Faisal Kader raised an interesting point on how the Jamaat could be banned, (Pls read the comments to “Happy to be stuck with you”
Faisal Bhai (and a few others who have said things which are similar to his more articulate writing): I actually do not think the Jamaat should be banned. One it would be undemocratic to disenfranchise any proportion of ones population. After all like it or not there are people who subscribe to their political ideology. The Nazi and the Communist Party I am told still have their US wings in operation!
Secondly by banning them we drive them underground and free them from needing to answer to the electoral. My own hunch is that will also allow the more radical elements of the Jamaat to take over their manifesto, support base and most importantly the highly efficient organisation.
If what you say about Sheikh Hasina is true then she has gone up a few notches in my appreciation. If she had banned them then the whole democratic political process that we say we enjoy would have collapsed then and there!
Friday, December 09, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Happy To Be Stuck With You
To those who think the blog has gotten a bit to serious... here is something to cry about!
P.S. Thank you Mamoon for forwarding the joke!
A Jaamati, a BNP and an AL worker arrested consuming alcohol which is a severe offense in Saudi Arabia, so for the terrible crime they are all sentenced 20 lashes each of the whip.
As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheikh announced: "It's my first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping."
The AL guy was first in line, he thought for a while and then said: "Please tie a pillow to my back." This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes & the guy had to be carried away bleeding and crying with pain.
The BNP was next up. After watching the AL man in horror he said smugly: "Please fix two pillows to my back." But even
two pillows could only take 15 lashes & the BNP was also led away whimpering loudly.
The Jamaati was the last one up, but before he could say anything, the Sheikh turned to him and said: "You are from
Golam Azam's Islamic Party.For this, you may have two wishes!"
"Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness," Jaamati replied. "In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is
that you give me not 20, but 100 lashes."
"Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very brave." The Sheik said with an admiring look
on his face. "If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it...and what is your second wish?" the Sheik asked.
Jaamati smiled and said, "Tie the BNP to my back"!
P.S. Thank you Mamoon for forwarding the joke!
A Jaamati, a BNP and an AL worker arrested consuming alcohol which is a severe offense in Saudi Arabia, so for the terrible crime they are all sentenced 20 lashes each of the whip.
As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheikh announced: "It's my first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping."
The AL guy was first in line, he thought for a while and then said: "Please tie a pillow to my back." This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes & the guy had to be carried away bleeding and crying with pain.
The BNP was next up. After watching the AL man in horror he said smugly: "Please fix two pillows to my back." But even
two pillows could only take 15 lashes & the BNP was also led away whimpering loudly.
The Jamaati was the last one up, but before he could say anything, the Sheikh turned to him and said: "You are from
Golam Azam's Islamic Party.For this, you may have two wishes!"
"Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness," Jaamati replied. "In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is
that you give me not 20, but 100 lashes."
"Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very brave." The Sheik said with an admiring look
on his face. "If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it...and what is your second wish?" the Sheik asked.
Jaamati smiled and said, "Tie the BNP to my back"!
Censorship and other crimes!
A friend of mine who is a regular reader of the news magazine India Today tells a story of how a recent issue was confisticated by the authorities and only returned after a page was torn out. Apparently the page torn out was a book review about Bangladesh's Talibanisation. Those interested about the book might want to look at the following link
http://www.ndtv.com/ent/booksreview.asp?id=1771 (cut and paste on to your browser)
I have not read the book and neither am I familiar with the author’s other works. But I’ll do what every protestor of the Satanic Verses did – I’ll condemn it! False! False! False!! I say. Mr. Karlekar who started his career in journalism in the 1960s in West Bengal no doubt lived through the horrors of 1971 and must have played a role (active or passive) in our War of Independence. And like most Indians that I have met, he must be puzzled why Bangladesh which was created with the help of General Arora’s troops is now is forgetful or even “ungrateful” of the friendship that the nations are supposed to have shared! And again it is easy for everyone to point at one particular source and says that is the fault! But that is a scary logic to follow. The break down of the relationship is long and complicated. Maybe I’ll touch on that soon. However a fundamental cause of this feeling is the success of Awami League propaganda on the rise of Islamic political might in Bangladesh. This gets a lot of play in the conversations of Kolkata’s intelligentsia! The Babus should remember that Islamic parties have lesser say in our policy than Shiv Sena has in Maharastra or BJP / RSS has is Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh! All this rubble raising will only put Bangladesh in the defensive. It will lead the government to deny that the problem actually exists. And then lead their leaders (Alliance powers that be) to actually believe their own tales. What was the name of that Arnie movie? True Lies! Correct.
