Skip to search.

Breaking News Visit Yahoo! News for the latest.

×Close this window

Shetubondhon · Bangladesh-focused, distinctive forum to seek common ground and build bridges.

The Yahoo! Groups Product Blog

Check it out!

Group Information

  • Members: 1183
  • Category: Asian
  • Founded: Nov 21, 1999
  • Language: English
? Already a member? Sign in to Yahoo!

Yahoo! Groups Tips

Did you know...
Message search is now enhanced, find messages faster. Take it for a spin.

Messages

Advanced
Messages Help
Messages 9451 - 9481 of 9942   Oldest  |  < Older  |  Newer >  |  Newest
Messages: Show Message Summaries Sort by Date ^  
#9451 From: Meer Husain <matribhumi_bd@...>
Date: Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:08 pm
Subject: Re: Open Letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,NFB
matribhumi_bd
Send Email Send Email
 

Re: Open Letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,NFB


Thank you proffesor Syed Ahsanul Alam for sharing your ideas with the honorable prime minister through your open letter on January 7, 2009. We all love our country and, like you, many of us are prepared to help the people and the govt. of our motherland Bangladesh. I think many expartiates are also capable of helping our nation in their own professional areas. Furthermore, I believe that Bangladeshi expartiates are capable of working with local experts staying in foreign countries. They can work with local Bangladeshi experts through various modes of media very effectively.

Ihave been conducting research on the arsenic disaster of Bangladesh for about a decade. This is a life and death problem of our nation. In 1997 when the prime minister Sheikh Hasina was in power, she initiated an investigation to find solutions to the problem. She could not complete her investigation because her party lost the election to the BNP. The prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia was also very active to find the solution to the problem. During her time, her govt. took many major initiatives to solve the problem. The BNP govt. could not solve the problem mainly due to the lack of adequate resources and lack of well trained experts to mitigate the problem. Millions of people have been drinking arsenic poison water on a daily basis. Thousands of people have suffered from numerous arsenic related diseases and the problem is growing each day on a bigger scale. What is the solution to the problem? Every Bangladeshi should think about it.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is again in power and before the election she declared that her govt would solve the arsenic problem as soon as possible. Can her govt. solve the problem with the existing resources of the country? What does she need to do to find a solution to the problem now?

Her govt. should form a council taking experts (geologists, engineers and scientists) from the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Agricultural Development Corporation, Department of Environment, River Research Institute, Dept. of Public Health and Engineering, Army Corps of Engineering, and other relevent departments who are directly involved on the surface and ground water resource related problems. In the USA, the corps of engineering plays a major role related to surface water resources. If the Bangladesh Army does not have such expertise to work with the above mentioned departments on a regular basis, we think the Prime Minister should form an environmental team within the Army Corps of engineering in order to work with these departments on a regular basis.

What should these Council members do to find a permanent solution to the problem?

They will have to review all available investigative reports to find the source and cause of the arsenic disaster. Without knowing the root cause, no one can develop a permanenat solution to the problem. No one has studied these factors as of yet with adequate data and evidence.

What should they do now to provide arsenic free water to the arsenic affected areas?

They will have to review all the govt. and non govt projects currently operating to supply arsenic free water to the arsenic affected communities. They will have to throughly examine each type of arsenic removal filters and treatment units and abandon the ones that indiscriminately dispose toxic waste in violation of the EPA regulations. The indiscriminate disposal of arsenic waste is causing and will cause numerous man-made disasters such as air pollution, contamination of soil and sediments and the destruction of aquatic organisms/fishes, poultry products, agricultural products etc. Therefore, the govt. of Bangladesh needs to develop arsenic waste disposal regulations for disposing arsenic waste from arsenic removal filters and treatment units as soon as possible. If the improper disposal of arsenic waste is allowed to continue, then the entire civilization, ecosystem and environment of Bengal delta will be in great danger due to improper disposal of arsenic waste within a few decades.

Can the present govt. protect the public health, ecosystem and environment from the arsenic disaster with the countriy's existing resources?

No, but they can significantly increase the supply of arsenic free water to the communities if they change and modify the management policy. Currently no one is concerned or assuming the responsibility for managing arsenic waste generating from arsenic removal filters and treatment units. In developed countries, the promoter of the filter is usually responsible for providing the adequate information concerning the filtration system and it's waste management, but in Bangladesh arsenic waste disposal is mistakenly not considered an issue. Some promoters of the arsenic removal filters are misleading the govt. of Bangladesh and the filter users by asserting that arsenic waste disposal on soil in open atmospheric conditions is safe. This is unarguably a problem considering the fact that this method is in violation with the EPA regulations and against the scientifc laws and principles of geological, hydrological, hydrogeological, geochemical, biological, toxicological, climatological and medical sicences. In June 2008 in an interview with Channel-I, the interviewer Dr. Fazlul Alam asked me a question concerning whether we Bangladeshi experts can form a team and address the arsenic problem on our own. My answer was yes. We can address the preblem with the help of the USA. Bangladeshi experts need higher training in the USA because the US is one of the top leaders of environmental sciences and technology.



Continue.....



Respectfully,

Meer Husain, P.G.

Professional Geologist

Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment

Cowley County Community College

Team Leader-Wichita Area Technical College(WATC) International arsenic, Water, Ecosystem and Environment Research Center, Wichita, Kansas, USA.




#9452 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:03 pm
Subject: AL Govt to set 10-year export target
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 
I think that this is crazy,  you set target for 10 years, so you can get honeymoon for 5 years with looting.  I never heard any Govt in the world put the target for 10 years to improve trade deficit.  You won't be here after 5 years who knows, so people will not be able to blame AL for their failure, since Trade Target was 10 years.  This is a schrewed move.
 
I think people in Bangladesh are much more smarter than him,  he may try to look for short cut and enjoy the honeymoon for 5 years.
 
I have said many times and I will say again,  there are many hungry MPs in Bangladesh for the last 7 years. If I am a real patriot Bangladeshi, I will be watching their every move, since they might be looking some other ways to deny the future failure.
 
I am doubt since I am hearing the Tk10/kg rice and free fertilizer are not their menifesto.  I will accept them as successful even rice is TK15 which is 50% more than what they have promised.
 
Lets ask AL Govt Tk15/kg rice in Bangladesh by next year.  Some people are thinking that I am bashing AL,  but actually I am well wisher of AL and I want them to be successful in the next 5 years.  I am seting some people target for AL Adminstration.
 
Think this way, if AL is successful, general people will benefit, if they screwed up, general people will pay the price and become more poorer.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Govt to set 10-year export target: Faruque Khan
Mon, Jan 12th, 2009 8:39 pm BdST
Dhaka, Jan 12(bdnews24.com) – Commerce minister Faruque Khan on Monday said the government will set a ten-year target to reduce trade deficit and boost exports instead of the traditional yearly readjustment.

"We will review the progress every year but go for a 10-year goal," the minister told reporters after receiving delegations from Sri Lanka and India at his ministry.

#9453 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Fri Jan 16, 2009 2:36 pm
Subject: Advice to BNP and AL Govt in Bangladesh
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 
Dear All,
 
I think that it is important for general people in Bangladesh to voice their concern and appreciation to BNP and AL.  Govt and elected MPs are the servant/caretaker of their people and it will be prudent to keep them responsible for their action.
 
Advice to BNP
 
I personally think that BNP made prudent decision by joining the JS under AL Govt.  They have showed that they care about people and their well being, not to use lathi, boita at least this time. 
 
Good start for BNP.  My suggestion is to Khalida is to step aside from BNP and put credible people in charge of BNP party and work as a watch dog for every steps of AL Govt what they do, so you can do constructive criticize to correct their mistakes. This is the only way BNP will survive in 2013.
 
There are lots of people to give advice to BNP but quality advice is rare in Bangladesh as far as BNP survival is concern. Family politics has to be demolished in BNP to survive in 2013. General people do not like corrupted political leaders and general people won't like family business in Politics in 2013 its either Khalida or Hasina.
 
Advice to AL Govt
 
I am kinda pleased to see new faces in AL Administration and maybe a good start for AL as far as new blood and faces are concern.  But I am still concern about their activities though.
 
1) Still AL grassroots people are killing their opposition parties in Bangladesh and AL leaders are capturing halls in Universities and Colleges continuously.  This is called hate crime.  Hate crime should be handle strongly.  I am little doubt about Home Minster's ability to control this killings.  We need strong person in this ministry who can provide carrot and stick at the same time to control this spill over situation.  PM Hasina may need to reconsider this Post since she is unable to control as far condition are deteriorating.
 
2) Since AL got majority in MPs,  AL should demolished student politics in Universities and Colleges,  They only can do this with their power and I think it will be a historic moment for Bangladesh under AL Govt.  Please give a chance our next generation to be educated with good study environment.
 
3) Dr. Muhit has said that wealth statement for all AL MPs will be provided to show their transparency.  But my question is that all the MPs have already submitted their wealth and income information during nomination process.  Why do you need another wealth statement?  Is this a shrewed move from AL?  All MPs income and wealth will be compared based on benchmark information received during nomination.  I think that this seems to me backward as far as transparency is concern unless Dr. Muhit thought general people are fool and  won't understand his trick.  Please stop this game.
 
4) Commerce Secretary wants to have 10-year target for trade and export in Bangladesh.  I believe that your target should be 2-years , not 10-years.  Publish your 2-years target and work to achieve it,  pls don't fool general people.  Show your incremental achievement if you are capable to do what you are saying.
 
5) India is a powerful neighbor as far fas Bangladesh is concern.  To have good powerful friend is beneficial but if it is not two ways, then I do think it helps.  All the Indian connections shows that AL is influenced by Indian Authority.  It is good as long as you can get share benefits from them too.  You have signed Ganga deal in 1996-2001 and they do not obey it.  When you ask Indian to share water,  they do not do anything and more over they point to a document that you have signed.  Please don't sign anything with them until you understand what your are getting into it.
 
So I think before you consider anything for Indian,  you may need to put your house in order and put Bangladesh interests in the front of them than AL interest.  I am hearing India wants separate EPZ,  why?  I thought India wants secular Govt in Bangladesh, if that's true why Indian companies can not be secular and do business with other international companies in EPZs?  Why can't they stay with other companies in EPZs in Bangladesh?  I think that this is called " Vondamy or Double standards".  One time you want secular Govt, but not secular EPZs in Bangladesh.  What do you want?
 
6) AL Govt has reduced fertilizer price which is a good news for the time being but if it continued without any constructive work to be self sufficient,  these will lead more corruption.  Our experiences says that more than 20% of these Fertilizer with subsidy will be sold to Indian market and few corrupt traded will make money in the name of reduced fertilizer price.  This happened before with oil and gas also.  Bu I do support for this short time to survive but in long term AL Govt has to show that they have build more industries to produce Fertilized in Bangladesh instead of importing.  This will  be their benchmark for progress.
 
 
You may think why I am doing this kind of push and  what is the benefit?.  I think once you keep your Govt in check they will do better job and they change their courses if they feel that general people are not happy.  This is called people's Target for AL Govt in Bangladesh.
 
This election proved that people are more powerful than previously thought,  so you won't able to fool people anymore if we become WatchDog for Govt and work for the people for better future.  I have doing for the last 4 years to point out Govt failure and their corrective action.  Sometimes I was successful, sometimes I was not,  but I should continue my works as long as our poor general people can get benefit from it.
 
Good Blass Bangladesh, AL Govt and  her 160 million people.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA
 

#9454 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:44 pm
Subject: Bangladesh needs you, Commented by MM Chowdhury
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 
This is the only burning question that Bangladesh Govt needs to answer.  I am surprised to hear from an AL MP that we need student politics to develop future leaders in Bangladesh.  I think this Moran does not know about outside of Bangladesh.
 
We in USA  did not see any student politics for senators or congress or even for President,  leaders of this country's political parties did not do politics in their universities or colleges.  Does USA have weak leaders compare to Bangladesh?  This Moran AL MP is saying that we need to have student politics.  I am agree with this writer that 2013 is not that far away.  If they do not do anything good for the country,  their fate will be like BNP now.
 
I also believe educated and intelligent Bengali  have to make noise in the air and keep these few Moran's MPs in check and balance.
 
AL is the only Party who can demolished student politics in Bangladesh now with their huge majority and power.  Anything is possible by AL it's either go down or go up.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bangladesh needs You

Monday January 19 2009 18:50:25 PM BDT

By Abulkasham Yousuf, USA

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."-John F. Kennedy (20 January, 1961)

When I asked my English 251 (The American Identity) teacher at Columbus State Community College in 2007, about JFK's above speech, he said that it means go back to work without any question and work hard until your country thrive. Do Bangladeshi people understand what they can accomplish next five years? Yes, or No?

After election of December 29, 2008, everyone spoke up about the greater hope and prosperous of Bangladesh. Now, however, when most of the educational institutes have been closed, it seems to me that election has been lost its momentum. Without a proper education, we as a nation can't be success or achieve our accomplishment in the future. Do the politicians care about it?

I don't think so because their children and grand-children never are and never will go to these universities "Period". Therefore, we as a third world country's people will be paying our price like me who has MS in Management got busboy job in a restaurant when I came in USA in 1997, whereas, sons and daughters of politicians have been living here like they own whole Bangladesh.

Since the beginning of the 1991, they create a "Democratic-Kingdom" in Bangladesh in where their children are living like prince and princes, and we the people are server. They are destroying the education system for the name of nationalism which means nothing in the twenty-first century; when millions of millions high educated students are looking for job, they are tearing down the modern education system in the idea of the twentieth century. How funny is that?

Do we the people of Bangladesh really want to see that our county flourishes? If so, speak up when you can! And fight for you right as you go! As well as tell and write to MPs that 2013 is not far way.

Yousuf, Abulkasham (USA)


#9455 From: "M.B.I. Munshi" <MBIMunshi@...>
Date: Tue Jan 20, 2009 2:53 am
Subject: Bangladesh: Untold story of Sheikh Hasina’s arrest
mimunshi
Send Email Send Email
 
Srabanti Majumder

Almost 15 days prior to arrest of Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, a
number of leading leaders of the party named Abdur Razzak, Amir
Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed, Suranjit Sengupta, Sajeda Chowdhury
alongwith an internationally known lawyer met some of the senior
millitary officials at a house in Dhaka's Gulshan area to discuss the
possible reform in the party. During this meeting, eminent Awami
League leader Amir Hossain Amu opined that, as first step of any such
reform, Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina should be immediately
arrested. His opinion was strongly supported by two other figures in
the millitary backed interim government named Barrister Moinul Hussain
and Major General [Retired] M Abdul Matin. It is learnt that, a
sensitive intelligence agency in the country has already the video and
audio version of this secret meeting, which may be handed over to
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina anytime from now as the government has
already started an investigation to findout the culprits who conspired
and planned the arrest of the Awami League chief.

