Bangladesh Blogger

Bangladesh Yesterday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:56:00 +0000

"Elias Ali will be found"- Syed Ashraful Islam, LGRD Minister.
Minister has hope that Elias Ali will return alive at press conference in Dhaka. He emphasised that the opposition was trying to take advantage of the situation. While the opposition also staged a massive rally in the capital.
Comment: Bangladeshis have no choice like the British, but to be told what to do, when to do it, and how! Two political parties, along with many of their stooges have wreaked havoc in Bangladesh, since it was created. BNP leaders like the old scoundrel Moudud Ahmed (Formerly ally of Dictator Ershad) provided a final ultimatum to the government to return Elias Ali.

Premier Sheikh Hasina told a group of loyal Awami League followers that she does not believe in revenge and laid the blame, fully on Khaleda Zia.

Comment: Sheikh Hasina is enjoying her days in Government. She just returned from Qatar, where she received first class hospitality. She might not receive the same reception in Saudi Arabia, as the assassination of one of their diplomat, who was killed in the diplomatic enclave, still remains unsolved.

Sen Gupta Telecom: Mr Soumen Sen Gupta stated in an interview at the ACC that his company has total working capital of BDT 60,000 only, while the licence was paid by a sister concern. A shaken, but confident Mr Gupta told a crowded press conference: "anyone one can go and verify this."
Comment: Today, I asked one Suranjeet Sen Gupta's constituent, if Mr Gupta was from a wealthy background, or if he had any influence in Dirai. I was told that Mr Gupta is despised in his locality, but has the backing of local henchmen.

Sagor/Runi Murder: RAB exhumes last remains of journalists for post-mortem, two months after their murder. Apparently, officials failed to do it properly the first time.
Comment: Rumours abound. Very influential people involved. Apparently, one or both of the journalist couple were about to expose high level corruption.

Destiny Bangladesh Scam: Investigation Commission to be announced next week by BD Gov.

Comment: Destiny is a MLM scam making the news waves on Bangladeshi Media, which are mostly loyal to the opposition. Apparently there is an ongoing media campaign from opposition group owned media outlets who are out to oust Sheikh Hasina and her loyal bunch of aged Awami Leaguers.

* This post is for 'Himu' and all those who walk at night.

Killing Fields of Bangladesh

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:46:00 +0000

It's just another normal day in London. Politicians talking nonsense, the weather is unpredictable as usual. Nothing is extra-ordinary about today, unless you hail from Bangladesh, or have distant relatives, or ties of kinship.

The following email I wrote to my MP, Rt. Hon Jim Fitzpatrick, should explain the mood:

Sir,
I'm writing with concern, noticing the current state of lawlessness in Bangladesh. Since 2010, around 22 people belonging to different opposition groups have disappeared, some have been found lifeless, abandoned by state organs of Bangladesh; that are acting out atrocities similar to the Sri Lankan genocides. As a constituent and an activist (I write as Bangladesh Blogger, sometimes!), I feel the need to inform you of the current situation.

I hope you will take these unlawful killings in Bangladesh seriously and raise it with appropriate ministers. Because, it would be a shame to deny a 'Bangla Spring', when licence payers in the UK have no choice but to listen to BBC News broadcasting news about Syria 24- hours a day, non-stop.

Do we really pay for things as terrible as BBC News 24, so that we tax-payers can constantly have headache about distant lands?

Then so be it.

Yours sincerely, Bangladesh Blogger

Conversation with Nurul Islam Nahid MP

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:39:00 +0000

Today, I had the opportunity or good-fortune of making a phone call to the Minister responsible for the education of Bangladeshis. Nurul Islam Nahid MP, who is often said to be the last honest person remaining in Beanibazar. Now, this special part of Bangladesh is a diseased ridden electorate, where corruption is the number one priority among the locals. Due to the advent of cheap calls, I tend to speak to local and national politicians in languages they understand. In fact, just the other day, I was speaking to Ataur Rahman Khan, who is apparently close with the education minister.

Last year, Khan advised me that he was the founder of terror in his locality. This year he seems to think the education minister is too honest, as he is preventing others from sharing the alms of government.

I requested Nurul Islam Nahid to look into the rise of bribery at the local Police station. He advised me that he was very much concerned about this. According to my investigation in the past year, it has come to my knowledge that the local Police station is at the centre of some major corrupt practices. It should be noted that, local land registry officials are equally reprehensible, as they act with local crooks in forging documents.

