World Defense Forum
[🇧🇩] Monitoring Bangladesh's Economy
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Trade & Industry
- 403 Replies
The country facing an economic imbroglio
The country's economic growth projection measured in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the current fiscal year has been revised downwards to 3.8 per cent by the global lender, the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A review mission of the multilateral lending agency in a statement during its
The country facing an economic imbroglio
SYED FATTAHUL ALIM
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 22:12
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 22:12
The country's economic growth projection measured in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the current fiscal year has been revised downwards to 3.8 per cent by the global lender, the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A review mission of the multilateral lending agency in a statement during its visit last week came up with the revised GDP growth projection. This is the country's lowest growth projection since FY (2019-20), the pandemic year, when the GDP growth was 3.4 per cent. Notably, in October, IMF projected that the nation's economic growth would be 4.5 per cent, which was a reduction by 2.1 percentage points from June's projection at 6.6 per cent.
The reasons cited this time for the low growth were similar to those pointed out by the IMF delegation during its October visit that include political instability, high inflation, unrest in industries, floods that struck the country in the third week of August this year, etc. However, another major contributor to the economy's lack of growth is the central bank's raised policy rate (the rate of interest at which the BB lends money to the commercial banks). In consequence, the commercial banks have increased lending rate which is impacting business negatively. The objective of the BB's increasing policy rate is to rein in inflation at the advice of the IMF which made borrowing costlier resulting in less money circulating in the market. Termed contractionary monetary policy, the measure has been taken as a condition of the loan amounting to US$4.7 billion that the multilateral lender approved for Bangladesh in January 2023.
The IMF loan aims to bring macroeconomic stability in the economy in the long run. However, in the short run, it is dampening investment and business. Understandably, the business community is blaming the IMF's various conditions against the loan it (IMF) advanced and suggestions made to the government for its woes. Especially, the multilateral lender's suggestion of adjusting gas and fuel oil prices with those in the international market, which businesses think will render business costlier. Also, they fear, the IMF's idea of leaving the exchange rate of US dollar entirely to the mercy of the market would turn it volatile as black market operators and speculators might take undue advantage of the decision. Ultimately, that would seriously affect external trade, they believe. These are definitely genuine concerns of business people. But what needs also to be taken into account is that even before receiving the IMF loan, the business activities had already been under stress due to the restrictions on import that the previous government had opted for as part of its austerity policy. Obviously, that affected the import of raw materials, capital goods and other inputs for business and the industry. One cannot be oblivious of the fact that the austerity policy was adopted to save the foreign exchange reserve from depleting faster and avoid facing the Sri Lanka syndrome. In 2022 Sri Lanka experienced an economic meltdown in which the country's foreign exchange reserve hit rock bottom for various reasons including overdependence on debt, weak export, impact of Covid-19 on tourism, a mainstay of its foreign exchange earning and so on. Definitely, that caused business to suffer immensely. Against this backdrop, the previous government sought the IMF loan to stabilise the economy, knowing full well that it would be a bitter pill to swallow, if only for the greater good of the ailing economy. One may recall that at that time the economy was in a shambles, thanks to the overall mismanagement of the economy, fragility of the financial sector due to rampant looting of the banks and other financial institutions, unrestrained rise in bad loans in the banks with the connivance of the banking regulator (the BB) and the powers that be.
So, to restore some semblance of discipline in the financial sector and assure prospective investors from abroad that it was yet not all over with Bangladesh's economy the IMF loan was asked for. It is this legacy that the deposed government has left for the interim government to grapple with. As a result, it is not only the business community, the common people, who are the overwhelming majority are suffering. Food inflation rate in November was 13.80 per cent, while the inflation at 11.38 per cent in November is a record four-month high. The international lender said the inflation would remain around 11 per cent throughout the rest of the current fiscal year with the hope that it would come down to 5.0 per cent in FY 2026. The lender believes it would be due to tight monetary policy and easing of supply pressures. But still uncertainties would remain. Clearly, Bangladesh economy is in a fix. What is the way out? Return to the earlier state of free fall or continue the IMF-prescribed policy? True, there are critiques of IMF's loan conditionalities that put restrictions on the recipient country's fiscal and monetary policies leading to shrinking of public and private investments. Decline in private investment means rise in unemployment. But when a national currency's, or for that matter, economy's, worth is measured in US dollar as reserve currency, weak economies like Bangladesh face such a dilemma. Even so, the government could still negotiate with the IMF authorities on issues like if the exchange rate of USD against Taka should be left entirely to the market or the existing limits in line with the crawling peg system should continue. Also, the IMF-prescribed classification and labelling of the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) is also an issue. Notably, now a loan will be considered a default one, if the borrower fails to clear the debt within 90 days of its last date of repayment.
The government will be required to address these urgent issues through talks with the IMF so that some stringent conditions could be, where possible, relaxed for the sake of the businesses affected by the rules.
SYED FATTAHUL ALIM
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 22:12
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 22:12
The country's economic growth projection measured in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the current fiscal year has been revised downwards to 3.8 per cent by the global lender, the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A review mission of the multilateral lending agency in a statement during its visit last week came up with the revised GDP growth projection. This is the country's lowest growth projection since FY (2019-20), the pandemic year, when the GDP growth was 3.4 per cent. Notably, in October, IMF projected that the nation's economic growth would be 4.5 per cent, which was a reduction by 2.1 percentage points from June's projection at 6.6 per cent.
The reasons cited this time for the low growth were similar to those pointed out by the IMF delegation during its October visit that include political instability, high inflation, unrest in industries, floods that struck the country in the third week of August this year, etc. However, another major contributor to the economy's lack of growth is the central bank's raised policy rate (the rate of interest at which the BB lends money to the commercial banks). In consequence, the commercial banks have increased lending rate which is impacting business negatively. The objective of the BB's increasing policy rate is to rein in inflation at the advice of the IMF which made borrowing costlier resulting in less money circulating in the market. Termed contractionary monetary policy, the measure has been taken as a condition of the loan amounting to US$4.7 billion that the multilateral lender approved for Bangladesh in January 2023.
The IMF loan aims to bring macroeconomic stability in the economy in the long run. However, in the short run, it is dampening investment and business. Understandably, the business community is blaming the IMF's various conditions against the loan it (IMF) advanced and suggestions made to the government for its woes. Especially, the multilateral lender's suggestion of adjusting gas and fuel oil prices with those in the international market, which businesses think will render business costlier. Also, they fear, the IMF's idea of leaving the exchange rate of US dollar entirely to the mercy of the market would turn it volatile as black market operators and speculators might take undue advantage of the decision. Ultimately, that would seriously affect external trade, they believe. These are definitely genuine concerns of business people. But what needs also to be taken into account is that even before receiving the IMF loan, the business activities had already been under stress due to the restrictions on import that the previous government had opted for as part of its austerity policy. Obviously, that affected the import of raw materials, capital goods and other inputs for business and the industry. One cannot be oblivious of the fact that the austerity policy was adopted to save the foreign exchange reserve from depleting faster and avoid facing the Sri Lanka syndrome. In 2022 Sri Lanka experienced an economic meltdown in which the country's foreign exchange reserve hit rock bottom for various reasons including overdependence on debt, weak export, impact of Covid-19 on tourism, a mainstay of its foreign exchange earning and so on. Definitely, that caused business to suffer immensely. Against this backdrop, the previous government sought the IMF loan to stabilise the economy, knowing full well that it would be a bitter pill to swallow, if only for the greater good of the ailing economy. One may recall that at that time the economy was in a shambles, thanks to the overall mismanagement of the economy, fragility of the financial sector due to rampant looting of the banks and other financial institutions, unrestrained rise in bad loans in the banks with the connivance of the banking regulator (the BB) and the powers that be.
So, to restore some semblance of discipline in the financial sector and assure prospective investors from abroad that it was yet not all over with Bangladesh's economy the IMF loan was asked for. It is this legacy that the deposed government has left for the interim government to grapple with. As a result, it is not only the business community, the common people, who are the overwhelming majority are suffering. Food inflation rate in November was 13.80 per cent, while the inflation at 11.38 per cent in November is a record four-month high. The international lender said the inflation would remain around 11 per cent throughout the rest of the current fiscal year with the hope that it would come down to 5.0 per cent in FY 2026. The lender believes it would be due to tight monetary policy and easing of supply pressures. But still uncertainties would remain. Clearly, Bangladesh economy is in a fix. What is the way out? Return to the earlier state of free fall or continue the IMF-prescribed policy? True, there are critiques of IMF's loan conditionalities that put restrictions on the recipient country's fiscal and monetary policies leading to shrinking of public and private investments. Decline in private investment means rise in unemployment. But when a national currency's, or for that matter, economy's, worth is measured in US dollar as reserve currency, weak economies like Bangladesh face such a dilemma. Even so, the government could still negotiate with the IMF authorities on issues like if the exchange rate of USD against Taka should be left entirely to the market or the existing limits in line with the crawling peg system should continue. Also, the IMF-prescribed classification and labelling of the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) is also an issue. Notably, now a loan will be considered a default one, if the borrower fails to clear the debt within 90 days of its last date of repayment.
The government will be required to address these urgent issues through talks with the IMF so that some stringent conditions could be, where possible, relaxed for the sake of the businesses affected by the rules.
[🇧🇩] Save the Rivers/Forests/Hills-----Save the Environment
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Economy
- 249 Replies
Is drive against polythene bags missing the target?
Tapan Kumar Biswas, additional secretary and chairman of the polythene monitoring committee formed under the ministry of environment, forest and climate change came up with the performances accomplished so far since November 3. Following a drive against polythene in the kitchen market of Karwan Baz
Is drive against polythene bags missing the target?
Neil Ray
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 22:12
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 22:12
Tapan Kumar Biswas, additional secretary and chairman of the polythene monitoring committee formed under the ministry of environment, forest and climate change came up with the performances accomplished so far since November 3. Following a drive against polythene in the kitchen market of Karwan Bazar, he disclosed 48 days' achievement. The chairman of the committee claims the credit of conducting 199 mobile court drives and realising fines amounting to Tk 2,572,300 from 414 shops and business establishments. Also, 50,556 kilograms of polythene bags were seized.
The operation of mobile court and seizure of big hauls of polythene shopping bags can hardly be any achievement. But surely the snapping of utility services to and sealing off four factories that produced such bags is a big achievement. Yet the question remains, are the drives producing the desired results? Not at all. Hardly a kitchen market in Dhaka can boast it is free of the polythene bags. Even the vendors selling fruits, vegetables or other commodities from their rickshaw vans use such bags as before. Where from do they get the supply? Old stocks were supposed to run out by this time.
Well, the step by step enforcement was logical but still it fell short of adequate preparation. Let's see why. A limited ban on use of polythene bags was first enforced from October 1 last and the countrywide ban was imposed from November 1 last. Actually, the original ban on use of polythene shopping bags in Bangladesh was imposed way back in 2001, the first country to have done so. At that time, there was greater success and it fell through because of a lack of subsequent follow-up. Therefore, the legal provision enacted to do so was still valid although it came to disuse. In that sense the latest prohibition ought to have been an invocation of the earlier law.
Whatever it may be, the important point is that doing away with this randomly used and thrown away non-biodegradable substance was long overdue. The month of November was set for monitoring market, not backed up by legal actions against vendors or retailers. This was logical because by this time, they were supposed to have disposed with their stocks. However, during this time the manufacturers and suppliers were targeted for action. From December 1 last, full enforcement of the prohibitive act took effect.
Evidently, the realities of 2001 and 2024 are way different. Not many factories producing polythene bags were there then but today their number is supposed to have multiplied. So, sealing just four of those off is proving to be a half-hearted exercise. The mobile court drives at the kitchen market is useless. It is clear that this cat-and-mouse game the bureaucrats have played all along is more a ploy or an eye wash than a serious move to eliminate the menace of this harmful substance. The need is to focus on the production units. If not a single such bag is produced anywhere, there is no question of its use by anyone.
Instead of sticking to this useless tactic, as proved by years of such drives, please launch purposeful drives against the producers of polythene shopping bags. Make it a point that not a single such factory will be in operation for production of those bags. These are not underground manufacturing plants, so each one of those can be identified for sealing those off.
Although this time the move cannot be likened with putting the cart before the horse, as is done in such cases, still it was not complemented with the supportive initiatives. The alternative to polythene bags are few and far between. Had there been mass production of even remotely comparable alternative shopping bags, the situation would have improved a lot. So, this is a prerequisite that must be addressed on a war-footing in order to complement the drive against poly-bag manufacturers.
Neil Ray
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 22:12
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 22:12
Tapan Kumar Biswas, additional secretary and chairman of the polythene monitoring committee formed under the ministry of environment, forest and climate change came up with the performances accomplished so far since November 3. Following a drive against polythene in the kitchen market of Karwan Bazar, he disclosed 48 days' achievement. The chairman of the committee claims the credit of conducting 199 mobile court drives and realising fines amounting to Tk 2,572,300 from 414 shops and business establishments. Also, 50,556 kilograms of polythene bags were seized.
The operation of mobile court and seizure of big hauls of polythene shopping bags can hardly be any achievement. But surely the snapping of utility services to and sealing off four factories that produced such bags is a big achievement. Yet the question remains, are the drives producing the desired results? Not at all. Hardly a kitchen market in Dhaka can boast it is free of the polythene bags. Even the vendors selling fruits, vegetables or other commodities from their rickshaw vans use such bags as before. Where from do they get the supply? Old stocks were supposed to run out by this time.
Well, the step by step enforcement was logical but still it fell short of adequate preparation. Let's see why. A limited ban on use of polythene bags was first enforced from October 1 last and the countrywide ban was imposed from November 1 last. Actually, the original ban on use of polythene shopping bags in Bangladesh was imposed way back in 2001, the first country to have done so. At that time, there was greater success and it fell through because of a lack of subsequent follow-up. Therefore, the legal provision enacted to do so was still valid although it came to disuse. In that sense the latest prohibition ought to have been an invocation of the earlier law.
Whatever it may be, the important point is that doing away with this randomly used and thrown away non-biodegradable substance was long overdue. The month of November was set for monitoring market, not backed up by legal actions against vendors or retailers. This was logical because by this time, they were supposed to have disposed with their stocks. However, during this time the manufacturers and suppliers were targeted for action. From December 1 last, full enforcement of the prohibitive act took effect.
Evidently, the realities of 2001 and 2024 are way different. Not many factories producing polythene bags were there then but today their number is supposed to have multiplied. So, sealing just four of those off is proving to be a half-hearted exercise. The mobile court drives at the kitchen market is useless. It is clear that this cat-and-mouse game the bureaucrats have played all along is more a ploy or an eye wash than a serious move to eliminate the menace of this harmful substance. The need is to focus on the production units. If not a single such bag is produced anywhere, there is no question of its use by anyone.
Instead of sticking to this useless tactic, as proved by years of such drives, please launch purposeful drives against the producers of polythene shopping bags. Make it a point that not a single such factory will be in operation for production of those bags. These are not underground manufacturing plants, so each one of those can be identified for sealing those off.
Although this time the move cannot be likened with putting the cart before the horse, as is done in such cases, still it was not complemented with the supportive initiatives. The alternative to polythene bags are few and far between. Had there been mass production of even remotely comparable alternative shopping bags, the situation would have improved a lot. So, this is a prerequisite that must be addressed on a war-footing in order to complement the drive against poly-bag manufacturers.
[🇧🇩] Corruption Watch
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Trade & Industry
- 234 Replies
New ACC chief discloses his wealth, income and liabilities
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen on Sunday revealed his assets and liabilities to the media. He shared his income and expenditure and asset details with the media at the views-exchange programme between the new commission members and media professionals at i
New ACC chief discloses his wealth, income and liabilities
UNB
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 21:11
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 21:11
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen on Sunday revealed his assets and liabilities to the media.