It may be mentioned here that, although Barrister Moinul Hussain and
Major General [Retired] M Abdul Matin are known as pro-BNP men, they
tried to exhibit their neutrality in public although they tried to do
everything in screwing up the political future of the largest
political party in Bangladesh.

According to several sources, mentioned leaders of Awami League were
planning a coup within the party after sending Sheikh Hasina in
prison. But, their conspiracy theory could not work due to very timely
and effective initiative by two of the leaders of Awami League namely
Zillur Rahman and Syed Ashraful Islam.

It is further learnt that, Dr. Debopriya Bhattacharya was also amongst
the masterminds in seeing total reform in both the large political
parties in the country. He [Debopriya] was also interested in taking
Jatiyo Party in the same plan, but this party had always been
considered as a `friendly ally' of the millitary backed interim regime
as former dictator Hussain Muhammed Ershad was actively helping the
interim government through various ways. When a government in the
Middle East stopped recruiting Bangladeshi workers, Ershad visited
that country being an unofficial envoy of the millitary backed interim
government and succeeded in removing the ban.
Hussain Muhammed Ershad was personally eager to see both the female
leaders ousted from the leadership of their respective parties.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is already aware of the total conspiracy
and the role of the conspirators in sending her in prison thus pushing
the fate of her party into extreme difficulty. The forming of the new
cabinet by the AL government is the reflection of a deep mental injury
of Sheikh Hasina which she has been suffering from since her arrest in
June, 2007 on various charges including extortion and the revival of
old graft case involving purchase of MiG aircrafts from Russia,
according to sources. This was the prime reason for the exclusion of
Abdur Razzak, Amir Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed and Suranjit Sengupta --
together they are known as RATS -- with some other senior leaders
including Sajeda Chowdhury in the cabinet, they said.

According informed sources, the AL circles tend to believe that the
RATS were the prime movers of party reforms [popularly known as "Minus
Two Theory" with the help of a powerful security agency] who attempted
to implement it with others help. They also say that before holding
the next Awami League central council meeting sometime later this
year, the chances of including other suspected minor reformists in the
cabinet is almost zero.

Inside stories of Noor Ali's case against Sheikh Hasina is also
getting leaked. According to information, a government officer, who
played key role in organizing `Janatar Mancha' joined Noor Ali's
company as an employee after he was terminated from job. This former
official secretly spoke to high ranking officials in a sensitive
intelligence agency and finally managed to `manage' Noor Ali by
putting various threats and pressures in lodging the case against
Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina and some other leaders of her party.
Noor Ali although sought apology with Sheikh Hasina right after her
return from United States and even worked in favor of the candidate of
the Grand Alliance in the respective constituency, it is learnt that,
Ali may also face legal consequences like former Chairman of Westmont
Power Limited. General diaries in regard to both the matters are
already lodged by police and formal cases will be lodged in several
weeks against both the controversial businessmen for their involvement
in harrassing and defaming Sheikh Hasina and other members of her
party and cabinet.

Another person named Azam J Chowdhury, who also lodged an extortion
case against Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders, although
withdrew his complaint after Hasina returned home, will also face
similar legal consequences.

Meanwhile, deprived heavy-weight leaders in Awami League are
continuing to conspire in putting pressure on the present government
by instigating unlawful activities within Campuses in Bangladesh as
well as extortion, land grabbing, murder etc., in the country. It is
also learnt that, some angry heavyweight leaders are privately telling
their followers to do everything in destorting the law and order
situation in the country to greatly discredit the newly formed cabinet
of youngstars mostly, in the present government.

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/index.php?id=308

#9456 From: Meer Husain <matribhumi_bd@...>
Date: Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:43 am
Subject: Re: Open Letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,NFB
matribhumi_bd
Send Email Send Email
 
Re: Open Letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Why do we need an environmental team within army corps of engineering when there is an environmental ministry in Bangladesh?


The environmental department of Bangladesh is not well equipped and lacks the capacity necessary to adress the environmental concerns of the entire nation. The Army Corps of Engineering is well organized, well trained in many areas and as a result it will be very easy for them to work with other organizations as mentioned in my previous post. Like the US Army Corps of Engineering, the Bangladesh Corps of Engineering should be involved and engaged in public work services to the people of Bangladesh. Their principal goals in public service should include:

  1. Planning, designing, building and operating locks and dams, flood control, beach nourishment, and dredging for waterway navigation.

  2. Designing and constructing flood protection systems.

  3. Environmental regulation and ecosystem restoration.

Each year in Bangladesh, floods, soil erosion, destruction of levees, and huge deposition of sediments in the river bed are common environmental problems. In order to maintain a healthy ecosystem and environment, the government should reorganize the environmental teams and provide them with adequate training and resources. In June 2008, I explained in a press conference at the Dhaka National press club how the US Corps of Engineering is involved in various environmental sectors and working with other govt. agencies by maintaing each agency's dutities, responsibilities and leadership. We think the Bangladesh Corps of Engineering should be involved in the above mentioned areas as soon as possible in order to help maintain and restore the country's thousands of years old natural ecosytem and environment. The govt. should take immediate steps to train both army and civilian environmental agencies to combat environmental disasters in Bangladesh.


Lesson from Prophet Mohammad:

[According to the 1955 Year Book Of Agriculture:

Prophet Mohammed saw water as an object of religious charity. He declared that free access to water was the right of every Muslim community and that no Muslim should want for it. The precept of the Holy Koran, “No one can refuse surplus water without sinning against Allah and against Man," was the cornerstone of a whole body of social traditions and of regulations governing the ownership, use, and protection of water supplies. All persons who shared rights to a watercourse were held responsible for its maintenance and cleaning. The whole community was responsible for the care of large watercourses. Cleaning was to start at the head of the stream or canal, descending in order to each waterside family. All users shared the cost in proportion to their irrigation rights”.]


Bangladesh is a riverine country. Many rivers have already disappeared due to the accessive siltation and many have significantly lost their storage capacity. Like Prophat Mohammad, the govt. of Bangaldesh can reorganized its man power and resources to maintain a normal and natural river flow by cleaning the dead and clogged rivers. The entire nation should be involved in the cleaning process under the leadership of well trained and knowledgeable professionals. The cleaning job should be conducted each year. According to the US Geological Survey, surface water and groundwater are considered a single resource. Therefore, in order to protect the public health from waterborne diseases, we have to maintain a healthy ecosystem and environment in Bangladesh.


What are the problems of indiscriminate disposal of arsenic wastes and why has the Bangladesh govt. allowed the indiscriminate disposal of arsenic waste?


The indiscriminate disposal of arsenic waste is causing and will continue to cause numerous environmental problems such as air pollution and the contamination of soil and sediments, surface and groundwater resources, aquactic organisms and fishes, poultry products, agricultural products, public health, ecosystem and environment of Bangaldesh. These are proven scientific facts and as a result, the US EPA and other developed nations have prohibited open disposal of arsenic and other toxic wastes. There are several reasons behind the improper disposal of arsenic waste in Bangladesh:

  1. Until recently, Bangladesh never suffered from arsenic related problems. The country does not have well trained professionals to fully adress the problem and as a result they have approved and allowed the indiscriminate disposal of arsenic wastes from Sono filters and other arsenic removal filters and treatments units.

  2. Many foreign and Bangladeshi scientists have articulated to the Bangladesh govt. that arsenic waste disposal in lake, rivers, low lands and soil in open condition is safe. As a result, Bangladeshi scientists and policy makers have approved open dumping of arsenic wastes.

  3. Some of the scientists without proper institutional training and working experience are involved in collecting and interpreting geological, geochemical, hydrogeological data related to the mechanism of arsenic contamination, and arsenic waste management. Thus, they are presenting incorrect information and misleading the people of Bangladesh and scientific communities around the world regarding the cause of arsenic disaster and solution to the problem.

The Bangladesh govt. should take immediate measures to stop unprofessional activities that are being done by some scientists, because incorrect data and unprofessional articles, lectures, activities and leadership perpetuate and augment the actual problem.


We have raised important questions about the arsenic waste disposal method of Sono filters and other filters and treatment units in Bangladesh, because the method violates the EPA regulations and the scientific laws and principles of geological, hydrological, hydrogeoloigcal, geochemical, biological,toxicological, climatological and medical sciences. We have provided these scientists with numerous examples and data that explain the detrimental aspects of the open dumping of toxic arsenic waste, but they are still active in promoting the improper arsenic waste disposal method. They are sucessfully ignoring the harmful side of their filters and have convinced the govt. of Bangladesh, NGO's and others to implement and promote their dangerous products..


What are the problems with the Sono filter's and other arsenic removal filter's open disposal of arsenic waste? If this disposal method is outlawed by EPA regulation and in violation with the scientific laws and principles, why did the National academy of Engineering approve the Sono filter's arsenic waste disposal method? How did the National Academy of Engineering approve the Sono filter's arsenic waste disposal method if it violated the United State's EPA arsenic waste disposal regulation? Should the Bangladesh govt. follow EPA regulation or continue to allow and follow Sono filter's arsenic waste disposal method?

Continue...........


Respectfully,


Meer Husain, P.G.

Environmental Geologist,

Cowley County Community College,

Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment,

Team Leader-WATC International Arsenic, Water, Ecosystem and Environment Research Center, Wichita, Kansas, USA.




#9457 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Tue Jan 20, 2009 5:41 pm
Subject: Why USA won't able to get out of this financial mess
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 
Dear All,
 
I think and believe that we in USA are concern like any others about financial impact in USA and rest of the world and where this will lead us in the next 8 years.  I congratulate President Obama for taking the USA leadership but I am cautious like others even though I have campaign for Obama among Bangladeshi Community in USA.
 
Let's see the scenario why USA is in this position which is very different than 1930's and what steps should be taken for the incremental improvement.
 
Reasons for this mess
 
1) More than $20T, start with Trillion dollars of investors money has been lost in the last 12 months including personal 401K money. So the people confidence in companies is lower than ever.
 
2) More than 500,000 jobs have been cut per month by companies in USA, if it's continue then at the end of 2009 total 6 million jobs will be lost.  Adding 2 million jobs already have been lost in the last 24 months.  This is creating a nightmare for the consumers to spend  discretionary money.
 
3) Two third of the economy are depended on consumer spending,  when consumer stopped buying like before,  companies can not make money, their stocks goes down and companies start laying off to make baseline profit for the company.  This is called a cycle of uncertainty.
 
4) Biggest problem is that USA consumers has borrowed two times of their house worth for the last 5 years.  For example, if a house price is $100K in 1999, it went up to $300K in 2006, so extra $200K was borrowed from foreign countries to mortgage people's houses in USA.  Therefore, deficit went over the roof.  If this is continued,  few wealthy countries might not be interested to invest in USA like before because losing confidence into USA economy and their investment returns.
 
5) Once people lost jobs, they can not afford to pay high mortgage which they could not afford at the first place.  US Govt can not pay everybody extra interest for the mortgage they owe to banks.  This might come over $10T, start with Trillion.
 
6) Once companies make less money, the Govt tax collection also becomes low.  So more deficit for USA.  Intake is higher than delivery.
 
7) USA does not have leadership of many technologies like before, so USA has more competitors than before i.e. China and India.
 
8) More liability for baby boomers in years ahead, means need more money to take care her citizens like Social Security and Medicare.
 
9) Iraq war alone costs USA close to $1T and need another $1.2T to take care veterans health and financial liabilities.
 
10) Dollar might go down compare to others currency once foreign countries start withdraw their investment or stopped new investment in USA, i.e.  stop buying USA Bond.
 
Options to way of of this mess:
 
So what do USA have now?  President Obama's sweet talks might not bring much fruits unless he can show leadership and put new policies in place very quickly, so situation does not get out of control.  I personally think that President Obama should do the following for the love of this country.
 
1)  President Obama should provide executive order to cut military budget of $465B to only $50B.  Bring all military installation back home unless foreign countries provide the bill.
 
2) Provide middle class incentives as soon as possible.
 
3) Stop giving big money to banks but give direct loan to consumers from Govt Treasure.  I know it does not sound Capitalist,  but US Govt does not have any other option.  For example,  If I know that this consumer will not able to pay back my money,  I won't make loan to him even I get pressured from Govt unless Govt takes all the toxic assets.  Same situation, Banks are not lending even they got US Govt money.  Banks know consumers do not have enough money or may lose job soon whichever is first.
 
4) Provide stimulate money if there is any Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) in place for the new projects which will create jobs.
 
I hope and pray US gets out of this mess but I am very pessimistic now based on the scenario I have presented you here, unless miracle happens in USA.
 
God bless USA and her people.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA
 

#9458 From: Bashir Mahmud Ellias <bashirmahmudellias@...>
Date: Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:44 am
Subject: Donation for free treatment of the poor people
bashirmahmud...
Send Email Send Email
 

 

 
Dear  all,
 
            Please  send  your  donation,  zakah  &  other  charities  to  the  Homoeopathic  HelpLine  Welfare  Organisation  for  the  free  treatment  of  the  poor  people.  This  is  a  social  service  organisation  run  by  more  than  one  hundred  dedicated  benevolent  homeopathic  practitioner.  I  (Bashir Mahmud Ellias)  am  one  of  the  enthusiastic  member  of  this  organisation. 
 
            This  organisation  was  founded  on  3rd  May  2002  by  Dr.  Shahidur  Rahman,  the  most  influential  and  renowned  teacher  of  homeopathy  in  Bangladesh.  We  provide  free  consultation  and  free  medicine  to  the  poor  people.            We  have  cured  22,000 (twenty  two  thousand)  people  from  various  acute  and  chronic  diseases  since  May  2002. 
 
            Presently  we  are  running  only  one  (free  treatment)  centre  at  Aafa  homoeo  centre,  Khilgao,  Dhaka.  The  free  treatment  program  of  this  charitable  organisation  were  run  by  the  member's  personal  contribution  all  these  days.  But  now  we  are  trying  to  raise  our  fund  from  the  charities  of  generous  persons  and  organisations.
 