Mr. Karlekar, I will read your book (if I can get my hands on one in Dhaka) and I will give you secular Bangladesh’s reply! But for now tone down the rhetoric otherwise all you will succeed in doing allow the same terrorists that you are fearful of to get bolder!
http://www.ndtv.com/ent/booksreview.asp?id=1771 (cut and paste on to your browser)
I have not read the book and neither am I familiar with the author’s other works. But I’ll do what every protestor of the Satanic Verses did – I’ll condemn it! False! False! False!! I say. Mr. Karlekar who started his career in journalism in the 1960s in West Bengal no doubt lived through the horrors of 1971 and must have played a role (active or passive) in our War of Independence. And like most Indians that I have met, he must be puzzled why Bangladesh which was created with the help of General Arora’s troops is now is forgetful or even “ungrateful” of the friendship that the nations are supposed to have shared! And again it is easy for everyone to point at one particular source and says that is the fault! But that is a scary logic to follow. The break down of the relationship is long and complicated. Maybe I’ll touch on that soon. However a fundamental cause of this feeling is the success of Awami League propaganda on the rise of Islamic political might in Bangladesh. This gets a lot of play in the conversations of Kolkata’s intelligentsia! The Babus should remember that Islamic parties have lesser say in our policy than Shiv Sena has in Maharastra or BJP / RSS has is Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh! All this rubble raising will only put Bangladesh in the defensive. It will lead the government to deny that the problem actually exists. And then lead their leaders (Alliance powers that be) to actually believe their own tales. What was the name of that Arnie movie? True Lies! Correct.
Mr. Karlekar, I will read your book (if I can get my hands on one in Dhaka) and I will give you secular Bangladesh’s reply! But for now tone down the rhetoric otherwise all you will succeed in doing allow the same terrorists that you are fearful of to get bolder!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
2 Talk or Just Scream at Each Other
The Government party as shown some initiative and has called for a national dialouge on the rise of Fundamentalism! The Opposition has shown thier short sightedness and refused to attend. You'll love the excuse - because the letter was hand delivered instead of coming in the post! I kid you not! Apperently during the SAARC summit the invite to the LoO (Leader of Opposition) was sent via snail mail so she got upset and went off sulking! This time around it was a snub! Oh what will happen to us? Awami League needs to get out and reinvent itself. It needs to show that they are above petty politics. When will they ever learn?
I think the fear that AL has is that BNP is putting up a charade about dialouge, and are not actually interested in doing anything of this nature. It is to make political hay while the bombs blast away! Is that credible? Actually it is! I won't put one by the BNP for doing something like this but wait up AL can take them up on the offer and turn the plot around on its head! Take charge Mr. Shabber H Chowdhury! Show them the way!
I think the fear that AL has is that BNP is putting up a charade about dialouge, and are not actually interested in doing anything of this nature. It is to make political hay while the bombs blast away! Is that credible? Actually it is! I won't put one by the BNP for doing something like this but wait up AL can take them up on the offer and turn the plot around on its head! Take charge Mr. Shabber H Chowdhury! Show them the way!
I am Halal
Interestingly a few readers (/concerned friends) thought that the piece about Jamaat might be misrepresented as me supporting them! Far from it I do confess. My point is that while we should not ignore them, it is foolish for us to not to see the tree from the wood. We need to find the JMB and prosecute them to the full extent of the law (no crossfire please!).
Anyway RohanO picked up an interesting point - I've got a link to the Dhaka Hotties site on my blog! Surf over and see. We are midst of re-designing and branding of that site so it is still undone!
