BANGLADESH: A Hero Returns Home

All weekend long the people of Bangladesh thronged into Dacca, preparing to welcome their beloved "Bangabandhu" (friend of Bengal). By Monday noon, hundreds of thousands of jubilant Bengalis lined the streets of the capital, waving flags and shouting over and over, "Sheik Mujib! Sheik Mujib!" Promptly at 1:30 p.m., a blue and silver British Royal Air Force Comet dropped out of a brilliant sunny sky and ground to an abrupt halt on the shortened war-damaged runway. Sheik Mujibur Rahman was home at last.

As the Comet's door opened, the first gun of a 21-gun salute cracked through the air. Then Mujib, looking thin but surprisingly fit despite his nine-month ordeal in a Pakistani prison, began a triumphant, two-hour ride through city streets to the Dacca Race Course. There, as a cheering crowd of half a million showered him with rose petals, Mujib enjoined them not to seek revenge for the 3,000,000 Bengalis slain by the Pakistani army.

"Forgive them!" he cried. "Today I do not want revenge from anybody." But Mujib also declared his firm opposition to Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's hopes for at least a symbolic reunification of the nation. "Now I say to you Bengal is independent, and let the people of Pakistan and the people of Bangladesh live happily. The unity of the country is ended."

After Bhutto set him free, Mujib flew* first to London—where he stayed in the same special suite at 

Claridge's used by former Pakistani President Yahya Khan—and then to New Delhi. There he was greeted with honors by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In Dacca, Mujib's first major decision was that Bangladesh would have a parliamentary democracy on the order of Britain's, rather than the presidential system set up by the government in exile. He relinquished the presidency conferred upon him in his absence last April by the exiled Bengali leaders and assumed the post of Prime Minister. In addition, Mujib took on the defense, home affairs, information and Cabinet affairs portfolios, which will give him direct authority over the police and militia being formed from the Mukti Bahini liberation forces.

At his first official press conference last week, Mujib said that he envisioned Bangladesh as the "Switzerland of the East." It would be a non-aligned socialist state, he said, with a foreign policy of "friendship to all and malice toward none." He appealed to all nations and international organizations for help in getting the shattered country back on its feet. As for the possibility of war crimes trials against former officials of East Pakistan, Mujib said that he had asked the United Nations to establish a commission to investigate atrocities committed during the war. But if the U.N. failed to do so, he warned, "we will follow our own policy."

No Strings. Bangladesh, whose existence as an independent nation had previously been acknowledged only by India and Bhutan, was formally recognized last week by East Germany, Bulgaria, Poland, Mongolia and Burma. Pakistan angrily served notice that it would sever diplomatic relations with all nations that did so—a policy that will surely prove untenable as more countries follow suit. Britain, which has already promised aid to Bangladesh through the U.N., is expected to provide recognition in a few weeks. Despite the urgings of Senators Edward Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey that the U.S. recognize Bangladesh, the White House last week said that it was not considering the move at present. Presumably, the Administration wants to wait until Indian troops are withdrawn and the new government has demonstrated its stability. U.S. Consul-General Herbert Spivack avoided Mujib's inaugural ceremonies—the only representative, apart from the Chinese, to do so.

At the press conference, Mujib went out of his way to give special thanks to the American people who had supported the Bangladesh cause. Later, in a relaxed and affable private interview with TIME Correspondent William Stewart, he indicated his desire for friendly relations with the U.S. Government. "But they must make the first move. I want recognition; and if relationships are to be improved, then the Administration must recognize reality. I have nothing against the American people. I want aid, but there must be no strings attached."

Mujib added that he found his country worse off than he had expected. "Very few times have I wept," he said. "This time I wept. We have almost 3,000,000 dead. I am sure of that figure because my organization is in every village; they know who has been killed." Then, with visible emotion, he asked: "Why did the United States Government remain silent?

^{* Although an Air-India Boeing 707 was put at his disposal, Mujib chose to fly in the R.A.F. Comet, partly to parry the feared threat of assassination or attack by Pakistani fanatics, partly to avoid displaying so obviously his country's dependence on India.}

TIME Magazine : Monday, Jan. 24, 1972

Terms Of Connectivity : The Longer-Term View

Connectivity is a very important factor in human affairs. At all levels of life connectivity plays a central role in defining the quality of life. But connectivity comes in many forms and in many dimensions. Ipso facto connectivity does not confer much benefit unless connectivity is designed to achieve desired objectives.

