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Leading News

Bridging Gap: Civilian-Armed Forces
UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury on Sunday said policymakers and leaders must have thorough understanding of its people’s aspirations for an accountable and functioning democracy.
Speaking at a discussion on ‘Bridging the Gap between Civil and Military through Language’ at the CIRDAP auditorium, he said bureaucracy, civil and military, as well as the civil society and a free media should also evolve mechanisms not only to respond to the needs of the people but also develop a culture of understanding one another.
Presided over by Masud A. Khan, president of Dhaka Language Club, the discussion was addressed, among others, by former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury, Ambassador Waliur Rahman and Air Commodore Mahmud Hussain.
The Foreign Adviser said in developing countries like Bangladesh, one must realize that the need for the analysis of the existing gap is inspired by several factors including changing security environment, evolving development imperatives, recurrent natural disasters and other emergencies and perpetuating mis-governance.
He said this is characterised by conscious debates over the "civil-military culture gap" and how changes in policy should be implemented to address that gap.
"This must be accomplished in a world where the threats are often diffused, where conflict is inherently unpredictable, and where our capability to defend and promote our national interests may be restricted by political, diplomatic, informational and economic constraints," Iftekhar told the discussion.
He said the peacetime military has a larger ratio of support jobs to uniquely military combat-related tasks. The culture gap is considered the inevitable result of the divergent natures of a war machine and a free society.
Iftekhar said civilians cannot trust the advice or reports of a military whose values differed so markedly from their own. It is more of an ongoing management challenge than a crisis for any state.
"Today in Bangladesh," he said, "the military leadership is increasingly becoming more conscious to develop its outreach to build better communication bridges in the area of their operations. That’s why it is so important to secure the support and endorsement of the people on whose behalf they are working."
The Adviser said the military’s role in providing relief and succour, as well as support to rehabilitation during post floods and post Sidr periods, has been most positively perceived. So has been their contribution in the maintenance of infrastructures to facilitate development as also the support to boost food production. "We are well aware of the role of our peacekeepers in various conflict zones. They have built very successful bridges crossing even the language and culture barriers in countries as far as Sierra Leone." He said the evolving multidimensional aspects of peacekeeping which includes functions related to humanitarian interventions, arranging elections, consolidating democracy and institution building are constantly challenging today’s peacekeepers.
"While they are adjusting their language and communication internationally it is also important to keep in mind the local perspective." The Foreign Adviser said there are many practical ways to achieve better communication amongst different state organs and other stakeholders.
He said while military officers can be trained with more civilian values and in less authoritarian mode - to be effective in true nation building, civilian officers and other civil society actors can also be provided exposure to certain aspects of the military, which will ensure better cooperation.
Military leaders, he said, must fully understand the nation’s strategic vision and strategy formulation process, as well as appreciate the environment and the cultures in which they must operate. Iftekhar said the NDC runs courses for senior military and civil officers, where senior members of the civil society are invited to speak on important issues.
He aid this is an excellent model to promote better understanding. Interactive seminars by think tanks can also bring military and civilian stakeholders closer to each other.

Begum Zia’s message
No room for doubt: Rizvi
Staff Correspondent

The loyalist faction in BNP on Sunday ruled out the claim of reformists’ acting Secretary General Major (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed saying, "there is no room for expressing doubt in the message of Begum Khaleda Zia conveyed by her two counsels." "The two lawyers have carried the message exactly as the detained party Chairperson told them and there is no doubt on that," BNP acting Office Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed told newsmen during a press briefing at his Adabar residence. When reporters drew his attention to a statement that now it is up to Khandoker Delwar Hossain to take steps to reunite the warring factions of the party, Rizvi said, "the party Secretary General is doing exactly what the party Chairperson ordered him and there is no dissimilarity between the task of Delwar Hossain and the message of Begum Zia."
Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed on Saturday cast doubt on detained Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s reported remarks recognizing Khandaker Delwar Hossain as her appointed Secretary General. Coming out of the sub-jail after meeting Khaleda Zia, her two counsels - Barrister Nawshad Zamir and Advocate Sanaullah Miah- said Begum Zia declared illegal the October 29 standing committee meeting. Referring to the much-talked-about unity in the party, he reiterated that "as they were not expelled by the party Chairperson, they can work with the party Secretary General dismantling their illegal committee. All problems will be solved, once they announce the 29 October meeting at Saifur’s residence illegal before the media." In reply to a question, he said, "some people of the party went astray. They can easily come back to the mainstream party realizing their mistakes."
Bringing allegations against the ruling regime, the BNP Office Secretary said, "The ruling regime has resorted to repression and despotism to fulfill their blue print. They have started intimidating us to work in line with their blue print." "A conspiracy is being hatched by local and foreign quarters to destroy the BNP," he alleged adding, "they have not only conducted repression on the family members of Begum Khaleda Zia, but also have started oppression on the family members of the party Secretary General as they have failed to woo him to take him into their fold in a bid to fulfill their blue print."

  Hasina wants to go abroad for treatment: Doctor
Staff Correspondent

The detained Awami League president Sheikh Hasina - who has been suffering from various ailments including severe allergy, problems in eyes and ears, and blood pressure - wants to go abroad for better treatment. This was stated by her physician Prof ABM Abdullah, chairman of the Medicine Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), who checked her up at the Parliament Complex in presence of senior officials of jail authorities on Sunday morning. Addressing newsmen he said, "The former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her doubts about getting proper treatment in the country. She always fears attempt on her life after the August 21 grenade attack in 2004."
After a two-hour visit with the ex-premier in jail, Dr Abdullah said, "Hasina’s blood pressure is now under control; but she cannot hear with her right-ear at all. I suggest to send her abroad for better treatment as there are no suitable treatment facilities including machinery equipments and apparatus for checking up her ear." "I went to see her getting a phone call from Doctor Suraya, Hasina’s physician in jail in the morning. Sheikh Hasina has become very weak as irritation surfaced on her whole body due to dust allergy. She must be sent to a hospital immediately," he observed adding "The AL chief also said I have no faith in the treatment under this government."
Here it may be mentioned, Hasina earlier underwent treatment on her damaged ears in the USA soon after the grisly grenade attack on AL rally at Bangabandhu Avenue and she had developed serious hearing problems. "Sheikh Hasina said, "I will do whatever you will advise me", Prof ABM Abdullah quoted her as saying during the two-hour meeting.
Meanwhile, talking to The Bangladesh Today, DIG prisons Major Shamsul Haider Siddique said, "No provision is in Jail Code for a prisoner to go outside the country for better treatment. He said the government is very careful and sincere so that Sheikh Hasina would get better treatment in the prison.""We are trying our utmost to convince Sheikh Hasina to undergo treatment at a specialised hospital inside the country under specialised physicians of her choice, but she refused to honour our request so far," Major Siddique said adding "We would have been pleased if it would be possible to send the former prime minister abroad."