Anyway RohanO picked up an interesting point - I've got a link to the Dhaka Hotties site on my blog! Surf over and see. We are midst of re-designing and branding of that site so it is still undone!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Is Jamaat Really Involved
Afshin raises a valid point in reaction to "Shades of Green" (see comments to that post) where he theorises that Jamaat might be testing the water with JMB to lead a Iran style take over. My view to that is that there must obviously be a group within the Jamaat who believe that this is the answer and they lend support explicitly or inexplicitly to the terrorists. However Jamaat as a political party is not actively supporting the JMB.
And even if they do, the last evening’s result of the Dinajpur polls where the Hindu rebel Jatiya Party (Ershad) candidate drubbed Jamaat more than by 2 to 1 is a warning shot for them!
Interesting facts about the elections:
1. I understand that their is a substantial Hindu vote in the constituency there. However do keep in mind the seat was won by Jamaat the last election.
2. Jatiya Party was forced by the Alliance to put up a weaker candidate.
3. There was 70% + turnout despite strong security and tense atmosphere.
4. The 4 other candidates did not amount to much (6800 odd votes in total) despite having amongst them Awami League rebels!
Two things emerge from this. Firstly AL voted enemas behind the winner and secondly if BNP is not careful they will become irrelevant to the political process where it will become a AL vs. Jamaat scenario.
I think it would be too simplistic to paint yesterday’s results as a secular vs. Islamist fight but most indications is that when inside the voting booth the Bangladeshi more often then not votes standing from their neutral Bangalee heritage. Jamaat be warned!
And even if they do, the last evening’s result of the Dinajpur polls where the Hindu rebel Jatiya Party (Ershad) candidate drubbed Jamaat more than by 2 to 1 is a warning shot for them!
Interesting facts about the elections:
1. I understand that their is a substantial Hindu vote in the constituency there. However do keep in mind the seat was won by Jamaat the last election.
2. Jatiya Party was forced by the Alliance to put up a weaker candidate.
3. There was 70% + turnout despite strong security and tense atmosphere.
4. The 4 other candidates did not amount to much (6800 odd votes in total) despite having amongst them Awami League rebels!
Two things emerge from this. Firstly AL voted enemas behind the winner and secondly if BNP is not careful they will become irrelevant to the political process where it will become a AL vs. Jamaat scenario.
I think it would be too simplistic to paint yesterday’s results as a secular vs. Islamist fight but most indications is that when inside the voting booth the Bangladeshi more often then not votes standing from their neutral Bangalee heritage. Jamaat be warned!
Newbie Alert
Sorry about the length of the last post. I am not sure how to just attach an article instead of copy pasting! And to think Bill Gates was in town today. Should have asked him how!
Anyone know how I can avoid putting in a whole article in a posting?
Anyone know how I can avoid putting in a whole article in a posting?
Monday, December 05, 2005
Shades of Green
Okay who’s out buying the fiddle for our leaders? For the nation is burning and we are blissfully unaware of the consequences that are facing us. It is not a purely Bangladeshi problem, these suicide bombers, but I think we are unique in our reactions to it. Predictably the first reaction of our political masters (or mistresses should I say) was to point to each other. It is easy to blame and be an ostrich. But isn’t leadership about taking responsibility? Is it not giving the flock some guidance?
Bangladeshis, we know, are god-loving people. We keep our religion close to our hearts. But time and time again we have proven that we don’t let it control our minds. The rise of so-called Fundamentalism has actually never been reflected in the popular vote in our democratic elections. The right wing Islamist parities (Jamaat et. al) constitute a very small but vocal slice of the electoral cake. However with the alliance in power, it has taken a bigger perceived role in the mind of the intelligentsia. A fault of our thought process is that we lump all parties with Islamist leanings or roots as Fundamentalist. We equate Jamaat, IOJ and JMB under the same heading. So anyone with a beard and a long alkhalla is deemed a radical Islamist.
Before I go on I must make clear that I am not a “Jamaati” nor can I reconcile their sins of the past. However one needs to recognise the shades of green that there exists. To give Jamaat-e-Islami credit, they have organised themselves as a very efficient political party united under a central ideology and they are not driven by the egocentric leadership which dominates our other “democratic” parties. They have come into the mainstream through the proper electoral process. Some might not subscribe to their teachings, but having them in the Jatiya Sangsad, my dear countrymen, is the price of freedom. Jamaat, though having not repented for their sins, I think, has accepted their previous mistakes and has distanced itself from the past. They are now as an Israeli would say – kosher!
