America versus China, India and the EU?

M A Hossain

After President Donald Trump's announcement of hitting US $ 200 billion on Chinese exports to the United States with 10 percent tariffs, if Beijing retaliates against his previous announcement to target US $50 billion in imports ; in stunning bid, India has increased the custom duty on several goods including Bengal grams, lentils and artemia- a kind of shrimp imported from the United States. The import duty on chickpeas and Bengal grams has been increased to 60 percent and for lentils, it has been raised to 30 percent.

India also has hiked import duties  on boric acid, and binders for foundry moulds to 7.5 percent while that on domestic reagents was raised to 10 percent. The duty on artemia has been hiked to 10 percent. The other products on which duties have been increased, include, certain kind of nuts( imported from the United States, China and African nations), iron and steel products (imported from China, European nations, and the US), apples, pears, flat rolled products and stainless steel, other alloy steel, tube and pipe fittings, screws, bolts and rivets(mostly imported from China).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased the import tariff to retaliate President Donald Trump's recent announcements of increasing tariffs on steel and aluminium products exported to US by other countries. President Trump's decision of increasing tariffs on the steel and aluminium items has affected India's steel exports to the US by US $ 198 million and aluminium shipments by US $ 42.4 million. India's exports to United States in 2016-2017 fiscal year stood at US $ 42.21 billion. India also is exporting readymade garments and textile products (including high-end garments) worth billions of dollars. Even Ivanka Trump's business enterprises are buying readymade garments from India, while there are serious allegations against those India's companies exporting high-end textile items to the Trump's worth billions of dollars of treating their workers, especially female workers as slaves. This allegation has been raised right in presence of Ms. Ivanka Trump, when she visited India last year.

India's counter increase of import tariffs and taxes not only directly challenges the lone Supper Power in the world but it clearly is an exposed act of showing red-eyes to President Donald Trump and his administration.

As in my previous articles, repeatedly I had claimed that India has become over- ambitious in emerging as global power and Narendra Modi and his previous governments had very successfully patronized and promoted anti- American forces in the region and had even planted Delhi's loyalist governments in some of the South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, most possibly India now is going to play extremely offensive roles alongside China and some of the European Union nations against President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy.

After leaving UNESCO by branding its as biased towards Hamas, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Ms. Nikki Halley has declared to leave the membership of the United Nations Human Rights Commission by branding it as 'Israel basher'. I would like to humbly remind ambassador Nikki Halley and the Trump administration that India not only has been a loyal friend of Iran, Palestinians and Hamas, but it always has been playing significant role in any anti-Israel initiatives taken by the United Nations. New Delhi has clearly rejected Trump's decision of shifting the United States embassy to Jerusalem. Because, India does not recognize Jerusalem as the 'undivided and eternal capital' of the Jewish State. But most possibly, President Donald Trump or his administration ; including ambassador Nikki Halley do not have the guts of challenging India's exposed anti-US policies. If to the US administration, China is the key economic rival than India certainly is their main ideological and political enemy. President Donald Trump needs to remember- Narendra Modi is the preacher and promoter of radical Hinduism ; and any radical Hindu won't even ever recognize any other religious beliefs except Hinduism. In their minds, Christianity, Islam, Judaism and all other religions but Hinduism are 'man-made'. But, Hindus won't open their minds on this issue as they are continuing be fooling the world through hypocrisy which is no different than Iranian's rogue policy called 'Taqiya'( Deception).

As a part of President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy and making America great again, it is important for Washington to closely monitor the Hindutva India. As America is known as the land of braves and heroes - India always is known as the lands of crooks and hypocrites. Lets not forget this point!  


This article also published at:
1. The New Nation, Bangladesh : 28 June 2018
2. Modern Ghana, Ghana
3.Sunnyfmgh,Ghana 

Malaysia -typed political 'earthquake' awaits for Bangladesh

M A Hossain

As per the advice of the policymakers of Delhi's south block, the current autocratic and corruption- plagued government in Bangladesh are determined in holding another fake election with the active collaboration of its loyalist election commission, law enforcing and security agencies as well as some of the opportunist senior officials of Bangladesh Armed Forces. Under this agenda, the ruling party are exerting full influence on the judiciary in keeping Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former three times prime minister Khaleda Zia in prison by creating numerous legal obstructions. The ruling party even are denying proper medical treatment to an ailing Khaleda Zia in the prison.

Mrs. Zia is the wife of the former chief of army and a veteran freedom fighter Maj Gen Ziaur Rahman. Gen Zia was assassinated in 1981in Chittagong in a mysterious coup. Former military dictator Hussein Muhammad Ershad is believed to have hands behind the tragic assassination of Maj Gen Zaiur Rahman and subsequent murder of Maj Gen Manjur ( paternal uncle of The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam). Gen Ershad's Jatiya Party are part of the current illegitimate government along with some anti-West socialists like Hasanul Haq Inu. Hussein Muhammad Ershad is the 'Special Envoy' to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with the status of a cabinet minister. While his wife is the chief of the so-called opposition in the parliament. Most of the Western nations, including the United States did not recognize the so-called general election held on 05 January 2014. Only India, China and Russia (and Iran) had not only recognized this election but had vowed working with the illegitimate government. Of course, United States could play vital role in pressing Sheikh Hasina in either ensuring free, fair and transparent election or at least go for another real election weeks after the January 05, 2014 general election ; but due to bankrupt diplomacy and foreign policies of Barack Obama, Washington failed in doing so. Before the January 5th election, Sheikh Hasina told both the United States and United Nations that holding that election were a 'constitutional obligation' and she would immediately declare a fresh election immediately after the controversial and fake election, which would be participated by all the political parties, including the largest opposition - BNP. But, ultimately by breaching her own commitment (repeatedly in public), she not only fooled the international community and the people of Bangladesh, but, once again, proved herself as betrayer and deceptor.      

