overall inflation, stood at a six month high of 10.60 per cent
Significantly, despite the fall in inflation during the week, prices of onions went up by19.68 per cent on an annual basis while fruits turned 15.84 per cent dearer. Alongside, milk prices also rose by 10.76 per cent, as did prices of eggs, meat and fish by nearly eight per cent. On a yearly basis, cereals and vegetables were also dearer by 4.77 per cent and 4.31 per cent, respectively.
According to the WPI data, while inflation of overall primary articles stood at 11.13 per cent for the week ended July 9, down from 11.58 per cent in the previous week, inflation of non-food articles was pegged at 15.50 per cent for the week, up from 15.20 per cent.
The RBI also indicated that it might not go in for another rate hike in its midquarterly review in December 16, provided the inflation does not shoot up further. According to the RBI, if the inflation trajectory conforms to projection, further rate hikes may not be warranted. It stated that concerted policy focus is needed to generate adequate supply response in respect of items such as milk, eggs, fish, meat, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables.
The policy is expected "to continue to anchor medium term inflation expectations", while stimulating investment activity to support growth.
Borrowers, who are livid at repeated rate hikes, can heave a sigh of relief as the RBI hinted at a reversal of policy stance by saying the likelihood of a hike in December is "relatively low".
The central bank has kept other key rateand ratio — Bank Rate and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) — unchanged at 6 per cent each. It also retained the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) at 24 per cent.
Earlier in May, RBI had raised the savings deposit rates to 4 per cent from 3.5 per cent.
The RBI has also proposed to notify banning prepayment penalty on floating rate home loans, as recommended by the Banking Ombudsman recently. The policy document further stated that RBI will issue the final guidelines on credit default swaps by November-end.
Economic Growth Rate
Factors like weakening global macroeconomic outlook and high domestic inflation will pull down the economic growth rate further, RBI said while lowering the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast for the current fiscal to 7.6 per cent from its earlier projection of 8 per cent.
The central bank had earlier projected the Indian economy to grow by 8 per cent in 2011-12, lower than 8.5 per cent recorded in 2010-11.
The risks to the policy emanate from worsening global macro scenario, commodity prices and increase in government spending which could crowd out private investment, it said.
An important policy decision RBI announced is the freeing of savings bank deposit rates with immediate effect, the last bastion of the regulated interest rate regime.
The RBI said: "While growth in advanced economies is already weakening, there is a risk of sharp deterioration if a credible solution to the euro area debt problem is not found."
Rate of Inflation
In addition to inflation, the RBI said slowdown in project investments was also impacting growth. The overall inflation has remained above 9 per cent since December 2010. It was 9.72 per cent in September.
Elevated inflationary pressures are expected to ease from December 2011. The projection for Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation for March 2012 is kept unchanged at 7 per cent.
Food inflation, which account for 14 per cent in the overall inflation, stood at a six month high of 10.60 per cent
Significantly, despite the fall in inflation during the week, prices of onions went up by19.68 per cent on an annual basis while fruits turned 15.84 per cent dearer. Alongside, milk prices also rose by 10.76 per cent, as did prices of eggs, meat and fish by nearly eight per cent. On a yearly basis, cereals and vegetables were also dearer by 4.77 per cent and 4.31 per cent, respectively.
According to the WPI data, while inflation of overall primary articles stood at 11.13 per cent for the week ended July 9, down from 11.58 per cent in the previous week, inflation of non-food articles was pegged at 15.50 per cent for the week, up from 15.20 per cent.
The RBI also indicated that it might not go in for another rate hike in its midquarterly review in December 16, provided the inflation does not shoot up further. According to the RBI, if the inflation trajectory conforms to projection, further rate hikes may not be warranted. It stated that concerted policy focus is needed to generate adequate supply response in respect of items such as milk, eggs, fish, meat, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Compromises Take Toll on US President's Bedrock Supports
The economic prospects remain unclear, US President Barack Obama suddenly made a policy U-turn by calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw its new proposal on ozone standards. He claimed that such a move was meant to reduce the burden on corporate so that it would not hinder the latter from creating employment opportunities. His supporters lambasted him for "surrendering" to corporate by sacrificing public health.
Law on Smog Emission
EPA Administrator proposed to tighten the law on smog emission. The proposal was strongly objected by lobby groups. The latter claims that the industrial sector would have to make enormous spending if the new pollution rule is implemented and this will cause more people lose their jobs.
But actually, limiting smog emission would not affect the employment rate much. On contrary, it may generate more job opportunities as a result of the increase of corporate investment and spending.
Obama argued that the already approved or implemented environmental regulations -- including regulations on eco-friendly cars and reduction of pollutant emission of power plants -- will help reduce environmental pollution. In any case, given the fact that even if the revision of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ground-Level Ozone is passed in the Congress, the law will come into effect only a few years later, to a larger extent, Obama's withdrawal of the bill was done in view of political pressure and the presidential election next year.
Health Care Reform Plan
In early 2010, despite the objection from the Republican Party, Obama insisted in implementing his health care reform plan and accomplished one of the major goals the Democratic Party had sought for many years. The health care reform legislation has also become an achievement Obama has taken pride in.
Yet, after the Republican Party gained the control over the House of Representatives following the midterm elections held in November last year, Obama has become a lame-duck president. Under the pressure of the reality, Obama has started to flip-flop in his policies. For example, once he insisted to abolish the policy of tax reduction for the rich during the era of President George W. Bush. But he eventually put off this plan in December 2010. Early this year, he gave in to the Republican Party to prevent the government from shutting down.
Impact of Economic Recession
Obama can blame the Republican Party for the economic recession in the United States. But his repeated compromises have outraged and later disappointed voters who supported him. In fact, Obama has gradually lost his bedrock supports he enjoyed three years ago.
Obama once proclaimed: "I would rather be a good president for one term than be a president who achieves nothing in eight years." But in reality, it is hard to be a good president even for one term only.
Law on Smog Emission
EPA Administrator proposed to tighten the law on smog emission. The proposal was strongly objected by lobby groups. The latter claims that the industrial sector would have to make enormous spending if the new pollution rule is implemented and this will cause more people lose their jobs.
But actually, limiting smog emission would not affect the employment rate much. On contrary, it may generate more job opportunities as a result of the increase of corporate investment and spending.
Obama argued that the already approved or implemented environmental regulations -- including regulations on eco-friendly cars and reduction of pollutant emission of power plants -- will help reduce environmental pollution. In any case, given the fact that even if the revision of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ground-Level Ozone is passed in the Congress, the law will come into effect only a few years later, to a larger extent, Obama's withdrawal of the bill was done in view of political pressure and the presidential election next year.
Health Care Reform Plan
In early 2010, despite the objection from the Republican Party, Obama insisted in implementing his health care reform plan and accomplished one of the major goals the Democratic Party had sought for many years. The health care reform legislation has also become an achievement Obama has taken pride in.
Yet, after the Republican Party gained the control over the House of Representatives following the midterm elections held in November last year, Obama has become a lame-duck president. Under the pressure of the reality, Obama has started to flip-flop in his policies. For example, once he insisted to abolish the policy of tax reduction for the rich during the era of President George W. Bush. But he eventually put off this plan in December 2010. Early this year, he gave in to the Republican Party to prevent the government from shutting down.
Impact of Economic Recession
Obama can blame the Republican Party for the economic recession in the United States. But his repeated compromises have outraged and later disappointed voters who supported him. In fact, Obama has gradually lost his bedrock supports he enjoyed three years ago.
Obama once proclaimed: "I would rather be a good president for one term than be a president who achieves nothing in eight years." But in reality, it is hard to be a good president even for one term only.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Earthquakes Jolt Turkey, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Iran
A powerful 7.2- magnitude earthquake shook southeast Turkey on 23 October killing up to 1,000 persons as it triggered the collapse of dozens of buildings across the region. The hardest hit was Ercis, a city of 75,000 close to the Iranian border, which lies on the Ercis Fault in one of Turkey’s most earthquake-prone zones. Van, some 55 miles (90 km) to the south, also suffered substantial damage.
Emergency workers battled to rescue people trapped in buildings in the city of Van and its surrounding districts on the banks of Lake Van, near Turkey's border with Iran.
Around 10 buildings collapsed in Van city and about 25-30 were brought to the ground in the nearby district of Ercis, Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said: "We estimate around 1,000 buildings are damaged and our estimate is for hundreds of lives lost. It could be 500 to 1,000.”
Turkey's Red Crescent said one of its local teams was helping in the rescue of people from a student residence in Ercis. It said it was sending tents, blankets and food to the region.
More than 20 aftershocks shook the area, further unsettling residents who ran out on the streets when the strong quake struck. Television pictures showed rooms shaking and furniture falling to the ground as people ran out from buildings.
Dozens of emergency workers and locals crawled over the rubble of a multi-storey building in Van searching for people who could be trapped inside. Elsewhere, vehicles lay crushed by falling masonry in the street while dazed-looking persons wandered past.
The Kandilli Observatory, which initially cited a magnitude of 6.6, said the earthquake struck at 1041 and was 5 km deep. The The US Geological Survey (USGS) had earlier reported that the magnitude was 7.6.
Turkish media said phone lines and electricity had been cut off. The quake's epicentre was at the village of Tabanli, 20 km north of Van City.
Earthquake-Prone Country
Turkey is earthquake-prone due to being crossed by several fault lines. In 1999, two strong quakes in the heavily-populated and industrialized regions of northwest Turkey left some 20,000 dead. And a powerful earthquake in the town of Caldiran in Van province killed 3,840 people in 1976.
More recently, a 6.0-magnitude quake in March 2010 killed 51 people in eastern Turkey, while in 2003, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake killed 177 people in the southeastern city of Bingol.
Turkey’s worst earthquake in the last century came in 1939 in the eastern city of Erzincan, causing an estimated 160,000 deaths.
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city with more than 12 million people, lies in northwestern Turkey near a major fault line. Istanbul is ill-prepared for a major earthquake and experts have warned that overcrowding and faulty construction could lead to the deaths of over 40,000 people if a major earthquake struck the city.
Strong Quake in New Zealand
Caused by a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake, New Zealand's Kermadec Islands region in the South Pacific was jolted on 24 October. According to the USGS, the quake was centered 180 km (112 miles) east of Raoul Island at a depth of about 24 miles. The islands lie about 800 miles (1,200 km) north of the North Island.
New Zealand, currently hosting the Rugby World Cup, lies on the Pacific "ring of fire", a zone of frequent seismic activity, and is prone to earthquakes.
The second largest city, Christchurch, was devastated by a 6.3-magnitude quake in February which killed 181 people, after many of its buildings were weakened by a previous earthquake in September 2010.
Papua New Guinea Jolted
The Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea was jolted by a 6.7-magnitude undersea earthquake on 22 October, but no tsunami warning was issued.
The USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of 45 km (28 miles), 103 km east of the mountain city of Lae and 326 km north of the capital Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea, mired in poverty despite rich mineral deposits, sits on the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire", a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates.
A giant tsunami in 1998, caused by an undersea earthquake or a landslide, killed more than 2,000 people near Aitape, on the country's northwest coast.
Moderate Intensity Earthquake Hits Iran
Emergency workers battled to rescue people trapped in buildings in the city of Van and its surrounding districts on the banks of Lake Van, near Turkey's border with Iran.
Around 10 buildings collapsed in Van city and about 25-30 were brought to the ground in the nearby district of Ercis, Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said: "We estimate around 1,000 buildings are damaged and our estimate is for hundreds of lives lost. It could be 500 to 1,000.”
Turkey's Red Crescent said one of its local teams was helping in the rescue of people from a student residence in Ercis. It said it was sending tents, blankets and food to the region.
More than 20 aftershocks shook the area, further unsettling residents who ran out on the streets when the strong quake struck. Television pictures showed rooms shaking and furniture falling to the ground as people ran out from buildings.
Dozens of emergency workers and locals crawled over the rubble of a multi-storey building in Van searching for people who could be trapped inside. Elsewhere, vehicles lay crushed by falling masonry in the street while dazed-looking persons wandered past.
The Kandilli Observatory, which initially cited a magnitude of 6.6, said the earthquake struck at 1041 and was 5 km deep. The The US Geological Survey (USGS) had earlier reported that the magnitude was 7.6.
Turkish media said phone lines and electricity had been cut off. The quake's epicentre was at the village of Tabanli, 20 km north of Van City.
Earthquake-Prone Country
Turkey is earthquake-prone due to being crossed by several fault lines. In 1999, two strong quakes in the heavily-populated and industrialized regions of northwest Turkey left some 20,000 dead. And a powerful earthquake in the town of Caldiran in Van province killed 3,840 people in 1976.
More recently, a 6.0-magnitude quake in March 2010 killed 51 people in eastern Turkey, while in 2003, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake killed 177 people in the southeastern city of Bingol.
Turkey’s worst earthquake in the last century came in 1939 in the eastern city of Erzincan, causing an estimated 160,000 deaths.
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city with more than 12 million people, lies in northwestern Turkey near a major fault line. Istanbul is ill-prepared for a major earthquake and experts have warned that overcrowding and faulty construction could lead to the deaths of over 40,000 people if a major earthquake struck the city.
Strong Quake in New Zealand
Caused by a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake, New Zealand's Kermadec Islands region in the South Pacific was jolted on 24 October. According to the USGS, the quake was centered 180 km (112 miles) east of Raoul Island at a depth of about 24 miles. The islands lie about 800 miles (1,200 km) north of the North Island.
New Zealand, currently hosting the Rugby World Cup, lies on the Pacific "ring of fire", a zone of frequent seismic activity, and is prone to earthquakes.
The second largest city, Christchurch, was devastated by a 6.3-magnitude quake in February which killed 181 people, after many of its buildings were weakened by a previous earthquake in September 2010.