These individuals are a clever lot, who change loyalties like the six seasons of Bangladesh. I should mention that: the local police officers like Fozlu and Shibli are a pair of illegitimate children. I remember a joke from school days which I head read in 'Bichinta', about how the Police were the illegitimate children of the Border Guards of Bangladesh. Or, maybe it was the other way round. Maybe we can talk about that one fine day.

* This post is for Minar Mahmud who committed suicide few day's ago. And for my Friend Meherun Runi, who was savagely murdered, along with her husband, few month's ago. I will try to write more for you guys.

Bangladesh coach: 'England win gives us confidence'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:07:00 +0000

Jamie Siddons says the fact his side beat a team who had beaten South Africa and drew with India means they still think they can qualify. "Mathematically if England win their next game, we can't get in, unless we win against South Africa, which is a very difficult task," Siddons said.

Related Link: Bangladesh v Netherlands at Chittagong

Little Bangladesh in Big Trouble

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:17:00 +0000

I was walking through Brick Lane recently. Nearing midnight. It was business as usual. I walked past rows of restaurants with staff at the doorway trying to attract unwitting-clients into buying cheap curry.

'Welcome to Brick Lane'

As the flow of Bangladeshi migrants increase in Britain, concentration of these migrants impact the wider community. Returning to the pretty sights of Brick Lane - I felt as though: "I was walking through the red-light districts of Amsterdam;".

People tend to be merry here. Possibly because of the smell of cheap beer around Brick Lane, or, maybe it's in their veins. The company was good that night. A young man who had grown-up and spent most of his life in the heart of Brick Lane, was my guide. Among his interpretations of the impact of disorganised migration into UK, was the negative-effect on cohesion.

Many of the Bangladeshi owned or operated restaurants and catering companies in Brick Lane apparently employ these migrant-workers on a pittance. The recent in-flow of such Bangladeshi migrants has provided a wide choice of cheap-labour for the alleged greedy restaurant owners.

There is also the regular migration of Bangladeshis through arranged marriages. Often spouses join their British-Bangladeshi partners for a life in the UK, to find that there's not much of a prospect - apart from aspiring to own a curry house. Many also succumb to economic and family pressure into accepting a demoralising job at a Bangladeshi restaurant.

There are allegations of Bangladeshi students working for less than seven-pounds a day. This is an indication of the abuse of Bangladeshi migrants in Britain, by their fellow countrymen. While most of the bad news about Bangladeshi migrants relates to the middle and far east, there has been little-reporting on the abuse of migrants among the British-Bangladeshi community. Over the years - this constant in-flow of migrants and settlement of Bangladeshis in Britain, has seriously impacted the lives of young Bangladeshis born in Britain. Tower Hamlets, a majority Bangladeshi populated local authority in London, has seen continuous cycles of youth unemployment. It has one of the highest youth unemployment rates.

Brick Lane is also famous for the Baishaki Mela, which is touted to be a multicultural event. Supported through public-funds, this extravaganza costs taxpayers in Britain many thousands of pounds. This event has been shunned by many Tower Hamlets residents for its lavishness.

As many of the British born Bangladeshis resort to peddling drugs on the streets of London, the local authority is seen to be getting keener on promoting pointless events, in search of a safer, cleaner, and greener borough. This social-mess that pervades the knowledge of decision makers, is not the sole responsibility of the authorities. In fact, much of the blame lies with the parents of these unfortunate minority-youths.

Originally written in 2010. Unable to complete full article. Will follow-up soon.

Daughters of Bangladesh

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:03:00 +0000

In 2009, Ustad Afzalur Rahman, one of the world's finest sarod players, passed away in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. Filmmakers Lynn Lee and James Leong spent time with the Ustad and his daughters in the months before his death, and watched them as their family helped them plan a concert in Dhaka to introduce the maestro's daughters to Bangladeshi music fans.

European Parliament on Bangladesh Genocide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:36:00 +0000

In June 2008 Robert Evans (MEP) addressed the Council (E‑3458/08) on the still pending issue of a war crimes trial in Bangladesh in connection with the genocide that had taken place there in 1970‑71. In its answer the Council replied that: ‘To put an end to impunity for the most serious international crimes is a goal listed, inter alia, among the EU's priorities for the next United Nations General Assembly.’

In its answer to Written Question P‑4443/09, the Council indicated that ‘the EU recognises the support in Bangladesh for bringing war criminals from the 1971 War of Liberation to justice. The Troika made it clear that whilst it is for Bangladesh to determine the judicial process to be followed, such a process should be transparent and carried out according to international standards’. The EU did not raise the issue at the 63rd United Nations General Assembly. Its possible support for proposals for judicial processes to address the alleged crimes in Bangladesh in 1970‑71 would depend on the content of such proposals.