 Udichi murder case
Three sentenced to death

UNB, Dhaka

Three activists of outlawed JMB were on Sunday sentenced to death for suicidal bomb attack on Udichi and Satadal offices in Netrakona killing eight people in December 2005.
The Speedy Trial Tribunal judge Mostaque Ahmed handed down the death penalty to Salahuddin, Asaduzzaman Chowdhury Ponir and Yunus Ali - all in their early 30s.
The convicts were found unmoved in the dock at the death penalty. "We will appeal against the judge on the Final Day of Judgement (of Allah)," Salahuddin was heard saying when the verdict was pronounced.
Another accused in the case, Rokeya Begum, was acquitted. Her husband Bangla Bhai had been convicted in the Jhalakati two assistant judges murder case already hanged to death.
According to the prosecution, the convicts with the help of Arif, a member of JMB suicidal squad, exploded bombs at Udichi and Satadal offices of Netrakona killing eight innocent people and injuring 40 on December 8, 2005. Some 29 witnesses were examined during the lengthy hearing before Sunday’s verdict.

Drive against illegal CNG filling stations soon
Rabiul Islam

The joint force and police will start a drive against illegal CNG filling stations and conversion workshops in and outside of the capital this week to stop CNG-run vehicles’ cylinder explosion, sources said. To ensure security of the passengers of the CNG-run vehicles, the Government would seize the low quality cylinders, and arrest those who illegally run the CNG filling stations and conversion workshops, sources said. Around 25 to 30 illegal CNG filling stations and workshops have already been identified by the Government agencies, and steps would be taken against these, sources said. Following frequent CNG-run vehicles’ cylinder explosions which caused huge number of lives, the Government has taken up various steps including mandatory membership with Bangladesh CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association.
Sources said many transport owners are using either low quality cylinders or non-CNG cylinders in converting their diesel-run buses and other vehicles into CNG-powered ones. Bangladesh CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association General Secretary Zakir Hossain Nayon told The Bangladesh Today that CNG-run vehicles’ cylinder explosion had become alarming as the incidents of cylinder explosion occur frequently. The people would not journey by CNG-run buses and autorickshaws if the security of the passengers is not ensured, he added. Three people were killed and five injured critically as the gas cylinder of a truck exploded at a CNG-filling station of Energy Plus Limited Company at Savar Upazila bus-stand on Saturday.
Sources said around 50,0000 CNG vehicles, which need retests, have exceeded 5 years although it is mandatory to retest every five years for safety.
The experts have made the following recommendations to stop CNG-run vehicles’ cylinder explosion. * A cylinder needs to he retested in every 5 years from the date of manufacturing. * Vehicle Fitness certificate by BRTA (Bangladesh Road Transport Authority) can be issued only if installed cylinders possess appropriate test certificate from manufacturer or from authorized re testing centre operator in Bangladesh. * Visual inspection of cylinders by the dispensing crews can reduce the chance of filling CNG into non-standard and non- specified cylinders and consequently can avoid accident.
Between 1983 and 2001, seven CNG filling stations have been established and 1700 vehicles have been converted into CNG in the last 18 years. On the other hand, 210 CNG filling stations have been established between 2002 and 2008 and 88,229 vehicles have been converted into CNG. At present CNG-run vehicles are 1,27,545. Of them, 25,773 vehicles are auto-rickshaws, 12,000 taxi-cabs and 1553 buses. Bangladesh saves about Tk. 4,550 crore foreign currency every year by using CNG in stead of using imported oil as fuel. Bangladesh can save a thousand cores more in the years to come, by converting petrol and diesel run vehicles into CNG.

Back Page

GDP growth to dip to 5.8pc: EIU
UNB, Dhaka

London-based Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has projected Bangladesh's GDP growth to slow down to 5.8 percent and budget deficit widen to 5.2 percent of GDP during the current fiscal year.
In its February issue of the country report on Bangladesh, EIU also revised uwards the inflation forecast for 2008 to 8.7 percent from 8.0 percent shown in its January report.
EIU is a specialist publisher serving companies establishing and managing operations across national borders. For 60 years, it has been a source of information on business developments, economic and political trends, government regulations and corporate practice worldwide.
Bangladesh Bank, however, projected the GDP growth to be around 6 percent, from 6.5 percent in 2006-07, while the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Asian Development Bank set their projection at 5.5 percent.
About budget deficit for the current fiscal year, Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam recently estimated that the deficit could rise to the tune of 4.7 percent of GDP from the budgetary target of 4.2 percent.
In its outlook for Bangladesh for 2008-09, the EIU said the real GDP growth is expected to slow down, as the agricultural sector struggles to recover from flooding and the devastation wrecked by Cyclone Sidr in November 2007.
"Assuming normal rainfall, a strong recovery in agriculture should boost GDP growth to 6.2 percent in 2008-09."
It said Bangladesh would continue to post a budget deficit in the forecast period as revenue expansion fails to keep pace with growth in spending.
It added that the interim government is expected to prepare and pass its second budget in June this year.
About inflation, the EIU said upward price pressures, particularly those resulting from rising food costs, are expected to persist throughout the forecast period.
Food price inflation should ease in 2009, assuming that harvests return to normal, and consumer price inflation is thus forecast to moderate slightly, to 5.1 percent, in that year.
It said the Taka is expected to depreciate against the US dollar, as inflation remains relatively high and the trade deficit swells to record levels against a backdrop of persistently high international oil prices.
The current account was in deficit to the tune of US$ 229 million in July-October 2007, compared to a surplus of US$ 334 million during the same period in last fiscal, said the outlook.
It said fiscal policy would remain expansionary over the forecast period. Liberalisation of the banking sector is expected to continue in 2008-09, although progress is likely to be slow.
Bangladesh Bank indicated in its twice-yearly policy statement in January that it would maintain an accommodative monetary policy stance during the second half of the current fiscal year.
The EIU outlook said Bangladesh's external environment is likely to become slightly less favourable in 2008 as economic growth slows in the US and the euro area.
The external environment is expected to improve slightly in 2009 as economic growth in the US picks up to 2%, while the euro zone is forecast to grow at the slightly faster pace of 2.1%, said the forecast.

Unapproved books flood markets
Sheikh Didarul Islam

Hundreds of unapproved books have flooded the country's book market under the very nose of the authorities concerned. According to sources, many government and private schools of the country have included several hundreds of books in the booklist of the students though these books are not approved by the National Curriculum and Text Book Board (NCTB) authorities. When contacted, National Curriculum and Text Book Board Chairman Professor M. Masir Uddin said, the NCTB authorities do not know as to whether any school has included any unapproved book in its syllabus by defying restrictions in this regard. Responding to a question, he said the board authorities are taking steps to identify those schools where the students are being taught unapproved books. "Stern action would be taken against the school authorities responsible for including unapproved books in their syllabus," he added.
The book markets of the country have been inundated with several thousand unapproved school books. A section of publishers have published and marketed these books without having any official approval in this connection. Publication of such books is subject to approval of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB). Prior to publication of these books, the publishers are to submit the relevant manuscripts to the Text Book Board authorities for official approval. They can publish only those manuscripts which are approved by the authorities as suitable for the school students. But a section of unscrupulous publishers have been publishing such books for long. They approach the school teachers and authorities and place different tempting offers, including cash money, to get their unapproved books enlisted in the syllabus.
According to NCTB ordinance and government rules, no school can select any unapproved books as its textbooks. The deputy commissioners have already been asked to take necessary steps in this regard. Lists of the books accepted by the NCTB have already sent to the district administrations throughout the country, sources said. But the district administrations are yet to take any action against the schools authorities on charge of violating the Textbook ordinance by selecting unapproved books as text books.
For the year 2008, the Textbook authorities have so far approved four Bengali rapid readers, two Bengali grammars and a Bengali essay book for class six, three Bengali rapid readers for class seven, four Bengali rapid readers for class eight, three Bengali grammars and a Bengali essay book for class seven and class eight, four Bengali grammars, four English grammars and three rapid readers for class nine while a Bengali essay book for class nine and class ten. Besides, the publishers are allowed to submit around 189 manuscripts of some 13 books to the Textbook authorities. The manuscripts will be released after correcting and pricing the books.