So is the popular belief that Jamaat is behind the rise of Islamic extremism true? I think not. (There of course may be individuals within the party who might have other points of view) It is clear they have nothing to gain and all to lose. First and foremost they are in power now and hope to increase their share of the alliance seats. From most reports the two ministers that they have are more efficient than their colleagues and have been above the suspicion of corruption that has plagued the other ministers. Their view of coming to power is long-term and it is through the democratic process. Don’t forget that the Jan Sangh (the forerunner to BJP in India) started with two cabinet berths in 1979 and in a decade and half came to power! Why would Jamaat rock the boat?
The recent series of incidents in Bangladesh obviously brings us to the world’s notice. Well if not the rest of the world, at least to the men in Langley, Virginia. This would mean that their activities, plans and funding are (hopefully) under the eyes of Uncle Sam This implies that no longer can they fly below the radar in their path to power. And more importantly the fence sitting Bangladeshi voter will become more inclined to forgive the Awami League for their mistakes and swing the balance of power in the 2006 elections!
However most importantly for them, with the growth of right of right JMB, the support base of Jamaat becomes eroded. They are now competing for the mindset of the alkhalla wearers! Should we not try to find out who would be desperate enough to strap bombs to themselves and head over to a courthouse? Do they follow a pattern? Are they of a certain age and from a certain background? I would bet close to anything that if we do look closely we would see a young poor Bangladeshi picture coming out. It would be the same person we’d see if we were to target Jamaat’s (and Shibbir’s) target base. In order to grow support for a democratic but yet Islamic Bangladesh, Jamaat must appeal to the youth. The vast majority of our population is below the age of 30. If Jamaat is to look at the 2016 elections this is the crucial vote bank to which they must appeal. Unfortunately for them JMB is not only taking these souls away, they are also drawing them out of the democratic process altogether.
It is, as I mentioned earlier, easy to blame Jamaat. It’s easy to say that all fundamentalists are the same. That, I reckon, will be the worst crime that any secular Bangladeshi can commit. By doing so we give credence to the general belief that the current strain of right wing Islamist thinking of the JMB is a movement, rather than the evil designs of some madmen. If the “popularity” of this idea gathers currency it will in turn force Jamaat futher right to cater to their base. And as Jamaat moves more to the right, the actual feet of the street support that’s not currently there will be. In one sentence, if we believe that Jamaat is extremist then they will be forced to take that very position.
There needs to be a serious examination to ascertain where the leadership of the JMB is based, what its organisational capabilities are and to come up with a plan on how to disarm them. Despite what the State Minister of Home is saying, this has not happened. By shouting at each other from political podiums and by refusing to talk to each other we are not helping. Let us get Jamaat, the BNP, the AL, the Left, the Army, the Police, the intelligence units, and civil society in a room and throw away the keys! It is of course very simplistic of me to think that this will happen, but at least a debate needs to take place. Abu Hena might be right and he might not be, but one thing that his dismissal highlights is that to be democratic an election every five-year is not all. We need to take our heads out of the sand and discuss the realities of today. Zahid Ahsan Russell the young AL MP from Gazipur was quite visible on TV the last few days with both the BNP and AL leadership touring the site and calling for justice. We need to follow his lead in saying that this is more than just partisan politicking, and that, for the future of our country, we need to stop this mindless blame game and concentrate on finding out where the exact sparks of the fire lie. The Awami League needs to figure out fast that though this might be their “trump card” in this election it is they who will suffer the most. The BNP needs to realise that by letting an alternative power base grow in the JMB they will become redundant in a political future where it will be AL vs. JMB.
Before I end do let me show off my knowledge of history. In 64 A.D a great fire burnt down two thirds of Rome. Emperor Nero used this excuse to blame the then fledgling sect of Christians and used it as an excuse to prosecute them. This led them underground and they regrouped. Eventually they grew stronger and today the centre of Christianity, the Vatican, is not far from Circus Maximus where the fire first started.