That means connectivity has to be purposeful. It has to be beneficial to the seekers of connectivity. Whether it is the individual, or group of individuals or society or a nation; connectivity is very relevant and significant. 

Apart from the nature of connectivity the level and intensity of connectivity is generally determined by a conscious decision to engage a corresponding partner in the network of connectivity.

In an abstract concept connectivity with the Creator is the ultimate connectivity of human existence. But then many do not seem to be very much persuaded by the importance of that kind of spiritual objectives.

Life seems to be more real and more earnest at the mundane level where loaves and fishes are more keenly sought after and demands of flesh and blood get the better of connectivity. Spiritual connectivity is consigned to the forgotten zone of life.

Primacy of connectivity in material life somehow overtakes the inclinations for intellectual and human connectivity.

The type of connectivity that tends to enrich the total quality of life does not seem to make much appeal to political actors. Opportunities for material advantage and substantial financial gains attract the attention of political players, more than anything else.

These gains are measured more in personal terms. Gains of the political party concerned also count at the secondary level. The advantages that may or may not accrue to the country and the society is often of little concern, if any.

Connectivity in the transportation sector has been stridently pursued by India over decades now. It is natural for India to do that. It is in the national interest of India to enhance connectivity with its seven states in the north-east of Bangladesh. In this context of India’s national interest connectivity with Bangladesh is relevant and, in fact, a priority issue for India.

The one billion US dollar credit line offered by India to Bangladesh acquires its economic and political logic in this perspective. Credit means, Bangladesh will ultimately foot the bills for India’s connectivity with its own states separated by Bangladesh.

Indian goods, Indian services including advisors, consultants, contractors will naturally quality for funding from this tied credit line, consequently Indian business and industry will reap the initial harvest from this much publicized generous credit line.  Indian trucks, buses, train wagons and shipping vessels will use the roads, railway lines and shipping facilities built and upgraded inside Bangladesh with Indian credit. That is the more durable aspect of the transportation connectivity: physical infrastructure system built within this framework.
We Bangladeshis would not like to witness a transportation connectivity network built within Bangladesh with the money of Bangladeshi taxpayers (i.e. the final repayment of Indian credit) which will be for all practical purposes (at least that is how it is being widely perceived in Bangladesh toady) by India, of India and for India. India has done the homework.

Obviously, Bangladesh has not as it appears from very vague public statements emanating. Such decisions in Bangladesh are made on impulse by some leaders who feel beholden to India for one reason or the other. There are also some civil society institutions and individuals in Bangladesh who are more Indians than the Indians themselves.

These are the people loudly trumpeting the bounties of connectivity without being able to quantify the specific benefits, both economic and non-economic, that Bangladesh stands to gain from this deal.

India-centric transport connectivity will primarily serve larger interests of India, Bangladesh would have been able to advance its own interests if this connectivity framework was perceived in a wider perspective. Nepal and Bhutan depend entirely on India’s goodwill for connectivity with Bangladesh.

The supporters of India’s connectivity framework involving Bangladesh seem to be making a big deal about connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan. Apart from a very small volume of goods likely to be covered by such connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan, one needs to keep in mind India can any time throttle or thwart the flow of goods in more ways than one.

Connectivity with Myanmar, Thailand and China should have been on the cards so that Bangladesh does not become totally dependent on India for connectivity in the transportation sector. It is very much in our larger national interest to keep our connectivity options open and wide. Any form of dependency is against our national interest.

Ever since the independence of Bangladesh, India has not given much practical evidence of reliability as a neighbour. The agreements signed between Bangabandhu and Indian Prime Minister India Gandhi are yet to be implemented by India. India’s myopic vision and assertion of narrow self-interest stymied the flowering of the concept of “Bondhu Rastra” (friendly nation) evolved during our war of liberation in 1971.

Bangladesh and India had a common cause in 1971. Both of us needed to humble Punjab dominated Pakistan. Together we did. The spirit of “Bondhu Rastra” seems to have withered away with the surrender of the Pakistani Army in Dhaka to the Indian Army. Bangladesh and India relations somehow got lost in the wasteland of India’s hegemonistic aspirations and paranoid pursuit of India’s narrow self-interests at the cost of Bangladesh.

