The New Nation - Internet Edition

Protecting the RMG sector

THE annual apparel exhibition of Bangladesh ended on Sunday with an assurance coming from the Army Chief of Staff that the army will do everything to protect the garments sector. It is not really the job of the armed forces to keep a watch over and protect the garment sector. There has been an upsurge of vandalism against garment industries in the last two years and different security agencies of the government --specially the police-- were to be used to tackle the troubles and stop their recurrence. That the problem has not been effectively dealt with despite repeated pleadings from the owners and operators of this industry, marked a failure on the part of the security agencies.

Hundreds of garments industries have been vandalised in the last two years leading to damage of equipment, premises and stocked apparels. Many factories simply closed down after such violence causing huge losses to the industry. Industry leaders are conscious of the simmering troubles that could break out any time in many garment industries. They, therefore, have been practically urging the government to extend adequate protection to them. The security agencies are yet to be able to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect the garment industries.

The outsiders who have been creating trouble in such garment industries with unblemished records for paying regularly and adequately their workers plus extending other facilities are yet to be properly dealt with. That troubles break out in industries having good track records were proofs of their engineered nature by vested interests, as alleged by garment manufacturers and exporters. The security agencies from their investigations also reached the conclusion about vested interests working from behind the scene to whip up trouble in the sector. Thus, a set of security measures should be in place to ward off trouble-mongers.

Climate change action plan

REPRESENTATIVES of some NGOs and civil society organisations have underscored the need for involvement of the people and political forces in the implementation of the climate change action plan. Briefing the press they observed that the document prepared by the government namely, 'Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan' (BCCSAP) would provide the basis of the proposed Multi-Donor Trust Fund which might strengthen Bangladesh's efforts to overcome difficulties arising out of global warming.

Bangladesh is one of the countries that are likely to be most affected by climate change. Being a low-lying delta it faces the threat of increased floods and storms. Tropical super cyclone Sidr and consecutive floods in 2007 showed the increased frequency and ferocity of natural calamities. Almost one-fifth area of Bangladesh would go under sea-water leading to ecological disaster and mass migration of millions of people due to sea level rise by 2050.

There is thus a dire need for an adaptation strategy to cope with climate change. The climate change action plan document has prioritised sustainable development, poverty reduction and increased well-being of vulnerable groups of the people. It covers a wide range of adaptation issues like food security, comprehensive disaster management, infrastructure development and capacity building at short, medium and long terms. BCCSAP, it is alleged, has ignored some basic issues like forced migration of a large number of people and socio-economic impact of sea-level rise. The civil society workers suggested recasting and redefining of the document. People of Bangladesh have resilience to fight and cope with natural disasters. Climate change in Bangladesh is actually a development issue. It can be best addressed through active participation of the people who know best the strategies to cope with adverse climatic conditions.

Election and post-election uncertainties in Bangladesh

Dr. M. S. Haq

Bangladesh would be required to cross several hurdles before the state's power is, for example transferred to the people's representatives or grabbed once again by members (active or retired or otherwise) of the country's bureaucracies including inter alia military bureaucracy or captured by a composite of Bangladeshis that could include inter alia people's representatives, representatives of bureaucracies (as applicable) and representatives of civil society. It will be difficult - at this point in time, 6th day of November 2008 - to say almost anything with a 100 percent certainty about the election and its outcomes and the subsequent transfer of power, given moving and evolving realities, expectations and anticipations associated with above and related matters. There are and could be several reasons for that. A few of them have been presented below.

1. The self defense mechanism of incumbent army-supported government and their supporters will not, at least in a proactive manner, allow the next elected government or the next non-elected government or other types of government in the near future to create problems for them, problems for say, immediate and direct beneficiaries of the present government, and problems that might arise out of acts and deeds during the life time of present government - whether justified or not, whether legally proper or not, whether in the overall national interest or not, to mention a few. In that respect, it is likely the present government is now busy in inter alia creating, discarding or recreating probable scenarios and experimenting competitive scenarios in pursuits of a probable win-win situation for all. But given the ground reality including limitations associated with the country's political culture - it would, at present, be a difficult task for Bangladesh to incorporate all interest groups and all interests in a single win-win matrix, per se.

