A senior Jatyio Party Presidium member has called Jatyio party Chief Hussein Muhammad Ershad a betrayer for joining the Sheikh Hasina-led election-time cabinet.

 

How lowly can one get to be dubbed as the National liar only fit for spitting.

This may sound a bit extreme, but this is exactly what people of Bangladesh dubbed Hussain Muhammad Ershad, a one time Army chief and president of Bangladesh. He  had already been named as the world most shamless person by the nation, and now after almost 23 years he has again won the title for world most shameless liar. So who is this man worthy of mention ? well, I really don’t one to mention him, but for one reason; and that is to make it a historical record for the people of the world and for the future generation of Bangladesh to remember him for his lowly principles and morality.  I would not do justice if I didn’t elaborate the context in which Hussain Muhammad Ershad was dubbed as the world greatest betrayer, liar and a shameless person. He had ruled Bangladesh for 9 years as a military dictator before he was forced to relinquish power after a long agitation and mass uprising by the people of Bangladesh who had demanded that he should step down.  But in spite of many promises to hand over power, he persisted shamelessly. So the people gave him the Title ‘ Bisho Behaya’ which roughly translate as ‘World unashamed’ After a long battle with the state courts for corruption and misrule, both in and outside prison, Ershad contested the last election allied with the incumbent government of Awamileague and his party gained some 40 seats in the parliament, though the election result was thought to have been manipulated and rigged to put the Awamileague government in to power by Army General Moyeen U Ahmed in collusion with some foreign powers. His party, however, was given one ministry post by the winning Awamileague government much to his disappointment. In spite of Awamileague government many misdeeds, corruption, killings, and tyranny, he stayed with the government throughout the 5 years, although, many times he had expressed his frustration at government misrule, but he never made the final decision to leave the alliance. He persisted supporting Awamileague government in spite of their unpopularity and people’s anger at them.

 The main 18 party alliance of Bangladesh Nationalist Party which composed of Jamati Islam, and other smaller parties had made clear that they would boycott the election if caretaker provision was not restored in the constitution which had been there since 1996 under an all party agreement, and under which 3 elections was conducted. The incumbent government of Sheikh Hasina, after coming to power removed the caretaker provisions without consultations with the opposition or a referendum. It is perceived that caretaker provision was removed to give the ruling party ability to rig the election so that they can stay in power for another 5 years. Under backdrop of all this Hussain Muhammad Ershad at various times made public promises to his party supporters and to the Nation that he will not contest the election unless all party participated under a none partisan interim government. For records of history the following are the promises he made in the Media and at party forum:

 

1. On 19 October Ershad said, “I don’t want to become a collaborator with the ruling party against the people at the last stage of my life, If BNP does not participate in the election, my Jatyio party will not participate.”

 

2. On 21st October after a dinner in Prime Ministers residence, the government general secretary said in a press statement that Ershad had agreed to participate in the election, but this was again rejected by Ershad saying it was untrue and a lie. He again reiterated his commitment that he will not contest in the election alone or with the alliance if main opposition BNP did not participate.

 

3. On 11 November Ershad said, that if all party did not participate in the election, he will not contest under Sheikh Hasina’s government one sided election. He further said that if he participated, people will spit at him.

 

4. On 13 November Hussain Muhammad Ershad reiterated again that in the present political context, his party will not participate in one-sided election or so called all party interim government without the main opposition, the 18 party alliance. He said, “This is my final word, I have said this many times before that if all party does not participate, the election will not be accepted and therefore, Jatyio Party will not participate.”

 

5. On 16 November he said, “If I contest election from the government alliance, people will call me a liar.”

 

6. And most recently he said, “I am not willing to go even to heaven with the ruling government of Awamileague.”

 Now in a space of one month or less, after making so many promises to the Nation, Mr. Ershad surprised everyone, even his party’s most senior member, the former Prime Minister Mr. Kazi Zafar, and unilaterally decided to join the interim cabinet of Awamileague without informing most party leaders, and fully ignoring the party’s top forum, the Presidium. Majority of his  party members decided against it (joining the cabinet), and so it is akin to betraying the nation.

 After this unbeleivable act of betrayal, many intellectual and commentators. including the nation at large unanimously dubbed him ‘The world most habitual liar and a betrayer of nation, having no moral values or priciples. A prominent political scientist had even said that no mother in Bangladesh should give birth to such an imoral man. He has made history, people all over the country have fufilled his prophecy and spitted on his effigy, and in near future some one might literally spit on him so that his prophecy becomes true. I hope the next generation will  take lessons from this and change politics of betrayal, deception and lies and never adopt this man as a role model. May God Almighty save us from hypocricy.

 

 

 

 

 

The rise of a modern terrorist party in Bangladesh disguised in the pretence of secularism

The name ‘Awamileague’ stands for party of people, but in recent history they have completely gone off from the ideology of their founding father, from a party of people to a party of terrorist, fascist tyrannical dictator. It is said by many people that modern Awamileague party by all its action and characteristics has become like Italian Mafia gang run by one family. They have similar structure and operational method as the Mafia. If any of their opponents become too dangerous for them, they would abduct them, kill them, or send to them some of their loyal armed police, who will bunch them in to a car and take them to their torture chamber in their police station and handicap them for life. Even within their rank and file, many Awamileague leaders are afraid to speak against Mujibs family for fear of reprisal. The difference between Italian Mafia and Awamileague is that, the Mafia has a private army outside state control, and to some extend it is always hiding from the state law enforcers, and are afraid of them, but the Awamileague government in Bangladesh has a state private army within a state, which is immune from prosecution, and it uses its authority to terrorise its population and political opponent with impunity. This army of terrorist is directly control by Sheikh Hasina and her family.