            Our  primary  goal  is  to  establish  one  centre  in  every  part  of  this  densely  populated  Dhaka  city.  And  our  next  target  is  to  expand  our  program  to  every  part  of  Bangladesh.  We  are  expecting  your  maximum  support  &  suggestions  for  the  needy  people. 
 
with  regards
Bashir Mahmud Ellias

 
Homoeopathic  Help  Line  Welfare  Organisation
gov.  reg.  no.- dha-08051
saving  a/c  no.- 34194673
Janata  Bank  Limited
(local  office)
01  Dilkusha  c/a, 
Dhaka-1000
Bangladesh
 
Office  address
Aafa  homoeo  centre
761/A  Khilgao
Road  no.-  23
Dhaka-1219
Bangladesh
ph :  +880-7219362
        +880-01718082515
        +880-01916038527
E-mail : Bashirmahmudellias@...
 



#9459 From: Mohammed Ahsan <rial982000@...>
Date: Fri Jan 23, 2009 11:48 am
Subject: Terrorism and the Root Causes
rial982000
Send Email Send Email
 

Dear Friends:

 

Terrorism, while an old phenomenon, has taken new dimensions over the last 8 years or so.  Why suddenly, this surge of terroristic activities and how they can be addressed to be eradicated from our societies.  Not an easy task by any standards.

 

First, we need to agree that Extremism and Terrorism are not one and the same; while one responds with extreme measures in reaction to an event or an existing socio-economic or socio-political  situation or as a response to a direct measure of someone else that are often disproportionate to the existing or the applied force; the other however, spreads the senses of terror to induce fear among the general mass to attain certain pre-conceived response to an existing or introduced act of intervention.  There is a correlation between the two but one does not replace the other neither can one be super-imposed on the other.  With that definition in mind, I would start my analysis.

 

While it is true that personalities do come into play in the transformation of an individual to resort to extreme means or being able to spread terror, the psyche however has a more dominant role in that transformation.  There are two groups of people involved in the process in both cases.  First is a visionary, who understands the loopholes of the existing laws that govern our social and political architectures, our environment and the instruments available at our hand that can be skillfully applied to exploit the psyche of second Group.  The second Group, on the other hand, is the operatives and the instruments, which reacts in a way that satisfies the intellectual design of the first group.  In the cases of Extremist, the first Group can not be segmented out from the second.  In Terrorism however, these are two very distinct Groups of peoples playing two different roles. The people with extreme psyche can be exploited by the visionaries to serve their purpose and as such, extremists may unknowingly become part of a terror network.

 

Among the tools that are available to human beings, especially for the Visionaries, there is nothing more powerful than a religion to induce senses of common purpose among a synchronous and harmonious group of people, where a faith is at stake.  However, in Terrorism and Extremism, there are other tools as well that can be as lethal as religion.  Senses of Deprivation, Oppression and Injustice, are other lethal factors that can bee easily exploited by the visionaries to exert on their agendas.  Now if religion is compounded with the other three factors, one can imagine the force of cohesion it would produce.  Extremism is a response of an individual or a Group with no particular cohesion of a purpose but Terrorism does have a sense of purpose.

 

Now that we have defined the Terrorism and Extremism, I would focus on the Terrorism only in the rest of my article.  The emergence of terrorism has its roots in the sense of Ones feelings of being deprived of his/her rights and the failure of the establishments and existing laws to secure what is perceived to be his/her rightful place in the social architecture and hierarchy.  If someone or an Organized Group senses that discomfort among the general mass or a group of people, the Visionary would exploit those feelings to stream and guide them to a common purpose that is larger than all individuals.  That is the start of the phenomenon what we call in today’s term Terrorism.  This is a broad definition and can be adapted to each and every act of terrorism as we perceive today around the globe.

 

Of all what we see today, each and every act of terrorism is somewhat linked to the roots of religion and specifically to Islam. It is however not the Moslems who categorize themselves as Terrorists but are branded by others as such.  If we look at the history: neither Lenin, nor Stalin, or Mao Tse Tung,  Che Guavera, Tikka Khan, Yahia Khan, Chengiz Khan  or even Hitler are branded as Terrorists although they had resorted to acts of terrorism in promoting their plans and programs.  May so be, who or what they were targeting to remove from the social architectures might have termed them as terrorists at the time but the outcome of the events have relieved them of the title.  One thing you would find common in most of those cases I have listed here, they were either successful in achieving what they set out for or were part of the establishment defending a cause of their own.  Religion was never a part of those, I have named in the list.  There might have been some but religion was never the main cause or the main motivation of their acts.  They might have had exploited religion (either for or against to advance their cause).

Coming back to our modern day terrorism and the roots thereof, we have to understand that the world is in a transitory stage right now looking for the right balance of power.  There is clearly a vacuum that needs to be filled and bridged for the natural phenomenon to take its roots.  With the collapse of the communism, the world is looking for an alternative that can fill that vacuum.  There are focuses on various systems at work that can effectively replace the communistic systems.  What we see today as the war of the civilizations is nothing more than the outcome of that focus.  Islam is under scrutiny, as one of the probable replacement for communism and as an alternative to the Capitalistic system being pursued by the West.  People are getting to learn the fundamentals of the religion and the code of its operations as not only a religious system but social and economic structures as well. 

 

It would not be too much for me to say that it is only at the start of its scrutiny that might take some 20 more years or so before a balancing system is enacted.  The push of the war of the civilizations was a measured one and was intended for the religious rights to push for their own brand of replacement for the communist systems.  The act of 9/11 was nothing more than part of that act and the war that followed, was an attempt to divide the globe based on religion with two distinct hemispheres with two distinct systems governing their political, economy and social systems.  The process however, had its first jolt with the election of Barack Obama, who came to power with a mission of change.  He had rightly understood the agenda of the religious right and offered an alternative to the mass in the US and around the world to halt the division of peoples on the basis of religion. “Fear” is the tool for Terrorism and that “Hope” has beaten “Fear” in the US squarely.  This is clearly a set back for those who induces “fear” into the hearts of the people to manage and rule them. It is also a setback for the people, who decided to use religion as a tool to divide humanity and use their own system to fill the vacuum.

 

Now, with Barack Obama in office and his plans for change to steer the economy clear of the doldrums and overhaul his healthcare and education systems, he still would need to find an alternative to his own brand of Capitalistic Society.  The laws of nature would never allow a mono-leithic society to rule the whole world.  Therefore, a second force and a second system have to emerge to keep the balance.  It is for us and our future generations to find out as to what that force is going to be.  The indications are quite clear that one of the religious forces would emerge as victorious at the end to replace the old communist systems.  The people who values morality as an integral part of the governance will tilt to one of the religions as an alternative that has a full system of socio political and economic governance.  Islam does seem to be a complete code of life and has an advantage over other religions in terms of its political clout and a financial system supporting the moral and political base.  If China, Russia, and some of the EU countries back one of the religions, then that is the solution and the alternative to the Capitalist system.  Islam along with some other religions is vying for that spot.  Islam is being radicalized by a segment that clearly understands the stakes at hand and is promoting their own agenda to get an upper hand within Islam so that if and when the opportunity arises, they would take control of the Islamic world. Islam does not yet have a single point of command as yet like that of the Catholics but the Shiaa sect of the Muslims would soon create one, as it seems from the new belt they have created that they can call a unified cell stretching from Iran and going all the way through the Middle East to North Africa and moving South to Asia.  While the Sunni Muslims are still vying for a brand of their own, they still lag behind their Shiaa brethren counterparts in creating a single point of command and control.  Current war with Hamas had given them a tremendous opportunity for fermenting one. Israel, on the other hand, knowingly or unknowingly has promoted the cause of the Shiaas and helped them emerge as a force to reckon with, which they have denied for the Sunni Muslims. Bush’s era has made the Shiaas the single most beneficiary of his policies, knowingly or unknowingly, he has created the lethal most gifts to the Shiaas on a silver platter that will haunt the US and its allies for the generations to come.

 

Coming back to the holy war of the Muslims, It has been very clearly mentioned of the circumstances under which Islam can condone one.  A holy war is permitted only when they are attacked and their existence is in question.  The focus of Islamic Jihad has never been an offensive weapon.  The focus of Islamic Jihad is also directed to the self ill conceptions and ill intents to purify ones mind and body.  As I had mentioned earlier, that certain segment of the Western World, who understands the need for an alternative to their Capitalistic Society, are trying their best to put these forces into test by pressuring them and setting up for the grounds for confrontations.  They are providing every opportunity to the Muslims to find a rightful cause for them to wage a holy war.  Current push by the Israelis into Gaza was nothing more than forcing the Muslims to unite and wage a holy war against them and their allies namely the West.  Understanding the opportunity, people vying for that spot, has given the call for a holy war and sooner or later, a full fledged war is expected.

 

“Fear” is a powerful tool and People and leaders do take advantage of this powerful tool to rule and manage their own people at the expense of the negative impacts it has on the population in general.   In our societies, the mothers use this technique to feed their unwilling children to eat or the fathers use it to discipline their children so that they become attentive in schools and attend classes but the harm it inflicts on their mind is inconceivable.  At times the lines are crossed.  The lingering impact it has on the psyche is irreparable.  The young minds become resilient to reasons and become conflict prone.  The senses of negativity make them imparvient to reasons and make them impulsive and as a result develop an extreme psyche that dwells between the two extremes.  Their mind becomes emotional.  These adults become prey to the Visionaries, I have defined earlier.  These impulsive minds are them framed to commit the acts of violence that spread fear among the population for a purpose.  They become committed and loyal to the cause.

 

The second factor that turns people into terrorism is for economic reasons.  Economically deprived mass would very easily be recruited by the religious operatives.  Religion is a platform, where the economically disadvantaged people can easily take refuge and feel relieved. They turn to God for changing their economic dire situations.  The near to free healthcare, free food and charity becomes their lively hood and those acts are all managed by the organized religious groups.  These acts of charity and kindness turn them to a loyal and cohesive force that would be ready to sacrifice their lives for a cause that had made the social disparity in the first place.  The cumulative anger and stored frustration is the breeding ground for the onlookers to make their move and this is what becomes a breeding ground for the potential terror network to get started.  In conclusion, I would say that we directly or indirectly contribute to the process of developing the psyche of a future extremist or a terrorist and the opportunists with a plan and agenda takes advantage of them.

 

We can not solve this problem anytime soon until the economic and social deprivation our stamped out from our intelligent designs and a more equitable social architectures are put in place.  To be honest, the current upheavals, no matter where it stems from, the root causes are more economic than religion and religion has found an agenda and a just cause to thrive on. If the economic conditions and social justices are brought to bear, religions would not have that opportunity any more to bank on.

 

Kind regards,

 

Rial

 



#9460 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:38 pm
Subject: Warning on Possible Huge corruption on Padma Bridge in Bangladesh
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 
Dear All,
 
It is sad to let you know that all the changes we have talked about Bangladesh might be going into drain soon.  I am convinced with few internal messages that came to me with current UPZilla Election in Bangladesh.  My home town is where Padma Bridge will be built and my internal message came with facts that AL Govt from top AL leadership picked up a New UPZilla Chairman with influence and vote rigging and working out a plan who will get what on Padma Bridge projects.  This is a $1.2 Billion project in Bangladesh.  We need to make sure no more Mr. 2% are created under AL Administration.
 
I also heard an uneducated millionaireir man came from Washington, DC who spent more than three (3) crore BD Take to secure his Chairman position with the help of an AL MP and upper AL leadership.  They have this plan for the last 2 years where to put whom so huge money can be secured from this projects.  Even in one case AL dished their 25 years old honest AL leader in that Village during the nomination process to put an uneducated businessman from Washington, DC to maximum their corruption money from the Padma Bridge project.
 
I like to point out this kind of activities are unacceptable and people should be aware of it.  So next Govt in 2013 can bring this culprits to justice for their corruption.  Only way these culprits will be changed when General people work a Watchdog.
 
God bless Bangladesh and save her 160 Million general people from these culprits.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu)

#9461 From: "M.B.I. Munshi" <MBIMunshi@...>
Date: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:52 am
Subject: Transit issue revisited
mimunshi
Send Email Send Email
 
The Bangladesh Today - 25th January 2009

Every government of Bangladesh - elected or not - feels its incumbent
upon itself to bring up the issue of transit to India but in the end
nothing really gets done except talks which inflame the passions of
the people of this country, moving them to resist any moves by any
government to offer infrastructural facilities to India such as
transit and the use of ports. This has been going on for the last 2
decades but in the last couple of years it has assumed urgent
proportions for India because of their need to get to their states
bordering Bangladesh to the north and east, it being much more time
consuming and costly to travel all the way round than through
Bangladesh. Consider, for example, the fact that right after the
Emergency was declared on 11 January 2007, the Indian Government
invited the Chief of Army Staff to India and gave him a "royal
treatment" in order to elicit some form of commitment regarding the
transit issue - it is of note that the Indians did not invite the
President or the Chief Advisor but the man holding the gun and the
power who got all the attention. Similarly, even before the 29
December election, the Indian Ambassador in Bangladesh was busy
shuttling between the BNP and AL, hedging his bets. When the AL won
the election, the Ambassador came on strongly setting up a visit by
the Indian Foreign Minister whose main agenda undoubtedly would be the
transit, the port and the off-shore exploration of gas in the Bay of
Bengal.

Much has been talked about the issue of transit and there is nothing
new to add as far as the perceptions and view points of the people of
Bangladesh are concerned. On 14 July 2008, The Bangladesh Today
carried a commentary on the issue; it would be worthwhile to reproduce
the major aspects of it here.

The Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh, HE Pinak Ranjan
Chakravarty, spoke to the press on 10 July 2008, after his meeting
with our Foreign Advisor. Mr. Chakravarty had this to say: "We are
raising the issue at every forum but it is yet to come into effect.
Bangladesh considers the issue as political but it is not that; we
don't see it as political. Both the countries should consider the
issue of transit facility for the development of the overall economy
and trade". Well, from this statement its pretty clear what India
wants and why but perhaps India and its High Commissioner (HC) are yet
to understand what Bangladesh wants and why. So let's get down to the
crux of the business.