He shared his income and expenditure and asset details with the media at the views-exchange programme between the new commission members and media professionals at its headquarters in the city.
The ACC Chairman said that he has formally submitted his assets and liabilities details to the ACC Reform Commission while other commissioners will submit their assets and liabilities details.
Mohammad Abdul Momen joined the office on December 11, a day after being appointed. On that day, he had announced that he would disclose his movable and immovable assets and income and expenditure accounts within seven days.
On that day, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) called on the new ACC Chairman and Commissioners to disclose their income and wealth statements for the sake of transparency.
Revealing his assets, the ACC Chairman said that he has an apartment of 1,500 square feet, consisting of two 750 square feet apartments in Basila. He is in the process of acquiring another 700 square feet there.
"I have a vacant land with my wife in Purbachal American City, five kathas. I was a member of the BCS administration committee. There is 10 kathas of land there for eight members. My share will be 1.25 kathas. I paid money in 2007, but I have not received possession yet," he said.
He also said that he had deposited TK75000 for a plot in RAJUK. Till date, there has been no settlement of it. For whatever reason, the government did not give it to me.
"I will apply again. Apart from this, I do not have any other immovable assets," he clarified.
Regarding movable assets, the ACC chairman said, there are 25 self-contained books of different sizes. There are many expensive books. There are furniture and electronic equipment, including things worth five lakh taka. There
He said he received interest from a savings certificate of five years of Tk 3.0 million and a savings certificate of Tk 2.0 lakh taka every three months. "I have not withdrawn my GPF money, there is Tk 1.7 million there," he added.
Telling about his source of income, he said, my income from work - the sale proceeds of inherited assets.
"I teach, lecture, write. I bought a land outside the embankment five and a half centuries ago, and I will get some money by selling it," he shared.
He claimed his working life is long. "I started earning since my student days. When I leave this job, you will calculate how much this wealth has increased, how much it has decreased," he also said.
The ACC Chairman said the political changeover we are witnessing in Bangladesh since August 5 is unique in world history, as demonstrated by the fact that the Prime Minister fled, and at the same time the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram has also fled.
Saying that corruption is rampant in the state, he said public awareness needs to be created on this issue.
He also emphasised active engagement and asked the media to play a role in this regard.
ACC Commissioner Commissioner (Inquiry) Mian Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi said ACC is working with only half its designated manpower.
"We will investigate freely. Where there will be no bias. We are committed to the nation," he said.
ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Brigadier General (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid said ACC's professional base is very strong. Even after 42 days of non-commission, ACC officers and employees have worked tirelessly.
"ACC will not enslave any people in the world," he added.
UNB
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 21:11
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 21:11
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen on Sunday revealed his assets and liabilities to the media.
He shared his income and expenditure and asset details with the media at the views-exchange programme between the new commission members and media professionals at its headquarters in the city.
The ACC Chairman said that he has formally submitted his assets and liabilities details to the ACC Reform Commission while other commissioners will submit their assets and liabilities details.
Mohammad Abdul Momen joined the office on December 11, a day after being appointed. On that day, he had announced that he would disclose his movable and immovable assets and income and expenditure accounts within seven days.
On that day, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) called on the new ACC Chairman and Commissioners to disclose their income and wealth statements for the sake of transparency.
Revealing his assets, the ACC Chairman said that he has an apartment of 1,500 square feet, consisting of two 750 square feet apartments in Basila. He is in the process of acquiring another 700 square feet there.
"I have a vacant land with my wife in Purbachal American City, five kathas. I was a member of the BCS administration committee. There is 10 kathas of land there for eight members. My share will be 1.25 kathas. I paid money in 2007, but I have not received possession yet," he said.
He also said that he had deposited TK75000 for a plot in RAJUK. Till date, there has been no settlement of it. For whatever reason, the government did not give it to me.
"I will apply again. Apart from this, I do not have any other immovable assets," he clarified.
Regarding movable assets, the ACC chairman said, there are 25 self-contained books of different sizes. There are many expensive books. There are furniture and electronic equipment, including things worth five lakh taka. There
He said he received interest from a savings certificate of five years of Tk 3.0 million and a savings certificate of Tk 2.0 lakh taka every three months. "I have not withdrawn my GPF money, there is Tk 1.7 million there," he added.
Telling about his source of income, he said, my income from work - the sale proceeds of inherited assets.
"I teach, lecture, write. I bought a land outside the embankment five and a half centuries ago, and I will get some money by selling it," he shared.
He claimed his working life is long. "I started earning since my student days. When I leave this job, you will calculate how much this wealth has increased, how much it has decreased," he also said.
The ACC Chairman said the political changeover we are witnessing in Bangladesh since August 5 is unique in world history, as demonstrated by the fact that the Prime Minister fled, and at the same time the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram has also fled.
Saying that corruption is rampant in the state, he said public awareness needs to be created on this issue.
He also emphasised active engagement and asked the media to play a role in this regard.
ACC Commissioner Commissioner (Inquiry) Mian Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi said ACC is working with only half its designated manpower.
"We will investigate freely. Where there will be no bias. We are committed to the nation," he said.
ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Brigadier General (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid said ACC's professional base is very strong. Even after 42 days of non-commission, ACC officers and employees have worked tirelessly.
"ACC will not enslave any people in the world," he added.
[🇧🇩] Insurgencies in Myanmar. Implications for Bangladesh
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Strategic Affairs
- 230 Replies
Bangladesh presses Myanmar to resolve border issue
Bangladesh has called on Myanmar to address the ongoing border and Rakhine issues, stressing that it cannot engage in negotiations with non-state actors, such as the Arakan Army, over control of the border. Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain conveyed this message to Myanm
Bangladesh presses Myanmar to resolve border issue
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 17:20
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 17:20
Bangladesh has called on Myanmar to address the ongoing border and Rakhine issues, stressing that it cannot engage in negotiations with non-state actors, such as the Arakan Army, over control of the border.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain conveyed this message to Myanmar during an informal consultation held on Thursday in Thailand.
Senior representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, Laos, and other nations attended the consultation, BSS reports.
"I informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under your control. It is now controlled by non-state actors like the Arakan Army. As a state, we cannot engage with them. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine," Hossain told reporters, sharing details of his discussions at the informal consultation.
He said, in reply, Myanmar informed him that they are trying to take over control of the border to resolve the issue.
Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh’s policy of not allowing any further Rohingya refugees to enter the country.
However, he acknowledged that, under certain circumstances, Bangladesh had been compelled to accept 60,000 Rohingyas through various unofficial routes.
He also highlighted widespread corruption at the border, which facilitates the entry of Rohingyas.
"They are not entering through a single route; they are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop," Hossain said.
Responding to a question about a potential new influx of Rohingyas, Hossain dismissed these fears.
"I do not believe another influx will occur, although many are concerned. We too share these concerns, but we must take measures to prevent it, working with the international community," he said.
The meeting in Thailand on Thursday was chaired by Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsar, and included Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Laos's Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and China's Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.
Bangladesh was represented by Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain.
Hossain mentioned that the meeting focused on three main issues: the border, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and Myanmar’s political future.
During the meeting, Hossain emphasised that peace and stability in the region would remain elusive without a resolution to the Rohingya crisis.
"Criminals are present on both sides of the border and in the camps, and I highlighted these concerns," he added.
On Myanmar's political future, Hossain noted that all participants expressed support for Myanmar’s efforts to resolve its internal issues and move forward.
“Everyone said they would support Myanmar, and if they choose a federal structure, we will not intervene. But we want a resolution," Hossain said.
Regarding border issues, the adviser explained that the discussions mainly focused on the northeastern and southern borders, with particular attention given to the western border, where Bangladesh has strategic interests.
Concerns were also raised about the rise of scam centres engaged in internet crimes, which have been troubling Myanmar, along with ongoing issues such as drug trafficking and border-related criminal activities.
Representatives from other countries urged Myanmar to take appropriate measures to address these concerns.
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 17:20
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 17:20
Bangladesh has called on Myanmar to address the ongoing border and Rakhine issues, stressing that it cannot engage in negotiations with non-state actors, such as the Arakan Army, over control of the border.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain conveyed this message to Myanmar during an informal consultation held on Thursday in Thailand.
Senior representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, Laos, and other nations attended the consultation, BSS reports.
"I informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under your control. It is now controlled by non-state actors like the Arakan Army. As a state, we cannot engage with them. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine," Hossain told reporters, sharing details of his discussions at the informal consultation.
He said, in reply, Myanmar informed him that they are trying to take over control of the border to resolve the issue.
Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh’s policy of not allowing any further Rohingya refugees to enter the country.
However, he acknowledged that, under certain circumstances, Bangladesh had been compelled to accept 60,000 Rohingyas through various unofficial routes.
He also highlighted widespread corruption at the border, which facilitates the entry of Rohingyas.
"They are not entering through a single route; they are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop," Hossain said.
Responding to a question about a potential new influx of Rohingyas, Hossain dismissed these fears.
"I do not believe another influx will occur, although many are concerned. We too share these concerns, but we must take measures to prevent it, working with the international community," he said.
The meeting in Thailand on Thursday was chaired by Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsar, and included Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Laos's Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and China's Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.
Bangladesh was represented by Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain.
Hossain mentioned that the meeting focused on three main issues: the border, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and Myanmar’s political future.
During the meeting, Hossain emphasised that peace and stability in the region would remain elusive without a resolution to the Rohingya crisis.
"Criminals are present on both sides of the border and in the camps, and I highlighted these concerns," he added.
On Myanmar's political future, Hossain noted that all participants expressed support for Myanmar’s efforts to resolve its internal issues and move forward.
“Everyone said they would support Myanmar, and if they choose a federal structure, we will not intervene. But we want a resolution," Hossain said.
Regarding border issues, the adviser explained that the discussions mainly focused on the northeastern and southern borders, with particular attention given to the western border, where Bangladesh has strategic interests.
Concerns were also raised about the rise of scam centres engaged in internet crimes, which have been troubling Myanmar, along with ongoing issues such as drug trafficking and border-related criminal activities.
Representatives from other countries urged Myanmar to take appropriate measures to address these concerns.
[🇧🇩] UN investigation into enforced disappearances /deaths of students/citizens at the hands of security agencies
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Defense Forum
- 23 Replies
Mobile surveillance used in pinpointing victims’ location: Commission
The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance has found that the mobile surveillance system was used in pinpointing the location of the victims of the enforced disappearance prior to picking them up secretly. “Interviews with the victims and the members of the Armed Forces confirm that
Mobile surveillance used in pinpointing victims’ location: Commission
BSS
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 20:00
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 20:00
The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance has found that the mobile surveillance system was used in pinpointing the location of the victims of the enforced disappearance prior to picking them up secretly.
“Interviews with the victims and the members of the Armed Forces confirm that mobile technology was integral to the surveillance process. In interviews, RAB and military officers indicated that ‘silent pick-ups’—unobtrusive abductions—were virtually impossible without mobile surveillance to pinpoint the victim’s location with precision,” said the Commission report.
The five-member commission, led by retired justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury, recently presented the report, titled "Unfolding the Truth," to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.
Prior to the establishment of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) as an independent agency, the report said that the mobile surveillance was conducted through its predecessor, the National Monitoring Centre (NMC), which was housed within the DGFI (Directorate General of Forces Intelligence) Headquarters.
The DGFI provided dedicated surveillance systems, which were also used by other forces, such as RAB and DB, it said.
A former DG of DGFI also confirmed to the Commission that his organization provided logistics support related to surveillance to various law enforcement teams whilst NMC was housed at the DGFI Headquarters.
However, preliminary reports suggest that some surveillance capabilities still reside within individual forces.
The extent of these capabilities remains an active line of inquiry, particularly because there appears to be no judicial oversight on the surveillance process, the Commission report said.
“Despite the lack of judicial oversight, several victims reported signs of surveillance prior to their abductions,” it said.
For example, the report said that one victim revealed that his captors referenced a private phone conversation about his wife’s dental treatment, suggesting that mobile surveillance had been conducted beforehand.
Other victims described receiving suspicious phone calls shortly before their abductions, during which no one spoke at the other end of the line, it also said.
“These calls were presumably used to pinpoint the victim’s location,” it added.
In another instance, the report said that eyewitnesses recounted how the security forces entered a room, instructed the occupants to place their phones in a line, and, when a call came to one of the phones, detained the individual who claimed it.
“That person was never seen again,” it said.
BSS
Published :
Dec 22, 2024 20:00
Updated :
Dec 22, 2024 20:00
The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance has found that the mobile surveillance system was used in pinpointing the location of the victims of the enforced disappearance prior to picking them up secretly.
“Interviews with the victims and the members of the Armed Forces confirm that mobile technology was integral to the surveillance process. In interviews, RAB and military officers indicated that ‘silent pick-ups’—unobtrusive abductions—were virtually impossible without mobile surveillance to pinpoint the victim’s location with precision,” said the Commission report.
The five-member commission, led by retired justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury, recently presented the report, titled "Unfolding the Truth," to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.
Prior to the establishment of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) as an independent agency, the report said that the mobile surveillance was conducted through its predecessor, the National Monitoring Centre (NMC), which was housed within the DGFI (Directorate General of Forces Intelligence) Headquarters.
The DGFI provided dedicated surveillance systems, which were also used by other forces, such as RAB and DB, it said.
A former DG of DGFI also confirmed to the Commission that his organization provided logistics support related to surveillance to various law enforcement teams whilst NMC was housed at the DGFI Headquarters.
However, preliminary reports suggest that some surveillance capabilities still reside within individual forces.
The extent of these capabilities remains an active line of inquiry, particularly because there appears to be no judicial oversight on the surveillance process, the Commission report said.
“Despite the lack of judicial oversight, several victims reported signs of surveillance prior to their abductions,” it said.
For example, the report said that one victim revealed that his captors referenced a private phone conversation about his wife’s dental treatment, suggesting that mobile surveillance had been conducted beforehand.
Other victims described receiving suspicious phone calls shortly before their abductions, during which no one spoke at the other end of the line, it also said.
“These calls were presumably used to pinpoint the victim’s location,” it added.
In another instance, the report said that eyewitnesses recounted how the security forces entered a room, instructed the occupants to place their phones in a line, and, when a call came to one of the phones, detained the individual who claimed it.
“That person was never seen again,” it said.
[🇧🇩] Israel and Hamas war in Gaza-----Can Bangladesh be a peace broker?
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Strategic Affairs
- 451 Replies
Israeli strikes kill 28 in Gaza
Gaza’s civil defence agency said on Sunday Israeli strikes killed at least 28 Palestinians, as the director of one of two hospitals still operating in the territory’s north reported bombardment nearby.
www.newagebd.net
Israeli strikes kill 28 in Gaza
Agence France-Presse . Palestinian Territories 23 December, 2024, 00:12
A youth searches for survivors at the site of an Israeli strike that targeted the Abu Samra family home in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Sunday, amid the on-going war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. | AFP photo
Gaza’s civil defence agency said on Sunday Israeli strikes killed at least 28 Palestinians, as the director of one of two hospitals still operating in the territory’s north reported bombardment nearby.
More than 14 months into the Israel-Hamas war, there was no let-up in the violence in the Gaza Strip even as Palestinian groups involved in the fighting said a ceasefire deal was ‘closer than ever’.
Israel has faced growing criticism of its actions during the war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, including from rights groups accusing it of ‘acts of genocide’ which the Israeli government strongly denies.
Pope Francis denounced on Sunday the ‘cruelty’ of Israel’s bombardment, highlighting the deaths of children and attacks on schools and hospitals in Gaza for the second time in as many days, while Israel accused the pontiff of ‘double standards’.
On the ground in Gaza, civil agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said that at least 13 people were killed in an air strike on a house in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah belonging to the Abu Samra family.
An AFP photographer saw residents searching through the debris for survivors, while others looked for belongings they could salvage.
In a nearby compound, bodies covered in blankets were laid on the ground.
‘We are losing loved ones every day,’ said Deir el-Balah resident Naim al-Ramlawi.
‘I pray to God that a truce will be reached soon’ and would allow Gazans to finally ‘live a decent life, instead of this miserable life’, he said.
There was no comment from the Israeli military, which has confirmed a separate strike further north, on a school in Gaza City.
Bassal said that eight people including four children were killed in the attack on the school, which had been repurposed as a shelter for Palestinians displaced by the war.
The Israeli military said it had carried out a ‘precise strike’ overnight targeting a Hamas ‘command and control centre’ inside the school compound in the city’s east.
AFP impages showed the damaged school building where mangled concrete slabs and iron beams lay strewn amid patches of blood.
Bassal said in a statement that an overnight strike killed three people in Rafah, in the south.
And a drone strike early on Sunday hit a car in Gaza City, killing four people, the spokesman added.
Meanwhile a hospital director in northern Gaza said Israeli forces were bombing buildings near the facility.
Hossam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan hospital, said in a statement that the facility’s generators were hit and that ‘the army is attempting to target the fuel tank, which is full of fuel and poses a significant fire risk.’
Contacted by AFP, the military said it was unaware of any strikes on the hospital, one of only two still operating in northern Gaza.
The unprecedented Hamas attack last year that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Militants also took 251 hostages, of whom 96 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 45,259 people, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.
Hamas and two other Palestinian armed groups said in a rare joint statement on Saturday that an agreement to end the bloodshed was ‘closer than ever’, after Qatari-hosted talks that followed months of stalled negotiations.
The groups, which include Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said that a truce in Gaza and hostage release deal may be within reach, provided Israel does not impose new conditions in negotiations.
Negotiations have faced multiple challenges since a one-week truce in November 2023, with the primary point of contention being the establishment of a lasting ceasefire. Another unresolved issue is the territory’s post-war governance.
In the Vatican City, Pope Francis renewed on Sunday his condemnation of Israel’s attacks, a day after decrying their ‘cruelty’.
‘With pain I think of Gaza, of so much cruelty, of the children being machine-gunned, of the bombings of schools and hospitals,’ the pope said after his weekly Angelus prayer.
An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman hit back at Francis’s initial comments on Saturday, saying they were ‘particularly disappointing’ and showed ‘double standards’, singling out Israel for criticism.
Agence France-Presse . Palestinian Territories 23 December, 2024, 00:12
A youth searches for survivors at the site of an Israeli strike that targeted the Abu Samra family home in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Sunday, amid the on-going war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. | AFP photo
Gaza’s civil defence agency said on Sunday Israeli strikes killed at least 28 Palestinians, as the director of one of two hospitals still operating in the territory’s north reported bombardment nearby.
More than 14 months into the Israel-Hamas war, there was no let-up in the violence in the Gaza Strip even as Palestinian groups involved in the fighting said a ceasefire deal was ‘closer than ever’.
Israel has faced growing criticism of its actions during the war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, including from rights groups accusing it of ‘acts of genocide’ which the Israeli government strongly denies.
Pope Francis denounced on Sunday the ‘cruelty’ of Israel’s bombardment, highlighting the deaths of children and attacks on schools and hospitals in Gaza for the second time in as many days, while Israel accused the pontiff of ‘double standards’.
On the ground in Gaza, civil agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said that at least 13 people were killed in an air strike on a house in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah belonging to the Abu Samra family.
An AFP photographer saw residents searching through the debris for survivors, while others looked for belongings they could salvage.
In a nearby compound, bodies covered in blankets were laid on the ground.
‘We are losing loved ones every day,’ said Deir el-Balah resident Naim al-Ramlawi.
‘I pray to God that a truce will be reached soon’ and would allow Gazans to finally ‘live a decent life, instead of this miserable life’, he said.
There was no comment from the Israeli military, which has confirmed a separate strike further north, on a school in Gaza City.
Bassal said that eight people including four children were killed in the attack on the school, which had been repurposed as a shelter for Palestinians displaced by the war.
The Israeli military said it had carried out a ‘precise strike’ overnight targeting a Hamas ‘command and control centre’ inside the school compound in the city’s east.
AFP impages showed the damaged school building where mangled concrete slabs and iron beams lay strewn amid patches of blood.
Bassal said in a statement that an overnight strike killed three people in Rafah, in the south.
And a drone strike early on Sunday hit a car in Gaza City, killing four people, the spokesman added.
Meanwhile a hospital director in northern Gaza said Israeli forces were bombing buildings near the facility.
Hossam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan hospital, said in a statement that the facility’s generators were hit and that ‘the army is attempting to target the fuel tank, which is full of fuel and poses a significant fire risk.’
Contacted by AFP, the military said it was unaware of any strikes on the hospital, one of only two still operating in northern Gaza.
The unprecedented Hamas attack last year that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Militants also took 251 hostages, of whom 96 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 45,259 people, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.
Hamas and two other Palestinian armed groups said in a rare joint statement on Saturday that an agreement to end the bloodshed was ‘closer than ever’, after Qatari-hosted talks that followed months of stalled negotiations.
The groups, which include Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said that a truce in Gaza and hostage release deal may be within reach, provided Israel does not impose new conditions in negotiations.
Negotiations have faced multiple challenges since a one-week truce in November 2023, with the primary point of contention being the establishment of a lasting ceasefire. Another unresolved issue is the territory’s post-war governance.
In the Vatican City, Pope Francis renewed on Sunday his condemnation of Israel’s attacks, a day after decrying their ‘cruelty’.
‘With pain I think of Gaza, of so much cruelty, of the children being machine-gunned, of the bombings of schools and hospitals,’ the pope said after his weekly Angelus prayer.
An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman hit back at Francis’s initial comments on Saturday, saying they were ‘particularly disappointing’ and showed ‘double standards’, singling out Israel for criticism.
[🇮🇷] Iran news/views
- By Saif
- Iranian Defense Forum
- 15 Replies
Khamenei says Iran does not have or need regional proxy forces
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied on Sunday that militant groups around the region functioned as Tehran’s proxies, warning that if his country chose to ‘take action’, it would not need them anyway.
www.newagebd.net
Khamenei says Iran does not have or need regional proxy forces
Agence France-Presse . Tehran 22 December, 2024, 22:15
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied on Sunday that militant groups around the region functioned as Tehran’s proxies, warning that if his country chose to ‘take action’, it would not need them anyway.
The remarks came after a year in which Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza suffered heavy losses in wars with Israel, and two weeks after the fall of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who had been a key link in Tehran’s so-called axis of resistance.
Another spoke of that axis, Yemen’s Huthi rebels, have been repeatedly targeted by the United States and Britain over their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes, launched in solidarity with Palestinians.
‘The Islamic Republic does not have a proxy force. Yemen fights because it has faith. Hezbollah fights because the power of faith draws it into the field. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad fight because their beliefs compel them to do so. They do not act as our proxy,’ supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told a group of visitors in Tehran.
‘They the Americans keep saying that the Islamic Republic has lost its proxy forces in the region! This is another mistake,’ he said, adding: ‘If one day we want to take action, we do not need a proxy force.’
Earlier this month, Syrian rebels’ lightning push to Damascus from their strongholds in the northwest ended the decades-long rule of Assad’s family, which had been an ally of Tehran.
Khamenei predicted ‘the emergence of a strong, honourable group’ in Syria, saying the country’s young men had ‘nothing to lose.’
‘His university, school, home, street and life are insecure; what should he do? He must stand with strength and determination against those who have designed this insecurity and those who have implemented it, and God willing, he will overcome them.’
Assad had long played a strategic role in Iran’s anti-Israel axis of resistance, particularly in facilitating the supply of weapons to Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon.
The axis of resistance also includes Hamas, the Huthis and smaller Shia militia groups in Iraq.
All of the groups are united in their opposition to Israel and its main backer the United States.
The supreme leader, who has the final say in major state policies, also accused the United States of trying to create chaos and unrest in Iran.
‘The Iranian nation will trample under its strong feet anyone who accepts America’s mercenary role in this regard,’ he said.
Agence France-Presse . Tehran 22 December, 2024, 22:15
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied on Sunday that militant groups around the region functioned as Tehran’s proxies, warning that if his country chose to ‘take action’, it would not need them anyway.
The remarks came after a year in which Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza suffered heavy losses in wars with Israel, and two weeks after the fall of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who had been a key link in Tehran’s so-called axis of resistance.
Another spoke of that axis, Yemen’s Huthi rebels, have been repeatedly targeted by the United States and Britain over their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes, launched in solidarity with Palestinians.
‘The Islamic Republic does not have a proxy force. Yemen fights because it has faith. Hezbollah fights because the power of faith draws it into the field. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad fight because their beliefs compel them to do so. They do not act as our proxy,’ supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told a group of visitors in Tehran.
‘They the Americans keep saying that the Islamic Republic has lost its proxy forces in the region! This is another mistake,’ he said, adding: ‘If one day we want to take action, we do not need a proxy force.’
Earlier this month, Syrian rebels’ lightning push to Damascus from their strongholds in the northwest ended the decades-long rule of Assad’s family, which had been an ally of Tehran.
Khamenei predicted ‘the emergence of a strong, honourable group’ in Syria, saying the country’s young men had ‘nothing to lose.’
‘His university, school, home, street and life are insecure; what should he do? He must stand with strength and determination against those who have designed this insecurity and those who have implemented it, and God willing, he will overcome them.’
Assad had long played a strategic role in Iran’s anti-Israel axis of resistance, particularly in facilitating the supply of weapons to Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon.
The axis of resistance also includes Hamas, the Huthis and smaller Shia militia groups in Iraq.
All of the groups are united in their opposition to Israel and its main backer the United States.
The supreme leader, who has the final say in major state policies, also accused the United States of trying to create chaos and unrest in Iran.
‘The Iranian nation will trample under its strong feet anyone who accepts America’s mercenary role in this regard,’ he said.
[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Police and Rapid Action Battalion
- By Saif
- Bangladeshi Paramilitary Forces
- 49 Replies
Police apology for activities in partisan interests not enough
THE apology that the inspector general of police has made for the activities that the police have done to protect the partisan interests of the ruling party in the past is welcome. But the apology...
www.newagebd.net
Police apology for activities in partisan interests not enough
23 December, 2024, 00:00
THE apology that the inspector general of police has made for the activities that the police have done to protect the partisan interests of the ruling party in the past is welcome. But the apology at the same time constitutes an admission of the misdeeds that the police have done in partisan interests not only during the July-August uprising but also in the 15 years of the authoritarian regime of the Awami League government, which the uprising toppled on August 5. This warrants that the police as a force and the force’s top brass that has lowered the dignity of the force as a state agency should be held to account. The police chief has also noted that senior police officers have fled after giving orders to their juniors to take action in partisan interests, especially during the uprising, leaving the juniors insecure. Such a standing of the police has left the force in a state of disarray, as the police chief notes, because of fear and panic that have gripped the police units after the political changeover, making it difficult for the government to adequately attend to law and order. And, in the event of such activities done in partisan interests, the biggest challenge that remains is to revitalise the police force.
Whilst the police as a force and the people at the helm of the force who had made the police, despite being a state agency, work in partisan interests of the ruling party should be held to account, there should be reforms in the police and the regulations that govern the force to stop the government from using it in partisan interests and to stop the police from being used as a weapon of the government to go heavy-handed against the opposition or any individuals or entities that are critical of the government or the ruling party. Whilst the accountability of the police and their managers in connection with their past partisan action is important for reparation and the restoration of people’s trust in the force, the reforms are equally important to stop any recurrence of such police practice that has lowered the dignity of the force. The interim government, installed on August 8, instituted a commission for police administrative reforms. The commission is expected to make recommendations to improve the police administration and behaviour. It should recommend ways to tie loose ends in the police administration to keep the force off any partisan pressure. The police say that they have also put forth some issues for the commission, which should examine the issues and try to attend to them for an effective functioning of the force.
The government should, therefore, hold to account the police force and its managers having worked in partisan interests of the ruling party. This is important for the accountability, justice and reparations, especially in restoring people’s trust in the force. And, the government should reform the police administration to keep the force above partisan interests.
23 December, 2024, 00:00
THE apology that the inspector general of police has made for the activities that the police have done to protect the partisan interests of the ruling party in the past is welcome. But the apology at the same time constitutes an admission of the misdeeds that the police have done in partisan interests not only during the July-August uprising but also in the 15 years of the authoritarian regime of the Awami League government, which the uprising toppled on August 5. This warrants that the police as a force and the force’s top brass that has lowered the dignity of the force as a state agency should be held to account. The police chief has also noted that senior police officers have fled after giving orders to their juniors to take action in partisan interests, especially during the uprising, leaving the juniors insecure. Such a standing of the police has left the force in a state of disarray, as the police chief notes, because of fear and panic that have gripped the police units after the political changeover, making it difficult for the government to adequately attend to law and order. And, in the event of such activities done in partisan interests, the biggest challenge that remains is to revitalise the police force.
Whilst the police as a force and the people at the helm of the force who had made the police, despite being a state agency, work in partisan interests of the ruling party should be held to account, there should be reforms in the police and the regulations that govern the force to stop the government from using it in partisan interests and to stop the police from being used as a weapon of the government to go heavy-handed against the opposition or any individuals or entities that are critical of the government or the ruling party. Whilst the accountability of the police and their managers in connection with their past partisan action is important for reparation and the restoration of people’s trust in the force, the reforms are equally important to stop any recurrence of such police practice that has lowered the dignity of the force. The interim government, installed on August 8, instituted a commission for police administrative reforms. The commission is expected to make recommendations to improve the police administration and behaviour. It should recommend ways to tie loose ends in the police administration to keep the force off any partisan pressure. The police say that they have also put forth some issues for the commission, which should examine the issues and try to attend to them for an effective functioning of the force.
The government should, therefore, hold to account the police force and its managers having worked in partisan interests of the ruling party. This is important for the accountability, justice and reparations, especially in restoring people’s trust in the force. And, the government should reform the police administration to keep the force above partisan interests.
[🇧🇩] Student Revolution: Lessons from Bangladesh
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Defense Forum
- 68 Replies
Inquilab Mancha gives ultimatum for protesters’ security
Inquilab Mancha, a platform supporting the July-August student-mass uprising, on Sunday gave a seven-day ultimatum for the interim government to accept their three-point charter of...
www.newagebd.net
Inquilab Mancha gives ultimatum for protesters’ security
Staff Correspondent 22 December, 2024, 15:16
Pro-uprising platform Inquilab Mancha holds a sit-in to press for their three-point demands, including ensuring security of all students and people participated in the July-August uprising, for about four hours on the road near the chief justice’s residence at Kakrail in the capital on Sunday. | Sony Ramani
Inquilab Mancha, a platform supporting the July-August student-mass uprising, on Sunday gave a seven-day ultimatum for the interim government to accept their three-point charter of demands, including ensuring security of all students and people who participated in the uprising.
If their demands are not fulfilled within the deadline, the organisation will besiege the Secretariat on December 29.
Their other demands include the cancelation of Awami League’s registration immediately for mass killing, and arrest of all ‘Awami League terrorists’ from union to central level to protect ‘patriotic students and people’.
The organisation held a mass sit-in for about four hours since 1:00pm on the road near the chief justice residence at Kakrail until the chief adviser’s private secretary-2 Shazeeb M Khairul Islam received a memorandum from them, assuring that their demands would be considered.
Earlier in the afternoon, the police halted an Inquilab Mancha march towards the interim government chief adviser’s official residence Jamuna, also at Kakrail that began in front of the National Museum.
While concluding the sit-in near the chief justice residence, organisation spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi announced besieging of the Secretariat on December 29, if the government failed to take effective steps to meet their demand.’
‘We want a specific roadmap about banning the mass killer political party Awami League through a press conference. The government has to ensure security of all students and people who participated in the July student-mass uprising,’ Sharif added.
He also alleged that Awami goons were carrying out assassination in the name of mugging and robberies, killing five uprising protesters, including three students.
He said that if the government failed to protect students and people, the chief adviser must change advisers.
Sharif also wanted to know how 626 ‘killers’ of Awami regime, including its general secretary Obaidul Quader, fled from cantonments.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ramna division deputy commissioner Masud Alam said that they had halted the march towards the chief adviser’s office.
‘We will not allow anyone to stage protests in front of chief adviser’s residence. The protesters took position on roads,’ the officer said.
A huge number of law enforcement personnel were deployed in and around the area to avoid any untoward situations.
Staff Correspondent 22 December, 2024, 15:16
Pro-uprising platform Inquilab Mancha holds a sit-in to press for their three-point demands, including ensuring security of all students and people participated in the July-August uprising, for about four hours on the road near the chief justice’s residence at Kakrail in the capital on Sunday. | Sony Ramani
Inquilab Mancha, a platform supporting the July-August student-mass uprising, on Sunday gave a seven-day ultimatum for the interim government to accept their three-point charter of demands, including ensuring security of all students and people who participated in the uprising.
If their demands are not fulfilled within the deadline, the organisation will besiege the Secretariat on December 29.
Their other demands include the cancelation of Awami League’s registration immediately for mass killing, and arrest of all ‘Awami League terrorists’ from union to central level to protect ‘patriotic students and people’.
The organisation held a mass sit-in for about four hours since 1:00pm on the road near the chief justice residence at Kakrail until the chief adviser’s private secretary-2 Shazeeb M Khairul Islam received a memorandum from them, assuring that their demands would be considered.
Earlier in the afternoon, the police halted an Inquilab Mancha march towards the interim government chief adviser’s official residence Jamuna, also at Kakrail that began in front of the National Museum.
While concluding the sit-in near the chief justice residence, organisation spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi announced besieging of the Secretariat on December 29, if the government failed to take effective steps to meet their demand.’
‘We want a specific roadmap about banning the mass killer political party Awami League through a press conference. The government has to ensure security of all students and people who participated in the July student-mass uprising,’ Sharif added.
He also alleged that Awami goons were carrying out assassination in the name of mugging and robberies, killing five uprising protesters, including three students.
He said that if the government failed to protect students and people, the chief adviser must change advisers.
Sharif also wanted to know how 626 ‘killers’ of Awami regime, including its general secretary Obaidul Quader, fled from cantonments.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ramna division deputy commissioner Masud Alam said that they had halted the march towards the chief adviser’s office.
‘We will not allow anyone to stage protests in front of chief adviser’s residence. The protesters took position on roads,’ the officer said.
A huge number of law enforcement personnel were deployed in and around the area to avoid any untoward situations.
[🇧🇩] Jute Industry in Bangladesh
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Trade & Industry
- 34 Replies
Reopening of state-owned jute mills demanded
The Jatiya Sramik Karmachari Sangram Parishad on Sunday called for the reopening of 26 closed state-owned jute mills and other mills after modernisation.
www.newagebd.net
Reopening of state-owned jute mills demanded
Staff Correspondent 22 December, 2024, 22:33
The Jatiya Sramik Karmachari Sangram Parishad on Sunday called for the reopening of 26 closed state-owned jute mills and other mills after modernisation.
The platform made the demand at a press conference at the National Press Club.
Abdullah Kafi Ratan, a member of the parishad who presented the keynote speech, said that the ousted fascist Awami League government, without considering the livelihoods of 50,000 workers and thousands of jute farmers, shut down 26 state-owned jute mills on July 2, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the same year, on December 1, the Awami League government shut down six out of 15 state-owned sugar mills, citing losses as the reason.
Mentioning that the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, upon the recommendation of an 11-member task force formed on September 30, agreed to reopen the closed sugar mills in phases, the labour leader described this decision as ‘a historic victory for the movement to reopen closed mills.’
He said that the aim of the ruling class’s imperialist-dependent neoliberal policies was to hand over state-owned industrial enterprises to private ownership, which is a direct attack on workers, farmers, and the toiling masses.
‘It is a high time to build a national movement to resist the anti-people policies of the government, which serves the interests of imperialism and the exploitative ruling class,’ he added.
Manos Nandi, president of the central committee of the Bangladesh Sramik Karmachari Federation, emphasised the need for a fair policy to make sugar mills viable and profitable.
Jatiya Sramik Karmachari Songram Parishad convener Md Harunur Rashid Bhuiyan presided over the event.
Staff Correspondent 22 December, 2024, 22:33
The Jatiya Sramik Karmachari Sangram Parishad on Sunday called for the reopening of 26 closed state-owned jute mills and other mills after modernisation.
The platform made the demand at a press conference at the National Press Club.
Abdullah Kafi Ratan, a member of the parishad who presented the keynote speech, said that the ousted fascist Awami League government, without considering the livelihoods of 50,000 workers and thousands of jute farmers, shut down 26 state-owned jute mills on July 2, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the same year, on December 1, the Awami League government shut down six out of 15 state-owned sugar mills, citing losses as the reason.
Mentioning that the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, upon the recommendation of an 11-member task force formed on September 30, agreed to reopen the closed sugar mills in phases, the labour leader described this decision as ‘a historic victory for the movement to reopen closed mills.’
He said that the aim of the ruling class’s imperialist-dependent neoliberal policies was to hand over state-owned industrial enterprises to private ownership, which is a direct attack on workers, farmers, and the toiling masses.
‘It is a high time to build a national movement to resist the anti-people policies of the government, which serves the interests of imperialism and the exploitative ruling class,’ he added.
Manos Nandi, president of the central committee of the Bangladesh Sramik Karmachari Federation, emphasised the need for a fair policy to make sugar mills viable and profitable.
Jatiya Sramik Karmachari Songram Parishad convener Md Harunur Rashid Bhuiyan presided over the event.
[🇧🇩] Everything about Hasina's misrule/Laundered Money etc.
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Defense Forum
- 128 Replies
$300m laundering: Hasina, Sajeeb under ACC scanner
The Anti-Corruption Commission on Sunday decided to conduct an inquiry into the allegation against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy of laundering $300 million to the...
www.newagebd.net
$300m laundering: Hasina, Sajeeb under ACC scanner
Solamain Salman 22 December, 2024, 23:57
Sheikh Hasina and Sajeeb Wazed Joy
The Anti-Corruption Commission on Sunday decided to conduct an inquiry into the allegation against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy of laundering $300 million to the United States and the United Kingdom.
The commission made the decision at its meeting at the commission headquarters in Dhaka with its newly-appointed chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen in the chair, ACC director general Md Aktar Hossain told New Age.
According to the allegation, the name of Sajeeb Wazed Joy first came up as a money laundering suspect in the United States versus Rizvi Ahmed case in 2014.
Later, a probe conducted by a powerful US intelligence agency uncovered serious financial scams involving Sajeeb Wazed, it said.
It also noted that in particular, information emerged that money was being laundered from various bank accounts in Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands in his name to various bank accounts in Washington and New York in the United States and London in the United Kingdom through a local money exchange entity.
The US intelligence agency also confirmed the matter through their London representative and found evidence of serious financial irregularities and money laundering committed by Sajeeb Wazed, said the allegation.
It also mentioned that Linda Samuels, Senior Trial Attorney of the Department of Justice, contacted Special Agent La Prevot and found that $300 million was deposited from Bangladesh to various bank accounts in the United States.
The commission came up with the new inquiry against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed just four days after the commission on December 17 started an inquiry into Tk 80,000 crore corruption allegations against Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed, her younger sister Sheikh Rehana and Rehana’s daughter and British minister Tulip Siddiq.
The alleged corruption involving Tk 80,000 crore occurred in nine projects, including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the Special Ashrayan Project during the Awami League government between 2009 and 2023, according to the allegation.
Amid a student-led mass uprising on August 5, prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India while her son Sajeeb Wazed, also her information and communication technology adviser, is staying abroad.
According to the White Paper on the State of the Bangladesh Economy published recently, Bangladesh lost $16 billion annually on average between 2009 and 2023 because of the illicit fund flow under the authoritarian AL regime.
The illicit financial outflows are more than double the combined value of net foreign aid and foreign direct investment, the white paper said.
After the fall of the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina, the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government came to power on August 8 and announced that it would take steps to bring back the laundered money.
As a part of the initiative, the commission has been actively collaborating with international agencies, including the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, the World Bank, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, to tackle money laundering.
On September 9, a delegation from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation held a meeting at the commission headquarters with the director general of the ACC’s money laundering and legal unit and other officials concerned.
Besides, on October 1, a three-member EU delegation, led by Michal Krejza, head of cooperation at the EU delegation to Bangladesh, met then ACC chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah and discussed the repatriation of laundered funds and technical assistance to strengthen the commission’s operational capabilities, said ACC officials.
Solamain Salman 22 December, 2024, 23:57
Sheikh Hasina and Sajeeb Wazed Joy
The Anti-Corruption Commission on Sunday decided to conduct an inquiry into the allegation against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy of laundering $300 million to the United States and the United Kingdom.
The commission made the decision at its meeting at the commission headquarters in Dhaka with its newly-appointed chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen in the chair, ACC director general Md Aktar Hossain told New Age.
According to the allegation, the name of Sajeeb Wazed Joy first came up as a money laundering suspect in the United States versus Rizvi Ahmed case in 2014.
Later, a probe conducted by a powerful US intelligence agency uncovered serious financial scams involving Sajeeb Wazed, it said.
It also noted that in particular, information emerged that money was being laundered from various bank accounts in Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands in his name to various bank accounts in Washington and New York in the United States and London in the United Kingdom through a local money exchange entity.
The US intelligence agency also confirmed the matter through their London representative and found evidence of serious financial irregularities and money laundering committed by Sajeeb Wazed, said the allegation.
It also mentioned that Linda Samuels, Senior Trial Attorney of the Department of Justice, contacted Special Agent La Prevot and found that $300 million was deposited from Bangladesh to various bank accounts in the United States.
The commission came up with the new inquiry against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed just four days after the commission on December 17 started an inquiry into Tk 80,000 crore corruption allegations against Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed, her younger sister Sheikh Rehana and Rehana’s daughter and British minister Tulip Siddiq.
The alleged corruption involving Tk 80,000 crore occurred in nine projects, including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the Special Ashrayan Project during the Awami League government between 2009 and 2023, according to the allegation.
Amid a student-led mass uprising on August 5, prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India while her son Sajeeb Wazed, also her information and communication technology adviser, is staying abroad.
According to the White Paper on the State of the Bangladesh Economy published recently, Bangladesh lost $16 billion annually on average between 2009 and 2023 because of the illicit fund flow under the authoritarian AL regime.
The illicit financial outflows are more than double the combined value of net foreign aid and foreign direct investment, the white paper said.
After the fall of the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina, the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government came to power on August 8 and announced that it would take steps to bring back the laundered money.
As a part of the initiative, the commission has been actively collaborating with international agencies, including the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, the World Bank, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, to tackle money laundering.
On September 9, a delegation from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation held a meeting at the commission headquarters with the director general of the ACC’s money laundering and legal unit and other officials concerned.
Besides, on October 1, a three-member EU delegation, led by Michal Krejza, head of cooperation at the EU delegation to Bangladesh, met then ACC chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah and discussed the repatriation of laundered funds and technical assistance to strengthen the commission’s operational capabilities, said ACC officials.
[🇧🇩] Student revolution in Bangladesh-----how does it impact India?
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Defense Forum
- 80 Replies
India reacts to Mahfuj Alam's deleted FB post
India has strongly protested against the Facebook post of Adviser Mahfuj Alam, also an aide to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus
India reacts to Mahfuj Alam's deleted FB post
Photo: Collected
India has strongly protested against the Facebook post of Adviser Mahfuj Alam, also an aide to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
The social media post taken down within hours of posting it on December 16, stated that Bangladesh would not be able to overcome its challenges in the current location and advocated for an expanded geographic existence comprising parts of several Indian provinces on India's eastern flank.
Responding to a question yesterday (December 20), Indian foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said India had taken this up with the Bangladesh government. "We have actually strongly registered our protest on this issue. We understand that the post you referred has been taken down."
Jaiswal said, "We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments."
He said while India has repeatedly signalled interest in fostering relations with people and interim government of Bangladesh "such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation".
Photo: Collected
India has strongly protested against the Facebook post of Adviser Mahfuj Alam, also an aide to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
The social media post taken down within hours of posting it on December 16, stated that Bangladesh would not be able to overcome its challenges in the current location and advocated for an expanded geographic existence comprising parts of several Indian provinces on India's eastern flank.
Responding to a question yesterday (December 20), Indian foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said India had taken this up with the Bangladesh government. "We have actually strongly registered our protest on this issue. We understand that the post you referred has been taken down."
Jaiswal said, "We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments."
He said while India has repeatedly signalled interest in fostering relations with people and interim government of Bangladesh "such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation".
[🇸🇾] Rebels Oust Assad
- By Saif
- Syrian Defense Forum
- 85 Replies
Syria won’t negatively interfere in Lebanon
Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, told Lebanese Druze leaders yesterday that his country would not negatively interfere in Lebanon and would respect its neighbour’s sovereignty.
Syria won’t negatively interfere in Lebanon
HTS leader Julani tells visiting Druze chiefs
Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, told Lebanese Druze leaders yesterday that his country would not negatively interfere in Lebanon and would respect its neighbour's sovereignty.
Syria will no longer exert "negative interference in Lebanon at all -- it respects Lebanon's sovereignty, the unity of its territories, the independence of its decisions and its security stability," Sharaa told visiting Druze chiefs Walid and Taymur Jumblatt.
Walid Jumblatt is the first Lebanese figure to meet Sharaa since his group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied rebel factions launched a lightning offensive last month, seizing Damascus on December 8 and ousting longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Syria "will stay at equal distance from all" in Lebanon, Sharaa added, acknowledging that Syria has been a "source of fear and anxiety" for the country.
Walid Jumblatt, long a fierce critic of Assad and his father Hafez who ruled Syria before him, arrived in Damascus Sunday at the head of a delegation of lawmakers from his parliamentary bloc and religious figures from Lebanon's Druze minority.
HTS leader Julani tells visiting Druze chiefs
Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, told Lebanese Druze leaders yesterday that his country would not negatively interfere in Lebanon and would respect its neighbour's sovereignty.
Syria will no longer exert "negative interference in Lebanon at all -- it respects Lebanon's sovereignty, the unity of its territories, the independence of its decisions and its security stability," Sharaa told visiting Druze chiefs Walid and Taymur Jumblatt.
Walid Jumblatt is the first Lebanese figure to meet Sharaa since his group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied rebel factions launched a lightning offensive last month, seizing Damascus on December 8 and ousting longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Syria "will stay at equal distance from all" in Lebanon, Sharaa added, acknowledging that Syria has been a "source of fear and anxiety" for the country.
Walid Jumblatt, long a fierce critic of Assad and his father Hafez who ruled Syria before him, arrived in Damascus Sunday at the head of a delegation of lawmakers from his parliamentary bloc and religious figures from Lebanon's Druze minority.
[🇧🇩] Healthcare Industry in Bangladesh
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Trade & Industry
- 22 Replies
A wake-up call for Bangladesh to reform its healthcare
India’s visa restrictions on Bangladeshi nationals, while initially perceived as a barrier, could serve as a wake-up call for Bangladesh to strengthen its healthcare system and regain the confidence of its patients.
A wake-up call for Bangladesh to reform its healthcare
India's visa restrictions on Bangladeshi nationals, while initially perceived as a barrier, could serve as a wake-up call for Bangladesh to strengthen its healthcare system and regain the confidence of its patients. With as many as 3.5 lakh Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment in India annually, the restrictions offer a unique chance for local providers to address systemic issues and retain patients who would otherwise travel abroad. Experts urge Bangladesh's health authorities to rise to the occasion and rebuild trust among its citizens.
This systemic overhaul is especially urgent given the personal struggles of individuals like Sanjida (not a real name), a Mirpur resident, who faced a critical health challenge in 2020. After undergoing surgery at Dhaka's Green Life Hospital to remove an ovarian cyst, her biopsy reports delivered devastating news: she had cancer. Advised to start chemotherapy, she followed her oncologist's recommendation for additional tests, only to realise that the tests she had completed earlier had been overlooked. It became apparent that her doctor's approach was perfunctory at best. Terrified and disillusioned, her family decided to seek treatment abroad.
Sanjida travelled to Mumbai's Tata Memorial Hospital, where doctors reviewed her medical history and conducted fresh diagnostics. They concluded that the surgery in Dhaka had been incorrect. With an appropriate operation, her cancer could have been addressed earlier. After another surgery and three rounds of chemotherapy in Mumbai, she returned to Dhaka. Today, she takes regular medication and visits India every six months for follow-ups. Reflecting on her ordeal, Sanjida laments the inattentiveness and unprofessionalism she experienced in Bangladesh's medical system, contrasting it with the care she received in India.
"Even with the high cost of living and transportation, Indian hospitals are more affordable and trustworthy than those in Dhaka," she said.
Sanjida's story is not unique. Retired government officer Shahidur Rahman, 69, sought cardiac care in 2019 after experiencing chest pain. Diagnosed with three heart blockages at two leading hospitals in Dhaka, he was advised to undergo stent placement. Sceptical, Shahidur travelled to Bengaluru to consult Dr Devi Shetty, a renowned cardiologist. Additional tests revealed no blockages, and he was prescribed medication instead. Since then, Shahidur has lived without chest pain and has lost faith in Bangladeshi healthcare providers.
A CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE
The healthcare industry in Bangladesh is dominated by the private sector, which has seen significant growth in tertiary hospitals and diagnostic centres.
The stories of Sanjida and Shahidur are emblematic of a deeper issue -- a healthcare system grappling with a crisis of trust. On the surface, Bangladesh's healthcare infrastructure appears robust. The country boasts 566 public hospitals, which include 37 state-run medical colleges providing hospital services, and around 5,000 private medical facilities. Private sector investment has led to the growth of tertiary hospitals and diagnostic centres, creating an illusion of progress. Yet, beneath the numbers lies a stark reality: many Bangladeshis still feel compelled to seek treatment abroad, believing that local facilities cannot meet their needs.
The reasons for this exodus are manifold. Experts point to rushed consultations, diagnostic errors, steep treatment costs, and a perceived indifference from medical professionals. Many patients complain of being treated like mere numbers -- hurried through appointments with little to no time for questions, clarification, or reassurance. This lack of a personal touch often proves just as alienating as the more tangible deficiencies. In contrast, some patients argue, India has built a reputation for offering not only medical expertise but also a level of care that feels holistic and humane.
Bangladeshi patients primarily travel to India for cardiology (14 percent), oncology (13 percent), gastroenterology (11 percent) and other complex issues, according to a 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine. The same report found that India's healthcare infrastructure -- including skilled specialists and comprehensive follow-up care -- attracts an estimated 3 lakh to 3.5 lakh Bangladeshi patients annually. Kolkata, Chennai, Vellore, and Mumbai are the most frequented destinations.
"Bangladesh's healthcare system lacks sufficient skilled physicians and technologists, especially for complex diseases like cancer and organ transplants," said Rumana Huque, a health economist and professor at Dhaka University. "While we have capable doctors, they are overstretched and unable to provide the level of care patients expect."
Bangladeshis spend over $5 billion annually on medical treatment abroad, with India and Thailand as top destinations. Yet, Huque emphasised, many of these expenses could be curtailed if local healthcare providers improved their practices.
Tamzeed Ahmed, a clinical and interventional cardiology specialist at Evercare Hospitals Dhaka, observed that the past two to three months have seen an uptick in patients seeking consultations in India. This trend persists despite India's visa restrictions.
Meanwhile, Md Esam Ebne Yousuf Siddique, chief operating officer of Square Hospitals, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the long-term impact of these restrictions. He noted that, over the last three years, Square Hospitals has not recorded any significant fluctuation in patient numbers, suggesting that the effects of visa restrictions on local healthcare utilisation may still be unfolding.
SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES AND PATIENT DISSATISFACTION
Patients often cite Bangladesh's under-resourced diagnostic facilities and dismissive medical culture as significant deterrents. Even private hospitals equipped with advanced technology struggle due to a lack of trained personnel to operate it effectively.
Syed Abdul Hamid, a professor at the Institute of Health Economics, Dhaka University, pointed out that poor diagnostic accuracy, inadequate consultation time, and indifferent behaviour from medical professionals erode trust. "Doctors in India excel in patient communication, providing detailed explanations and emotional support. This starkly contrasts with the rushed consultations typical in Bangladesh," he said.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when international travel was restricted, Bangladeshi patients had no choice but to rely on local healthcare providers. Many received quality care, proving that the country's medical system can deliver when adequately supported. However, the lasting perception of neglect and inefficiency continues to push patients abroad.
CALLS FOR REFORM
Industry leaders acknowledge the gaps. AM Shamim, founder of Labaid Hospital, admitted that while Bangladeshi doctors are technically skilled, they must improve their bedside manner and spend more time with patients. "We have the capacity to treat complex illnesses, but patient trust is eroded by behaviour and insufficient consultation time," he said.
Similarly, Prof Md Moazzem Hossain of Aichi Medical Group called for systemic reform. "We need skilled technologists, uniform cost structures, and better regulation from the Directorate General of Health Services," he said. "Patients need to feel confident in their care, and hospitals must prioritise patient-centred service over immediate profits."
India's visa restrictions, while inconvenient, offer Bangladesh a rare opportunity to reflect and reform. It's a chance to rebuild confidence, invest in patient-centred care, and address the systemic flaws that push patients abroad. Without addressing these issues, experts warn, the country risks perpetuating a reliance on foreign medical services -- a dependency both costly and avoidable.
India's visa restrictions on Bangladeshi nationals, while initially perceived as a barrier, could serve as a wake-up call for Bangladesh to strengthen its healthcare system and regain the confidence of its patients. With as many as 3.5 lakh Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment in India annually, the restrictions offer a unique chance for local providers to address systemic issues and retain patients who would otherwise travel abroad. Experts urge Bangladesh's health authorities to rise to the occasion and rebuild trust among its citizens.
This systemic overhaul is especially urgent given the personal struggles of individuals like Sanjida (not a real name), a Mirpur resident, who faced a critical health challenge in 2020. After undergoing surgery at Dhaka's Green Life Hospital to remove an ovarian cyst, her biopsy reports delivered devastating news: she had cancer. Advised to start chemotherapy, she followed her oncologist's recommendation for additional tests, only to realise that the tests she had completed earlier had been overlooked. It became apparent that her doctor's approach was perfunctory at best. Terrified and disillusioned, her family decided to seek treatment abroad.
Sanjida travelled to Mumbai's Tata Memorial Hospital, where doctors reviewed her medical history and conducted fresh diagnostics. They concluded that the surgery in Dhaka had been incorrect. With an appropriate operation, her cancer could have been addressed earlier. After another surgery and three rounds of chemotherapy in Mumbai, she returned to Dhaka. Today, she takes regular medication and visits India every six months for follow-ups. Reflecting on her ordeal, Sanjida laments the inattentiveness and unprofessionalism she experienced in Bangladesh's medical system, contrasting it with the care she received in India.
"Even with the high cost of living and transportation, Indian hospitals are more affordable and trustworthy than those in Dhaka," she said.
Sanjida's story is not unique. Retired government officer Shahidur Rahman, 69, sought cardiac care in 2019 after experiencing chest pain. Diagnosed with three heart blockages at two leading hospitals in Dhaka, he was advised to undergo stent placement. Sceptical, Shahidur travelled to Bengaluru to consult Dr Devi Shetty, a renowned cardiologist. Additional tests revealed no blockages, and he was prescribed medication instead. Since then, Shahidur has lived without chest pain and has lost faith in Bangladeshi healthcare providers.
A CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE
The healthcare industry in Bangladesh is dominated by the private sector, which has seen significant growth in tertiary hospitals and diagnostic centres.
The stories of Sanjida and Shahidur are emblematic of a deeper issue -- a healthcare system grappling with a crisis of trust. On the surface, Bangladesh's healthcare infrastructure appears robust. The country boasts 566 public hospitals, which include 37 state-run medical colleges providing hospital services, and around 5,000 private medical facilities. Private sector investment has led to the growth of tertiary hospitals and diagnostic centres, creating an illusion of progress. Yet, beneath the numbers lies a stark reality: many Bangladeshis still feel compelled to seek treatment abroad, believing that local facilities cannot meet their needs.
The reasons for this exodus are manifold. Experts point to rushed consultations, diagnostic errors, steep treatment costs, and a perceived indifference from medical professionals. Many patients complain of being treated like mere numbers -- hurried through appointments with little to no time for questions, clarification, or reassurance. This lack of a personal touch often proves just as alienating as the more tangible deficiencies. In contrast, some patients argue, India has built a reputation for offering not only medical expertise but also a level of care that feels holistic and humane.
Bangladeshi patients primarily travel to India for cardiology (14 percent), oncology (13 percent), gastroenterology (11 percent) and other complex issues, according to a 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine. The same report found that India's healthcare infrastructure -- including skilled specialists and comprehensive follow-up care -- attracts an estimated 3 lakh to 3.5 lakh Bangladeshi patients annually. Kolkata, Chennai, Vellore, and Mumbai are the most frequented destinations.
"Bangladesh's healthcare system lacks sufficient skilled physicians and technologists, especially for complex diseases like cancer and organ transplants," said Rumana Huque, a health economist and professor at Dhaka University. "While we have capable doctors, they are overstretched and unable to provide the level of care patients expect."
Bangladeshis spend over $5 billion annually on medical treatment abroad, with India and Thailand as top destinations. Yet, Huque emphasised, many of these expenses could be curtailed if local healthcare providers improved their practices.
Tamzeed Ahmed, a clinical and interventional cardiology specialist at Evercare Hospitals Dhaka, observed that the past two to three months have seen an uptick in patients seeking consultations in India. This trend persists despite India's visa restrictions.
Meanwhile, Md Esam Ebne Yousuf Siddique, chief operating officer of Square Hospitals, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the long-term impact of these restrictions. He noted that, over the last three years, Square Hospitals has not recorded any significant fluctuation in patient numbers, suggesting that the effects of visa restrictions on local healthcare utilisation may still be unfolding.
SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES AND PATIENT DISSATISFACTION
Patients often cite Bangladesh's under-resourced diagnostic facilities and dismissive medical culture as significant deterrents. Even private hospitals equipped with advanced technology struggle due to a lack of trained personnel to operate it effectively.
Syed Abdul Hamid, a professor at the Institute of Health Economics, Dhaka University, pointed out that poor diagnostic accuracy, inadequate consultation time, and indifferent behaviour from medical professionals erode trust. "Doctors in India excel in patient communication, providing detailed explanations and emotional support. This starkly contrasts with the rushed consultations typical in Bangladesh," he said.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when international travel was restricted, Bangladeshi patients had no choice but to rely on local healthcare providers. Many received quality care, proving that the country's medical system can deliver when adequately supported. However, the lasting perception of neglect and inefficiency continues to push patients abroad.
CALLS FOR REFORM
Industry leaders acknowledge the gaps. AM Shamim, founder of Labaid Hospital, admitted that while Bangladeshi doctors are technically skilled, they must improve their bedside manner and spend more time with patients. "We have the capacity to treat complex illnesses, but patient trust is eroded by behaviour and insufficient consultation time," he said.
Similarly, Prof Md Moazzem Hossain of Aichi Medical Group called for systemic reform. "We need skilled technologists, uniform cost structures, and better regulation from the Directorate General of Health Services," he said. "Patients need to feel confident in their care, and hospitals must prioritise patient-centred service over immediate profits."
India's visa restrictions, while inconvenient, offer Bangladesh a rare opportunity to reflect and reform. It's a chance to rebuild confidence, invest in patient-centred care, and address the systemic flaws that push patients abroad. Without addressing these issues, experts warn, the country risks perpetuating a reliance on foreign medical services -- a dependency both costly and avoidable.
[🇧🇩] Automobile Industry of Bangladesh
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Trade & Industry
- 41 Replies
Japan’s Mitsui buys 18.5% stake in ACI Motors for $22.75m
Mitsui & Company, one of the largest general trading companies in Japan, has bought an 18.5 percent stake in ACI Motors Limited for $22.75 million.
Japan’s Mitsui buys 18.5% stake in ACI Motors for $22.75m
Mitsui & Company, one of the largest general trading companies in Japan, has bought an 18.5 percent stake in ACI Motors Limited for $22.75 million.
The purchase was made from two investors of the Bangladeshi company through a Singaporean subsidiary on November 29.
The sale proceeds will be received as foreign direct investment, according to Subrata Ranjan Das, executive director of ACI Motors Limited.
Mitsui says it generates an annual revenue of over $100 billion from operations spanning trading, logistics and financing, infrastructure, energy, mobility, chemicals, iron and steel products, food and retail management, wellness, IT and communication, and corporate development.
Launched in 2007 focusing on agricultural mechanisation, ACI Motors now assembles and sells, among others, agricultural and construction machinery, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and marines diesel engines of brands Yamaha, Yanmar, Sonalika, and Foton.
ACI Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Bangladesh with diverse interests in the fields of mobility, pharmaceuticals, nutrition and agriculture, food, consumer products and retail.
Two senior executives from Mitsui will now join ACI Motors as a part of efforts to grow the business in the global market by using the worldwide connections of the Japanese company, said Das.
ACI Motors, a subsidiary of ACI Group, intends to boost its growth by entering new markets and diversifying its range of products to include rice processing equipment and electric and passenger vehicles, Das said.
Mitsui will further expand its activities in areas such as retail and logistics and contribute to Bangladesh's rapidly growing market through integrated mobility and mechanisation solutions for agri-businesses, transportation, and infrastructure, according to a statement.
Mitsui & Company, one of the largest general trading companies in Japan, has bought an 18.5 percent stake in ACI Motors Limited for $22.75 million.
The purchase was made from two investors of the Bangladeshi company through a Singaporean subsidiary on November 29.
The sale proceeds will be received as foreign direct investment, according to Subrata Ranjan Das, executive director of ACI Motors Limited.
Mitsui says it generates an annual revenue of over $100 billion from operations spanning trading, logistics and financing, infrastructure, energy, mobility, chemicals, iron and steel products, food and retail management, wellness, IT and communication, and corporate development.
Launched in 2007 focusing on agricultural mechanisation, ACI Motors now assembles and sells, among others, agricultural and construction machinery, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and marines diesel engines of brands Yamaha, Yanmar, Sonalika, and Foton.
ACI Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Bangladesh with diverse interests in the fields of mobility, pharmaceuticals, nutrition and agriculture, food, consumer products and retail.
Two senior executives from Mitsui will now join ACI Motors as a part of efforts to grow the business in the global market by using the worldwide connections of the Japanese company, said Das.
ACI Motors, a subsidiary of ACI Group, intends to boost its growth by entering new markets and diversifying its range of products to include rice processing equipment and electric and passenger vehicles, Das said.
Mitsui will further expand its activities in areas such as retail and logistics and contribute to Bangladesh's rapidly growing market through integrated mobility and mechanisation solutions for agri-businesses, transportation, and infrastructure, according to a statement.
[🇧🇩] Textile & RMG Industry of Bangladesh
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Trade & Industry
- 211 Replies
Automation replaced 31% of garment workers: study
Automation has reduced the need for human labour in the production process of the garment sector by nearly 31 percent by mostly replacing helpers, according to a study.
Automation replaced 31% of garment workers: study
Worker efficiency in the garment sector has been affected by external inefficiencies, such as power shortages and port and road congestion, industry insiders said. Photo: Star/file
Automation has reduced the need for human labour in the production process of the garment sector by nearly 31 percent by mostly replacing helpers, according to a study.
Sweater factories saw the highest decline of 37 percent, while woven factories 27 percent per production line, it said.
Automation in the cutting process led to the highest reduction of 48 percent, while sewing 26.57 percent, it added.
Solidaridad Network Asia, Bangladesh Labour Foundation, and BRAC University jointly conducted the study titled "Assessment of Technological Transition in the Apparel Sector of Bangladesh and Its Impact on Workers".
The findings were made public through a programme at Amari Dhaka yesterday.
Automation does bring several positive impacts on workers, said Shahidur Rahman, a professor of the economics and social sciences department of BRAC University, at the programme.
It also poses significant challenges to workers, especially women and those who are past their prime, have low literacy, are unskilled, and lack confidence, he said.
The advent of semi and fully automatic machines led to some job losses while others were trained to operate those machines or shifted to other sections to undertake new roles, he added.
Reassignment to other sections is commonly seen only in large factories, while others cannot afford to do so, said Rahman.
As factories rely on automation, workers are finding that their previous skills are no longer as valuable, raising concerns over job security, he said.
Adoption of automation has already begun, Sultan Uddin Ahmed, chairman of a recently formed Labour Reform Commission, said at the event.
"Now, it is time to think about how to cope with the process and become competitive among peer countries," he said.
"So, we need proper planning and the first step of our preparation is finding out the number of workers we can retain in this sector," he added.
"It won't be fair to say that our workers would not be able to cope with the arrival of the machines.
Rather, we have to take preparations on how to utilise the existing workforce," he added.
The entrepreneurs, governments, and trade unions can jointly contribute to this process, he added.
He also underscored the importance of research for utilising the country's workforce.
"Now many reputed NGOs (non-governmental organisations) are setting up resorts in Gazipur on huge areas despite there being an opportunity of establishing jackfruit research centres," said Ahmed,
"By setting up more industries, we have to ensure a close relationship between automation and workers," he said.
Miran Ali, a member of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association's support committee, echoed this sentiment, saying that automation does not come about overnight.
"We have to move gradually through partial automation as well as work to improve worker efficiency," he said.
However, worker efficiency in the garment sector has been affected by external inefficiencies, such as power shortages and port and road congestion, he said.
"Our workers are paying the price for the inefficiencies from other issues. This is not actually fair. They should be compensated for their contributions," added Ali.
"If we can address these issues, worker efficiency will be better than the current level," he added.
"I agree that our workers' payment scale is quite low. But our other input costs are much higher than that in other countries," he said.
Ali also suggested that the government focus on introducing automation not only in production processes but also within its own bodies, including the labour ministry, to enhance overall efficiency in the sector.
"We have no option to avoid automation. If we don't embrace it, the country will suffer. The garment sector will suffer," AHM Shafiquzzaman, secretary to the labour and employment ministry, said as the chief guest.
He also called upon workers to stay aware of automation.
The ministry is planning to establish an "Employment Department" to address fluctuations in the labour market's demand and supply, he said.
Worker efficiency in the garment sector has been affected by external inefficiencies, such as power shortages and port and road congestion, industry insiders said. Photo: Star/file
Automation has reduced the need for human labour in the production process of the garment sector by nearly 31 percent by mostly replacing helpers, according to a study.
Sweater factories saw the highest decline of 37 percent, while woven factories 27 percent per production line, it said.
Automation in the cutting process led to the highest reduction of 48 percent, while sewing 26.57 percent, it added.
Solidaridad Network Asia, Bangladesh Labour Foundation, and BRAC University jointly conducted the study titled "Assessment of Technological Transition in the Apparel Sector of Bangladesh and Its Impact on Workers".
The findings were made public through a programme at Amari Dhaka yesterday.
Automation does bring several positive impacts on workers, said Shahidur Rahman, a professor of the economics and social sciences department of BRAC University, at the programme.
It also poses significant challenges to workers, especially women and those who are past their prime, have low literacy, are unskilled, and lack confidence, he said.
The advent of semi and fully automatic machines led to some job losses while others were trained to operate those machines or shifted to other sections to undertake new roles, he added.
Reassignment to other sections is commonly seen only in large factories, while others cannot afford to do so, said Rahman.
As factories rely on automation, workers are finding that their previous skills are no longer as valuable, raising concerns over job security, he said.
Adoption of automation has already begun, Sultan Uddin Ahmed, chairman of a recently formed Labour Reform Commission, said at the event.
"Now, it is time to think about how to cope with the process and become competitive among peer countries," he said.
"So, we need proper planning and the first step of our preparation is finding out the number of workers we can retain in this sector," he added.
"It won't be fair to say that our workers would not be able to cope with the arrival of the machines.
Rather, we have to take preparations on how to utilise the existing workforce," he added.
The entrepreneurs, governments, and trade unions can jointly contribute to this process, he added.
He also underscored the importance of research for utilising the country's workforce.
"Now many reputed NGOs (non-governmental organisations) are setting up resorts in Gazipur on huge areas despite there being an opportunity of establishing jackfruit research centres," said Ahmed,
"By setting up more industries, we have to ensure a close relationship between automation and workers," he said.
Miran Ali, a member of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association's support committee, echoed this sentiment, saying that automation does not come about overnight.
"We have to move gradually through partial automation as well as work to improve worker efficiency," he said.
However, worker efficiency in the garment sector has been affected by external inefficiencies, such as power shortages and port and road congestion, he said.
"Our workers are paying the price for the inefficiencies from other issues. This is not actually fair. They should be compensated for their contributions," added Ali.
"If we can address these issues, worker efficiency will be better than the current level," he added.
"I agree that our workers' payment scale is quite low. But our other input costs are much higher than that in other countries," he said.
Ali also suggested that the government focus on introducing automation not only in production processes but also within its own bodies, including the labour ministry, to enhance overall efficiency in the sector.
"We have no option to avoid automation. If we don't embrace it, the country will suffer. The garment sector will suffer," AHM Shafiquzzaman, secretary to the labour and employment ministry, said as the chief guest.
He also called upon workers to stay aware of automation.
The ministry is planning to establish an "Employment Department" to address fluctuations in the labour market's demand and supply, he said.
[🇧🇩] Everything about the interim government and its actions
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Defense Forum
- 125 Replies
July revolution and Prof Yunus: A winning combination
A transition from a dictatorial regime to democracy is almost akin to breathing life into a corpse.
July revolution and Prof Yunus: A winning combination
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is pictured during a press briefing as he arrives at the Hazarat Shahjalal International Airport, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 8, 2024. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
When Prof Yunus was sworn in as the chief adviser of the interim government on August 8 of this year, a feeling of déjà vu consumed me. I was transported back to 2006, when I was a graduate student at a university in California. I was working out at the gym in the morning. The TV right in front of my treadmill flashed Prof Yunus, as the newscaster mentioned that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize. I jumped out of the gym and started running to the office of my course coordinator. Before she could greet me as she suddenly found me next to her chair, I said, "Dr Lynne, a Bangladeshi won the Nobel Peace Prize this year." She smiled and said, "We know Professor Yunus. You are the next." I was so delightfully delusional that I had no idea what she meant. All I knew was that Bangladesh achieved nothing more dignified and desirable than winning the Nobel Peace Prize since our independence in 1971. When I left her office, I realised that Prof Yunus had re-defined Bangladesh, which was off to a new beginning. Unfortunately, nothing apparently has changed since. Politics has swamped everything.
While our political crisis climaxed this past July, Bangladesh has always been politically precarious since its bloody birth in 1971. The lever of political power alternated between demagogues and dictators. Most of them were intellectually half-baked. They understood neither politics, nor economics. All of them were apparently con artists. They attempted to become popular, while their credibility nixed. They rigged elections. They celebrated trumped-up victories. They led without knowing whatsoever how a country runs. The country runs anyway, backward or forward, with or without a leader. A gated community of gonifs (the Hanifs, in our case!) feeds the fantasy of such a leader that she is inevitable and accomplished. While she ensconces herself in power and pride, the carpetbaggers erode the vitals of the country. Mismanagement metastasises. People feel betrayed and vulnerable. What happens when such political paralysis persists? Hasina happens! Fascism happens! Genocide happens! In a political climate such as this, winning a Nobel Prize is apparently criminal. No wonder that they filed 198 court cases against Prof Yunus, as Deutsche Welle claims. Nothing, however, diminishes the fact that Prof Yunus is our one-off achievement. He has the charisma and credibility to help the nation achieve further.
The Hasnats knew it. When the July revolution culminated in Hasina's flight from the country on the August 5, the architects of the revolution (i.e., the student coordinators) realised that it occasioned an extraordinary opportunity to reclaim and reform the country that the Hasinas continue to own and run and ruin for decades. Unless a comprehensive electoral, judicial, financial, bureaucratic, and constitutional reform is enacted, the Hasinas will continue to kill the Abu Syeds. The nation will continue to barrel backward, when crime, corruption, and injustice mount. Under these circumstances, the country didn't need a steward, who could smoothly transition power through an election. The country needed a reformer, who would ensure a fair and participatory election having undertaken some fundamental reforms. The country needed someone, who was authentic and exemplary. Only Prof Yunus seemed to have the sentimental and professional capital to fill the slot. Hasina's government was so disconnected from the people that they didn't realise that the more they disgraced Prof Yunus, the more love and respect and empathy hemmed around him. Add to that his accomplishments, global connections, and reputation. When he consented to become the chief adviser of the interim government, the most critical foundation of the July revolution was laid.
As we started to look forward when the interim government took over, the forces of the fallen regime threatened to push us backward. Movements erupted. Law and order deteriorated. The country seemed volatile and unpredictable. People started to feel hopeless and helpless. The interim government looked severely strained. Such a situation was very unfortunate but was never unexpected. Hasina flooded the country with illegal arms and money. The country was already massively insecure and explosive. The agents of anarchy stalked all around the country. They resisted, as Hasina suddenly sneaked out of the country. And their resistance was not political; it was existential, instead. They stood exposed and felt endangered, as Hasina's regime fizzled. They wanted her back for their survival. Hasina has been a textbook example of a dictator, like the Peruvian dictator, Óscar R Benavides, who famously said, "For my friends everything, for my enemies the law." She changed the political culture and calculus of the country so irreversibly during the last 15 years that a quick-fix is unlikely. However, the "reset button" is already set. As things gradually continue to fall on the right track, we must remember that Prof Yunus is anything but a magician.
A transition from a dictatorial regime to democracy is almost akin to breathing life into a corpse. Dictators are addicted to killing. They kill people. They kill institutions. They kill courage and conviction. Along the way, they massively infiltrate the members of incestuously interconnected families into a system that thrives in isolation, intimidation, and pessimism. Resistance and unity dwindle. Stupidity becomes strength. Arrogance becomes a virtue. In the meantime, some bridges, flyovers, and tunnels happen. The cronies besetting the dictator construct a grand narrative of development claiming, "She has shown us out of pobeti [sic]."
Hasina's Bangladesh was a political circus. She had "LOL" models to rule the country, who were devoid of brainpower, integrity, and patriotism. Prof Yunus exists at the opposite end of such a political spectrum. He is an intellectual, who is worldly. He knows how politics functions. His vision of the world is not romantic or recondite. He wants the political system re-shaped around the economics of zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. He is deeply invested in making the world a better place. Besides, he has aged gracefully. He is never publicly angry or annoyed. He maintains a low-key demeanour. A personality of his stature doesn't fit in the political mess that Hasina's Bangladesh was. It's, however, no longer Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh, as our Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said.
Therefore, Prof Yunus becomes critical to guiding and transforming the nation to a new height. The nation wants to get out of the politics of bullshitting and blood-shedding. However capable Prof Yunus potentially is, we must not forget that he has inherited bankruptcy. Hasina left the country shattered. Hasina was psychologically unhinged. She was a narcissistic megalomanic. She was always smut and huffy, when she pretended that she was above human follies. She never confessed to have erred. For example, she bragged about her zero-tolerance policy to corruption, when she claimed that her peon scrounged around Tk 400 crores. Citing the governor of Bangladesh Bank, The New York Times reported recently that about $17 billion was syphoned from the country's financial system in the 15 years of Hasina's regime. The country is apparently cash-strapped now. When the country reels under heavy foreign loans incurred by Hasina's government, the interest rates continue to spike, adding further financial burden to the interim government. Inflation increases and the prices of commodities spike. It's a vicious cycle the interim government is trapped in, which seriously threatens its popularity and capacity. Policing would have contributed to streamlining commodity prices to some extent. The police department has crumbled under its own crime and corruption, thanks to Hasina. While considerable improvement is visible on these fronts, I apprehend that these problems might linger a little longer.
Under any circumstances, though, nothing can fracture Prof Yunus's fortitude. He is focused on and heading steadily toward the goals the Tabassums, along with the rest of the people of this country, want him to accomplish. Never before has so much possibility beckoned Bangladesh. Never before have so many problems beset Bangladesh. The country is hollow at the core. Conspiracies and propaganda brew constantly. Neighbourly knavery flares up. We are in an extraordinary phase of our national history. If we don't move ahead cautiously, tomorrow's Bangladesh is anyone's guess. Arundhati Roy reminds us in her Boston Review interview, "How to Think About Empire," what Prof Yunus reiterates since he took over that we must not fool ourselves into believing that the change we want will come with fresh election as the "old *&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&" are out of office. They will bounce in if we renew the politics of voting with the same old system in place. That's not an option for the new Bangladesh that emerged following the July revolution.
It was a goosebump moment for me when Prof Yunus won the Nobel Prize in 2006, and the same feeling renewed in 2024, when he was sworn in as chief adviser. I'm persuaded to think that no one is more poised to embody and draw from the unity and harmony that the July revolution built across Bangladesh. We needed a stalwart, who is above partisan interest and material greed, for Bangladesh to emerge anew. We have it now.
Relax, Bangladesh!
Dr Mohammad Shamsuzzaman is associate professor at the Department of English and Modern Languages in North South University (NSU).
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is pictured during a press briefing as he arrives at the Hazarat Shahjalal International Airport, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 8, 2024. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
When Prof Yunus was sworn in as the chief adviser of the interim government on August 8 of this year, a feeling of déjà vu consumed me. I was transported back to 2006, when I was a graduate student at a university in California. I was working out at the gym in the morning. The TV right in front of my treadmill flashed Prof Yunus, as the newscaster mentioned that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize. I jumped out of the gym and started running to the office of my course coordinator. Before she could greet me as she suddenly found me next to her chair, I said, "Dr Lynne, a Bangladeshi won the Nobel Peace Prize this year." She smiled and said, "We know Professor Yunus. You are the next." I was so delightfully delusional that I had no idea what she meant. All I knew was that Bangladesh achieved nothing more dignified and desirable than winning the Nobel Peace Prize since our independence in 1971. When I left her office, I realised that Prof Yunus had re-defined Bangladesh, which was off to a new beginning. Unfortunately, nothing apparently has changed since. Politics has swamped everything.
While our political crisis climaxed this past July, Bangladesh has always been politically precarious since its bloody birth in 1971. The lever of political power alternated between demagogues and dictators. Most of them were intellectually half-baked. They understood neither politics, nor economics. All of them were apparently con artists. They attempted to become popular, while their credibility nixed. They rigged elections. They celebrated trumped-up victories. They led without knowing whatsoever how a country runs. The country runs anyway, backward or forward, with or without a leader. A gated community of gonifs (the Hanifs, in our case!) feeds the fantasy of such a leader that she is inevitable and accomplished. While she ensconces herself in power and pride, the carpetbaggers erode the vitals of the country. Mismanagement metastasises. People feel betrayed and vulnerable. What happens when such political paralysis persists? Hasina happens! Fascism happens! Genocide happens! In a political climate such as this, winning a Nobel Prize is apparently criminal. No wonder that they filed 198 court cases against Prof Yunus, as Deutsche Welle claims. Nothing, however, diminishes the fact that Prof Yunus is our one-off achievement. He has the charisma and credibility to help the nation achieve further.
The Hasnats knew it. When the July revolution culminated in Hasina's flight from the country on the August 5, the architects of the revolution (i.e., the student coordinators) realised that it occasioned an extraordinary opportunity to reclaim and reform the country that the Hasinas continue to own and run and ruin for decades. Unless a comprehensive electoral, judicial, financial, bureaucratic, and constitutional reform is enacted, the Hasinas will continue to kill the Abu Syeds. The nation will continue to barrel backward, when crime, corruption, and injustice mount. Under these circumstances, the country didn't need a steward, who could smoothly transition power through an election. The country needed a reformer, who would ensure a fair and participatory election having undertaken some fundamental reforms. The country needed someone, who was authentic and exemplary. Only Prof Yunus seemed to have the sentimental and professional capital to fill the slot. Hasina's government was so disconnected from the people that they didn't realise that the more they disgraced Prof Yunus, the more love and respect and empathy hemmed around him. Add to that his accomplishments, global connections, and reputation. When he consented to become the chief adviser of the interim government, the most critical foundation of the July revolution was laid.
As we started to look forward when the interim government took over, the forces of the fallen regime threatened to push us backward. Movements erupted. Law and order deteriorated. The country seemed volatile and unpredictable. People started to feel hopeless and helpless. The interim government looked severely strained. Such a situation was very unfortunate but was never unexpected. Hasina flooded the country with illegal arms and money. The country was already massively insecure and explosive. The agents of anarchy stalked all around the country. They resisted, as Hasina suddenly sneaked out of the country. And their resistance was not political; it was existential, instead. They stood exposed and felt endangered, as Hasina's regime fizzled. They wanted her back for their survival. Hasina has been a textbook example of a dictator, like the Peruvian dictator, Óscar R Benavides, who famously said, "For my friends everything, for my enemies the law." She changed the political culture and calculus of the country so irreversibly during the last 15 years that a quick-fix is unlikely. However, the "reset button" is already set. As things gradually continue to fall on the right track, we must remember that Prof Yunus is anything but a magician.
A transition from a dictatorial regime to democracy is almost akin to breathing life into a corpse. Dictators are addicted to killing. They kill people. They kill institutions. They kill courage and conviction. Along the way, they massively infiltrate the members of incestuously interconnected families into a system that thrives in isolation, intimidation, and pessimism. Resistance and unity dwindle. Stupidity becomes strength. Arrogance becomes a virtue. In the meantime, some bridges, flyovers, and tunnels happen. The cronies besetting the dictator construct a grand narrative of development claiming, "She has shown us out of pobeti [sic]."
Hasina's Bangladesh was a political circus. She had "LOL" models to rule the country, who were devoid of brainpower, integrity, and patriotism. Prof Yunus exists at the opposite end of such a political spectrum. He is an intellectual, who is worldly. He knows how politics functions. His vision of the world is not romantic or recondite. He wants the political system re-shaped around the economics of zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. He is deeply invested in making the world a better place. Besides, he has aged gracefully. He is never publicly angry or annoyed. He maintains a low-key demeanour. A personality of his stature doesn't fit in the political mess that Hasina's Bangladesh was. It's, however, no longer Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh, as our Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said.
Therefore, Prof Yunus becomes critical to guiding and transforming the nation to a new height. The nation wants to get out of the politics of bullshitting and blood-shedding. However capable Prof Yunus potentially is, we must not forget that he has inherited bankruptcy. Hasina left the country shattered. Hasina was psychologically unhinged. She was a narcissistic megalomanic. She was always smut and huffy, when she pretended that she was above human follies. She never confessed to have erred. For example, she bragged about her zero-tolerance policy to corruption, when she claimed that her peon scrounged around Tk 400 crores. Citing the governor of Bangladesh Bank, The New York Times reported recently that about $17 billion was syphoned from the country's financial system in the 15 years of Hasina's regime. The country is apparently cash-strapped now. When the country reels under heavy foreign loans incurred by Hasina's government, the interest rates continue to spike, adding further financial burden to the interim government. Inflation increases and the prices of commodities spike. It's a vicious cycle the interim government is trapped in, which seriously threatens its popularity and capacity. Policing would have contributed to streamlining commodity prices to some extent. The police department has crumbled under its own crime and corruption, thanks to Hasina. While considerable improvement is visible on these fronts, I apprehend that these problems might linger a little longer.
Under any circumstances, though, nothing can fracture Prof Yunus's fortitude. He is focused on and heading steadily toward the goals the Tabassums, along with the rest of the people of this country, want him to accomplish. Never before has so much possibility beckoned Bangladesh. Never before have so many problems beset Bangladesh. The country is hollow at the core. Conspiracies and propaganda brew constantly. Neighbourly knavery flares up. We are in an extraordinary phase of our national history. If we don't move ahead cautiously, tomorrow's Bangladesh is anyone's guess. Arundhati Roy reminds us in her Boston Review interview, "How to Think About Empire," what Prof Yunus reiterates since he took over that we must not fool ourselves into believing that the change we want will come with fresh election as the "old *&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&" are out of office. They will bounce in if we renew the politics of voting with the same old system in place. That's not an option for the new Bangladesh that emerged following the July revolution.
It was a goosebump moment for me when Prof Yunus won the Nobel Prize in 2006, and the same feeling renewed in 2024, when he was sworn in as chief adviser. I'm persuaded to think that no one is more poised to embody and draw from the unity and harmony that the July revolution built across Bangladesh. We needed a stalwart, who is above partisan interest and material greed, for Bangladesh to emerge anew. We have it now.
Relax, Bangladesh!
Dr Mohammad Shamsuzzaman is associate professor at the Department of English and Modern Languages in North South University (NSU).
[🇧🇩] Sea Ports/Air Ports/River Ports/Mega Projects
- By Saif
- Bangladesh Infrastructure
- 70 Replies
Bangladesh Shipping Corporation to buy 2 bulk carriers with own fund
Says Shipping Adviser Sakhawat
Bangladesh Shipping Corporation to buy 2 bulk carriers with own fund
Says Shipping Adviser Sakhawat
Sakhawat Hussain. Photo: Star
Bangladesh Shipping Corporation is set to purchase two bulk vessels on its own fund, said Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain today.
The BSC board has already taken a decision in this regard and working fast to this end, said the adviser, also the chairman of BSC Board.
He said the BSC has made repayment of a loan worth around Tk 500 crore to the government thanks to the shareholders which is an example for any government institution of the country.
The shipping adviser was addressing as the chair at the 47th annual general meeting (AGM) of the state-owned entity at Chittagong Boat Club this afternoon. BSC Managing Director Mahmudul Malek was present at the meeting.
Mentioning that BSC is earning profit by operating only five vessels currently, the adviser said the government has plan to expand the BSC fleet.
Currently the BSC is in a process to purchase four vessels with a Chinese loan.
He said the government is taking steps for foreign direct investment in Chittagong port aiming to turn it into a world-class port.
Different Middle-East countries have already offered to invest around USD 1.8 billion in Chattogram and other sea ports in the country, said Sakhawat.
The World Bank is waiting to invest USD 650 million in the proposed Bay Terminal project of Chittagong Port, he added.
If foreign investments come in the port, the workers of Chattogram region would get more jobs, he said assuring that with foreign investment the current port workers would get higher pay scale than the present.
Says Shipping Adviser Sakhawat
Sakhawat Hussain. Photo: Star
Bangladesh Shipping Corporation is set to purchase two bulk vessels on its own fund, said Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain today.
The BSC board has already taken a decision in this regard and working fast to this end, said the adviser, also the chairman of BSC Board.
He said the BSC has made repayment of a loan worth around Tk 500 crore to the government thanks to the shareholders which is an example for any government institution of the country.
The shipping adviser was addressing as the chair at the 47th annual general meeting (AGM) of the state-owned entity at Chittagong Boat Club this afternoon. BSC Managing Director Mahmudul Malek was present at the meeting.
Mentioning that BSC is earning profit by operating only five vessels currently, the adviser said the government has plan to expand the BSC fleet.
Currently the BSC is in a process to purchase four vessels with a Chinese loan.
He said the government is taking steps for foreign direct investment in Chittagong port aiming to turn it into a world-class port.
Different Middle-East countries have already offered to invest around USD 1.8 billion in Chattogram and other sea ports in the country, said Sakhawat.
The World Bank is waiting to invest USD 650 million in the proposed Bay Terminal project of Chittagong Port, he added.
If foreign investments come in the port, the workers of Chattogram region would get more jobs, he said assuring that with foreign investment the current port workers would get higher pay scale than the present.
[🇮🇳] India's weapon supply to Armenia in absence of Russian weapon supply- Tracking all development
- Indian Defense Forum
- 55 Replies
Now, Azarbaijan wants weapons from India.
m.mamul.am
#ThePrimt: Azerbaijan wants Indian weapons, New Delhi ignores request through friendly country
Amid its ongoing conflict with Armenia which has been buying several weapons and defence systems from India, Azerbaijan has via a third country...
m.mamul.am
[🇮🇳] 1971 War: How The Indian Army Crossed The Mighty Meghna River In East Pakistan On Its March Towards Dhaka
- By Bagheera0084
- Indian Defense Forum
- 0 Replies
The Indian Army’s dash to Dhaka in the 1971 war involved a massive helidrop across the Meghna River. Here’s how it took place.
Prakhar Gupta
Dec 16, 2024, 12:51 PM | Updated Dec 20, 2024, 05:54 PM IST
Lieutenant General Sagat Singh and an Indian Mi-4 helicopter.
Unlike most rivers flowing through Bangladesh into the Bay of Bengal, Meghna is not fed by the glaciers in the Himalayas. Still, it is one of it’s mightiest.
The Meghna is formed by the confluence of multiple fast-flowing streams, which descend into the plains of Bangladesh, that barely rise above the sea level, from the rolling hills of eastern India — the area which receives the largest monsoon precipitation in the world.
Consequently, during the monsoon, the river swells, bursts its banks and puts a large part of the country underwater.
As the water recedes, it leaves behind marshy land and perennial lakes, capable of bogging down the most sophisticated military manoeuvres.
As the Indian Army marched into East Pakistan in December 1971, it managed to avoided much of the monsoon swell.
Headquartered in Agartala under Lieutenant General Sagat Singh, a veteran of World War-II and India’s wars with Pakistan and China, the IV Corps of the Indian Army was tasked to move into East Pakistan and secure the areas till the the Meghna River.
The forces under Sagat Singh had to isolate the town Sylhet in north-eastern East Pakistan, and take areas around it, capture Chittagong in the south-east and secure the eastern bank of the Meghna River running north to south.
The IV Corps was closest to Dhaka, the capital of East Pakistan, which was barely 80 km from the Tripura bulge projecting into Pakistani territory.
To bog down Indian forces while it tried to get the United States and China to intervene on its behalf militarily and at the United Nations, the Pakistan Army had occupied nodal points and turned them into fortresses with concrete bunkers. These fortresses were stocked with 45 days of ration and 60 days of ammunition to hold off the Indian Army’s advance for as long as possible.
However, by 8 December, nine days after the war officially began, forces under Sagat Singh were advancing fast towards the Meghna River. The towns of Akhaura, Daukhandi and Chandpur, east of the Meghna, had been captured by his troops after intense fighting, and Sylhet and Chittagong were under siege.
Indian forces had reached close to Ashuganj, which lies on the eastern bank of the Meghna and was one of the nodal points turned into a fortress by the Pakistan Army. The only bridge over the Meghna River, the nearly 3000 feet long Coronation Bridge, was located in Ashuganj and held by Pakistani forces. It was through this bridge that the Indian forces could advance towards Dhaka.
Not tasked to take Dhaka
But when the IV Corps was allocated its tasks, there was no mention of Dhaka. In fact, Dhaka was not spelt out as the objective of the Indian operation.
In a meeting in Tezpur with Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora, who was the Commander of the Eastern Command during the 1971 war, Sagat Singh had enquired about the tasking for capture of Dacca, as then known. He had been told, Maj Gen Randhir Sinh, his Aide-De-Camp during the war writes in his biography of Sagat Singh, that decision on Dhaka would be taken once the progress of the overall offensive was known.
Another account by Major Chandrakant Singh, who was second in command of the 4 Guards during 1971 war, says that Lieutenant General Aurora had ordered Sagat Singh twice against moving towards Dhaka, as late as 7 and 8 December.
As Major General Sukhwant Singh, who was deputed in September 1971 to tour the formations preparing for offensive into East Pakistan later recalled, Sagat Singh was “not one to be bound by petty constraints”.
Any mention of the opportunity to march to Dhaka “...brought a glint into his eyes....once the battle was joined Sagat Singh was not the one to be bound by petty constraints. He would head the race to Dacca,” he says.
Sagat Singh was “bent on exploiting any fleeting opportunity,” Maj Gen Randhir Sinh writes in Sagat Singh, A Talent for War: The Military Biography of Lt Gen Sagat Singh, adding that he was never fixated on written directives.
Meghna Heli Bridge
With his task east of the Meghna River nearing completion, the opportunity had arrived. Sagat Singh was going to put his forces on the road to Dhaka.
But Ashuganj, where the rail bridge to Dhaka lay, was still under Pakistani control. As Indian forces reached within 150 meters of the Meghna bridge, they came under heavy fire from the Pakistanis. With mounting casualties in absence of significant artillery support, the Indian forces wilted down.
The menacing water of the Meghna threatened to put Dhaka out of the reach of the Indian Army’s IV Corps for long enough to force a military stalemate.
To avoid being bogged down by the Pakistan Army in a costly battle to take Ashuganj and the bridge over Meghna, Sagat Singh decided to airlift his forces across the Meghna to put them on the road to Dhaka.
However, the Pakistan Army, still fearing that the Indian forces will get to the Ashuganj bridge over Meghna at some point, blew it up.
“Engineer resources of the magnitude required to span the river obstacle were not immediately available, and were not likely to be so early enough to keep up the momentum of the advance,” Maj Gen Sukhwant Singh writes.
As Sagat Singh’s task was limited to securing land on the east of the Meghna River, no allocation of inland water transport had been made to his forces.
Preparations for the operation
Before the operation could go ahead, the Indian Army had to find a safe landing zone for the force and equipment that was to be airlifted.
By 7 December, Sagat Singh had already completed preliminary reconnaissance for the heliborne operation to airlift troops across the Meghna.
Sagat Singh on aerial reconnaissance. (@SurajPrSingh/X)
On the night of 8 December, he ordered another reconnaissance of the area across the Meghna for a suitable landing zone led by Captain Gurbaksh Singh Sihota.
While flying the reconnaissance mission close to the Meghana bridge with military officers on board, Captain Sihota’s helicopter was targeted by the Pakistanis on the ground with small arms fire. As he scrambled to take the helicopter away from the bridge, he watched it blow up and collapse into the river.
“I had inadvertently come down to 400 feet when we heard the sound of firing. Bullets had gone through the rear of the cockpit and I saw Brig Mishra sitting frozen. Brig Mishra missed losing his head... three bursts of bullets missing his head by no more than three inches,” Sihota, who retired as Lt General, recalls.
Sihota was awarded Vir Chakra for the operation.
On 9 December, as Sihota reached Agartala for an inspection of his helicopter damaged by Pakistani fire, Sagat Singh decided to recce the landing area.
Unaware at this point that the bridge had been blown up, he watched its collapsed span with disappointment. Just moments later, as his helicopter flew lower and closer to the bridge, it was targeted by the Pakistanis by medium machine gun fire.
“...bullets went through the controls and hit Flt Lt Sidhu, the pilot. The passengers sitting behind were splattered by his blood and bone splinters. Sidhu collapsed, the helicopter made a dip but the controls were immediately taken over coolly by Flt Lt Sahi the co-pilot,” Maj Gen Sinh writes.
“...Sagat remained unperturbed, even when a burst shattered the perspex near his head and a bullet grazed his temple like a vermilion mark. He was sitting next to Sahi and half smiling continued to encourage him,” he adds.
Sagat Singh was annoyed and disappointed to find that the enemy had not only blown up the bridge but was still in control of Ashuganj. This made the heliborne operation much more critical for him, and it was to commence by late evening that day.
As enemy interference was expected during the operation from Bhairab Bazaar, a Pakistani-held town on the west bank of the Meghna opposite Ashuganj, most of the operation was to be carried out through the intervening night of 8 and 9 December. The first wave of sorties was to begin just before dusk.
Before the operation began, Sihota went on another reconnaissance mission to “ensure that the Landing Zone was across any distributaries of the Meghna, near the railway line and outside the range of any artillery pieces at Bhairab Bazaar.”
A safe location at a place called Raipur, located nearly 2 km west of the Meghana River, had been selected for the landing of Indian forces.
The operation had to be mounted using the ageing Mi-4 helicopters of the 110 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force. Not all helicopters belonging to this unit were serviceable, and Sagat Singh had to make do with these as the Mi-8s, which he was expecting will arrive in time to replace the Mi-4s, never arrived.
Not just that, the pilots who had to fly the missions across the Meghna carrying troops and equipment had to be qualified for night flying.
4 Gaurds, the unit which was to be flown across the Meghna, had no time to rest and prepare for the herculean operation as it had been pulled out from operations in an area under Pakistani control during its advance towards Ashuganj.
4 Gaurd getting ready to cross the Meghna River. (@SurajPrSingh/X)
First wave and a near disaster
Not just that, he had also lost visual contact with the Mi-4s, and soon realised that they were flying at different altitudes. A disaster was avoided when he improvised, found a new location to land the troops safely and guided the Mi-4s to land at the spot.
Mi-4 of IAF mounting troops in Brahmanbaria on 9 December 1971.
“As soon as they [Mi-4s] had done so [landed] he [Sihota] took off and headed back to Teliamura. He was in a cold sweat and did not 'sleep the whole night', any moment expecting some news of disaster,” writes Maj Gen Sinh.
No bad news arrived.
“There was some desultory shelling but as most of the shells were landing a km away, the enemy soon gave that up,” Maj Gen Sinh adds.
The helicopters had to land in the dark as lighting up the landing zone would have given away the location of the incoming troops instantly, inviting immediate and focused counter from the Pakistani forces on the ground.
But the ingenuity of the pilots and those assisting them on the ground helped. They formed the letter ‘H’, representing the helipad, with hand-held torch lights. The reflector of the torches had been removed to minimize the glare at the pilot’s eye. This arrangement produced just enough light to guide the pilots to land safely.
By 4:30 pm, the 4 Guards unit had landed at Raipur, without resistance from the enemy, and forces continued to fly in till 3 am.
Heli landing across the Meghna River. (@SurajPrSingh/X)
“Nobody looked at the charts to see what we can carry, we just filled up the helicopter and coaxed it to get airborne, very fortunate we had no accidents. We were overloaded most of the time. I can tell you MI-4 never let us down – what a wonderful workhorse,” Squadron Leader Pushp Kumar Vaid, who flew nearly three dozen missions as Flight Lieutenant in such hazardous conditions and was awarded Vir Chakra for it, writes.
Over the next 36 hours, 409 sorties were carried out, and around 5,000 troops and 51 tonnes of equipment had been heli-lifted through the air-bridge.
As Maj Gen Sinh writes, Sagat Singh, “through sheer dint of his personality and at times brutal goading”, had managed to push Indian forces across the mighty Meghna, “an obstacle considered impassable by the sanguine Niazi”.
If not for Sagat Singh, the war may not have ended the way it did — as the swiftest and the most decisive victory in India’s recent military history.
Prakhar Gupta
Dec 16, 2024, 12:51 PM | Updated Dec 20, 2024, 05:54 PM IST
Lieutenant General Sagat Singh and an Indian Mi-4 helicopter.
Unlike most rivers flowing through Bangladesh into the Bay of Bengal, Meghna is not fed by the glaciers in the Himalayas. Still, it is one of it’s mightiest.
The Meghna is formed by the confluence of multiple fast-flowing streams, which descend into the plains of Bangladesh, that barely rise above the sea level, from the rolling hills of eastern India — the area which receives the largest monsoon precipitation in the world.
Consequently, during the monsoon, the river swells, bursts its banks and puts a large part of the country underwater.
As the water recedes, it leaves behind marshy land and perennial lakes, capable of bogging down the most sophisticated military manoeuvres.
As the Indian Army marched into East Pakistan in December 1971, it managed to avoided much of the monsoon swell.
Headquartered in Agartala under Lieutenant General Sagat Singh, a veteran of World War-II and India’s wars with Pakistan and China, the IV Corps of the Indian Army was tasked to move into East Pakistan and secure the areas till the the Meghna River.
The forces under Sagat Singh had to isolate the town Sylhet in north-eastern East Pakistan, and take areas around it, capture Chittagong in the south-east and secure the eastern bank of the Meghna River running north to south.
The IV Corps was closest to Dhaka, the capital of East Pakistan, which was barely 80 km from the Tripura bulge projecting into Pakistani territory.
To bog down Indian forces while it tried to get the United States and China to intervene on its behalf militarily and at the United Nations, the Pakistan Army had occupied nodal points and turned them into fortresses with concrete bunkers. These fortresses were stocked with 45 days of ration and 60 days of ammunition to hold off the Indian Army’s advance for as long as possible.
However, by 8 December, nine days after the war officially began, forces under Sagat Singh were advancing fast towards the Meghna River. The towns of Akhaura, Daukhandi and Chandpur, east of the Meghna, had been captured by his troops after intense fighting, and Sylhet and Chittagong were under siege.
Indian forces had reached close to Ashuganj, which lies on the eastern bank of the Meghna and was one of the nodal points turned into a fortress by the Pakistan Army. The only bridge over the Meghna River, the nearly 3000 feet long Coronation Bridge, was located in Ashuganj and held by Pakistani forces. It was through this bridge that the Indian forces could advance towards Dhaka.
Not tasked to take Dhaka
But when the IV Corps was allocated its tasks, there was no mention of Dhaka. In fact, Dhaka was not spelt out as the objective of the Indian operation.
In a meeting in Tezpur with Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora, who was the Commander of the Eastern Command during the 1971 war, Sagat Singh had enquired about the tasking for capture of Dacca, as then known. He had been told, Maj Gen Randhir Sinh, his Aide-De-Camp during the war writes in his biography of Sagat Singh, that decision on Dhaka would be taken once the progress of the overall offensive was known.
Another account by Major Chandrakant Singh, who was second in command of the 4 Guards during 1971 war, says that Lieutenant General Aurora had ordered Sagat Singh twice against moving towards Dhaka, as late as 7 and 8 December.
As Major General Sukhwant Singh, who was deputed in September 1971 to tour the formations preparing for offensive into East Pakistan later recalled, Sagat Singh was “not one to be bound by petty constraints”.
Any mention of the opportunity to march to Dhaka “...brought a glint into his eyes....once the battle was joined Sagat Singh was not the one to be bound by petty constraints. He would head the race to Dacca,” he says.
Sagat Singh was “bent on exploiting any fleeting opportunity,” Maj Gen Randhir Sinh writes in Sagat Singh, A Talent for War: The Military Biography of Lt Gen Sagat Singh, adding that he was never fixated on written directives.
Meghna Heli Bridge
With his task east of the Meghna River nearing completion, the opportunity had arrived. Sagat Singh was going to put his forces on the road to Dhaka.
But Ashuganj, where the rail bridge to Dhaka lay, was still under Pakistani control. As Indian forces reached within 150 meters of the Meghna bridge, they came under heavy fire from the Pakistanis. With mounting casualties in absence of significant artillery support, the Indian forces wilted down.
The menacing water of the Meghna threatened to put Dhaka out of the reach of the Indian Army’s IV Corps for long enough to force a military stalemate.
To avoid being bogged down by the Pakistan Army in a costly battle to take Ashuganj and the bridge over Meghna, Sagat Singh decided to airlift his forces across the Meghna to put them on the road to Dhaka.
However, the Pakistan Army, still fearing that the Indian forces will get to the Ashuganj bridge over Meghna at some point, blew it up.
“Engineer resources of the magnitude required to span the river obstacle were not immediately available, and were not likely to be so early enough to keep up the momentum of the advance,” Maj Gen Sukhwant Singh writes.
As Sagat Singh’s task was limited to securing land on the east of the Meghna River, no allocation of inland water transport had been made to his forces.
Preparations for the operation
Before the operation could go ahead, the Indian Army had to find a safe landing zone for the force and equipment that was to be airlifted.
By 7 December, Sagat Singh had already completed preliminary reconnaissance for the heliborne operation to airlift troops across the Meghna.
Sagat Singh on aerial reconnaissance. (@SurajPrSingh/X)
On the night of 8 December, he ordered another reconnaissance of the area across the Meghna for a suitable landing zone led by Captain Gurbaksh Singh Sihota.
While flying the reconnaissance mission close to the Meghana bridge with military officers on board, Captain Sihota’s helicopter was targeted by the Pakistanis on the ground with small arms fire. As he scrambled to take the helicopter away from the bridge, he watched it blow up and collapse into the river.
“I had inadvertently come down to 400 feet when we heard the sound of firing. Bullets had gone through the rear of the cockpit and I saw Brig Mishra sitting frozen. Brig Mishra missed losing his head... three bursts of bullets missing his head by no more than three inches,” Sihota, who retired as Lt General, recalls.
Sihota was awarded Vir Chakra for the operation.
On 9 December, as Sihota reached Agartala for an inspection of his helicopter damaged by Pakistani fire, Sagat Singh decided to recce the landing area.
Unaware at this point that the bridge had been blown up, he watched its collapsed span with disappointment. Just moments later, as his helicopter flew lower and closer to the bridge, it was targeted by the Pakistanis by medium machine gun fire.
“...bullets went through the controls and hit Flt Lt Sidhu, the pilot. The passengers sitting behind were splattered by his blood and bone splinters. Sidhu collapsed, the helicopter made a dip but the controls were immediately taken over coolly by Flt Lt Sahi the co-pilot,” Maj Gen Sinh writes.
“...Sagat remained unperturbed, even when a burst shattered the perspex near his head and a bullet grazed his temple like a vermilion mark. He was sitting next to Sahi and half smiling continued to encourage him,” he adds.
Sagat Singh was annoyed and disappointed to find that the enemy had not only blown up the bridge but was still in control of Ashuganj. This made the heliborne operation much more critical for him, and it was to commence by late evening that day.
As enemy interference was expected during the operation from Bhairab Bazaar, a Pakistani-held town on the west bank of the Meghna opposite Ashuganj, most of the operation was to be carried out through the intervening night of 8 and 9 December. The first wave of sorties was to begin just before dusk.
Before the operation began, Sihota went on another reconnaissance mission to “ensure that the Landing Zone was across any distributaries of the Meghna, near the railway line and outside the range of any artillery pieces at Bhairab Bazaar.”
A safe location at a place called Raipur, located nearly 2 km west of the Meghana River, had been selected for the landing of Indian forces.
The operation had to be mounted using the ageing Mi-4 helicopters of the 110 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force. Not all helicopters belonging to this unit were serviceable, and Sagat Singh had to make do with these as the Mi-8s, which he was expecting will arrive in time to replace the Mi-4s, never arrived.
Not just that, the pilots who had to fly the missions across the Meghna carrying troops and equipment had to be qualified for night flying.
4 Gaurds, the unit which was to be flown across the Meghna, had no time to rest and prepare for the herculean operation as it had been pulled out from operations in an area under Pakistani control during its advance towards Ashuganj.
4 Gaurd getting ready to cross the Meghna River. (@SurajPrSingh/X)
First wave and a near disaster
Not just that, he had also lost visual contact with the Mi-4s, and soon realised that they were flying at different altitudes. A disaster was avoided when he improvised, found a new location to land the troops safely and guided the Mi-4s to land at the spot.
Mi-4 of IAF mounting troops in Brahmanbaria on 9 December 1971.
“As soon as they [Mi-4s] had done so [landed] he [Sihota] took off and headed back to Teliamura. He was in a cold sweat and did not 'sleep the whole night', any moment expecting some news of disaster,” writes Maj Gen Sinh.
No bad news arrived.
“There was some desultory shelling but as most of the shells were landing a km away, the enemy soon gave that up,” Maj Gen Sinh adds.
The helicopters had to land in the dark as lighting up the landing zone would have given away the location of the incoming troops instantly, inviting immediate and focused counter from the Pakistani forces on the ground.
But the ingenuity of the pilots and those assisting them on the ground helped. They formed the letter ‘H’, representing the helipad, with hand-held torch lights. The reflector of the torches had been removed to minimize the glare at the pilot’s eye. This arrangement produced just enough light to guide the pilots to land safely.
By 4:30 pm, the 4 Guards unit had landed at Raipur, without resistance from the enemy, and forces continued to fly in till 3 am.
Heli landing across the Meghna River. (@SurajPrSingh/X)
“Nobody looked at the charts to see what we can carry, we just filled up the helicopter and coaxed it to get airborne, very fortunate we had no accidents. We were overloaded most of the time. I can tell you MI-4 never let us down – what a wonderful workhorse,” Squadron Leader Pushp Kumar Vaid, who flew nearly three dozen missions as Flight Lieutenant in such hazardous conditions and was awarded Vir Chakra for it, writes.
Over the next 36 hours, 409 sorties were carried out, and around 5,000 troops and 51 tonnes of equipment had been heli-lifted through the air-bridge.
As Maj Gen Sinh writes, Sagat Singh, “through sheer dint of his personality and at times brutal goading”, had managed to push Indian forces across the mighty Meghna, “an obstacle considered impassable by the sanguine Niazi”.
If not for Sagat Singh, the war may not have ended the way it did — as the swiftest and the most decisive victory in India’s recent military history.
Latest Posts
-
-
-
[🇧🇩-Airforce] Bangladesh Air Force and how it is viewed by Indian Air Force.
- Latest: Krishna with Flute
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
[🇮🇳] Mahindra's game changer BE6 and XE9 EVs. Changing the dynamics of automobiles.
- Latest: Krishna with Flute