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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

[chottala.com] Collateral damage



Collateral damage

Padma Bridge loan cancellation by the World Bank is old news. A fascinating side drama is now unfolding that threatens to bring collateral damage larger than the fact of loan cancellation itself. The ruling AL government taking to the maxim offense is the best defense has seemingly pitted itself against the international community. While the corruption allegations that underlay the loan cancellation continue to fester away, a combative partisan counter-attack is confusing targets and goals alike.

The first and foremost confusion is about the apparent nature of the choice before the nation: World Bank loan versus own financing. The rhetoric of own financing currently swirling around gives an impression of being able to tap into accumulated or potential savings. But clearly this is not the case. As per the government's statements, own financing would in a large measure entail resorting to the money and capital market or alternative loan arrangements. The choice thus is really is not between a loan (by the World Bank-led consortium) and dipping into one's own pockets. At bottom, the choice is between two different kinds of burdens -- the burden of a loan by the World Bank-led consortium and the burden of alternative financing through bonds and other instruments including curtailing other types of priority expenditures. The much hyped contributions by the people here is more accurately a matter of symbolism rather than a major source of actual financing needs. The choice then is really a matter of professional comparison of the two types of burdens that include interest burden, size of user fee, foregone income (in case of BOT options).

In developing a viable proposal for rescuing the Padma Bridge, the government is not being helped by the furiously competitive sycophancy that has seemingly been let loose by the government's own rhetoric. While the common citizen has a genuine interest in participating in credible nation-building efforts, the spectacle we are being treated to are more cases of what in popular Bangla idiom is known as porer dhone poddari. Already students of one public university have raised questions as to how their VC could declare a donation despite their severe cash-strapped status. And now we have seen the ugly spectre of violence in another public university by ruling party student activists squabbling over cash collection ostensibly for Padma Bridge. If anything, such sycophantic frenzy is merely producing a questionable political spectacle rather than contributing to the development of a viable strategy to move ahead on the stalled bridge programme.

The uncertainty over the Padma Bridge due to loan cancellation by the World Bank is certainly not the end of the world as far as Bangladesh's long-term developmental viability is concerned. The government is understandably aggrieved because one of its electoral commitments has become uncertain. But neither desperation nor ill-conceived quick-fix solutions are the way forward. There is plenty of goodwill for Bangladesh within the international arena. Indeed, on many of its social and economic achievements, Bangladesh continues to enjoy admiration within the global imagination. Harnessing this goodwill goes entirely to our advantage whether it is for a new strategy for the stalled bridge or simply to address the myriad challenges of graduating to a middle income status. The choice really is not one of bowing to international counsel or standing on one's own as some feverish voices would have it. Self-reliance can become an empty rhetoric if it merely becomes a trade in blame game devoid of credible strategising. We have to stand tall not by making others look short but by the maturity of our own strategies and initiatives. This is why one is astounded and worried by the extremely cavalier tone in which specifics of the bridge strategy are being commented upon at highest levels. For example can one seriously go ahead on such a large infrastructural project on the basis of having mobilised only the first year's fund requirement without clarity and assurance on the overall financing plan?

Government will be wise to take a pause on the bridge issue and avoid rushing into ill-judged and hasty initiatives. Padma Bridge is not a do-or-die electoral compulsion however much sycophantic voices shout otherwise. The collateral damage in a worsening relationship with the international community and greater instability in public finances is a far more immediate concern. The way forward lies in restoring public confidence on the corruption allegations and initiating a credible strategy to re-start the bridge proposal. World Bank's loans are certainly dispensable. But not so our maturity and integrity.

The writer is Executive Chairman, Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), and former Adviser to caretaker government.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=242605



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Re: [chottala.com] UNESCO



UNESCO is demanding investigation of death of Journalist in Bangladesh...just to give you hint much claimed activity of PURBO BANGLA SORBOHARA PARTY was financed by press of ITTEFAQ & OBSERVER allies, I believe at issue was Owner ship of ITTEFAQ as rumor has it it may have even owned by Bhashani..two brother MOINUL & ANWAR are two sides in the dispute MOINUL with I think with Old Dhaka AZAD & AGAKHANI...ANWAR with COLLEEN POWEL the aspiring GENERAL DWIGHT EISENHOWER..who is some time Republican & some time Democrat..well it was considered snub when a Baptist President Bill Clinton assigned his own British Educated WESLEY CLARK another aspiring EISENHOWER well COLLEEN is COLON POWELL..well he was the HERO of First Iraq war...well they have allies in Bnagldesh Military of Begum Zia...