Starting with the economic aspects on which the Indian HC seems to be
so insistent, we would like to mention that both Bangladesh and India
have access to each other through various land, river and sea routes
and therefore trade and commerce between the two countries can go on
and increase to any extent that the two countries want. As a matter of
fact India has a huge trade surplus over Bangladesh, which means that
India is exporting far more than importing from Bangladesh. Therefore
it is difficult to see how a "transit" through Bangladesh is going to
further improve the economic aspects, when trade is already heavily
weighted in favor of India.

India has to bear tremendous costs to get to its south-eastern states
all the way round; a transit through Bangladesh would make that access
easier both economically as also militarily because these
south-eastern states are all plagued by insurgencies of one type or
another. No, Mr. Chakravarty it is not Bangladesh which is going to
benefit from the transit - except for the paltry sums to be realized
for the passage through - it is India which is going to benefit,
leaving Bangladesh with a permanent security hazard much like the 25
years Indo-Bangla treaty signed just after the independence of Bangladesh.

While we are on economic issues, what about equitable distribution of
river waters which India is denying us, turning huge tracts of our
agricultural lands into deserts during the dry seasons; what about
damming of rivers upstream and releasing those waters during monsoons
turning the whole of Bangladesh into an ocean; what about trying to
grab some of our Exclusive Economic Zones in the Bay of Bengal; what
about denying our people access to many of our "enclaves" in India and
finally what about flooding our Country with Indian phensidyl, drugs
and intoxicants of all sorts.

Coming to the far more important political and security aspects which
the Indian HC is so keen to downplay, we would like to mention that a
"treaty of transit" is certainly going to include clauses for
guaranteed continued access to the transit routes by India. Should
those guarantees fail at anytime, India would not hesitate to march in
with its military forces to ensure that transit, citing reasons of
"national interest" much like they did in Sikkim, Maldives and Sri
Lanka. So, Mr. Chakravarty, every Bangladesh Government understands
these things and that's why India never got the transit and it never will.

If India wants transit through Bangladesh, we want transit through
India to Nepal and China - this makes more economic sense to us. So by
all means let's have transits, both through Bangladesh and India with
equal guarantees and conditions of access through these routes. Better
still, let's have the historical "Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Assam" in
one powerful Nation-State of Bangladesh so that India doesn't have to
bother about transit to those areas.

#9462 From: Samia Jaman <samiajaman77@...>
Date: Mon Jan 26, 2009 4:51 pm
Subject: Dr. Farashuddin has proposed to create a Probashi Welfare Taskforce....
samiajaman77
Send Email Send Email
 
Dr. Farashuddin has proposed to create a  Probashi Welfare Taskforce
 
Do you know Dr. Farashuddin ? He is the former governor of Bangladesh Bank
and a famous Economist. He has proposed a guideline to the Bangladesh 
Government to solve the problems of the NRB (probashi)  People. He also has
told to create a Probashi Welfare Taskforce.
Do you want to know the details?
Or

 





Now with a new friend-happy design! Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger


Yahoo! Canada Toolbar : Search from anywhere on the web and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now!



Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!


Yahoo! Canada Toolbar : Search from anywhere on the web and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now!


#9463 From: "Mahbub Khan" <mahbubkhan25@...>
Date: Tue Jan 27, 2009 3:23 am
Subject: BUET Alumni Reunion on 13 February 2009
mahbubkhan25@...
Send Email Send Email
 
From: vc@...
To: vc@...
CC: srbanunz@...; rahmans@...; lrk2665@...; mrc0731@...; hrc@...; akhtergolam@...; cfc@...; jahan@...; zunaid@...; mahbubkhan@...; eusuf2001@...; saif_shahid@...; syed_wahiduzzaman@...; syed_munir@...; nirjhar@...; shaheed.hossain@...; husaizd@...; aqmabdullah@...
Subject: BUET Alumni Reunion on 13 February 2009
Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:36:58 +0600

Please forward the invitation to other BUET Alumni you may know

 

Dear BUET Alumnus/Alumna,

 

BUET Alumni Association (BUETAA) is organising a day long Reunion of the Graduates from BUET (including those from Ahsanullah Engineering College) on Friday, 13th February 2009, at BUET Grounds.

 

Nobel Laureate Prof. Mohammad Yunus has kindly agreed to be the Chief Guest and inaugurate the Reunion.

 

All Members of BUETAA willing to participate in the Reunion and other Graduates desirous of becoming Member of BUETAA and participate in the Reunion may contact : Prof. Dr. Engr. Aminul Haque (8611594, 01726444557) or Engr. Munir Uddin Ahmed (01711549505) or Ar. Qazi M. Arif (8151763, 01711533667) or Engr. M.A.Rouf (01713006996)

 

Registration for participating in the Reunion must be completed latest by 8th February, 2009.

 

Details are available in www.buetaa.org.bd.

 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Reunion on 13th February.

 

Regards,

 

Dr. Jamilur Reza Choudhury

President

BUET Alumni Association 


#9464 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Tue Jan 27, 2009 5:08 pm
Subject: Cancel Disputed Upazilla Election Results NOW
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 
I like to reiterate that if AL wants to regain its trust among general people,  they need to ask EC to cancel all Upazilla election results at the disputed areas.  More than 50% election results should be canceled based on the reports from the ground.
 
I like to remind that total setup by AL in Upazilla election in Munshigonj areas won't be acceptable.  AL thought that this is the only Goldmine left for them since Padma Bridge will be built and will able to maximize their corrupt money with this election setup in that areas.  Since I am from that area and I can speak more with facts and ground reports for this case.
 
This is the high time for AL to be credible for the next 5 years.  They should cancel all Upazilla election results from these areas as soon as possible.  AL was so greedy that  one case AL dished your own 25 yrs honest veterans leader  from this area and failed him with vote rigging and set-up since he won't allow any corruption in that areas for Padma Bridge.
 
Before your mask gets out to the public, it's your own benefit to make it honest, make it better and make it right NOW.
 
I will keep pressuring AL/EC to cancel these disputed results until you fix it yourself.  If you do not do, your credibility will be worst soon.  I will work to save poor people wealth and their future in that areas.
 
I hope someone in AL is listening my call.  God bless poor people in that areas.
 
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu)
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Election Commission (EC) today suspended the polls results of seven upazilas in line with the allegations of massive irregularities during the polling.
 
The upazilas are Banchharampur in Brahmanbaria, Araihazar in Narayanganj, Teknaf in Cox's Bazaar, Kaliganj in Gazipur, Mehendiganj in Barisal, Muradnagar in Comilla and Raipura in Narsingdi, Election Commissioner M Sakhawat Hussein said.
 
The election commissioner said a judicial inquiry committee will be formed to investigate the allegations and a final decision will be taken after the committee files its report.
On a query he said, "Legal steps will be taken against the lawmakers accused of exerting political influence in the January 22 upazila elections ."
 
On the election day, the EC called off elections to Brahmanbaria Sadar, Ramganj in Laxmipur, Barura in Comilla and Belkuchi in Sirajganj while polling of Dighinala (Khagrachari) and Ukhia (Cox's Bazaar) had been put off before the voting day.
The commissioner said the judicial inquiry committee will also investigate the irregularities in the upazilas where elections were postponed.
 
Re-election in these six upazilas would be held sometime soon, Sakhawat added.

#9465 From: "M.B.I. Munshi" <MBIMunshi@...>
Date: Sat Jan 31, 2009 6:32 am
Subject: Awami League heading for impending crisis
mimunshi
Send Email Send Email
 
AL heading for impending crisis


Now that several weeks have passed since the national elections there
are several clear trends in the AL agenda that could ignite serious
opposition and which should be considered in the wider context of
national interest and security (see my article `A Nationalist Agenda
for Bangladesh'. The following list is the most serious and obvious
provocations of the AL thus far –

1.  Creation of a regional taskforce with tactical operations
capabilities and extra-territorial functions could threaten the
internal stability of the country and make it a target for insurgents
and terrorists who had until now posed no threat to Bangladesh's
interests. The notion of foreign forces (particularly Indian) on
Bangladesh soil will be viewed with intense aversion by the public and
could give rise to strong and violent opposition. This proposal will
also be viewed with intense suspicion around the region and increase
tensions in South Asia.

2. Massive vote rigging, violence and intimidation during Upazilla
elections demonstrating an undemocratic state of mind and a deliberate
attempt to weaken local government.

3. Transit facilities without any prospect for wider regional
involvement and cooperation (i.e. China, Nepal and Bhutan) or proper
safeguards of our sovereignty and independence.

4. Reversion to the 1972 constitution with removal of Islam and a
return to `Bengali' as our national identity. This last had originally
sparked the CHT insurgency which was only countered after President
Ziaur Rahman amended the constitution and made us Bangladeshis which
is a concept based on territoriality rather than ethnicity clearly
separating us culturally and politically from West Bengal and India.

5. Attempts to repeal the 5th Amendment of the constitution which had
removed the highly unpopular BKSAL governance system established by
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The 5th amendment had also legitimized the
proclamations and proclamations orders issued during the martial law
regime of President Ziaur Rahman and which also ratified all actions
of the Martial Law authorities during that period.

6.  Failure to fulfill election pledges of Tk. 10 per kilogram rice,
free fertilizer and employment for a member of every family in
Bangladesh. This will become harder to achieve as another global food
crisis is predicted for end of 2009 and which will extend well into 2010.

7.  Reopening of events during the 2 year interim government of Dr.
Fakhruddin Ahmed especially possible investigation of the role of DGFI
and the armed forces. There is also likelihood of interference in the
military rendering it politicized, weak and dysfunctional. This
process appears to have already begun under Gen. Moin U. Ahmed and
will probably increase if he is granted a further extension for
`services rendered'.

8. Increase in criminality and particularly extortion of business
enterprises. There has also been intimidation and brow-beating of
business organizations and bodies to follow the government line on
policy matters which indicates a move away from free-markets and
capitalism. While restraining the natural inclination of business to
pursue increased profits in time of national emergency or economic
crisis can be justified this could under the AL government ultimately
take the form of scapegoating the entire business community for the
failures of government. This will probably become inevitable if the
global financial crisis takes a heavy toll in Bangladesh without
proper and effective measures and safety-nets being put in place due
to an incompetent and insensitive administration.

9 Campus violence that will gradually hamper our educational and
future potential to compete on a global scale.

9. Sidelining of opposition in parliament through controversial
seating arrangements and censoring of debates as broadcast on BTV.
Harassment of opposition party workers has already begun on a massive
scale.

10. Return to dynastic politics as members of the Sheikh's family are
exerting immense influence but without the responsibility or
accountability associated with their power which is exercised in a
largely unofficial capacity.

11. War Crimes Trials which is probably a ruse to distract from the
above failures and policies as any case will have to overcome the
amnesty given by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the tripartite agreement
between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh on the exchange of prisoners.
This is also an attempt in conjunction with points 4 and 5 to
undermine religion based politics in Bangladesh. This will probably
have the effect of promoting extremism and radicalism by pushing
Islamic parties underground and could pose a threat to democracy and
also the stability of the country.

While many of the above proposals and acts are not official policy of
the AL government the party being largely a monolithic entity and also
ideologically quite rigid it is entirely unlikely any initiative could
proceed without the tacit approval of the leadership hierarchy. While
individually the above proposals and acts may appear innocuous when
taken together they signal a reassertion of the undemocratic and
autocratic nature of the Awami League and an overweening dependence on
India. Some of the proposals and policy initiatives listed above have
the potential to spark a hostile and violent reaction without
combination with other issues and these should be identified and
firmly opposed at the outset.

The question remains as to whether the BNP alliance can capitalize on
AL difficulties and its glaring failures. While the BNP has taken
steps to reorganize itself from the grassroots level the same stale
leaders and advisors remain in their positions. Those who brought the
BNP to its present debacle in the national elections still hold
positions of influence within the party and unless they are removed
with utmost ruthlessness and haste the party is likely to become
another Muslim League with ever decreasing returns in elections. It is
important that if the nationalist agenda is to survive in Bangladesh
the BNP has to remodel and refashion itself and become more
democratized and responsive to the needs of the people and country.
The only other alternative is for a completely new party to emerge but
this seems very unlikely under present conditions and circumstances.
This is not to say that this could not happen especially if the BNP
continues to advocate meaningless policies such as impeachment of the
president or some such similar nonsense. The main problem for the BNP
is that it is a party without an ideology and in its place opportunism
and greed has become qualifications for party membership. It is no
longer enough that it is the party that stands against the AL it must
be the party that stands for something. Unfortunately the party lacks
the intellectual depth or analytical skills to carry out the necessary
internal restructuring. To rectify this deficiency the party has to
push forward an aggressive agenda to weed out the useless and
incompetent from amongst its ranks and to establish a new dynamic
leadership structure that can meet the challenges of the 21st century.



MBI Munshi

#9466 From: Samia Jaman <samiajaman77@...>
Date: Sat Jan 31, 2009 2:49 pm
Subject: Obama's half brother arrested on charge of marijuana possession
samiajaman77
Send Email Send Email
 
Obama's half brother arrested on charge of marijuana possession

George Obama, the half brother of U.S. President Barack Obama, has been arrested by Kenyan police on a charge of possession of marijuana, police said Saturday.

George Obama was arrested in Kenya on a charge for possession of marijuana, according to police. CNN report.

Inspector Augustine Mutembei, the officer in charge, said Obama was arrested on charges of possession of cannabis, known in Kenya as Bhang, and resisting arrest. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday, Mutembei said.

He is being held at Huruma police post in the capital of Nairobi.

CNN Correspondent David McKenzie talked with George Obama at the jail where he is being held. Speaking from behind bars, Obama denied the allegations.

"They took me from my home," he said, "I don't know why they are charging me."

George Obama and the president barely know each other, though they have met before. George Obama was one of the president's few close relatives who did not go to the inauguration in Washington last week.

Pls click to see the details-

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/01/31/george.obama.arrest/index.html?iref=mpstoryview




Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new Yahoo! Mail

#9467 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Sun Feb 1, 2009 10:25 pm
Subject: Bangladesh Needs Local Stimulate Package
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 
The following are real strategies which will help Bangladesh to ride over this upcoming financial turmoil:
 
1) Provide stimulate package to ICT companies and provide all Govt ICT projects to locals to make digital Bangladesh.  If some one in current Govt knows what digital means to them.  Use local programmers and networking engineers to employ as much as possible.  This will create enough works to keep ICT going with creating more jobs.
 