Papua New Guinea Jolted
The Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea was jolted by a 6.7-magnitude undersea earthquake on 22 October, but no tsunami warning was issued.
The USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of 45 km (28 miles), 103 km east of the mountain city of Lae and 326 km north of the capital Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea, mired in poverty despite rich mineral deposits, sits on the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire", a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates.
A giant tsunami in 1998, caused by an undersea earthquake or a landslide, killed more than 2,000 people near Aitape, on the country's northwest coast.
Moderate Intensity Earthquake Hits Iran
The earthquake was also felt over the border in northwest Iran, causing some panic in major cities, Iranian media reported, but without any mention of casualties or damage.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Weaknesses, Inabilities of Afghan National Army
According to a report of The Washington Post, the occupying crusader forces in Afghanistan have announced that 24,00 soldiers deserted the hired the Afghan Army of the labor institute (Afghan Government) during the last six months. It means that 15 per cent soldiers of the army have escaped from their duties during the last six months. According to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), only 12,000 soldiers have been recruited in the army during the past six months, which shows that the new recruitments are only 50 per cent of those who have escaped.
The Washington Post reports that 5,000 soldiers deserted the army during the month of June alone.
Occupying Forces
The incidents of desertion of soldiers from the army is getting momentum at a time when the foreign occupying forces, which have transferred the security responsibilities of various regions to the hired Afghan soldiers and are gradually withdrawing from the rest of the regions, are also fleeing from the country.
William Caldwell, commander of the occupying forces of NATO, says that Afghan military officials should find ways to deal with such humiliated state of affairs. Meanwhile, General Abdorrahim Wardak, Defense Minister of the puppet system [government] of the United States, says that the problem of desertion by soldiers from the army can be resolved only when the foreign occupying forces transfer the security responsibility to local labors. The statement by Wardak not only negates military strategy but also unacceptable to ordinary prudence.
Various officials of the hired army term the immoral attitude and ill-treatment by the corrupt commanders with the soldiers responsible for the desertion of soldiers. They say that meager pay and insufficient food supplies are the reasons behind deserting the army.
On the other hand, the US commanders of the occupying forces in Afghanistan term the weaknesses of the chief of the hired army as the real reason behind the desertion of soldiers and say that army chief misappropriates all the budget of the army and deprives the soldiers of their due share which in turn compel these soldiers on desertion from the army.
Flexible Recruitment Policies
Although the military officials of the occupiers and the local forces term the flexible recruitment policies and the weaknesses of the army chief as the reasons behind the desertion of soldiers but the fact is that fierce attacks and resistance by the mujahidin, in which thousands of soldiers of the hired army have been killed, are the real reasons behind the desertion of soldiers from the army.
While the hired army is going through very problematic and disgraceful conditions, the foreign occupiers and the local labors Afghan Army are still dreaming to be successful in recruiting two hundred thousand personnel army. However, analysts of Afghan situation are of the view that recruitment of such a large number of personnel during the continuation of aforementioned problems is impossible.
The Washington Post reports that 5,000 soldiers deserted the army during the month of June alone.
Occupying Forces
The incidents of desertion of soldiers from the army is getting momentum at a time when the foreign occupying forces, which have transferred the security responsibilities of various regions to the hired Afghan soldiers and are gradually withdrawing from the rest of the regions, are also fleeing from the country.
William Caldwell, commander of the occupying forces of NATO, says that Afghan military officials should find ways to deal with such humiliated state of affairs. Meanwhile, General Abdorrahim Wardak, Defense Minister of the puppet system [government] of the United States, says that the problem of desertion by soldiers from the army can be resolved only when the foreign occupying forces transfer the security responsibility to local labors. The statement by Wardak not only negates military strategy but also unacceptable to ordinary prudence.
Various officials of the hired army term the immoral attitude and ill-treatment by the corrupt commanders with the soldiers responsible for the desertion of soldiers. They say that meager pay and insufficient food supplies are the reasons behind deserting the army.
On the other hand, the US commanders of the occupying forces in Afghanistan term the weaknesses of the chief of the hired army as the real reason behind the desertion of soldiers and say that army chief misappropriates all the budget of the army and deprives the soldiers of their due share which in turn compel these soldiers on desertion from the army.
Flexible Recruitment Policies
Although the military officials of the occupiers and the local forces term the flexible recruitment policies and the weaknesses of the army chief as the reasons behind the desertion of soldiers but the fact is that fierce attacks and resistance by the mujahidin, in which thousands of soldiers of the hired army have been killed, are the real reasons behind the desertion of soldiers from the army.
While the hired army is going through very problematic and disgraceful conditions, the foreign occupiers and the local labors Afghan Army are still dreaming to be successful in recruiting two hundred thousand personnel army. However, analysts of Afghan situation are of the view that recruitment of such a large number of personnel during the continuation of aforementioned problems is impossible.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
War on Terror: End of Post-9/11 Era
When the artist Art Spiegelman told his story of 9/11 in a graphic novel, he called it In the Shadow of No Towers. It was an arresting thought, the gloom cast not by the twin peaks of the World Trade Centre but by their absence. We have been living in that shadow for the last 10 years -- but it's time we escaped it. We need to declare the end of the post-9/11 era.
Of course that will be impossible for those directly affected. No one expects -- and no one would ask -- those still grieving for a wife or son, a husband or sister, to put the September 11 attacks behind them just because an anniversary with a round number is looming. What deepens their tragedy is that it continues. The television documentaries, newspaper testimonies and eloquent reminiscences that have been flowing for days leave no doubt that for those directly affected, 9/11 will never let them go.
Artists and writers too will resist closing the book on September 11 any time soon. Happenings on that scale take many decades, not just one, to process. As Salman Rushdie puts it: "I think these great events have to rot down. Maybe another generation has to look at it."
Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
If grief and art will necessarily stay fixated, the realm of politics needs to move on. Osama Bin Laden is dead; George W. Bush and Tony Blair are long gone from office. The two 9/11 wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan, are not over, but both now have a timetable for troops to come home. The phrase of the age -- "the war on terror" -- has been retired.
As far as Al-Qaida is concerned, it has been decapitated: as well as Osama Bin Laden, the network's new number two and chief operational planner was killed last month, and the man branded its "foreign minister" revealed to be in Pakistani custody on Monday. Most analysts say Al-Qaida is weakened, its capacity to act reduced.
Post-9/11 Landscape
Of course no wants to tempt fate with complacency. For that reason one aspect of the post-9/11 landscape will and should remain in place: vigilance. Police and intelligence agencies charged with protecting the public cannot revert to September 10 pretending that 9/11 -- or, for that matter, Bali, Madrid and London -- did not happen. The threat has changed, but it has not disappeared.
Other aspects of the post-9/11 order persist too. Guantanamo Bay remains open, one of the early disappointments of the Barack Obama presidency. The US "homeland security" apparatus created a decade ago is now well dug in. Given the tenacity of such bureaucracies -- plenty of cold war American military structures linger to this day -- few would bet on this newer one allowing itself to be mothballed.
Overarching and Paramount Threat
Moreover, it is the mind-set that has to go. In those dazed days after the attacks, a new foreign policy doctrine was hastily assembled. It said that the world faced a single, overarching and paramount threat in the form of violent jihadism. Every other battle had to be subordinated to, or subsumed into, that one. And the call went beyond foreign policy. Culture, too, was to be enlisted in a clash of civilizations between Islamism and the west that would rank alongside the great 20th century struggles against communism and fascism. Christopher Hitchens confessed he felt "exhilaration" as he saw the towers fall. At last there would be war against "dull and vicious theocratic fascism. I am prepared for this war to go on for a very long time. I will never become tired of waging it, because it is a fight over essentials. And because it is so interesting."
Such talk has been a constant of the 9/11 decade but its time has passed. For one thing, it's predicated on a mistake. The right way to regard the 2001 attacks was as a heinous and wicked crime -- not a declaration of war. As Eliza Manningham-Buller, the former head of MI5, argued in her first Reith lecture calling it a war "legitimizes the terrorists as warriors & quote. It is exactly what Al-Qaida wanted -- feeding their fantasies of grandeur -- and we gave it to them.
Second, post-9/11 thinking has led to grave and lethal misjudgments. The greatest of these is agglomeration, lumping disparate and complex threats under one easy heading. The most notorious example will always be Iraq, casting that as part of the war on terror even though there was nothing to connect Saddam Hussein to Osama Bin Laden.
But it worked in subtler ways too. The director of Chatham House, Robin Niblett -- who was in Washington when flight 77 struck the Pentagon -- recalls how, during the cold war, regimes in Africa, Asia or Latin America won western backing as they fought off local, domestically motivated rebels simply by casting their opponents as part of "the global Communist foe". In the past decade, the west fell for the same trick all over again. Hosni Mubarak gained a new lease on office by insisting he was holding back the Muslim Brotherhood, which he portrayed as the Egyptian branch of the global jihad. This week has brought fresh evidence that Colonel Gaddafi was playing the same game, persuading British intelligence to become complicit in his torture of dissidents, partly by painting the Libyan opposition in Al-Qaida colors. "The danger of the 9/11 mindset is that you try to compress all kinds of challenges into a single threat," says Niblett.
Making the war against jihadism paramount has had other consequences too, still being felt. On post-9/11 logic, the shredding of civil liberties -- condemned by Manningham-Buller as handing "victory to the terrorists" -- was almost inevitable, for surely such freedoms had to take second place to the supreme threat. More serious has been the unleashing of a rampant Islamophobia -- intense in Europe, recently lethal in Norway and rising in the US. That too is all but inevitable once Islamism is deemed the greatest peril faced by the human race.
Famously Tony Blair declared after 9/11 that the "kaleidoscope has been shaken. The pieces are in flux". But the kaleidoscope has been shaken again -- most dramatically by this year's Arab revolutions. Whatever landscape was created once the dust of the World Trade Centre had settled in 2001 has been remade in 2011. Change has come to Egypt, Tunisia and Libya -- and Osama Bin Laden had nothing to do with it.
Again, this is not to say the dangers have receded. Would-be terrorists have seen the earth-shaking impact a spectacular attack can have -- especially if it prompts a massive reaction that fuels the terrorists' cause, as the Iraq invasion did for Al-Qaida. If one of the Arab revolutions fails, an Al-Qaida offshoot could find purchase in that country. But vigilance is not the same as a careless, undiscriminating monomania.
Even those who were not there say the memory is so vivid, it feels like yesterday. But it was not yesterday. It was 10 years ago. We should mark the 9/11 anniversary with respect and care for those who died. But then we ought to close this sorry and bloody chapter -- and bury the mentality it created.
Of course that will be impossible for those directly affected. No one expects -- and no one would ask -- those still grieving for a wife or son, a husband or sister, to put the September 11 attacks behind them just because an anniversary with a round number is looming. What deepens their tragedy is that it continues. The television documentaries, newspaper testimonies and eloquent reminiscences that have been flowing for days leave no doubt that for those directly affected, 9/11 will never let them go.
Artists and writers too will resist closing the book on September 11 any time soon. Happenings on that scale take many decades, not just one, to process. As Salman Rushdie puts it: "I think these great events have to rot down. Maybe another generation has to look at it."
Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
If grief and art will necessarily stay fixated, the realm of politics needs to move on. Osama Bin Laden is dead; George W. Bush and Tony Blair are long gone from office. The two 9/11 wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan, are not over, but both now have a timetable for troops to come home. The phrase of the age -- "the war on terror" -- has been retired.
As far as Al-Qaida is concerned, it has been decapitated: as well as Osama Bin Laden, the network's new number two and chief operational planner was killed last month, and the man branded its "foreign minister" revealed to be in Pakistani custody on Monday. Most analysts say Al-Qaida is weakened, its capacity to act reduced.
Post-9/11 Landscape
Of course no wants to tempt fate with complacency. For that reason one aspect of the post-9/11 landscape will and should remain in place: vigilance. Police and intelligence agencies charged with protecting the public cannot revert to September 10 pretending that 9/11 -- or, for that matter, Bali, Madrid and London -- did not happen. The threat has changed, but it has not disappeared.
Other aspects of the post-9/11 order persist too. Guantanamo Bay remains open, one of the early disappointments of the Barack Obama presidency. The US "homeland security" apparatus created a decade ago is now well dug in. Given the tenacity of such bureaucracies -- plenty of cold war American military structures linger to this day -- few would bet on this newer one allowing itself to be mothballed.
Overarching and Paramount Threat
Moreover, it is the mind-set that has to go. In those dazed days after the attacks, a new foreign policy doctrine was hastily assembled. It said that the world faced a single, overarching and paramount threat in the form of violent jihadism. Every other battle had to be subordinated to, or subsumed into, that one. And the call went beyond foreign policy. Culture, too, was to be enlisted in a clash of civilizations between Islamism and the west that would rank alongside the great 20th century struggles against communism and fascism. Christopher Hitchens confessed he felt "exhilaration" as he saw the towers fall. At last there would be war against "dull and vicious theocratic fascism. I am prepared for this war to go on for a very long time. I will never become tired of waging it, because it is a fight over essentials. And because it is so interesting."
Such talk has been a constant of the 9/11 decade but its time has passed. For one thing, it's predicated on a mistake. The right way to regard the 2001 attacks was as a heinous and wicked crime -- not a declaration of war. As Eliza Manningham-Buller, the former head of MI5, argued in her first Reith lecture calling it a war "legitimizes the terrorists as warriors & quote. It is exactly what Al-Qaida wanted -- feeding their fantasies of grandeur -- and we gave it to them.
Second, post-9/11 thinking has led to grave and lethal misjudgments. The greatest of these is agglomeration, lumping disparate and complex threats under one easy heading. The most notorious example will always be Iraq, casting that as part of the war on terror even though there was nothing to connect Saddam Hussein to Osama Bin Laden.
