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Thursday, February 26, 2009

[chottala.com] India offers to send peace mission (OVER OUR DEAD BODIES!)

Indian peace mission signal

SUJAN DUTTA

New Delhi, Feb. 26: India is offering to send a peace mission beyond
borders to give security to the Calcutta-Dhaka-Calcutta Moitree
Express on an explicit request from Dhaka in the wake of the mutiny by
soldiers of the Bangladesh Rifles, highly placed sources in New Delhi
have told The Telegraph.

As of today, the Moitree Express that runs between Calcutta and Dhaka
is suspended — it runs between the two capitals on Saturdays and
Sundays — because of the BDR uprising. Indian and Bangladeshi armies
are currently engaged in a first joint training mission in Jalpaiguri
for two weeks since February 22.

Yesterday, as two Indian goods trains that make a daily run to
Darshana in Bangladesh to transport essential commodities were to
enter Bangladesh, there was no one available at the BDR outposts
beyond the border pillar to open the massive iron gates that would
allow the trains into Bangladesh. The commanding officers of the BDR —
actually army officers — had to clang open the gates themselves.

Since Sri Lanka, such a venture to Bangladesh would be the first
international bilateral peace mission by India. The Indian
Peacekeeping Force of the army to Sri Lanka got embroiled in a tragic
war and was aborted at enormous cost to life and limb.

In this instance, India is considering paramilitary forces such as the
Central Reserve Police Force, the Railway Protection Force or, if
Dhaka agrees, even the Border Security Force, with the exclusive
mandate of escorting the trains, protecting passengers and preventing
damage to engines and rakes of the goods trains.

The train from Calcutta crosses the border after Gede in Bengal,
passes through a metal carriageway, at the entrance for which the
gates are opened by the Border Security Force on the Indian side,
rolls over the tracks on no-man's land, still through the metal cage
at the end of which huge gates are opened by personnel of the
Bangladesh Rifles for the train to enter into Bangladesh.

At this point, the security of the train is handed over from India's
Railway Protection Force to its Bangladeshi counterpart and for the
border security to the Bangladesh Rifles.

In the proposal that is now being considered -- because the Bangladesh
Army does not trust the Bangladesh Rifles and the Bangladesh Rifles
has no confidence in its officers of the Bangladesh Army -- an Indian
agency is offering to take over the responsibility.

For the UPA government in New Delhi and Sheikh Hasina's government in
Dhaka, it is a grand statement that local disputes will not be allowed
to take bilateral and cultural linkages hostage. Pranab Mukherjee and
Sheikh Hasina, personal acquaintances themselves, are understood to be
considering the move seriously.

They have concluded it is not worth shutting down the train that has
meant so much when it was opened on Poila Boishakh last April.

It also is an eloquent illustration of Manmohan Singh's message to
neighbours that India is willing to give friendly countries a stake in
its development. The train is popular with Bangladeshis many of whom
visit India for medical care.

Last year, there was a move from a hawkish section of the
establishment in New Delhi to stop the train altogether when police
alleged the hand of elements of the Harkat ul Jehad Ul Islam, based in
Bangladesh, in blasts in Hyderabad. But a determined officer in Dhaka
and the ambassador there put up a strong defence of continuing with
the service.

Of the 538 km between Calcutta and Dhaka, 418 km is in Bangladesh and
120 km is in Bengal (India) but the symbolism it covers is greater
than the distance.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090227/jsp/frontpage/story_10599074.jsp

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

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[chottala.com] Dr. Abdul Momen - The BDR Revolt and Role of Bangladesh Intelligence Agencies

 

The BDR Revolt and Role of Bangladesh Intelligence Agencies

Dr. Abdul Momen

 

Today's revolt in the BDR HQ in Dhaka is an eye-opener.  Due to revolt, reportedly 50 lives were lost. Many civilian also died owing to stray bullets. Whatever the causes of the revolt, it is a fact that there has been a serious lapse of intelligence failure and secondly the death of civilians, closure of schools and postponement of exam demands a serious debate on the merits of keeping headquarters of security forces or cantonments inside crowded localities of the nation's capital.

In USA, the forefathers of its independence nearly 230 years ago decided not to allow heavy weapons within the borders of capital i. e. Washington D. C or the District of Columbia.   However, it allowed individual citizen to bear arms for their self protection.   In the case of Bangladesh given its history of coups and counter coups, it may be necessary to forbid heavy weapons within 50 miles radius of the capital city of Dhaka.  The recent BDR revolt and especially killing of innocent civilians and bystanders once again reminded the Bangladeshi nationals to seriously discuss this issue of relocating both the Dhaka cantonment and the BDR HQ away from the city limit.  

If the BDR Headquarters would have been outside Dhaka away from Pilkhana, an overcrowded area of civilian population surrounded by schools and shops, such casualties could be minimized.  Therefore, it may be recommended to relocate BDR HQ away from capital city.

Similarly, there is hardly any rationale to have Army Cantonment within the capital city.  This may be relocated 50 miles away from the capital city to a remote locality.   In that case, prime and expensive lands will be made available for growth and expansion of Dhaka city.   Moreover, fear and tension of revolt within the cantonment causing disruption of normal life would be lessened.