2) Provide enough finance to build the Pharmaceuticals park at Munshigonj.  20% works was done, complete this projects which will create huge jobs for now.
 
3) Since overseas market is bad,  few of NRBs might be interested to come back Bangladesh to develop this country with their expertis and experiences.  Govt needs to make sure to provide tax free income during their stay in Bangladesh like Middle Eastern Countires.  Provide enough facilities and security to perform their work during living in Bangladesh.
 
4) If there is less corruption in Bangladesh,  NRBs might be interested to invest in Bangladesh to take opportunity during this financial turmoil.
 
5) Bangladesh Govt needs to adopt new policy to attract NRBs in Bangladesh.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA
www.changebangladesh.org

--- On Fri, 1/30/09, M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...> wrote:
From: M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...>
Subject: Perfect Storm is coming to Bangladesh
To: cgmpservices@...
Date: Friday, January 30, 2009, 5:28 PM

Dear All,
 
You may wonder what kind of storm I am talking about.  It's  economical storm that Bangladesh never experienced before.  I am little bit worried that economists and present Minsters in Bangladesh are not paying much attention about this storm.  Well the problem is that if you do not know a Storm is coming, then you won't be prepared for it.  There will be a situation that we will start blame game, he or she didn't tell me, I didn't know, nobody even PM didn't say this.  Well then listen from me please.
 
My conservative estimate is that economical storm in the world will exist until 2012,  if you can ride on this storm, then you will survive, if you can't then good luck.  I like to provide few strategic outlines what to do in this perfect economical storm in Bangladesh.
 
1) Current Govt should recognize that a perfect storm is coming.  If USA could recognize this storm in 2006,  USA won't be in this position now.
 
2) Put resources in place so Govt can take care its people and feed them trough out the storm period.
 
3) Stop biased or favoritism in Bangladesh.  Once I am hungry,  I won't say I am AL or BNP,  all I will say give me food and job to survive.  So based on basis of human rights,  its current Govt duty to help people regardless his or her party affiliations.
 
4) Bangladesh Real Estate bubble will be burst within year and so, so Govt should be prepared with huge layoff in that sector as well as other sectors.  Most of the Real Estate bubble in Bangladesh were created by NRBs and corrupted money in Bangladesh.  NRBs are real squeeze in financial aspect and won't be able to continue support the sky rocket price of land and apartments in Bangladesh.
 
5) Pharmaceuticals is the only sector which is recession proved in Bangladesh.  I have asked BNP Govt in 2005 to modernize this sector, CTG in 2007 and I am asking AL Govt in 2009 to pay attention and use NRBs expertise to develop this sector.  This is the only sector that you have no choice but to bring experts NRBs in Bangladesh to develop this sector for future growth.
 
6) NRBs and people in Bangladesh should lower their life style to ride on this storm.  Excessive waste will bring up other people's misery.
 
God Bless Bangladesh and help her 150 Million poor people in this coming perfect Storm.
 
Note:  My advise is not to direct any individuals or parties or NRBs, but to reach out to them and what we can do for the people during this bad economical  times.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), USA
Director, Political and Economical Development in Bangladesh
Change Bangladesh organization, USA
www.changebanglades h.org


--- On Tue, 1/20/09, M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...> wrote:
From: M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...>
Subject: [khabor.com] Why USA won't able to get out of this financial mess
To: cgmpservices@...
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 12:41 PM

Dear All,
 
I think and believe that we in USA are concern like any others about financial impact in USA and rest of the world and where this will lead us in the next 8 years.  I congratulate President Obama for taking the USA leadership but I am cautious like others even though I have campaign for Obama among Bangladeshi Community in USA.
 
Let's see the scenario why USA is in this position which is very different than 1930's and what steps should be taken for the incremental improvement.
 
Reasons for this mess
 
1) More than $20T, start with Trillion dollars of investors money has been lost in the last 12 months including personal 401K money. So the people confidence in companies is lower than ever.
 
2) More than 500,000 jobs have been cut per month by companies in USA, if it's continue then at the end of 2009 total 6 million jobs will be lost.  Adding 2 million jobs already have been lost in the last 24 months.  This is creating a nightmare for the consumers to spend  discretionary money.
 
3) Two third of the economy are depended on consumer spending,  when consumer stopped buying like before,  companies can not make money, their stocks goes down and companies start laying off to make baseline profit for the company.  This is called a cycle of uncertainty.
 
4) Biggest problem is that USA consumers has borrowed two times of their house worth for the last 5 years.  For example, if a house price is $100K in 1999, it went up to $300K in 2006, so extra $200K was borrowed from foreign countries to mortgage people's houses in USA.  Therefore, deficit went over the roof.  If this is continued,  few wealthy countries might not be interested to invest in USA like before because losing confidence into USA economy and their investment returns.
 
5) Once people lost jobs, they can not afford to pay high mortgage which they could not afford at the first place.  US Govt can not pay everybody extra interest for the mortgage they owe to banks.  This might come over $10T, start with Trillion.
 
6) Once companies make less money, the Govt tax collection also becomes low.  So more deficit for USA.  Intake is higher than delivery.
 
7) USA does not have leadership of many technologies like before, so USA has more competitors than before i.e. China and India.
 
8) More liability for baby boomers in years ahead, means need more money to take care her citizens like Social Security and Medicare.
 
9) Iraq war alone costs USA close to $1T and need another $1.2T to take care veterans health and financial liabilities.
 
10) Dollar might go down compare to others currency once foreign countries start withdraw their investment or stopped new investment in USA, i.e.  stop buying USA Bond.
 
Options to way of of this mess:
 
So what do USA have now?  President Obama's sweet talks might not bring much fruits unless he can show leadership and put new policies in place very quickly, so situation does not get out of control.  I personally think that President Obama should do the following for the love of this country.
 
1)  President Obama should provide executive order to cut military budget of $465B to only $50B.  Bring all military installation back home unless foreign countries provide the bill.
 
2) Provide middle class incentives as soon as possible.
 
3) Stop giving big money to banks but give direct loan to consumers from Govt Treasure.  I know it does not sound Capitalist,  but US Govt does not have any other option.  For example,  If I know that this consumer will not able to pay back my money,  I won't make loan to him even I get pressured from Govt unless Govt takes all the toxic assets.  Same situation, Banks are not lending even they got US Govt money.  Banks know consumers do not have enough money or may lose job soon whichever is first.
 
4) Provide stimulate money if there is any Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) in place for the new projects which will create jobs.
 
I hope and pray US gets out of this mess but I am very pessimistic now based on the scenario I have presented you here, unless miracle happens in USA.
 
God bless USA and her people.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA
 

#9468 From: Meer Husain <matribhumi_bd@...>
Date: Tue Feb 3, 2009 3:26 am
Subject: Re:Open Letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Arsenic Disaster in Bangladesh.
matribhumi_bd
Send Email Send Email
 

Re:Open Letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Arsenic Disaster in Bangladesh.

About two years ago we raised important questions about the improper disposal of arsenic waste from the Sono filters as well as other filters and treatment units in Bangladesh regarding its environmental concerns.

As experienced environmental professionals, we believe that it is our moral obligation to bring this issue to the promoter of the filters, users of the filters and the govt agencies so that everyone is aware of the issue and take necessary steps to stop improper disposal of arsenic waste. We shared numerous articles and case studies with the scientists who are promoting and allowing the improper disposal of arsenic waste to occur in Bangladesh. They neglected to heed our call and instead promoted the open dumping of toxic arsenic waste based on false data and poor assessment. Many people asked why the UNICEF and other NGO's are using these filters if the filters' arsenic waste disposal violates the scientific laws and principles of environmental health? Why is the World Health Organization not concerned about the indiscriminate disposal of arsenic waste in Bangladesh, Nepal, India and other countries? Are these organizations aware of the EPA's arsenic waste disposal regulations and impacts of arsenic waste to the public health, ecosystem and environment etc?

In July 2007 in the article entitled, "Emergency Water Supply: Arsenic Removal Filters? Or Use of Tube wells in Wet season, and Dug wells and River Waters in Dry Season?," we presented the following solutions for arsenic disaster in Bangladesh.

Emergency Water Supply Solutions to the Arsenic Affected Regions of Bangladesh:

Wet Season Solution:
During the wet season, the people of Bangladesh can abstract arsenic free water from above the "arsenic contaminated zone". They can abstract and enjoy plenty of arsenic free water for about 6-7 months from tube wells. During the wet season they need to set the well screen about 3-5 feet above the arsenic contaminated zone. During this time, people of the arsenic affected areas will not have to deal with groundwater arsenic contamination at all. During wet seasons, people should not use arsenic removal filters and treatment units at all because the water above the arsenic contaminated zone is free from arsenic poisoning. The municipal water supply units also generate a large volume of arsenic sludge. During wet season they can also abstract arsenic free water from above the contaminated zone. We think this is the best cost effective, environment friendly solution for 6-7 months in the arsenic contaminated areas.

Why is the above mentioned wet season solution considered to be the best solution?

Because during the wet season plenty of arsenic free waters can be abstracted from tube wells and dug wells, and prior to the arsenic disaster in Bangladesh people abstracted arsenic free water from dug wells for thousands of years and from tube wells for 70-80 years from above the present arsenic contaminated zone (the thousands of year old oxidation zone that is overlain by the recently created new oxidation zone). In the event that bacteria is present in wells, both the wells and water can be disinfected through chlorination. The disinfection of water by chlorination is much cheaper and convenient than the arsenic removal filters. During the wet season, arsenic free water can be produced from dug wells and tube wells at a cheaper price than any other method. The people won't have to deal with toxic arsenic waste at all. The implementation of this project will reduce the toxic waste and the water supply cost by at least 50% than the current arsenic removal systems round the year. This method will fully protect the health and safety of the people, ecosystem and environment of Bangladesh from the arsenic disaster.

We do not think any Bangladeshi or foreign environmental geologist, hydrogeologist, water engineer, environmental economist, policymaker and politician are able to present a better solution than this one. We think the above mentioned solution is the best environment friendly, cost effective, emergency water supply solution for the wet season. We can destroy pathogenic bacteria, but we can't destroy arsenic. The honorable ministers of LGRD, Water Resources, Agriculture, Environment, Science and Technology, Education, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the elected opposition political party leaders should immediately explore the above mentioned water supply method. This is a serious national issue and we request that they work together to protect the people of Bangladesh from the arsenic disaster. We would like to assure the govt. of Bangladesh that the well trained and experienced scientists and engineers will fully agree with our proposal and they would fully support the implementation of this emergency water supply system in Bangladesh. We request that the Prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the opposition group leaders immediately examine, evaluate and compare this method with other alternative solutions on an urgent basis.

Now the question is how much cost is involved to implement this project? How much time is required to fully install the tube wells in the affected areas? How many tube wells need to be installed? What are the sources of financial support needed to execute this project? How much money is available to the Bangladesh govt. to implement the project etc.?

The DPHE is the main organization capable of implementing the project. The DPHE and the National Arsenic Mitigation Committee of Bangladesh have detailed information necessary to examine and evaluate the project within a few weeks. They can take help from the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation and other professional NGO's in this regard. If they need any help from us to execute the project, the WATC International Research team will provide them with all the necessary information and the team will examine the various aspects of the proposed project and work with Bangladesh govt. for implementing the project.

If the DPHE and Bangladesh National Arsenic Mitigation Team are not capable of preparing the plan, we would like to inform the the govt. of Bangladesh that WATC international research team will be happy to develop a plan for both wet season and dry season.

The dry season is fast approaching and during this time the sufficient arsenic free water is not available in Bangladesh for drinking, irrigation and industries. The journalists of Bangladesh are keeping us informed about the extent of arsenic poisoning on a regular basis. So what are the best solutions for the dry season? Is there any more cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions than the present arsenic removal filters operating in Bangladesh? We would request the govt. and the people of Bangladesh to review the following articles:

1. Arsenic Threatens Global Health:, http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20081802-16913-4.html

2. Desert gust blows health risks from Calif. mines: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28338755/).

The situation in Bangladesh is getting worse every day. We believe the people of Bangladesh will be able to realize and learn from these articles about what is happening and what will happen to the public health, ecosystem and environment in Bangladesh from the indiscriminate disposal of arsenic waste. We think we can solve the arsenic disaster in Bangladesh with the help of the international community. In order to convince the international community to provide financial and technical assistance, we must develop sustainable, cost effective and environment friendly solutions based on sound scientific data and evidence. The data must be collected and interpreted by professionals who have had proper institutional training and working experience in dealing with soil and groundwater contamination projects.


Respectfully,


Meer Husain,P.G.

Environmental Geologist,

Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment,

Cowley County Community College,

Team Leader-Wichita Area Technical College International Arsenic, Water, Ecosystem and Environment Research Center, Wichita, Kansas, USA.


Continue...........



#9469 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Wed Feb 4, 2009 4:23 pm
Subject: Transit Issue
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 
I did not read the whole report yet but I like to advise to current Govt that pull results on all the previous agreements with India and put a review process with its progress card and how much India is obeying. Make 3 months interval observation until Jan 2010. Once previous agreements success is above 90%, then you can start thinking signing more agreements with India.
 
The bottom line is that you have to create two way streets to make benefit to each others. I am not against or in favor of these agreements, just asking for implementation on previous agreements first, that's all I am saying.
 
This will be a win-win situation for both countries. Please don't rush things when some one shows you an apple but actually give you a grape (small size).
 
If you need expert NRBs assessment on these issues, please ask for help.
 