From: Debasish Barua <gorba196138@yahoo.com>
To: "chottala@yahoogroups.com" <chottala@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 3:28 PM
Subject: Re: [chottala.com] Govt becoming friendless at home and abroad

 
JODI TOR DAK SUNEY KAU 
NA ASHEY EKLA CHOLO REY..


From: Isha Khan <bdmailer@gmail.com>
To:
Sent: Monday, July 9, 2012 6:46 AM
Subject: [chottala.com] Govt becoming friendless at home and abroad

Govt becoming friendless at home and abroad: Analysts

‘Discontent all around as people’s hopes shattered’

After three years of forming the government through a historic
election victory, Bangladesh Awami League is seemingly becoming
isolated and friendless at home and abroad due to alleged
misgovernance and failure to fulfill the high hopes and aspirations of
the people.

The confidence of the people in Awami League has largely been
shattered by the government’s inability to fulfill its electoral
pledges, including price control, handling power gas and water crises
properly and containing crime and corruption.

According to analysts, many diehard supporters of Awami League now
appear disillusioned with the Awami League government led by Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina as their hopes for recovery from deepening
crises are fading fast, especially the uncertainty over the
construction of Padma Bridge following the scrapping of World Bank
financing has let down the whole nation and sparked bitter criticism
of the government.

According to sources, the Awami League government is increasingly
becoming friendless at home and abroad.

Distance has been created between the government and the United States
besides donor agencies like World Bank.

A number of countries in the Middle East are not happy with the
government on different issues.

Even at home, the rulers have created wide distance with the lawyers,
doctors, teachers, journalists and other professionals.

The business community also expressed grave discontent at the excesses
of the government leading to harassment of the businessmen. “If the
trend continues, the government will have to face a tough situation at
home and abroad in the coming days,� maintain many an analyst.

Centering Dr Yunus alone, multiple constraints have developed in the
relation of the government with the United States.The government has
not made any effort to improve the strained relations.Rather, the
anti-US statement made by Deputy Leader of Parliament Sajeda Chawdhury
has surprised the international experts.

Not only Sajeda Chawdhury, food minister Dr Abdur Razzak has also
spoken against the US.He has accused CIA of killing Bangabandhu.

Diplomats who are well- wishers of AL feel that such “irresponsible�
statements by highly placed people are unfortunate and likely to
create bad diplomatic instances. They stressed that consequence of
creating bad relation with a country like the USA can never be good.

On the other hand, none has taken any realistic step to narrow down
the distance with the World Bank (WB).Rather the government leaders
are making such statements which may cause further deterioration in
the relations.In this regard, economist DR Debopriya Bhattacharya said
positive steps have to be taken for the advancement of the WB project.

Otherwise, a disquieting situation will be created for Bangladesh.Top
businessmen of the country are facing harassment in different ways.

Trade and commerce are now controlled by political manipulators,
critics said. Businessmen other than highly fortunate Summit Group are
being affected extremely.

Under these circumstances, industrial entrepreneurs are very much
worried. Abu Alam Chawdhury, a director of the apex body of
businessmenâ€"-FBCCIâ€"-said, “The businessmen are subjected to repression
during every government�.

The government feels it unnecessary to build relations with greater
business community if it has relations with a small group.

There exist good relations between this government and a number of
pro-BNP businessmen.A small group close to the government is carrying
on brisk business in association with the pro-BNP businessmen.

The education sector is restive due to party politics and the teachers
are worried over this.

Intense discontent is prevailing among the journalists over the murder
of Sagar and Runi. The journalist community is aggrieved as the
mystery of the double murder is yet to be unearthed.

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) president Iqbal Sobhan
Chawdhury said the country’s media and journalists are being attacked
for speaking against corruption, but the government is failing to take
any action.National Press Club president Kamal Uddin Sobuj said the
journalists have united to realise their demands.