But it worked in subtler ways too. The director of Chatham House, Robin Niblett -- who was in Washington when flight 77 struck the Pentagon -- recalls how, during the cold war, regimes in Africa, Asia or Latin America won western backing as they fought off local, domestically motivated rebels simply by casting their opponents as part of "the global Communist foe". In the past decade, the west fell for the same trick all over again. Hosni Mubarak gained a new lease on office by insisting he was holding back the Muslim Brotherhood, which he portrayed as the Egyptian branch of the global jihad. This week has brought fresh evidence that Colonel Gaddafi was playing the same game, persuading British intelligence to become complicit in his torture of dissidents, partly by painting the Libyan opposition in Al-Qaida colors. "The danger of the 9/11 mindset is that you try to compress all kinds of challenges into a single threat," says Niblett.
Making the war against jihadism paramount has had other consequences too, still being felt. On post-9/11 logic, the shredding of civil liberties -- condemned by Manningham-Buller as handing "victory to the terrorists" -- was almost inevitable, for surely such freedoms had to take second place to the supreme threat. More serious has been the unleashing of a rampant Islamophobia -- intense in Europe, recently lethal in Norway and rising in the US. That too is all but inevitable once Islamism is deemed the greatest peril faced by the human race.
Famously Tony Blair declared after 9/11 that the "kaleidoscope has been shaken. The pieces are in flux". But the kaleidoscope has been shaken again -- most dramatically by this year's Arab revolutions. Whatever landscape was created once the dust of the World Trade Centre had settled in 2001 has been remade in 2011. Change has come to Egypt, Tunisia and Libya -- and Osama Bin Laden had nothing to do with it.
Again, this is not to say the dangers have receded. Would-be terrorists have seen the earth-shaking impact a spectacular attack can have -- especially if it prompts a massive reaction that fuels the terrorists' cause, as the Iraq invasion did for Al-Qaida. If one of the Arab revolutions fails, an Al-Qaida offshoot could find purchase in that country. But vigilance is not the same as a careless, undiscriminating monomania.
Even those who were not there say the memory is so vivid, it feels like yesterday. But it was not yesterday. It was 10 years ago. We should mark the 9/11 anniversary with respect and care for those who died. But then we ought to close this sorry and bloody chapter -- and bury the mentality it created.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Colonel Gaddafi Assassinated: End of An Era in Libya
Sixty-nine-year-old deposed dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, a maverick who had ruled Libya with an iron hand for 42 years, was on 20 October shot and killed by the rebels in his hometown of Sirte after the revolutionary forces overran his last bastion.
The longest-serving leader in the African and Arab world, Gaddafi died of his wounds after being captured from a hole where he had been hiding in Sirte, a rebel commander said, adding there was a lot of firing and he was also hit in his head.
"Muammar Gaddafi has been killed," Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril said in a news conference in the capital Tripoli.
Gaddafi's son Mutassim and Defence Minister Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr were also found dead in Sirte, the last major bastion of resistance two months after the regime fell in August.
Known for his flamboyant dressing style and gun-toting female bodyguards as much as for his iron clasp over the country, Gaddafi had been holed up with the last of his fighters in the furious battle with revolutionary fighters assaulting the last few buildings they held in his Mediterranean coastal hometown of Sirte. At one point, a convoy tried to flee the area and was blasted by NATO airstrikes, though it was not clear if Gaddafi was in the vehicle.
Sirte’s fall caps weeks of heavy, street—by—street fighting as revolutionary fighters besieged the Mediterranean coastal city. Despite the fall of Tripoli on 21 August, Gaddafi loyalists mounted fierce resistance in several areas, including Sirte, preventing Libya’s new leaders from declaring full victory in the eight-month civil war. Earlier this week, revolutionary fighters gained control of one stronghold.
Life of Gaddafi
Born in the desert in 1942, Gaddafi, at the age of only 29, became the leader of a small group of junior army officers who in September 1969 staged a bloodless coup, overthrowing King Idris while he was abroad for medical treatment. Fiercely anti-Western and inspired by Egypt's President Nasser, he governed according to his unique political philosophy — set out in his Green Book — based on a combination of socialism and Arab nationalism.
Gaddafi quickly showed he would brook no dissent to his idiosyncratic rule, reportedly having students who marched against his regime publicly hanged. In one of his most infamous atrocities, 1,200 prisoners were massacred in a Tripoli jail in 1996.
As far as his relations with other nations are concerned, his outspoken public support for a range of terrorist organizations, including the IRA and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), attracted growing international criticism and concern.
The increasingly erratic nature of his regime was underlined in 1984 when diplomats at the Libyan embassy in London opened fire on a demonstration outside, killing Yvonne Fletcher.
In 1986, the bombing by Libyan agents of a Berlin nightclub, in which two off-duty American servicemen died, prompted President Reagan to launch air strikes on Tripoli and Benghazi. Gaddafi's adopted daughter was among 35 Libyans killed.
In December 1988, came the most notorious incident of all — the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over the Scottish village of Lockerbie, killing 270. The attack prompted global outrage. For years Gaddafi denied any involvement, leading to UN sanctions and international pariah status for his regime.
He finally began to emerge from the cold when South African president Nelson Mandela helped to broker a deal which saw two Libyan intelligence officers handed over in 1999 to stand trial before a Scottish court. In 2003, after one of the men had been convicted, the Libyan government wrote to the UNSC formally accepting responsibility for the actions of its officials in the attacks.
Gaddafi's rehabilitation seemed complete when the same year, following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein by US and British forces, he admitted that Libya had an active weapons of mass destruction program which he offered to dismantle. In 2004, Tony Blair traveled to Tripoli to welcome the West's new ally in the so-called "War on Terror".
Chronology of Recent Events
15/16 February 2011: The arrest of human rights activist Fethi Tarbel starts a riot in Benghazi.
24 February: Antigovernment militias take control of central coastal city of Misrata after evicting forces loyal to Gaddafi.
26 February: The U.N. Security Council imposes sanctions on Gaddafi and his family, and refers the crackdown on rebels to the International Criminal Court.
28 February: EU governments approve sanctions against Gaddafi and his closest advisers.
5 March: The rebel National Transitional Council (NTC) in Benghazi declares itself Libya's sole representative.
17 March: The UN Security Council votes to authorise a no-fly zone over Libya and military action -- to protect civilians against Gaddafi's army.
19 March: The first air strikes halt the advance of Gaddafi's forces on Benghazi and target Libya's air defences.
30 April: A NATO missile attack on a house in Tripoli kills Gaddafi's youngest son and three grandchildren, his government says.
27 June: The ICC issues arrest warrants for Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi on charges of crimes against humanity.
21 August: Rebels enter Tripoli with little resistance. Gaddafi makes audio addresses over state television calling on Libyans to fight off the rebel "rats".
23 August: The rebels overrun Gaddafi's fortified Bab al-Aziziya compound in Tripoli, trashing the symbols of his rule.
29 August: Gaddafi's wife, his daughter Aisha and two of his sons enter Algeria. Aisha Gaddafi gives birth in a clinic in a border town hours after crossing the frontier.
1 September: Libya's interim rulers meet world leaders at a conference in Paris to discuss reshaping Libya. Gaddafi, on the 42nd anniversary of his coming to power, urges his supporters to fight on.
8 September: Interim prime minister Mahmoud Jibril arrives in Tripoli on his first visit since it was taken by his forces.
11 September: Libya starts producing oil again. Niger says Gaddafi's son Saadi has arrived there.
13 September: Interim government chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil makes his first speech in Tripoli to a crowd of about 10,000.
15 September: France's Nicolas Sarkozy and Britain's David Cameron land in Libya to a heroes' welcome.
16 September: The UN Security Council eases sanctions on Libya, including on its national oil company and central bank. The UN General Assembly approves a request to accredit interim government envoys as Libya's sole representatives at the United Nations, effectively recognizing the NTC.
20 September: US President Barack Obama calls for the last of Gaddafi's loyalist forces to surrender as he announces the return of the U.S. ambassador to Tripoli. Gaddafi taunts NATO in a speech broadcast by Syrian-based Arrai television station.
21 September: The interim rulers say they have captured most of Sabha, one of three main towns where Gaddafi loyalists have been holding out since the fall of Tripoli. Gaddafi's birthplace Sirte and the town of Bani Walid continue to resist.
25 September: The first Libyan crude oil to be shipped in months sails from the eastern port of Marsa el Hariga for Italy.
27 September: NATO says Libya's interim rulers have taken full control of the country's stockpile of chemical weapons and nuclear material.
12 October: Government fighters capture Gaddafi's son Mo'tassim after he tried to escape Sirte.
13 October: NTC forces say they have control of the whole of Sirte except neighborhood 'Number Two' where Gaddafi forces are surrounded.
14 October: Gunfights break out in Tripoli between Gaddafi supporters and NTC forces, the first sign of armed resistance to the new government.
17 October: NTC forces celebrate the capture of Bani Walid, one of the final bastions of Gaddafi loyalists.
-- A Syrian television station confirms Gaddafi's son Khamis died in fighting southeast of Tripoli on 29 August.
18 October: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Libya on an unannounced visit, urges militias to unite.
20 October: NTC fighters capture Sirte, Gaddafi's hometown, ending a two-month siege and extinguishing the last significant hold out of troops loyal to the deposed leader.
Assessment
With the fall of the Gaddafi, who came to power in a bloodless coup against King Idris in 1969 when he was a 27-year-old army captain, Libya has become another case of regime change since the start of the popular unrest that broke out in the Arab world this past January and February. Libya’s regime had been led by the Gaddafi family. Despite the fact that Gaddafi took power via a military coup, he did not allow a robust and autonomous military institution that could pose a threat to his authority to develop. This practice, however, seems to have resulted in sizeable defections from the Libyan army, sparking a civil war.
The crisis in Libya may play itself out over a long period of time. The country’s geopolitical reality is one where the crisis within the country can continue to evolve without seriously impacting the region or beyond. Meanwhile, the de facto government of new Libya, the NTC, has been feted in Paris by more than 60 nations and international organizations. The NTC presented its plans for nation-building to the international community and the rest of the world pledged to help the new government in meeting urgent needs and begin the formation of a functioning governing authority.
The longest-serving leader in the African and Arab world, Gaddafi died of his wounds after being captured from a hole where he had been hiding in Sirte, a rebel commander said, adding there was a lot of firing and he was also hit in his head.
"Muammar Gaddafi has been killed," Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril said in a news conference in the capital Tripoli.
Gaddafi's son Mutassim and Defence Minister Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr were also found dead in Sirte, the last major bastion of resistance two months after the regime fell in August.
Known for his flamboyant dressing style and gun-toting female bodyguards as much as for his iron clasp over the country, Gaddafi had been holed up with the last of his fighters in the furious battle with revolutionary fighters assaulting the last few buildings they held in his Mediterranean coastal hometown of Sirte. At one point, a convoy tried to flee the area and was blasted by NATO airstrikes, though it was not clear if Gaddafi was in the vehicle.
Sirte’s fall caps weeks of heavy, street—by—street fighting as revolutionary fighters besieged the Mediterranean coastal city. Despite the fall of Tripoli on 21 August, Gaddafi loyalists mounted fierce resistance in several areas, including Sirte, preventing Libya’s new leaders from declaring full victory in the eight-month civil war. Earlier this week, revolutionary fighters gained control of one stronghold.
Life of Gaddafi
Born in the desert in 1942, Gaddafi, at the age of only 29, became the leader of a small group of junior army officers who in September 1969 staged a bloodless coup, overthrowing King Idris while he was abroad for medical treatment. Fiercely anti-Western and inspired by Egypt's President Nasser, he governed according to his unique political philosophy — set out in his Green Book — based on a combination of socialism and Arab nationalism.
Gaddafi quickly showed he would brook no dissent to his idiosyncratic rule, reportedly having students who marched against his regime publicly hanged. In one of his most infamous atrocities, 1,200 prisoners were massacred in a Tripoli jail in 1996.
As far as his relations with other nations are concerned, his outspoken public support for a range of terrorist organizations, including the IRA and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), attracted growing international criticism and concern.
The increasingly erratic nature of his regime was underlined in 1984 when diplomats at the Libyan embassy in London opened fire on a demonstration outside, killing Yvonne Fletcher.
In 1986, the bombing by Libyan agents of a Berlin nightclub, in which two off-duty American servicemen died, prompted President Reagan to launch air strikes on Tripoli and Benghazi. Gaddafi's adopted daughter was among 35 Libyans killed.
In December 1988, came the most notorious incident of all — the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over the Scottish village of Lockerbie, killing 270. The attack prompted global outrage. For years Gaddafi denied any involvement, leading to UN sanctions and international pariah status for his regime.
He finally began to emerge from the cold when South African president Nelson Mandela helped to broker a deal which saw two Libyan intelligence officers handed over in 1999 to stand trial before a Scottish court. In 2003, after one of the men had been convicted, the Libyan government wrote to the UNSC formally accepting responsibility for the actions of its officials in the attacks.
Gaddafi's rehabilitation seemed complete when the same year, following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein by US and British forces, he admitted that Libya had an active weapons of mass destruction program which he offered to dismantle. In 2004, Tony Blair traveled to Tripoli to welcome the West's new ally in the so-called "War on Terror".
Chronology of Recent Events
15/16 February 2011: The arrest of human rights activist Fethi Tarbel starts a riot in Benghazi.
24 February: Antigovernment militias take control of central coastal city of Misrata after evicting forces loyal to Gaddafi.
26 February: The U.N. Security Council imposes sanctions on Gaddafi and his family, and refers the crackdown on rebels to the International Criminal Court.
28 February: EU governments approve sanctions against Gaddafi and his closest advisers.
5 March: The rebel National Transitional Council (NTC) in Benghazi declares itself Libya's sole representative.
17 March: The UN Security Council votes to authorise a no-fly zone over Libya and military action -- to protect civilians against Gaddafi's army.