Thanks,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA
www.changebangladesh.org
 
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All trade issues to be discussed with Indian Minister during his visit
TIFA with USA at final stage, cabinet to consider soon

The new government is actively considering providing transit to neighbouring India in pursuance of an existing accord while a much-talked-about business deal with America is in the final stage of processing, Commerce Minister Mohammad Faruq Khan said on Tuesday.
"Transit (to India) is under active consideration of the government. If we find it benefiting the people of the country, we'll definitely sign agreement," he told a questioner at AmCham's monthly luncheon meeting at a city hotel in one of the two major disclosures.
The commerce minister mentioned that Bangladesh is waiting for the visit of Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukharjee, who is due next week in the first high-level trip from India after change of government in Dhaka.
He also said that the proposed Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the United States was now at the final stage and it would be placed before the Cabinet for consideration.
American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) president Ershad Ahmed presided over the meeting. US Ambassador in Dhaka James F Moriarty was preset on the occasion.
Faruq Khan said transit and other trade-related issues like Bangladeshi products, particularly RMG's, quota-free, duty-free access to Indian market, non-tariff barriers against Bangladeshi products on the Indian side would be discussed in the meeting with the neighbouring country's foreign minister. "We hope all the issues will be resolved in the meeting and both the governments will be able to get some positive results," he said.
Faruq Khan, however, said the issue of providing the transit facility had already been agreed upon in the Article 8 of the Indo-Bangla Trade Agreement signed with India way back during Ziaur Rahman's government.
"The then Bangladesh Commerce Minister, Tanveer Ahmed, and his then counterpart Pronab Mukharjee had signed that agreement," the minister of the Awami League-led Grand Alliance government informed his business audience.
The deal was renewed every three years-and the last renewal was made in 2006, during the previous BNP government, when the then finance minister, Saifur Rahman, was the signatory.
Replying to another question, the commerce minister said the issue of transit with Nepal and Bhutan would also be discussed in the meeting with the Indian foreign minister.
"All issues can be resolved if there is political will. I hope both the countries will understand the benefit of the people, because all the governments now in the South Asian region are democratically elected," he said.
Khan, a former army officer, observed that the politicians have failed to utilize the business and development potentialities of the region. "Trade issues always came as political weapon."
He alleged that Bangladeshi products could not get easy access to the Indian market because of the non-tariff barriers imposed by the Indian side to create obstacles.
About the TIFA, which has generated contentions in some circles, Col Faruq Khan said there had been three negotiations on the matter and the government has almost reached the final stage to give the deal the seal of approval.
The US government has been pursuing the Bangladesh government for signing on the proposed TIFA. But all the previous Bangladesh governments had taken time to examine the matter and negotiate with the USA.
Faruq Khan said the present government is a business- friendly one and its one of the main responsibilities is to create environment to restore the confidence of the businessmen.

#9471 From: "Bangladesh Association" <bacusa2001@...>
Date: Sun Feb 8, 2009 2:09 am
Subject: FOBANA 2009 in Houston - www.fobana2009.com
bacusa2001
Send Email Send Email
 
Dear Fellow Bangladeshis:

On behalf of FOBANA 2009 Host Committee, I write you to extend a
cordial, formal invitation to participate in this year's grand
convention taking place in Houston, from July 2-4, at the George R.
Brown Convention Center, a magnificent city landmark at the heart of
downtown.

Houston is a modern, thriving cosmopolitan community famous for its
diverse culture, multiple industries with cutting edge technologies,
and world class research and educational institutions. The role
Houston plays as the energy capital of the world, and space pioneers
at Johnson Space Center are no secrets around the globe.

This year we are excited to continue and build upon the progress
towards FOBANA's noble mission that had started over twenty years
ago. As a matter of fact, the confluence of recent unprecedented
events across the world has inspired us to set bold goals for FOBANA
2009:
• to critically assess key socio-economic implications
• to objectively explore ways to benefit from new opportunities
• to graciously rejuvenate our sacred commitments towards
shared aspirations

To that end, we will have a rich agenda full of productive activities
against the backdrop of traditional festivities that will help
sustain the merry mood. While we are developing the detailed agenda,
below is its early synopsis:
• Special honor and recognition for the Freedom Fighters among
the attendees
• Honoring non-resident freedom fighters who helped define
Bangladesh
• Special focus on Liberation War in every aspects
• Business Forum promoting bilateral business opportunities
between Bangladesh and N America
• Job Fair with 30 top corporations in Houston
• Presentation of relocation opportunities in Houston for those
who are interested
• Seminars with lucrative, meaningful and popular topics
• Effective personal development seminars
• Programs focusing on the youth generation
• Roundtable discussion on collaboration among NA Bangladeshi
Associations

Because success of this auspicious convention depends on your active
support and participation, FOBANA 2009 Host Committee will appreciate
your presence at this event. If you have any questions, please
contact me at afzal_ahmed@....

Sincerely,

Afzal Ahmed
Convener
FOBANA 2009
Houston, Texas.

#9472 From: Samiunnabi Hossain <sami_un@...>
Date: Sun Feb 8, 2009 6:44 am
Subject: Re: Transit issue revisited
sami_un
Send Email Send Email
 
Thanks Munshi! The issue of transit has political dimension aswell no matter what Pinak or Pronov says! We also know very well that  transit is more "Valuable"  to India than to us!   The issue of transit should be considered only after we develop an atmosphere of mutual trust, which does not exist at present! Next I hope our Current GOVT understands that BD is in stonger position and knows how to negotiate to extract more out of India should we ever decide to consider giving  transit to India. The the advantage to transit is so huge that it is actually a Favor, once given , I am afraid, India would go any length to keep it. Let us do not bring in a giant into our premises whom we do not trust an incapable of controlling! If current government believes in and depends upon the people, they should be able to withstand any pressure and If it bows down to foreign pressure to do treaty on Transit and TIFA then people of banladesh would suspect the treaties as payback for some past favor! My Allah give our government wisdom and courage!
 
Thanks
sami


From: M.B.I. Munshi <MBIMunshi@...>
To: Shetubondhon@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2009 8:52:08 PM
Subject: [Shetubondhon] Transit issue revisited

The Bangladesh Today - 25th January 2009

Every government of Bangladesh - elected or not - feels its incumbent
upon itself to bring up the issue of transit to India but in the end
nothing really gets done except talks which inflame the passions of
the people of this country, moving them to resist any moves by any
government to offer infrastructural facilities to India such as
transit and the use of ports. This has been going on for the last 2
decades but in the last couple of years it has assumed urgent
proportions for India because of their need to get to their states
bordering Bangladesh to the north and east, it being much more time
consuming and costly to travel all the way round than through
Bangladesh. Consider, for example, the fact that right after the
Emergency was declared on 11 January 2007, the Indian Government
invited the Chief of Army Staff to India and gave him a "royal
treatment" in order to elicit some form of commitment regarding the
transit issue - it is of note that the Indians did not invite the
President or the Chief Advisor but the man holding the gun and the
power who got all the attention. Similarly, even before the 29
December election, the Indian Ambassador in Bangladesh was busy
shuttling between the BNP and AL, hedging his bets. When the AL won
the election, the Ambassador came on strongly setting up a visit by
the Indian Foreign Minister whose main agenda undoubtedly would be the
transit, the port and the off-shore exploration of gas in the Bay of
Bengal.

Much has been talked about the issue of transit and there is nothing
new to add as far as the perceptions and view points of the people of
Bangladesh are concerned. On 14 July 2008, The Bangladesh Today
carried a commentary on the issue; it would be worthwhile to reproduce
the major aspects of it here.

The Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh, HE Pinak Ranjan
Chakravarty, spoke to the press on 10 July 2008, after his meeting
with our Foreign Advisor. Mr. Chakravarty had this to say: "We are
raising the issue at every forum but it is yet to come into effect.
Bangladesh considers the issue as political but it is not that; we
don't see it as political. Both the countries should consider the
issue of transit facility for the development of the overall economy
and trade". Well, from this statement its pretty clear what India
wants and why but perhaps India and its High Commissioner (HC) are yet
to understand what Bangladesh wants and why. So let's get down to the
crux of the business.

Starting with the economic aspects on which the Indian HC seems to be
so insistent, we would like to mention that both Bangladesh and India
have access to each other through various land, river and sea routes
and therefore trade and commerce between the two countries can go on
and increase to any extent that the two countries want. As a matter of
fact India has a huge trade surplus over Bangladesh, which means that
India is exporting far more than importing from Bangladesh. Therefore
it is difficult to see how a "transit" through Bangladesh is going to
further improve the economic aspects, when trade is already heavily
weighted in favor of India.

India has to bear tremendous costs to get to its south-eastern states
all the way round; a transit through Bangladesh would make that access
easier both economically as also militarily because these
south-eastern states are all plagued by insurgencies of one type or
another. No, Mr. Chakravarty it is not Bangladesh which is going to
benefit from the transit - except for the paltry sums to be realized
for the passage through - it is India which is going to benefit,
leaving Bangladesh with a permanent security hazard much like the 25
years Indo-Bangla treaty signed just after the independence of Bangladesh.

While we are on economic issues, what about equitable distribution of
river waters which India is denying us, turning huge tracts of our
agricultural lands into deserts during the dry seasons; what about
damming of rivers upstream and releasing those waters during monsoons
turning the whole of Bangladesh into an ocean; what about trying to
grab some of our Exclusive Economic Zones in the Bay of Bengal; what
about denying our people access to many of our "enclaves" in India and
finally what about flooding our Country with Indian phensidyl, drugs
and intoxicants of all sorts.

Coming to the far more important political and security aspects which
the Indian HC is so keen to downplay, we would like to mention that a
"treaty of transit" is certainly going to include clauses for
guaranteed continued access to the transit routes by India. Should
those guarantees fail at anytime, India would not hesitate to march in
with its military forces to ensure that transit, citing reasons of
"national interest" much like they did in Sikkim, Maldives and Sri
Lanka. So, Mr. Chakravarty, every Bangladesh Government understands
these things and that's why India never got the transit and it never will.

If India wants transit through Bangladesh, we want transit through
India to Nepal and China - this makes more economic sense to us. So by
all means let's have transits, both through Bangladesh and India with
equal guarantees and conditions of access through these routes. Better
still, let's have the historical "Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Assam" in
one powerful Nation-State of Bangladesh so that India doesn't have to
bother about transit to those areas.


------------------------------------

[Shetubondhon accepts NO responsibility for the opinion, comments, concepts, ideas, and/or philosophies of its members' posts, other than those released by its management.] 

Community email addresses:
  Post message: Shetubondhon@yahoogroups.com
  Subscribe:    Shetubondhon-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
  Unsubscribe:  Shetubondhon-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
  List owner:  Shetubondhon-owner@yahoogroups.com

Shortcut URL to this page:
  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shetubondhon/Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shetubondhon/

<*> Your email settings:
    Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shetubondhon/join
    (Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
    mailto:Shetubondhon-digest@yahoogroups.com
    mailto:Shetubondhon-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    Shetubondhon-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/



#9473 From: Adityq adityq <adityq@...>
Date: Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:25 am
Subject: Amake Je mone Rakhtei Hobe
adityq
Send Email Send Email
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Aditya Anik er boi

 

Ebarer Boi melay

 

 

 Riddho Krishnochurha Tomake =  Shrabon

( Kobita)

 

 Chhondaa O Amader Mukti Jhuddho =   Somoy

( Novel )

 

 Prottasha Ekhon Ridoy er Kachhe=     Shikorr

(Novel)

 

 Neel Kothorir Vut  ( Voutik )         =         Shikorr

 

 

 Sheemana Barie Dao   =      Deepti

( kobita )

 

 Modhupur Adventure =     Shuchipotro

 ( Adventure )

 

 Chhonno chhara Chorha = Shoily

 ( Chorrha )

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


#9474 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:35 pm
Subject: There might be a possible trend in future for going back Bangladesh
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 

Bad economy forcing immigrants to reconsider U.S.

  • Story Highlights
  • "If I have to suffer, it's better to suffer in Guatemala with my family," immigrant says
  • Bleak economic situation in U.S. forces immigrants to reconsider staying
  • Director of day laborer site says workers are "completely desperate"
  • Expert: Enforcement got message out that "immigration law was back in business"
  • Next Article in U.S. »
By Thelma Gutierrez and Wayne Drash
CNN
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Pedro Pablo slowly folds up his American flag blanket and stuffs it in his duffel bag. With it goes his American dream.

Pedro Pablo, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, headed home recently due to the bad U.S. economy.

Pedro Pablo, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, headed home recently due to the bad U.S. economy.

Click to view previous image
1 of 3
Click to view next image

"I left my family and lost four years with them. I will ask them to forgive me," he said.

Pablo is an illegal immigrant from Guatemala who came to the United States to support his wife and five sons back home. When he arrived, construction jobs were plentiful. Over the last year, he says, he's worked three days.

He recently boarded a bus with a one-way ticket home, paid for by the Guatemalan consulate in Los Angeles. "I thought I could get ahead here. I regret coming." Video Watch day laborers head home »

Across the United States, tens of thousands of immigrants -- those here legally and illegally -- are facing a similar dilemma: Do they continue to search for jobs in a struggling U.S. economy or return home to an even bleaker economic situation?

"Things are very dire, and I think it's impacting those at the very bottom even more so," said Abel Valenzuela, a professor at the University of California-Los Angeles who has spent years studying day laborers.

"Day laborers are being really, really impacted."

America's economic boom during the 1990s and 2000s created a high demand of day workers needed for anything from building homes to picking fruit and from working at slaughterhouses to working as nannies. Many of those jobs have since evaporated, resulting in more and more people -- immigrants and native-born Americans -- flooding day labor job sites and standing on street corners in search of any type of work they can get.

"All of them are competing for the few jobs being dispatched," Valenzuela said.

Immigration experts say it's not yet clear how large an immigration exodus of Latin Americans is under way. But they say anecdotal evidence suggests day laborers, like Pablo, have begun packing -- a result of the economy and tougher immigration enforcement.

For some immigrants, the experts say, the reasons for toughing out the U.S. economic depression outweigh the reasons for leaving, including:
• One or two days of work per month at $8 an hour is often better than what they can make back home;
• Tougher border enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border has made it harder for them to return once they leave;
• Smuggling costs to get into the United States from Mexico have skyrocketed from about $1,500 three years ago to about $6,000 today.

"I'm not convinced it's a tidal wave of exodus," Valenzuela said. "There really is a fear mentality [of leaving], and as a result many immigrants are buckling down -- that is they're hiding or living in the shadows of our law. So they think more than twice about whether or not they want to go back to their country of origin, because they know very well that it's going to be extremely difficult and very expensive to come back if they want to pursue their dream."

Steven Camarota with the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington-based think tank that seeks a "pro-immigrant, low-immigration vision," said Census data indicate that more than 1 million illegal immigrants left last year, a departure that began even before the nation's economy took a turn for the worse toward the end of the year.

He said better border enforcement and workplace raids on illegal immigrants "let people know that the immigration law was back in business."

With illegal immigrants returning home, he said, "It's certainly good for two groups: taxpayers and less educated natives."