In Dhaka, civilian vehicles are not allowed to go through the cantonment area and such is an additional cause for bumper-to-bumper hour-long traffic jams on the VIP road.  If the Cantonment is relocated away from its current location, such horrendous traffic congestion could be lessened.  Bangladesh Army is a part of Bangladesh society and it desires to improve quality of life of its countrymen.  In spite of this, it is unfortunate that they have not opened up their roads to the general public yet on their own initiative.  Since army fails to open them up on its own, it may be necessary to relocate Dhaka cantonment for the good of the nation.

The BDR Revolt that occurred following Prime Minister's trip to the BDR HQ is mind boggling. If this would happened during Prime Minister's visit, it could have created a national crisis.  Naturally, serious questions could be raised as regards the efficiency of the Bangladesh intelligence agencies.  According to many, the focus of the Bangladesh Intelligence Agencies both the DGFI and the NSI have been basically pivots around finding and codifying information regarding civilian opinion leaders and political leadership.  The rationale for secretly recording phone, fax and mobile calls of politicians, journalists, opinion leaders and talk-show participants in Bangladesh in addition to lawyers and businessmen has been designed with a view to collect information about civilian activities.  Even their everyday activities and mobility are being watched in the name of nation's interest.  Unfortunately, such appears to be uncommon in the area of security forces.  No wonder, Bangladesh Intelligence Agencies miserably failed in protecting its founder President Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman or founder of the BNP party, General Ziaur Rahman.  It even failed to provide intelligence information regarding the terrorist bombing attack of a public rally of Sheikh Hasina on August 21, 2004 in which 23 people were killed including the wife of current President of Bangladesh, Zillur Rahman and nearly 370 were wounded or maimed for life.  It failed to provide intelligence information regarding grenade attacks on the former Finance Minister ASM Kibria or on British High Commissioner Anwar Chowdhury.   It also failed to furnish intelligence information regarding jehadi bombings in 493 towns and cities of Bangladesh simultaneously. 

 In fact, the performance record of Bangladesh Intelligence Agencies till to-date is very poor. It gets an F grade.   The recent BDR revolt is a case in point. 

Bangladesh Intelligence Agencies are mostly headed by military personnel unlike industrialized countries.  Most of the heads of the DGFI and the NSI in Bangladesh have been active duty military officials.  In contrast, most of the heads of U. S. and the British Intelligence Agencies, for example, FBI, CIA, or MI5 (British) are non-military personnel.  

The current FBI Director is Robert Mueller. He has been a lawyer.  The current CIA Chief is Leon Panetta, a former congressman and a head of a Public Policy Institute at the California University.  He was formerly Chief of Staff of President Clinton. 

If we investigate the personal history of the heads of FBI for the last quarter century, one will be surprised that most of the intelligence heads were lawyers or judges.  For example, there has been a total of 7 FBI Directors from February 23, 1978 till to-date of which three were Acting Directors.  All four Directors were lawyers/judges, and among the Acting Directors, two were career intelligence officers and one was an accountant.  William Webster (1978-87), William Sessions (1987-93), Louis Freeh (1993-2001) and Robert Mueller (2001-current) were Directors and all of them were lawyers/judges.  The Acting ones; John Otto (26/5/87-2/11/87) and Floyd Clarke (19/7/93-1/9/93) were special FBI agents, and Thomas Pickard (25/6/01-4/9/01) was a CPA.  

Given the limitations, the performance record of FBI and the CIA that are mostly run by civilian authority is much superior to that our DGFI or the NSI which are mostly headed by active-duty military officials. 

Take the case of the British Intelligence Agencies.  The British Military Intelligence Section 5 known as MI-5 or its agencies like SIS, MI-6, QCHQ or DIS are again mostly headed by civilian officials unlike Bangladesh.  For example, the current head of MI5 is Mr. Jonathan Evans, a career intelligence officer.  Prior to him Baroness Manningham-Buller (2002-07), a former school teacher headed it for 5 years. During 2000-02, Sir Stephen Lander, a PhD in History was its head. Prior to him, Dame Stella Rimington (1992-96), a diplomat's wife headed the British intelligence organization. It may surprise Bangladeshi military leaders that a well known football player, Sir Patrick Walker headed MI-5 from 1988 through 1991.

There is no denying that the Intelligence Agencies of USA and UK are superior to that of Bangladesh.  Admittedly they have more resources and superior information technology vis-à-vis Bangladesh. However, they have also more restrictions as they have to work within many legal limitations and restrictions unlike Bangladesh. Instead of this, their performance record is superior. 

This raises a valid question.  Should we stop appointing active-duty military personnel in the intelligence agencies that mainly focus their attention on political or civil leaderships?  Instead should we follow that of the USA and UK for the greater interest of the country? 