19 March: The first air strikes halt the advance of Gaddafi's forces on Benghazi and target Libya's air defences.
30 April: A NATO missile attack on a house in Tripoli kills Gaddafi's youngest son and three grandchildren, his government says.
27 June: The ICC issues arrest warrants for Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi on charges of crimes against humanity.
21 August: Rebels enter Tripoli with little resistance. Gaddafi makes audio addresses over state television calling on Libyans to fight off the rebel "rats".
23 August: The rebels overrun Gaddafi's fortified Bab al-Aziziya compound in Tripoli, trashing the symbols of his rule.
29 August: Gaddafi's wife, his daughter Aisha and two of his sons enter Algeria. Aisha Gaddafi gives birth in a clinic in a border town hours after crossing the frontier.
1 September: Libya's interim rulers meet world leaders at a conference in Paris to discuss reshaping Libya. Gaddafi, on the 42nd anniversary of his coming to power, urges his supporters to fight on.
8 September: Interim prime minister Mahmoud Jibril arrives in Tripoli on his first visit since it was taken by his forces.
11 September: Libya starts producing oil again. Niger says Gaddafi's son Saadi has arrived there.
13 September: Interim government chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil makes his first speech in Tripoli to a crowd of about 10,000.
15 September: France's Nicolas Sarkozy and Britain's David Cameron land in Libya to a heroes' welcome.
16 September: The UN Security Council eases sanctions on Libya, including on its national oil company and central bank. The UN General Assembly approves a request to accredit interim government envoys as Libya's sole representatives at the United Nations, effectively recognizing the NTC.
20 September: US President Barack Obama calls for the last of Gaddafi's loyalist forces to surrender as he announces the return of the U.S. ambassador to Tripoli. Gaddafi taunts NATO in a speech broadcast by Syrian-based Arrai television station.
21 September: The interim rulers say they have captured most of Sabha, one of three main towns where Gaddafi loyalists have been holding out since the fall of Tripoli. Gaddafi's birthplace Sirte and the town of Bani Walid continue to resist.
25 September: The first Libyan crude oil to be shipped in months sails from the eastern port of Marsa el Hariga for Italy.
27 September: NATO says Libya's interim rulers have taken full control of the country's stockpile of chemical weapons and nuclear material.
12 October: Government fighters capture Gaddafi's son Mo'tassim after he tried to escape Sirte.
13 October: NTC forces say they have control of the whole of Sirte except neighborhood 'Number Two' where Gaddafi forces are surrounded.
14 October: Gunfights break out in Tripoli between Gaddafi supporters and NTC forces, the first sign of armed resistance to the new government.
17 October: NTC forces celebrate the capture of Bani Walid, one of the final bastions of Gaddafi loyalists.
-- A Syrian television station confirms Gaddafi's son Khamis died in fighting southeast of Tripoli on 29 August.
18 October: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Libya on an unannounced visit, urges militias to unite.
20 October: NTC fighters capture Sirte, Gaddafi's hometown, ending a two-month siege and extinguishing the last significant hold out of troops loyal to the deposed leader.
Assessment
With the fall of the Gaddafi, who came to power in a bloodless coup against King Idris in 1969 when he was a 27-year-old army captain, Libya has become another case of regime change since the start of the popular unrest that broke out in the Arab world this past January and February. Libya’s regime had been led by the Gaddafi family. Despite the fact that Gaddafi took power via a military coup, he did not allow a robust and autonomous military institution that could pose a threat to his authority to develop. This practice, however, seems to have resulted in sizeable defections from the Libyan army, sparking a civil war.
The crisis in Libya may play itself out over a long period of time. The country’s geopolitical reality is one where the crisis within the country can continue to evolve without seriously impacting the region or beyond. Meanwhile, the de facto government of new Libya, the NTC, has been feted in Paris by more than 60 nations and international organizations. The NTC presented its plans for nation-building to the international community and the rest of the world pledged to help the new government in meeting urgent needs and begin the formation of a functioning governing authority.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Indonesia-China Trade Deficit
Bilateral trade between Indonesia and China has become more and more balance. From January to July this year, Indonesia's non-oil trade deficit with China has now been reduced to $3.39 billion.
Import and Export
Figures provided by China's Commerce Department shows that from January to July this year, the total import and export volume of China has exceeded $2022.5 billion. It was an increase of 25.1 as compared with same period last year. This resulted in $ 76.21 billion foreign trade deficit for China. For the month of August China's trade deficit reached $ 17.8 billion.
Not too long ago, Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics Director Rusman Heriawan said that during the first seven months of this year, Indonesia's biggest non-oil export market is China; and that Indonesia's non-oil export to China stood as $10.92billion. It took up 11.69 percent of Indonesia's total export volume. Meanwhile, China is also Indonesia's largest source of imports, with import value worth about $ 14.31 billion.
According to data obtained from Indonesia's Ministry of Trade, in Indonesia's non-oil trade with China for the year 2007, Indonesia's non-oil trade has suffered a deficit of $1.293 billion; and for the year of 2010, Indonesia's non-oil trade deficit with China has increased to $5.607billion. But by the end of May in 2011, Indonesia's trade deficit with China has turned $ 2.731billion.
12th Five-Year Plan
The main reason that triggered the rapid growth of Chinese imports is due to the fact that not too long ago, China's 12th Five-Year Plan has outlined its national economic and social development. Subsequently, China has made number major changes in its economic market. One of changes is for China to improve its people's quality of life and so China has stressed on providing supplies to the domestic market. Another reason is that it is China's wish to see the Indonesia-China trade can attain mutual win and mutual beneficial trade balance situation. In this regard, China has upgraded the opening up level of its overseas trade limit, including the optimization of engaging in foreign trade and other measures.
Consumer Price Index
Song Yu, Goldman Sachs Group's economic analyst based in Hong Kong recently said that according to Goldman Sachs Group's research report prepared by Goldman Saches Group's Asia macro economist Song Yu, currently, China's economy is full of confidence in the implementation of its "soft landing" economic policy.
It is expected that for the month of August, China's Consumer Price Index will decrease to 5.9 percent from July's 6.5 percent. The main reason is due to the decrease in the prices of food items. Nevertheless, from August China's real economy growth rate has begun to fall. It is expected that China's real economic growth in August will be decreased to 13.8 percent from July's 14 percent.
Import and Export
Figures provided by China's Commerce Department shows that from January to July this year, the total import and export volume of China has exceeded $2022.5 billion. It was an increase of 25.1 as compared with same period last year. This resulted in $ 76.21 billion foreign trade deficit for China. For the month of August China's trade deficit reached $ 17.8 billion.
Not too long ago, Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics Director Rusman Heriawan said that during the first seven months of this year, Indonesia's biggest non-oil export market is China; and that Indonesia's non-oil export to China stood as $10.92billion. It took up 11.69 percent of Indonesia's total export volume. Meanwhile, China is also Indonesia's largest source of imports, with import value worth about $ 14.31 billion.
According to data obtained from Indonesia's Ministry of Trade, in Indonesia's non-oil trade with China for the year 2007, Indonesia's non-oil trade has suffered a deficit of $1.293 billion; and for the year of 2010, Indonesia's non-oil trade deficit with China has increased to $5.607billion. But by the end of May in 2011, Indonesia's trade deficit with China has turned $ 2.731billion.
12th Five-Year Plan
The main reason that triggered the rapid growth of Chinese imports is due to the fact that not too long ago, China's 12th Five-Year Plan has outlined its national economic and social development. Subsequently, China has made number major changes in its economic market. One of changes is for China to improve its people's quality of life and so China has stressed on providing supplies to the domestic market. Another reason is that it is China's wish to see the Indonesia-China trade can attain mutual win and mutual beneficial trade balance situation. In this regard, China has upgraded the opening up level of its overseas trade limit, including the optimization of engaging in foreign trade and other measures.
Consumer Price Index
Song Yu, Goldman Sachs Group's economic analyst based in Hong Kong recently said that according to Goldman Sachs Group's research report prepared by Goldman Saches Group's Asia macro economist Song Yu, currently, China's economy is full of confidence in the implementation of its "soft landing" economic policy.
It is expected that for the month of August, China's Consumer Price Index will decrease to 5.9 percent from July's 6.5 percent. The main reason is due to the decrease in the prices of food items. Nevertheless, from August China's real economy growth rate has begun to fall. It is expected that China's real economic growth in August will be decreased to 13.8 percent from July's 14 percent.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Fifth IBSA Summit
The fifth India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Summit, which was held in Pretoria on 18 October, has come out with a declaration on major global issues with focus on reforms of multilateral organisations, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), the IMF and the World Bank to give greater voice to emerging countries like India.
The Summit came out with the Tshwane Declaration following the discussions between the leaders of India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa and President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil.
On global governance reform, the three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increase the participation of developing countries in the decision-making bodies of multilateral institutions.
UN and IMF Reforms
They underscored the need for urgent reform of the United Nations (UN) to render it more democratic and consistent with the current geopolitical reality. They particularly emphasized that no reform of the United Nations will be complete without a reform of the UNSC, including an expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of its membership, with increased participation of developing countries in both.
IBSA, as like-minded countries, will continue to strive to contribute to a new world order whose political, economic and financial architecture is more inclusive, representative and legitimate, the declaration stated.
It also called for the early implementation of the targets for the reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to ensure that the body is democratic, responsive and accountable. The leaders reiterated that the governing structure of the Fund should reflect the changed realities of the global economy in the 21st century, through the increased voice and representation of emerging economies and developing countries.
Global Economic Growth
The leaders agreed that the Heads and senior leadership of all international institutions should be appointed through an open, transparent and merit-based process beginning with the selection of the next President of the World Bank in 2012.
The declaration expressed concern at the ongoing deterioration of the global economic scenario, which presents particular challenges for the economic policy and growth prospects of developing and low-income countries. Downside risks have increased substantially in recent weeks. They stressed the importance of the implementation of a credible plan of macro-economic and financial policies and structural reforms by the Eurozone countries, as a necessary step to prevent further negative shocks to the world economy. They also highlighted the importance of complementary measures by other key developed economies to boost recovery and help the global economy as a whole.
The leaders stressed on the need to increase policy coordination among G20 nations, with a view to avert a new recession and to promote a robust recovery in order to ensure strong, sustainable and balanced growth of the global economy in the medium term.
The current impasse in the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations is a source of serious concern, the declaration said.
At the Summit of three leading economies, Manmohan Singh, joined by Zuma and Rousseff, cautioned that economic crisis in developed countries could affect developing nations and pressed for urgent steps by Europe and other advanced economies to prevent “double-dip” recession.
The three leaders also demanded reform of global institutions of governance, including the United Nations and financial bodies, to address current international challenges.
India’s Stand
The Indian prime minister said that the world financial and capital markets were showing signs of “acute distress” due to the negative signals sent by the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and recessionary trends in the “traditional engines” of global economy - the United States, Europe and Japan.
Dr Singh, Zuma and Rousseff, who represent the fast developing economies, discussed the crisis being faced by the advanced countries at their day-long trilateral Summit and were in agreement that the situation needs to be prevented from spiralling out of hand.
The Indian prime minister voiced his hope that effective and early steps will be taken by Europe and other advanced economies to calm the capital and financial markets and prevent the global economy from slipping into a double-dip recession.
Manmohan Singh said that there has been steady growth in the three economies despite the global economic slowdown and intra-IBSA trade has almost touched the $20 billion dollar mark, the Indian prime minister said. The IBSA countries have set a target of $25 billion by 2015.
India will host the next IBSA summit in 2013.
The Summit came out with the Tshwane Declaration following the discussions between the leaders of India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa and President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil.
On global governance reform, the three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increase the participation of developing countries in the decision-making bodies of multilateral institutions.
UN and IMF Reforms
They underscored the need for urgent reform of the United Nations (UN) to render it more democratic and consistent with the current geopolitical reality. They particularly emphasized that no reform of the United Nations will be complete without a reform of the UNSC, including an expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of its membership, with increased participation of developing countries in both.
IBSA, as like-minded countries, will continue to strive to contribute to a new world order whose political, economic and financial architecture is more inclusive, representative and legitimate, the declaration stated.
It also called for the early implementation of the targets for the reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to ensure that the body is democratic, responsive and accountable. The leaders reiterated that the governing structure of the Fund should reflect the changed realities of the global economy in the 21st century, through the increased voice and representation of emerging economies and developing countries.
Global Economic Growth
The leaders agreed that the Heads and senior leadership of all international institutions should be appointed through an open, transparent and merit-based process beginning with the selection of the next President of the World Bank in 2012.
The declaration expressed concern at the ongoing deterioration of the global economic scenario, which presents particular challenges for the economic policy and growth prospects of developing and low-income countries. Downside risks have increased substantially in recent weeks. They stressed the importance of the implementation of a credible plan of macro-economic and financial policies and structural reforms by the Eurozone countries, as a necessary step to prevent further negative shocks to the world economy. They also highlighted the importance of complementary measures by other key developed economies to boost recovery and help the global economy as a whole.
The leaders stressed on the need to increase policy coordination among G20 nations, with a view to avert a new recession and to promote a robust recovery in order to ensure strong, sustainable and balanced growth of the global economy in the medium term.
The current impasse in the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations is a source of serious concern, the declaration said.
At the Summit of three leading economies, Manmohan Singh, joined by Zuma and Rousseff, cautioned that economic crisis in developed countries could affect developing nations and pressed for urgent steps by Europe and other advanced economies to prevent “double-dip” recession.
The three leaders also demanded reform of global institutions of governance, including the United Nations and financial bodies, to address current international challenges.
India’s Stand
The Indian prime minister said that the world financial and capital markets were showing signs of “acute distress” due to the negative signals sent by the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and recessionary trends in the “traditional engines” of global economy - the United States, Europe and Japan.
Dr Singh, Zuma and Rousseff, who represent the fast developing economies, discussed the crisis being faced by the advanced countries at their day-long trilateral Summit and were in agreement that the situation needs to be prevented from spiralling out of hand.
The Indian prime minister voiced his hope that effective and early steps will be taken by Europe and other advanced economies to calm the capital and financial markets and prevent the global economy from slipping into a double-dip recession.
Manmohan Singh said that there has been steady growth in the three economies despite the global economic slowdown and intra-IBSA trade has almost touched the $20 billion dollar mark, the Indian prime minister said. The IBSA countries have set a target of $25 billion by 2015.
India will host the next IBSA summit in 2013.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Provisions in 15th Amendment to Bangladesh Constitution Criticized
Constitution and legal experts believe that many important provisions of the 15th Amendment to the constitution more dangerous than Baksal (one-party rule established by the then Awami League government in 1975). According to them, the most dangerous provision of the 15th Amendment is some part of the Article 7 (a). Under this provision, retraction of citizens' confidence and trust in the constitution will be treated as an act of sedition with the highest punishment. This highest punishment means death sentence.
Establishing One-Party Hegemony
According to the experts, there are scopes for using this provision in the spirit of Baksal for establishing one-party hegemony and suppressing the opposition parties and voices of dissent. This can close down the path of freedom of expression and the objective, independent, intellectual and constructive criticism of any article of the constitution. According to the provision, the government may take initiative of arresting and putting behind the bars all writers, speakers, editors for critical articles so far published and discussion held in the mass media. There are also scopes of awarding the highest punishment for these kinds of activities. Such dangerous provisions are not found in the constitution in any democratic country in the world and also even in the states in South Asia.
Article 7(a) (1) says, ‘If any citizen retracts his confidence and trust in this constitution or takes attempt of doing so or conspire against it, his or her activities will be treated as acts of sedition, and the person concerned will be guilty of sedition.’ About punishment, Article 7 (a ) (3) says, ‘The person convicted under the provision of this article will be awarded the maximum punishment prescribed for other criminal activities under the existing law.
According to constitution experts, the second most dangerous aspect of the 15th Amendment is that more than 50 articles of the constitution have been made 'beyond amendment' (cannot be amended). The Amendment has inserted Article 7 (a) restraining addition, revision, replacement, suspension and any other means of brining changes to the 50 articles of the constitution. Even Article 7 (a) has been identified as basic structure and beyond any revision. The provisions have seriously squeezed the authority of the next parliaments.
According to the experts, the provisions under Article 8 (2) of the constitution could be the basic structure of the constitution. There will be no scope of establishing the US style of government and right to education and health as fundamental rights under the provisions.
Article 7 (a) says, ‘The fundamental rules in the constitution are irreversible. Whichever might be in Article 142 of the constitution, the revision, change, replacement, suspension or change through other means of the preamble of the constitution, all articles in the First Chapter, all articles in the Second Chapter, all articles of chapter Three as per the provisions enshrined in Chapter 9. a, and the other Articles relating to basic structure, including Article 150 of the Chapter 11 will be beyond any revision. This Article has made 50 articles of the charter above revision.
Articles Contradictory to Fundamental Rights
About the 15th Amendment to the constitution, elderly Supreme Court Lawyer and Constitution Expert Justice T H Kahn said: ‘I do not know whether any constitution world have articles contradictory to the fundamental rights. This amendment has limited the fundamental rights. Many objectionable things have been inserted in the constitution through the amendment. In a nutshell, arrangements have been made to snatch away the rights of the people. In comparison with Baksal, it is a paradise. Baksal is a one-party system. Whatever done in Article 7 (a) is very dangerous.’
Justice T H Khan said: ‘If we compare the Fourth Amendment (baksal) with sweetmeat the 15th Amendment will be some of bitter taste. Thousands of atom bombs have been added to it. Such provisions have been made that the people wh o debate might have face sedition charges if they criticize the constitution. This bears the signal ‘you are weak party, you will be hanged.’
He further said: ‘Making 50 basic structures of the constitution is totally illogical. Their (government) slogan was to revert to the 1972 constitution. But there were nothing like these in that.’
Baksal System Government
In this regard, Supreme Court Bar Association President Advocate Khandkar Mahbub Hossain said: ‘The 15th Amendment has made the provision for highest punishment for any sort of distrust in the constitution. I do not know whether any constitution in the world has such a provision or whether it has any necessity. There should be limit to intimidating the citizens or cheating them. I think they (Awami League government) have crossed that limit. Some articles have been inserted in the charter in the name of constitution amendment. Like the Fourth Amendment to the constitution, these articles will create severe obstruction to the path of multiparty democracy. This is an ill attempt of reintroducing the Baksal system government. I think the people under no circumstances will accept this.’
Khandkar Mahbub Hossain said: ‘According to the present amendment, more than 50 basic structures have been made in the constitution. A ridiculous provision forbidding the revision of the structures has also been in the amendment, which is absolutely undemocratic and contrary to the basic spirit of democratic state. No constitution in the world has such an instance.’
About the provision made through Article 7 (a) of the 15th Amendment forbidding addition, revision, replacement, suspension and change by any other means of the rules related to articles dealing with the basic structures of the charter, Constitution Expert Dr Shadin Malik said: ‘This has been done out of inability to understand the real meaning and importance of the constitution. Constitution is not like traffic laws that require elaborate rules and regulations. These amendments stem from inability to realize the basic spirit of the constitution. The constitution does not require the provision for whose photos will be displayed at factories and community centers. These are contrary to the basic spirit and course of the constitution.’
Dr. Shadin Malik said: ‘The main function of the constitution is to ensure stability and continuity in running the affairs of the state. In these two yardsticks -- stability and continuity -- the 15th Amendment has failed. Unfortunately the government's prime consideration in the amendment was to retain the authority of the party so that its power remains if force smoothly in future also. The constitution is the document of the people's ownership of power. But now that document is being used to become the owner of power.’
In this regard, Supreme Court Senior Lawyer Barrister Abdur Razzak said: ‘Retraction of citizens' trust and confidence in the constitution will be treated as sedition and highest punishment will be given for this offence -- once Pakistan had introduced such a provision, but it did not sustain. Such provisions cannot be contained in any constitution.’
Dangerous Aspect
About as the basic structures of 50 articles in Article 7 (a), he said: ‘No constitution defines which the basic structures are. The basic structures cannot be changed anyway, how such a provision is included in the constitution.
In this regard, a constitution expert and Dhaka University Law Department Prof Dr Asif Nazrul Islam said: ‘Sheikh Hasina has contained the Baksal system, to some extent, through the 15th Amendment. The Fourth Amendment had killed democracy. And the 15th Amendment has brought about some important changes that could be used for further torturing the opposition parties and weakening those. The matter of most concern is that these provisions have paved the way for closing down the path of free thinking, practicing multidisciplinary opinions, freedom of speech and newspapers.’
Dr. Asif Nazrul Islam said: ‘To my opinion , the most dangerous aspect of the 15th Amendment is some portion of Article 7 (a). Article 7 (a) said: ‘If any citizen retracts his confidence and trust in this constitution or takes attempt of doing so or conspire against it, his or her activities will be treated as acts of sedition, and the person concerned will be guilty of sedition.’ This provision in the spirit of Baksal has scopes for establishing a one-party hegemony and suppressing the opposition parties and voices of dissent. He said that this provision might close down the path of free and intellectual thinking about any article of the constitution, freedom of speech and even constructive criticism.
Antipeople Provision
According to this provision, the government can take initiatives for arresting and detain the writers, speakers and editors for the articles and discussions so far held on the 15th Amendment of the constitution. There is no existence of such an antipeople provision in the constitution of any democratic country in the world and even the South Asian states.’
Dr Asif Nazrul Islam said: ‘The 15th Amendment has severely limited the authority of the next parliaments. Article 7 (a) has described as basic structures at least 50 articles, including the fundamental principle of the constitution have also made those irreversible. And my question -- how the provisions under Article 8 (2) of the constitution could the basic structure as the citizens have no right to enforce the issues through court? If Article 7 (a) persists in the constitution, all coming parliaments will have to accept all the things (amendments) of the present parliament as the final and irreversible.’
Establishing One-Party Hegemony
According to the experts, there are scopes for using this provision in the spirit of Baksal for establishing one-party hegemony and suppressing the opposition parties and voices of dissent. This can close down the path of freedom of expression and the objective, independent, intellectual and constructive criticism of any article of the constitution. According to the provision, the government may take initiative of arresting and putting behind the bars all writers, speakers, editors for critical articles so far published and discussion held in the mass media. There are also scopes of awarding the highest punishment for these kinds of activities. Such dangerous provisions are not found in the constitution in any democratic country in the world and also even in the states in South Asia.
Article 7(a) (1) says, ‘If any citizen retracts his confidence and trust in this constitution or takes attempt of doing so or conspire against it, his or her activities will be treated as acts of sedition, and the person concerned will be guilty of sedition.’ About punishment, Article 7 (a ) (3) says, ‘The person convicted under the provision of this article will be awarded the maximum punishment prescribed for other criminal activities under the existing law.
According to constitution experts, the second most dangerous aspect of the 15th Amendment is that more than 50 articles of the constitution have been made 'beyond amendment' (cannot be amended). The Amendment has inserted Article 7 (a) restraining addition, revision, replacement, suspension and any other means of brining changes to the 50 articles of the constitution. Even Article 7 (a) has been identified as basic structure and beyond any revision. The provisions have seriously squeezed the authority of the next parliaments.
According to the experts, the provisions under Article 8 (2) of the constitution could be the basic structure of the constitution. There will be no scope of establishing the US style of government and right to education and health as fundamental rights under the provisions.
Article 7 (a) says, ‘The fundamental rules in the constitution are irreversible. Whichever might be in Article 142 of the constitution, the revision, change, replacement, suspension or change through other means of the preamble of the constitution, all articles in the First Chapter, all articles in the Second Chapter, all articles of chapter Three as per the provisions enshrined in Chapter 9. a, and the other Articles relating to basic structure, including Article 150 of the Chapter 11 will be beyond any revision. This Article has made 50 articles of the charter above revision.
Articles Contradictory to Fundamental Rights
About the 15th Amendment to the constitution, elderly Supreme Court Lawyer and Constitution Expert Justice T H Kahn said: ‘I do not know whether any constitution world have articles contradictory to the fundamental rights. This amendment has limited the fundamental rights. Many objectionable things have been inserted in the constitution through the amendment. In a nutshell, arrangements have been made to snatch away the rights of the people. In comparison with Baksal, it is a paradise. Baksal is a one-party system. Whatever done in Article 7 (a) is very dangerous.’
Justice T H Khan said: ‘If we compare the Fourth Amendment (baksal) with sweetmeat the 15th Amendment will be some of bitter taste. Thousands of atom bombs have been added to it. Such provisions have been made that the people wh o debate might have face sedition charges if they criticize the constitution. This bears the signal ‘you are weak party, you will be hanged.’
He further said: ‘Making 50 basic structures of the constitution is totally illogical. Their (government) slogan was to revert to the 1972 constitution. But there were nothing like these in that.’
Baksal System Government
In this regard, Supreme Court Bar Association President Advocate Khandkar Mahbub Hossain said: ‘The 15th Amendment has made the provision for highest punishment for any sort of distrust in the constitution. I do not know whether any constitution in the world has such a provision or whether it has any necessity. There should be limit to intimidating the citizens or cheating them. I think they (Awami League government) have crossed that limit. Some articles have been inserted in the charter in the name of constitution amendment. Like the Fourth Amendment to the constitution, these articles will create severe obstruction to the path of multiparty democracy. This is an ill attempt of reintroducing the Baksal system government. I think the people under no circumstances will accept this.’
Khandkar Mahbub Hossain said: ‘According to the present amendment, more than 50 basic structures have been made in the constitution. A ridiculous provision forbidding the revision of the structures has also been in the amendment, which is absolutely undemocratic and contrary to the basic spirit of democratic state. No constitution in the world has such an instance.’
About the provision made through Article 7 (a) of the 15th Amendment forbidding addition, revision, replacement, suspension and change by any other means of the rules related to articles dealing with the basic structures of the charter, Constitution Expert Dr Shadin Malik said: ‘This has been done out of inability to understand the real meaning and importance of the constitution. Constitution is not like traffic laws that require elaborate rules and regulations. These amendments stem from inability to realize the basic spirit of the constitution. The constitution does not require the provision for whose photos will be displayed at factories and community centers. These are contrary to the basic spirit and course of the constitution.’
Dr. Shadin Malik said: ‘The main function of the constitution is to ensure stability and continuity in running the affairs of the state. In these two yardsticks -- stability and continuity -- the 15th Amendment has failed. Unfortunately the government's prime consideration in the amendment was to retain the authority of the party so that its power remains if force smoothly in future also. The constitution is the document of the people's ownership of power. But now that document is being used to become the owner of power.’
In this regard, Supreme Court Senior Lawyer Barrister Abdur Razzak said: ‘Retraction of citizens' trust and confidence in the constitution will be treated as sedition and highest punishment will be given for this offence -- once Pakistan had introduced such a provision, but it did not sustain. Such provisions cannot be contained in any constitution.’
Dangerous Aspect
About as the basic structures of 50 articles in Article 7 (a), he said: ‘No constitution defines which the basic structures are. The basic structures cannot be changed anyway, how such a provision is included in the constitution.
In this regard, a constitution expert and Dhaka University Law Department Prof Dr Asif Nazrul Islam said: ‘Sheikh Hasina has contained the Baksal system, to some extent, through the 15th Amendment. The Fourth Amendment had killed democracy. And the 15th Amendment has brought about some important changes that could be used for further torturing the opposition parties and weakening those. The matter of most concern is that these provisions have paved the way for closing down the path of free thinking, practicing multidisciplinary opinions, freedom of speech and newspapers.’
