Unraveling Bangladesh’s cabinet puzzle: Less of India and more of China?

[Mage]

Actually, IMO, since 2005/2006, the fast penetration of internet connectivity has brought a huge change in BD by empowering the common people with knowledge. For instance, at that time some people from the places where internet was not available would ask me to for information because I had internet. Now, no one ask.

You can see, BD did better than many countries. Internet penetrations were taking place that time in many poor, semi-poor countries. I doubt BNP would have focused on internet connectivity as we know what they did with submarine cable.

And the the garment, pharmaceutical, shipping, freelancing industries have increased growth as like any business grows over time. These are private sectors that have grown by their own.

This would not be possible without BAL taking care of the electricity sector. BNP left that sector terrible. BAL tried many things to fix this. Rental power plants, changing clock time in summer to get more daylight. Eventually they improved this greatly and it is visible.

On the other hand, I can see that BAL has destroyed all the institute in last 10 years.

No disagreement here.

 

[Bilal9]

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, being a wily player in the game of regional politics, seems to have tilted more towards China. Hasina’s new cabinet possibly has a subtle reflection of that move.

It certainly seems that the umbilical cord with India has snapped, or nearly so. What is also quite certain is that India is having to loosen its tight grip. Awami League veterans such as Tofael Ahmed, Amir Hossain Amu and other senior leaders like Hasanul Haq Inu and Rashed Khan Menon, who for long maintained independent links with the Indian establishment, be it with the administration or the security apparatus, have been left high and dry. These leaders had strong links with influential Indian quarters like former president Pranab Mukherjee, the Congress and other political stalwarts. This gave India a significant leverage and clout which now seems to be lost. The established ‘line of communication’ has been cut.

A small but significant number of the Awami League’s second rung leaders like Ashim Kumar Ukil, Mrinal Kanti Das, Shafi Ahmed et al, whom India ‘groomed’ as second line of defense has also fallen from Hasina’s grace. Party general secretary Obaidul Qader and newly appointed education minister Dipu Moni probably are the ones on the cabinet who maintain a good relationship with New Delhi. But with the latter given the education portfolio (previously she was heading the Foreign Ministry), she too would have little to contribute in ‘promoting’ New Delhi’s cause. Likewise, the new ministers given charge of important ministries are not known to have any organic links with India, given the closeness that Tofael Ahmed and Amu enjoyed.

Too much sidelining of these leaders seems a well-calculated move to keep India at a distance. It is said that India could and would maneouver and manipulate its dealings in Bangladesh through these leaders. With the likes of Tofael and Amu out of the scene, the communication lines have been virtually cut off. The only line of communication that remains is a direct one with Hasina. And that is, apparently, the way she wants it.

Motivated comments with no basis in reality. An independent sovereign country of 160 Million cannot let a foreign power dictate its foreign policy or internal affairs including development. Impressions to the contrary - Bangladesh actually does not run on Indian whims.

We have gotten used to such outlandish proclamations from pseudo-educated Indian journos about Bangladesh being a vassal state - but they have no connection with reality.

Some idiot journalist wrote this article with a threat too, saying India possesses means to sow 'unrest' in Bangladesh if Hasina doesn't tow Indian line. Well the same can be said about unrest within India.

What is often forgotten is that Hasina's govt. did immense favors to successive Indian govts. regarding ISI stance and Indian insurgents in Bangladesh, and these were done during peacetime as a friendly gesture.

Let's see if New Delhi has the appetite to go back to those times of uncertainty.

But the editorial also pointed out that China was quite happy with Hasina at the helm: “It is worth noting that Bangladesh under Hasina has maintained friendly cooperative relations with China. Lu Lang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, extended congratulations to the Awami League on winning the election under the leadership of Hasina saying China would like to work with the new Bangladeshi government to move forward the China-Bangladesh strategic partnership cooperation.”

Money talks - that is all.

Lot of the cabinet is now highly foreign educated and have loads of experience in important fields. Their links with India are unknown. Also, I am certain most of this cabinet will be inactive in party politics. That is for Hasina and Obaydul Quader to handle. Its quite clear that Hasina's agenda for the next 5 years in simply economic growth, that's why she preferred relatively young people, with strong profiles, to take the lead.

Exactly - the older Awami has-been cadre leaders and goons can hardly be called 'sparky' when it comes to talent, portfolio or actual administrative experience to run an economy in the 2020's. Good going and kudos!

Kaua Quader stayed on (though a goon) because he is in a 'henchman' class by himself.

I dont care how Hasina came to power because at the very least, she gets work done. She achieved things previous govt. couldn't, even though they had ample opportunities (earlier landslide BNP wins). Our growth picked off from 2008-2009 era, time when Caretaker passed the power to AL. This is not by coincidence.

My words exactly.

Hasina is surely a good leader but every thing has an end. What would happen after her departure? Her supposed successors are not even 1% as efficient as her to command such enormous centralized power. An almost non-existent opposition and weak institutions would mean there would be huge political vacuum that could lead to massive instability, paving the way for direct foreign intervention.

They have to do some serious succession planning. I don't know if Joy can be a good leader. He may be a good technocrat but he's no rabble-rouser like his grand-dad from what I have gathered by hearing him speak.

 

[Skies]

This would not be possible without BAL taking care of the electricity sector.

Agree with the electricity job by BAL. It expedites growth.

Hopefully BNP will learn.

 

[Mage]

If the govt is interfering big time in your day to day life...you bet your bottom dollar choosing and disciplining that interference is a basic freedom that every citizen should have the right to exercise.

Govt doesn't interfere unless you are indulged in anti-govt activity. They let you do what you want. If you want to start a business you may have to bribe here and there. That's all. BAL for all their faults, they didn't make life harder for general public. Although they made life very hard for Jamaatis and active BNP activists.