It is a fact that in Bangladesh, two of its Presidents were assassinated not by their political supporters or by any public citizen. They were assassinated by members of active-duty security forces.  It is unfortunate, and it looks odd when in the name of security, a head of the government for example, Sheikh Hasina is kept at a distance from public thus denying her from mingling with her electorates in Bangladesh.  This was true in the case of Khaleda Zia as well.  In addition, it looks odd when security personnel stand next to the head of the government in all public events. This custom must be done away with to improve nation's image both home and abroad.  Remember, such practice is not common in civilized countries like USA, UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Finland and the like. Remember, their heads of governments in no way, less exposed to security risk.  The custom in USA is that once a person is allowed to enter the premises through checking, he/she is allowed to meet the President freely.  The security forces stay at a distance unlike Bangladesh.  The way the Bangladeshi security forces behave is deplorable. They literally keep the Prime Minister away from the public. It is a disgrace in the name of security.  When the Prime Minister is surrounded by security officers overlooking her shoulder, it lowers our image in the free world.  Such basically shows that the political leadership of Bangladesh is still under military subjugation or control in spite of a free, fair, transparent and credible election.  Under such aggressive security guardianship, it can neither improve its image nor can attract increasing FDI. 

 

·         Abdul Momen is a professor of economics and business in Boston, USA



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[chottala.com] Middle-East Crisis:Can It Be Solved?--- Part : 2

Middle-East Crisis: Can It Be Solved?


(PART- 2)
Badrul Islam
It was at an Arab League summit in Beirut in 2002 that Saudi Arabia's
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, then crown prince, took a political gamble by
unveiling a rare comprehensive peace proposal to Israel to end the
Arab-Israeli conflict. The details of the plans are: (a) Complete
withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories, including the Syrian
Golan Heights, to the 4 June 1967 line and the territories still
occupied in southern Lebanon; (b) Attain a just solution to the
problem of Palestinian refugees to be agreed upon in accordance with
the UN General Assembly Resolution No 194. (c) Accept the
establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on
the Palestinian territories occupied since 4 June 1967 in the West
Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital. In return the
Arab states will do the following: (a) Consider the Arab-Israeli
conflict over, sign a peace agreement with Israel, and achieve peace
for all states in the region; (b) Establish normal relations with
Israel within the framework of this comprehensive peace. As a king,
he had revived the same plan in the year 2007 and still continues his
efforts to fulfill these plans.
Wikipedia states that "In November 2008, The Sunday Times reported
that American president-elect Barack Obama is going to support the
plan, saying to Mahmoud Abbas during his July 2008 visit to the
Middle East that "The Israelis would be crazy not to accept this
initiative. It would give them peace with the Muslim world from
Indonesia to Morocco."
Both the USA President and the King of Saudi Arabia have to realize
the facts that success of the above plans will depend, first on
their "Political Will" to restore credibility and trusts among the
Arabs. If we analyze the "Anatomy of Power Politics" of the region
it becomes crystal clear the West has expanded their political
influence for economic interests. The Arab world doesn't repent that;
as due to internal dynastic struggles, lack of technical expertise
and limited economic constraints faced during their pre-colonial days
they had to seek outside help. But gradually, the Arabs became
skeptical of their former colonial rulers mainly the British and the
French, the Zionists, those that encouraged illegal settlements of
Jews in the Gaza and the West Bank and USA's pro-Israeli policy.
Let me cite an example to prove my point of how trust can be
accomplished. In 1956 France-Israel-UK jointly plotted a war against
Egypt known as the infamous Suez crisis. It was only the stern
warning from the then USA President Eisenhower that forced the three
countries to withdraw in deep humiliation. This is a perfect example
of the "American values" that the USA President and Americans refers
to.
Why, taking a cue from this precedent, can't the US President warn
the Israelis about their recent attack on Gaza? Why hasn't USA taken
a strong stance against Israel for not allowing UN to deliver food
and medicines for the wounded Gaza Citizens? Why without final
solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict is Israel allowed to have
nuclear facility?

To build confidence among Arabs and the Muslim world it is necessary
for the Leaders to; first address these question in a fair and just
manner and the next important thing to do; and it's the key point;
that USA and its Western Alliances must take appropriate decisions
and actions to stop completely their individual Politicians and their
Media Slants from making wild accusations against the Muslims,
focusing on "minorities of extremists". The vast majority of the
Muslims as like people of other faiths, Christians, Jews, Hindus, and
Buddhists are devoutly non-violent, family oriented, practicing their
individual religion and struggling to survive in the competitive
modern world.
An example, that my above statements need addressing, is highlighted
here from reports of Jackson Diehl, Editor of Washington Post, dated
Feb9, 2009. "The past four Israeli elections have been won by a
candidate who promised to end Israel's conflict with the
Palestinians. Tomorrow, for the first time in decades, Israelis may
choose a prime minister who is promising to wage war.
"We must smash the Hamas power in Gaza," Likud party leader Binyamin
("Bibi") Netanyahu said at one rally last week. "There will be no
escape from toppling the Hamas regime," he said at a security
conference the next day. "I'm sorry to say we haven't gotten the job
done," he said of Israel's recent Gaza offensive in a radio
interview. "The next government will have no choice but to finish the
job and uproot . . . the Iranian terror base.". This wild attitude
of the Isareli politician who may win the parliament seat cannot be
useful to the peace plans that USA, Western Alliances and the Arabs
want.
In the same way, the King of Saudi Arabia as "Custodian" of the two
Holy places Makkah and Medina commands a great respect amongst the
Arabs and it will be easier for him to establish a good rapport and
instill moral values for fair treatment and justice towards both,
their fellow Arabs and to the Non-Arab Westerners. The king must
discuss in details his peace plans with the Arabs and the Israelis to
ensure that all understand the plans and encourage free expressions
of opinions from the people in Governments and general Citizens. The
king should also ensure that, (1) within Arabs there wont people with
ideas and attitude like the Israeli Netanyahu and (2) should frankly
discuss the military logistics of both Hamas and Isarel and advice
Hamas that in view of superior military strength,of the Israelis,
Hamas cannot hope to achieve solutions by firing Rockets and or
instigating Israel for war.
In spite of all these unfair dealings received from the USA and the
Western Alliances the Arabs are not anti-west and firmly believe that
a transparent and fair procedure will be applied their to find a
solution to the Middle-East Crisis.

