The New Nation - Internet Edition

From the Foreign Press: Faith and globalisation: An alliance of values

Tony Blair

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut: The pressures of globalisation are pushing people together, obliterating boundaries through trade, travel, telecommunications and mass migration. If religious faith in such an interdependent world acts to push people apart, it becomes a force for division and conflict.

That is bad for everybody. But for people of religious faith, that is a particularly bad outcome. It means that faith becomes synonymous not with reconciliation, compassion and justice - what true religious faith should stand for - but with hatred and sectarianism.

I am so convinced of the importance of this issue that, over the past few months, I undertook to conduct a seminar at Yale University to explore the subject. I did so not as an intellectual exercise, but because I believe this is a severely practical matter. Unless we find a way of reconciling faith and globalisation, the world will be not only a dangerous place, but globalisation itself will be far less successful in spreading prosperity.

There are 10 lessons I've learned from this undertaking:

Religious faith matters. Whether one likes it or not, billions of people are motivated by religious faith.

Faith is not in decline. It may be in decline in some places, but not worldwide. In some parts of the world, it is growing.

Religious faith can operate positively in support, for example, of the UN Millennium Development Goals to reduce poverty and advance development. Wonderful work has been done on this by churches, mosques and Hindu and Jewish interfaith organisations. Or, religion can operate negatively, through fundamentalism or extremism.

Globalisation is forging multi-faith societies. The London my little boy is growing up in is completely different than the London he would have grown up in 30 years ago. The same is true across Europe and the United States as well.

To work effectively, globalisation needs values like trust, confidence, openness and justice.

Faith is not the only means, but is an important means, of providing those values if faith is itself open and not closed; if it is based on compassion and help for others and not on the basis of exclusionary identity.

For globalisation to flourish, we need social capital - trust in one another, so we can have confidence in the future. Spiritual capital, so to speak, is an important part of social capital.

In an era, however, of globalisation and multi-faith societies, creating such spiritual capital requires not only tolerance of, but respect for, people of other faiths.

The key to respect is understanding, and hence the need to learn and to educate ourselves about each other's faith and traditions.

Organised religion should be supporting this process, and allowing through it the evolution of faith so that faith can be a positive, constructive and progressive force.

So, faith matters. Values matter. How those combine will critically define the prospects of success, prosperity and peaceful co-existence of the global society in which we live. The alternative is tension, conflict and violence.

What does this mean practically? I once thought that globalisation was a value-free process. Certainly, I thought, one should seek justice in an era of globalisation for its own sake, but not for the reasons of efficiency. I have now come to change my view. This current global economic crisis illustrates why.

The crisis is first and foremost a crisis brought about in part by behaviour - irresponsibility - that we wish hadn't taken place. And it has been prolonged by the absence of confidence because people can't trust the system.

Values such as trust - being able to rely on the other person's word, or long-term perspective instead of short-term profit maximisation - are exactly what will create the confidence required to put our economy back on a sound footing for the future. In other words, confidence and the stability that flows from it cannot be restored by technical, regulatory means alone, but by a restoration of values.

This is but one case that illustrates the idea that an interdependent world cannot function without values that create the bonds of trust. In foreign policy, this can be seen even more clearly. The violent attacks we saw in Mumbai are representative of the type of security threat we face in many places globally, from Iraq to Afghanistan, Iran to Pakistan to our own cities in the West.

Of course, we must be prepared for a military response as part of the answer to violence. But it is also true that it will be the force of ideas rather than the force of arms that will allow globalisation to succeed and not break apart in strife.

Securing peace between Israel and Palestine would obviously be of enormous importance, a huge symbolic expression that would militate against the divisiveness and hatred that inspires people to commit acts of terrorism in the name of God.

If we were able to create a space where people of different faiths could live and work together peacefully, it would be a powerful demonstration of a different set of values at work than those which, for decades, have only generated never-ending violence.To defeat the forces of exclusion and division that lead to terrorism, which now has an enormous reach across all areas of the world, we must turn to education as a major component - not a minor effort - of foreign policy. We need to become literate about other faiths and ways of life.

