News from Bangladesh-Updates and Discussion

[Banglar Bir]

T-shirts sold at Marine Le Pen rally found to be made in Bangladesh despite ‘made in France’ policy
The labels of all polo shirts sold at the meeting were cut out but one

• Chloe Farand

Marine Le Pen speaks at a a campaign rally in Villepinte, near Paris, on 1 May Reuters
Souvenir T-shirts sold at a Marine Le Pen were made in Bangladesh, despite the far-right candidate consistently championing “made in France” as a key pillar of her economic programme.

The far right presidential candidate has repeatedly said she would defend French interests against globalisation and the relocation of factories abroad. But the memorabilia sold in her name does not appear to be an example of the “economic patriotism” she has so vigorously advocated.

Labels on most the polo shirts, which were on sale at Ms Le Pen’s meeting in the northern Parisian suburb of Villepinte earlier this week had all been cut out, preventing buyers from finding out where the clothes were made.

But reporters from BFM TV found the shirt displayed on a mannequin had an untouched label stating the piece of clothing had been made in Bangladesh - a country well known for its textile manufacture and cheap labour.

Asked whether the shirts were not a contradiction to Ms Le Pen’s campaign pledges, the stall holder selling the memorabilia said the embroidery work had been done in France.

“This is not at all contradictory to Ms Le Pen’s programme because we are asking for products to be made in France and the embroidery work on the T-shirts was made in France," he told the TV station.

Marine Le Pen has repeatedly championed French products (Independent)

The T-Shirt's label said it had been made in Bangladesh (The Independent)

“So the finished work was made in France. The problem for the supplier was a problem of workforce, which was not competitive enough to make in France. This is why we are fighting for French production lines.”

Asked whether he could explain why the labels had been cut from every single T-shirts, the vendor said he could not answer the question.

Ms Le Pen stepped down as leader of the far right Front National party last week, claiming it would allow her to represent better the interests of "all French people".Despite party's patriotic stance, last year T-shirts made for the party were found to have been produced in Morocco, according to the HuffPost Maghreb.

In 2012, France Soir reported that the official Front National online shop was selling shirts made in Bangladesh.

The Independent has approached the Front National for comment, but none had arrived at the time of publication
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...-in-bangladesh-rally-villepinte-a7716466.html

 

[Banglar Bir]

Hefazat: Don’t cover Lady Justice, remove it

• Tribune Desk
• Published at 06:30 PM May 04, 2017

Why would anyone hold grudge against the lady in question, blindfolded as she is, statuesque as she is?Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka Tribune
Hefazat chief Shafi claims that an “ideological aggression” was going on against Islam and Bangladesh’s Muslims “in the name of secularism”
Radical Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam has rejected the idea of covering the Lady Justice statue erected on the Supreme Court premises during prayer times, calling the idea “ridiculous.”

“Covering the statue or not covering it is the same thing,” Hefazat Secretary General Junaid Babunagari said in a statement, renewing their demand to install a replica of the Qur’an instead.

Jamaat-e-Islami made the same demand after the prime minister said that suggested that it be covered during prayers at the adjacent National Eidgah.

In the statement issued Wednesday, Babunagari argued that a Greek goddess had nothing in common with Bangladesh’s culture and heritage, and hoped that the prime minister would understand the pulse of the people and remove it.

Hefazat chief Shafi had claimed that “ideological aggression” was going on against Islam and Bangladesh’s Muslims “in the name of secularism.”

Also Read- News Analysis: More is at stake than a statue

Islami Andolon Bangladesh chief Mufti Rezaul Karim, better known as Charmonai Pir, had previously warned of bloodshed if the sculpture was not removed.

Hardline Islamist groups have been seeking the statue’s removal for several months now. Hefazat, who dubbed the statue an “anti-Islamic idol,” approached the prime minister and the chief justice with their demand on February 14.

A group of religious scholars, including Hefazat chief Shah Ahmad Shafi, raised the demand at a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Ganabhaban on April 11. Hasina agreed to the demand partially on that day, saying she did not like the Greek statue.

The premier later said that the statue should be shifted to a different spot inside the court premises, and hoped that the chief justice would consider the matter. Several ministers and senior Awami League leaders also told the media that the chief justice was the person to take the decision.

Soon after the prime minister’s comments, leaders of Hefazat and other Islamist parties that eye Shariah law in the country started demanding removal of all statues of living beings across the country. Even al-Qaeda’s Bangladesh supported Hefazat on the issue.

On October 15, 2008, Islamists knocked down the statue of Lalon Shah being erected in front of the Dhaka airport, and damaged the Balaka (crane) statue in Dilkusha area on November 29 the same year.

 

[Banglar Bir]

https://www.facebook.com/

Bloomberg Philanthropies added a new video.
2 May at 20:34 ·
The global burden of drowning is largely preventable, but remains the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 360,000 deaths annually. After making progress to save children’s lives through drowning prevention interventions in Bangladesh – reducing the drowning deaths of children in daycare by more than 70%– with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, we’re expanding our commitment to save more lives and find solutions in more countries. http://bloombg.org/2pEv9xw

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh' ambassador to Thailand - H. E. Saida Muna Tasneem, has enhanced Bangladesh' trade and commercial relationships with that country. Here she is presenting a hand garland to welcome HRH Princess Soamsawali during the “20th Ratree Phannueng Tiva” Charity Gala Dinner at Dusit Thani Bangkok while Hajah Dara Kattiya-Aree, (President of Thai Muslim Housewife Foundation) looks on.

Here she is during an audience with HRH Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn

 

[Banglar Bir]

12:00 AM, March 08, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 03:03 AM, March 08, 2017
Jatiya Party to float new alliance soon

JP chief HM Ershad Photo: Star File
Rashidul Hasan
With the next general election due in less than two years, Jatiya Party is going to form a new political alliance, party insiders said.
JP chief HM Ershad is likely to announce formation of the 15-party combine next week.
As part of finalising the process of floating the new alliance, the JP chairman in the last few days had a series of meetings with leaders of different political parties, including a faction of Islami Oikya Jote (Nejami) that left the BNP-led 20-party alliance last year.
According to JP sources, all the 15 political parties to be included in the proposed alliance are not registered with the Election Commission.

The proposed components of the alliance are Labour Party, Amjanata Party, Gonotantrik National Awami Party, Awami Party, Bangladesh National Democratic Party, Bangladesh Gonotantrik Andolon, Islami Democratic Party, Krishak Sramik Party, United Muslim League, Gono Adhikar Party, Tafsil Federation, Jatiya Hindu League, Socheton Hindu Party, Bangladesh Peoples Democratic Party and Islami Gono Andolon.
Ershad yesterday met with leaders of the 15 parties at his Banani office to finalise the formation of the alliance.
Wishing not to be named, a JP presidium member said they were trying to convince some other political parties, particularly those members of the BNP-led 20-party alliance who are registered with the EC.
The JP was also making attempts to include in the proposed alliance some factions of political parties, including National Peoples Party, National Democratic Party and Muslim League, who left the 20-party alliance on different grounds, added the leader.
Another JP central leader said the party chief's move to form the new alliance was aimed at creating political pressure on BNP as a political strategy.
“We know there is not a single leader in the components of the proposed 15-party alliance who has a minimum prospect of winning a parliamentary seat in the next national election,” added the leader close to Ershad.
He said formation of the new alliance would enable the JP to have a presence in media. “People would talk on the issue and that would be our political gain.”

The JP had moved to form an electoral alliance before the January 5, 2014 parliamentary election. The move was later cancelled following announcements by the 20-party alliance and most other political parties that they would boycott the polls.
http://www.thedailystar.net/politic...m_medium=newsurl&utm_term=all&utm_content=all

Ershad says his new alliance won’t be anti-government.

• MA Ahad Chowdhury Tuhin, Bhola
• Published at 06:35 PM April 07, 2017

JaPa is considered as the opposition in parliament, though some leaders of the party are Cabinet members
Former military dictator and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad has announced that he will form a grand alliance of 30 political parties.

“The government of Sheikh Hasina has been working for the development of the country. Though we have different political ideologies, we are on the same page regarding development,” Ershad said at the party’s Bhola district council on Bangla School ground Friday.

“We have the same aim – the development of Bangladesh and its countrymen. So, we will work together to lead the country towards prosperity.

“Creating a new alliance does not mean it will be against the government,” said Ershad, now a special envoy to the prime minister.

“Once upon a time, Jatiya Party was a strong political party like the Awami League. We want to make it strong again,” the JaPa chairman said.

“I want to see my party in power before I die.”

His party is considered as the opposition in parliament, though some of his party colleagues are also members of the Cabinet.

After a Presidium meeting on March 24, Ershad said that the JaPa would form an alliance with two small political fronts. Party sources say the alliance may comprise some religion-based parties including Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish and Nizam-e-Islam Bangladesh, and some other small parties.

Ershad had introduced state religion in the constitution in 1988, and in 2013 he actively supported the 13-point movement spearheaded by Qawmi madrasa-based radical Islamist platform Hefazat-e-Islam despite being the key ally of the 14-party alliance.

He took blessings of Hefazat chief Ahmad Shah Shafi, who campaigns for Shariah law in the country, during a visit to Hefazat’s Hathazari madrasa in Chittagong before the January 5, 2014 elections.

Regarding BNP’s politics, Ershad Friday said: “They tortured and burned people to death. We do not want such a party in the power. Rather we will support the government which will work for development and stand beside people.”

He also lauded senior Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed, also the commerce minister, for the development activities in Bhola.

JaPa Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader said: “Today’s rally has proved that people of Bhola have not cheated with HM Ershad, though some politicians did.”

With JaPa district unit Convenor Kefayetullah Nazib in the chair, the programme was also addressed among others by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mashiur Rahman Ranga.

Ershad announces 58-party alliance

• Manik Miazee
• Published at 12:16 PM May 07, 2017
• Last updated at 02:42 PM May 07, 2017

File Photo: HM Ershad
Only two parties of the alliance are registered
Jatiya Party (JaPa) has announced a new alliance named- United National Alliance- along with 57 other political parties.

Party chairperson HM Ershad made the announcement at National Press Club in Dhaka on Sunday morning.

However, only JaPa and Bangladesh Islamic Front are registered among the parties of the alliance.

 

[Bilal9]

12:00 AM, March 08, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 03:03 AM, March 08, 2017
Jatiya Party to float new alliance soon

JP chief HM Ershad Photo: Star File
Rashidul Hasan
With the next general election due in less than two years, Jatiya Party is going to form a new political alliance, party insiders said.
JP chief HM Ershad is likely to announce formation of the 15-party combine next week.
As part of finalising the process of floating the new alliance, the JP chairman in the last few days had a series of meetings with leaders of different political parties, including a faction of Islami Oikya Jote (Nejami) that left the BNP-led 20-party alliance last year.
According to JP sources, all the 15 political parties to be included in the proposed alliance are not registered with the Election Commission.

The proposed components of the alliance are Labour Party, Amjanata Party, Gonotantrik National Awami Party, Awami Party, Bangladesh National Democratic Party, Bangladesh Gonotantrik Andolon, Islami Democratic Party, Krishak Sramik Party, United Muslim League, Gono Adhikar Party, Tafsil Federation, Jatiya Hindu League, Socheton Hindu Party, Bangladesh Peoples Democratic Party and Islami Gono Andolon.
Ershad yesterday met with leaders of the 15 parties at his Banani office to finalise the formation of the alliance.
Wishing not to be named, a JP presidium member said they were trying to convince some other political parties, particularly those members of the BNP-led 20-party alliance who are registered with the EC.
The JP was also making attempts to include in the proposed alliance some factions of political parties, including National Peoples Party, National Democratic Party and Muslim League, who left the 20-party alliance on different grounds, added the leader.
Another JP central leader said the party chief's move to form the new alliance was aimed at creating political pressure on BNP as a political strategy.
“We know there is not a single leader in the components of the proposed 15-party alliance who has a minimum prospect of winning a parliamentary seat in the next national election,” added the leader close to Ershad.
He said formation of the new alliance would enable the JP to have a presence in media. “People would talk on the issue and that would be our political gain.”

The JP had moved to form an electoral alliance before the January 5, 2014 parliamentary election. The move was later cancelled following announcements by the 20-party alliance and most other political parties that they would boycott the polls.
http://www.thedailystar.net/politic...m_medium=newsurl&utm_term=all&utm_content=all

Ershad says his new alliance won’t be anti-government.

• MA Ahad Chowdhury Tuhin, Bhola
• Published at 06:35 PM April 07, 2017

JaPa is considered as the opposition in parliament, though some leaders of the party are Cabinet members
Former military dictator and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad has announced that he will form a grand alliance of 30 political parties.

“The government of Sheikh Hasina has been working for the development of the country. Though we have different political ideologies, we are on the same page regarding development,” Ershad said at the party’s Bhola district council on Bangla School ground Friday.

“We have the same aim – the development of Bangladesh and its countrymen. So, we will work together to lead the country towards prosperity.

“Creating a new alliance does not mean it will be against the government,” said Ershad, now a special envoy to the prime minister.

“Once upon a time, Jatiya Party was a strong political party like the Awami League. We want to make it strong again,” the JaPa chairman said.

“I want to see my party in power before I die.”

His party is considered as the opposition in parliament, though some of his party colleagues are also members of the Cabinet.

After a Presidium meeting on March 24, Ershad said that the JaPa would form an alliance with two small political fronts. Party sources say the alliance may comprise some religion-based parties including Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish and Nizam-e-Islam Bangladesh, and some other small parties.

Ershad had introduced state religion in the constitution in 1988, and in 2013 he actively supported the 13-point movement spearheaded by Qawmi madrasa-based radical Islamist platform Hefazat-e-Islam despite being the key ally of the 14-party alliance.

He took blessings of Hefazat chief Ahmad Shah Shafi, who campaigns for Shariah law in the country, during a visit to Hefazat’s Hathazari madrasa in Chittagong before the January 5, 2014 elections.

Regarding BNP’s politics, Ershad Friday said: “They tortured and burned people to death. We do not want such a party in the power. Rather we will support the government which will work for development and stand beside people.”

He also lauded senior Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed, also the commerce minister, for the development activities in Bhola.

JaPa Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader said: “Today’s rally has proved that people of Bhola have not cheated with HM Ershad, though some politicians did.”

With JaPa district unit Convenor Kefayetullah Nazib in the chair, the programme was also addressed among others by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mashiur Rahman Ranga.

Ershad announces 58-party alliance

• Manik Miazee
• Published at 12:16 PM May 07, 2017
• Last updated at 02:42 PM May 07, 2017

File Photo: HM Ershad
Only two parties of the alliance are registered
Jatiya Party (JaPa) has announced a new alliance named- United National Alliance- along with 57 other political parties.

Party chairperson HM Ershad made the announcement at National Press Club in Dhaka on Sunday morning.

However, only JaPa and Bangladesh Islamic Front are registered among the parties of the alliance.

How old is Ershad uncle now? Still going strong....

Multiple wives, relationships, trysts, and on top of it all a suave dresser with YSL cravats charming ladies of _all_ ages at parties - equally adept at ruthless statecraft, fine poetry and appreciation of well-crafted spirits.

A man's man - if you ask me.

 

[Banglar Bir]

Will Modi’s UP-Uttarakhand sweep help Hasina!
Subir Bhaumik, March 11, 2017



The BJP’s sweep in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand state polls is a huge boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image.

Those in the party who were blaming Modi for demonetisation and the adverse impact it might have on the electoral fortunes are now praising him for his ability to take huge risks and hard sell controversial moves as ‘new politics’.

Modi has also demonstrated his appeal beyond India’s west and northern regions — the BJP has emerged as a close challenger to the ruling Congress even in Manipur in the country’s far east.

Only in Punjab has the BJP-Akali Dal coalition got a huge drubbing and the Congress is back in power under the leadership of former chief minister Captain (retd) Amrinder Singh.

Many analysts now say Modi has rediscovered his magic with demonetisaton. After leading the BJP to a historic victory in 2014 parliament polls, Modi failed to win Delhi and most other Indian states that went to polls in 2015-16, except Assam.

But the victory in UP, India’s most populous and politically vital state, is a big boost to BJP and makes over for the loss of Bihar a year ago. Even in far off Manipur, the BJP has given the ruling Congress a run for its money.

Some say this nicely sets up the BJP on course for a return to power in 2019.

The Congress has been wiped out with its ally, UP’s current ruling Samajwadi Party and in Uttarakhand where it ran the government.

“The BJP is emerging as India’s only national party, the Congress is just withering away, and Modi’s real challenge now are some powerful regional parties,” says psychologist Pranay Roy, who also heads NDTV.

“Modi is standing taller than any other Indian leader at the moment,” says TV anchor and author Rajdeep Sardesai, once his bitter critic.

While other regional parties down south and elsewhere in the country have maintained ‘working relationship’ with Modi, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has emerged as his fiercest opponent, especially after demonetisation.

BJP leaders have attacked Mamata for being “in cahoots” with Islamist radicals, for being ‘a patron queen of jihadis’ and for paying Imams a dole.

Modi has unleashed the CBI to investigate the ponzi schemes like Saradha and Rose Valley — top Trinamul leaders like Sudip Banerjee (the party’s leader in parliament) are already behind bars.

Banerjee has emerged as the key link for Opposition unity moves in the parliament to protest demonetisation.

BJP insiders indicate that with UP wrapped up, Modi would turn to tackle Mamata Banerjee and unsettle her in West Bengal to ensure no move for Opposition unity takes off.

For a prime minister ever keen to use foreign policy moves for domestic purposes, it may now will be a case of reverse — use a major poll victory to push through a foreign policy issue stalemated by a powerful regional satrap.

Modi looks all set to bring huge pressure on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee to get her go-ahead for sealing the deals on Teesta water sharing and Ganges Barrage.

Indian water experts and officials of its water resources minister have already cleared the proposed agreements on both these issues, despite objections by the West Bengal government.

BJP leaders say Modi values Bangladesh’s friendship and does not want Dhaka drift away towards China because of India’s failure to deliver on the water sharing deals.

“Since he has criticised his predecessor Manmohan Singh for chickening out of taking tough decisions, it is time for Modi to prove he is different,” says Bangladesh-watcher Sukharanjan Dasgupta, author of ‘Midnight Massacre” on the 1975 coup in Bangladesh.

“He may make one last effort to convince her to fulfil India’s sovereign commitment to a friendly neighbour, but if that does not happen, he will perhaps consider going ahead on his own,” says Dasgupta.

BJP’s former West Bengal president and now Tripura governor Tathagata Ray has already strongly pitched for “respecting Bangladesh’s rights as a lower riparian”.

Other BJP leaders dealing with West Bengal — Kailash Vijayvargia and Siddhartha Nath Singh — are all for a hardline stance against the Mamata government. The RSS leaders also want Modi to act tough with Mamata because they see her “in cahoots with Islamist radicals”.

Modi gains if he does the water deals with Hasina after giving Mamata a chance to change her stance.

The Congress and the Left parties will have to back Modi, not Mamata, if he seals the deals with Hasina because they had tried to do it themselves when in power.

Mamata will stand completely isolated if she tries to oppose.

A recent CSDS-Hindu poll has shown Bangladesh is the country Indians feel they could trust the most — 48% against India’s traditional ally Russia (46%).

Much of this follows from Hasina’s very friendly gestures and no Indian party will oppose a fair deal on the waters with Bangladesh, what with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar even suggesting the demolition of the Farakka Barrage.

Hasina’s ratings as a friend of India is high across the country — and for good reason. No prime minister of a neighbouring country has done so much to address India’s security and connectivity concerns as she has.

Modi’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said in private that India must honor its sovereign commitment to a friendly neighbour to boost a leader like Hasina and it is important to do her a real good turn, even if it means upsetting an already hostile Mamata who is seen now as BJP’s enemy no 1 at the moment.

If Modi has to live up to his image of a tough leader not averse to risks, his close aides suggest he might take on Mamata and go ahead with the deals with Bangladesh, come what may.

If Mamata responds with huge public protests, BJP leaders say, she will stand to blame for deterioration of law and order which is her responsibility as someone running the state.

Worse comes to worst, the BJP can consider even promulgation of President’s rule — something their leaders threatened Mamata with when Trinamul cadres attacked the BJP state office in Calcutta on the day Sudip Banerjee was arrested.

Former BJP president and now Tripura governor Tathagata Ray has already pitched very strongly for Bangladesh’s rights as a lower riparian.

Some sources close to Mamata — and she herself — will see the pressure coming.

As a smart tactician, she may trump Modi by changing her line on the water deals and back them — but she may well do the reverse, trying to play the martyr to protect West Bengal’s interest.

Some in her party, on condition of anonymity, say she would gain by backing the deals and lose if she continues to oppose them.

If Hasina fails to get these deals and loses the next election in Bangladesh and a more Islamist regime comes to power in Dhaka, it will surely boost the BJP’s cause in West Bengal and undermine the politics of secularism that Mamata tries to uphold.

Dhaka does not seem to be interested in upsetting either Modi or Mamata — the ruling Awami League knows this better than anyone else that Delhi counts as much for Bangladesh as the neighbouring states, who have usually (except Mamata) backed their government firmly in the past and now.

But the UP polls may be opening up a window on the solution of the vexed water deals (Teesta and Ganges Barrage) that so far looked locked in a stalemate.

http://southasianmonitor.com/2017/03/11/will-modis-uttarakhand-sweep-help-hasina/

 

[Banglar Bir]

HM Ershad acquitted of 25-yr-old corruption case

The High Court on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 acquits Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad in a 25-year old corruption case that involved misappropriation of Tk 1.91 crore. STAR file photo

Star Online Report

The High Court today acquitted former military ruler HM Ershad in a 25-year old corruption case that involved misappropriation of Tk 1.91 crore.

Ershad was acquitted as the charges were framed against him under two separates laws, the HC said while delivering verdict in three separate appeal petitions.

READ MORE: HC bench assigned to hear Ershad’s appeal

The Anti-Corruption Commission’s lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan confirmed it to The Daily Star.

The bench of Justice Md Ruhul Quddus and Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty passed the order today.

On April 12, the HC concluded hearing on the appeals and fixed May 9 (today) for delivering the verdict.

Of the three appeals, one was filed by Ershad seeking acquittal in the case as a lower court had sentenced him to three years' imprisonment in 1992.

The other two appeals were filed by the government for making the punishment stricter.

On March 30, the bench allowed the ACC to become a party in the case as a co-appellant.

Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha on March 27 assigned the HC bench to hear the three appeals.

The then Bureau of Anti-Corruption (Bac), which became defunct after formation of the ACC in 2004, filed the case against Ershad with Cantonment police in 1992 on charge of misappropriating Tk 1.91 crore by misusing power on different occasions when he was the president from December 11, 1983 to December 6, 1990.

 

[Banglar Bir]

Quader: Jatiya Party will remain with govt

• Asif Showkat Kallol
• Published at 05:44 PM May 08, 2017

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader talking to the reporters after a cabinet meeting on May 8, 2017Dhaka Tribune

Time will decide if Jatiya Party will remain in the grand alliance during next national election, said Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that Jatiya Party will continue to be a part of the government even after announcing a new political alliance.

“Ershad’s Jatiya Party left the Awami League-led grand alliance in 2014 but its members are still in the government,” he told reporters on Monday.

The Jatiya Party emerged as the main opposition in Parliament after the 2014 election was boycotted by BNP.

Former military dictator and Jatiya Party President HM Ershad was made a special envoy to the prime minister, while another of its members is a minister.

The Jatiya Party on Sunday announced the 58-party United National Alliance (UNA), but only two members of the alliance are registered.

Quader said: “Time will tell if the Jatiya Party will remain in the grand alliance during the next national election.”

Policymakers opposed to bicameral parliament
BNP places Vision 2030 today
Staff Correspondent | Published: 23:58, May 09,2017 | Updated: 00:29, May 10,2017

Most of the policymakers of Bangladesh Nationalist Party are opposed to the bicameral parliament option incorporated in the party’s charter, Vision-2030.
The party chairperson, Khaleda Zia, will unveil her party’s charter today.
She would place the full version of the vision at Westin Hotel in the capital at 4:30 pm, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told New Age on Tuesday evening.
The charter would contain a number of components and action plan to turn Bangladesh into a high middle income country by 2030 if BNP was voted to power, the party leaders said.
The BNP chief had launched the essence of Vision 2030 at the inaugural session of her party’s last national council session on March 19, 2016.
The party policymakers, particularly the seniors, at a meeting of standing committee, BNP’s top policymaking body, on Monday argued that introducing bicameral parliament in a small country like Bangladesh would create problems, according to a standing committee member.
The country might lose its unitary character, the member said, adding that creating provinces would be required for a bicameral parliament.
He said most of the members gave their opinions against bicameral parliament saying the system was suitable for a country of federal government system.
Another standing committee member said they were in favour of maintaining integrity of the country.
He said the meeting observed that the issue of bicameral parliament should further be examined but could yet remain in the charter with less priority.
The standing committee meeting, with BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in the chair at her Gulshan office elaborately, discussed other components of Vision 2030.
The meeting was held on the ground floor room of Khaleda’s Gulshan office in stead of the first floor as Khaleda Zia was suffering from severe knee pain, the sources added.
The BNP chief had unveiled the essence of Vision 2030 at the inaugural session of her party’s last national council session on March 19, 2016.
She among other components of the charter had mentioned introduction of bicameral parliament in the country if her party would go to power.
Most of the standing committee members were not engaged in preparing the charter.
Some pro-BNP professionals and former bureaucrats, led by a standing committee member, prepared the Vision 2030, the party leaders said.
However, standing committee members present in Monday night’s meeting gave consents to other components of the vision including bringing balance of power between prime minister and president by reducing absolute power of prime minister and strong measures to curb corruption.

- See more at: http://www.newagebd.net/article/152...-to-bicameral-parliament#sthash.hfyOMCoC.dpuf

12:00 AM, May 10, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 03:15 AM, May 10, 2017
'Vision 2030': BNP for making House stronger

Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

The BNP has drawn up a package of proposals to strengthen parliament. The proposals would be implemented if the party is voted to power in the next general election.

Senior party leaders said the proposals included plans to set a quota for opposition lawmakers to head parliamentary bodies, give each of the committee chiefs the status of a state minister and hold regular discussions in parliament on important national issues.

The post of the deputy speaker and the chairs of some important parliamentary standing committees, including the public accounts and public undertaking committees, might be given to opposition MPs, the leaders added.

These proposals are part of the BNP's “Vision 2030”, a forerunner to its electoral manifesto for the next national election due in early 2019. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is set to release the document at a press conference in the capital today.

“In the Vision 2030, we'll propose taking steps to empower parliament, ensure good governance and contain terrorism and fanaticism,” BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed told The Daily Star.

All the steps would be taken to strengthen parliament. Besides, the party would make a pledge to keep a right balance of power for the country's chief executive, said the BNP leader.

Wishing anonymity, another senior BNP leader said not a single adjournment motion was discussed in parliament from 1991 to 2006, but the party's Vision 2030 was likely to include that all the adjournment motions would be discussed in the House.

The party would propose to allot more time to opposition lawmakers to speak in parliament. It would also propose to introduce a “by-partisan” process to enable all political parties reach a consensus on important national issues, he said referring to the discussion at a meeting of the BNP standing committee.

To finalise the draft of Vision 2030, BNP standing committee members held the meeting at the chairperson's Gulshan office.

The meeting, which began on Monday night, witnessed a heated debate on various issues of the draft. It was postponed around 1:30am yesterday.

The debate was on the bicameral parliamentary system as most of the standing committee members opposed it saying the system might create problems and confusion.

The meeting resumed yesterday morning and ended around 2:30pm.

The “Vision 2030” will have around 150 points that would cover all the aspects of the country's internal and external affairs. Khaleda will make specific announcements on various ministries and issues, said party sources.

Some committee members suggested that the president should be empowered further.

Meeting sources said a few BNP leaders asked why the draft of the Vision 2030 was placed before the standing committee just two days before making it public.

 

[Banglar Bir]

12:00 AM, May 11, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:00 AM, May 11, 2017
Global accolade for Bangladeshi pilot

Sayed Mahbub Helal
Star Business Report

Captain Sayed Mahbub Helal, a retired pilot of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has been honoured with the President's Citation.
For the first time in the history of the aviation, an Asian pilot achieved this prestigious award from the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA).
The award was handed over to Helal at the annual conference of the world pilots' forum at Montreal, Canada on May 6.
IFALPA accorded the honour to Helal in presence of the officials of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the Federal Aviation Administration and other stakeholders of the aviation world, Biman said in a statement.
In every five years, the technical jury board selects only one pilot for this award from all the airline pilots' communities in the world.
The award was given to Helal for his outstanding contribution towards the improvement of the airline pilots, according to the statement.
Helal had earlier served Bangladesh Airlines Pilots Association as president for several terms. He joined Biman Bangladesh Airlines in 1984 and retired from there in 2014, Biman said.

12:02 PM, May 12, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:10 PM, May 12, 2017
Dhaka, the densest city in the world: Report

Aerial view of Dhaka city. Photo: Star

Star Online Report

The simplest definition of density is the amount of people divided by the land they occupy. Whenever the folks living in Dhaka think about the densest place on earth, they have no other city in mind other than their own.

And the UN’s Habitat data, collected from national census offices, very accurately, gives the number one spot to Dhaka. With a density of 44,500 people per sq km Dhaka is the densest city on earth.

Among other cities, it’s mostly Asian cities in the top of the list: Mumbai is second, while Manila is fourth, with Singapore high up as well, according to a report published in The Guardian.

This measurement of density was calculated on the administrative city proper including adjacent suburbia.

But different measures give different results. The UN’s Demographic Yearbook has data for only the “city proper”. This smaller measurement of area makes Manila the world’s most densely populated city, with the centres of Paris, Athens and Barcelona topping the European list. New York is the densest city in North America, while sprawling Sydney is Australia’s, says the report in The Guardian.

 

[Banglar Bir]

EC to hold talks with parties in September, amend law

• Tribune Desk
• Published at 06:09 PM May 12, 2017
• Last updated at 06:09 PM May 12, 2017

The commission has prepared a year-long roadmap ahead of the next parliamentary elections
The Election Commission (EC) is planning to hold talks with the registered political parties in September to ensure that the upcoming 11th parliamentary elections are credible and acceptable to all.

In the following months, the commission will propose changes to the existing laws and prepare itself for the elections.

The EC will arrange views exchange meetings with the parties as well as other stakeholders such as civil society members, journalists and development agencies to finalise a proposal for arranging a credible parliamentary election, EC Secretary Mohammad Abdullah told BSS on Friday.

He said a draft roadmap or work plan has already been prepared and it will be submitted to a commission meeting on May 14 for approval.

The EC secretary said: “The EC wants to bring some necessary amendments to the existing law and a draft will be prepared soon.”

The 11th Jatiya Sangsad election will be held between October 30, 2018 and January 28, 2019 under the incumbent EC.

Giving priority to the top five components of parliamentary elections before voting, a work plan has been taken to complete the works before August 2018.

According to the roadmap, the commission will formulate a draft to amend the relevant laws and regulations within August this year and fix the schedule for talks with political parties, civil society and journalists.

In November, the draft laws will be sent to the Law Ministry and in December, it will be finalised.

The EC will revise the delimitation of constituencies between August and November, register new political parties between October and February, update the voter list and send CDs of constituency-wise voter lists for candidates to grassroots between September and August, print election materials and send them to the grassroots between January and October next year.

As per the roadmap, all ballot boxes will be made usable at least 30 days before voting, Gazette of vote centres will be published and sent to all concerned starting June next year and at least 25 days before the announcement of election schedule.

Printing of election manuals and directories will be completed between July 2018 and 20 days before announcement of election schedule, management of showing election results though digital monitors at Shahbagh, Gulistan and Motijheel will be taken 15 days before announcement of election schedule.

Other plans in the roadmap include setting up a live display outside the EC headquarters to show election results, preparing budget, completing inter-ministerial activities, making EVM usable and appointing election officers.

Issues of appointment of law enforcement agencies and meetings, training and briefing, election campaigning activities, election campaign of political parties, appointing local and foreign observers of EC and private levels, strengthening telecommunication systems, disseminating unofficial primary results, collecting situation reports from voting areas through an electronic system, forming election cost monitoring committee and holding ICT facilities are in the roadmap.

Bureaucrats want to do away with 3-yr bar on taking part in elections

• Bilkis Irani
• Published at 03:50 PM May 07, 2017
• Last updated at 04:12 PM May 07, 2017

The previous election commission excluded the provision prior to the last election
Government officials have sought that rules pertaining to their participation in parliamentary elections, after retirement, be relaxed. Their primary demand is to reduce the existing three years time frame after retirement or removal from the service to take part in the election.

The Election Commission is reportedly going to revise a number of electoral laws ahead of the eleventh parliamentary election. A number of government officials have been prodding the EC to amend the law for government officials, beside others.

Election Commission sources said before the tenth parliamentary election, a candidate was required to hold membership of his/her political party for at least three years before being eligible for candidacy.

The previous election commission excluded the provision prior to the last election, sources added.

A number of officials of the Election Commission’s Law and Election Management Section said some government officials have already communicated with them and they want the existing legislation is abolished.

Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said government officials might abuse government funds and privileges to prepare ground for taking part in the election.

“So, a second thought should be given before incorporating such provisions,” the Sujan secretary said.

Director of the Election Working Group, a non-partisan network of 29 leading civil society organisations in Bangladesh, Md Abdul Alim opined that such a decision might increase political subservience and manoeuvrings in the administration.

It will destroy the level playing field in the election as the bureaucrats have the opportunity to utilise government funds to gain popularity in their respective areas.

Election Commissioner Mahabub Talukder said the commission is yet to receive any official letter regarding this issue.

“The five election commissioners including the chief election commissioner will discuss it before taking any decision.”

“However, the decision will not be taken for any individual’s interest, but for the greater sake of the nation,” the election commissioner said.

The Eleventh Parliamentary Election will be held anytime between November 2018 and January 2019.

 

[Banglar Bir]

• Govt to build open jail in Cox’s Bazar

• Tarek Mahmud
• Published at 02:01 PM May 14, 2017

Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Iftekhar Uddin addressing the media at a programme on details of 4th Asia-Pacific Correctional Managers Conference on May 14, 2017 DHAKA TRIBUNE
Prisoners of open jails are permitted to take up employment while serving their sentence
The government is going to construct an ‘open jail’ at Ukhia upazila of Cox’s Bazar district to help prisoners get their social and fundamental rights.

Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Iftekhar Uddin made the disclosure while briefing journalists on details of 4th Asia-Pacific Correctional Managers Conference on Sunday.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal will inaugurate the 4th Asia-Pacific Correctional Managers Conference which is to be held at La Meridian in Dhaka from May 16 to 19.

He said the feasibility study for construction of the jail has already been completed and the construction will be finished within the next few years.

Iftekhar said usually, there are two types of open jail- one with fencing and the other without fencing.

The government is yet to decide whether the new open jail would be with or without fence, he added.

He said: “The prisoners across the globe enjoy different facilities related to social and fundamental rights in open jails but this type of jail is currently absent in our country.

“We are building the open jail in line with modern initiatives taken up by other countries.”

Open jail is an informal description applied to any penal establishment in which the prisoners are trusted to serve their sentences with minimal supervision and perimeter security and are not locked up in prison cells. In such jails, prisoners are permitted to take up employment while serving their sentence.

 

[Banglar Bir]

Bangladeshi advert on International Women’s Day grabs world’s attention.

 

[Banglar Bir]

Is Rampal worth the political cost?

• Afsan Chowdhury
• Published at 07:08 PM May 14, 2017
• Last updated at 07:17 PM May 14, 2017

The government is going ahead with the Rampal power plant despite large scale popular protests MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Given the public backlash, AL’s inflexibility on Rampal is one of the few mysteries in our politics today

What began as a well-meaning environmental activist movement has become a full-blooded political one, with friends and enemies on both sides stretching beyond borders.
The arguments of the anti-Rampal lobby have firmly been grounded in emotive spaces from the beginning.

The National Oil and Gas Protection Committee name itself evokes a mission to protect national interests. What was once just an energy project has become a symbolic case to test the present government’s commitment to public sentiment, not just the environment. To this is the added anxiety about how free it is when dealing with India.

Indo-Bangla pressure point?

The Rampal project has already proven a major pressure on Indo-Bangla relations with casual speculation about a brow-beating India.

Considering the fact that the protests are led by the Left Front of sorts — who have limited public clout — one suspects that it was the issue itself that is seen as very sensitive rather than the protests.

The government seems to have felt obligated to go after the protesters.

The overzealous reaction by the government has raised questions about how independent Bangladesh is, or can be, when it comes to deciding such bilateral projects with India.

It might be useful to form a neutral body of scientists to actually explore the contentions regarding the Rampal project and help the government decide whether the project is too politically toxic

But Indian analysts say that after helping neutralise India’s North East insurgency by refusing sanctuary to activists, India feels indebted to Bangladesh and to Hasina. If Hasina goes back on Rampal, India will not push to ensure continued anti-insurgency support.

In that case, why the politically risky pursuit of defending Rampal?

Investor hesitation

Meanwhile, the hesitation of European investors in Indian Rampal contractors has been increasing, and some Scandinavian countries have already conveyed their reluctance to participate. The French are also not happy, and many other countries are not keen in an environmentally stigmatised project.

This is not because they care about the environment, but such a tag carries stigma which may affect share market value.

Already, Rampal has been red-flagged by many environmental groups internationally and the fall-out is now making association with it embarrassing.

But what sort of option does it leave open for Hasina now?

If she withdraws by herself she will be seen as weak for having bowed down to public pressure, and that could end up sending a signal to her political enemies that she wants to avoid.

Her main strategy is to appear strong and act from that position of strength. In that case, the protestors are a political construct, however small, so she wants to avoid being “flexible.” By giving approval to the anti-Rampal lobby, BNP has made the issue a matter of honour for the AL to stick it out.

As things heat up, and it becomes even more of a political-partisan issue, AL will not be enjoying this, particularly when the elections are approaching.

For a party that has shown it is ready to make any alliance as long as it is convenient, including with Hefazat — a force that actually tried to topple her — her refusal to be more flexible on Rampal seems odd.

Barring BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, she is not keen on a conflict course with any force. So why this stance on Rampal?

Will it affect voting?

Public dislike for the Rampal project is likely to grow stronger the longer this issue is allowed to fester. That dislike may well translate into votes for the opposition, and this vote is not from a small Qawmi Madrasa fringe but the larger national pool.

It is the mainstream vote, a part of the floating voters who decide every election result unless there is a massive wave. Exactly why AL is so inflexible on Rampal is becoming a bigger question than the project itself.

It’s possible that Hasina will not back down as long as her opponents have a political banner. It might be useful to form a neutral body of scientists to actually explore the contentions regarding the Rampal project and help the government decide whether the project is too politically toxic to go ahead with.

As the controversy becomes bigger than the project, Hasina will have to face tough decisions ahead, and they are going to be more political in nature than about energy production in an environmentally sensitive area.

Afsan Chowdhury is a multi-media journalist, historian, and litterateur.

 

[EastBengalPro]

Three local firms willing to invest abroad have failed to obtain government's permission.
The Cabinet Economic Affairs Committee in a meeting on Sunday turned down the proposals of Akij Jute Mills Ltd, Ha-Meem Group and Nitol-Niloy Group.

The three local companies separately sought Bangladesh Bank's permission to invest abroad. Their proposed investment together amounts US$37.44 million.


After the meeting, Cabinet body chief Finance Minister AMA Muhith said the central bank was asked to seek more information about the aspirant firms and further analyse the matter.


As per the proposals, the Akij Jute Mills, a sister concern of the country's one of the oldest business houses, Akij Group, proposed investing US$20 million to Malaysia to take over two companies in the South-East Asian country.


Ha-Meem Group, one of the leading readymade garment manufacturers, wanted to invest $10.44 million in Haiti to set up garment factories in the Caribbean nation while Nitol-Niloy Group, a leading trading house of Indian motor vehicles, sought to invest $7 million to set up a bank in Gambia.

The proposed bank was named Gambia Commerce and Agricultural Bank Limited.

These three business groups submitted their petitions to the Bangladesh Bank which controls foreign exchange and money transfer-related matters.

In its analysis, the central bank found that the permission for investment abroad would have a negative impact on the country's economy as it is related with the country's foreign exchange reserve.

Though the country's reserve is now adequate at this moment, the remittance inflow has declined while the export experienced a slowdown and the foreign investment is not satisfactory. On the other hand, the cost for importing capital machinery has seen a rise.

As a result, the country's current account's balance saw a deficit of $0.79 billion at the end of December 2016 after a surplus for a long time.


The central bank also said the government has been pursuing for local and foreign investment to reach it 32 percent of GDP to achieve the GDP growth. As part of the move, the government is setting up 100 economic zones to facilitate local and foreign private investment.

So, the three firms have well opportunity to invest in the country instead of any foreign country, it observed.

http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=73507