Will all the Key Players to the Middle-East crisis, please analyze
their own conscious and take responsibility to create a peaceful and
friendlier World?

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

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[chottala.com] President Obama Launches White House Internship Program

Dear All:

 

Following information might be helpful to a student you know. Please encourage students to take this great opportunity.

Thanks,

 

Anis Ahmed

North Potomac, Maryland

 

_______________________________________________

 

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of Media Affairs

For Immediate Release                               February 26, 2009

 

President Obama Launches White House Internship Program

 

President Obama today launched the White House Internship Program for his administration and announced that applications are currently being accepted for the summer of 2009.  Those selected to participate in the program will gain valuable job experience and an inside look at the life of White House staff while building leadership skills. 

 

"This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I'm proud that they will have this opportunity to serve," said President Obama.  "I look forward to working with those that are selected to participate and I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country."

 

In addition to normal office duties, interns will supplement their learning experience by attending a weekly lecture series hosted by senior White House staff, help at White House social events, and volunteer in community service projects.

 

The 2009 Summer Internship program runs from May 22 to August 14, and the submission deadline is March 22, 2009.

 

Those interested in applying to the White House Internship Program must be:

•    US Citizens

•    Eighteen years of age on or before the first day of the internship.

•    Enrolled in a college or university (2-4 year institution) or must have graduated from college in the past two years.

 

Interns will be placed in a departmental office for their internship. Below is a list of departments in the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President where interns could be placed.

 

  • White House Department of Scheduling and Advance
  • The Office of Cabinet Affairs
  • The White House Communications Department
  • The White House Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs
  • The Office of the First Lady
  • The White House Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA)
  • The Office of Political Affairs
  • The Office of Management and Administration
  • The Office of White House Counsel
  • The Domestic Policy Council
  • The White House Office of Presidential Personnel
  • Office of the Vice President

 

More information on the White House Internship Program, including application instructions, can be found at: www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships

 

THE WHITE HOUSE, February 26, 2009.

 

###

 

 

---


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[chottala.com] Re: [ALOCHONA] BDR General Shakil

We can hope for the best! Let's pray for our country's betterment.
 
However, there are still rebellions going on in some places:
 


--- On Thu, 2/26/09, ezajur <ezajur.rahman@q8.com> wrote:
From: ezajur <ezajur.rahman@q8.com>
Subject: [ALOCHONA] BDR General Shakil
To: alochona@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009, 3:16 PM

Dear Alochoks

If anyone knows about the fate of the Director General of BDR Major
General Shakil and his wife and two children please do let me know. I
do not know him but his family is in London at the moment and in total
shock. The General's mother has been hospitalised with shock.

What an almighty mess!

The rumours about the General's fate so far are terrible.

It is surprising that no news has yet emerged given that this is a key
man in this whole sorry affair.

Regards

Ezajur Rahman
Kuwait




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[chottala.com] The role of Army and PM's Speech

We have been following the events with great anxiety... In spite of
Government's clear intentions I think the army is planning a strong
role. I just listened to PM's speech and it had a strong tone from
the army's perspective.

I think the speech of PM should have come earlier and now the
problems may travel across the country...

I think civilians should begin to advise the PM.. She seems to be
advised by the army...


I believe force is the last option and perhaps should not be even
considered... The issues of corruption by the BDR Army high command
and other issues of inequity must be reflected on behalf of GOB.


I also believe the foreign ministry and foreign minister should have
a press release so that foreign media advertently or inadvertently
do not turn our national issue into something bad for the country...

While the PM has announced general pardon, a serious discussion on
the issue must be taken up in the parliament where all political
parties should participate. The issue of moving BDR and cantoonment
outside metropolitan cities must be considered seriously.

Ziaur Rahman
IITM
Dhaka

The role of Army and PM's Speech

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

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

[chottala.com] What's going on in Dhaka??!!

We are very much worried about Bangladesh.
 
Please read breaking news with images:
 
Regards,
Dipu Ghosh


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

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

[chottala.com] Total finds hydrocarbon in Cox's Bazar, Bay

The Financial Express – February 25, 2009

Total, the French oil company, has discovered hydrocarbon in Cox's
Bazar and in the Bay of Bengal much to the relief of energy-starved
greater Chittagong and the country as well, officials said Thursday.
The company told the Petrobangla Tuesday that it was able to locate
the 'presence' of hydrocarbon in block nos. 17 and 18, which also
cover part of the St Martin islands in the Bay.