National disunity and political disorientation in Bangladesh seriously sapped the national power and capacity of Bangladesh to engage India in a meaningful process of mutually beneficial bilateral relations. India clearly signified its preference to deal more positively with a particular political party in Bangladesh. Bangladesh-divide-and-rule policy of British colonial exploiters has been reincarnated in the form of divide and dominate propensity. Bangladesh’s relations with India consequently continue to suffer in all their aspects.

The euphoria of connectivity with India may be transient, if the other political party does not see it to be in the national interest of Bangladesh. In our political culture such major diplomatic decisions are taken by keeping the opposition party in total darkness. So for India is concerned, Bangladesh policy of India is based on a broad consensus between the major political parties. A change in the political power structure in Delhi will not mean much of a change as for as Bangladesh is concerned.

Our institutional weaknesses- both political and bureaucratic – are major hurdles in the proper implementation of bilateral agreements with India and for that matter with any other country. Our major political parties do not work together in articulating Bangladesh’s policies towards India. Still worse are the line ministries associated with negotiations and implementation of bilateral agreements with India. The process of elbowing out culminates in excluding the concerned ministries.  The Foreign Ministry is routinely excluded and sidelined by other ministries. There is no designated national focal point. In India nothing happens in terms of diplomatic relations without the Indian Ministry of External Affairs being a key player in the process. Sadly the story in Bangladesh is very different.

Reservations, doubts and even serious concerns will capture the public mind if the current trend of keeping the people in the dark about the terms on the basis of which the connectivity deal is being concluded with India continues. People could be keen to know how this sectoral connectivity will impinge on the holistic connectivity aspects across the spectrum of connectivity in political, cultural, media, trade and economic relations as well.

Connectivity in one sector cannot be evaluated in total exclusion of other areas that concern the national interests of Bangladesh. If the people at large are not very convinced that the current connectivity deals are based on terms that adequately  protect the interests of Bangladesh, the life or validity of the deal may be defined by the outcome of the next general elections due in about two years from now.

The people of Bangladesh need to be taken into confidence. Without the broad support of the people for the terms and scope of connectivity the deal may end up being seriously time bound and regime bound. 

By - Mufleh Osmany.

How To Wipe Out Indian Paws

Indian prominent politician, Dr.Subramaniam Swami wrote in DNA on July 16, 2011, “Annex land from Bangladesh in proportion to the illegal migrants from that country staying in India. At present, the northern third from Sylhet to Khulna can be annexed to re-settle illegal migrants” in Article Analysis: How to wipe out Islamic terrorists.Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs keeps mouth shut up as if it supports Indian aggression.

On the other hand, Adam Robert, the South Asia bureau Chief wrote an article in The economist in July 30, 2011 issue, headlined India and Bangladesh embraceable you“Ever since 2008, when the Awami league, helped by bags of Indian cash and advice, triumphed in general elections in Bangladesh,relations with India have blossomed”.Ministry of Foreign Affairs agitated and protested on it as they considered the information caused huge heart bit.(http://www.economist.com/node/21524917).

The politicalprotest against Hasina`s hardline politics and administration becoming stone under BNP, even though opposition (pro-Indians) running rats to Indians through backdoors. Her pro-socialist ministers and MPs already lost the direction of Journey and are seriously criticized by general public and even threatened by the Awami league right wings. To jump the friendly relation in 4th gear with Indian government and Gandhi family,Hasina`s attempts of surrendering Bangladesh trend has already shaken the entire nation and rapidly forming mass up-rise after watching the sabotages.She acts with massive preparations thus her cruelty might break all the records of past fascists in near future. The architects of 1/11 are in action thus their enemy remain uncountable in power game and stand rock with RAW.

The dramatic appearance of BJP president Subramanian Swami and hiding signal of the Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi are significant for Indo-Bangladesh regional power game.Sonia Gandhi is playing escapist card as she is not Indira Gandhi to the Indians and also she is a European.The leadership inauguration of Rahul Gandhi might be properfor them in this circumstance. But Indian leadership design is to turn Bangladesha battle field. It`ll happen unless Bangladesh is ready for pro-active Defense.