One may be wondering how a country’s Prime Minister could be unaccountable to the public, and how was it that she was elected to power with public support. As I said in my title, Awamileague fooled the people by disguising themselves with the label of secularism, and myriads of fancy words such as party of freedom, party of liberation, and a party against war crimes. But even this would not have been enough to give them brute majority in the parliament, so under false promises, they made alliances with Gen Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s Jatiyo Party, promising him the office of the president, and many parliamentary seats, they made alliances with other leftist and rightist party’s promising them good governance and rule of law, but even this too was not enough, so they promised India, and the USA of unconditional cooperation in commerce and regional security, if they could convince General Moyeen U Ahmed, who was the caretaker government de-facto head to rig the election for them, so a two third majority could be given to them. India gladly helped them with money and men as was reported many times by the world famous magazine ‘The Economist’. What is surprising is that apart from India getting all that Sheikh Hasina had promised them, none of the other got much out of her other than a few bits and pieces. USA began to lose confidence in her once she started to show her real face in consolidating absolute power and beginning to demonise Nobel Laureate DR Yunus with the intention of stripping him from Grameen Bank directorship and capturing the 1 billion dollar Bank for the poor, which he had founded under the principle of micro credit. Dr Yunus is now penniless and his bank is robbed from him, and placed under her government control, so slowly the money could be stolen to finance Sheikh Hasina’s family empire.
 

The USA realized their mistake when Sheikh Hasina attacked DR yunus over his Grameen Bank. The former USA secretary of state Hilary Clinton made a phone call to Sheikh Hasina to highlight their concern about DR Yunus. Former President Clinton was a good friend of DR younus, and very much admired Dr yunus micro credit concept, so demonising Dr yunus by Sheikh Hasina personally hurt the Clintons family. Secretary clinton phoned Hasina to express their concern about DR yunus, she pointed out that matter related to Dr yunus was very much disliked in the USA government. So as a reminder of their favour to Hasina, secretary Clinton pointed out how Hasina was helped to come to power. The following is an extract of that conversation leaked in the media:

Hillary: “Madame Prime Minister (Sheik Hasina), I thought I would not have to go that far, unfortunately, I was wrong. I hope you know as much we know, how your government came to power. Don’t forget that we helped you congratulating you after the election, terming it as free and fair. You know Prime Minister, how this election result was pre-arranged at the behest of our good friend in New Delhi. We acted the way they suggested us. And please don’t forget that Gen. Moyeen, who brought you to power, now in the USA and perhaps, we now know, more than you could possibly imagine. Prime Minister, I am not saying that we will disown you soon, I am just trying to place issues in the order of history demands it”.

Hasina: “Madame Secretary (Clinton), we are aware of your support and assistance. We will do all we can to keep you happy. Don’t worry, we noted your point. Now let me know when you are coming to visit my country.”

In spite of a promise, Sheikh Hasina never lived to it, and eventually sacked DR Yunus from the Grameen Bank, and it is now in Hasina’s government control. USA in the modern history had made many mistakes, and I don’t know how many more mistakes they had to make before they stop interfering with other countries internal affairs. If these two countries, India, and USA had kept their nose away from Bangladesh internal affairs, Sheikh Hasina could not have imposed so much misery and injustice to the people of Bangladesh.

Once Awamileague came to power, Sheikh Hasina made sure only Mafia Style members of parliament was chosen as her ministers, or those who had been extremely loyal, almost submitting to her like slaves. Then she arranged the massacre of Army officers in Pilkhana, who she thought would be potential danger to her authority, with the help of Indian RAW. Then she systematically appointed her loyal civil servant, judges, police, and some top Army officers in state institution. Once this was complete, she began amending the constitution to fit her terrorist and fascist mentality. She removed the provision of caretaker government from the constitution so that she will stay in power for life. According to constitution expert, Bangladesh constitution has become a written party manifesto rather than the country’s guiding principle representing people’s aspiration.

Once all her power was consolidated, she began to suppress her opposition, especially Bangladesh Jamati Islam, and Bangladesh BNP of Begum Zia, Both party members were abducted, killed, jailed, and tortured unlike anything that we witnessed in the past forty years of Bangladesh history. Democracy only existed in name and secularism was only a mask to fool the west, Awamileague began acting like a terrorist gang killing Muslims and none Muslims alike, their killing spree peaked when they killed unarmed sleeping Hifazot man in Dhaka Shapla Chottor on the night of 5th of May. This killing has been documented by International Human Rights organization, and Bangladeshi Human Rights Organization ‘ODHIKAR’.  Adilur Rahman, the director of Odhikar was arrested soon after publishing that report against the government. Their website can be visited at http://odhikar.org.

Today Bangladesh Awamileague is continuing to terrorise its population, disrespecting and rejecting the opposition demand for Sheikh Hasina to step down and to restore the caretaker government provision, so that a credible, free and fare election could be held. Bangladesh constitution is longer a document of law, but it has become a family note book for Sheikh Hasina to write and delete as she sees fit. Her son Joy has recently joined her as a second lieutenant to fool the west again by his lies about rise of Islamic fundamentalist and terrorism. He is constantly consulting with India in violation of loyalty to Bangladesh and in effect colluding with the Indian to come to power again by silencing any international opposition, destroying the political party’s of Bangladesh that opposes Awamileague hegemony and terrorism. Awamileague has also formed a media group that acts as a cover for their wrong. These electronic and print media group are known to the opposition as information terrorist group. Their only job is to distort the fact, and carry out propaganda for the Awami government. The world must wake up to a new Hitler that terrorises its population under the pretence of secularism. Bangladesh Awamileague should be listed as a terrorist party by the UN unless it desists in terrorising and killing its political opponent.

Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s Jatyio Party’s proposed alliances, in the context of recent political development in Bangladesh.