Divisions and discontent have been created among the leaders of
AL-backed Sammilita Ainjibi Samonnay Parishad over the nominees of its
panel in the ensuing Bangladesh Bar Council elections.Due to such
divisions over selecting candidates, there is rising apprehension of
pro-Awami Leaguer’s defeat in the polls.

A record has been created in politicisation in the police
administration. Extreme discontent exists at the filed-level due to
appointment and transfer of police personnel on party and regional
consideration. The chain of command of police is on the brink of
collapse.

Former IGP Abdul Kaiyum has said, “The number of incidents of
politicisation in police is the highest which may trigger indiscipline
in a disciplined force like police.�

http://www.daily-sun.com/details_Govt-becoming-friendless-at-home-and-abroad:-Analysts_198_1_1_1_3.html


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

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Re: [chottala.com] Heidelberg Cement Issue



It seems HEIDELBERG CEMENT is tied to Guess who a real problem my father left me to sort thru. Well this business is tied to many in Wichita would know REZAUL AMIN CHY. It seems Rezaul is actually the decendent of one of those that was beheaded in LAL DIGHI Maidan. Most of them were Non Bengalis..to be specific it seems they were if not all some were AGA KHANI..it seems this beheading in Lal Dighi is tied to some kind of lawsuit, and was used as an example for atrocities of minorities being endangered...thus as some were stranded I mean Non Bengalis...in Refugeee Shelter made next to..ALMAS movie theater. Urgency was created thur AGA KHAN connection in International committee, such as SADRUDDIN was head was UN's refugee section head. They insisted even Saudis joined in on these stranded Pakistani Plight..they had to be evacuated..

Well it is since then Rezaul..has been in USA, he was not very old then ..well it seems Rezaul issue goes long before that..it is tied to my ancestor that migrated from Bihar, India. My ancestor GIRISH CHANDRA, was married to a female who may have had SHEIKH ANCESTORY that converted to Buddhism..and story is REZAUL is decendent of same SHEIKH's who converted to AGA KHANI...well not some non prominent SHIKH...they were both actaully decendent of SHIKH KINGDOMS SHIKH KING ..BHUTTA SINGH, their decendents still live in Bihar area. Apprently when Punjab was anxed into greater India...then Shikh King put up fierce resistance..that was King Bhutta Singh..he did loose the war and despondent some left Punjab and some settled in Bihar...

Some how Rezaul thinks what happened in Lal Dighi after the war.tied to my family..well none has anything to do with it...if any well it is again OE'Y GOON Babu out for blood and vengeance thru his surrogates.for what was done by some of these and their allies to the Hindus...

Interesting name from Okalhoma, story has it...Rezaul has systematically been trying to beat my ancestors side and has lost in most of the instances...and he seems he does not let up well he has US army credentials I do not, I even co signed the stupid..BEGUM Zia likes him quite a bit...


From: Debasish Barua <gorba196138@yahoo.com>
To: "chottala@yahoogroups.com" <chottala@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 3:28 PM
Subject: Re: [chottala.com] Govt becoming friendless at home and abroad

 
JODI TOR DAK SUNEY KAU 
NA ASHEY EKLA CHOLO REY..


From: Isha Khan <bdmailer@gmail.com>
To:
Sent: Monday, July 9, 2012 6:46 AM
Subject: [chottala.com] Govt becoming friendless at home and abroad

Govt becoming friendless at home and abroad: Analysts

‘Discontent all around as people’s hopes shattered’

After three years of forming the government through a historic
election victory, Bangladesh Awami League is seemingly becoming
isolated and friendless at home and abroad due to alleged
misgovernance and failure to fulfill the high hopes and aspirations of
the people.

The confidence of the people in Awami League has largely been
shattered by the government’s inability to fulfill its electoral
pledges, including price control, handling power gas and water crises
properly and containing crime and corruption.

According to analysts, many diehard supporters of Awami League now
appear disillusioned with the Awami League government led by Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina as their hopes for recovery from deepening
crises are fading fast, especially the uncertainty over the
construction of Padma Bridge following the scrapping of World Bank
financing has let down the whole nation and sparked bitter criticism
of the government.