However, It is known to all, Indian BSF attacked Padua village and Raumaree strategic areas twice in 2001 to grab during Hasina`s previous regime. But failed as Tiger BDR smashed combined BSF Jawans and Indian Army Captain in one battle and in second invasion surrendered the Indian battalion without killing, a heroic record in War history. Bordering Bangladeshi villagers supported BDR. Now, in 2011 Hasina awarded Indira Gandhi the top most reward of Bangladesh and 261 acres of Padua Village for bridging her family tie with Gandhi family and practical surrender to India together. Sonia Gandhi has received this political reward for her mother –in-law.

Let memorize Philkhana episode! The assault of Director General of BDR and other 56 BDR commanders and insulting their wives on February 25-26, 2009 was the prior gift package of Sheikh Family to Gandhi family. Mysterious successes of December 29, 2008 election magic and operation BDRHeadquarter in Philkhana connect the Indian target of eliminating Bangladesh defense and total surrender of Independence as per the Indian Military design. So, Sheikh Dynasty though widely considered the top of the traitor list to the public and also holdschief collaborating position to the Indian Army in North-Eastern region. Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are appeared as top Dracula.

The arrests and confinement of ex-DGs of NSI and DGFI are nothing but to keep permanent threat on Bangladeshi Intelligence and Defense.It has no relation with Awami-BNP-Jamat politics. The election magic in 2008, Operation on Philkhana, dismantle BDR, crushing Intelligence networks, set up RAW offices in Bangladesh, political war crime tribunal, recruitment of Indian trained Hindu operatives in the government, Posting Indian trained Hindu peoples in key positions of the government, Force retirement of patriot officers from government offices and Defense, crushing opposition political party leaders and Military transit to 7 sisters through the heart of Bangladesh and mistreatment with noble laureate Professor Mohammed Yunus andHasina`s childish response with Hillary Clinton are the different steps to eliminate the Independence of Bangladesh.

Ms.Dipu Moni, one political appointee in Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs feels upset with the article that was published in The Economist. It appeared heart bit disclosure to the Government. And their Home Minister Ms. Sahara Khatun has been shouting as angry cat in jungle.Khatun is preparing to ban The Economist in Bangladesh. Perhaps it`s very risky though they don`t care. But they have nothing to do with one of the witness of election engineering that went from New York and stayed in Bangladesh to observe the parliament election 2008.The real documents are preserved to disclose in time.Indian intention toward Bangladesh is correctly highlighted through this recent statement. “Annex land from Bangladesh in proportion to the illegal migrants from that country staying in India. At present, the northern third from Sylhet to Khulna can be annexed to re-settle illegal migrants”.

Mr. Subramaniam has campaigned for Indian military strategy that is effective for terrorizing Bangladeshis. He perhaps, on the other hand, extends privileges for Bangladeshis to annex the 7 sisters in North-Eastern region states as because hundreds of thousands illegal Indian illegal migrants live in Bangladesh for feeding their families since India is separated. Mr. Bhaskar Roy and others know, these vast people have similarities in history, culture and food habits with Bangladeshis. As Bangladesh is not so large in size and it is over-populated country, it could be wise to re-settle those Hindu migrants in that vast region if any one agrees with this Indian politician`s policy of annexing districts of other sovereign country through the “might is right theory”. He has also attempted to misinterpret the Islamic history knowingly and purposefully.That`s to be considered rubbish or any one may research on Islamic History in India for correcting Subramaniam.

In such situation what is wise for Bangladeshi guerrilla freedom fighters and their present generation worldwide, as Indians are in attempt to turn Bangladesh a battlefield through the Indian Military transit or corridor? What the Bangladeshi general people should do? What should the Political leaders do? That circumstance directs two options; either total surrender under Indian colony or form resistance battle against Indian Paws on Bangladesh.

If the first option is chosen, then slaves have to carry out the order of Indian Masters for decades long.Otherwise, the last option isto safe the Independence. None can safe Independence hearing Indian songs and dances and believing Indian politicians.It has tocut off chicken neck to isolate 7 sisters from India or extend supports to the freedom hungers of that region, Shake hands with China and Convince USA-Europe for supporting the liberation struggle of the “United States of North East” and continue supports for their freedom, democracy and economic empowerment.Indian nation is a coward and follow fanaticism. They never stand like freedom fighter NetazeeSubash Chandra Bosh.