Cases filed against 4 VIP inmates
Bdnews24, Dhaka

Prison authorities filed seperate cases against four VIP inmates found using mobiles phones inside their cells, a senior official said on Saturday.
"If convicted they face a maximum one year jail sentence," inspector general of prisons Zakir Hassan told bdnews24.com.
Preparations are underway to file cases against 2 more VIP detainees for the same offence, he added.
"Two cases have been filed against each of the four with the Dhaka chief metropolitan magistrate's court ," Hassan said, naming the four as former communications minister Nazmul Huda and wife Sigma Huda, former air vice marshal Altaf Hossain Chowhdhury, and former planning minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir.
The prisons chief said the first cases were filed nearly one and a half months ago while the second one was filed a week ago.
Cases are also being prepared against BNP minister Amanullah Aman's wife Sabera Aman and former lawmaker Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, he added.
The division status of five VIP detainees held in Dhaka Central Jail was under review after they were caught using mobile phones inside the jail, prison authorities said earlier Saturday.
The five detainees are Nazmul Huda and wife Sigma Huda, Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Salauddin Quader Chowdhury. "They may have their division revoked for using mobile phones inside their cells in violation of the jail code," Hassan told bdnews24.com.
Zakir said prison authorities have sent a letter to the chief judicial magistrate asking for stern action to be taken against the five.

Crime Watch

One to die, 22 get life in murder case
BSS, Rajshahi
A trial court, in its judgment, here on Saturday sentenced one person to death and 22 others to life-term imprisonment for killing a person in a village of the district around 12 years ago.
Additional District and Session Judge-3 Rasheda Sultana found the victims guilty of the charges and pronounced the verdict in a jam- packed courtroom in presence of all the 23 convicted accused.
The capital punishment awarded accused has been identified as Rafiqul Islam (40), of Kalidashpur Chhatianpara village under Godagari upazila of the district.
The life-time imprisonment was awarded to Omar Ali, Enamul Haque, Shafiqul Islam, Nazrul Islam, Hazrat Ali, Mobarak Hossain, Moidul Haque, Abul Kalam Azad, Abdul Bari, Ibrahim Hossain, Bodor Ali, Arman Ali, Toslim Uddin, Nesar Ahmed, Hasib Uddin, Fazlul Haque, Nasir, Anarul Islam, Giash Uddin, Ziarul Haque, Dulal and Monur Ali. All are the residents of the same village.
Victim's brother Mainul Haque had lodged a case with Godagari
Police Station on the same day. After investigation, police pressed charges accusing all the 23 accused.
The trial court examined 15 prosecution witnesses and other relevant evidences and finally handed down the verdict.

Indian clothes seized
A Correspondent, Comilla
Bangladesh Rifles (BDR)-Kotbari recovered Indian Saris (three-piece) worth Tk 55 lakh at Harisardar area in Chouddagram upazila on Sunday morning.
According to BDR sources, a team of the battalion raided the area at about 7.00 am and recovered 659 pieces of Indian Saris and 723 pieces of Indian three-piece clothes, 2635.45 meters of fabrics and four auto taxies, while the goods were being smuggling to Dhaka.
Sensing the presence of law enforcers criminals managed to flee. A case was filed with Chouddagram police station.
The Correspondent from Comilla adds: A female drug peddler was arrested on Saturday night. Police sources said, acting on a tip-off, a team raided one Mir Hossain house at Talikona area in Sadar upazila and seized 56 bottles of Indian phensidyl,and arrested a women ,Selina Akhter,40 wife of Mir Hossain of the area in this connection.
Meanwhile,The Rapid Action Battilion members (RAB) acting on secret information they conducted drives in Darmapur area in Sadar upazila at the same day at night arrested two women drug peddlers along with 36 bottles of Phensidyl. The arrested were Jamila Khatun,40 wife of Sraj Miah and Salma Akhter,27 wife of Nadim Miah of Railway Coloney of the area. Separate cases were filed with the police.

Cop, operator sued
A Correspondent, Sirajganj
A sub-inspector and a computer operator of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge's eastern weight station were closed for taking bribe on Saturday.
Sources said, acting on tip-off, members of intelligence agency nabbed Md. Abdul Hannan (38), a sub-inspector and Md. Abdul Kuddus, 28, a computer operator of the eastern weight station at about 9:00 pm while they were taking Tk.500 bribe from a truck-driver for extra-loading facilities.
Later, the team handed them to the police.
Sub-Inspector Md. Fazlul Karim, the officer-in-charge of Jamuna Setu (East) police station said they were closed for their involvement in bribery.

SI closed for taking bribe
BSS, Thakurgaon
Members of the joint forces caught a sub-inspector (SI) of police red handed while he was taking bribe on Friday.
The SI was identified as Shamsuzzaman Biswas, in-charge of Ruhia police camp, 20 km away from Thakurgaon district headquarter. Police sources said Shamsuzzaman demanded Tk 50,000 from one Alam, who is an accused in an electric transformer theft case.
The SI also threatened Alam that if he fails to realize his demand he will be arrested. Alam's brother businessmen Shahirul Islam gave Tk 3,000 to the SI as bribe. Shahirul once again gave Tk 5,000 to the SI on Friday night. Members of the joint forces caught the SI red handed.
Acting police super suspended SI Shamsuzzaman Biswas and closed him in the police line.

2 thieves arrested
A Correspondent, Chapainawabganj
Two thieves, Mojammel Haque (24), son of Sadekul Islam of Kansat ParDelalpur and Entajul (60), son of Aljor of Rasiknagar were arrested by Shibganj Thana Police here Friday night.
Police sources said Mojammel and Entajul were warranted thieves of a case, which was filed on November 2007. They were sent to jail source said.
According to FIR, one Sheikh Mohammad Akbar, man of Balubagan under Chapainawabganj Municipality, filed a case of stolen gold and money. His loss was around Tk 74 thousands.

Mother, daughter injured in attack
UNB, Natore
Mother and sister of a local journalist were injured in an attack by their neighbors at his house in Lal Bazar area of the town Saturday.
Local people said the attackers swooped on the house of Dipankar Lahiri, news editor of daily Amader Barta, leaving his mother Manjuri Lahiri and sister Mita Lahiri injured at noon.
Police quoting local people said the victims came under attack when they protested grabbing of their land by co-villager Mansur Master and his sons.
Police arrested Fatema, wife of Mansur Master, and their son Rakib in this connection.

Statue of Krishna recovered
UNB, Chapainawabganj
A touchstone made statue of lord Krishna was recovered from Udayan Cinema Hall in the town Saturday night.
Acting on a secret information, a BDR team raided the cinema hall at midnight and recovered the statue weighing 2.5 kg from a room.
In another drive the BDR personnel also seized 50 kg smuggled Indian antibiotic medicine powder from a covered van near Baliadanga BDR check-post on the same night.
Acting on a tip-off, the border guards raided the Dhaka bound covered-van of Sundarban Courier service at about 10:00 pm and seized the medicine worth about Tk 25 lakh.