I get that both sides are sullied...point is both sides are investures of the BD people in the end....there should be an appropriate arena for them to fight, win and take the laurel...and if lose...to live another day and fight again for it. It is only through such renewal that confidence, trust and respect is established...and more contestants join over time to compete (recognizing they have a fair shot at winning as well) and the emanciated brutal history of the combatants (that sullied them in the first place) becomes a thing of the past over time.

I personally think BD's recent economic development has a lot to do with uninterrupted AL govt. If exchange of power in every 5 years continued, it would have been worse. You can see AL did better in their 2nd five years more than their first. Although there would be other benefits democratic process though. Like no succession dilemma.

You can be as smart and shrewd, even as successful as you have proven to the unruly mob. Caesar was all of that (the guy basically in a way achieved something like Bangladesh conquering India and China in his time and scale)....but he got assassinated in the end....because he was simply perceived to be usurping/rigging to gain an absolute power of the scale of an earlier era....where the "greater good" could simply be stated by one rather than debated by many. Hasina is no Caesar and she has definitely moved well past mere perception of a power grab. No bueno.

Hence my argument of institutions...maybe a constitution rewrite (with this hardcoded into it) is needed too. But now it seems a complete bloody revolution is needed to even get to a proper sounding board stage for it.

I have said this before. BD's biggest issue now is to find a way to keep the country stable after Hasina is done with politics. I hope for a smooth transition to democracy from autocracy. Some reforms in the constitution so that no party can monopolize power.

 

[Nilgiri]

Govt doesn't interfere unless you are indulged in anti-govt activity.

Nope. In this region of the world especially, the govt interferes heavily in huge ham-fisted levers that dictate the fates of millions of people.

They let you do what you want.

Nope. We all know where BD ranks in ease of doing anything important/relevant with your life compared to the world.

If you want to start a business you may have to bribe here and there. That's all. BAL for all their faults, they didn't make life harder for general public. Although they made life very hard for Jamaatis and active BNP activists.

That sounds like its out of a BAL brochure almost. At least you admitted a bit on the bribe side of things. Bad magoo, bad...they almost would have hired you as fat dopey PR potatohead...and you would have been set for life (till SHW is gone, then you'd have to hightail it outta there).

I personally think BD's recent economic development has a lot to do with uninterrupted AL govt. If exchange of power in every 5 years continued, it would have been worse.

I disagree. Institution building is far more important (and that only happens if you have credible elections in the end)....than quick fixes of problems you created and sustained in first place (while not touching any real important reforms).

You can see AL did better in their 2nd five years more than their first.

I don't see it...its about the same.

Although there would be other benefits democratic process though. Like no succession dilemma.

And not having to switch from Russian roulette to polish roulette as an entire country down the road when SHTF.

I have said this before. BD's biggest issue now is to find a way to keep the country stable after Hasina is done with politics. I hope for a smooth transition to democracy from autocracy. Some reforms in the constitution so that no party can monopolize power.

Well good luck on it...thats what this term was for if BAL actually won the election by a genuine degree. The fakeness that they did it with is going to sewer real chance of this debate now....when ppl cant talk because they are not being heard....they switch to things past talking generally over time. I guess it will come down to the suppleness of the average BD backbone for this national BS drama.

 

[VikingRaider]

Its heck of a lot better still than a dictator....for essentially a very unruly mob of people who succeed by arguing and clashing when needed...rather than be told whats good for them and repressed on it.

As I said , current West minister system already made hasina an elected pm, so she is not a dictator. Atleast according to our constitution she did nothing against democracy. So the article 142 of our constitution actually give our govt this right to make amendment of constitution.

Yes we claim that the election was mass rigged, yet there is no solid proof that how it was rigged.
We only have seen a picture of BBC Bengali version and peoples say that this Bengali version is controlled by a AL guy.
As you are very much interested about the BBS data, but do not even mistakenly think that it could be a trap of govt, to show the world that they are so soft to public opinion. I do not blame you, tell me man when you move to Canada ? Firstly you are an Indian who was born in a democratic atmosphere, then moved to even a better place, so I do not expect that you will understand any practical situation of Bangladesh rather you focus on theory, it's natural for you.
However let's back to mass rigging again.There is no practical proof that other than few cases this vote is rigged, at least there is no solid proof. BNP went to USA and EU folks only to whine and complain, yet they failed to prove it. Court demand concrete evidence and unless anyone can prove it as rigging, no way to challenge it.
We common folks believe that it is rigged election, but does that really matter unless you can prove it?
So according to democracy your argument regarding Hasina being an autocratic dictator, already cancelled. Please do not blame me , but blame democratic culture that let others the power to become dictator, rather than changing them from human ( man of kaliyuga you can say,as old days men like prophets, avatars, saints were sometimes greater than firishta ) to a firishta.

You tell me now, how are you going to hold Hasina/BAL feet to the fire without completely starting a war (which need BD military coup etc)? The better options have been

In 1990 anti Ershad movement it was not Bangladesh Army who throw Ershad from power, but it's common folks. Ershad was a military dictator.

He is too much beating around the bush instead of talking on the points that r important.

It's not only me, but everyone will do the same thing. And something that is important for you , may not necessarily important to others , everyone has his personal choice , so judging others by your own light will only create fuss and that will lead to a fruitless discussion .

If I am beating around the bush too much, then for what you are waiting for ? Be a man, go to street and start movement against govt . Gather peoples and crash on govt like a sledge hammer, as they did in 1990?
Be a man dude, do as I said instead of whining here.
Theory will not make you shake the regime. Bangladeshis did not sit and write on an online forum when they throw Ershad out from power. So before judging others, be a brave man and restore democracy ,no one is stopping you.
Go, otherwise you will lose all credibility.
Why the heck you participated in this election after boycotting last one ( 2014)? Did you expect that army will took you on their lap and will sit you on power?
They did not do it right? Now your leaders are inconsistently talking and threatening to make a tornado , yet can't shake a single dry leaf.
What made them like that? Oh again "EiD er por andolon"? congratulations, wishing the successful andolon after Eid as usual.

Can't comment as I don't know that election's history/details that well.

It was an election under caretaker govt after 1/11 incident.
@Skies believes that it was rigged by military and military unlawfully select Hasina, although when someone ask for the evidence, he remain silent, or ignore it by saying that he is not interested about past thing .Actually who care if he is interested or not?
If he needs to play, if he needs to comment on something, surely he must focus on past matter .

Okay ask him about 2001 election too. What is his comment on that ? Will he still say that it was rigged too? Or what if I claim that it was another mass rigging?
Oh oh wait wait , I must prove it , I am convinced. But when the case is about 2008 he can easily comment that it was rigged, although it was not under AL govt , but was under a caretaker govt.
So in short when BNP Jamat wins , it's mandate of peoples under a fair election, when AL win even under a caretaker govt , then probably it's a mass rig by military, very convincing .
And one thing, ask any honest person , they will tell you that it's BNP not AL always was beneficial under any direct military regime. Yet they point fingers when they lose.

However @Nilgiri, if you honestly want my opinion, I would say proportional representation now looks better for Bangladesh, as I have no other way to show .
What is happening, all are happening because of the big holes of parliamentary system. So again according to our parliamentary constitution everything is right as democracy allow a political party make amendment of constitution.
@Skies, if you haven't read our constitution yet , go and Google it, it's not old days when you need to go to library to study. Now you can get total constitution with a single click.
And if you really believe in democracy , then comment on article 142 of constitution of Bangladesh, instead of doing analysis of my beating around the bush .
Finally democracy is not a govt chosen by the people only .
But if it can't act like a govt of the people but act as govt of grabbing power, then it no longer remain democratic govt. And it's also a govt for the people .
2001 BNP Jamat govt was not for govt but it was the govt for oppressing the people, it was the govt who almost single handily destroyed the system of Bangladesh, because of 45% of vote made them govt with super majority?
What about the rest? OK let's assume that 90% peoples want a failed state for their right to choose their rulers ( or Lords ( because of the sacred culture) what ever you call it),
What about those 10% who want Bangladesh a successful country?
If you don't recognise the right of the 10%, then you are not democratic according to that definition of Abraham Lincoln, you are not democratic .
As long as you can't protect minority with your version of democracy , better give an alternative solution instead of shading crocodile tear for the freedom of peoples.

Agree with the electricity job by BAL. It expedites growth.

Hopefully BNP will learn.

Ask BNP to learn something more. If they want to come to power again , ask them to take oath iinstead of blame game . Ask them to change their leadership , and ask them to leave militant jamat . Then when they are in parliament and still AL plan another mass rigging in 2023 , peoples will come to street as they came in 1990 .
Otherwise , do not go to parliament , and wait for Messiah and keep blamimng and tagging peoples as crypto AL here in this and other online forums , and get annihilated permanently from Bangladehsi politics . Thousands of party can replace your dirty Khaleda Zia and her dirtiest son's present days BNP .
In order to shake govt , theory and whining is not enough , but do something fruitful . This time is not just after Independence when the state was weak , and political parties were strong .
Now state is much stronger than ever , so whoever grabbed the state power , or backed by state , you can not shake them with the air of your noes.

 

[Skies]

@Atlas @Nilgiri

https://www.worldcat.org/title/rigg...ion-2001/oclc/309704787&referer=brief_results

....


I do not talk baseless and there are other studies. But I am not interested to discuss on these issues.

It's not only me, but everyone will do the same thing.
If I am beating around the bush too much, then for what you are waiting for ? Be a man, go to street and start movement against govt . Gather peoples and crash on govt like a sledge hammer, as they did in 1990?
Be a man dude, do as I said instead of whining here.
Theory will not make you shake the regime. Bangladeshis did not sit and write on an online forum when they throw Ershad out from power. So before judging others, be a brave man and restore democracy ,no one is stopping you.
Go otherwise you will lose all credibility.
Why the heck you participated in this election after boycotting last one ( 2014)? Did you expect that army will took you on their lap and will sit you on power?
They did not do it right? Now your leaders are inconsistently talking and threatening to make a tornado , yet can't shake a single dry leaf.
What made them like that? Oh again "EiD er por andolon"? congratulations, wishing the successful andolon after Eid as usual.

You have lacking in knowing. When the system (police, RAB, army) is against you, you can not go to the street and die.

And why would I die and risk? My life is more important than this corrupted country.

 

[VikingRaider]

@Atlas @Nilgiri

https://www.worldcat.org/title/rigg...ion-2001/oclc/309704787&referer=brief_results

View attachment 532304

....


I do not talk baseless and there are other studies. But I am not interested to discuss on these issues.

I also do not want to discuss on such things that really has no realistic solutions . But when @Nilgiri quoted my 2 lines comment , so the discussion started , an d I am positive on this discussion . However I several times assured him that I am not against democracy, , but also I do not consider democracy as holy as sacred text.
And @Skies , I also said that other than 1991 and 1996 election no other election of Bangladesh was fair
. So we seriously should reconsider something .We should find a solution and perhaps proportional representation can be a better choice .
When you want to talk democracy , you also should act as a democratic person and respect others opinion . You can not tag anyone as AL beneficial if their opinion goes against you .
I call it true democracy where peoples can express their opinion , and peoples are not. expected to dance with the beating of same drum . making issue for a decided part only made peoples defensive and result is another fruitless discussion . In this discussion if I win ,or @Nilgiri win , or if @Skies win , or @Mage win , that is not helping shaking AL govt.
So lets try to honor such slight disagreement and try to be real democratic .

 

[Mage]

My life is more important than this corrupted country.

Wow.... bluntly saying it like this.

Let's say if you die the country would be fixed. Would you die then?

 

[VikingRaider]

You have lackings in knowledge. When thee system is again you, you can not go to the street and die.

Yes I lack knowledge I admitted it long ago . And also I admit that you are scholar on this issue . But what's the point ? None of us can do anything except giving lip service . And why should I go to street if BNP wins ? I have no slightest headache about who win or lose . But Since your line of thinking is Limited to BNP and AL and you can not think beyond BNP and AL , so you can say so .

And why would I die and risk? My life is more important than this corrupted country.

Yes same here , my life is also very important , and so the life of 160 million peoples . So they will not come to elevate democracy as long as they are not hungry, as that ( Street anarchy in the name of fake democracy ) is only beneficial for political goons now in Bangladesh, not for common folks .
As long as govt giving them food , they will not do anything . So first ask BNP to join parliament and ask them find ground under feet . Even 8 seat can help them winning again . BJP started with 2 steats and now they have landslide victory in India . Why an old party BNP can not that ? So instead of talking like damn elite , try to face the reality .

In Bangladesh now democratic movement become a poetry , and when you are hungry life and the whole is a prose for you.
Why do not remeber the verse of sukanta bhattachariya the poet ? There is no place for poetry in hungry stomach , lots of women do prostitution only to fill their hungry stomach . If you can not give them food , do not ask them to become moral ( I am not advocating of immoral works , I am just giving you a comparison , even peoples can eat dead body when they have no other food left during famine ).So you need to end poverty first , in order to teach them how sweet democratic freedom is.
Only whining for eye washing democracy no longer going to be effective in Bangladesh or anywhere in this world and again peoples want basic need first, then like to hear the talks of morality. Poetry of freedom comes much later and eye washing democracy comes much, doesn't matter how much we cry for it, it has no effect on poor peoples, so they are not going to hear anyone if that type of democracy comes at the cost of their life and later it reward them empty stomach , make sense ?

 

[Skies]

@Atlas @Nilgiri

https://www.countercurrents.org/chowdhury070115.htm

Printer Friendly Version
External Relations And Army’s Role In Politics Of Bangladesh

By M Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury

07 January, 2015
Countercurrents.org

An external relation has been playing one of the major roles in politics of Bangladesh. To make it clear, international actors’ are very active there. In other words, Bangladesh has been an example where politics and international relations work together with evidence. It is obvious that the country gave its birth due to denial of democracy. The endless struggle for democracy still continues. The Western world and India are not only playing major role in Bangladesh politics but also they have their opinion for military rule in this territory as well.

Liberation war and Army started their journey in Bangladesh simultaneously. Track record shows, Army was involved in all kind of changeovers there since 1971, when the country came into being through its liberation war. During the liberation war, the government in exile worked from India. Expatriate Bangladeshis vigorously worked from the United Kingdom-UK for the cause of independence. British parliamentarians supported the cause of Bangladeshis freedom struggle strongly. Following the changeover of 1975, the United States of America-USA and part of Western world with China recognised Bangladesh. In 1982, India welcomed the changeover through Army coup in the country. Prior to fall of Ershad regime in 1990, top leaders of two rival political parties used to meet American Ambassador in Dhaka frequently. They had been parleying with visiting American diplomats to start with democracy. Thus Western world and Army’s role were visible in all changeovers.


It is widely believed that in Bangladesh governance, the Western world and India’s influence matter. Following the military takeover by Lt. General Moeen U. Ahmed on 11 January 2007, former World Bank official Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed was appointed the head of the government the next day, where the reason was to show that they received foreign powers support. In order to establish the same idea the military authority tried to make Bangladeshi noble laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus the governmental head. Until eighties Bangladeshi military governments were backed by the western countries. Then there was a bi-polar world. However, usually in the present uni-polar world military takeover is unlikely.


Bangladesh signed TICFA agreement with USA in 2013. Previously it signed another treaty called SOFA. China made a number of bridges in Bangladesh out of friendship and Japan also built airport, EPZ and other infrastructures. Korea invested in EPZ. It is estimated that more than three million Bangladeshi people live in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-KSA. Approximately seven million Bangladeshis live in Middle Eastern countries. More than ten million Bangladeshis live and work outside the country including the US, UK and other European and Middle Eastern countries. Foreign remittance is one of the major sources of Bangladeshi wealth. Participation in UN Peace Keeping Force earns a good amount for defence and police people of Bangladesh as the country is pioneer for this mission.


Bangladesh saw the end of military rule in 1990 through a mass upsurge. Since then it has been argued that possibilities of military intervention are very unlikely in the country. Some Bangladeshi political parties took advantage of this. They organised destructive political programmes such as blockade, demonstration with indigenous weapons namely ‘Logi-Boitha’ (Paddle-Stick), which created such a situation for military intervention with their (military) instigation as well that coincided their both individual and corporate interests (Chowdhury 2013). Due to this reason initially a large number of people welcomed the military intervention in 2007. A group of army worked behind the scene since 2002 by doing ‘clean heart operation’ under democratic regime (Asian Human Rights Commission 2002). Since then overtly or covertly army is backing the government to run the country. Later the force managed 2008 and 2014 disputed elections and keeping the government in power by suppression, oppression, killing, abducting and using arms by the government and political machinery. In the changed global scenario with threat of losing the prevailing facilities for army personals in UN Peace Keeping Force the scope of coup has been very thin and risky. The Economist (2007) headlined 'the coup that dare not speak its name', 'the army, not the politicians now runs Bangladesh'. 2007 coup was an exception and unique due to its failure in achieving its main target of army chief’s becoming president even after two years of absolute army rule and due to its safe landing by handing over power through an arranged and ‘disputed’ election controlled by army. Thus the changeover in 2007 brought initially Army and eventually Awami League to power.

On the eve of military coup in 2007, it was seen that the foreign diplomats’ posted in Bangladesh exercise excessive power. It helped to create lawlessness in the country, in fact, that helped military leaders to capitalise the created situation in their favour. There was a diplomatic club in Bangladesh comprises foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka namely the Tuesday group was over active. Canadian High Commissioner Barbara Richardson, British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury, who was of Bangladeshi origin and European Union’s over publicised role also helped Army Chief to implement his mission. EU could not show that whatever they were doing that was in favour of democracy. Australian High Commissioner Douglas Fosket showed that his country was committed to democracy. The Bangladeshi Army group recorded some activities of foreign diplomats including US Ambassador’s personal activities, reportedly, to blackmail then.

With Western contradictory role and too much involvement in Bangladesh politics with no direction, the Army Chief Lt. Gen. Moeen U Ahmed declared the State of Emergency He forced the President of Bangladesh Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed to promulgate this at gun point. Then the Western world including the US and the UK were against military takeover and in favour of democracy. The military chief managed India, but it could not act openly due to the US’s objection. UN resident Coordinator in Dhaka Renata Lok Dessallien took Moeen’s side. She issued a letter what was sought by Moeen, That helped him to takeover although the UN Secretary General and UN Headquarters played the role in favour of democracy (Chowdhury 2014).

Renata helped directly and western world’s role helped Moeen indirectly to capture the power. Finally the State of Emergency was declared and democracy was abrogated, the process of which was started in 1991. It has been argued that America did nothing to stop it. It gave only leap service, maintained liaison with all the contested parties, showed that they were in favour of democracy. But the end result is they did not do anything against military takeover. They probably made them agree to hold an election but the army held the election in such a way that AL comes to power. America knew about Indian role. Evidence wise, India supported the army with supplying forces recently, for instance, a massacre was done in Satkhira jointly, intelligence gives service over DGFI, and for example, they are advising who will be Army Chief in Bangladesh. As opposition claims, the country is helping with money and intelligence reports. Regardless which party in power in India they help Awami League in Bangladesh and the relation is not country to country, but country to party.

Regarding the role of think-tank of the USA, former ambassador to Bangladesh William B. Milam supported last army rule in a way by saying the politicians created the crisis. Critics argue about the mindset of the American, when another former ambassador Harry K Thomas was also not happy with immediate past government in Bangladesh. However, Harry has his own argument in this regard. Last US Ambassador Dan W. Mozena visited India and discussed Bangladesh issues with Indian government as he was assigned. An Indian lobby wants that USA should maintain relation with Bangladesh through them, which has not been accepted by the only superpower. British government’s decision to issue visas on Bangladeshis passports in New Delhi created another issue among Bangladeshis as there are strong anti-Indian sentiments in Bangladesh for abovementioned reasons. In latest instance, India helped Awami League to continue in power with an election, organised by DGFI, by passing major political parties (Chowdhury 2014).

Defying visible role of the Western world at the end Army Chief took over, ruled the country for two years and made all efforts to become the President of the country and extended his tenure for one year and prior to his retirement. Consequently he could escape through handing over power to the Awami League with an arrangement of a managed election. The military continues playing their role so that the government remains in power since then. As a result, the western world’s role against military intervention became only a leap service.

Since 2007 Bangladesh followed same policy during the Army and Awami League regimes. Both elections in 2008 and 2014 were, reportedly, conducted by Army with help from India. In 2014, the UN envoy Oscar Farnandez- Taranco was told by the AL leaders including Tofail Ahmed and Amir Hossain Amu that there will be another election soon after the election of 5 January. They told for the sake of continuity of constitutional rule they had to follow, which was compared by them with March 1988 and February 1966 one sided elections. Another senior AL leader Finance Minister of AL government Abul Maal Abdul Muhit said, 5 January election was a third class election and they will hold another good election soon. The UN was blackmailed there. India requested the USA, the UN and other Western countries to allow the election to be held saying there will be another election soon after the so called one sided election boycotted by opposition parties. Followed by the election, India said it is Bangladesh’s internal affairs. By the time, government has been changed and policy remained. President of India Pranab Mukherjee and Indian High Commissioner Pankaj Saran remained and they have say on this. It is reported that in Bangladesh intelligence Indian intelligence people are working in some good positions. In Satkhira, Indian forces made a massacre with Bangladesh government securities help in 2014.

In conclusion, Bangladeshi politicians did not take lesson from history. As far as military intervention is concerned, it has been argued that history repeats itself in Bangladesh (International Crisis Group, 2013), when it is inevitable.

M Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury is a London-based Researcher as well as Independent Analyst in Politics and International Relations. A Career Journalist Mukhles Chowdhury is a Former Minister and Adviser to the President of Bangladesh. Former President of Overseas Correspondents’ Association Bangladesh (OCAB) Mukhles Chowdhury has been working as the Chief Editor of the Bangladesh Worldwide and the Weekly Prekshit as well. Email: mukhleschow@gmail.com

Bibliography

Chowdhury, M Mukhlesur Rahman. (2014). USA’s Efforts For A New Election To Restore Democracy In Bangladesh. Countercurrents.org 15 February 2014

Chowdhury, M Mukhlesur Rahman. (2014). Good Governance In Bangladesh: A Quest For Democracy. Countercurrents.org 19 January, 2014

Chowdhury, M Mukhlesur Rahman. (2014). Why The Military Intervened In Bangladesh Politics? Countercurrents.org 10 January, 2014

Chowdhury, M Mukhlesur Rahman. (2013). Political Deadlock: Will History Repeat Itself In Bangladesh? Countercurrents.org 30 December, 2013

Chowdhury, M Mukhlesur Rahman, (2010). Iajuddin was forced to promulgate emergency: Mukhles the Independent,Dhaka Friday 12 March 2010

Daily Star, (2006). UN concerned about free, fair polls in Bangladesh
Annan's special envoy meets Iajuddin, Hasina. Unb, Dhaka 30 November 2006 found at http://archive.thedailystar.net/2006/11/30/d6113001044.htm

Daily Star, (2006). Military intervention won't help elections
Boucher says CG & EC must act neutrally 12 November 2006 found at http://archive.thedailystar.net/2006/11/12/d6111201033.htm
Daily Star (2006). CA's resignation 'impractical'
Says US envoy 14 December 2006. Available at http://archive.thedailystar.net/2006/12/14/d61214012615.htm

Daily Star, (2006) Nicholas Burns on Bangladesh. 30 November 2006 available at http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/11/30/d6113001033.htm

International Crisis Group, (2013) Bangladesh: Back to the Future 13 June 2012 found at http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regio...ladesh/226-bangladesh-back-to-the-future.aspx

Ittefaq, (2014). Samorik Shashon Jari Korte Cheyechhilen General Moeen Rastroptio Sabek Upodeshta Mokhlesur Rahmaner Sakkhatkar. 30 November 2014 Found at http://www.ittefaq.com.bd/print-edition/first-page/2014/11/30/17702.html

Ittefaq, (2006). Ittefaq, (2006). ‘Obadh O Shantipurno Nirbachon Onushthane Sobrokom Podokkhep Neaya Hoyecche – Jatisongho Bishesh Dutke Rashtropoti’ http://www.ittefaq.com.bd/print-edition/first-page/2014/11/30/17702.html

The Economist (2007) 'The coup that dare not speak its name', 18 January 2007 found at http://www.economist.com/node/8560006

 

[VikingRaider]

@Atlas @Nilgiri

https://www.countercurrents.org/chowdhury070115.htm

Printer Friendly Version
External Relations And Army’s Role In Politics Of Bangladesh

By M Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury

07 January, 2015
Countercurrents.org

An external relation has been playing one of the major roles in politics of Bangladesh. To make it clear, international actors’ are very active there. In other words, Bangladesh has been an example where politics and international relations work together with evidence. It is obvious that the country gave its birth due to denial of democracy. The endless struggle for democracy still continues. The Western world and India are not only playing major role in Bangladesh politics but also they have their opinion for military rule in this territory as well.

Liberation war and Army started their journey in Bangladesh simultaneously. Track record shows, Army was involved in all kind of changeovers there since 1971, when the country came into being through its liberation war. During the liberation war, the government in exile worked from India. Expatriate Bangladeshis vigorously worked from the United Kingdom-UK for the cause of independence. British parliamentarians supported the cause of Bangladeshis freedom struggle strongly. Following the changeover of 1975, the United States of America-USA and part of Western world with China recognised Bangladesh. In 1982, India welcomed the changeover through Army coup in the country. Prior to fall of Ershad regime in 1990, top leaders of two rival political parties used to meet American Ambassador in Dhaka frequently. They had been parleying with visiting American diplomats to start with democracy. Thus Western world and Army’s role were visible in all changeovers.


It is widely believed that in Bangladesh governance, the Western world and India’s influence matter. Following the military takeover by Lt. General Moeen U. Ahmed on 11 January 2007, former World Bank official Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed was appointed the head of the government the next day, where the reason was to show that they received foreign powers support. In order to establish the same idea the military authority tried to make Bangladeshi noble laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus the governmental head. Until eighties Bangladeshi military governments were backed by the western countries. Then there was a bi-polar world. However, usually in the present uni-polar world military takeover is unlikely.


Bangladesh signed TICFA agreement with USA in 2013. Previously it signed another treaty called SOFA. China made a number of bridges in Bangladesh out of friendship and Japan also built airport, EPZ and other infrastructures. Korea invested in EPZ. It is estimated that more than three million Bangladeshi people live in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-KSA. Approximately seven million Bangladeshis live in Middle Eastern countries. More than ten million Bangladeshis live and work outside the country including the US, UK and other European and Middle Eastern countries. Foreign remittance is one of the major sources of Bangladeshi wealth. Participation in UN Peace Keeping Force earns a good amount for defence and police people of Bangladesh as the country is pioneer for this mission.


Bangladesh saw the end of military rule in 1990 through a mass upsurge. Since then it has been argued that possibilities of military intervention are very unlikely in the country. Some Bangladeshi political parties took advantage of this. They organised destructive political programmes such as blockade, demonstration with indigenous weapons namely ‘Logi-Boitha’ (Paddle-Stick), which created such a situation for military intervention with their (military) instigation as well that coincided their both individual and corporate interests (Chowdhury 2013). Due to this reason initially a large number of people welcomed the military intervention in 2007. A group of army worked behind the scene since 2002 by doing ‘clean heart operation’ under democratic regime (Asian Human Rights Commission 2002). Since then overtly or covertly army is backing the government to run the country. Later the force managed 2008 and 2014 disputed elections and keeping the government in power by suppression, oppression, killing, abducting and using arms by the government and political machinery. In the changed global scenario with threat of losing the prevailing facilities for army personals in UN Peace Keeping Force the scope of coup has been very thin and risky. The Economist (2007) headlined 'the coup that dare not speak its name', 'the army, not the politicians now runs Bangladesh'. 2007 coup was an exception and unique due to its failure in achieving its main target of army chief’s becoming president even after two years of absolute army rule and due to its safe landing by handing over power through an arranged and ‘disputed’ election controlled by army. Thus the changeover in 2007 brought initially Army and eventually Awami League to power.

On the eve of military coup in 2007, it was seen that the foreign diplomats’ posted in Bangladesh exercise excessive power. It helped to create lawlessness in the country, in fact, that helped military leaders to capitalise the created situation in their favour. There was a diplomatic club in Bangladesh comprises foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka namely the Tuesday group was over active. Canadian High Commissioner Barbara Richardson, British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury, who was of Bangladeshi origin and European Union’s over publicised role also helped Army Chief to implement his mission. EU could not show that whatever they were doing that was in favour of democracy. Australian High Commissioner Douglas Fosket showed that his country was committed to democracy. The Bangladeshi Army group recorded some activities of foreign diplomats including US Ambassador’s personal activities, reportedly, to blackmail then.

With Western contradictory role and too much involvement in Bangladesh politics with no direction, the Army Chief Lt. Gen. Moeen U Ahmed declared the State of Emergency He forced the President of Bangladesh Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed to promulgate this at gun point. Then the Western world including the US and the UK were against military takeover and in favour of democracy. The military chief managed India, but it could not act openly due to the US’s objection. UN resident Coordinator in Dhaka Renata Lok Dessallien took Moeen’s side. She issued a letter what was sought by Moeen, That helped him to takeover although the UN Secretary General and UN Headquarters played the role in favour of democracy (Chowdhury 2014).

Renata helped directly and western world’s role helped Moeen indirectly to capture the power. Finally the State of Emergency was declared and democracy was abrogated, the process of which was started in 1991. It has been argued that America did nothing to stop it. It gave only leap service, maintained liaison with all the contested parties, showed that they were in favour of democracy. But the end result is they did not do anything against military takeover. They probably made them agree to hold an election but the army held the election in such a way that AL comes to power. America knew about Indian role. Evidence wise, India supported the army with supplying forces recently, for instance, a massacre was done in Satkhira jointly, intelligence gives service over DGFI, and for example, they are advising who will be Army Chief in Bangladesh. As opposition claims, the country is helping with money and intelligence reports. Regardless which party in power in India they help Awami League in Bangladesh and the relation is not country to country, but country to party.

Regarding the role of think-tank of the USA, former ambassador to Bangladesh William B. Milam supported last army rule in a way by saying the politicians created the crisis. Critics argue about the mindset of the American, when another former ambassador Harry K Thomas was also not happy with immediate past government in Bangladesh. However, Harry has his own argument in this regard. Last US Ambassador Dan W. Mozena visited India and discussed Bangladesh issues with Indian government as he was assigned. An Indian lobby wants that USA should maintain relation with Bangladesh through them, which has not been accepted by the only superpower. British government’s decision to issue visas on Bangladeshis passports in New Delhi created another issue among Bangladeshis as there are strong anti-Indian sentiments in Bangladesh for abovementioned reasons. In latest instance, India helped Awami League to continue in power with an election, organised by DGFI, by passing major political parties (Chowdhury 2014).

Defying visible role of the Western world at the end Army Chief took over, ruled the country for two years and made all efforts to become the President of the country and extended his tenure for one year and prior to his retirement. Consequently he could escape through handing over power to the Awami League with an arrangement of a managed election. The military continues playing their role so that the government remains in power since then. As a result, the western world’s role against military intervention became only a leap service.

Since 2007 Bangladesh followed same policy during the Army and Awami League regimes. Both elections in 2008 and 2014 were, reportedly, conducted by Army with help from India. In 2014, the UN envoy Oscar Farnandez- Taranco was told by the AL leaders including Tofail Ahmed and Amir Hossain Amu that there will be another election soon after the election of 5 January. They told for the sake of continuity of constitutional rule they had to follow, which was compared by them with March 1988 and February 1966 one sided elections. Another senior AL leader Finance Minister of AL government Abul Maal Abdul Muhit said, 5 January election was a third class election and they will hold another good election soon. The UN was blackmailed there. India requested the USA, the UN and other Western countries to allow the election to be held saying there will be another election soon after the so called one sided election boycotted by opposition parties. Followed by the election, India said it is Bangladesh’s internal affairs. By the time, government has been changed and policy remained. President of India Pranab Mukherjee and Indian High Commissioner Pankaj Saran remained and they have say on this. It is reported that in Bangladesh intelligence Indian intelligence people are working in some good positions. In Satkhira, Indian forces made a massacre with Bangladesh government securities help in 2014.

In conclusion, Bangladeshi politicians did not take lesson from history. As far as military intervention is concerned, it has been argued that history repeats itself in Bangladesh (International Crisis Group, 2013), when it is inevitable.

M Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury is a London-based Researcher as well as Independent Analyst in Politics and International Relations. A Career Journalist Mukhles Chowdhury is a Former Minister and Adviser to the President of Bangladesh. Former President of Overseas Correspondents’ Association Bangladesh (OCAB) Mukhles Chowdhury has been working as the Chief Editor of the Bangladesh Worldwide and the Weekly Prekshit as well. Email: mukhleschow@gmail.com

Bibliography

Chowdhury, M Mukhlesur Rahman. (2014). USA’s Efforts For A New Election To Restore Democracy In Bangladesh. Countercurrents.org 15 February 2014

Chowdhury, M Mukhlesur Rahman. (2014). Good Governance In Bangladesh: A Quest For Democracy. Countercurrents.org 19 January, 2014

Chowdhury, M Mukhlesur Rahman. (2014). Why The Military Intervened In Bangladesh Politics? Countercurrents.org 10 January, 2014