Therefore, in both economic policy and foreign policy, it is clear than we can't make the world safe for interdependence unless we have strong values that guide us. Peaceful co-existence cannot take root unless we have strong alliances not only across nations but across faiths, through values we hold in common.

Whether the issue is the global economic crisis, African poverty or global warming, faith communities can provide a solid foundation for values and allied endeavours based on those values. But this is only true if faith is not about our traditions or our identity, but about values - not just the values of democracy and freedom, but of the common good, compassion and justice.

Above all, we need an alliance of values that acknowledges - despite differences in creed or colour - the equal dignity and equal worth of every individual before God.

(This article is adapted from a talk by Tony Blair, the former British prime minister and founder of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, given last week at Yale University. Distributed by Tribune Media Services.)

French first lady confirms 'quickie’ wedding

AP, Paris

In her most informal interview since becoming France's first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has revealed that her wedding to President Nicolas Sarkozy was decided just two days in advance.

In a one-hour show for French TV, Bruni-Sarkozy also recalled that she practiced her curtsy for Britain's Queen Elizabeth with British rock singer Marianne Faithfull.

"Carla Bruni in complete freedom," broadcast late Thursday, reunited the president's wife with friends from her former careers as a model and singer-songwriter.

Guests included French fashion designers Christian Lacroix and Jean Paul Gaultier, who created the Hermes dress she wore for her wedding in a small private ceremony in February.

Bruni-Sarkozy said the wedding was decided just two days in advance, leaving her barely enough time to find a dress. She said she chose the cream Hermes knee-length dress off the rack in one of the brand's Paris stores.

She revealed she was nervous about meeting the Queen and was given specific instructions by diplomats on what to wear and say. She decided to curtsy to the British monarch, even though it is not obligatory for the wives of heads of state.

"I really wanted to curtsy to the Queen, and we had a lot of fun with my friend Marianne Faithfull, who had already met the Queen," Bruni-Sarkozy said.

"She (Faithfull) is a British citizen, and she showed me 50 different kinds of curtsies, including some that involved practically throwing yourself on the floor, and it was very funny. I did not imagine that people would talk about the curtsy that much afterwards," she added.

Bruni-Sarkozy acknowledged she had toned down her naturally playful personality because of the negative criticism she drew when she first started seeing Sarkozy.

"There was a brief period when I was trying to be serious so that people would trust me and so they wouldn't worry, so they wouldn't say: 'My God, what is the world coming to?'," she confided.

Lacroix said the television show was the first glimpse of her real personality. "It's the first time that you see her as we know her," he said, referring to the years when she modeled in his catwalk shows.

The president's wife raised eyebrows in July by releasing an album with lyrics mocking her reputation as a man-eater and comparing her lover to a class A drug. She is donating her royalties from sales of the record to charity.

This week, she won 40,000 euros ($56,200) in damages from a clothing firm who had distributed bags bearing a nude image of her from her modeling days.

Bruni-Sarkozy said she stood "6,000 percent" behind the nude photographs she posed for in the past, saying they were "works of art" shot by leading photographers such as Richard Avedon and Helmut Newton.

She also revealed that she enjoys reading celebrity magazines "when I'm not in them."

She said she did not mind interviewers asking her about her desire to have another child (she has a seven-year-old son from a previous relationship), but resented suggestions her stomach already looked pregnant. "Isn't that rude? Now, I've completely cut out the beer," she said with a laugh.

Use of indecent language in poll hustings galore

Talha Bin Habib

Members of civil society, professional groups and saner section of the people harbour the view that the candidates now in the parliamentary election race either representing political parties or independently should abide by the electoral code of conduct and refrain from making rash comments against their rivals .

They observed with regret that some leaders and activists of different political parties in their election hustings were charging their political adversaries in indecent language violating the code of conduct.