"The company said it has found hydrocarbon in these structures, which
means there might be oil or gas or both," a senior Petrobangla
official told the FE.

The company shared its offshore gas survey results with Petrobangla
Tuesday and the commercial viability of hydrocarbon of both these
structures would be announced through consultation early next month,
the Petrobangla official said.

"We are quite satisfied with the data we acquired through the survey,"
a Total official told the FE.

Terming the outcome of the survey campaign 'good' the Total official
hoped to demonstrate details of the outcome soon.

Total, the world's fourth largest energy company, invested around US$
18 million to conduct the extensive three dimensional (3D) survey in
both these structures in the Bay near Myanmar border that covers
18,367 square kilometres.

If the company's discovery matches the commercial viability, it would
be one of the biggest hydrocarbon findings in the country's history, a
senior energy ministry official said.

Total would then make a work-plan for field development and submit it
to Petrobangla for approval.

If all the exploration activities goes smoothly, oil or gas production
from these offshore structures would be initiated within three to four
years.

This would be Total's entry into oil and gas production in Bangladesh.
Total is already present in the refining and marketing sectors in
Bangladesh, with activities in lubricants and liquefied petroleum gas.

Total holds a 30 per cent stake including the operatorship in these
two blocks. Irish oil company Tullow has 32 per cent, followed by Thai
energy giant PTTEP 30 per cent and US companies Oakland and Rexwood
eight per cent stakes in these structures.

State energy corporation Petrobangla rented both the blocks to US
joint venture Rexwood-Oakland during the country's first round energy
bidding in January 1997, but the companies did not carry out any
exploration work due to poor gas demand in the country during that time.

Later Tullow bought majority shares from the US companies. In 2006
Tullow sold its 60 per cent stake to Total, which recently sold half
of its stake to the PTTEP.

Blocks 17 and 18 are close to Myanmar's prospective gas blocks.
Myanmar discovered around 6.0 TCF of gas reserves in the adjacent
offshore gas blocks discovered recently by several international oil
and gas companies (IOCs).

Petrobangla officials said the discovery of gas at the offshore fields
could bring double cheers to the country, now facing soaring energy
crisis amid booming industrial growth.

"If it is found that the discovery is a big one, it will bring to an
end to the chronic gas crisis in the southeastern Chittagong region
within a few years," said an official.

These structures could also contribute significantly to meet the
mounting energy demands across the country.

Major industries, power and fertiliser plants across the country have
been facing acute crisis of energy since last year as the demand
exceeded supply by a great length.

Country's current gas production is now hovering around 1800 million
cubic feet per day (mmcfd) against the demand for over 2050 mmcfd.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2009/02/25/59699.html

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

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[chottala.com] FW: Upcoming Projects- KSA (The Pride of The Muslim World- The Holy KABA and Madina Munowara).

Dear chottala Readers,
Please see our pride.
Dowllah.
          
 
 
            The Pride of The Muslim World
The Holy KABA and The Holy Madina Munowara.


            

         Jamarat Project in Mina Makkah Al Mukkarrma after Completion 
  

 

 

 

 

 

                                       Makkah-Al-Mukkarrma after 12 Years
 

 

 

 

 

Electric Trains will be started Next Year from Haram to Mina, Mina to Muzdalifa, Muzdalifa to Arafat.
 

  


 
 

 




Holy kaaba'a Mataaf Covered with 4 umbrellas



 

 

 

Haram Mosque will Look Like This After Three Years  
 

 
 

 
 
 


 A big housing project started near the Holy Haram

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tallest building starting in Jeddah K.S.A World 2nd  
 

 

 

 

 

Madina Haram Masque After four Years
 

 
 

 

 




 
 
 
 


 

 

 

 



The new Windows Live Messenger. You don't want to miss this.

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Monday, February 23, 2009

[chottala.com] Re: [notun_bangladesh] On sale of Alaska was not Desh Bikri !

Neither Tsarist Russia nor Imperial France annexed Alaska or Louisiana-block
with Russia or France ...These were not sovereign states or countries, but
territories owned by Russia & France respectively.
 
The sales were basically treated as sale of territory (possessions) not
as sale of country by the historians and political scientists/international
relations  experts.
 
The Alaska Statehood Act was signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on
July 7, 1958, allowing Alaska to become the 49th U.S. State on January 3, 1959.
[History: The Alaskan Road to Statehood 1867-1958].
 
The Montana [part of the Lousiana purchase] was the 41st state to be admitted
into the Union on November 8, 1889, through a historical process....almost 86 years
after the purchase.
 
FYI, Diego Garcia in Indian Ocean is still a  British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT),
not a part of the sovereign country known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland.  The  island Diego Garcia is the site of a joint military facility
of the United Kingdom and the United States. United Kingdom owns the island,
there are British Representatives on Diego Garcia, responsible for law and order on
the island.
 