The relevant paragraph in the EU priorities for UNGA 63 reads as follows: ‘Ending impunity for the most serious international crimes remains high on the agenda of the EU. The EU firmly believes that there can be no impunity for the most serious crimes and that there can be no longstanding peace without justice. The EU remains committed to cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) as well as to supporting the universality and integrity of the Rome Statute. The EU will continue its active engagement in preparing the Review Conference in a way that it would send out a strong signal with the objective of strengthening the Court and contributing to the universality of justice.’ There is no specific reference to Bangladesh — the EU priorities for UNGA 63 do not make reference to any specific countries.

It should be added that the ICC would not be an instrument for addressing the issues raised by the Honourable Member. The ICC can only prosecute crimes committed on or after 1 July 2002, the date on which the Rome Statute entered into force.

Bowling for Bangladesh

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:29:00 +0000

Come November, it will be 10 years since Bangladesh were granted Test status. The snipers will look at a record of 57 defeats in 66 Tests and say that their place at the top table is undeserved. When it comes to a nation of 160 million, one that has often seen the worst that Mother Nature has to offer, sometimes you need to look beyond cold numbers. What, then, has Test status done for Bangladesh, and do they deserve to keep it?".

Post via The Guardian Blog

Sponsored Link: Add Cricinfo to your iGoogle page.

Chittagong: The Pearl of China

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:29:00 +0000

"The Chinese have a very good quality of work," says Commodore Riaz. The naval officer is overseeing Chittagong's commercial port as it prepares for a transformation. Commodore Riaz has an air of discipline and efficiency about him. He values the professionalism of the Chinese contractors whom he recently hired to complete two huge new terminals. But now the Chinese government is going much further. China has promised to fund the transformation of this coastline, which reports estimate will cost $9bn.

The various forms of Chinese assistance to Bangladesh have caused jitters in India - the huge country next door. "This is not a fear, this is a fact," says Professor Shrikant Kondapalli of Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. He believes China is "setting up shop" in smaller countries around the Indian Ocean because of oil. An estimated 80% of oil for China's resource-hungry economy comes from the Middle East and Africa, via the Indian Ocean.

Via BBC NEWS - Business

Add BBC News | Business on iGoogle

Bankrupt Bangladesh

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:38:00 +0000

A brief introduction to the conflict between the traditional Bengali culture and the uprising Islamic thinking. Bangladesh, one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world, has been plagued by misfortune since inception. One of the main reasons for its dysfunctional stature is its deprived political structure. Here, we see a leading Islamic thinker of Bangladesh criticising this hypocrisy. He compares the two famous poets of this nation, Nazrul and Tagore, and concludes that the society in Bangladesh is divided, like they are divided in their taste of music.

While Tagore accrued a Nobel Prize in his lifetime, Nazrul (known as the Rebel Poet ), was often seen, in-and-out of solitary confinement.

* Bengali Language Video

First Bangladeshi elected to UK Parliament

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:12:00 +0000

Rushanara Ali with David Milliband in 2008

Bethnal Green and Bow elected the UK's first Bangladeshi MP when Rushanara Ali won the seat last week. Ms Ali, 35, was elected with a 11,574 majority. A former student of Mulberry School and Tower Hamlets College, Ms Ali won a place at Oxford University and works for the Young Foundation in Bethnal Green.

Related Posts: This Is Tower Hamlets - Ground Report: Tower Hamlets

Post via East End Life

Perspectives on Bangladesh

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:10:00 +0000

"Does foreign-aid really address the causes and effects of poverty? In countries such as Bangladesh, no matter how much aid flows through in the name of poverty alleviation, it will only benefit the affluent class."

Related video: Poverty in Bangladesh

Ground Report: Tower Hamlets

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:51:00 +0000

Tower Hamlets, Bangla Town or Little Bangladesh - However you define it - Is an important constituency in the upcoming UK general elections.

It is to become host to the first British-Bangladeshi member of the UK Parliament. With nearly half of the population having Bangladeshi origins, Tower Hamlets has led all the way, in terms of participation in politics.

As the battle-ground comes closer to conclusion - there are reports that campaigning is taking a form that is seen in Bangladeshi Elections: allegations of impending fraud, scuffles in campaigning and the constant battering of illegitimate propaganda. Leading up to the elections, I'll try to portray, the issues surrounding this election, and after the elections, I'll also try to pass on any relevant information that reflects the results.

Related Post: Say No To Jim Fitzpatrick

Update via Respect, Tower Hamlets - 15.30 GMT

“Once again elections in Tower Hamlets are being stolen from the people.” Said George Galloway, as he wrote to the police, the Electoral Commission and the Tower Hamlets Returning Officer to voice his fears. Galloway raised the fact Jim Fitzpatrick has sent out freepost postal voting forms urging voters to return the form not to Electoral Services but to him.

Update via The Independent - 16.37 GMT - 05/05/2010

Both the local Conservative and Respect parties in Tower Hamlets have been looking through the new electoral rolls for properties that have an alarmingly high number of adults registered to one address.

The area has a large Bengali population and this type of fraud is unfortunately all too common. In some instances there have been as many as 20 Bengali names supposedly living in two or three-bedroom flats.

How Bangladesh Works

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:59:00 +0000

What an odd title? I have recently been trying to contact the so-called digitised departments of the Bangladesh government, through their ancient-relics (websites). Do you know how difficult it is to get through to someone who knows what is happening around them? Utterly disgraceful.

Related Link: Digital Bangladesh on Bangladesh Social Network

I have tweeted about some of my communications previously, however, this time, I feel obliged to publish or make public, a letter I have been trying to send to the RAB office in Sylhet. During my telephone call to the RAB office, I explained my situation to the person who answered the phone (CO); who had explained to me that the entire system was corrupt, and that I should not be ashamed of expressing my concerns as a Bangladeshi.

In relation to my investigation into few-matters of injustice, bribery & corruption in Bangladesh and Britain - I am publishing extracts of a letter, that is failing to reach its destination. This is an initial post, which will be followed up by articles and documents in relation to such matters.

FAO: CO, RAB-9, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Fax: 00 88 0821 2860 296

RE: Falsification of Bangladesh government documents

I write with regards to the ongoing corrupt-practices, led by a Bangladeshi national. Ataur Rahman of Kazi Bari, Ghungadia, Beanibazar, Sylhet (Last known contact number - 08223 88605). It is alleged here, that, 'Ataur Rahman' is persistently forging Bangladesh government documents - in violation of several penal codes, which I have mentioned below. His activities pose a serious threat to the well-being of innocent Bangladeshis living and plying their affairs abroad, and also hinder the relationship between Bangladesh and Britain.

Description of Incidents >>

Falsification of documents, in violation of following acts - Bangladesh Passport Order 1973, Passport Act. 1920, Passport Offences Act. 1952

Passport Numbers: G 473620 & M 0233479 were used by Ataur Rahman (using alias: M Ali) to claim social-security benefits and other services that he was not entitled to. This has caused substantial losses to the UK public-funds, and is not an isolated incidence. *** Passport Copies provided

Falsification of Land-Registry documents: Ataur Rahman has used his forgery skills to falsify land-registry documents to forcefully occupy land that he is not entitled to. He used his brother's frail condition (a disabled British citizen) to acquire lands with an approximate value of GBP. 100,000. An ongoing case (seeking injunction) in the Bangladeshi courts has been further-delayed due to Ataur Rahman using unlawful influence and bribery.

It is alleged by Mohammed Txxxxxx Rxxxxx, that proceeds from the UK Pension service were also the subject of loot by this Bangladeshi national, and this issue is being pursued through the relevant authorities in the UK, including the relevant ministries.

In the interest of a cordial British-Bangladeshi relationship and the general well-being of the entire community in Beanibazar, it is requested that your organisation investigate this issue in accordance with Bangladeshi law and take appropriate measures.

Sincerely,

Axxxxx Rxxxxx

19.04.2010

Bangladesh Corruption: Land Registry Office

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:41:00 +0000

Bangladeshis living around the world are increasingly falling victim to foul-play, by a group of economically inactive Bangladeshis, who are presumably active in forging land-related documents.

Many Bangladeshis have spent years abroad accumulating enough money to buy a dream home and have re-settled in Bangladesh, however, some unfortunate Bangladeshis have returned home to find that their homes or inherited property have been forcefully occupied by miscreants with political links. Bangladeshis living abroad must re-consider their future and take appropriate action now, or, face a future that is uncertain, as the Bangladeshi system continues to allow these illicit activities.

Bangladesh Energy Profile & Statistics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:06:00 +0000

Bangladesh, contains approximately 10.6 Tcf of natural gas reserves. Foreign energy companies including Shell and Unocal believe that Bangladeshi reserves may be higher than the official figure. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that Bangladesh contains 32.1 Tcf in additional “undiscovered reserves.” If the higher estimates prove to be correct, Bangladesh could become a major gas producer and supplier to the potential market in neighboring India.

Unocal announced in March 2004 the end to a proposal for exports of natural gas to India.

(Source: U.S. EIA)

Facts About Bangladesh Energy

Rural electrification programs provide electricity to more than 40 million people with more than 2,000 new connections each day.¹
96% of rural electric cooperative bill payments total $277 mln.
Demand for energy is growing at a rate of 10% annually.
¹ REB Management Information Report

Post via Bangladesh Social Network

Bangladesh Top News

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:39:00 +0000

Listed below are links to posts previously published on Bangladesh Blogger. Ranking is based on Google Analytics data for March-April 2010.

This Is Tower Hamlets

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 20:59:00 +0000

Unique insight into the lives of British-Bangladeshi youths in Tower Hamlets. Exciting animated tale depicts the problems faced by these disaffected citizens, in a community occupied by fear & resentment.

Say No To Jim Fitzpatrick

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Was it one of those day, when I wanted to catch sun-rays? Friday is a day that shines like no other ordinary day. Especially for a Muslim, who believes that this beautiful day should help us reflect.

As a Bangladeshi observing the British culture of Democracy, I have long felt curious about this evolving institution. A culture that allows complete-foreigners to embrace and freely-participate in its traditions, is definitely worth exploring. However, it saddened me to hear a faded cry from the Imam of the Poplar Central Mosque.

I can quote him vaguely: "We must adhere to their systems,". The Imam, or the leader of today's Friday prayer, was trying to justify the political speeches made by the Labour Party candidate Jim Fitzpatrick.

I felt disillusioned at this statement. I love this Imam, I really do. In fact, I rarely pray, but for some reason - I feel, I'm sitting at a village gathering when I listen to him. Then there's this younger brother who makes my Friday beautiful, through his learned statements from Life, Qur'an & Sunnah. I leave today with the wisdom filled words from the Holy Qur'an: The likeness of those who are entrusted with the Law of Moses, yet apply it not, is as the likeness of the ass carrying books. (062.005)

BBC Janala: The Mobile Education Platform

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:51:00 +0000

Mobile phone users in Bangladesh have accessed more than one million English lessons using a new service from the BBC. BBC Janala (‘Window’), launched in November 2009 is a multi-platform project that harnesses multimedia technology to provide affordable education to millions.

America Goes Grameen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:16:00 +0000

Emily Medina isn't running a pyramid scheme, despite what people often think. The organization Medina works for, Grameen, is one of the world's largest microfinance outfits and has a Nobel Prize to its name.

Thirty years ago Muhammad Yunus, the founder of the Grameen franchise, started lending small sums to poor entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Grameen and microfinance have since become financial staples of the developing world, but by coming to the U.S. Grameen is taking on a different sort of challenge: one of the planet's richest countries. Yet Yunus believes that in just a few years Grameen America will be so successful that it turns a profit, thanks to 9 million U.S. households untouched by mainstream banks and another 21 million using the likes of payday loans and pawnshops.

Since 2008 Grameen has collected 1,700 borrowers in New York City. Other cities in its sights include San Francisco, Boston and Charlotte, N.C. — anywhere local businesspeople raise seed capital and a bank will host low-cost savings accounts for borrowers with just a few dollars, since savings are a key part of the Grameen philosophy.

Via TIME

Related Post: Banker to the Poor on Wall St.

Fazle Hasan Abed to be Knighted

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:25:00 +0000

Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder of BRAC, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed’s name was included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List released December 31, 2009. Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, is to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and more globally. Abed’s name was included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List released December 31, 2009.

Remembrance Day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:27:00 +0000

People light candles in memory of the army officers, who were massacred in a bloody mutiny within the Bangladesh Security Forces. The mutiny by the Bangladesh Rifles apparently began as a row over pay and ended with the massacre of 137 army officers. Police have named six of the men they accuse of carrying out the mutiny. The six were involved in negotiating the mutineers' surrender with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

> Photo by Reuters

The World of Apu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:14:00 +0000

The World of Apu completes, in alternations of suffering and joy, one of the most vital and abundant movies ever made. Based on a bestselling Bengali novel by Bibhuti Bannerji, it was written, produced and directed as 3 separate pieces by a 39-year-old Calcutta film buff named Satyajit Ray.

“In Search of the Shade of the Banyan Tree”

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 20:40:00 +0000

Shahidul Alam travels with people who chase dreams in lands afar.They all have numbers. Jeans tucked into their high-ankled sneakers. They strut through the airport lounge, moving en masse. We work our way up the corridors leading to the airplane, but many stop just before boarding. The cocky gait has gone. The sad faces look out longingly at the small figures silhouetted on the rooftops. They wave and they wave. The stewardess has seen it all before and rounds them up, herding them into the aircraft. One by one they disengage, realizing just what they are leaving behind.

Related Link > NRBs on Bangladesh Social Network