Dr. Asif Nazrul Islam said: ‘To my opinion , the most dangerous aspect of the 15th Amendment is some portion of Article 7 (a). Article 7 (a) said: ‘If any citizen retracts his confidence and trust in this constitution or takes attempt of doing so or conspire against it, his or her activities will be treated as acts of sedition, and the person concerned will be guilty of sedition.’ This provision in the spirit of Baksal has scopes for establishing a one-party hegemony and suppressing the opposition parties and voices of dissent. He said that this provision might close down the path of free and intellectual thinking about any article of the constitution, freedom of speech and even constructive criticism.
Antipeople Provision
According to this provision, the government can take initiatives for arresting and detain the writers, speakers and editors for the articles and discussions so far held on the 15th Amendment of the constitution. There is no existence of such an antipeople provision in the constitution of any democratic country in the world and even the South Asian states.’
Dr Asif Nazrul Islam said: ‘The 15th Amendment has severely limited the authority of the next parliaments. Article 7 (a) has described as basic structures at least 50 articles, including the fundamental principle of the constitution have also made those irreversible. And my question -- how the provisions under Article 8 (2) of the constitution could the basic structure as the citizens have no right to enforce the issues through court? If Article 7 (a) persists in the constitution, all coming parliaments will have to accept all the things (amendments) of the present parliament as the final and irreversible.’
Monday, October 17, 2011
Effective Role Played by Petronas Oil Company in Malaysia's Economic Development
Malaysia's PETRONAS Company, Asia's most profitable oil company, has been able to confirm and promote its position among the world's giant oil companies and in addition to collaborating with a number of global oil companies in other countries' oil projects, it has also been involved in the development of Malaysia's marine oil reserves. PETRONAS has been able to absorb foreign capital and to increase Malaysia's economic growth rate.
In 2008, PETRONAS was introduced as the world's 95th largest, eighth most profitable and Asia's most profitable company by Global Fortune magazine. The construction of PETRONAS' Twin Towers, which were inaugurated in 1998 and were considered the world's tallest buildings in the world at the time, was carried out by PETRONAS and at the moment, the central offices of this company are located in this building.
Since PETRONAS was established, the company has become a uniformly international company in the field of gas and oil, which has economic resources in 31 countries. By the end of March 2005, the PETRONAS group took complete possession of 103 companies, part possession of 19 companies and half possession of 57 affiliated companies. These affiliated companies constitute the PETRONAS Group, which engages in a variety of oil and gas activities.
PETRONAS Group activities cover a wide spectrum of oil activities including exploration in upstream sectors, the production of gasoil in downstream refineries, marketing and distribution of oil products, trade, processing, and gas liquefaction, operations for the installation of pipelines for the transfer of gas, marketing for natural liquid gas, production of petrochemical products and their marketing, marine transport, car engineering and investment in property.
History
PETRONAS is the not the first company that has engaged in the exploration of oil and gas in Malaysia. Previously, at the end of the 19th century, the Royal Dutch Shell Company was engaged in oil exploration in the colony of Sarawak and in 1910, the first oil well was drilled in Sarawak. The Shell Company continued with its activities until 1963 as the only oil company in the region until Malaysia gained independence. Officials of the newly independent Malaysia continued their connection with the Royal Dutch Shell Company until Malaysia's first marine oil field became operational in 1968. The central government also gave permits for exploration in Terengganu, the most populous province and the power hub of the central government. In 1974, ESSO succeeded in discovering natural gas in the province of Terengganu and in the same year, the production of crude oil in Malaysia reached around 81,000 barrels (12,900 cubic meters) per day.
According to a plan approved in 1971, the objectives behind the establishment of PETRONAS include the following: protecting national rule over oil and gas resources, planning for supplying the country's present and future gas and oil needs, participation in the distribution of petrochemical products and marketing for these products at acceptable prices, encouraging Malaysian companies for supplying machineries and services, the production of azote fertilizers and generating profit from oil industries across the country.
Level of Export
In 1976, Malaysia turned into an exporter of oil but its level of export was not such that it could join the group of OPEC countries. This led to some interests for Malaysia and PETRONAS in particular because on the one hand it resulted in relative economic and political flexibility for PETRONAS and on the other hand, it strengthened the company's main objective which was for Malaysia to obtain self-reliance.
Until 1997, PETRONAS was managing the oil activities of its partners and until government tried to establish a company called PETRONAS CARIGALI, affiliated to PETRONAS in the field of oil exploration and production, it played no direct role in production. PETRONAS continued its supervision over all economic oil and gas activities, particularly in issues relat ed to health, safety and protection of the environment.
In 1990, oil and gas constituted 24% of Malaysia's overall exports; therefore, government became determined to impose a 25% tax on oil and gas exports. Government's new policy in addition to the implementation of 25% tax meant a decrease in the production and export of Malaysia's crude oil in 1981 for the first time since PETRONAS was established; although in later years, the level of exports and imports improved compared with 1980. In 1982, PETRONAS turned to refining and distributing oil. The objective behind this move was to reduce dependency on the Royal Dutch Shell refinery in Port Dickson and the Esso refinery in Sarawak and Malaysia itself established refineries in Malacca and Kerte.
International Reserves
In 1996, PETRONAS entered the aromatic market through joint investment. In 1997, this company increased the variety of its activities and established three petrochemical companies in Kuantan and an acetic factory in Kerte. In the same year, PETRONAS' first joint investment with China in the field of Liquefied Natural Gas called TIGA, took away Algeria's rank as the second biggest producer of this product.
The PETRONAS Group continues to emphasize the importance of carrying out international oil exploration projects because in 2008, 40% of this company's revenues were obtained through international projects in countries such as Iran, Sudan, Chad and Mauritania.
PETRONAS' international reserves reached the figure of 6.24 billion barrels of oil in 2008 and it has more than 100 affiliated companies and approximately 40 joint investment companies, a minimum of 50% of whose shares are under the control of PETRONAS.
In 2008, PETRONAS was introduced as the world's 95th largest, eighth most profitable and Asia's most profitable company by Global Fortune magazine. The construction of PETRONAS' Twin Towers, which were inaugurated in 1998 and were considered the world's tallest buildings in the world at the time, was carried out by PETRONAS and at the moment, the central offices of this company are located in this building.
Since PETRONAS was established, the company has become a uniformly international company in the field of gas and oil, which has economic resources in 31 countries. By the end of March 2005, the PETRONAS group took complete possession of 103 companies, part possession of 19 companies and half possession of 57 affiliated companies. These affiliated companies constitute the PETRONAS Group, which engages in a variety of oil and gas activities.
PETRONAS Group activities cover a wide spectrum of oil activities including exploration in upstream sectors, the production of gasoil in downstream refineries, marketing and distribution of oil products, trade, processing, and gas liquefaction, operations for the installation of pipelines for the transfer of gas, marketing for natural liquid gas, production of petrochemical products and their marketing, marine transport, car engineering and investment in property.
History
PETRONAS is the not the first company that has engaged in the exploration of oil and gas in Malaysia. Previously, at the end of the 19th century, the Royal Dutch Shell Company was engaged in oil exploration in the colony of Sarawak and in 1910, the first oil well was drilled in Sarawak. The Shell Company continued with its activities until 1963 as the only oil company in the region until Malaysia gained independence. Officials of the newly independent Malaysia continued their connection with the Royal Dutch Shell Company until Malaysia's first marine oil field became operational in 1968. The central government also gave permits for exploration in Terengganu, the most populous province and the power hub of the central government. In 1974, ESSO succeeded in discovering natural gas in the province of Terengganu and in the same year, the production of crude oil in Malaysia reached around 81,000 barrels (12,900 cubic meters) per day.
According to a plan approved in 1971, the objectives behind the establishment of PETRONAS include the following: protecting national rule over oil and gas resources, planning for supplying the country's present and future gas and oil needs, participation in the distribution of petrochemical products and marketing for these products at acceptable prices, encouraging Malaysian companies for supplying machineries and services, the production of azote fertilizers and generating profit from oil industries across the country.
Level of Export
In 1976, Malaysia turned into an exporter of oil but its level of export was not such that it could join the group of OPEC countries. This led to some interests for Malaysia and PETRONAS in particular because on the one hand it resulted in relative economic and political flexibility for PETRONAS and on the other hand, it strengthened the company's main objective which was for Malaysia to obtain self-reliance.
Until 1997, PETRONAS was managing the oil activities of its partners and until government tried to establish a company called PETRONAS CARIGALI, affiliated to PETRONAS in the field of oil exploration and production, it played no direct role in production. PETRONAS continued its supervision over all economic oil and gas activities, particularly in issues relat ed to health, safety and protection of the environment.
In 1990, oil and gas constituted 24% of Malaysia's overall exports; therefore, government became determined to impose a 25% tax on oil and gas exports. Government's new policy in addition to the implementation of 25% tax meant a decrease in the production and export of Malaysia's crude oil in 1981 for the first time since PETRONAS was established; although in later years, the level of exports and imports improved compared with 1980. In 1982, PETRONAS turned to refining and distributing oil. The objective behind this move was to reduce dependency on the Royal Dutch Shell refinery in Port Dickson and the Esso refinery in Sarawak and Malaysia itself established refineries in Malacca and Kerte.
International Reserves
In 1996, PETRONAS entered the aromatic market through joint investment. In 1997, this company increased the variety of its activities and established three petrochemical companies in Kuantan and an acetic factory in Kerte. In the same year, PETRONAS' first joint investment with China in the field of Liquefied Natural Gas called TIGA, took away Algeria's rank as the second biggest producer of this product.
The PETRONAS Group continues to emphasize the importance of carrying out international oil exploration projects because in 2008, 40% of this company's revenues were obtained through international projects in countries such as Iran, Sudan, Chad and Mauritania.
PETRONAS' international reserves reached the figure of 6.24 billion barrels of oil in 2008 and it has more than 100 affiliated companies and approximately 40 joint investment companies, a minimum of 50% of whose shares are under the control of PETRONAS.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
US at Sunset: China Captures No 1 Position in World
The United States is the most powerful country of the world. Nobody differs with this idea. The US is now at its highest peak. But many people think that this country will steadily proceed toward its sunset.
The world has a huge number of instances bearing the testimony that many nations had experienced their gradual downfall after reaching the highest level of advancement. The Roman and Ottoman empires are the glaring examples of this. It is not a story of very far past when the Sun never set over the British Empire. Now the condition of that country is very fragile. The country does not have any influence in the international fields. Economically the country is passing through a very hard time. Democracy has been in practice in that country for nearly 800 years. Britain is still the palpable symbol of democracy. Britain has presented the world with Magna Charta, which is considered as safeguard of democracy.
Democratic values born out of the Magna Carta. The absolute authority of British monarchy was curtailed by dint of Magna Charta and Petition of Rights. The British monarchy was deprived of right to capture lands anywhere. Britain had been recognized as the greatest nation of the world till the Second World War. Since then the downfall of British supremacy has begun. This empire was fallen apart after 1947.
Ongoing War on Terror
The journey of the US began after the Second World War. Despite its rising strength, the economy reached a very fragile state. President George W Bush (second) and Republicans are virtually responsible for this. Defying opinion of the international community George Bush engaged in war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bloodletting began in the US at this is still continuing. The indomitable superpower the US has started suffering from anemia.
Recession in the US economy has begun to fall since the second tenure of President George W Bush. The Bush administration did not take any measure to check it. His successor at the White House President Barack Obama is now paying the price for that. The Republicans are now shamelessly shifting the responsibility of the recession to the shoulder of Obama. It is surprising that the Republicans are harassing taking advantage of their majority in the House. But George did face any obstruction to proceed with his political programs. During the second tenure of Bush, the democrats had majority in both the houses- The Senate and House of Representatives.
The mass media of the US has described as a 'political revolution' the capture of the House by the Republicans. Many analysts believe this is an expression of racism. Obama is the first black president and he has some 'Muslim smell' in his body. The racists in the United States and Europe could not tolerate the two aspects. And accordingly they have come furious.
Many have failed to understand why Obama is blamed for the responsibilities of George W Bush. It is misfortune for Obama that during his administration the US standard as a creditor has been brought down to two 'A' from three 'A'. And as a result, a storm was created in the world economy, which is still raging through.
The Republicans and the Democrats at loggerheads on the issue of reducing US budget deficit and desire for enhancing time frame of receiving credits. The Republicans want to save money putting the burden on the poor. They want to reduce expenditure in the heath sector. They also want to curtail the money of social security. The Republicans are dead against imposing additional taxes on the richer people. The main reason behind this is that the richer people and organization bore the big chunk of election costs of the Republican candidates in the last election.
At present a worldwide uproar has been created that the US dollar is not main recognized currency in the international market. The Chinese currency - Renminbi - is the claimant of that position. The price of the US dollar in the international market is decreasing. The greenback is in upswing only in the currency market of Bangladesh. The International Monetary Fund [IMF] thinks China will achieve the recognition of the number one country by 2025 superseding the United States.
Many analysts, however, believe China has already captured that position. The responsibility of overcoming the world recession has been shifted on the shoulder of China. And Beijing has successfully performed that responsibility.
International Economy
One analyst with The New York Times has expressed the view that one will be able to suppress the US dollar as the number one international currency in the coming 10 years. The present status of the greenback is very important for the international economy. The cause of this is that the biggest chunk of the world' saving is in the US dollar. The exchange rate of the dollar has been reduced by one third in the last 10 years. Before the greenback, the UK pound was the king of international currencies. The dollar took 10 years to replace the pound as the king of currency market. The US dollar covers 61 percent of the 5.3 trillion foreign currency fund. The Chinese currency Renminbi is still related with the dollar.
The world is now confronted with two major problems. One of the problems is inflation and the other corruption. There is no country in the world, which is not suffering from the two problems. The experts believe that the global economy will take a significant time to make a turnaround.