Oh great leaders of ours, it is time to put down your golden fiddles and face the music. Our small nation looks at you for leadership and not petty squabbles. Hope we have something to look forward to before I mix any more metaphors!
Bangladeshis, we know, are god-loving people. We keep our religion close to our hearts. But time and time again we have proven that we don’t let it control our minds. The rise of so-called Fundamentalism has actually never been reflected in the popular vote in our democratic elections. The right wing Islamist parities (Jamaat et. al) constitute a very small but vocal slice of the electoral cake. However with the alliance in power, it has taken a bigger perceived role in the mind of the intelligentsia. A fault of our thought process is that we lump all parties with Islamist leanings or roots as Fundamentalist. We equate Jamaat, IOJ and JMB under the same heading. So anyone with a beard and a long alkhalla is deemed a radical Islamist.
Before I go on I must make clear that I am not a “Jamaati” nor can I reconcile their sins of the past. However one needs to recognise the shades of green that there exists. To give Jamaat-e-Islami credit, they have organised themselves as a very efficient political party united under a central ideology and they are not driven by the egocentric leadership which dominates our other “democratic” parties. They have come into the mainstream through the proper electoral process. Some might not subscribe to their teachings, but having them in the Jatiya Sangsad, my dear countrymen, is the price of freedom. Jamaat, though having not repented for their sins, I think, has accepted their previous mistakes and has distanced itself from the past. They are now as an Israeli would say – kosher!
So is the popular belief that Jamaat is behind the rise of Islamic extremism true? I think not. (There of course may be individuals within the party who might have other points of view) It is clear they have nothing to gain and all to lose. First and foremost they are in power now and hope to increase their share of the alliance seats. From most reports the two ministers that they have are more efficient than their colleagues and have been above the suspicion of corruption that has plagued the other ministers. Their view of coming to power is long-term and it is through the democratic process. Don’t forget that the Jan Sangh (the forerunner to BJP in India) started with two cabinet berths in 1979 and in a decade and half came to power! Why would Jamaat rock the boat?
The recent series of incidents in Bangladesh obviously brings us to the world’s notice. Well if not the rest of the world, at least to the men in Langley, Virginia. This would mean that their activities, plans and funding are (hopefully) under the eyes of Uncle Sam This implies that no longer can they fly below the radar in their path to power. And more importantly the fence sitting Bangladeshi voter will become more inclined to forgive the Awami League for their mistakes and swing the balance of power in the 2006 elections!
However most importantly for them, with the growth of right of right JMB, the support base of Jamaat becomes eroded. They are now competing for the mindset of the alkhalla wearers! Should we not try to find out who would be desperate enough to strap bombs to themselves and head over to a courthouse? Do they follow a pattern? Are they of a certain age and from a certain background? I would bet close to anything that if we do look closely we would see a young poor Bangladeshi picture coming out. It would be the same person we’d see if we were to target Jamaat’s (and Shibbir’s) target base. In order to grow support for a democratic but yet Islamic Bangladesh, Jamaat must appeal to the youth. The vast majority of our population is below the age of 30. If Jamaat is to look at the 2016 elections this is the crucial vote bank to which they must appeal. Unfortunately for them JMB is not only taking these souls away, they are also drawing them out of the democratic process altogether.
It is, as I mentioned earlier, easy to blame Jamaat. It’s easy to say that all fundamentalists are the same. That, I reckon, will be the worst crime that any secular Bangladeshi can commit. By doing so we give credence to the general belief that the current strain of right wing Islamist thinking of the JMB is a movement, rather than the evil designs of some madmen. If the “popularity” of this idea gathers currency it will in turn force Jamaat futher right to cater to their base. And as Jamaat moves more to the right, the actual feet of the street support that’s not currently there will be. In one sentence, if we believe that Jamaat is extremist then they will be forced to take that very position.