Syed Aslam
 
On 2/22/09, Salahuddin Ayubi <s_ayubi786@yahoo.com> wrote:

If this was not selling a country then what is?
                  Ayubi

--- On Sun, 2/22/09, Syed Aslam <Syed.Aslam3@gmail.com> wrote:
 
From: Syed Aslam <Syed.Aslam3@gmail.com>
Subject: [notun_bangladesh] Re: Sale of Alaska was not Desh Bikri !
To: Amra-Bangladesi@yahoogroups.com, "Khobor" <khabor@yahoogroups.com>, notun_bangladesh@yahoogroups.com, chottala@yahoogroups.com, "reformbd Reform_bd_YG" <reform-bd@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2009, 1:42 PM


Sale of Lousiana by Franch & Alaska by Tsar of Russia was not Desh Bikri !
 
Yes, besides Alaska from Russia 14 other states were puchased from Napoleon
Bonaparte's Franch. Napoleon Bonaparte upon completion of the agreement, stated,
"This accession of territory affirms forever the power of the United States, and I
have given England a maritime rival who sooner or later will humble her pride."
 
The Louisiana Purchase was not limited to the current state of Lousiana [Capital
Baton Rouge] but encompassed portions of 14 current U.S. states and 2 Canadian Provinces. The land purchased contained all of present-day Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, parts of Minnesota that were west of the Missippi 
River, most of North Dakota, nearly all of South Dakota, northeastern New Mexico, the
portions of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado east of the Continental Divide, and
Lousiana west of the Mississippi River, including the city of New Orleans (The Oklahoma
Panhandle, and southwestern portions of Kansas and Louisiana were still claimed by Spain at the time of the Purchase.) In addition, the Purchase contained small portions of land that would eventually become part of the Canadian provinces of Alberta and  Saskatchewan. . The land included in Louisiana Purchase comprises around 23% of the
territory of the United States today.

 
On 2/19/09, Salahuddin Ayubi <s_ayubi786@yahoo. com> wrote:
Why Alaska only the state of Lousiana was purchased from the French. French influence can be seen apparent in  New Orleans. I had the opportunity of visiting New Orleans.  There may be other states that have been purchased. If you do little research then you find that fate of many ppeople have been decided by their rulers without their knowledge.
                  Ayubi

--- On Thu, 2/19/09, Syed Aslam <Syed.Aslam3@ gmail.com> wrote
 
Alaska purchase referred by Dr. Mahmoodur Rahman is a "selective truth" in this context in
http://www.dailynay adiganta. com/fullnews. asp?News_ ID=129703&sec=6
 
Alaska Purchase Acquisition in 1867 by the US from Russia
 
It can no way be called "Desh Bikri" as our Antellectual Dr. Mahmoodur Rahman trying to infer. It was basically a Land-Sale by one occupier (Tsar) to a buyer who made it a part of a country United States of America.
 
Dr. Mahmoodur Rahman  has essentially compared "apples" and "oranges"  at his  convenience [He thought, he can show High Court to the blind people]
 
The Louisiana Purchase (French: Vente de la Louisiane "Louisiana Sale") was the acquisition by the United States of America of 828,800 square miles (2,147,000 km2) of the French territory Louisiane in 1803. The U.S. paid 60 million francs ($11,250,000) plus cancellation of debts worth 18 million francs ($3,750,000) , a total cost of $15,000,000 for the Louisiana territory.
 
On Wed, Feb 18, 2009 at 12:41 AM, Isha Khan <bd_mailer@yahoo. com> wrote:
Alaska was sold for only  $ 7.2 million
 
http://www.dailynay adiganta. com/fullnews. asp?News_ ID=129703&sec=6
 
NayaDiganta  18 Februaey 2009


 




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Sunday, February 22, 2009

[chottala.com] Alas! Yazid is Reborn

 

Alas! Yazid is Reborn

By Tanveer Jafri
Thu, 19 Feb 2009  PDF | Graphics Version
Feature Article
A Taliban fighter

Last days, a video was issued by the terrorist organisation Al Qaeda. In this video, an Al Qaeda commander Mustafa Abu Al Yazid was shown spitting out poison against India, the US & Pakistan administration. This fundamentalist leader named Yazid issued the threats which were self-contradictory. On one side, he advised & threatened the Pak administration & Pak army to not to cooperate with the US & at the same time, it warned the Indian army that if it tries to attack Pakistan, it will face the same fate as Soviet army had met in Afghanistan. In this case, he said that warriors of the Al Qaeda & the Taliban would jointly fight against India. He also warned that there will be more attacks in India on the lines of 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Here it is necessary to state that he is the same Al Qaeda commander Mustafa, who was claimed to be killed by the Pakistan army in an attack. But last days, Yazid issued a video tape that revealed that he is still alive & not dead.

Whereas the name Yazid is concerned, about 1400 years ago, the then Syrian ruler Yazid was the first to start terrorism in Islam by mercilessly killing the near relatives of Prophet. He killed Imam Husain & his family members. After that the Muslims in the world stopped to name their newborns as Yazid. Similarly as in India, people may name the new born babies as Rama, Laxman or like that but they avoid to name the new born as Ravana. Similarly, nowhere in the world, the Muslims name their children as Yazid. But as the man Abu Al Yazid has issued a tape which is anti-human & anti-Islam, it means that Yazid has not died yet, he is still alive. There is no doubt that the name Yazid is still acceptable & "Yazidi" thoughts are spreading their paws even today.