Though the manifestos of all political parties including BNP and Awami League do not permit delivery of offensive speeches and accusing their opponents in filthy words some leaders belonging to different political parties are ignoring the commitments of their organisations in this respect, they noted.

They fervently appealed to the political leaders to refrain from using uncharitable and unparliamentary language against their opponents for the sake of establishing healthy politics in the country.

Talking to the New Nation, many of the voters welcomed the electoral laws framed by the election commission and hoped that the political leaders cutting across party line would adhere to these laws.

They also urged the election commission to see to it that no candidates indulge in spreading false propaganda against their rivals and using foul language in their speeches.

"Spreading lies and ills against opponents are a breach of electoral code of conduct", said a candidate who is contesting the parliamentary election from constituency in the capital.

BNP Joint Secretary General Nazrul Islam recently alleged that Awami League was misleading the people by spreading lies ills against BNP and its leaders.

"Indecorous comments against BNP Chairperson and her family members are very unfortunate and these constituted breach of electoral code of conduct," he maintained.

On the other hand, some Awami League activists charged the BNP led alliance with violating the electoral code of conduct by delivering provocative speeches.

The country will plunge in deep chaos and bitter confrontational politics if the leaders of major political parties can not change their habit of mudslinging and refrain from trading on wild and objectionable comments against their rivals, warned a teacher of political science of the Dhaka University wishing not be named.

Hectic electioneering in Rajshahi

BSS, Rajshahi

The entire district including the city and rural areas have turned into enthusiastic festive looks amid election fever as the electioneering has been reaching the peak in all six parliamentary constituencies.

The contesting candidates and their workers have been campaigning at days and nights amid sweeping cold wave and former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia made her campaigning here last night boosting the momentum.

Former Prime Minister and Grand Alliance Chief Sheikh Hasina is likely to visit here on Monday next.

The candidates of the grand alliance, four-party alliance, different political parties and independent candidates and their workers have been visiting door to door, talking to the voters and seeking their votes.

Some of the voters are also asking the candidates about their future plans for development and solving the problems and saying that they will cast their votes for the committed and honest candidates having good moral character, better background and educational qualifications.

A total of 28 candidates are finally contesting for the six parliamentary seats after withdrawal of the nomination papers though 56 submitted nominations initially.

Spot reports reveal that the election campaigns have already got huge momentum in both urban and rural areas, tea-stalls and public places and the same would reach its maximum peak within the next couple of days.

According to the local people and sources, there might be bilateral and tri- lateral contests in the parliamentary constituencies here.

In Rajshahi-1 (Godagari-Tanore) seat, a bilateral contest might be between BNP led 4-Party Alliance candidate and former IGP Dr Enamul Haque and AL- led Mohajote candidate Omar Faruque Chowdhury though Salah Uddin Bishwash of Bangladesh Kolyan Party is also in the race.

In Rajshahi-2 (Rajshahi city) constituency, the contest might remain confined to Fazley Hossain Badsha of AL-led Mohajote and former BNP lawmaker and Rajshahi Mayor Mijanur Rahman Minu of BNP led 4-Party Alliance though Akhteruzzaman Bablu of Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Enamul Haque of CPB and Sayeed Mahmud Iliash of Islami Andolan Bangladesh are also in the contest.

RAB crackdown on militants before polls

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Rapid Action Battalion will take up a number of pre-election and post-election measures, including a crackdown on militants and extremists, to ensure a secure polls environment, said the RAB chief Thursday.

The elite force has launched operations to arrest terrorists and intensified intelligence surveillance focusing on the polls, RAB director general Hasan Mahmud Khandker said.

RAB's militancy prevention cell and its intelligence wing have been working specially to arrest fugitive leaders of banned militant group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh ahead of polls slated for Dec. 29.

Khandker said he does not see any likelihood of subversive activities during the polls, but have taken all security measures under serious consideration.

The RAB boss said he does not expect any untoward incident in the south-western dictricts during the polls, as extremists groups there have remained inactive. But they will be remaining vigilant in the region, he added.