According to sources, the Awami League government is increasingly
becoming friendless at home and abroad.

Distance has been created between the government and the United States
besides donor agencies like World Bank.

A number of countries in the Middle East are not happy with the
government on different issues.

Even at home, the rulers have created wide distance with the lawyers,
doctors, teachers, journalists and other professionals.

The business community also expressed grave discontent at the excesses
of the government leading to harassment of the businessmen. “If the
trend continues, the government will have to face a tough situation at
home and abroad in the coming days,� maintain many an analyst.

Centering Dr Yunus alone, multiple constraints have developed in the
relation of the government with the United States.The government has
not made any effort to improve the strained relations.Rather, the
anti-US statement made by Deputy Leader of Parliament Sajeda Chawdhury
has surprised the international experts.

Not only Sajeda Chawdhury, food minister Dr Abdur Razzak has also
spoken against the US.He has accused CIA of killing Bangabandhu.

Diplomats who are well- wishers of AL feel that such “irresponsible�
statements by highly placed people are unfortunate and likely to
create bad diplomatic instances. They stressed that consequence of
creating bad relation with a country like the USA can never be good.

On the other hand, none has taken any realistic step to narrow down
the distance with the World Bank (WB).Rather the government leaders
are making such statements which may cause further deterioration in
the relations.In this regard, economist DR Debopriya Bhattacharya said
positive steps have to be taken for the advancement of the WB project.

Otherwise, a disquieting situation will be created for Bangladesh.Top
businessmen of the country are facing harassment in different ways.

Trade and commerce are now controlled by political manipulators,
critics said. Businessmen other than highly fortunate Summit Group are
being affected extremely.

Under these circumstances, industrial entrepreneurs are very much
worried. Abu Alam Chawdhury, a director of the apex body of
businessmenâ€"-FBCCIâ€"-said, “The businessmen are subjected to repression
during every government�.

The government feels it unnecessary to build relations with greater
business community if it has relations with a small group.

There exist good relations between this government and a number of
pro-BNP businessmen.A small group close to the government is carrying
on brisk business in association with the pro-BNP businessmen.

The education sector is restive due to party politics and the teachers
are worried over this.

Intense discontent is prevailing among the journalists over the murder
of Sagar and Runi. The journalist community is aggrieved as the
mystery of the double murder is yet to be unearthed.

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) president Iqbal Sobhan
Chawdhury said the country’s media and journalists are being attacked
for speaking against corruption, but the government is failing to take
any action.National Press Club president Kamal Uddin Sobuj said the
journalists have united to realise their demands.

Divisions and discontent have been created among the leaders of
AL-backed Sammilita Ainjibi Samonnay Parishad over the nominees of its
panel in the ensuing Bangladesh Bar Council elections.Due to such
divisions over selecting candidates, there is rising apprehension of
pro-Awami Leaguer’s defeat in the polls.

A record has been created in politicisation in the police
administration. Extreme discontent exists at the filed-level due to
appointment and transfer of police personnel on party and regional
consideration. The chain of command of police is on the brink of
collapse.

Former IGP Abdul Kaiyum has said, “The number of incidents of
politicisation in police is the highest which may trigger indiscipline
in a disciplined force like police.�

http://www.daily-sun.com/details_Govt-becoming-friendless-at-home-and-abroad:-Analysts_198_1_1_1_3.html


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

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* Disclaimer: Any posting to the CHOTTALA are the opinion of the author. Authors of the messages to the CHOTTALA are responsible for the accuracy of their information and the conformance of their material with applicable copyright and other laws. Many people will read your post, and it will be archived for a very long time. The act of posting to the CHOTTALA indicates the subscriber's agreement to accept the adjudications of the moderator]
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[* Moderator�s Note - CHOTTALA is a non-profit, non-religious, non-political and non-discriminatory organization.

* Disclaimer: Any posting to the CHOTTALA are the opinion of the author. Authors of the messages to the CHOTTALA are responsible for the accuracy of their information and the conformance of their material with applicable copyright and other laws. Many people will read your post, and it will be archived for a very long time. The act of posting to the CHOTTALA indicates the subscriber's agreement to accept the adjudications of the moderator]




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