Girl commits suicide, husband arrested
A Correspondent, Faridpur
A new married young girl, Mrs. Rabeka Begum (18) committed suicide on the next day of her marriage at Dariar Math village under Vhanga thana in Faridpur district on Friday midnight.
Md. Mokshed Mia`s daughter Mrs. Rabeka Begum and Mr. Faruk (30) District of Sirajganj married on Thursday. Her cause of death is still unknown.
Police has arrested her husband Mr. Faruk. A case was filed with Vhanga thana.

Editorial

Emergency No Bar to Holding Polls
 
Our Law Adviser Mr. Hasan Ariff has, on Thursday last, 14 February 2008, opined that Emergency is not a bar to holding elections but conceded that some sections of the EPR needs to be relaxed to permit electioneering activities. In theory he is right of course but in practice one does'nt see it working out at all. Polls under the Emergency immediately raises the spectre of a manipulated, made-to-order elections where the Emergency Government retains the sole prerogative of deciding what ought or ought not to be done, what is right and what is wrong. We have had examples of these sorts of election under the various Martial Law regimes and one under the 1991-96 BNP government and none of these in the least bit reflected the "will of the people" or lead the Nation towards democracy. In fact this sort of elections have pushed us far away from our "road to democracy".
Emergency is not the only impediment to holding the elections; there are other cross currents pushing and pulling at the seams of our polity. One opinion wants to see a balance of executive powers between the Prime Minister and the President, another wants a "National Government", some others want to see a "National Security Council" overseeing governmental functions while still others would wish the Emergency to continue for an indefinite period. None of these opinions address the real issues of democracy or of elections to get that democracy back on the road.
In the meantime the Election Commission, who have the main responsibility of holding the elections are going ahead with the preparation of the electoral rolls and with the off-again on-again dialogue with the political parties, this time in a second round where the politicians are expected to listen and nod their worried heads while the EC lays down the line. The Emergency Government has however, made pretty sure to keep the BNP, feuding within itself, well out of these EC sponsored dialogues.
The AL and the BNP are still the two major political parties able to draw mass support while the rest of more than a dozen political parties can barely muster a dozen parliamentary seats between themselves. The calculations and polarization is thus pretty clear to everyone : with the BNP feuding and in disarray, the AL has a clear run and will win a resounding victory as and when elections take place and therefore, the AL's insistence on immediate elections. The powers that be within the Emergency Government have certainly carried out their calculations and have come to similar conclusions and so this sudden viewpoint that the "Emergency is no bar to holding polls" which ensures that an option remains open to the "shakers and movers" of the Emergency, should the election results not come up to their expectations. There is only one thing wrong with this scenario and that is such an election would not be seen as "free, fair and acceptable" by a significant portion of the voting public in which case we are back to pre 1/11 situation. What Then? Judge for yourself the answer to that two-word question.


India to Protect its interest First

The Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mr. Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty has stated the facts of life to our media, our government and our people. He is of course very right when he says, "Should we starve and feed you". The problem is not with India or the frank statement of the Indian High Commissioner, the problem is with us, with our understanding of the realities of this world and with our Government. The Emergency Government has been insistently claiming that shortfalls of rice occasioned by floods and cyclone would be filled in by imports. It now appears that there are no imports of rice to be had not even from our neighbouring South Asian countries who are themselves facing shortages, price rises and inflations of food commodities. Not that our Government was not aware of these facts; it decided to ignore them befooling itself and all of us.
Belatedly, the Emergency Government has decided to expand its rather limited horizon of awareness and it is letting the public know that with a thump. The Chief of Army Staff had been visiting a village in Comilla on 14 February 2008 and there he reportedly commented, "Import of food would not solve the food-deficit problem nor will it bring down prices of rice. Food deficit has to be solved through boosting production". Well now that we all know we have to live with food-deficits and high prices, we also need to know how are we going to boost our food production when millions of our farming peasants have been turned homeless and shelterless by floods and cyclone, when thousands upon thousands of acres of farming lands have been grabbed for "industrialization and infrastructure" building, when more thousands of acres of farming lands in the south have been turned infertile by salinity and prawn farming, when all the fowls are being "culled" because of avian flu, when farmers have no fertilizers, no irrigation pumps, no seeds and no money to buy anything, most of all their food and finally when more than half of our population are living on a half-starvation diet. Also we need to be told what are we going to SURVIVE ON WHILE WE BOOST PRODUCTION FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE IN 2020.

Analysis

Our Racial Prejudice in the Obama Age
 
Who would have dared say only a generation ago that a presidential candidate in our lifetime would be judged "not by the colour of his skin, but by the content of his character"?

Jonathan Power

Just how emancipated are we white westerners? What is the acid test? - Electing a black man as president of the U.S., or smiling weakly at the doctor who we have just been told is going to perform a complex surgical manoeuvre on our heart and who turns out to be a big hulking black man?
I suspect many of us may be ready for the first, but not so sure about the second. It doesn't seem that long ago that flying to India I walked up to the cockpit to see if it really was brown men flying that great big 747. These days I fly all over Africa with all black crews and only worry when I am in Nigeria, not because the pilots are black but because the airline industry imposed no safety standards until recently.
Nevertheless, the fact that Barack Obama is now the frontrunner to be the next president of the U.S. is a remarkable historical event, not just for him, not just for America, but for us, the white man, who so long dominated the world and considered the black, yellow and brown people as 'coons', 'niggers' and 'boys'. It wasn't that long ago- maybe 30 years- that I was taken out to lunch by the op ed editor of the New York Times and she, well aware of my close association with Martin Luther King's movement from the time when I had worked in the slums of Chicago as a volunteer, asked me if I thought when you really got to know 'them' if they were really the same as 'us'.
It was working in Dr King's movement that I learnt what a combustible business race was- not just the reaction of white Chicagoans when challenged, but the tensions within the movement itself. The white students who came to help were intent on living some kind of idyllic multiracial life. But in the end their behaviour was insulting, even overbearing. As Dr Alvin Pouissant, the psychiatrist who was in charge of all the medical work in the civil rights movement, observed, "They were bent on showing how 'free' they were around black people, and would indulge in all manner of unconventional behaviour in the Negro community which the black workers felt they would never dare exhibit back home with their own kind." As Stokely Carmichael pungently put it later, "they were trying to come alive through the black community."
Many of the white student volunteers, the girls in particular, seemed to believe they could assuage the guilt of centuries by making themselves "easily available" to black men. The white girls had what Poussaint graphically called a "White Africa Queen complex", openly flaunting their affairs. Inevitably this brought out bitter resentment from the black girls. Poussaint wrote: "So much energy was expended by both black males and females in discussing the problems created by white girls in particular that on many days little project work was accomplished. In addition it became clear that local black people were becoming extremely frightened by inter-racial liaisons and thus frequently refused to cooperate with the project work."
In May 1966, Stokely Carmichael was elected chairman of the student wing of the civil rights movement. It was his call for "Black Power" that split the civil rights movement down the middle. Yes, the young wanted a more confrontational policy than Dr King, but a good part of the resentment that blew up inside them had been fed by their own humiliating experiences inside the movement.
Ironically in the Obama campaign it is white women voters that are his main threat. They vote in much larger numbers for Hillary Clinton. Part of this phenomenon reminds me of my first visit to South Africa in 1961 when I worked for a while in the ministry of agriculture. The men, although illiberal by my lights, would think nothing about having a social chat with one of their black colleagues, even a beer. But their wives, if they heard about it, were enraged. "How could you?" Maybe this had something to do with the role of white middle class women in those days. They were housewives and it is a human trait that many of us need someone below us to intimidate in order to feel secure. The men had their wives and their work, but the wives only their servants. But it also has something to do with a white woman's suspicion that black men would like to take sexual advantage of her - a prejudice that has been instilled into women over centuries and is only now evaporating as personal contact is made at work and socially.
We whites are not quite there yet. But who would have dared say only a generation ago that a presidential candidate in our lifetime would be judged "not by the colour of his skin, but by the content of his character"? Dr King's dream HAS come true.