Mr. Subramanianadded, “Fanatic Muslims consider Hindu-dominated India “an unfinished chapter of Islamic conquests. All other countries conquered by Islam 100% converted to Islam within two decades of the Islamic invasion. Undivided India in 1947 was 75% Hindu even after 800 years of brutal Islamic rule. That is jarring for the fanatics”.

Anti-Muslim campaigns of Indian politicians are never new. These terrorist politicians are widely identified. Gujarati Chief Minister Norendra Modi is another central leader of their BJP that was ban to enter in USA till today and his USA diplomatic and business visa were cancelled in 2005.This fanatic and Anti-Muslim politician is widely accused to misuse administrative capacities in killing more than 200 Muslims and terrorize thousands. The high ranking politicians that draw ethnic killing designs in own country, the nation that tolerate such evils in leading their governance do one have to consider them civilized? These fanatic communalists are never be friend of their neighbors in or outside the border.

What is the theme behind the Indian fake Secularism? Just to eliminate Muslims and Independence of neighboring nations. Mr. Rajnath Singh, the President of Janata party made statement in July 22,2006, “I demand that after taking the international community into confidence, India attack Pakistan to dismantle terrorist centers, not only Pakistan but Bangladesh should also be attacked where terrorist centers are operating”-.Baratia Janata Party that ruled so-called secular India since 1998 to 2004.It did hold 138 seats in parliament and was main opposition party in July 2006 at the time of his declaration.

Prime Minister Mon Mohan Singh also sang the same Corus in Indian National Parliament in VJP voice at the same time and the communist Chief Minister Buddha Dev of West Bengal state join with them. Interestingly they all are united in their Military strategy against Bangladesh and communal fanaticism against Muslims.

But the Bangladeshis never accept fanaticism and communalism in their society. This society is liberal to all believers and never believes in aggression on the neighbors. It always protests against terrorism, fanaticism, communism, and communalism and never supports Indian Secularism (disguised discrimination).The Indian political leaders and policy makers purposefully misinterpret Bangladeshis as anti-Indian for vested interests. Indian tricky politics hatches Indian terrorists under state terrorism since India becomes an Independent state though it always keeps blaming the Muslims for terrorism. This is major part of Indian brain`schronic decease since it`s birth in 1947.

Hundreds of Bangladeshis demonstrated against Indian hegemonies and threatening to attack Bangladesh, in front of Indian consulate in Manhattan, New York in August 28, 2006 and submitted memorandum to Secretary General Kofi Anan in UN and Indian Prime Minster Dr.Mon Mohan Singh under the banner of Promote Bangladesh Worldwide-PBW. A freedom Fighter leaded the protest.

Indian politicians and political analysts are over smart as baby playersliar and liar game. They accusefor bomb blast in Bombay on July 13, 2011 as they need for their funny campaign against Muslim and any country as they like.

(1)“The terrorist blast in Mumbai on July 13, 2011, requires decisive soul-searching by the Hindus of India. Hindus cannot accept to be killed in this halal fashion, continuously bleeding every day till the nation finally collapses”. Dr. Subramaniam in DNA on July 16,2011.

(2)Sanchita Bhattacharya of Institute for conflict management, accused HuJI-B in her write up in SAIR on August 1.2011.

(3) Bhaskar Roy wrote in C3S dated July 19, 2011 Most Indians will be closely watching the outcome of US Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s second visit to India in her current capacity. As she arrives in New Delhi on July 19, it is all too obvious that the bilateral talks will exceed the already prepared agenda, thanks to the triple explosion in Mumbai on July 13 that killed 17 and injured more than one hundred.

(4) Next day, on July 20, an Indian senior politician and Parliament member claimed CIA and MOSAD operated the bombing in Bombay last week as these two countries jointly igniting vulnerabilities in India as they continue in Pakistan.

It`s highly appreciable that the USA and Europe developed better communication inside Bangladeshi social norms and culture and that really support them to understand Bangladesh closely. Noble Laureate Professor Mohammed Yunus is considered as the main architect of bridging Bangladesh with USA-Europe and other continents. It is mentionable that the USA state department is more attentive on Bangladesh at present. Secretary Hillary R. Clinton and Ex- President of United States of America William Jefferson Clinton keep focus on BD-USA alliance.During the administration of President Clinton, the U.S. enjoyed more peace and economic wellbeing than at any time in its history. He was the first Democratic president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win a second term.

By - Abu Zafar Mahmood.