2. The government is not - at present - fully sure - in the face of election-emergency, as well as election-regulation tangles - about risks and vulnerabilities associated with for example: (i) meeting future emergencies without the state of emergency; (ii) containing resultant situations - due to say, possible election boycotts by political parties - that are at present appear to be beyond the control of state emergency mechanism; (iii) controlling future emergencies in situations where a whole hearted support of people, as well as political parties could be missing; and (iv) confronting any military coup or coup like situation in the life time of present government. Hence, it is likely the government could elect to use, as required: the country's law and order situation, external threats arising out of say, the current Bangladesh-Myanmar tension, terrorism, political violence and other developments as justifications for the continuation of emergency, in one form or another, in the country - unless above risk factors turn into real emergencies - God forbids - in the future or the emergency regime fails to withstand the people's power in the days ahead, among other things.

3. The government has not yet been able to declare - before the people of Bangladesh and others - a cut out date on which it will cease to function and the power will be transferred to the people's elected representatives.

4. The political parties - especially the major ones - have not yet been able to give Bangladeshis and others any indication regarding leadership change in the next government. In other words: would there be any chance for a qualified, competent and deserving political party member of the majority party in the next parliament to become the head of government instead of his or her party president or party chairperson, (etc.) under the present system of governance? In an event, the answer is yes, the development could then be instrumental in inter alia minimizing if not eliminating at least a bunch of pre-election and post-election uncertainties associated with limitations of the traditional mode of succession when it comes to the top leadership of government following a national election.

5. If the political parties (at least the major ones), the government and concerned others fail to reach - at the soonest - consensus on pending matters, if the government, the political parties and concerned others resort to delaying tactics beyond an acceptable tolerance level, if the government, friends of Bangladesh (including inter alia the US, the UK, EU), neighbors of Bangladesh (including inter alia India, Myanmar, Pakistan) and others drastically fail to maintain their neutrality in the management of or in supporting the management of say, initial conditions for a successful election, if the government imposes the state of emergency with full force to meet political disturbances or emergencies of other types in the future, and if the present regime is overpowered by other forces - the developments could then help enhance, at least for a time being - uncertainties pertaining to, inter alia the future of democracy, as well as better governance in Bangladesh.

In light of above, it now appears the success of upcoming national election and a peaceful plus meaningful transfer of power to the elected representatives would depend on inter alia: how best and quickest people of Bangladesh, the government, the political parties and others could assist each other in transforming existing and evolving uncertainties in above and other areas into certainties to a humanly possible extent. In the process of doing that, it is expected, among other things:

I. the government, the political parties and concerned others will give more emphasis on problem solving, results and outcomes - in pertinent areas of election and succession - than unproductive rhetoric, and unconstructive TV appearances, per se. But one thing, TV appearances that tend to promote in the society for example - firm but polite behaviors - similar to that of DIG (Prison) Maj. Shamsul Haider Siddique is fine;

II. II. the government, the political parties and the concerned others will step up efforts towards uniting and not dividing people of Bangladesh in pursuits of say, achieving maximum participation of voters in the election for a healthier and stronger parliament hopefully in the near future - than that in the past. One of the underlying assumptions is: a parliament represented by maximum number of Bangladeshis could inter alia be able to act as antidotes to - future military takeovers; poor economic performances; insufficient governance; escalating poverty, hunger, disease and deprivation; terrorism; corruption; and instabilities of various kinds;

III. the government will not set examples - in areas such as and as appropriate local, mission and international appointments - that could be viewed by Bangladeshis and others as inter alia acts of deriving structural benefits or non-structural benefits or both from the present government - similar to relevant acts of political governments in the past. One of the concerns here is: acts of above nature could affect, in a negative way, the credibility of the government;

IV. IV. the donor organizations such as WB, UNICEF, WHO, WFP, FAO, USAID and UNESCO will intensify dialogues with at least major political parties of Bangladesh in pursuits of for example, obtaining their pre-election commitments with regard to the realization of commitments made by the country at UN and other forums and sharing, as appropriate, the outcome of their dialogues with people of Bangladesh and others. One of the underlying assumptions is: a windfall from the development could help strengthen accountability of political parties and donor organizations to the people and vice versa in pertinent areas;

V. V. the government will not create any bad precedent by for example, favoring one or more than one party over other parties in pursuits of say, promoting its own agendas. Bangladeshis and others should be able to put their trust in the government when it comes to the latter's ability to deliver election and succession related responsibilities and accountability in a timely, effective, lawful and result-oriented fashion;

VI. the government will hold the election as scheduled and declare the date for the transfer of power to the people's representatives - unless something - beyond the control of Bangladesh - occurs in the intervening period, God forbids; and

VII. VII. the media (print, electronic, others) will assist Bangladeshis in their efforts towards electing the right person at the right time for the right cause - in a productive and non-partisan fashion.The last word: Cut short the demand lists - as far as practicable. United we stand.

End draconian rule in Kashmir!

Dr.Abdul Ruff

Unfortunately, India is incapable of self-reforming or changing and it keeps doing what it began in 1947; militarization, destructions and genocide of Kashmiris Muslims. Even Muzzafarabad murders have not made the arrogant India realize its false presumptions in Kashmir and correct its democratic pretensions in the world.

India occupies Jammu Kashmir since 1947 and the larger world led by the USA and Europe have done nothing to retrieve the Kashmir nation from Indian yoke for the Kashmiris along with sovereignty and dignity. While Soviet Union had supported the Indian occupation and aided it with weapons and technology including nuclearism almost free of cost, USA did precious little to support the Kashmiris cause. On the contrary, the US global terrorists helped Indian hegemons to make Kashmiris the so-called "terrorists" tp appease soem of the pro-US strategists and media. The highly educated Americans also derived a lot of sadistic pleasure in branding the innocent and defenseless Kashmiris as "terrorists".

But now as part of his poll campaign techniques, Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama has said the USA should try to help resolve the lingering Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India as part of efforts to address problem of militancy in the region. In an interview days ahead of November 4 presidential election, he favored U.S. facilitation toward fostering a better understanding between the two nuclear armed South Asian neighbors, that have fought wars over the decades-old Kashmir question in the past but are now engaged in a peace process. Obama's statement reflected his broader understanding and regional vision that contrasted with his campaign remarks in which he often appeared to talk about Pakistan only from the security perspective of the fight against terrorism.

USA is well placed to pressure India on this issue. But USA just makes a few statements here and there and get along with its usual weapons sale business regional wise. More recently, President George Bush said, on February 22, 2008, that the US supports any solution of Kashmir that is acceptable to India, Pakistan and the Kashmiri citizens. The previous statements made right from the days of President John F. Kennedy USA has talked aobut Kashmir resolution 'peaceful menas", but it never cared to ask India to quit India. Enboldned by the US "democratic double standards", New Delhi has always resisted since the signing of India-Pakistan Peace Treaty in 1971, to resolve the crisis bilaterally, because it has to surrender the annexed lands to Kashmiris. This is the problem which Israel is facing now in Palestine and USA is worried about in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now as a strategic nuclear partner of India, USA can either ask India to quit Kashmir or fuel the crisis further as it is doing in Pakistan.

India is keen to security its borders by keeping Jammu Kashmir as it's out-zone of security. In order to maintain its security India kills Kashmiris, the Muslims. UN and UNSC have remained silent spectators of the ghastly brutality of India in JK. India has security advisor, who, in stead of giving guidelines to military and reporting to the government about military plans, is being controlled and advised by the military establishment. For this reason, India prefers hardliners (militants like) for this coveted post as much as for the foreign secretary's post. Indian security Hardliners led by Narayanan continue to evade and ignore relevant dialogs between Indian leaders and Kashmiri freedom leaders. As a result, Indians leaders spun any confidence bui8dlingmeasures and try to begin a dialogue quite sincerely as the present situation, when population has revolted against Indian tyranny, demands.

Not many strategists in New Delhi and Srinagar have gauged the explosive situation in the region and that the Kashmir problem has already become intractable. This explains as to why instead of thinning out the presence of Indian security forces in the Valley, the military establishment has been authorized to build up the terror prowess of India in Jammu Kashmir. The Indian state must gather the courage to take the steps that would assure the Kashmiris of their right to self govern and sovereignty.

India is keen to showcase its functioning democracy in its colony Jammu Kashmir by holding the unwanted polls in that troubled nation under its illegal occupation. The clampdown on freedom leaders and activists as well as n the movement is underway and nobody would be allowed to create law and order problem during the election process. It is most likely that PSA would be slapped against most of them as they are involved in anti-state activities.

India has alerted the pro-India elements in Jammu Kashmir to divert the anti-poll sentiments of Kashmiris by playing poll fight techniques criticizing their poll manifestos. Pro-India political outfits are very cleverly using phrases to woo the voters to come for voting and bring a pro-India regime in place as per Indian plan., Asserting that Peoples Democratic President (PDP) would snatch all seats from its archrival National Conference in the coming assembly elections, PDP President Mahbooba Mufti, who has been eying on the CM chair for quite some time now, said the release of self-rule document has "closed the chapter of autonomy" of NC.