Recent statement made by Hussain Muhammad Ershad has some positive and some negative aspect in the context of recent political development. The positive aspect is his expressed determination not to go to any election if the main opposition BNP does not take part. But his intention though strongly expressed, nevertheless, not leaving the Awami Alliance has cast some doubt on peoples mind. It is yet to be seen whether he makes that crucial announcement in next few days. However, there is one aspect of his initiative to form an alliance with some of the smaller party such as Bikolpo Dara, Kirishok Sromik Dall and other leftist has left me wonder what his aims and objectives are, as regards to removing Hasina’s government from power. On the one hand he is claiming Awamileague had failed the people by abolishing caretaker government, and on other hand he criticises the BNP for wanting to have a caretaker government. In his word they are both for power, and not for the people. He misses one crucial point and that is, without power, none can do anything for the people. But the question is, how to achieve the power; through illegal and unfair means or through transparent, fair, and free election, where the will of the people will be reflected without rigging.

In the present context of political tyranny, the only way to restore democratic values and principles is to have a common goal of compelling the government to accept a none partisan interim government, which can then undo all the politicisation that Awamileague had done to civil administration so that a fair election could be held without the threat of coercion or influence by the sitting government of Sheikh Hasina. People then will have the freedom to exercise their vote as they wish ,and a true result from the election will be reflected. There is no harm in making alliances with other smaller party to oppose the Awamileague or to win an election, but this alliance should not be at the expense of dividing the opposition agitation against the government to restore a caretaker government. In a recent news report Ershad apparently had said that their prospective alliance will not participate in any anti government agitation with the 18 party alliances, if that is the policy of the new alliance, then this policy will be a wrong policy which will not further the cause for which the overwhelming majority of population is aspiring. Rather Ershads prospective alliance, if any, should join hand with the 18 party alliances in a joint campaign for a common goal for realizing a none partisan election time government. In this way the opposition will be much stronger and will have a chance to force Sheikh Hasina to accept their demand without having to go the extreme.

Politics should not be always about gaining power, but it should some times be to safe guard democratic values, justice, rule of law and stability, when clearly a government goes off its mandate. In all respect, the present Awami government has violated the sanctity of the constitution, good governance, alienated the people by supporting and sponsoring anti Islamic sentiment, violating human rights, killing abducting and arresting people with impunity. This government not only conspired with, and lied to its own people but have sold the countries sovereignty to foreign whims and dictates. It has shown in multiple contracts with India that it can not be trusted with our national security and interest. Therefore, it is even more urgent and significant that as citizen of the country every people from all walks of life should participate in this campaign to remove this tyrant government from power by forcing it to accept what is a just demand of the people. Know that supporting a tyrant government to stay in power is against Islamic teachings, human ethics, or principle of justice. If HM Ershad does anything to the contrary, it will loose support and respect of the people.

After five years of failed promises, mismanagement, myriads of corruption, and human right abuses, Awami government of Sheikh Hasina has lost public support and confidence over more than 80 percent of the population. It is only clinging in to power due to politicising of the police, RAB and the BGB, and other law enforcement agencies which are acting like party activists. Not only Sheikh Hasina destroyed the sanctity of the constitution, but it has siphon millions of public money through corruption and family racketeering. She has destroyed one of the country’s prides, the ‘Grameen Bank’ that the Bangladesh Nobel Laureate DR Younus had founded.  One of the countries biggest bridge project was destroyed due to her support for one of her close family friend and a former communication Minister Mr Abul Hussain. Mr Abul was founded to be involved in corruption, in an investigation carried out by the World Bank, but the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had refused to sack him and had not agreed to an investigation when demanded by the World Bank, until it was too late and the loan had been withdrawn. Her government frequently abused the judiciary in suppressing the opposition, abducted M Elias Ali, a popular opposition MP, killed unarmed Hifazot men when they came to protest in the Capital against government supported sacrilegious crimes against the Prophet Muhammad, and vengefully, without due respect to international norms and standard, they have prosecuted opposition Jamati Islam leaders for war crimes that had happened more than forty years ago, in spite of numerous pleas from international lawyers and human rights organization for a fair trial based on international standards. Government is indifferent to public opinion or rule of law. In this critical moment of Tyrannical power, only a united front by all the main stream and smaller political party’s of Bangladesh can lead to a resolution by compelling the government to accept their demand. Bangladesh Jamati Islam and Bangladesh Nationalist party are two of the biggest party which can not be ignored in any settlement. Begum Zia has made it crystal clear that she will not accept anything less then a none partisan interim government headed by a neutral person to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. She said to accept anything less would be like supporting injustice, and she can not agree to injustice, as this would a betrayal of peoples trust to her.

Therefore, in the interest of people of Bangladesh, Ershads JP must participate in the 18 party alliances anti government agitation program.

Beware Bangladesh | Farhad Mazhar

[Farhad Mazhar wrote the article in Bangla and it was published in daily Nayadiganta on 4 November, 2013. The article is translated into English]

While I am writing this article, shut down is going on following the call by the 18 party alliances. Hefazate Islam also launched their programmes to make their demands realized. A debate might be held on whether there was any scope of resolving the current political crisis through dialogue, or through liberal political process; but there is no utility further of that process. After the shut down has started, the course of politics would be clear in a few days ahead. Fairly a few things would be clear through the next 7 days’ programme. The future of Bangladesh would be written by the consequences of 7th November to the mass rally of Hefazate Islam on the 15th. There is no doubt on this.

I am writing this article with deep-rooted anxiety. There are many facets of these anxiety and concern. The first aspect is ideological, the second one is moral, and third one is determining the course of current politics and fourth is the sovereignty and security of Bangladesh. The ideological aspect is to defy communalism. Without defying communalism, construction of a democratic society and state is impossible. Irrespective of race and religion, everyone is citizen of this country. The main responsibility of maintaining safety and security of citizens lies with the state. And then it lies with the citizens. But we have seen that while the Buddhist habitat and temples were under attack, the executive power could not stop it. Or make it stopped. The citizens protested it seriously. Whatever we saw in the social force against communalism, that is not insufficient. But we could not make it present as a united social force due to partisan and ideological splitting. Even then, we could not but greet them, whoever fought wherever against communalism and communal violence.