One Publication Ceremony and Some Sagas: A few days ago I joined a publication ceremony of two books written by ABM Saleh Uddin, who is like my younger brother. It was a jam-packed and lively function with huge participation of guests. The function earned the praise of all. I am passing days like a man under house arrest. And as a result, I gladly accept whenever any invitation comes. I always put forward a condition to the hosts. The condition is the hosts have to arrange my transposition to the functions.
I do not feel ease in discussion of literatures. Because, I have a very little knowledge about the subject. My conception about literature comes from Abu Rushd and Rashid Karim, who are like my elder brothers. However, I had gone through the novels -- Agatha Kristhi and P G Woodhouse -- just after passing the matriculation examination. I had gone though the novels of Rabindranath, Bankim and Sharatchandra Chattopadhaya at that time. I had no dearth in the supply of novels. My elder sister-in-law Sabera Tayeb was the librarian of reputed Lady Brebon College. The library of the college had also reputation across the country.
Inevitable Criticism
Rabindranath was known as the great poet while Bankim the novel king. But in the selling of books, Sharatchnadra surpassed the two. All most all the novels of Sharatchandra transformed into movies.
Movies were made more than one time on Sharatchandra Chattapadhaya's 'Devdas' and Shakespeare's 'Romeo Juliet.' None can determine which is the best one?
In the thirties and forties, condition of Bengali Muslims was very sad. They were backward in education. They could not cope with the situation. Awakening them was a difficult job. Sher-e-Bangla A K Fazlul Haque was the first person who could realize the pains of Bengali Muslims. He realized that there was no alternative of education to free the Bengali Muslims from the miserable condition. Thinking this, A K Fazlul Haque had launched Islamia College and Lady Breborn College in Kolkata and Eden Girls College in Dhaka. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the student of that Islamia College.
Kazi Nazrul Islam, Maulana Akram Khan and his daily newspaper-The Azad and monthly Mohammadi- were the pioneers of Bengali Muslims' awakening. Songs of Abbas Uddin, paintings of Joynul Abedin, winning spree of Mohammedan Sporting Club against the British teams were also the important factors. Jasim Uddin, Golam Mostafa, Farrukh Ahmed, Abul Hossain and Talim Hossain came out as their supportive force. No discussion on Bengali literature without making any reference to the above mentioned distinguished personalities could get perfection.
I have spent more than two decades in journalism. But many newsmen in New York have doubt about me and they frequently ask me by dint of what I claim myself as a journalist. In this regard, I will request all to remember the immoral saying of British poet and critic T.S. Eliot -- "Criticism is inevitable like breath."
But it is not wise to take cognizance of all criticisms. There are some criticisms whose acceptance helps achieving progress. For example Professor Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed a few days ago advised Saleh Uddin to read the holy Quran, the Bible, the Upanishad and the Ramayan-Mahabharat. Poet Bulbul Khan appreciated his courageous role. There are many writings in English literature, which are based on the Bible. The 'Paradise Lost' of Milton is an instance of that.
The world has a huge number of instances bearing the testimony that many nations had experienced their gradual downfall after reaching the highest level of advancement. The Roman and Ottoman empires are the glaring examples of this. It is not a story of very far past when the Sun never set over the British Empire. Now the condition of that country is very fragile. The country does not have any influence in the international fields. Economically the country is passing through a very hard time. Democracy has been in practice in that country for nearly 800 years. Britain is still the palpable symbol of democracy. Britain has presented the world with Magna Charta, which is considered as safeguard of democracy.
Democratic values born out of the Magna Carta. The absolute authority of British monarchy was curtailed by dint of Magna Charta and Petition of Rights. The British monarchy was deprived of right to capture lands anywhere. Britain had been recognized as the greatest nation of the world till the Second World War. Since then the downfall of British supremacy has begun. This empire was fallen apart after 1947.
Ongoing War on Terror
The journey of the US began after the Second World War. Despite its rising strength, the economy reached a very fragile state. President George W Bush (second) and Republicans are virtually responsible for this. Defying opinion of the international community George Bush engaged in war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bloodletting began in the US at this is still continuing. The indomitable superpower the US has started suffering from anemia.
Recession in the US economy has begun to fall since the second tenure of President George W Bush. The Bush administration did not take any measure to check it. His successor at the White House President Barack Obama is now paying the price for that. The Republicans are now shamelessly shifting the responsibility of the recession to the shoulder of Obama. It is surprising that the Republicans are harassing taking advantage of their majority in the House. But George did face any obstruction to proceed with his political programs. During the second tenure of Bush, the democrats had majority in both the houses- The Senate and House of Representatives.
The mass media of the US has described as a 'political revolution' the capture of the House by the Republicans. Many analysts believe this is an expression of racism. Obama is the first black president and he has some 'Muslim smell' in his body. The racists in the United States and Europe could not tolerate the two aspects. And accordingly they have come furious.
Many have failed to understand why Obama is blamed for the responsibilities of George W Bush. It is misfortune for Obama that during his administration the US standard as a creditor has been brought down to two 'A' from three 'A'. And as a result, a storm was created in the world economy, which is still raging through.
The Republicans and the Democrats at loggerheads on the issue of reducing US budget deficit and desire for enhancing time frame of receiving credits. The Republicans want to save money putting the burden on the poor. They want to reduce expenditure in the heath sector. They also want to curtail the money of social security. The Republicans are dead against imposing additional taxes on the richer people. The main reason behind this is that the richer people and organization bore the big chunk of election costs of the Republican candidates in the last election.
At present a worldwide uproar has been created that the US dollar is not main recognized currency in the international market. The Chinese currency - Renminbi - is the claimant of that position. The price of the US dollar in the international market is decreasing. The greenback is in upswing only in the currency market of Bangladesh. The International Monetary Fund [IMF] thinks China will achieve the recognition of the number one country by 2025 superseding the United States.
Many analysts, however, believe China has already captured that position. The responsibility of overcoming the world recession has been shifted on the shoulder of China. And Beijing has successfully performed that responsibility.
International Economy
One analyst with The New York Times has expressed the view that one will be able to suppress the US dollar as the number one international currency in the coming 10 years. The present status of the greenback is very important for the international economy. The cause of this is that the biggest chunk of the world' saving is in the US dollar. The exchange rate of the dollar has been reduced by one third in the last 10 years. Before the greenback, the UK pound was the king of international currencies. The dollar took 10 years to replace the pound as the king of currency market. The US dollar covers 61 percent of the 5.3 trillion foreign currency fund. The Chinese currency Renminbi is still related with the dollar.
The world is now confronted with two major problems. One of the problems is inflation and the other corruption. There is no country in the world, which is not suffering from the two problems. The experts believe that the global economy will take a significant time to make a turnaround.
One Publication Ceremony and Some Sagas: A few days ago I joined a publication ceremony of two books written by ABM Saleh Uddin, who is like my younger brother. It was a jam-packed and lively function with huge participation of guests. The function earned the praise of all. I am passing days like a man under house arrest. And as a result, I gladly accept whenever any invitation comes. I always put forward a condition to the hosts. The condition is the hosts have to arrange my transposition to the functions.
I do not feel ease in discussion of literatures. Because, I have a very little knowledge about the subject. My conception about literature comes from Abu Rushd and Rashid Karim, who are like my elder brothers. However, I had gone through the novels -- Agatha Kristhi and P G Woodhouse -- just after passing the matriculation examination. I had gone though the novels of Rabindranath, Bankim and Sharatchandra Chattopadhaya at that time. I had no dearth in the supply of novels. My elder sister-in-law Sabera Tayeb was the librarian of reputed Lady Brebon College. The library of the college had also reputation across the country.
Inevitable Criticism
Rabindranath was known as the great poet while Bankim the novel king. But in the selling of books, Sharatchnadra surpassed the two. All most all the novels of Sharatchandra transformed into movies.
Movies were made more than one time on Sharatchandra Chattapadhaya's 'Devdas' and Shakespeare's 'Romeo Juliet.' None can determine which is the best one?
In the thirties and forties, condition of Bengali Muslims was very sad. They were backward in education. They could not cope with the situation. Awakening them was a difficult job. Sher-e-Bangla A K Fazlul Haque was the first person who could realize the pains of Bengali Muslims. He realized that there was no alternative of education to free the Bengali Muslims from the miserable condition. Thinking this, A K Fazlul Haque had launched Islamia College and Lady Breborn College in Kolkata and Eden Girls College in Dhaka. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the student of that Islamia College.
Kazi Nazrul Islam, Maulana Akram Khan and his daily newspaper-The Azad and monthly Mohammadi- were the pioneers of Bengali Muslims' awakening. Songs of Abbas Uddin, paintings of Joynul Abedin, winning spree of Mohammedan Sporting Club against the British teams were also the important factors. Jasim Uddin, Golam Mostafa, Farrukh Ahmed, Abul Hossain and Talim Hossain came out as their supportive force. No discussion on Bengali literature without making any reference to the above mentioned distinguished personalities could get perfection.
I have spent more than two decades in journalism. But many newsmen in New York have doubt about me and they frequently ask me by dint of what I claim myself as a journalist. In this regard, I will request all to remember the immoral saying of British poet and critic T.S. Eliot -- "Criticism is inevitable like breath."
But it is not wise to take cognizance of all criticisms. There are some criticisms whose acceptance helps achieving progress. For example Professor Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed a few days ago advised Saleh Uddin to read the holy Quran, the Bible, the Upanishad and the Ramayan-Mahabharat. Poet Bulbul Khan appreciated his courageous role. There are many writings in English literature, which are based on the Bible. The 'Paradise Lost' of Milton is an instance of that.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
No Winner in US Counterterrorism War
Resurgence of conservatism, substantial upgrade in airport security, continual double spending on national defense, more and more anti-terrorism law, the pawn of citizens' freedom and human rights and the like have taken place at that particular moment when terrorists attacked the United States. That moment in history has changed the United States and the world. These past 10 years in history are indeed a very different 10-year period for all.
Trace of 9/11 Tragedy
The people in the United States are eager to return to the life before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. But it seems that there is no way for them to go back to the life they used to enjoy prior to the attacks. Ten years have since past, but the incident left by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States cannot wash clean the trace of the 9/11 tragedy.
Thus some people lamented and said that if the goal of the terrorists in carrying terrorist activities is to change the world, then these terrorists have achieved their purpose.
Country’s Dignity
In the post 11 September era, the deeply wounded United States began to carry out retaliatory actions against the terrorists in many other countries. The United States tried to use counterterrorism war to boost the morale of its people, and to restore the dignity of the nation.
But the more the United States staged the counterterrorism war, the more terrorist activities emerged from the ground.
All the big and small counterterrorism wars staged by the United States have caused a lot of thought and debate in the mind of the people. Is it true that the more a country stages counterterrorism war, the more these terrorists will launch terror attacks? Between war and peace, there exist two contradictory states. But in reality, can the world really pursue the so-called peace through the use of war alone?
Within the past 10 years, former US President George W. Bush Jr raised the counterterrorism banner during his tenure as the US national leader. Later on, Bush had to step down from his presidential platform eventually. His close counterterrorism ally Tony Blair, the former British Prime Minister has also bid farewell to the 10 Downing Street in London.
Yet between the ups and downs of the two national leaders and their counterterrorism wars, more than 130,000 civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq have lost their lives; 7.8 million people have become refugees and about 7,500 US and allied force soldiers were killed in foreign land and could not return to their homeland and home forever. Have they died for their nation? Or have they become political sacrificial lamb?
Of grave concern to us is that after the 9/11 incident, the misunderstanding between the Muslim World and the western countries has exacerbated. The shooting tragedy that killed many innocent lives in Norway, a country considered by many as a heaven on earth has left with us unlimited sigh and sorrow! There is indeed no true winner in counterterrorism war.
National Security System
A recent public opinion poll conducted in the United States has indicated that nearly 49 percent of the people in the United States still think that Islam is not a religion that embraces peace. But as we think deeper, in fact, it is not only Islam that has been covered with a misunderstood dust by the people.
The 9/11 terrorist attacks that happened in the United States have reflected the reality of the vulnerability of the US national security system. Moreover, the reason used by the US Government to use force on Iraq was but a far-fetched ridiculous excuse. In the end the US allies also alienated from the United States eventually. The "Big Brother" image of the United States in the international community as well as in the eyes of its citizens has suffered considerable setback eventually.
It is with regret to note that terrorism is now linked with a certain religion and a certain race. While collapsed building can be rebuilt, but the good value in the hearts of people has been twisted. It is difficult for such value to revive in the hearts of the people when hatred and bitterness prevail.
New International Order
In the end, there is really no winner in any form of counterterrorism war for any nation. The winners are perhaps the arms dealers and the oil tycoons.
Yet as we reflect on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, we take note that an 9/11 victim who was trapped in the building on that fatal day has come out with the following message before he died: "I just want to let you know that I love you and I am stuck in this building in New York."
In this regard, we should all take comfort that on this tenth anniversary of 9/11 tragedy, what the incident has left with us has, in addition to the restructuring of a new international order, also included love.
In the face of hatred, taking revenge on others can tragically become a kind of continuation of strong pillar by some countries. But love and peace are not something that because you want them and thus you can own them. But instead, it is because we process love and peace, and so we want to cherish them.
Trace of 9/11 Tragedy
The people in the United States are eager to return to the life before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. But it seems that there is no way for them to go back to the life they used to enjoy prior to the attacks. Ten years have since past, but the incident left by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States cannot wash clean the trace of the 9/11 tragedy.
Thus some people lamented and said that if the goal of the terrorists in carrying terrorist activities is to change the world, then these terrorists have achieved their purpose.
Country’s Dignity
In the post 11 September era, the deeply wounded United States began to carry out retaliatory actions against the terrorists in many other countries. The United States tried to use counterterrorism war to boost the morale of its people, and to restore the dignity of the nation.