Khandkaer, along with senior RAB officials, was briefing journalists on RAB activities during election at the force's headquarters in the city.

RAB will be working alongside army and police in each district town and divisional city from Dec. 24.

There will be a total of 6,000 RAB members across the country deployed prior to the polls - one company (75-200 members) in each city and one platoon (30 to 50 members) in each district town.

The force will also patrol as mobile and striking forces during the vote and its bomb squad will remain ready.

RAB members will also be working to check violations of the election code of conduct and ensuring that all voters can vote without fear, said the elite force chief.

Investigative reports on candidates urged

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a press conference yesterday called upon the people to elect both honest and qualified candidates in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

Sushashoner Janya Nagorik (Sujan) organised the conference at the DRU auditorium, in the capital. Badiul Alam Majumder, Secretary of Sujan, presented the keynote paper, while SMA Shajahan, former Adviser, delivered the welcome speech at the briefing.

They revealed suggestive information about the candidates competing for 141 seats in the upcoming polls. Badiul urged teh journalists to make investigative reporting basing on those revelations.

They said, according to the information of the National Board of Revenue, 35 per cent nomination papers submitted before the E.C. do not contain TIN number.

Thirty-six candidates, against whom allegation of corruption have been brought, are contesting the election. Charge sheets have also been submitted against some of them.

The speakers disclosed that 58 women candidates were contesting for 53 seats in the election.

Shajahan said the people of the country had a great expectation about the upcoming election. People have to carry out their responsibility with their right choice of vote, he added.

Shaukat, Sabuj elected JPC President, Secy

Shaukat, Sabuj

DU Correspondent

Shaukat Mahmud and Kamal Uddin Sabuj have been re-elected president and general secretary respectively in the National Press Club election for the session 2009-10 defeating their rivals by a huge margin of votes.

Shaukat Mahmud and Kamal Uddin Sabuj led panel won six posts of the executive committee out of seven and won six posts of member out of ten.

Shaukat Mahmud polled 401 votes out of 628 while his rival M Shahjahan Mia got 197 votes. Kamal Uddin Sabuj got 343 votes and his opponent Saiful Alam 258.

Syed Akhter Hossion was elected senior vice president post securing 320 votes and Abdur Rahman Khan vice president with 361 votes. Kazi Rawnak Hossain and Anayet Hossain Khan captured joint secretary posts getting 345 and 249 votes respectively. Syed Abdal Ahmed was elected treasurer.

Kader Gani Chowdhury, Parvin Sultana Musa Zuma, Farid Hossain, Hasan Hafiz, Shamsuddin Ahmed Charu, Farida Yesmin, Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Abu Taher Khakon, Bakhtiar Rana and Mamataz Bilkis Banu

Have been elected members of the Press Club.

A total of five members committee headed by Mohammad Abdul Khaleq Bhuiyan conducted the election on Thursday.

The New Nation reporting team led by Rafiqul Islam Azad congratulated its editor Mostafa Kamal Majumder and offered him floral wreath for being elected executive member of the National Press Club.

Dy speaker accused of landgrab, intimidation

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Allegations of graft and illegal land grabbing were brought against deputy speaker and four-party candidate for Naogaon-3 Akhter Hamid Siddiqui and his family, by a former security aide yesterday.

"During his tenure as deputy speaker Siddiqui received bribes from people promising to give them jobs and illegally grabbed 150 bighas or nearly 50 acres of farm lands," Siddiqui's former gunman SM Zulfiqar Rahman alleged.

Rahman gave an account of his former boss's alleged misdeeds at a press yesterday, including getting him "sacked from the Special Branch".

"The deputy speaker exerted his personal influence to get me sacked from the SB after I protested against his illegal activities and his musclemen have been threatening to kill me since," Rahman claimed.