Attacks have been started on the non-Muslim citizens for a few days, which is very dangerous. The incident that occurred in Shanthia, has a astonishing similarity of that in Ramu. This is clear that some evil forces want to ignite communal clashes in Bangladesh. That would be very dangerous in aspect of the present political situation in Bangladesh. Fairly a good number of people already have been protesting it on the streets and making people aware of this evil danger, in spite of staying idle at home. They deserve our thanks. All should extend support and solidarity to them at the fullest extent. In this dangerous moment, intentionally accusing some specific political side would be a very wrong policy. Because, to ensure unity in the society at any cost is our only task in aspect of communality and communal violence. Otherwise, we would be the game bird of those who want to earn political gain in the murky situations.

I do not demand for not accusing those against whom charges are specifically proved or those caught red handed. Rather we will do it. But we are also to make ourselves free from the mindset of racism and communalism that communalism only belongs to the Islamic parties. Mr Nandan Kumar Chakravarty of Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad said, “We consider that it is a plotting.” The daily Prothom Alo advocates that his observation should be addressed. We are fully according it.

Rather, our stand would be to alert the government on their responsibility and to compel the opposition alliance to take a firm stand against communalism. On behalf of the general mass, we would like to warn the opposition alliance that the main objective of the current attempt of communal clashes is to make the movement of the opposition spoiled. Thus it is a must for them to make active their Action Committees in the districts against communalism. Failure in this regard will surely cause their movement to fail. It is to be considered that Sajib Wajed Joy said, no Hindu would exist in the country if the opposition party would come to power. There is no scope to take this complaint lightly. It is a salient feature of regional and international propaganda against the opposition alliance. For this only reason, the politics of the opposition party would be fully defeated and overthrown. Because, one of the grounds wherein the opposition party could not achieve trust of the international community is that the non-Muslim citizens would be safe if the opposition comes to power. It doesn’t matter whether this reading is wrong or right, the opposition alliance should carry on their responsibilities. This reality should be accepted.

Thus the proper political and organizational preparedness should be undertaken, considering the recent incidents dangerous and to defy those. Not stepping on that, only passing irresponsible comments like that it is an effort of the evil community to create division, is not acceptable. We, the citizens want to know clearly that how the opposition will resist these communal clashes. We know that they are facing resistance and oppression. Despite that, the primary steps are to take the proper decision, protesting and remonstrance and to aware the members in the districts to be alert. And then, it is also a necessary task to finding out locally those, who are involved in this kind of detested offences, and to instruct the local supporters to keep the records and evidences in hand. The political winning of the opposition alliance became dependable on determination and success in defying the communalism.

The Islamists should be the most watchful. All the blames would be tried to impose on them whoever occurs the incidents. To blame on Jamaat-Shibir is the general formula. But this time the main attack is assumed on Hefazat-e-Islam.

There are multitude causes of being concerned. Hefazat-e-Islam is not an organized political party like Jamaat-e-Islami. Huge followers and supporters of them are there in the villages. It is easy to pick up any villager and prove him or her as a Hefazat follower, following any incident. In this aspect it is to be considered by the Hefazat-e-Islam that how will they resist communal attacks or clashes organizationally? In this aspect, it is very much urgent to alert, on behalf of them, strongly against the communal clashes and taking steps to defy those without making any delay.

Hefazat-e-Islam is conscious on this as observed. Recently Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Allama Shah Ahmed Shafi said, “The religion Islam guides to ensure full security for the minorities. Thus Hefazate Islam did not repress anybody ever. A 150 year old temple is situated near the Hat-Hajari Madrasah. Never anybody touched it. He also added to the non-Muslims, ‘We have no enmity to you. Please be alert on them who are campaigning false propaganda against us.’” No doubt, these are the words of our inspiration. Now the Hefazat workers should make his proclamation and directions realized. So they should adopt clear steps and programmes on ensuring security of the non-Muslim citizens in all the districts.

I repeat, the concern on creating communal clashes to gain from political friction is not a baseless one. I expect the government would dispose its duties and responsibilities. But regarding the question of ensuring security of the non-Muslims in Bangladesh, the political side in opposition and the religious movements should also prove that they are committed to establish a model in the subcontinent.

Otherwise, this only reason will cause imperialist aggression. ‘Women’ was the pretext in Afganistan, ‘Non-Muslim community’ would be the pretext in Bangladesh.

Beware Bangladesh! Beware the farmers, laborers and the general mass of this country! Beware the progressive youth of Bangladesh! Beware the non-communal pious people who believe in the Islamic beliefs and creeds. Beware the believers in Islamic politics who know that Islam could be proved as a religion of establishing justice only through ensuring security, dignity and rights of the followers of the other religions, not through any other way.

2013 Bangladesh war of Independence from Indian hegemony

The people of Bangladesh are clearly fighting another war to save our country from new hegemonic power India. Many have dubbed it as, 2013 Bangladesh war of independence from Indian hegemony and political bullying. India has openly displayed its intention to decide political and economic future of Bangladesh through their puppet Hasina. Some power hungry politicians of Awamileague are playing the role of traitor Mir Jafaor to hand over Bangladesh freedom to India. We can not allow this to happen. I can see there is a clear difference of opinion with the USA regarding Indian’s game play in Bangladesh, and we need to be active in making awareness of the danger of Indian’s rise in south East Asia as a political Hitler.