Whereas the question of Al Qaeda & Taliban is concerned, both of these are the two different sides of the same coin that is terrorism. Both of these organizations are in favour of extreme fundamentalism & dream of to rule over the self styled Islamic empire in the world. In fact they were fully encouraged when the Taliban in Afghanistan were helped by the US to root out the Soviet army. During this struggle of the cold war, the US was successful in its policy & got Afghanistan free from the influence of the Soviet Union. What position the Taliban will take, perhaps it was not even thought of by the then policymakers in the US. Today the combined network of the Taliban & the Al Qaeda along with them dozens of the terrorist organizations that work under the directions of these have become a great headache to the peace loving citizens of the world. These organizations have a vast store of weapons. Had it not been so, how commander like Yazid could have imagined challenging the great army of the big country like India.

To be remembered that when Osama Bin Laden proved a headache for the US in the initial period, then the US put pressure on Saudi Arabia & got Osama extricated from Arab. Then the active organization named the Mujahideen in Afghanistan, which was afterwards known as Taliban had its chief Mullah Mohammad Omar who gave shelter to Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan. From then, the relations between Taliban & Al Qaeda became cordial. And the relations grew so sweet that Mullah Omar married one of his daughters to Osama Bin Laden. Al Qaeda & Taliban joined with the local groups & made the Soviet army to leave Afghanistan. The terrorist leaders took it as their great victory. This incident not only encouraged the Taliban but it also enabled them to capture a large stone of ammunition. There were also weapons that the US had given to Taliban for using against the Soviet Army. They also captured those tanks & weapons that the Soviet Army had left there while leaving that place.

Although the Taliban's mission cooled down for some time after the 9/11 attack on the US. The NATO army under the leadership of the US with the help of Northern Alliance uprooted the Taliban. But soon they regained the strength. After getting strength again, Taliban under a new policy is gathering a new stock of weapons. Under this policy wherever & on which army they make hidden attacks, they capture their weapons first. This way, the Taliban have gathered a vast store of ammunitions. About the ammunition, a strange fact is coming out. The US sends a large store of ammunition & weapons for the use of the NATO forces to use in Afghanistan. But according to a report, there is no account of the ammunition & weapons there. Thousands of these weapons that contain pistols, machine guns, rifles, rocket launchers, mortars, rockets etc. are there that are not in account. There is also a thought that the Taliban fighters may be occupying these armaments that are to be used against them.

Probably the increasing power of Taliban, their bravery, their fearlessness & their environment is forcing the US to think over its policy again over Afghanistan to reach on a final turn. But along with the other American efforts, it is also necessary to unarm the Taliban. Besides, it is also necessary for the world to understand that a person named Yazid in the organization & the movement, who is calling for the Islamic welfare, is in fact concerned with the "Yazidian" thoughts. He is not representative of the real Islam whose foundation stone was laid by the Prophet Mohammad & the plant was watered with the blood by his relatives- Husain & his family. Islam that gives an example of being liberal, equality & brotherhood in the world & not to bow before untruth has no connection with the cruel "Yazidian" thoughts.

BY TANVEER JAFRI
(About the Author)
Author Tanveer Jafri is a columnist based in India.He is related with hundreds of most popular daily news papers/portals in India and abroad. Jafri, Almost writes in the field of communal harmony, world peace, anti communalism, anti terrorism, national integration, national & international politics etc.He is a devoted social activist for world peace, unity, integrity & global brotherhood. Tanveer Jafri is also a member of Haryana Sahitya Academy & Haryana Urdu Academy (state govt. bodies in India). Thousands articles of the author have been published in different newspapers, websites & newsportals throughout the world. He is also a receipent of so many awards in the field of Communal Harmony & other social activities. (Email : tanveerjafriamb@gmail.com )
 
 
 
 
Jan 18, 2008 ... A cruel act of history was created in the ground of Karbla, 1369 years ago, by the soldiers & military officers of Yazid that is unmatched.


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[chottala.com] Ondakarer Dinguli' Published - Professor Abdul Mannan

My book 'Ondakarer Dinguli' just got published. It is a selection of
columns that I wrote in some of the national dailies between 2001 and
2006. This is my third publication. The book is available at Current
Book Center, Jalsha Building and at 'Balaka Publication' at 'Bangla
Academy Boi Mela'


Thanks.

Professor Abdul Mannan
Former Vice Chancellor
University of Chittagong
abman1971@gmail.com
_________________________________

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

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[chottala.com] Middle-East Crisis:Can It Be Solved?--- Part : 1

Middle-East Crisis: Can It Be Solved?