Chowdhury, M Mukhlesur Rahman. (2013). Political Deadlock: Will History Repeat Itself In Bangladesh? Countercurrents.org 30 December, 2013

Chowdhury, M Mukhlesur Rahman, (2010). Iajuddin was forced to promulgate emergency: Mukhles the Independent,Dhaka Friday 12 March 2010

Daily Star, (2006). UN concerned about free, fair polls in Bangladesh
Annan's special envoy meets Iajuddin, Hasina. Unb, Dhaka 30 November 2006 found at http://archive.thedailystar.net/2006/11/30/d6113001044.htm

Daily Star, (2006). Military intervention won't help elections
Boucher says CG & EC must act neutrally 12 November 2006 found at http://archive.thedailystar.net/2006/11/12/d6111201033.htm
Daily Star (2006). CA's resignation 'impractical'
Says US envoy 14 December 2006. Available at http://archive.thedailystar.net/2006/12/14/d61214012615.htm

Daily Star, (2006) Nicholas Burns on Bangladesh. 30 November 2006 available at http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/11/30/d6113001033.htm

International Crisis Group, (2013) Bangladesh: Back to the Future 13 June 2012 found at http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regio...ladesh/226-bangladesh-back-to-the-future.aspx

Ittefaq, (2014). Samorik Shashon Jari Korte Cheyechhilen General Moeen Rastroptio Sabek Upodeshta Mokhlesur Rahmaner Sakkhatkar. 30 November 2014 Found at http://www.ittefaq.com.bd/print-edition/first-page/2014/11/30/17702.html

Ittefaq, (2006). Ittefaq, (2006). ‘Obadh O Shantipurno Nirbachon Onushthane Sobrokom Podokkhep Neaya Hoyecche – Jatisongho Bishesh Dutke Rashtropoti’ http://www.ittefaq.com.bd/print-edition/first-page/2014/11/30/17702.html

The Economist (2007) 'The coup that dare not speak its name', 18 January 2007 found at http://www.economist.com/node/8560006

Wow yes , since it's the article of holy of the holiest Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury, so only infidels dare to oppose it . Yes everyone knows that 1/11 was a military involvement , whats new here ?
However for the rest ,Anthony Mascarenhas was holier than this man as he was British , and he spread first master mind of exaggeration in 1971 and still AL use it as reference . Although sharmila bose claim that he was not even in Dhaka that time, and that's the reason Mrs Bose is rajakar , all are dirty political card of Bangladesh that have little credibility , because what happened actually ( in every cases ) , such peoples preach it with 10 time or more exaggeration.

Really such saints ( journalists)have esoteric knowledge like great peer hazrat Abdul Qader Zilani or Hazrat Shah jalal I am convinced . So why should we not take the research of
( Hazrat ?/! )Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury like a sacred text verses , or any other intellectuals unless we are not infidels ?

In the end that is holy what suits me , and if it does not , then it is unholy propaganda . However @Skies , as we both agree that no election was fair other than 1991 and 1996 , so let's talk how we can find a solution , at least this kind of discussion will not cause our headache . Lets move on and think what type of democracy can be better , but as I said lip service is not going to benefit us , still it can give us a hope i think .
All we need now is get rid off from west minister system form that is exactly very high class democracy , and that really does not suit for less civilized peoples like us ( as we can not think beyond BNP and AL) . Lets follow other EU models where peoples are less traditional than British , and can invent some Bidah in democracy instead of keeping the pure west minister system that became now militant version of democracy in Bangladesh .

You have lacking in knowing. When the system (police, RAB, army) is against you, you can not go to the street and die

And finally again on your edited message . So we came to street for such system in 1990 ? At least in 1990 police , rab , and military were not against us, so we could come to street and throw Ershad from power ?
So let's back to that time again , at least that time was better than this time ( from 2002 to now ) , at least we could come to street and cause govt fall ?
And do you believe that Jamati cadres were on street from 2013 to 15 to give flowers to peoples? Talking about jamat because basically grass root BNP was replaced by jamat and they were working as foot soldiers of Khaleda Zia and tareq, and doing arson terrorism or showering flower , think what pleases you .
@Skies

 

[Skies]

Old days when I was very naive.

I used to think about minus two formula. Then I proposed a stupid idea of how we can change the system by forming a 'virtual parliament' at first, and then make revolution, and then superimpose/replace 'virtual parliament' on the 'real parliament'

here are two posts:

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/awami-leagues-situation.233422/page-3#post-3891672

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/awami-leagues-situation.233422/page-5#post-3903724

 

[VikingRaider]

Old days when I was very naive.

I used to think about minus two formula. Then I proposed how we can change the system by forming a 'virtual parliament' at first, and then make revolution, and then superimpose/replace 'virtual parliament' on the 'real parliament'

here are two posts:

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/awami-leagues-situation.233422/page-3#post-3891672

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/awami-leagues-situation.233422/page-5#post-3903724

So in these new days when you are very matured , what is your prescription on election system while you also admit that 2001 election was rigged too (unlike others who consider it as most fair ) , ( at least I respect you now as you admitted that 2001 was rigged ) ? Please share with us , so we can learn something .

 

[Nike]

@Atlas @Nilgiri

https://www.worldcat.org/title/rigg...ion-2001/oclc/309704787&referer=brief_results

View attachment 532304

....


I do not talk baseless and there are other studies. But I am not interested to discuss on these issues.



You have lacking in knowing. When the system (police, RAB, army) is against you, you can not go to the street and die.

And why would I die and risk? My life is more important than this corrupted country.

Sometimes people chose to die to save their own country for better place to their children and grandchildren. Remember France, Indonesia, South Korea, Argentina and other