Politics of mind is as important as politics of direct action. Majority media are Awamileagues supported and most probably their editors and proprietors have received huge sums of money from Indian agents to act for them. Today’s arrest of Barrister Moudud, Rafique and MK Anwar of BNP is an attempt to manage them, extract information or threaten them with consequences, though I think Mr Modud has been  already compromised, but just to make it unsuspecting, DB police have arrested him with the other two. If Begum Zia remains firm, no conspiracy to divide and rule will work. Indian and their stooge Hasina are desperately trying to divide the 18 party alliances. Recent visit to Singapore, and direct talk with Mahi B chowdhury was part of that plan. But I believe there are patriotic leaders within JP who are vehemently opposing this conspiracy. People are aware how India is trying to devour Bangladesh of its freedom to choose its leaders, no amount of trickery and conspiracy will work to suppress the aspiration of the people of Bangladesh to live with dignity, honour and freedom to decide its future.

International community who believes in democracy, justice and rule of law must not allow a big country like India destroy peace and democracy in Bangladesh by nakedly and openly declaring its intention to undemocratically bring their puppet Hasina in to power by conducting one-sided election without the opposition. India brags that they are the biggest democracy, yet they flout democratic norms with their small neighbour.

BNP must not listen to anyone who are not interested on fair play or democratic practices based on what is just and fair in the eyes of majority of the people of Bangladesh. The opposition can not accept anything imposed on them that goes against the aspiration of the people, and that is to have a level playing field under a non partisan election time government. The EU can not guarantee Sheikh Hasina’s vote rigging, nor could they compensate for all the oppression, killings and corruption that took place under this government. The only way to remedy this is to change the government by ballot, and this would be only possible if it is conducted under a neutral government. Unless our demand is met, the opposition should continue with their agitation of Hartal, siege, non cooperation, and blockade. BNP and her allies must not commit suicide by accepting anything less than a non partisan neutral government.

In a recent article in Indian time by two wishful journalists who wrote titled ‘Bangladesh in a violent face and India must do all it can to see a friendly regime return to power’

Begum Zia reacted having listened from a senior diplomat who read to her, she commented, “The author of the report Subir made the most vital mistake in his analysis, according to Subir , both India and America are pertinent in the game viz- a- viz Bangladesh, but he left out the people of Bangladesh.  In 1971, people of Bangladesh were fighting for freedom; India joined in as allies at the request of the people, but now if India stands against the people aspirations to save their stooge Awamileague, their fate will be the same as the fate of Pakistan Army in Bangladesh.”  And Begum Zia is absolutely right, Indian tyranny will not succeed in Bangladesh.

Today Awamileague government has arrested 3 most senior opposition leaders without any provocation. Apparently we are hearing more arrest, and even arrest of the opposition leader Begum Zia. If that happens, an indefinite Hartal, siege, and blockade has been announced by the opposition. What Hasina’s government is doing at the dictate of India is sheer criminality, unpatriotic, and endangering the lives of the people. When the government applies Animal rules then the opposition will have no option but fight back with equal means, and this will lead to more bloodshed and damage our economy. Awamileague is fighting against the people of Bangladesh, but it is the opposition who is fighting to save the country from handful of power hungry undemocratic awami politician and Indians hegemony. Now people are realizing why the coup in 1975 took place. The young Bangladeshi must realised Sheikh Hasina is doing the same thing as her father. She and her ministers are acting like mad men, every day dancing over people’s dead body that come to protest and are killed by her thugs. This killing can not go on, it is the prime minister and her party leaders that are responsible for killings, and they must be held accountable. No solution will be found as long as this government refuses to accept people’s legitimate demand for a free, fair, and credible election under a non partisan neutral government. The provision of caretaker government was in the constitution, but sheikh Hasina changed it to rig the election, she has politicised every civil institution with her party men that no fair election will be possible under her planned script.

 

Democratic India acts undemocratically to bring tyrannical Awamileague government in to power again.

Let’s face it; Awamileague is not going to listen to any logic, or any gentleman like approach to accept the opposition demand for a caretaker government. They have a powerful friend India, who has made it clear that they would want nothing less than an Awami victory and they are nakedly backing Hasina’s government with money and intelligence. The Indians have made it clear to Dan Mozina that they do not interfere with other country, nor they would like other country to interfere with them, but in reality, they are interfering in Afghanistan to keep Pakistan influence to a limit, they had interfered in Sirilanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and they had always interfered in Bangladesh since the birth of our nation. So it is like hooligans coming to your house and saying, “We know this is your home, but we are going to take over it, and you can’t do anything about it.” This is the situation in Bangladesh now. The opposition can’t reason with them, the only way to bring a change is to fight them by all means, and that is realistically possible if element in the army, police, and civil administration goes beyond their ethos, and sides with the people. Blood shed could be avoided if the army and the police say no to the government that they would not follow orders to suppress legitimate rights of the people. There are many patriotic and good people within Awamileague who are clearly seeing how slavish Sheikh Hasina has become to Indian dictates, blinded by the greed for power, that as an independent country, no person could accept such undignified behaviour.

The opposition has a duty to safeguard our national interest from both internal and external bullying. Both Awamileague and India has been displaying undemocratic and bullish characteristic with the people of Bangladesh. India has taken advantage of Sheikh Hasina’s political immaturity and has made many agreements that go counter to Bangladesh national interest. It is in effect turning Bangladesh in to an Indian satellite state. Indian hegemony must be stop, both by Bangladeshi people and international community otherwise, if illegal suppression and political bullying continues; Bangladesh may turn in to another Afghanistan.

A recent report in a Calcutta press has stated citing government sources that India has approved 1000 cror Indian Rupes to further its illegal objective in Bangladesh. This is a clear violation of international norms; this money in effect will be used to suppress the opposition, pay money for intellectuals, businessmen, and media for their propaganda. At a time when government is widely violating human rights, suppressing opposition rights to protest, it is no surprise that Indian money is used to obtain some Awami supported media to put down any intellectual criticism of the government by prominent writers and artists. Farhad Mazhar is one of the victims of Awami Media terrorism and bullying.