(Jonathan Power is an internationally renowned freelance columnist. Copyright Jonathan Power. Dateline London, Feb. 15th 2008. E-mail: JonatPower@aol.com)

Who will give next Presidents’ Day Speech?

According to the speeches of candidates who desire to be Bush's successor, the country is in a terrible downward spiral.

Ripan Kumar Biswas

Observing Presidents' Day in the midst of the presidential primary campaigns in the United States, if there is anything important that Americans have ever wanted, is that to let a primary presidential candidate know what it is and what will be promised.
According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, the leader of the Transcendentalist movement in the early 19th century, Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel. Effective speech must be believable. But there is more to being a good president than the ability to deliver a stem-winder of a speech. While celebrating this year Presidents' Day on Monday, February 18, 2008 (usually every third Monday in February), most of the Americans along with other people across the globe want to know that is there any of the present candidates for the next US presidential race even come close to being another Washington, Lincoln or Reagan?
The observance of Presidents' Day in the United States is reminiscent of the Indian fable of the blind men and the elephant in the sense that the holiday seems to mean something different to everybody.
Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington respectively. But in 1971, President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal holiday, the Presidents' Day, to be observed on the third Monday of February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of America.
"Helping our economy requires us to take action, it is equally important that we not overreact. Our economic success is not the result of the wisdom of politicians in Washington, D.C. -- but of the collective wisdom of the American people," said 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush on the eve of the Presidents' Day 2008 while he was signing "H.R. 5140, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008" on February 13, 2008 to provide individual tax relief in the form of tax rebates. He further added that a lot of folks in America might say that it's impossible for legislatures to find common ground, to reach compromise on important issues, but they brought together the hope to overcome the current economic struggling.
But facing overwhelming opposition, standing in his ideological ground, motivating in large measure by what appears to be a refusal to countenance moral failure, president Bush is a man fired by his deep belief in the universal appeal of freedom, its transformative power, and its critical connection to international peace and stability. According to him, Liberty is both the plan of Heaven for humanity and the best hope for progress here on Earth.
And after eight years of his administration, the latest demand in U.S. politics - "transformational change" - is resonating in US and across the rest of the planet desperately for a fresh start, for new organization of the economy, a new conception of the role of government and a new morality. With so much at stake in the race for the White House, the world is watching with an intensity that hasn't been seen since the Clinton era began in 1992.
According to Madeleine K. Albright, secretary of state (1997 to 2001), the most precious gift the next president could bestow upon America is an end to the politics of fear. Americans have been told to be afraid so that they might be less protective of their Constitution, less mindful of international law, less respectful toward allies, less discerning in their search for truth and less rigorous in questioning what the leaders tell them. The next president, when taking the oath of office, will have uppermost in mind not the need to scare them but, rather, the need restore their faith in the American idea. That idea is based on their sense of unity and their commitment to one another. That idea is grounded in belief in democracy and burnished by their sense of responsibility to generations past and still to come.
Recalling the history of American presidents and their journey, the first president George Washington (1789-1797), who is often referred to as the Father of the United States, was known for his love of the land and farming, and his dislike of war. He once wrote, "My best wishes are irresistibly excited whensoever in any country I see an oppressed nation unfurl the banners of freedom." He believed that morality is a necessary spring of popular government.
President Abraham Lincoln, nation's 16th President (1861-1865), led the nation during its most dreadful and costly war, the Civil War, April 12, 1861 - April 9, 1865. Lincoln never let the world forget that the Civil War involved an even larger issue. The spirit that guided him was clearly that of his Second Inaugural Address, now inscribed on one wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.: "With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds." His ambition was a little engine that knew no rest.
In foreign policy, Ronald Wilson Reagan (40th President, 1981-1989) sought to achieve "peace through strength." At the end of his two terms in office, Ronald Reagan viewed with satisfaction the achievements of his innovative program known as the Reagan Revolution, which aimed to reinvigorate the American people and reduce their reliance upon Government.
According to the speeches of candidates who desire to be Bush's successor, the country is in a terrible downward spiral. It's outsourcing jobs, bankrupting social security, and losing lives at war. It needs to focus on what's important-- paying attention to the children, citizens, and future. Country needs to think about improving the failing educational system, making better use of the resources, and helping to promote a stable, safe, and tolerant global society. It's time to be smart about the politics and best time to get America back on track.
It should be remembered that even when there is a 'better' candidate that difference will not mean anything unless the power of the people asserts itself in ways that the occupant of the White House will find it dangerous to ignore.
Immediately after taking office, Hillary Clinton would begin preparations to withdraw American troops from Iraq. She would send a message to world leaders that the United States intends to rejoin the community of nations and would reverse Bush-era policies that have harmed the environment while Barack Obama, more than most, has the power to inspire. The positive tone of his campaign is not a gimmick. He is a serious candidate with sober ideas. For reasons symbolic and substantive, he would also be a nominee Democrats could feel proud to vote for.
On the other hand, John McCain is an experienced conservative leader in the tradition of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. He is a common sense conservative who believes in a strong national defense, a smaller, more accountable government, economic growth and opportunity, the dignity of life and traditional values. Americans would like to see him to go white house.
The next US presidential election, which is scheduled to be held on November 4, 2008, is heating up. McCain is the clear front runner for the Republicans while Obama and Clinton are running neck to neck for the Democrats. Barack Obama, who now won 23 of 34 states, is leading with 1,253 delegates against Sen. Clinton, who has a total of 1,211 delegates while they need to win 2025 votes from the delegates of the Democratic National Convention. There are currently 4,049 total delegates to the Democratic National Convention, including 3,253 pledged delegates and 796 super delegates. Similarly, McCain needs 1,191 delegate votes while he has 827 of the total 2,380 delegates of the Republican National Convention.
American voters have a decidedly negative view of how things are going in the country but they are confident that the next president will have the power to change much of what is wrong as he/she will have to face a daunting menu of issues both at home and abroad.

(Ripan Kumar Biswas is a freelance writer based in New York. February 16, 2008, New York. E-mail: Ripan.Biswas@yahoo.com)

A Crucial Vote in Pakistan

Jayshree Bajoria

Many have expressed hope that Pakistan's February 18 parliamentary elections (Election Guide. org) will bring political stability to a country torn by militancy, emergency rule, and political upheaval. But amid incidents of violence (al-Jazeera) and allegations of biased election officials, some Pakistanis are bracing for more turbulence after the polling. One chief reason is alleged disenfranchisement. The Free and Fair Election Network, a coalition of Pakistani civil-society organizations observing the election process, says fifteen million voters, representing more than 17 percent of the total, are still missing from the final electoral roll . Says Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch:"There have been numerous complaints of improper government assistance to the ruling party and illegal interference with opposition activities." Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has denied all such charges (VOA), assuring there will be free and fair elections. Media reports (BBC) have suggested otherwise.
Pakistan's government has banned exit polls, but several opinion surveys by international organizations point toward the growing popularity of opposition political parties and Musharraf's plummeting credibility. A recent poll conducted by Gallup Pakistan showed 64 percent of Pakistanis say the country's stability and security would improve if Musharraf resigned. Musharraf's popularity, which had declined since the judicial crisis in March 2007, plunged further last December after opposition party leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. A survey conducted by the U.S.-based organization Terror Free Tomorrow in January 2008 showed 58 percent of Pakistanis blame Musharraf , government-allied politicians, and government agencies for Bhutto's death.
Pakistan's economy, worsened by recent political upheaval, topped voter concerns in the latest poll by the U.S.-based International Republican Institute (IRI). Also, voter surveys made clear that Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) could benefit from a sympathetic vote; it topped the field , garnering 50 percent in the national sample. Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan's Muslim League (PML-N) came in a distant second, trailed by that party's other faction, which supports Musharraf.
In the event of voting irregularities, experts have painted various worrying scenarios in a country still struggling with rising militant violence in its tribal areas and North West Frontier Province. The growing number of terrorists using Pakistan as a base is of particular concern to U.S. authorities. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in testimony (PDF) to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on February 13, said: "We are encouraging formation of a moderate center to complete the transition to democracy and underwrite the fight against violent extremism."
The United States has had a tumultuous relationship with Pakistan, as this new timeline explains, and continues to score low in Pakistani public approval ratings. The IRI poll showed only 9 percent of Pakistanis said their country should cooperate with Washington in its war on terror.
Teresita C. Schaffer of the Center for Strategic and International Studies says the United States has relied too much on one man-Musharraf-and warns that all the scenarios in which Musharraf remains president will involve some form of continued instability . CFR Senior Fellow Daniel Markey looks at the choices open to Washington in this Policy Options Paper.
Markey and other experts advocate strengthening Pakistan's civil institutions, and restorating an independent judiciary and free media. But they stress the catalyst for change will be the army, which dominates the state. A new army chief, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, has reportedly taken the first steps towards disengaging the military from the civilian sphere (NYT) but he faces challenges. As Ashley J. Tellis, a South Asia expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, notes: "The argument has always been that the incentives for the military to intervene either formally or informally in Pakistani politics always rise with the degree of confusion or the degree of excessive competition."

(Jayshree Bajoria is a staff writer for the Council on Foreign Relations. February 15, 2008. Source: www.cfr.org)

Viewpoints

How to Stop Human Rights Violations against Rohingyas

Malaysia is a federal constitutional elective monarchy. The federal head of state of Malaysia is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, commonly referred to as the King of Malaysia.

Dr. Abdul Ruff Colachal

The Rohingya community of Arakan, Burma is one of the most down-trodden ethnic minorities of the world. They are victims of political oppression, economic exploitation, cultural slavery and communal violence in their ancestral land Arakan where they have been living centuries after centuries.
Arakan which is a land of one of the most fertile regions in Asia with great variety of unexplored resources, has turned into a land of blood and tears since the beginning of the 20th century where the Rohingyas have been groaning under the crushing wheels of either state sponsored terrorists or the religious fanatics decades after decades.
Restoration of Democracy n Burma.
There is no denying the fact that it is the lack of democratic atmosphere which has closed all the doors for the restoration of human rights of Rohingyas. Despite the continuous outcries of the international peace loving community to restore peace and democracy in Burma, the military regime has been continuously playing games to defuse the international outrage and to trample the people of Burma under military boots for an indefinite period. Refusing to hand over power to the overwhelmingly elected representatives of the people of Burma during the General Election of 1990, detaining the national icon of democracy, peace and liberty, Daw Aung San Suu Kyie and all other popular leaders of democratic movement and ethnic minorities years after years and brutally cracking down all anti military protests, the Generals have demonstrated the world that there is no words like "human rights" in their vocabulary and they have no interest to learn what democracy or civil liberty means. So, the restoration of democracy in Burma is a precondition to stop human rights violations against the Rohingyas.
Restoration of Citizenship of Rohingyas.
Nevertheless, as a part of groundwork for any sort of human rights violations against Rohingyas under the aegis of law, the most notorious action which the military rulers have done is the amendment to the country's Citizenship Law in 1982 which has reduced the Rohingyas to the status of a Stateless Gypsy Community of the world, depriving them of citizenship and making them illegal immigrants in their ancestral motherland where they have been living for centuries having a long history, a language, a heritage, a culture and a tradition of their own that they had built up in their motherland through the ages of existence which can be traced back to the 7th Century.
Under the aegis of this notorious law, the military rulers have adopted all sorts of mechanism to turn Arakan into a "Rohingyaless" land through the series of genocidal operations and all other sorts of human rights violations. Through this act, the military regime has incited racism, xenophobia, inequality, intolerance and discrimination against the Rohingya, depriving them of their fundamental rights to citizenship, movement, education, job, marriage, property, healthcare and other civic liberty. So, in order to restore human rights of Rohingyas, it is the foremost need for the government of Burma to annul the black amendment of citizenship law of 1982 and to sign and ratify the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and to remove all the obstacles in the way to let the Rohingyas enjoy the right to citizenship as well as for all their children who were born in exile as both documented or undocumented refugees.
Restoration of Communal Harmony in Arakan.
Another heinous tactics that the military rulers have been engaged in since the military take over of Gen. Ne Win in 1962 is to exterminate Rohingyas from Arakan, is to fuel extreme communal frenzy among the Rakhines and Rohingyas in Arakan. The people of Arakan who had been once living in peace and perfect amity, have to witness many often recurrent phenomenons of communal violence, social anarchy and widespread unrest goaded by the despotic military rulers.
Today, Arakan is a land of communal enmity and hatred which has reached at such a scale that the Rohingyas can hardly pass through the Rakhine localities. The movement of Rohingyas from one place to another by buses, launches or steamers is always full of risks and hazards. Thousands of highly Rohingya educated personalities have fallen victims of assassination at the hands of a section of the Rakhine communalists. In fact, it is the military regime which has turned the land into an earthly hell where tens of thousands of innocent human beings are being offered as the requiem of the communal conflagration with a notion "Kill a Rohingya first if a cobra and a Rohingya are found together". So, without restoration of communal harmony between the two sister communities of Arakan, the Rohingyas and Rakhines, any effort to stop human rights violations against the Rohingyas, is bound to end in debacle. Peace can prevail in Arakan only when these two communities will be able to create an atmosphere where they can live in peaceful coexistence like two petals of a flower.
Presence of International Agencies in Arakan.
However, in Arakan which has been tormented decades after decades by the military rulers during the long 46 years of Reign of Terror, the matter of restoration of human rights of Rohingyas can not be imagined without the presence of monitoring agencies of international bodies including the UNHCR and ILO who must have full access to each and every corner of Arakan to see for themselves what is going on the people of Arakan as well as the Rohingyas. They must have full freedom to carry out their international mandate and also to monitor all the situations which have been going on in reality.
Furthermore, the authorities must abrogate all black laws which serve as the tools for the violations of human rights against the civilians including the Rohingyas and they must fully comply with the UN Declaration of Human Rights and other covenants like Health ICESCR (International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) where as per Article 12.1: everyone has the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Shelter ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) where as per Article 12.1: everyone lawfully within the territory of a State shall, within that territory, have the right to liberty of movement and freedom to choose his residence and Livelihood ICESCR where as per Article 6.1: everyone has the right to work, which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely chooses or accepts, and will take appropriate steps to safeguard this right.
Most importantly, the authority must abolish the practice of forced labor in compliance with the 1930 International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention on Forced Labor and as per the recommendation of the ILO, the government must repeal the sections of the Village and Towns Acts that legally sanctions the conscription of labor. The government also must protect the Children's rights in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991.Children must not be forced to work under any circumstances and they must abrogate all written or unwritten rules which stand as the stumbling block for Rohingya students to get education. They must give up all practices which compel Rohingyas to go gradually away from their ethnic culture, heritage as well as language. All Rohingya students must have their right to retain their own Rohingya name and no Rohingya student will be compelled to adopt a Burmese name which, in fact, has been serving as a tool for the military rulers in their way to Burmanization.
Presence of NGOs in Arakan.
Arakan which has turned out to be a land of restlessness, antagonism, discrimination, persecution, anarchy and disappointment during the long military rule and where the peace-loving people pass their life in utmost grief and distress, fear and frustration, the voice of restoration of human rights of Rohingyas can be a far cry there, if the NGOs are not allowed to work for alleviation of sufferings of all the hapless people including the Rohingyas.
It is the NGOs which can heal at least some level of scars caused by despotic rule over the decades pushing tens of thousands of innocent men, women and children towards disasters. Through their grassroots level activities, the NGOs can play a significant role in changing the life of the distressed human beings from the wounds caused by the systemic oppression, socio-economic and political exploitation and social anarchy as well as the havocs of the communal violence.
The NGOs can play a major role in restoration of human rights of Rohingyas if they are allowed to work in Arakan through multidimensional programmes like emergency relief, food security and agriculture, infrastructure and health and education. Under the emergency relief programme, the NGOs can concentrate to the internally displaced Rohingyas.
They can pay special attention and concentration to reduce mortality and morbidity and help the distressed people to return to normalcy and let them understand the fact that human rights are not the mercy of a state and that as per Vienna Conference on Human Rights in 1993 which clearly states that "States declare that human rights are the legitimate concern of the international community", human rights obligations are voluntarily confirmed obligations of states or nations towards populations within their jurisdiction, and this obligates States or nations to have consistent efforts and strive towards a complete spectrum of human rights - starting from an effective 'right to health,' within the availability of States resources to the absolute prohibition of torture.
Presence of human rights groups in Arakan.
Another important aspect for the restoration of human rights of Rohingyas is to allow different human rights organizations to be present in Arakan where human rights violations have turned out to be a common phenomenon during the decade's long military rule.
In fact, Human Rights and Human Survival are inalienably linked. In concrete terms, the endurance of the society is a human right. But this basic human right to live with peace and security, liberty and equality and prosperity cannot be rejuvenated by any government faced with all those factors which endanger the peaceful living of human society. Violence can be termed as one sort of violation of norms of human behavior recognized by all civilized people of the world. By spreading violence and panic among people, it hits the very roots of democracy. So every society cherishing the democratic way of life is bound to fight any sort of violence and cause panic. Therefore, the implementation of human rights had come to be acknowledged internationally as a major concern and essential in the development of not only the individual but also the nation and, ultimately the world.
So, there can be no meaningful improvement in the restoration of human rights of Rohingyas without the presence of human rights organizations in Arakan who can serve as the watchdogs of all sorts of violations of human rights, whether that violation comes from government, from terrorists, from criminals, or from self-appointed messiahs operating under the cover of politics or religion.
Presence of News Media in Arakan.
Robert Heinlein said, secrecy is the beginning of tyranny. It is the news media which mainly bring most of the secrets to the surface. A journalist witnesses an incident, films it and releases it and thus opens the eye of people, organizations and governments as well as the international community through his report, his video and other online technologies about the human rights violations and thus, he brings a change in the society and in a nation.
The news media play an immense role in the restoration of human rights of a community or a nation. It has an unimaginable power to organize the "people power" against any injustice and tyranny and build a culture of freedom. Moreover, the role that the broadcast media plays in changing the face of a society is beyond description. Because of satellite links which now enable broadcast news organizations to originate live programming from any part of the globe, the entire world is becoming one "global village" as Marshall McLuhan said or as the famous line of Shakespeare "all the world's a stage".
Nevertheless, in a country which the military rulers have turned into a secret state of terror where human rights are constantly violated and where the guns of the army point out the way of life of the people, the voice for the presence of human rights groups or news media organizations in Arakan is a far cry. It is only a democratic atmosphere which can pave the way to stop human rights violations against Rohingyas and bring an end to the chapter of genocide and ethnic cleansing operations against them.

(Ahmedur Rahman Farooq, Chairman, Rohingya Human Rights Council (RHRC). Address: 2975, Vang i Valdres, Norway . Media Contact:+4797413036 Email: rohingyas.rhrc @yahoo.com, rohingyas.rhrc@gmail.com)

Upswing in Russia-India military ties

Moscow's readiness to sell state-of-the-art technologies to New Delhi is unprecedented. 2008 could see a breakthrough in the production of T-90S tanks.

Viktor Komardin

Moscow's readiness to sell state-of-the-art technologies to New Delhi is unprecedented 2008 could see a breakthrough in the production of T-90S tanks.
Successes of Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation are obvious - the two countries have started implementing joint projects to develop and produce a fifth generation fighter aircraft and a multi-role cargo plane. The programme licensing the Indian production of SU-30MKI aircraft (NATO reporting name Flanker-H) and their AL-31FP engines is continuing. The two sides have also launched a project for licensed production of the RD-33 (series 3) aircraft engine and to continue joint building of warships in Indian shipyards.
Russia has submitted a project on the joint development and production of the Kaveri aircraft engine to India and is waiting to be invited for talks. Within the framework of the GLONASS agreement, the two sides have had consultations and began working on proposals for its implementation. This is regarding the present and the future, but it would also be appropriate to recall the past.
The Soviet Union supplied India with MiG-27M aircraft (Flogger-J), including licences for their production. India was the first foreign country to receive the new MiG-29 (Fulcrum) fighters, three years after the Soviet Air Force was equipped with them. The Soviet Union also sold the anti-submarine aircraft Il-38 (May) and Tu-142 ME (Bear) to India. The Soviet shipbuilding industry began designing special types of surface warships for the Indian Navy.
After 1991, India received more modern armaments than Russia itself. Russia designed one of the world's most modern fighters - Su-30MKI (Flanker-H) - especially for India. It has also launched serial production of Ka-31 (Helix-B) helicopters with radar, airborne over-the-horizon RVV-AE missiles (AA-12 Adder), anti-ship missiles - 3M24E Uran-E (SS-N-25 Switchblade), Kh-35 (SS-N-25 Switchblade), and 3M54E Club (SS-N-27 Sizzler), cruise missiles 3M14E (Club-S), new versions of the airborne Kh-31 (AS-17 Krypton), and T-90S tanks for India.
On an Indian order, the Admiral Gorshkov is being converted into an aircraft carrier, and MiG-29K (Fulcrum) fighters are being produced for it. Russia and India have together designed and produced the BrahMos missile system on the basis of Russia's latest supersonic anti-ship missile. The Indian Army and Navy have already been equipped with it. Russia is also offering its super modern MiG-35 (Fulcrum-F) aircraft for the MRCA Indian tender.
All these projects can give India state-of-the-art military technology. In some instances, it is unique. No other country has supersonic anti-ship missiles; only the United States has F-22A fighters with controlled thrust vectoring (used in Su-30MKI aircraft).
Keen on developing its own scientific and technical potential, India wants to move from buying ready-made weapons to acquiring technology, joint developments, and production. Russia is offering India its latest products; developments no other country will part with. Moscow's readiness to sell state-of-the-art technologies to New Delhi is unprecedented. It has offered licensed production of MiG-35 (Fulcrum-F) fighter and its systems, including active phased array radar.
Long-standing bilateral military-technical cooperation (MTC) has seen ups and downs, as it often happens in relations between any two countries, but now it is clearly on the upsurge. In 2007, the two countries signed a record number of arms supplies agreements against the background of India's rapid economic development.
In this situation it is easier to resolve the arising problems. Neither Russia nor India is satisfied with Moscow's efforts to repair and re-equip the Admiral Gorshkov. New Delhi is worried about Moscow's decision to reassess the cost of work and change the schedule. Russia has its own concerns on this score. The ship's conversion into an aircraft carrier is a very difficult and complicated operation. Many designing and technological decisions made during the implementation of this order have no precedent in shipbuilding.
After identifying defects in the warship, drafting a technical project and making detailed engineering blueprints, the Russian side had to make substantial changes in the ship's design and conversion technology. It wants the aircraft carrier to have high combat qualities and a long service life. This required a lot of additional work, which was not envisaged in the signed contract. This is why the schedule of work had to be changed, as well as the cost of repairs and conversion. Russia has given India detailed information for the objective discussion of problems and adoption of adjusted decisions.

Source: www. hindu.com

International

Pakistani town under curfew after blast kills 46
Reuters, Parachinar

Authorities imposed a curfew in a northwestern Pakistani town on Sunday a day after a suicide bomber attacked supporters of assassinated prime minister Benazir Bhutto killing 39 people, an official said.
Saturday's blast in the town of Parachinar near the Afghan border was the most deadly during a campaign for a Feb. 18 general election that nuclear-armed Pakistan's allies hope will help restore stability.
"We haved imposed a curfew to avert any riots. If the situation remains calm then we may relax it," Zaheer-ul-Islam, the district's top government administrator, told Reuters.
Parachinar is the main town of the Kurram tribal region which has seen bloody sectarian clashes between majority Sunni Muslim militants and minority Shi'ites in recent months.
Islam blamed "anti-state elements" for the blast. Another official said a head, suspected to be that of the suicide bomber, had been found. Islam said authorities had not yet made a decision on whether to go ahead with voting on Monday. "It depends on the situation," he said.
A doctor at Parachinar's government hospital said 39 people had been killed in the blast and more than 100 were wounded. Many of the wounded were in critical condition and the death toll may rise, he said.
Campaigning for the elections to a new parliament and provincial assemblies has been overshadowed by security fears, especially after opposition leader Bhutto was killed in a gun and suicide bomb attack on Dec. 27.
 

India to relax arms purchase rules
AFP, New Delhi

India, which plans to purchase billions of dollars worth of military hardware in the next five years, will soon relax strict rules on arms imports, officials say.
A new Defence Procurement Policy, or DPP, will be unveiled by April, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Saturday at a defence fair in the capital.
"We have been fine-tuning and improving the DPP based on periodical reviews (and) the current procurement procedure is also under review to make it more transparent and user- friendly," he said.
Many of the major players in the race to grab a share of arms deals worth 30 billion dollars by 2012 see the current so-called offset policy part of the DPP as restricting growth.
The policy stipulates foreign firms selling products to India must re-invest up to 50 percent of the total amount through tie-ups and services in the country.
Antony promised the new policy would help India's fledgling defence sector.
"For our defence industry to expand and to be able to meet critical technological requirements of armed forces, there is need for far greater synergy between private players and the government."
Global vendors have recently "publicly questioned" the capacity of India's private sector to absorb largescale joint ventures with overseas companies, the Press Trust of India said.
Others said the new rules would take into account the "fears and reservations" of global firms on re-investment.
"Our procurement policies which were formed in 2006 are restrictive and now they will become wider-based and easy," a senior defence ministry official said.
Global companies including US-based aerospace firm, Lockheed Martin however said they would continue to support India's offset rules in any form.

Nepal’s ethnic group protests turn violent
AFP, Kathmandu

At least 45 people were hurt in violent protests as a general strike in Nepal's southern lowlands continued Sunday, causing nationwide food and fuel shortages, police said.
Shops, schools and government offices have been shut for five days in the country's southern belt following a general strike called last week by the United Democratic Mahadhesi Front (UDMF) to push for more representation in federal politics.
"There are protest rallies every day and clashes every now and then," said Mohan Kumar Pariyar, a police officer at Birgunj, 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of the capital Kathmandu.
"The town is shut down. All the schools, businesses and shops are closed with no sight of any vehicles and the volume of people is very low on the streets."
The ethnic minority Mahadhesis have been calling for a greater voice in the country since the monarchy was ended in 2006 and an interim parliament formed last year.
More than 200 people were killed in 2007 in the southern Terai belt bordering India in targeted killings, protests and clashes.
Home to around half of Nepal's 27 million population, the Terai region is known as the country's bread basket and is where most fuel imports come through from its sole suppsier, India.
Protestors blamed the sporadic violence on police for using batons and firing teargas or shots into the air to break up demonstrations. "We are trying our best to make the protests peaceful. But the state opens fire," said Anil Kumar Jha, leader of the UDMF.

Iraq anti-Qaeda group quits after members killed
AFP, Hilla

More than 100 members of an anti-Qaeda front in central Iraq on Saturday handed their resignations to their US military employers, accusing them of killing 19 of their group, their leader told AFP.
The walk-out occurred in Juruf Sakher village near the city of Hilla, 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Baghdad, said Sabah al-Janabi, leader of the anti-Qaeda Awakening group in the area.
"The group, which comprises 110 members, resigned in protest at organised assassinations by the coalition forces," said Janabi.
According to Janabi and a local police official, Ali al- Lami, three members of the Awakening group were killed on Saturday when they were attacked by gunfire from a US helicopter.
"It was the third incident in a month. We have lost 19 men while 12 have been injured because of coalition attacks," said Janabi.
The US military said it was not certain that the Awakening members had indeed resigned