The lack of work in the United States has had a trickle down effect in the immigrants' countries of origin. The money sent back home by Mexican immigrants in 2008 fell for the first time since record-keeping began 13 years ago. Video Watch lack of remittances has "real large economic implications" »

The remittances dipped 3.6 percent, from $26 billion in 2007 to $25 billion, according to Mexico's central bank. Remittances are Mexico's second-largest source of foreign income, behind only oil. Other Latin American countries also have seen money sent from immigrants in the United States slow.

Erik Camayd-Freixas, a professor at Florida International University who has served as an immigration court interpreter for two decades, recently traveled to Guatemala, where he saw the effects of less money being sent home by immigrants.

"Everybody was talking about it," he said. "The local economies are severely impacted and the unemployment is rampant."

He said scores of people deported from the United States are trying to find any type of job in Guatemala. "They've been there six months and they have no work," Camayd-Freixas said.

That's why he said he believes most immigrants already in the United States are willing to stick it out, despite the hard-scrabble times in America.

"The truth of the matter is, despite our 7.6 percent unemployment, most Americans are not going to do those jobs that migrant workers do," Camayd-Freixas said. "They're certainly not going to pick tomatoes, grapefruits and oranges."

Camarota disagrees. He said Americans most likely to compete for day labor jobs -- those with a high school degree or less -- are currently unemployed at an astounding rate of about 15 percent. "It's very hard to argue that we're desperately short of unskilled workers," he said.

Geronimo Salguero is the director of a day labor site in Los Angeles. He says employment for day laborers has dipped 75 percent over the last year. He said on any given day three years ago, his center found work for nearly 50 percent of the people who gathered there. Now, that figure is about 5 percent of the 250 men who huddle daily searching for work.

A study issued in January by the Pew Hispanic Center found that nearly three of four Latinos surveyed said their personal finances were in fair or poor shape, compared to 61 percent of the general U.S. population. Among Hispanic immigrants who sent remittances home over the last two years, about 70 percent said they sent less in 2008 than in 2007.

Salguero said to help offset the hard times, immigrants are crowding about 20 men into apartments. He's now working with the Guatemalan consulate. Once a week, he said, the consulate purchases a bus ticket for an immigrant to go home.

"They are completely desperate," he said. "Each day, I have workers coming into the office and say, 'Geronimo, help me. I want to go back to my country.' "

advertisement

Pablo was one of those men. He had lived in a one-bedroom apartment with seven other men. His "bedroom" was a corner of the living room where he kept his blanket, duffel bag and picture of his family.

"I can't make it here," he said. "If I have to suffer, it's better to suffer in Guatemala with my family."


#9475 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Wed Feb 11, 2009 3:58 pm
Subject: A half dead man is elected as President in Bangladesh:
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 
 
I am still not understanding with full concious how a party can help to elect a half dead or near death man to be President in Bangladesh with knowing so much problems (i.e. jobs, financial, business, stocks etc) in Bangladesh.
 
He maybe a superv human being, I admire him but he is a wrong guy at wrong time to be President in Bangladesh. If a half dead man can be President with influence of AL, anything is possible in Bangladesh. I am sorry to say, how many morans have been created last 36 years in Bangladesh?
 
People are so much power and position hungry in Bangladesh even who is near end of his life, do not hesitate to take the position to be self power hunger in Bangladesh. My only advice to people in Bangladesh that you won't see light at the end of the tunnel unless those power hungry mentality goes away or force to go away in near future.
 
AL maybe a wonderful political party in Bangladesh but their decision and works all goes against their menifesto and where they stand for.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), USA

--- On Tue, 1/6/09, M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...> wrote:
From: M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...>
Subject: Re: [Dahuk]: Nominated Zillur as President is a wrong choice
To: cgmpservices@...
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 8:54 AM

It's understood and I believe that President should be with few activities/workload to help Bangladesh,  not to keep him as Statue.  There is no time to be statue in Bangladesh if you take Govt position.  You should work for the people and for the county.  President should have responsibilities and these responsibilities only be performed when he can move from one place to another place quickly without any help or without any Oxygen Tank.
 
This might sound harsh but this is the reality,  we don't have luxury to sit idle if you take Govt position.  I still hope and pray for AL good judgment and leadership if AL really wants to help Bangladesh for better future.  I hope that someone in AL leadership is listening.
 
I do appreciate AL's strong statement and taking things strongly against political hate crime which is still happening in Bangladesh.  I urge them to take concrete steps to stop the political hate cirme in Bangladesh.
 
I personally believe that AL will do better if they stop paying their grassroots and political personnel for their work and pay more attention for the people who voted them in power with mandate.  I hope that AL leadership is listening my suggestion to make Bangladesh a developed country.
 
God helps Bangladesh to have better future.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA
Director, Political and Development in Bangladesh
Change Bangladesh Organization, USA
" An Organization for Better Bangladesh"
www.changebangladesh.org

--- On Tue, 1/6/09, Salahuddin Ayubi <s_ayubi786@...> wrote:
From: Salahuddin Ayubi <s_ayubi786@...>
Subject: Re: [Dahuk]: Nominated Zillur as President is a wrong choice
To: cgmpservices@..., dahuk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 3:03 AM

Our president is thuto jaggannath. It does not really matter whom you make president.  Even a chimpanzee will serve the post roight.
                             Ayubi

--- On Sat, 1/3/09, M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...> wrote:
From: M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...>
Subject: [Dahuk]: Nominated Zillur as President is a wrong choice
To: cgmpservices@...
Date: Saturday, January 3, 2009, 10:41 PM

Choosing Zillur as President is a wrong direction

Even though Hasina wants to pay her AL leaders for their help on her bad times but choosing Zillur is a wrong one. Bangladesh is a country where we need strong face to visit various countries to bring more help for Bangladesh where Hasina does not go.
 
He is a good guy no question about it but Bangladesh needs people with international experiences and strong person who can move quickly to one place to another place. He might need oxygen tank next few months who knows. I hope and pray for his health and he should take rest from politics.
 
Zillur is a very bad choice where we need some one to move Bangladesh forward.  I still hope that Hssina will rethink about his nomination choice for the Presient of Bangladesh which will be good for AL and Bangladesh as far as development is concern.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA


#9476 From: "M.B.I. Munshi" <MBIMunshi@...>
Date: Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:05 pm
Subject: Bangla Translation of The India Doctrine now available at The Bookworm
mimunshi
Send Email Send Email
 
Dear All,

I just wanted to inform you all that limited copies of the Bangla
translation of the 1st Edition of The India Doctrine and the 2nd
Edition of the same book which was published in late 2008 are now
available at The Bookworm near Jahangir Gate - about 200 yards before
the road turns right towards Mohakhali flyover if you are coming from
the direction of the PMO.

Regards

MBI Munshi

#9477 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Thu Feb 12, 2009 7:23 pm
Subject: Blogs and Internet Media are good for Bangladesh
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 

The blogs and Internet media are vibrant since we have comments from both sides and all walks of life of people in Bangladesh and foreign countries. I think that this is a good place for free speech but try to avoid name calling or bad language, try to make your arguments and your points.

One piece of advice to people is that if I live in small village and never went outside, I would not know about outside of my village. This applies same to us that if we don't know about outside or even don't try to know other people points, then it does not matter if others make sense or not since we don't listen to his/her arguments.
 
Well good news is that we live in open societies and no body can hide anymore like before. If few media maybe pro AL, pro CTG or pro BNP, they might try to hide our politicians sin but our open Internet media and blogs will open their veil and show you the real pictures.
 
I hope that I was able to deliver my message. This is good for Bangladesh.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury, USA
www.changebangladesh.org

#9478 From: "M. M. Chowdhury \(Mithu\)" <cgmpservices@...>
Date: Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:33 pm
Subject: Policymakers certain recession will hit economy next fiscal in Bangladesh
cgmpservices
Send Email Send Email
 

I have been pushing and asking our Bnagladesh policymakers for the last 5 weeks to put CBd's proposal and Strategies in place to survive in this upcoming financial nightmare in Bangladesh. 

Our current Govt just acknowledged CBd, USA advice.  I wish they would take CBd, USA advice earlier with strong enthusiasm and importance. 

CBd welcomes Bangladesh policymakers gesture and acknowledgment.

Note:  CBd is not against either AL or BNP,  CBd is a pro Bangladesh Organization based in USA.  CBd will support anybody or parties as long they work to help the people of Bangladesh and work on making their future better.  CBd helps Bangladesh previous and new Govts with new strategic policy advice and other development works in Bangladesh.

 

Regards,

M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), USA

Director, Political and Economical Development in Bangladesh

Change Bangladesh Organization (CBd), USA

www.changebangladesh.org

 

Policymakers certain recession will hit economy next fiscal

The government’s policymakers are now certain that the global recession is going to hit the country’s economy - possibly in the next fiscal year, if not this fiscal year, reports UNB.
They were, however, not yet certain to what extent the recession could affect the so far satisfying performance of the economy as compared to other countries in South Asia.
Meanwhile, a high-level committee is in the offing early next month to assess the possible setback and suggest remedial measures.
Prime Minister’s Economic Affairs Adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman told reporters of the obvious impact today (Thursday), emerging out of a meeting between Finance Minister AMA Muhith and visiting IMF director for Asia Pacific Department Anoop Singh at the Finance Ministry.
He accompanied the Minister along with Finance secretary Dr Muhammad Tareque during the discussion on the possible impact of global recession on the country’s economy. IMF resident representative Jonathon C Dunn was also present.
“The recession has not yet affected our economy, but it’ll,” Dr Mashiur said, after reviewing overall situation of the recession. “Nobody can say till now to what extent the impact will be.”
He said the government has kept a close watch on the situation, particularly on the impact of remittance, and has been reviewing the situation from time to time.
The PM’s economic adviser said the government is considering to establish a committee with government and civil society representation while the body would undertake possible measures through consultation.
Earlier, the Finance Minister had told reporters that the first meeting of the proposed committee would be held early next month (March).
Replying to a question, Dr Mashiur said that he has got some responsibilities to oversee economic issues while he has a catalytic role to expedite proper implementation of the measures to be taken by the government.
What he does, he said, is to discuss the issues like the possible impact of the recession with the Finance Minister and the Planning Minister. Dr Mashiur added that he has no difference of opinion or problem working with them as they were his senior colleagues in the past.
“How we can implement the pre-election pledges are being decided through discussion among us,” said the PM’s adviser.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith said the economic condition of the country remained good so far and there is nothing to be worried about the impact during the current fiscal year. “We’ll have to think about the next fiscal year,” he said.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, IMF director Anoop Singh said Bangladesh remained well-protected with reasonably good economic indicators while most of the economies in the world have been affected by the recession.
He agreed with the policymakers here that the economy is unlikely to be affected by the recession in the current fiscal year. The country’s readymade garment export remained well-positioned compared to its competitors due to lower-end products, Singh said.
He added that the government was also deeply considering about the RMG industry.


--- On Sun, 2/8/09, M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...> wrote:

From: M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...>
Subject: Financial and Strategic Warning to Current Govt in Bangladesh
To: cgmpservices@...
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2009, 7:34 PM

I am so much worried about few of Moran Ministers in Bangladesh that they may sink the ship in Bangladesh while they are in driver seats.  The reason of my frustration is that they are stoning wrong birds to accomplish people needs.  Now I am hearing the following statements:
 
 
2) Signing Transit Agreement with India is not ripe time yet.  Every country is building bunkers for their survival, nobody will give you more, so signing with them won't help you a penny.
 
3) South Asian Security Force.  A recipe for a disaster unless Bangladesh is Iraq or Afghanistan situation.  US canceled TIFA since they are in big hole in financial situation.
 
4) Trail of Razakars should be second priority under the current financial condition of Bangladesh.  This will take off our real focus of emergency needs in Bangladesh.
 
5) Law and Order is deteriorating - Taj.  This is the benchmark for any Govt success.
 
6) Mr. Zillur as a President is a wrong choice in wrong time.  Bnagladesh needs a dynamic, strong, visionary person to lead Bangladesh in this tough time.  No time to bring oxygen tanks and carry all places.
 
The bottom line is that why either AL or BNP parties does not have qualified people to run Bangladesh and establish the priorities that they need to focus.  I am more than convinced now that Current Govt needs to bring expertise and experiences NRBs to develop few strategic plan and focus which will help Bangladesh next 3-4 years.
 
I hope that someone in AL Govt listening my call.  Even they do not listen to me,  I have nothing to loose but I believe that I should do for Bangladesh as much as possible with my power and limitation.
 
God Bless Bangladesh and help poor people in this coming financial storm. 
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA


--- On Sun, 2/1/09, M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...> wrote:
From: M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...>
Subject: Bangladesh Needs Local Stimulate Package
To: cgmpservices@...
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2009, 9:25 PM


The following are real strategies which will help Bangladesh to ride over this upcoming financial turmoil:
 
1) Provide stimulate package to ICT companies and provide all Govt ICT projects to locals to make digital Bangladesh.  If some one in current Govt knows what digital means to them.  Use local programmers and networking engineers to employ as much as possible.  This will create enough works to keep ICT going with creating more jobs.
 
2) Provide enough finance to build the Pharmaceuticals park at Munshigonj.  20% works was done, complete this projects which will create huge jobs for now.
 
3) Since overseas market is bad,  few of NRBs might be interested to come back Bangladesh to develop this country with their expertis and experiences.  Govt needs to make sure to provide tax free income during their stay in Bangladesh like Middle Eastern Countires.  Provide enough facilities and security to perform their work during living in Bangladesh.
 
4) If there is less corruption in Bangladesh,  NRBs might be interested to invest in Bangladesh to take opportunity during this financial turmoil.
 
5) Bangladesh Govt needs to adopt new policy to attract NRBs in Bangladesh.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA
www.changebangladesh.org

--- On Fri, 1/30/09, M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...> wrote:
From: M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...>
Subject: Perfect Storm is coming to Bangladesh
To: cgmpservices@...
Date: Friday, January 30, 2009, 5:28 PM

Dear All,
 
You may wonder what kind of storm I am talking about.  It's  economical storm that Bangladesh never experienced before.  I am little bit worried that economists and present Minsters in Bangladesh are not paying much attention about this storm.  Well the problem is that if you do not know a Storm is coming, then you won't be prepared for it.  There will be a situation that we will start blame game, he or she didn't tell me, I didn't know, nobody even PM didn't say this.  Well then listen from me please.
 