There needs to be a serious examination to ascertain where the leadership of the JMB is based, what its organisational capabilities are and to come up with a plan on how to disarm them. Despite what the State Minister of Home is saying, this has not happened. By shouting at each other from political podiums and by refusing to talk to each other we are not helping. Let us get Jamaat, the BNP, the AL, the Left, the Army, the Police, the intelligence units, and civil society in a room and throw away the keys! It is of course very simplistic of me to think that this will happen, but at least a debate needs to take place. Abu Hena might be right and he might not be, but one thing that his dismissal highlights is that to be democratic an election every five-year is not all. We need to take our heads out of the sand and discuss the realities of today. Zahid Ahsan Russell the young AL MP from Gazipur was quite visible on TV the last few days with both the BNP and AL leadership touring the site and calling for justice. We need to follow his lead in saying that this is more than just partisan politicking, and that, for the future of our country, we need to stop this mindless blame game and concentrate on finding out where the exact sparks of the fire lie. The Awami League needs to figure out fast that though this might be their “trump card” in this election it is they who will suffer the most. The BNP needs to realise that by letting an alternative power base grow in the JMB they will become redundant in a political future where it will be AL vs. JMB.
Before I end do let me show off my knowledge of history. In 64 A.D a great fire burnt down two thirds of Rome. Emperor Nero used this excuse to blame the then fledgling sect of Christians and used it as an excuse to prosecute them. This led them underground and they regrouped. Eventually they grew stronger and today the centre of Christianity, the Vatican, is not far from Circus Maximus where the fire first started.
Oh great leaders of ours, it is time to put down your golden fiddles and face the music. Our small nation looks at you for leadership and not petty squabbles. Hope we have something to look forward to before I mix any more metaphors!
4 Play
It's been a few months since the initial blog experiance. I knew I would slow down. But when I think of it again it was a mistake! One needs to not stand by and let others tell you how your life will be lead. We need to take charge and make ourselves heard. So here it is... a piece of my mind! Not really the best real estate in the city but hey I am atleast doing something about getting my voice out there.
Use this, if you want to, as a forum to put your thought out. About life, about Bangladesh, about politics, about business, about things that bother you and ofcourse the many many things that don't! (Hey after all I am an optimist!) Together we can make a change - I swear!
Please forgive my spelling, grammer etc!
Use this, if you want to, as a forum to put your thought out. About life, about Bangladesh, about politics, about business, about things that bother you and ofcourse the many many things that don't! (Hey after all I am an optimist!) Together we can make a change - I swear!
Please forgive my spelling, grammer etc!
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Day 3
Captian's log... Stardate September 1st... in a planet... far far close! (well at times closer than we believe!) A hurricane across New Orleans has snuffed out all the jazz/ blues singers. Has caused oil prices to US$ 70. Has it even registered a blip in the cabinet here in Dhaka? Well you don't have to be a blogger to know the answer to that!
Somehow we are in a cocoon and believe that our PM / LoO (Leader of Opposition) is the centres of the universe. Is anyone even following what is out there? Not the hurricane only but do we have a sense of why things are happening and what are the repurcations on us? These days of an interconnected world unseemingly different incidents can (and does) have strong effects on each other. There is a great book out there called "Freakonomics". It asks questions that haven't been asked. (Why do drug dealers stay at home with mom? or What do cheating teachers and sumo wrestlers have in common?) And helps us look at life around us slightly differently.
Okay who was it that said that the fluttering of wings of a butterfly can create an hurricane at the other end of the world. (was it a butterfly in Dhaka that created Hurricane Katrina) And why are all the devastating hurricanes named after women anyway? Dangerous grounds that I am treading on. Hmm...
I need to get back into writing. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe not!
Somehow we are in a cocoon and believe that our PM / LoO (Leader of Opposition) is the centres of the universe. Is anyone even following what is out there? Not the hurricane only but do we have a sense of why things are happening and what are the repurcations on us? These days of an interconnected world unseemingly different incidents can (and does) have strong effects on each other. There is a great book out there called "Freakonomics". It asks questions that haven't been asked. (Why do drug dealers stay at home with mom? or What do cheating teachers and sumo wrestlers have in common?) And helps us look at life around us slightly differently.
Okay who was it that said that the fluttering of wings of a butterfly can create an hurricane at the other end of the world. (was it a butterfly in Dhaka that created Hurricane Katrina) And why are all the devastating hurricanes named after women anyway? Dangerous grounds that I am treading on. Hmm...
I need to get back into writing. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe not!
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