But the more the United States staged the counterterrorism war, the more terrorist activities emerged from the ground.
All the big and small counterterrorism wars staged by the United States have caused a lot of thought and debate in the mind of the people. Is it true that the more a country stages counterterrorism war, the more these terrorists will launch terror attacks? Between war and peace, there exist two contradictory states. But in reality, can the world really pursue the so-called peace through the use of war alone?
Within the past 10 years, former US President George W. Bush Jr raised the counterterrorism banner during his tenure as the US national leader. Later on, Bush had to step down from his presidential platform eventually. His close counterterrorism ally Tony Blair, the former British Prime Minister has also bid farewell to the 10 Downing Street in London.
Yet between the ups and downs of the two national leaders and their counterterrorism wars, more than 130,000 civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq have lost their lives; 7.8 million people have become refugees and about 7,500 US and allied force soldiers were killed in foreign land and could not return to their homeland and home forever. Have they died for their nation? Or have they become political sacrificial lamb?
Of grave concern to us is that after the 9/11 incident, the misunderstanding between the Muslim World and the western countries has exacerbated. The shooting tragedy that killed many innocent lives in Norway, a country considered by many as a heaven on earth has left with us unlimited sigh and sorrow! There is indeed no true winner in counterterrorism war.
National Security System
A recent public opinion poll conducted in the United States has indicated that nearly 49 percent of the people in the United States still think that Islam is not a religion that embraces peace. But as we think deeper, in fact, it is not only Islam that has been covered with a misunderstood dust by the people.
The 9/11 terrorist attacks that happened in the United States have reflected the reality of the vulnerability of the US national security system. Moreover, the reason used by the US Government to use force on Iraq was but a far-fetched ridiculous excuse. In the end the US allies also alienated from the United States eventually. The "Big Brother" image of the United States in the international community as well as in the eyes of its citizens has suffered considerable setback eventually.
It is with regret to note that terrorism is now linked with a certain religion and a certain race. While collapsed building can be rebuilt, but the good value in the hearts of people has been twisted. It is difficult for such value to revive in the hearts of the people when hatred and bitterness prevail.
New International Order
In the end, there is really no winner in any form of counterterrorism war for any nation. The winners are perhaps the arms dealers and the oil tycoons.
Yet as we reflect on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, we take note that an 9/11 victim who was trapped in the building on that fatal day has come out with the following message before he died: "I just want to let you know that I love you and I am stuck in this building in New York."
In this regard, we should all take comfort that on this tenth anniversary of 9/11 tragedy, what the incident has left with us has, in addition to the restructuring of a new international order, also included love.
In the face of hatred, taking revenge on others can tragically become a kind of continuation of strong pillar by some countries. But love and peace are not something that because you want them and thus you can own them. But instead, it is because we process love and peace, and so we want to cherish them.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Deteriorating Political Situation in Bangladesh
Two types of fear have been expressed involving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Begum Khaleda Zia. Apprehensions have been expressed that Begum Khaleda Zia might be arrested. And if this happens, a big disaster might loom large in the political sky of the country. Moreover, a fear has been expressed over the life of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Both the fears have been expressed by senior leaders of the two major parties led by the two women leaders of the country.
Country's Political Arena
People ranging from politically conscious individuals to common masses have become worried as apprehensions were expressed about the two prime leaders of the country's political arena. Because these two women leaders are controlling the country's politics. Everything in the country is dependent on the two leaders. And as a result, the fears about the two leaders have crated unease and anxiety among different quarters.
Political parties under the leadership of the main opposition party -- the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) -- have already announced that they would build a tougher movement in the streets after the upcoming Id on the issues of price hiking of commodities, deterioration of law and order, gas, electricity and water crises, dilapidated condition of roads and highways across the country and signing of secret deals with India.
The leaders from different rallies and meetings have announced that this government will be dislodged from power through a tougher movement under the leadership of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In the wake of this, BNP leaders allege, the government is conspiring to arrest Begum Khaleda Zia in connection with a case relating to misappropriation fund of Zia Charitable Trust.
Anticountry Agreement
At first BNP Standing Committee Member Goeshwar Chnadra Roy at a discussion meeting at the National Press Club said the government was conspiring to arrest Begum Khaleda Zia. He said that the government signed anticountry agreement with New Delhi during Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh. He said that the government was planning to arrest the opposition leader so that the people of the country could not build movement to resist the agreements against national interest under the leadership of Khaleda Zia. According to him, the government is planning to arrest her to appease India.
Subsequently many senior BNP leaders have also alleged that the government is conspiring to arrest Begum Khaleda Zia. Issuing an warning in this regard, Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal president said, "The government will not be able to detain Begum Khaleda Zia in any prison of the country. If Khaleda Zia is arrested, this government will be ousted from power through a tougher mass movement."
Spreading Violence
A severe reaction was created in the political arena following expression of apprehension about the arrest of Begum Khaleda Zia. The BNP is taking preparations for building movement in the streets in the event of the government taking such a step. Political analysts believe the ongoing movement against the government might turn violent if Khaleda Zia is arrested.
Meanwhile, a more serious matter of concern than the arrest of the opposition leader and spreading of violence out of the event has been expressed by the ruling Awami League General Secretary and Local Government Minister Syed Ashraful Islam and Prime Minister's Education Adviser Dr Alauddin Ahmed.
Ashraful Islam has disclosed a more direct apprehension in this regard. At a discussion meeting he said a conspiracy has begun in the country to kill Prime Minster and Awami League Chief Sheikh Hasina. He disclosed the apprehension at a discussion meeting organized by the Awami League at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital Dhaka.
The discussion was organized under the chairmanship of Awami League Presidium Member Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury on the occasion of the 21 August 2004 Grenade attack. At the meeting Syed Ashraful Islam said a conspiracy was being hatched to prepare the grounds for killing Sheikh Hasina through destabilizing the country's situation. He said grounds were also prepared in 1975 through various conspiracies to kill Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Describing the recent movement of the opposition parties as the conspiracy to prepare the ground for killing Sheikh Hasina, Ashraful said we admit the rise in the price hike of essentials and dilapidated condition of roads and highways in the country. But a quarter is out to create an anarchic situation on the issues to destabilize the country.
Conspiracies Hatched
The Awmi League Leader said repeated conspiracies were hatched in the past to kill Sheikh Hasina and the conspiracies are still going on. He said we have to protect Sheikh Hasina. For this reason, he said, the leaders and workers of the Awami League will have to face the situation in a united way.
The minister has termed as 'part of the conspiracy' the publication of articles in different media that Bangladesh needed anti-corruption personality like Anna Hazare of India. He said some newspapers are searching for Anna Hazare. He said some of the TV channels are presenting events smearing color to create a destabilizing situation in the country. This is also part of the conspiracy so that the conspirators get the chance to kill Sheikh Hasina.
Syed Ashraful Islam said a particular quarter is searching for Anna Hazare in Bangladesh with an ill motive. He said our country has a government, the parliament and democracy. He wanted to know whether the government here is plunged into so deep in corruption. The minister said the government has not committed such crimes that warrants searching for an Anna Hazare in this country.
Syed Ashraful Islam also considers as part of the conspiracy the uproar created within the ruling party in the wake of failures of the government in different sectors. He urged the party leaders and workers to remain vigilant against the conspiracies and said a conspiracy is being hatched to crate division in the Awami League. The local government minister said attempt are being made to create deficiency in confidence among us.
He said a particular quarter is trying to reap benefit after creating division and conflicts between leaders and leaders, MPs and MPs and the party and the government.
Issuing a note of warning to the Awami League leaders and workers, Syed Ashraful Islam said still we have time to forge unity. It will not do if we allow ourselves drifting away. Sharing of power is not our main target.
National Interests
In this regard, Jahangirnagar University Professor Dr Tareq Shamsur Rahman said recently that the apprehension expressed by the senior leaders of the two parties about the two top women leaders is a matter of concern. It will not be in the interest of the country if anything bad happens to any one of the two leaders.
Shamsur Rahman said lawsuits have been filed against the leader of the opposition party. He said a severe agitation will spread among millions of BNP workers and supporters if she is arrested. And this will make violent the ongoing movement against the government. He said none is expecting such a situation in the country.
However, a serious anxiety has been created in the wake of apprehension expressed by important ministers of the government and the ruling party general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam about the plot to kill Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said the minister should present before the nation the conspiracy of the killing the Prime Minister. He also called for taking necessary measures to unearth the conspiracy to kill the prime minister. Because, he said the lack of security of life of the prime minister is very damaging for the country.
Country's Political Arena
People ranging from politically conscious individuals to common masses have become worried as apprehensions were expressed about the two prime leaders of the country's political arena. Because these two women leaders are controlling the country's politics. Everything in the country is dependent on the two leaders. And as a result, the fears about the two leaders have crated unease and anxiety among different quarters.
Political parties under the leadership of the main opposition party -- the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) -- have already announced that they would build a tougher movement in the streets after the upcoming Id on the issues of price hiking of commodities, deterioration of law and order, gas, electricity and water crises, dilapidated condition of roads and highways across the country and signing of secret deals with India.
The leaders from different rallies and meetings have announced that this government will be dislodged from power through a tougher movement under the leadership of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In the wake of this, BNP leaders allege, the government is conspiring to arrest Begum Khaleda Zia in connection with a case relating to misappropriation fund of Zia Charitable Trust.
Anticountry Agreement
At first BNP Standing Committee Member Goeshwar Chnadra Roy at a discussion meeting at the National Press Club said the government was conspiring to arrest Begum Khaleda Zia. He said that the government signed anticountry agreement with New Delhi during Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh. He said that the government was planning to arrest the opposition leader so that the people of the country could not build movement to resist the agreements against national interest under the leadership of Khaleda Zia. According to him, the government is planning to arrest her to appease India.
Subsequently many senior BNP leaders have also alleged that the government is conspiring to arrest Begum Khaleda Zia. Issuing an warning in this regard, Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal president said, "The government will not be able to detain Begum Khaleda Zia in any prison of the country. If Khaleda Zia is arrested, this government will be ousted from power through a tougher mass movement."
Spreading Violence
A severe reaction was created in the political arena following expression of apprehension about the arrest of Begum Khaleda Zia. The BNP is taking preparations for building movement in the streets in the event of the government taking such a step. Political analysts believe the ongoing movement against the government might turn violent if Khaleda Zia is arrested.
Meanwhile, a more serious matter of concern than the arrest of the opposition leader and spreading of violence out of the event has been expressed by the ruling Awami League General Secretary and Local Government Minister Syed Ashraful Islam and Prime Minister's Education Adviser Dr Alauddin Ahmed.
Ashraful Islam has disclosed a more direct apprehension in this regard. At a discussion meeting he said a conspiracy has begun in the country to kill Prime Minster and Awami League Chief Sheikh Hasina. He disclosed the apprehension at a discussion meeting organized by the Awami League at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital Dhaka.
The discussion was organized under the chairmanship of Awami League Presidium Member Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury on the occasion of the 21 August 2004 Grenade attack. At the meeting Syed Ashraful Islam said a conspiracy was being hatched to prepare the grounds for killing Sheikh Hasina through destabilizing the country's situation. He said grounds were also prepared in 1975 through various conspiracies to kill Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Describing the recent movement of the opposition parties as the conspiracy to prepare the ground for killing Sheikh Hasina, Ashraful said we admit the rise in the price hike of essentials and dilapidated condition of roads and highways in the country. But a quarter is out to create an anarchic situation on the issues to destabilize the country.
Conspiracies Hatched
The Awmi League Leader said repeated conspiracies were hatched in the past to kill Sheikh Hasina and the conspiracies are still going on. He said we have to protect Sheikh Hasina. For this reason, he said, the leaders and workers of the Awami League will have to face the situation in a united way.
The minister has termed as 'part of the conspiracy' the publication of articles in different media that Bangladesh needed anti-corruption personality like Anna Hazare of India. He said some newspapers are searching for Anna Hazare. He said some of the TV channels are presenting events smearing color to create a destabilizing situation in the country. This is also part of the conspiracy so that the conspirators get the chance to kill Sheikh Hasina.
Syed Ashraful Islam said a particular quarter is searching for Anna Hazare in Bangladesh with an ill motive. He said our country has a government, the parliament and democracy. He wanted to know whether the government here is plunged into so deep in corruption. The minister said the government has not committed such crimes that warrants searching for an Anna Hazare in this country.
Syed Ashraful Islam also considers as part of the conspiracy the uproar created within the ruling party in the wake of failures of the government in different sectors. He urged the party leaders and workers to remain vigilant against the conspiracies and said a conspiracy is being hatched to crate division in the Awami League. The local government minister said attempt are being made to create deficiency in confidence among us.
He said a particular quarter is trying to reap benefit after creating division and conflicts between leaders and leaders, MPs and MPs and the party and the government.
Issuing a note of warning to the Awami League leaders and workers, Syed Ashraful Islam said still we have time to forge unity. It will not do if we allow ourselves drifting away. Sharing of power is not our main target.
National Interests
In this regard, Jahangirnagar University Professor Dr Tareq Shamsur Rahman said recently that the apprehension expressed by the senior leaders of the two parties about the two top women leaders is a matter of concern. It will not be in the interest of the country if anything bad happens to any one of the two leaders.
Shamsur Rahman said lawsuits have been filed against the leader of the opposition party. He said a severe agitation will spread among millions of BNP workers and supporters if she is arrested. And this will make violent the ongoing movement against the government. He said none is expecting such a situation in the country.
However, a serious anxiety has been created in the wake of apprehension expressed by important ministers of the government and the ruling party general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam about the plot to kill Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said the minister should present before the nation the conspiracy of the killing the Prime Minister. He also called for taking necessary measures to unearth the conspiracy to kill the prime minister. Because, he said the lack of security of life of the prime minister is very damaging for the country.
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