(PART-1)
Badrul Islam


The 44th US President, Barack.Hussein 0bama, in his inaugural speech
mentioned that: "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and
Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and
culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have
tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged
from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but
believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of
tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our
common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its
role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual
interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who
seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West, know
that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you
destroy.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and
the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of
history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to
unclench your fist."
The depth of these words, I feel are very refreshing indeed and
ushers in the "Change" from the previous 43rd President's moral
words, "Either you are for us or against us". Congratulations Mr.
President. Credit is also due for selecting Middle-East convoy,
George Mitchell, who according to Los Angeles Times, is no stranger
to conflicts. Mitchell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom
from President Clinton in 1999 for his work on reaching a peace
accord in Northern Ireland. (Ref: latimes.com dated 24/1/2009).
There is no doubt of the good intentions of the President. "Change"
is good; deciding to make change is the easy part, getting people to
do that are the difficult task. Let us analyze.
The same issue of Los Angeles Times mentions that, " In his new role,
Mitchell will once again be working with Tony Blair, who was British
Prime Minister at the time of Good Friday agreement." Why and what is
the necessity when Tony, towards the end of his career became
controversial and unpopular, both at home and abroad due to his part
in creating the turmoil in Iraq.
On Middle East peace, Mr. Obama reiterated his administration's
support for Israel and its security but also suggested Israelis would
have to make some tough choices.
"Ultimately we cannot tell either the Israelis or the Palestinians
what is best for them. They are going to have to make some
decisions," he said.
"But I do believe the moment is ripe for both sides to realize that
the path that they are on is one that is not going to result in
prosperity and security for their people. And that instead, it's time
to return to the negotiating table."(Globalnews24.com dated
January27, 2009).
This sounds more realistic but what, if I may ask, will they do, at
the negotiating table?
Will Mitchell be brave enough to remind the Israelis the fact that
in the 19th century this land of Palestine was inherited by
Multicultural population –approximately 86 percent Muslim,10 percent
Christians and 4 percent Jews—all living in peace? But a group of
Jews in Europe decided to form a Jewish land and they considered
locations in Africa and America before settling on Palestine.
Hitler's rise to power combined with the Zionists activities to
sabotage efforts to place Jewish refugees in western countries, led
to increased Jewish immigration to Palestine and the conflict began.
(Ref:ifamericansknew.org/history)
In 1938 Mohandas.K.Gandhi, widely acclaimed as the worlds most humane
Leader and Statesman, in response to queries on Arab-Jew question in
Palestine and Hitler's persecution of the Jews in Germany, he wrote
an article "Jews & Middle-East: A Non-Violent look at Conflict &
Violence". (Ref:kamat.com/mmgandhi/mideast.htm) Due to space
constraints I highlight the necessary wordings that President of the
US and all other world leaders would sincerely benefit from as a
guideline for permanent peace.
"My sympathies are all with the Jews. I have known them intimately in
South Africa. The parallel between their treatment by Christians and
the treatment of untouchables by Hindus is very close. Religious
sanction has been invoked in both cases for the justification of the
inhuman treatment meted out to them. But my sympathy does not blind
me to the requirements of justice. Why should they not, like other
peoples of the earth, make that country their home where they are
born and where they earn their livelihood? Palestine belongs to the
Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English or France
to the French. It is wrong and inhuman to impose the Jews on the
Arabs. What is going on in Palestine today cannot be justified by any
moral code of conduct.
And now a word to the Jews in Palestine. I have no doubt that they
are going about it the wrong way. The Palestine of the Biblical
conception is not geographical tract. It is in their hearts. But if
they must look to the Palestine of geography as their national home,
it is wrong to enter it under the shadow of the British gun. A
religious act cannot be performed with the aid of the bayonet or the
bomb. They can settle in Palestine only by the goodwill of the Arabs.
They should seek to convert the Arab heart. The same God rules the
Arab heart, who rules the Jewish heart. They can offer satyagraha in
front of the Arabs. They will find the world opinion in their favor
in their religious aspiration. There are hundreds of ways of
reasoning with the Arabs, if they will only discard the help of the
British bayonet. As it is, they are co-sharers with the British in
despoiling a people who have done no wrong to them.
I am not defending the Arab excesses. I wish they had chosen the way
of non-violence in resisting what they rightly regarded as an
unwarrantable encroachment upon their country. But according to the
accepted canons of right and wrong, nothing can be said against the
Arab resistance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Let the Jews who claim to be the chosen races prove their title by
choosing the way of non-violence for vindicating their position on
earth. Every country is their home including Palestine, not by
aggression but by loving service. Given the will, the Jews can refuse
to be treated as the outcaste of the West, to be despised or
patronized. He can command the attention and respect of the world by
being man, the chosen creation of God, instead of being man who is
fast sinking to the brute and forsaken by God. They can add to their
many contributions the surpassing contribution of non-violent action."
I feel confident that if Mitchell can place this non-violent action
plan on the "negotiating table", it should enlighten both. warring
parties as it comes from a honorable person who himself was a victim
of the aggressive administrators in South African .
The President concluded his speech with the following words, "Let it
be said by our children's children that when we were tested we
refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we
falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us,
we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely
to future generations"
These words offer confidence that President.0bama could be trusted to
achieve the goal of permanent peace so that children's children of
Israel and Palestine could breathe fresh air and not gun powder and
when an child of Israel meets a child of Palestine the Israeli
child wouldn't say" My father said you hate Jews and plan to kill
us all." In reply the child of Palestine wouldn't have to reply "I
don't know about that; my father was killed by an Israeli soldier.

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