My conservative estimate is that economical storm in the world will exist until 2012,  if you can ride on this storm, then you will survive, if you can't then good luck.  I like to provide few strategic outlines what to do in this perfect economical storm in Bangladesh.
 
1) Current Govt should recognize that a perfect storm is coming.  If USA could recognize this storm in 2006,  USA won't be in this position now.
 
2) Put resources in place so Govt can take care its people and feed them trough out the storm period.
 
3) Stop biased or favoritism in Bangladesh.  Once I am hungry,  I won't say I am AL or BNP,  all I will say give me food and job to survive.  So based on basis of human rights,  its current Govt duty to help people regardless his or her party affiliations.
 
4) Bangladesh Real Estate bubble will be burst within year and so, so Govt should be prepared with huge layoff in that sector as well as other sectors.  Most of the Real Estate bubble in Bangladesh were created by NRBs and corrupted money in Bangladesh.  NRBs are real squeeze in financial aspect and won't be able to continue support the sky rocket price of land and apartments in Bangladesh.
 
5) Pharmaceuticals is the only sector which is recession proved in Bangladesh.  I have asked BNP Govt in 2005 to modernize this sector, CTG in 2007 and I am asking AL Govt in 2009 to pay attention and use NRBs expertise to develop this sector.  This is the only sector that you have no choice but to bring experts NRBs in Bangladesh to develop this sector for future growth.
 
6) NRBs and people in Bangladesh should lower their life style to ride on this storm.  Excessive waste will bring up other people's misery.
 
God Bless Bangladesh and help her 150 Million poor people in this coming perfect Storm.
 
Note:  My advise is not to direct any individuals or parties or NRBs, but to reach out to them and what we can do for the people during this bad economical  times.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), USA
Director, Political and Economical Development in Bangladesh
Change Bangladesh organization, USA
www.changebanglades h.org


--- On Tue, 1/20/09, M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...> wrote:
From: M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu) <cgmpservices@...>
Subject: [khabor.com] Why USA won't able to get out of this financial mess
To: cgmpservices@...
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 12:41 PM

Dear All,
 
I think and believe that we in USA are concern like any others about financial impact in USA and rest of the world and where this will lead us in the next 8 years.  I congratulate President Obama for taking the USA leadership but I am cautious like others even though I have campaign for Obama among Bangladeshi Community in USA.
 
Let's see the scenario why USA is in this position which is very different than 1930's and what steps should be taken for the incremental improvement.
 
Reasons for this mess
 
1) More than $20T, start with Trillion dollars of investors money has been lost in the last 12 months including personal 401K money. So the people confidence in companies is lower than ever.
 
2) More than 500,000 jobs have been cut per month by companies in USA, if it's continue then at the end of 2009 total 6 million jobs will be lost.  Adding 2 million jobs already have been lost in the last 24 months.  This is creating a nightmare for the consumers to spend  discretionary money.
 
3) Two third of the economy are depended on consumer spending,  when consumer stopped buying like before,  companies can not make money, their stocks goes down and companies start laying off to make baseline profit for the company.  This is called a cycle of uncertainty.
 
4) Biggest problem is that USA consumers has borrowed two times of their house worth for the last 5 years.  For example, if a house price is $100K in 1999, it went up to $300K in 2006, so extra $200K was borrowed from foreign countries to mortgage people's houses in USA.  Therefore, deficit went over the roof.  If this is continued,  few wealthy countries might not be interested to invest in USA like before because losing confidence into USA economy and their investment returns.
 
5) Once people lost jobs, they can not afford to pay high mortgage which they could not afford at the first place.  US Govt can not pay everybody extra interest for the mortgage they owe to banks.  This might come over $10T, start with Trillion.
 
6) Once companies make less money, the Govt tax collection also becomes low.  So more deficit for USA.  Intake is higher than delivery.
 
7) USA does not have leadership of many technologies like before, so USA has more competitors than before i.e. China and India.
 
8) More liability for baby boomers in years ahead, means need more money to take care her citizens like Social Security and Medicare.
 
9) Iraq war alone costs USA close to $1T and need another $1.2T to take care veterans health and financial liabilities.
 
10) Dollar might go down compare to others currency once foreign countries start withdraw their investment or stopped new investment in USA, i.e.  stop buying USA Bond.
 
Options to way of of this mess:
 
So what do USA have now?  President Obama's sweet talks might not bring much fruits unless he can show leadership and put new policies in place very quickly, so situation does not get out of control.  I personally think that President Obama should do the following for the love of this country.
 
1)  President Obama should provide executive order to cut military budget of $465B to only $50B.  Bring all military installation back home unless foreign countries provide the bill.
 
2) Provide middle class incentives as soon as possible.
 
3) Stop giving big money to banks but give direct loan to consumers from Govt Treasure.  I know it does not sound Capitalist,  but US Govt does not have any other option.  For example,  If I know that this consumer will not able to pay back my money,  I won't make loan to him even I get pressured from Govt unless Govt takes all the toxic assets.  Same situation, Banks are not lending even they got US Govt money.  Banks know consumers do not have enough money or may lose job soon whichever is first.
 
4) Provide stimulate money if there is any Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) in place for the new projects which will create jobs.
 
I hope and pray US gets out of this mess but I am very pessimistic now based on the scenario I have presented you here, unless miracle happens in USA.
 
God bless USA and her people.
 
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), Virginia, USA
 

#9479 From: Meer Husain <matribhumi_bd@...>
Date: Sat Feb 14, 2009 1:47 am
Subject: Re:Open Letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Arsenic Disaster in Bangladesh
matribhumi_bd
Send Email Send Email
 
Re:Open Letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Arsenic Disaster in Bangla


About two years ago we raised important questions about the improper disposal of arsenic waste from the Sono filters as well as other filters and treatment units in Bangladesh regarding its environmental concerns.


As experienced environmental professionals, we believe that it is our moral obligation to bring this issue to the promoter of the filters, users of the filters and the govt agencies so that everyone is aware of the issue and take necessary steps to stop improper disposal of arsenic waste. We shared numerous articles and case studies with the scientists who are promoting and allowing the improper disposal of arsenic waste to occur in Bangladesh. They neglected to heed our call and instead promoted the open dumping of toxic arsenic waste based on false data and poor assessment.


Many people asked why the UNICEF and other NGO's are using these filters if the filters' arsenic waste disposal violates the scientific laws and principles of environmental health? Why is the World Health Organization not concerned about the indiscriminate disposal of arsenic waste in Bangladesh, Nepal, India and other countries? Are these organizations aware of the EPA's arsenic waste disposal regulations and impacts of arsenic waste to the public health, ecosystem and environment etc?


In July 2007 in the article entitled, "Emergency Water Supply: Arsenic Removal Filters? Or Use of Tube wells in Wet season, and Dug wells and River Waters in Dry Season?," we presented the following solutions for arsenic disaster in Bangladesh.


Emergency Water Supply Solutions to the Arsenic Affected Regions of Bangladesh:

Wet Season Solution:
During the wet season, the people of Bangladesh can abstract arsenic free water from above the "arsenic contaminated zone". They can abstract and enjoy plenty of arsenic free water for about 6-7 months from tube wells. During the wet season they need to set the well screen about 3-5 feet above the arsenic contaminated zone. During this time, people of the arsenic affected areas will not have to deal with groundwater arsenic contamination at all. During wet seasons, people should not use arsenic removal filters and treatment units at all because the water above the arsenic contaminated zone is free from arsenic poisoning. The municipal water supply units also generate a large volume of arsenic sludge. During wet season they can also abstract arsenic free water from above the contaminated zone. We think this is the best cost effective, environment friendly solution for 6-7 months in the arsenic contaminated areas.


Why is the above mentioned wet season solution considered to be the best solution?

Because during the wet season plenty of arsenic free waters can be abstracted from tube wells and dug wells, and prior to the arsenic disaster in Bangladesh people abstracted arsenic free water from dug wells for thousands of years and from tube wells for 70-80 years from above the present arsenic contaminated zone (the thousands of year old oxidation zone that is overlain by the recently created new oxidation zone). In the event that bacteria is present in wells, both the wells and water can be disinfected through chlorination. The disinfection of water by chlorination is much cheaper and convenient than the arsenic removal filters. During the wet season, arsenic free water can be produced from dug wells and tube wells at a cheaper price than any other method. The people won't have to deal with toxic arsenic waste at all. The implementation of this project will reduce the toxic waste and the water supply cost by at least 50% than the current arsenic removal systems round the year. This method will fully protect the health and safety of the people, ecosystem and environment of Bangladesh from the arsenic disaster.


We do not think any Bangladeshi or foreign environmental geologist, hydrogeologist, water engineer, environmental economist, policymaker and politician are able to present a better solution than this one. We think the above mentioned solution is the best environment friendly, cost effective, emergency water supply solution for the wet season. We can destroy pathogenic bacteria, but we can't destroy arsenic. The honorable ministers of LGRD, Water Resources, Agriculture, Environment, Science and Technology, Education, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the elected opposition political party leaders should immediately explore the above mentioned water supply method. This is a serious national issue and we request that they work together to protect the people of Bangladesh from the arsenic disaster. We would like to assure the govt. of Bangladesh that the well trained and experienced scientists and engineers will fully agree with our proposal and they would fully support the implementation of this emergency water supply system in Bangladesh. We request that the Prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the opposition group leaders immediately examine, evaluate and compare this method with other alternative solutions on an urgent basis.


Now the question is how much cost is involved to implement this project? How much time is required to fully install the tube wells in the affected areas? How many tube wells need to be installed? What are the sources of financial support needed to execute this project? How much money is available to the Bangladesh govt. to implement the project etc.?

The DPHE is the main organization capable of implementing the project. The DPHE and the National Arsenic Mitigation Committee of Bangladesh have detailed information necessary to examine and evaluate the project within a few weeks. They can take help from the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation and other professional NGO's in this regard. If they need any help from us to execute the project, the WATC International Research team will provide them with all the necessary information and the team will examine the various aspects of the proposed project and work with Bangladesh govt. for implementing the project.


If the DPHE and Bangladesh National Arsenic Mitigation Team are not capable of preparing the plan, we would like to inform the the govt. of Bangladesh that WATC international research team will be happy to develop a plan for both wet season and dry season.

The dry season is fast approaching and during this time the sufficient arsenic free water is not available in Bangladesh for drinking, irrigation and industries. The journalists of Bangladesh are keeping us informed about the extent of arsenic poisoning on a regular basis. So what are the best solutions for the dry season? Is there any more cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions than the present arsenic removal filters operating in Bangladesh? We would request the govt. and the people of Bangladesh to review the following articles:

1. Arsenic Threatens Global Health:, http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20081802-16913-4.html

2. Desert gust blows health risks from Calif. mines: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28338755/).


The situation in Bangladesh is getting worse every day. We believe the people of Bangladesh will be able to realize and learn from these articles about what is happening and what will happen to the public health, ecosystem and environment in Bangladesh from the indiscriminate disposal of arsenic waste. We think we can solve the arsenic disaster in Bangladesh with the help of the international community. In order to convince the international community to provide financial and technical assistance, we must develop sustainable, cost effective and environment friendly solutions based on sound scientific data and evidence. The data must be collected and interpreted by professionals who have had proper institutional training and working experience in dealing with soil and groundwater contamination projects.


Respectfully,


Meer Husain,P.G.

Environmental Geologist,

Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment,

Cowley County Community College,

Team Leader-Wichita Area Technical College International Arsenic, Water, Ecosystem and Environment Research Center, Wichita, Kansas, USA.


Continue...........




#9480 From: "K. Raisuddin" <Kraisuddin@...>
Date: Sat Feb 14, 2009 3:00 pm
Subject: RE: A half dead man is elected as President in Bangladesh:
kraisuddin
Send Email Send Email
 
In response to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shetubondhon/message/9475
=======================================================

It does not matter what party or who rules the country, it is important to help
the people who are running the country in the positive matters, stop unnecessary
fueling against truthlessness and irreality, and if possible to recommend to
them better alternatives, or criticize the negative matters constructively with
respect. Any one who openly in public uses the word "Half Dead" to the existing
President of the country, is extremely disrespectful and directly work against
the benefit and image of the country. I am not advising anybody, I am just
shocked by looking at the immaturity of some people who talks so much just
spreading vanity, and becomes extremely disrespectful to the others, and 
produce no real results for the betterment of the nation and the country. Sorry
to say all these and thanks for everything else.

#9481 From: "K. Raisuddin" <Kraisuddin@...>
Date: Sat Feb 14, 2009 4:29 pm
Subject: RE: Re:Open Letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Arsenic Disaster in Bangladesh.
kraisuddin
Send Email Send Email
 
In response to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shetubondhon/message/9479
=======================================================

As the part of worldwide "Green Revolution", storing natural surface water (from
rain, streams, lakes,etc.) to man-made water reservoirs such as dighi or pukur
in Bangladesh, levy protected large reservoirs upstream of water treatment
plants for potable water supply or upstream of hydro-plants etc. in different
countries, initiatives and projects are being taken to resolve the scarcity and
problems of drinking water and using water for farming or cultivation. Surface
water stored in these man-made sources will be arsenic free. In Bangladesh, the
water of monsoon can be stored easily, in the monsoon season, into the  man-made
reservoirs all over the country, even around every house. People will be able to
drink for the rest of the non-monsoon seasons, arsenic free natural monsoon
water from these man-made stores. Since arsenic has bocome so prevelant in the
underground tube well water, Bangldeshis may change the habit, leaving the habit
of drinking underground water; and develop the habit of our past generations, to
drink surface water. Our ancestors could drink directly from the natural water
sources, without having very less bad affects, for the main reason that the
pollution was very very low in the nature at that time. Since pollution is high
now, it would only be beneficial to store pure monsoon water in protected
man-made water reservoirs, and drink with minor filtration, and boiling &
cooling if needed, based on the case by case situations.

People and Government together may form Public-Private ventures, for promotion,
capital, planning, design, construction, regulation, circulation, etc.

Since momsoon will last for ever (at least in the next hundreds of years), this
initiative will resolve the major problems of potable and irrigation water for
ever. Thanks.

Messages 9451 - 9481 of 9942   Oldest  |  < Older  |  Newer >  |  Newest
Add to My Yahoo!      XML What's This?

Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Guidelines NEW - Help