In the face of undemocratic suppression from the Awamileague government, Bangladeshi opposition has to take responsibility and give proper leadership uniting the people behind it, coordinating with other political parties, including General Ershads Jatio Party, taking support of intellectuals and civil societies to compel Sheikh Hasina’s government to accept a non partisan caretaker government. That will be the only way out from this crisis. If agitation don’t work then the army and law enforcement agencies has to take responsibility to safeguard peoples democratic rights by compelling the Awami government to accepting a free and fair election, and that can not happen under a partisan government which has politicised every civil and judicial institutions that are vital for a free, fair and credible election. International community also has a duty to safeguard democracy in Bangladesh. European Union and the USA are two major economic partners in Bangladesh, as a valued partner, they have a duty to side with the people of Bangladesh and not with India or suppressive government of Sheikh Hasina. People of Bangladesh don’t want a civil war, but if our people are suppressed as is being done by Awami government, then a civil war may ensue, which will be a disaster for our international partners and the region as a whole.

Begum Zia’s telephone conversation and a nifty intent by Sheikh Hasina to foil meaningful dialogue with the opposition

There is a thing called reasonable demand, but some of our civil society blinded by partisan politics seems not to understand the difference between the reasonable, and unreasonable. Some times to show their neutrality, they blame both party’s for the stalemate on the question of election time government. The solution is clear cut with no if and but, yet they are in self denial to admit that not both party, but only one party is responsible for not accepting what is a reasonable demand by the opposition, and an aspiration of the vast majority of the people of Bangladesh.

The opposition demand is reasonable in the context of Bangladesh politics, where the incumbent government has politicised all institution, and holds executive powers to influence the election results by rigging, or taking advantage of their governmental powers. Hence the need for a non partisan interim government is a must in Bangladesh until our democracy has been fully matured and our institutions has been strengthened. The problem of a solution has been further complicated by government inclined Ekatthor TV’s leaking of Prime Ministers conversation with Begum Zia. The public would not have known the context of the conversation had it not been for the leak, presumably intended to kill two birds by one shot. Some Awami quarters that have benefited from this government financially, they don’t want to see a fruitful dialogue take place between the two ladies, they vastly benefits from political instability and a corrupt Awami Government. The phone conversation has revealed a deep mistrust and more to do with personal argument between the two ladies’s than sincerely finding a political solutions or starting a sincere political dialogue. It is clear from the telephone conversation that this phone call by the Prime Minister to Begum Zia was only meant for show, to satisfy domestic and international players, and ingeniously to foil any meaningful dialogue. The Prime Minister begun by accusing Begum Zia for not answering the red Phone, while that phone had been dead for a long time. This was intended to start an argument, and then followed by many personal argument. The Prime Minister cunningly was insisting on a meeting on 28th October, knowing fully well that this date had personal, emotional, and political significance to Begum Zia’s political partners Jamati Islam. Had Begum Zia agreed on this date it would have angered Jamat, and further divided her political allies, and as she hadn’t agreed, as was expected by Hasina, she could now blame on Begum Zia for the failure. People of Bangladesh are not stupid and daft not have comprehended all this political game. Hasina and her party can save lives and political uncertainty if they accept a simple reasonable demand of a non partisan interim government as proposed by Begum Zia. This is not a complicated offer that would require rocket science; before dissolving the parliament, those proposed neutral people could be elected like the President and speaker by the parliamentary law makers. Both parties would have a level playing field at the election to test their popularity and thereby saving the population from a civil war, which might ensue if a solution is not found.

People of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting for a change in government. Last 7 years had been depressive and traumatic for the nation for many reasons. It started with 2006 Loghi Boitha, killing of Jamat Shibir activists by chatroleague and dancing over their dead body. Many of us who witnessed 2006 brutality by awamileague logi boita on our TV screen had thought the incident to have been the most barbaric, unimaginable crimes committed against  innocent political activists who had been there exercising their democratic rights. Little had we realised that what Awamileague had started with logi biota was to continue with BDR killings, Jamat Shibir killings of 28 February, and Hifazot killings under darkness of night on 6th of May, though many individual killings at different times through out last five years, at the hand of law enforcement officers, had its own barbarism and stories. Today we can piece together how it had all started and who had been behind Bangladesh political game. Begum Zia is under a new trap set by the same culprit as they had done in October 2006. But our powerful neighbours plan will be in vain if our leaders and people stay alert to prevent another any attempt to elect Awami traitors in our country who had done so much damage to our people and national interest. Our neighbours are very shrewd politician with money and resources, and our leaders are weak and vulnerable to greed, self interest and hatred. Our media, which should have been the conscious of nation, the eyes and ears of our people, have all gone commercial and are prone to yellow journalism. So our hope remains on ordinary people, politician, civil society, and officials who are patriotic, and greed free, to foil another conspiracy to bring in unpopular tyrannical government of Sheikh Hasina.

I believe that the intention by Sheikh Hasina from the outset had not been sincere for many reasons. The opposition has been saying that they would not participate in any election under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, that a non partisan interim government is a must for free fair and credible election. Any person having slightest common sense would know that it was Awamileague and in particular Sheikh Hasina who had created the problem of election time government when she removed it from the constitution, in spite of opinion of the judge in his short judgment, who had ruled that for the interest of the nation another two elections could be held under caretaker provision, but on his full judgment, Sheikh Hasina convinced the judge to remove that provision from his full judgment, so that her dream could be realised.  BNP has made it clear in their press statement after the phone conversation that they are open to talk and would halt all agitation if Sheikh Hasina agrees in principle the concept of a non-partisan interim government. This must be the bases of any talk. This is the core issue that is reasonable and realistic that only Sheikh Hasina could decide. So, in fact, the Ball is in Hasina’s court and not in BNP’s court. Begum Zia could remind Sheik Hasina again that she is open to dialogue, but Sheikh Hasina has to agree the bases in which the discussion will centre around. No fool would engage in a discussion, if a minimum criterion is not met. If it starts then it is likely to fail even before it begins. So if Awamileague is sincere then they should make their intent clear that they would accept a non-partisan interim government, otherwise it will be like fishing in the sea. If Begum Zia stays firm on her principle of a non-partisan interim government, no conspiracy within BNP or outside would succeed.

The demand of a non partisan government is not only demand of the opposition, but 95 % of people of Bangladesh insist this from our government. Begum Zia should directly appeal to the people of Bangladesh, and especially to the youths not to give up their rights for a free, fair, and credible election under a non-partisan interim government. The interest of our nation and people are above the interest of party. If we as people loose our consciousness to greed, self interest and unfairness, the country could slide in to turmoil; Sheikh may come to power again dancing over our victims of injustice, corruption and nepotism.

The following are brief record in Bangla of Sheikh Hasina and Begum Zia’s phone conversation. For detail full transcript, please here the video at the bottom.

Almost one-third of the conversation involved trading charges over Khaleda's red telephone which she said had been out of order for a while.

Hasina insisted she had herself called that telephone repeatedly -- Khaleda kept insisting it did not ring and doubted how Hasina could hear the ring if it was out of order.
 
Much of the rest of the conversation centred round charges of promoting terror -- state terror or through the party organisation.

 
অনলাইন ডেস্ক: গত শনিবার সন্ধ্যা ৬টা ২০ মিনিটে প্রধানমন্ত্রী টেলিফোন করেন বিএনপির চেয়ারপার্সন বেগম খালেদা জিয়াকে। প্রধানমন্ত্রীর এডিসি এমরানের মোবাইল থেকে বিরোধী দলীয় নেতার বিশেষ সহকারী এডভোকেট শামসুর রহমান শিমুল বিশ্বাসের মোবাইলে এই ফোনালাপ হয়। দীর্ঘ ফোনালাপে দুই নেত্রী ব্যক্তিগত বিষয় নিয়ে কথা বলেন। তিক্ত অভিজ্ঞতাও বিনিময় করেন।
শুরুতেই প্রধানমন্ত্রী বলেন, আপা কেমন আছেন ? আমি আপনাকে দুপুরে ফোন দিয়েছিলাম। জবাবে খালেদা বলেন, আপনার কোন ফোন আমি পাই নি।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ আমি নিজে ফোন করেছি। কিন্তু আপনি ধরেন নি।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ রেডফোন তো অনেকদিন ধরে বিকল। আমার অফিস থেকে চিঠি দেয়ার পরেও এই ফোন ঠিক করা হয়নি।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ কেন আমি তো রিংয়ের শব্দ শুনেছি। আপনি শুনেন নি।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ না না কোন রিং হয়নি। আমিতো বাসায়ই ছিলাম। রিং হবে কিভাবে ? ওই ফোনতো নষ্ট দু’বছর ধরে।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ ফোন নষ্ট ছিল, না নষ্ট করে রেখেছেন ?
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ কেমন কথা বলছেন। আপনার লোকদের জিজ্ঞাস করেন। লিখিতভাবে অভিযোগ করা হয়েছে। টিএ্যান্ডটির কর্মকর্তা বলেছেন ফোন নাকি ঠিক আছে। কিন্তু এটা মিথ্যা কথা।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ কিন্তু আমিতো রিং এর শব্দ শুনেছি। অনেকক্ষন রিং হয়েছে। কেউ ধরে নি। আপনি মিথ্যা বলছেন কেন ? আপনার হয়তো কানে সমস্যা আছে।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ আমার মিথ্যা কথা বলার অভ্যাস নেই। এসব অভ্যাস আপনার আছে।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ আচ্ছা বিষয়টি আমি দেখবো। যদি নষ্ট হয়ে থাকে আগামীকাল ১১টার মধ্যে ওটা ঠিক হয়ে যাবে। আগামী নির্বাচন সম্পর্কে গণভবনে এসে কথা বলার জন্য আমি ২৮ তারিখ সন্ধ্যায় আপনাকে দাওয়াত করছি। আপনি জানেন আমি ইতিমধ্যে অন্যদের সঙ্গেও আলাপ-আলোচনা শুরু করেছি। আপনাকে দাওয়াত দিচ্ছি। আমার সঙ্গে রাতের খাবার খাবেন।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ আপনি কি র্নিদলীয় সরকার নিয়ে আলাপ করার জন্য আমাকে ডেকেছেন ? যদি এটি নিয়ে ডাকেন তাহলে আমি আসব।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ আমিতো সর্বদলীয় সরকারের প্রস্তাব দিয়েছি। ওটা নিয়ে যদি আপনার কোন সাজেশন থাকে, আমরা সেটা শুনব।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ এটা আপনার প্রস্তাব। জনগনের এই প্রস্তাবে সায় নেই। এতে তো সমস্যার সমাধান হাবে না। আপনি র্নিদলীয় সরকারের প্রস্তাব নীতিগতভাবে মেনে নেন।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ আমি যে প্রস্তাব দিয়েছি। তাতে তো আপনার দলের লোকও থাকবে। রাজনীতিবিদরা মিলে এই সরকার হবে। রাজনীতিবিদদের প্রতি আপনার আস্থা নেই কেন ? আপনি র্নিদলীয় সরকার দেখেন নি ? তারা কি করেছে আপনার মনে নেই ?
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ সেটা ভিন্ন বিষয় ছিল। এখন র্নিদলীয় সরকারের দাবি আমার একার না। এটা দেশের সব মানুষের দাবি।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ আপনি আগে আসেন। আপনার দলের যতজন খুশী সব নিয়ে আসেন। তালিকাটা আগে পাঠিয়ে দেবেন। তবে আসার আগে দেশের স্বার্থে হরতাল প্রত্যাহার করে আসবেন।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ আপনার বাসায় আসতে আমার কোন অসুবিধা নেই। কিন্তু হরতাল এথন প্রত্যাহার করা সম্ভব নয়। আপনি যদি আমাকে একদিন আগে বলতেন বা আজ সকালেও বলতেন, তাহলেও আমি চেষ্টা করে দেখতাম। হরতাল তো আমি একা ডাকেনি। ১৮ দলীয় জোটের নেতাদের পুলিশ তাড়া করছে। তারা এখন পালিয়ে বেড়াচ্ছেন। আলোচনা করার জন্য এখন তাদেরতো পাবো না।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ দেখেন আমি আন্তরিকতা নিয়ে ফোন করেছি। আপনিতো আমারে গ্রেনেড হামলা করে মেরে ফেলতে চেয়েছিলেন। আরো কতকিছু করেছেন। তারপরেও তো আমি ফোন দিয়েছি।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ কে কি করেছে তা আপনিও জানেন, আমিও জানি, দেশের মানুষও জানে। এগুলো বাদ দেন। অতীত নিয়ে বসে থাকলে আমরা সামনে অগ্রসর হতে পারব না। আজো আমার ৮ জন লোককে হত্যা করা হয়েছে।
শেখ হাসিনা : দেখেন আপনি তো ১৫ আগস্ট জš§দিন পালন করেন। কিন্তু ওটা তো আপনার জš§দিন নয়। আপনি আমাদের বাসায় বহুবার এসেছিলেন। আমার ছোট ভাই রাসেলকে দেখেছেন। ছোট্ট এই শিশুটিকে হত্যার দিনে আপনি কি করে কেক কেটে জš§দিন পালন করেন ?
খালেদা জিয়া : দেখেন ১৫ আগস্ট কারো মৃত্যুদিন যেমন হতে পারে,তেমনি অনেকেরই জš§দিনও হতে পারে। ১৫ আগস্ট কারো জš§দিন হলে সে কি দিনটি পালন করবে না ? আমার জš§দিনে আমি পালন করবো, এটা তো আমার নিজস্ব ব্যাপার। আমি তো আপনার কোনো ব্যক্তিগত বিষয় নিয়ে প্রশ্ন করি না।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ যাই হোক, এখন আলোচনার জন্য আমার আন্তরিকতা আছে। তাই ফোন করেছি। আপনি আসেন। আমরা আলাপ-আলোচনা করি।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ আপনার আন্তরিকতা থাকলে, আরো আগেই ফোন দিতেন। এখনো যদি নীতিগতভাবে র্নিদলীয় সরকারের দাবি মেনে নেন, তাহলে হরতালসহ সব কর্মসূচি বন্ধ করার দায়িত্ব আমি নেবো। সমাধান হয়ে গেলে তো আর কোন কর্মসূচির দরকার হবে না।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ আপা আপনি আগে আসেন। হরতাল প্রত্যাহার করে আসেন।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ ২৯ তারিখ পর্যন্ত তো আমার কর্মসূচি আছে। ২৯ তারিখের পর যেকোন দিন যেকোন স্থানে আপনি ডাকলে আমি আসবো।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ হরতাল প্রত্যাহার করে আসেন। আমরা বসলে একটা সমাধান হবে।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ না না না আগে আপনি ঘোষণা দেন। তাহলে আমার বসতে কোন অসুবিধা হবে না।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ আপনি আপনার দলের নির্বাচিতদের নাম দেন। বাইরের লোকদের নাম প্রস্তাব করছেন কেন। দেশ চালাবো আমরা। বাইরের লোকের দরকার কি ? আমাদের উপর আস্থা রাখছেন না কেন।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ আপনিও তো আমার উপর আস্থা রাখেন নি। সে কারণেই এখন দলের বাইরের লোক লাগবে। দেশের মানুষ র্নিদলীয় সরকার চায়। আপনি এ দাবি মেনে নিলেই সমস্যা শেষ হয়ে যাবে। আপনি যদি তত্ত্বাবধায়ক সরকার পছন্দ নাই করেন,তাহলে কেন ১৯৯৬ সালের নির্বাচনের আগে জামায়াতকে সঙ্গে নিয়ে এই দাবিতে আন্দোলন করেছিলেন ? ২০০৭ সালে কেন ওই সরকারের শপথ অনুষ্ঠানে গিয়েছিলেন। বলেছিলেন, এটা আপনাদের আন্দোলনের ফসল। এরপর সেই সরকারের অধীনে নির্বাচনেও গিয়েছিলেন। কিন্তু আজ বলছেন অন্য কথা।
শেখ হাসিনা ঃ দেখেন আপা, অভিজ্ঞতা যেমন আমার আছে, তেমনি আপনারও আছে। আমরা তো আপনাদের লোক নিয়েই অন্তবর্তী সরকার করতে চাচ্ছি। আপনি এখন চিন্তা করে দেখেন।
খালেদা জিয়া ঃ এখানে চিন্তার কিছু নেই। আপনি দাবি মেনে নিন। দেশের মানুষকে শান্তি দিন। এই দেশটা আপনারও না, আমারও না, ১৬ কোটি মানুষের। তাদের শান্তির কথা, স্বার্থের কথা চিন্তা করেন। আমি তো সেসময়ে আপনার দাবি মেনে ছিলাম। আমি তো এখন আমার দলের সরকার চাই না। আমার নিজের সরকারও চাই না। চাই সবার কাছে গ্রহণযোগ্য নির্দলীয় লোকদের সরকার। সেটা মানতে আপনার আপত্তি কেন বুঝতে পারছি না।
Sheikh hasina and Begum Zia's Full Coversation. Please click the link below

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=erGhffGbT_Y

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8-Vsf5POqw&feature=player_embedded