India has invoked the age old draconian law in Jammu Kashmir to detain the freedom leaders and activists who are planning to campaign against the poll by Indian terror government after killing thousands of innocent Kashmiris and want to justify the genocide with the polls. More than 16 freedom leaders have been booked under infamous PSA so far. On October 22, JKLF chairman and Jamaat Ahl-i-Hadees president launched anti-election campaign from Hajin, Sonawari. Police arrested Malik and Moulana Showkat during a nocturnal raid and shifted them to Police Station Sumbal. On October 23, police arrested acting Hurriyat (G) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Sumji from party's Rajbagh headquarters. On October 26, police arrested GM Khan Sopori along with 11 other separatist activists from Rajbagh headquarters of Hurriyat (G). On October 29, police arrested acting Chairman Hurriyat (G) chairman, Nisar Hussain Rather from Hazratbal.

The continuous arrests of freedom leaders have affected the peaceful atmosphere of Kashmir. Indian terror occupiers are intentionally creating tension in JK. India has threatened to arrest every freedom leader if they don't support the Indian illegality and immorality in Kashmir. Experience shows that India has the capacity to do it now and in future. The chairmen of two Hurriyat factions Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq would be placed under house arrest while rest of separatist leaders are mostly likely to be detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) to prevent them from campaigning against the polls. Geelani, who is presently undergoing treatment in New Delhi and Mirwaiz are likely to be placed under house arrest to restrict their movement and prevent them from campaigning against the elections while other separatist leaders would be arrested. The reason for not detaining Geelani and Mirwaiz is that security agencies fear public outcry in case of their detention. The agencies contemplated that situation can turn very hostile if the two leaders are kept in jails.

Both National Conference (NC) and PDP have come out with a blueprint of a self-rule document but they want to participate in polls and take revenge on the defenseless Kashmiris after the polls. Stating that elections, vision document, autonomy and self-rule are not acceptable to the people of Jammu Kashmir, Chairman of Hurriyat (G) Syed Ali Geelani in Delhi said no document can replace the right to self-determination for the solution of Kashmir dispute. The septuagenarian leader in a telephonic statement from New Delhi to a local news gathering agency KNS said: "People at this juncture are mature enough and know that pro-freedom leadership are trying to woo people for casting votes. They are just power hungry and care only for assembly seats."

The state unit of CPI (M) has resented the detention of separatists under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and has called for immediate release of those arrested under the draconian laws. Addressing a party convention at Nipora, Devsar today, CPI (M) State Secretary M. Y. Tarigami, however, also warned the elements persuading the people to stay away from the electoral process about the dangers of such move and reiterated his party's stand that elections are to ensure pro-people governance., adding that illegal detentions only add to the ongoing crisis, He also accused the Central government of being ignorant to the continuous harassment of the youth of Muslim community in the country and said that the entire community should not be seen with suspicious because of the involvement of certain misguided youth in the antinational activities. Tarigami also expressed apprehensions over the recent visits of Israeli Army and US army Chief to the State and said such visits create doubts in the minds of people of the state in respect of Union government. While highlighting the ordeal of the relatives of disappeared persons, Tarigami stressed that the government should evolve a mechanism to let the traumatized relatives of disappeared people know their whereabouts. He demanded relief and rehabilitation of the affected families.

Appealing masses to boycott the coming assembly elections, the Hurriyat (G) Chairman said: "It is high time to boycott polls. People should start a social boycott with those who participate in elections." He also condemned the arrests of pro-freedom leaders ahead of polls. Geelani who was operated at Escorts Hospital New Delhi on October 15 for changing his pacemaker has been diagnosed of a mass over his only kidney by doctors. According to the statement of Hurriyat (G), Geelani will be shifted to Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai on November 3 where Dr H P Tanguankar will conduct his check up.

What is of urgency is genuine implementation and strengthening the greatly diluted special status for Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution to mitigate the sufferings of patriotic Kashmiris. But, for now, India must immediately call off the funny polls announced to fool and kill the Kashmiris and the world and talk to the freedom leaders about surrendering their sovereignty back.

Democratic decency expects a nation to hold polls in a free atmosphere and conduct it freely without involving money and human (anti-social) power. JK has been undergoing turmoil of a serious nature as they demand freedom from the Indian terrorist occupiers. In Kashmir the situation is rather explosive as they hate Indian occupation and polls. Invoking draconian laws to track the patriotic Kashmiris is both illegal and immoral. Paid agents and underdogs are available even in the USA, but in Jammu Kashmir the situation is peculiar as India has converted quite a few Kashmiris into pro-India agents.