While working as Siddiqui's official gunman from Oct 2001 to Oct 2004, Rahman said he witnessed Akhter Hamid Siddiqui, his wife Nasrin Siddiqui and son Pervez Arefin Siddiqui "pocketing bribes in exchange for promises of employment."

He also alleged that the deputy speaker and his family illegally grabbed some 150 bighas of land for farming, initially buying a small plot and forcefully grabbing the rest.

Two of Siddiqui's alleged victims - Shahadat Alam, a farmer from Manikganj, and Kazi Ferdous, a Jubodal leader from Naogaon - also described their version of the "ordeal" to reporters at the National Press Club.

They sought the chief adviser's intervention in recovering "the money and land grabbed by the Siddiqui and his family".

Amnesty criticise new terror law

Agency

Rights group Amnesty International has criticised India's proposed new anti-terror laws.

The new laws allow suspects to be detained wi thout bail for up to six months on the orders of a judge and tighten other procedures.

Parliament has approved the new bills and they now require the president's approval before becoming law.

The legislation follows last month's attacks in the city of Mumbai which left more than 170 people dead.

India's government has been under intense pressure following the attacks to reform the country's intelligence and security systems.

New anti-terror laws along with a new federal investigation agency are seen as a first step in its response.

Amnesty International has called on India's President Pratibha Patil not to approve the legislation.

"While we utterly condemn the attacks and recognise that the Indian authorities have a right and duty to take effective measures to ensure the security of the population, security concerns should never be used to jeopardise people's human rights," Madhu Malhotra, of Amnesty International, said in a statement.

It criticised moves to close some courts to public proceedings, to tighten bail laws on illegal immigrants and to require some defendants to prove innocence.

Amnesty said that "India's experience with previous anti-terrorism laws has shown that they can lead to abusive practices".

Interior ministry officials have not yet commented on the group's statement.

India's Communist parties and some Muslim groups have expressed concerns over the new laws.

"To detain a person for up to 180 days will be an infringement of his human rights. We are against it," Basudeb Acharia of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) told the Associated Press.

Home Minister P Chidambaram has said the new laws balance the ability of the security agencies to prosecute with the need to protect individual freedom and human rights.

The Congress-led government scrapped a previous anti-terror law following criticism that it was misused and targeted the Muslim community.

Harmonisation in different education systems urged

Staff Reporter

Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, former president of the Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA), urged the coming elected government to set a long-term-goal for education sector for ensuring its high standard.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion organised by National Teachers and Employees Front focusing reflection of education in manifestoes of major political parties at the National Press Club yesterday discussants also emphasised on the harmonization among English Medium, General, Madrasah and Technical education systems in our country.

President of the organisation Prof Kazi Faruq Ahmed moderated the discussion meeting while a number of teachers, politicians and leaders of different other organisations attended it.

Mentioning the lack of pledges for education in the major two political parties' manifestoes they underlined the need to build up science, information and technology based education scheme in the country.

Ex-Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University (DU) AK Azad Chowdhury said only merit should be the standard for recruiting teachers in all institutions.

He also said only skilled manpower could play conductive role for the development of the country.

Total amount of money allocated in the national budget have to be used properly fully in this sector, said Dr Akhteruzzaman.

Employment should be ensured for all educated manpower to remove terrorism from the country, speakers said, adding technology have to be extended to our education for creating employments.

Truck ploughs thru’ BNP procession in Bogra; 3 killed

UNB, Bogra

Three people were killed and 12 others injured as a truck ploughed through a BNP procession on Dhaka-Bogra highway at Mohipur in Sherpur upazila yesterday evening.

Witnesses said a man died on the spot and two others were declared dead when brought to Bogra Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital.

Two of the victims were identified as Abdul Majid, 65, and Milon, 30, of Mohipur, 20 km off Bogra town. The identity of another dead could not be known immediately.

According to the witnesses, the accident took place at about 7pm when the Bogra-bound truck ploughed through the BNP procession from behind on the highway.

It was not clear whether the driver hit the procession intentionally, as he fled the scene with his truck.

The injured were admitted to the Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital.