World Defense Forum

Bangladesh eyes enhanced diplomatic and economic ties with Africa
UNB
Published :
Nov 15, 2024 21:57
Updated :
Nov 15, 2024 21:57



In a strategic effort to strengthen Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagement and expand bilateral cooperation in Africa, Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin held a virtual meeting with Bangladesh Ambassadors and High Commissioners serving across the African continent.

During the meeting held on Thursday, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the growing significance of Africa in Bangladesh’s foreign policy and emphasized the importance of exploring potentials in Africa’s emerging markets and vast natural resources to promote economic, trade and investment opportunities for Bangladesh.

Among others, a key focus of the discussions was agricultural cooperation, particularly in the area of contract farming.

The Foreign Secretary underscored the potential for Bangladesh to engage in mutually beneficial agricultural initiatives with African nations.

He urged the Ambassadors and High Commissioners to explore opportunities for collaboration in this sector.

He called upon the heads of missions to explore new avenues of cooperation with their host countries. He also asked the Heads of Mission to give utmost priority in providing consular services to the expatriate Bangladeshi.

The heads of missions shared updates on their ongoing initiatives and challenges, providing insights into their host countries’ priorities for collaboration with Bangladesh.

The meeting was attended by Additional Foreign Secretary and Inspector General of Missions Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Director General (Africa) B M Jamal Hossain, Director General (Administration) Mohammad Nazmul Haque. Heads of Bangladesh missions in Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa attended the meeting on virtual platform.​

Army Chief joins Annual COs’ and OCs’ Conference Corps of Signals in Jashore
BSS
Published: 13 Nov 2024, 20: 30


Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman Addressing the Annual COs’ and OCs’ Conference Corps of Signals at Signals Training Center and School (STC&S) at Jashore Cantonment on 13 November BSS

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman today called upon the members of the Corps of Signals to be ready to face the tough challenges of the 21st century by acquiring capabilities through modern and time-befitting training.

Addressing the Annual COs’ and OCs’ Conference Corps of Signals at Signals Training Center and School (STC&S) at Jashore Cantonment as the chief guest, he mentioned about glorious heritage of the Corps of Signals and its contribution to the service of the country.

Besides, during the exchange of views with the officers of the Corps of Signals, Waker-Uz-Zaman highlighted various issues including technical development, research, professional skill enhancement and future plans of the Corps.

Senior military officers of Army Headquarters, commanders of all signals brigades of Bangladesh Army were present on the occasion, among others, according to an ISPR release.

Apart from this, the army chief laid the foundation stone of 500-bed Army Medical College Hospital, Jashore at Jessore Cantonment.

Once constructed, the hospital will play a significant role in providing better treatment to the retired army personnel and their families side by side producing skilled doctors, the release added.

GOC, ARTDOC; GOC, 55 Infantry Division, senior military officers of Army Headquarters, Army Medical College, Jashore Principal, Chief Executive Officer, faculties, students and army personnel of various ranks were present, among others.​

Mohiuddin Ahmed’s column
Awami League’s politics rings hollow
India’s political forces want Bangladesh to remain subservient to them. Hasina had been fulfilling this for the past 15 years. She had no love for the country, only love for power. She gave India whatever they wanted. In fact, she even gave them what they hadn’t asked for


RMG workers demonstrate, attack police line and block highway in Gazipur Prothom Alo

The talk of the town this week was Awami League’s sudden announcement of a programme to take to the streets. A recording of a phone call went viral on social media, though it has not been ascertained whether it was actually Sheikh Hasina speaking. In the past we’ve seen technology being used to modify voices on social media.

Anyhow, many Awami Leaguers sitting abroad have been using Facebook and YouTube to spread all sorts of propaganda. Awami League’s Facebook page announced that they would hold a showdown on 10 November, Noor Hossain Day.

Noor Hossain was martyred during the anti-Ershad movement. Awami League was not in that movement alone. Three alliances were in that movement and so was Jamaat-e-Islami. In our country if anyone dies in a movement, all the parties claim proprietorship. Various parties claimed they owned Noor Hossain too. Later it was found out that he was a Jubo League leader in his locality and so he was Awami League property!

Using Noor Hossain Day to take to the streets is sheer hypocrisy on the part of Awami League, the party that was topped in the student-people’s uprising. It is a sheer duplicity. Noor Hossain was shot dead by the police during Ershad’s rule. Many would call Ershad a ‘killer’ back then. Yet we watched in amazement how that very same Ershad became Awami League’s best friend. Sheikh Hasina herself made Ershad a special envoy. She fully rehabilitated him in politics.

Goebbels was like an infant compared to those who ran the information ministry during Awami League’s rule. They churned out huge amounts of lies, propaganda and rumours.

Awami League was looking for a chance. They tried to use Noor Hossain Day to take to the streets. But this was just a hollow sound of Awami League.

Goebbels was like an infant compared to those who ran the information ministry during Awami League’s rule. They churned out huge amounts of lies, propaganda and rumours. If they were criticised, they would use their laws to arrest dissenters on charges of spreading rumours, they would punish them, even subject them to enforced disappearance.

After 5 August social media has been running rife with rumours. They even spread the rumour that Bangladesh flag wasn’t raised during the in the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Those spreading such rumours are of little intelligence. And those who believe all this, are simply fools.

We saw so many rumours about Saint Martin’s island too. I worked as a consultant for a water resources ministry project in 2004-05. The project was about coastal region planning and it came up with several recommendations to protect the biodiversity of the coastal region. The government gave its approval. Long before that project, quite a few areas including Saint Martin’s were declared to be endangered zones.

Who will India groom up after Hasina? In recent times we see certain leaders of BNP desperate for the election to be held

Saint Martin’s is a small island with limited fresh water sources. Unplanned tourism is pushing the island towards destruction. We had recommended controlled tourism at Saint Martin’s. And effort was started up to control tourists, but when Awami League came to power the project was abandoned. Now with the interim government at the helm, considerations are being made about protecting Saint Martin’s island. And Awami Leaguers are spreading the rumour that the island is being handed over to the US. This is cheap propaganda.

In the meantime, Sheikh Hasina who fled to India is saying all sorts of things. Hasina’s spokesperson is her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy. No other leader of her party is visible. This proves that Awami League is completely a one-family party. But the party also had a lot of slavish loyalists. A group of opportunist cronies was formed over the years. These people sold their souls to Awami League in exchange of posts, jobs, plots of land or bank loans. It is only natural that the intellectuals, journalists, university teachers, bureaucrats, police and persons in the administration, of the Awami League camp, will not try to muddy the waters.

The reaction to Awami League’s announcement of a gathering was that on 10 November all anti-Awami League forces including BNP, Students against Discrimination and others, took to the streets. They paid attention t the matter. But I feel they over reacted. Awami League’s announcement proved to be a damp squib. We did see a few being beaten up. We have no idea what they were doing there.

Some India media had headlines reading, “Yunus’ men assault Trump supporters.” Since after 5 August, some news media in India have been continuously reporting in favour of Sheikh Hasina and against the Yunus government. Much of this is misinformation. There is a consensus about India’s left, right and centre political parties about keeping Bangladesh in control. India’s political forces want Bangladesh to remain subservient to them. Hasina had been fulfilling this for the past 15 years. She had no love for the country, only love for power. She gave India whatever they wanted. In fact, she even gave them what they hadn’t asked for. Sheikh Hasina’s children live abroad. She used Bangladesh to wield her power and for her underlings to loot and plunder.

What possibility is there of Sheikh Hasina returning to politics? There is some possibility is India becomes aggressive in this regard. We have seen at various times how India grooms some of its agents. At one time they groomed Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Ershad was in power for 10 years. Even after being toppled in a mass uprising, he remained staunch in politics till death. India used Jatiya Party as their buffer. At one time JSD was called India’s “second defence line”, though this was spread by pro-Peking political parties.

The question now is, who will India groom up after Hasina? In recent times we see certain leaders of BNP desperate for the election to be held. BNP had seen a downfall after 1/11. After that, they tried to win India’s favour.

BNP’s top leader Khaleda Zia visited India in 2012. She met with India’s prime minister, president and opposition leaders. BNP tired t convey the message that they no longer nurtured their previous hard-line against India. BNP can be an alternative to Awami League. India would have no problems if they went to power.

Given past experience, there can very well be suspicions of a political game. The debate that looms large at present is, which comes first, reforms or the election? The government says that the commissions that they have formed will submit her reports within three months. Then they will hold dialogue with the political parties. BNP is a big party and is upbeat about the election. They can wait for some time more. Why do they repeat themselves time and again at press briefings and rallies?

What does BNP want? Some within BNP contend that reforms are the task of an elected government. But the thing is, it has been seen that elected governments do not carry out reforms. On one hand the Awami League leaders and activists are talking big from their hiding places. On the other hand, BNP and other political parties are becoming restive. Then again, certain advisors of the government seem to have become a bit inactive. There are apprehensions that the people may grow frustrated. If the people are frustrated, the political waters will become murkier.

* Mohiuddin Ahmad is a writer and researcher​

Iranian envoy calls on Adviser Sakhawat
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 12, 2024 22:45
Updated :
Nov 12, 2024 22:45



Iranian Ambassador in Dhaka Mansour Chavoshi on Tuesday called on Shipping, Labour and Employment Adviser Brig General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain at his secretariat office in Dhaka.

The Iranian ambassador expressed his country's support and cooperation to the present interim government.

There is a long friendly relation, religious and cultural similarities between the government of Iran and Bangladesh, the ambassador said, adding that the existing relations between the two countries are being consolidated gradually, reports BSS.

Iran has been importing jute and jute goods from Bangladesh while Bangladesh is importing natural liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Iran, the ambassador said, adding that the people of both the countries might be benefited by exploring existing facilities and prospects by re-enforcing the commercial relations between the two countries.

Welcoming the eagerness of Iran, the shipping adviser told the ambassador that Bangladesh is always running the movement of shipping maintaining the international standard of shipping navigation.

Historically, there have been long-term commercial relations between the two countries, Brig Sakhawat said, adding that Bangladesh is a major partner of middle-east oriented business.

He said there is a vast scope of expansion of export and import between the two countries. The adviser also emphasized on enhancing inter-relations between the business communities of Iran and Bangladesh.

Senior Secretary to the Shipping Ministry Mohammad Yousuf and other senior officials of the ministry were present during the call on.​

Bangabandhu’s photo removed from Darbar Hall at Bangabhaban


Photo: Collected from Mahfuj Alam's Facebook profile

A photo of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been removed from the Darbar Hall in Bangabhaban, the official residence of Bangladesh's president.

Adviser Mahfuj Alam, in a Facebook post today, said, "The photo of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman - Post '71 fascist, is removed from Darbar Hall. It is a shame for us that we couldn't remove his pictures from Bangabhaban after the 5th of August. Apologies. But, he won't be seen anywhere till people's July spirit lives on."

Alam further wrote, "Awami League must acknowledge and apologise for what Sheikh Mujib and his daughter have done to the people of Bangladesh, starting from non- the democratic '72 constitution to famine, laundering of billions [of takas] and extrajudicial killings of thousands of dissidents and opponents (1972-75, 2009-2024). Then, we can talk about pre '71 Sheikh Mujib. Without apologies and trials of fascists, there won't be any kind of reconciliation."

When contacted, the president's press secretary, Joynal Abedin, did not respond.

However, a press wing official said that the photo of Bangabandhu was present last night when three new advisers took their oath in Darbar Hall.

"They went home after the oath programme; I have no knowledge about the incident," he added.

According to Article 4A of Bangladesh's Constitution, "The Portrait of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman shall be preserved and displayed" in key government offices, including those of the president, prime minister, speaker and chief justice, as well as in government and semi-government offices, educational institutions, and embassies.

In 2000, the Awami League government passed a law making it obligatory for all government offices to display Bangabandhu's portrait. However, this law was repealed in 2001 when the BNP-led government took office.​

Army chief attends artillery commanders’ conference in Ctg
BSS
Published: 11 Nov 2024, 18: 35
BSS



Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Monday attended the 43rd Annual Commanders’ Conference 2024 of the Regiment of Artillery at the Artillery Center and School (AC&S) at Halishahar in Chattogram as the chief guest.

He also laid the foundation stone of the 500-bed Chattogram Army Medical College Hospital at Khillapara, adjacent to the Bhatiari-Hathazari Link Road, said a release of Inter-Services Public Relations this afternoon.

On his arrival at the porgramme venue, the army chief was welcomed by the General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Army Training and Doctrine Command, GOC of 24 Infantry Division and Chattogram Area Commander and Commandant of the Artillery Center and School.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the chief of army staff mentioned the glorious history of the Artillery Regiment and its contribution to the country and its people.

He also called upon all the members of the Regiment of Artillery to remain ready to face the tough challenges of the 21st century by acquiring necessary modern and time-befitting knowledge through up-to-date training, the release said.

Besides, the army chief exchanged views with the officers of the Regiment of Artillery where he highlighted various issues, including technical development, research, professional skill enhancement and future plans of the regiment.

On the occasion, the army chief honored the senior-most unit captain from the newly formed 'Army Air Defense Corps' with the soldier title and cap badge.

He also handed over the flag of the newly formed 'Army Air Defense Corps' to the Director, of the Adhoc Army Air Defense Directorate.

Senior military officers of the army headquarters, commanders of all artillery brigades of Bangladesh Army, commanders of artillery units and media persons were present there.​

Bangladesh, Singapore launch FTA talks
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 11, 2024 23:34
Updated :
Nov 11, 2024 23:34



Bangladesh and Singapore on Monday expressed satisfaction with the launching of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiation and hoped that FTA would facilitate more economic engagements between the two countries.

Derek Loh Eu-Tse, Non-resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Bangladesh, called on Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed issues of mutual interest, reports UNB.

The foreign secretary briefed on the reform initiatives taken by the interim government and sought Singapore’s support in experience sharing and technical cooperation.

He stressed Singapore's role under the umbrella of ASEAN to ensure repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals to Myanmar.

He also briefed the Envoy on the adverse impacts of the prolonged stay of the large Rohingya population in the southern part of the country.

The foreign secretary also sought Singapore's support for Bangladesh’s bid to become ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.​

Outgoing Russian envoy hopes for ties to keep getting stronger
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 12, 2024 00:04
Updated :
Nov 12, 2024 00:04



Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has emphasised the need to enhance people-to-people ties and mutual understanding with Russia to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The foreign secretary hosted a farewell lunch in honour of the outgoing Ambassador of the Russian Federation Alexander Mantytskiy at State Guest House Padma on Sunday, reports UNB.

In his speech, the foreign secretary acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing ambassador in strengthening Bangladesh-Russia relations and highlighted the important role he played in facilitating several milestone events and achievements in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Mantytskiy thanked the Government of Bangladesh for the support he received during his tenure and also discussed several areas, such as education, energy, food, and fertiliser where the two countries continue to cooperate.

He expressed his hope for stronger relations between Bangladesh and Russia in the future.

After serving for over three years as Russia’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ambassador Mantytskiy is expected to depart soon.​

BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru to promote energy security in region
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 10, 2024 23:35
Updated :
Nov 10, 2024 23:35



The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has said BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC) in Bengaluru will promote energy security through grid interconnections, renewable energy development and realization of energy efficiency.

The establishment of BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC) in Bengaluru has been seen as a step towards promoting regional cooperation in energy sector within BIMSTEC framework, which is led by India.

The BEC will manage a regional energy database, conduct feasibility studies for intra-BIMSTEC projects and enhance cooperation by preparing a framework for networking among national agencies of BIMSTEC member States, said the regional organisation on Sunday, reports UNB.

Moreover, the Centre will foster capacity building, cross-border investments and infrastructure development for training in energy sector.

The host country agreement between the government of India and the BIMSTEC Secretariat for establishing BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC) in Bengaluru was signed in New Delhi on November 8.

BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey signed it on behalf of the Secretariat while Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs Jaideep Mazumder signed on behalf of the government of India.

India also leads the Security and Disaster Management sectors.

A Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation was adopted by the BIMSTEC Energy Ministers’ Conference in 2005.

The MoU for establishing the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection has been force since April 2019.

The BIMSTEC policies for Transmission of Electricity and for Trade, Exchange of Electricity and Tariff Mechanism are being finalized. A BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection Master Plan is also under discussion.

BIMSTEC Energy Cooperation has focused on promoting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, developing cross-border energy trade and undertaking grid interconnections, which aim to ensure energy security, transition to green energy and sustainable development in Bay of Bengal region.

BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It pursues regional cooperation in seven broad sectors: Agriculture and Food Security; Connectivity; Environment and Climate Change; People to People Contact; Science, Technology and Innovation; Security; and Trade, Investment and Development.

The cooperation also covers 8 sub-sectors: Blue Economy, Mountain Economy, Energy, Disaster Management, Fisheries and Livestock, Poverty Alleviation, Health and Human Resource Development.​

Libya keen to hire more Bangladeshi workers
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 10, 2024 22:06
Updated :
Nov 10, 2024 22:06



Libya has expressed willingness to hire more Bangladeshi workers, including physicians and engineers, to develop the country and has invited Bangladeshi students to enroll in the country’s top universities.

Libyan Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulmutalib SM Saliman shared his country's interest when he called on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his office in Tejgaon on Sunday, reports UNB.

Ambassador Saliman acknowledged the contribution of the Bangladeshi workforce in Libyan society, saying that they had a greater role to play in the country, especially in the field of agriculture.

He admitted that some Bangladeshi doctors currently working in Libya are facing salary issues but hoped to resolve the matter soon once the ongoing reforms in the African country are resolved.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus insisted that Bangladesh and Libya can work together to stop illegal migration and human trafficking.

“We don’t support human trafficking. A lot of people are suffering from this. We should work together to stop this,” said the Chief Adviser.

He also urged the ambassador to work on bolstering bilateral relations between two countries for increasing trade and investment, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

The Chief Adviser also enquired if Bangladesh could import oil from Libya for mutual benefit.

Ambassador Saliman emphasised the resumption of air connectivity between the two countries, seeking cooperation from Bangladeshi authorities to this end.​

Bangladesh prioritises smooth LDC graduation, says Salehuddin
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 10, 2024 22:28
Updated :
Nov 10, 2024 22:28



Adviser to the interim government on the Ministries of Finance and Commerce Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said Bangladesh is prioritising to ensure smooth and sustainable graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

“Bangladesh will prioritise smooth graduation from LDC. It will not happen suddenly.

It will happen at a reasonable time. The graduation will be in the interest of Bangladesh, in the interest of the people,” he said.

Salehuddin came up with the comments while speaking at the negotiation launching ceremony of the Bangladesh-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the Ministry of Commerce in Dhaka on Sunday, reports BSS.

“The decision will be taken considering the situation that can be overcome easily,” he said about the country’s graduation from the LDC.

Salehuddin said the government will take initiatives to sign FTA with as many countries as possible.

He mentioned that Singapore is a potential country for Bangladesh's trade expansion. “In addition to products, there is also the possibility of developing Bangladesh's relations with Singapore in the service and investment sectors,” he added.

He said the initiative to sign a FTA has been taken initially with an aim to increase the trade and investment between the two countries.

High Commissioner of Singapore in Dhaka Derek Loh said that Bangladesh, especially Chattogram, is very important for Singapore due to its geographical location.

Singaporean shipping company PSA is investing in Chattogram Terminal, which will become a major international port through Bay-Terminal Transformation, he added.

Based on this, the trade between the two countries will increase, he opined.

Chief adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfe Siddiqui, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Md Selim Uddin, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, Singapore’s High Commissioner Derek Loh had a courtesy call on Salehuddin Ahmed in his secretariat office​

Bangladesh protests at Myanmar gunfire on fishermen
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 11 November, 2024, 00:37



Dhaka on Sunday raised deep concern to Myanmar over instances of gunfire targeting Bangladeshi fishermen amid the neighbouring country’s internal conflict, stressing the urgency of preventing further such occurrences.

The concerned was flagged when Myanmar ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe met with foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the foreign ministry in Dhaka.

During the meeting, the foreign secretary expressed deep concerns regarding the escalating situation in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State, according to a foreign ministry’s press release.

He expressed Dhaka’s security concerns along the border, noting stray mortar shells and shooting at Bangladeshi boats due to Myanmar’s internal conflicts.

These incidents had heightened tensions among Bangladeshi border communities, impacting their daily lives, said the foreign secretary.

He also highlighted that the Myanmar’s turmoil had intensified forced displacement, resulting in a recent influx of Rohingya people into Bangladesh, adding to the over 1.2 million already sheltered there.

Reflecting on his recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, the foreign secretary cited the deterioration of law and order, the rise in criminal activities and violent clashes within the camps, increased drug smuggling and trafficking, all of which have placed substantial pressure on local resources and administration.

He also pointed out the environmental and economic toll on host communities, underscoring the importance of an early repatriation process.

The foreign secretary conveyed that the Rohingya in the camps strongly desired to return to Myanmar.

The Myanmar envoy acknowledged the need for a feasible solution to the displacement crisis, affirming on the need for their repatriation.

The two sides also discussed the recent UNDP forecast of a potential famine in Rakhine, with the foreign secretary urging Myanmar to take immediate action to address the issue and prevent further displacement towards Bangladesh.​

China opposes new Philippine maritime law
Vows to protect South China Sea ‘sovereignty’

China rejected Philippine maritime claims yesterday, saying new legislation "severely infringes on" Beijing's territorial sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, and vowing to protect its own interests.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marco Jr signed two laws on Friday to define the country's maritime entitlements and set designated sea lanes and air routes to reinforce sovereignty.

"China firmly opposes this and will continue to take all necessary measures in accordance with the law to resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the foreign ministry said.

Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.​

Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, all want to build a beautiful Bangladesh: Army chief
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 09 Nov 2024, 08: 24



Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman addresses the Kothim Chibor Dan programme and the National Buddhist Grand Conference at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda in Dhaka on 8 November 2024.Ashraful Alam

Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Friday said people from all religions including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians want to build a beautiful Bangladesh

He said, “Together all religions, races and communities want to build a beautiful Bangladesh. We want to live in peace here and want the country and nation to prosper.”

Waker-Uz-Zaman was addressing the Kothim Chibor Dan programme and the National Buddhist Grand Conference as the chief guest at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda in Dhaka.

The army chief said, “When the azan was coming from the mosque, they (Buddhist leaders) said let us start after a while, let us wait for azan to end. This religious understating, harmony and compassion that they have shown is remarkable. ”

Saying that Buddhist devotees from various places of the country congregated here, Waker-Uz-Zaman added, “We want to see you regularly observing your religious ceremonies. You will live in peace. We will do whatever we need to do. Previously, we provided security during Durga Puja and it has been celebrated beautifully. We thanked everyone concerned for this. Whatever help and cooperation you need, we will provide.”

Mentioning peace and harmony is main mantra of Buddhism, the army chief said, “We have been here for thousands of years and this is our tradition. Hinduism is the oldest religion here, then Buddhism came 2,500 years ago, then Christianity came and lastly, Islam came in our country. We want a very peaceful coexistence of these four major religions. We will help each other, show solidarity, and assist other when someone faces trouble. We want to build a country of harmony in this way. We want to live in peace and happiness altogether.”

Diplomats stationed at various foreign missions in Dhaka also attended the event. Addressing them, Waker-Uz-Zaman said it is good to see that diplomats of various countries also joined the event, especially the ambassador of Thailand since they financed the construction of many Buddhist temples in this country. The ambassador of Vietnam and the high commissioner of Australia are also here and they also contributed to peace and harmony of Bangladesh, he added.

About three Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (CHT) districts, the army chief said, “Since there is some lacking of peace and harmony in the CHT districts, we want to fill up it. We want to create a beautiful atmosphere so that Bengali and hill people can live together in the hills.”

Informing the audience that he also was posted in the CHT districts once, Waker-Uz-Zaman said, “I have my compassion and love for you. If I am told about what necessary for the peace in CHT districts, I will do it. My effort will continue so that Bengali and hill people, everyone can live in peace in CHT districts.”

“You (hill people) have your languages and cultures. We want to respect that. We want to protect this culture, language and life diversity. These are our resources. We will do whatever we have to do to conserve those,” the army chief said.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the CHT districts are full of natural scenic views and that can tourist destinations. There are many way to attract tourists. Besides, if schools, collages, medical colleges and universities are established, out hill brothers and sisters could study here and they them spread over various places at home and aboard with their skills.

Presided over by Bangladesh Buddhist Federation chief adviser professor Sukomal Barua, Thailand ambassador in Dhaka Makawadee Sumitmor, Vietnam ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong and Australian acting high commissioner in Dhaka Nardia Simpson were present.​

People won’t wait indefinitely for election: Gayeshwar
FE Online Desk
Published :
Nov 08, 2024 20:51
Updated :
Nov 08, 2024 20:51




BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Friday urged the interim government to complete electoral reforms first as people will not wait for the next national election for an indefinite period.

“The interim government has been tasked with the main issue of ensuring a credible election and restoring people’s voting rights,” Gayeshwar said at a pre-rally gathering at City’s Shibbari intersection marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day as the chief guest, reports BSS.

Chaired by Khulna city unit BNP Convener Adv. Shafiqul Alam Mona, BNP’s central information Affairs Secretary Azizul Bari Helal, Research Secretary Shamimur Rahman Shamim, among others, spoke on the occasion while Member Secretary of the Committee Shafiqul Alam Tuhin conducted the rally.

“We will co-operate the interim government until the next election is to be held in a logical time and agreed to complete all reforms fast…But without elected government none can bring changes to the country’s constitution,” Gayeshwar said.

He said the then Awami League government established a terrible regime of forced disappearances, murders and extra-judicial killing by brutally harassing the leaders and workers of BNP who fought for democracy in the last 16 years.

Gayeshwar also said that during the crisis on November 3 in 1975, the evil forces imprisoned Ziaur Rahman, who declared the country’s independence, in the cantonment with his family.

In this horrible situation on November 7, fearless soldiers and people took to the streets to protect the freedom of the nation and later Ziaur Rahman was freed, he added.

The senior BNP leader further said that the independence and sovereignty of the country became stronger under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and the journey of multi-party democracy began.

Later, the chief guest inaugurated the rally through hoisting ballons and pigeon. The rally started from the Shibbari intersection and concluded at the party office after parading different streets.​