As another general election is almost at the doorstep (December 2018), this time Sheikh Hasina has adopted a newer strategy. Her government has filed thousands of political charges false cases against her political rivals, had imprisoned journalists critical of corruption, nepotism and wrong doing of her government, imprisoned many offices of Bangladesh Armed Forces [through fictitious and dubious charges ] by exerting her full influence on the lower courts as well as apex courts. Party loyalists are being planted into the post of judges while exposed corrupt lawyers are appointed as public prosecutors. This nexus of politically biased judges and corrupt public prosecutors had not only tarnished the very image of the judiciary of the country but had totally screwed the rule of law thus transforming courts of justice into kangaroo courts.

State of the rule of law, human rights, freedom of press, freedom of expression, rights to religion in today's Bangladesh are no better than Cambodia or any of the authoritarian or autocratic regimes.

A leading English newspaper in Bangladesh, The Daily Star on 15June 2018 at its front page published a commentary titled- "BNP's challenges bigger this time", saying the party finds itself in more adverse situation than ahead of 2014 [fake and questioned] polls.

The entire commentary clearly are aimed at making BNP leaders, supporters and anti- Awami League bloc extremely frustrated. It wanted to give a clear signal of 'easy' continuation of the third consecutive terms for Sheikh Hasina and her illegitimate and autocratic government.

Anyone having minimal knowledge or experience on this daily - know with certainly - behind most of their 'homemade' or 'desk made' commentaries, there certainly are some mysteries. Though I at least do not know the motive behind this prominently published 'desk-made' commentary, I always can smell rat in it. Through this, The Daily Star, well in advance had told the world- a free, fair and participatory election in December 2018 in Bangladesh, is a mission impossible. It may even instigate and inspire the international community in increasing pressure on Sheikh Hasina in abandoning her agenda of remaining in power by hook or crook. It even may prominently bring the Bangladesh issue to the attention of the Trump administration. We all know - President Trump and his administration are committedly against any autocratic rule in the world.

Although the political future in Bangladesh is gloomy enough, political analysts are seeing a 'political earthquake' in the country much ahead of the December 2018 general election. In their views, during any political vacuum, something extraordinary always takes place in every country. In Malaysia, for example, an imprisoned Anwar Ibrahim played the key- factor with the mesmeric pre-polls campaign of 93-years - old former dictator Mahathir Mohammad and successfully defeated the crook, greedy and corruption- plagued government of Najib Razak. Hypothetically, even if we compare an imprisoned Khaleda Zia with Anwar Ibrahim, we still don't find a 'Mahathir Mohammad' in this country. Some people feel entertained in seeing a 'Mahathir' in former dictator Hussein Muhammad Ershad. Here I would delightely disagree. Mahathir Mohammad might have been an autocrat or dictator, but he is not a liar, hypocrite, deceptor, pretendor, or a corrupt. It is true, he had abuse power by wrongly influencing the judiciary in falsely convicting his political rival Anwar Ibrahim. But, hopefully he had realized this sinful act. That is why, during his election campaigns, Mahathir Mohammad publicly spoke in defence of Anwar Ibrahim.

Now the billion -dollar question is - what political 'earthquake' may take place in Bangladesh and who is going to emerge as the savior of this unfortunate nation. Before 11 January 2007, no one in Bangladesh even could imagine in their wildest dream- the realities we already had witnessed- something similar to that or may be something even beyond our political calculation would take place - all on a sudden. As before, 11January 2007, Khaleda Zia herself even could not imagine - her enemies (like Gen Moeen U Ahmed, Gen Masud, Brig Gen Bari, Amin and others) were just within her inner circle - it won't be unlikely - the conspirators, who are waiting for the appropriate opportunity of another political 'earthquake' in Bangladesh, very much are within the very inner- circle of Sheikh Hasina. Let us not forget the history. Nawab Sirajud-Dowla was not ousted and assassinated  by anyone from outside - but by his very own, highly trusted [and even a relative ] - Mir Jafar Ali Khan! Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated by the individuals, who were considered by him as his own children. Mikhail Gorbachev was ousted by few of his most trusted military and security officials.

As I know, people do not take lesson from the history, so the much anticipated 'political earthquake' in Bangladesh gradually is becoming imminent. May Allah protect this nation! 


This article also published at:
1. Modern Ghana, Ghana: 19 June 2018
2.South Asia Journal, NJ, USA: 25 June 2018

3.Sunnyfmgh,Ghana

Singapore summit, historic agreement and beginning of Washington- Pyongyang relations

M A Hossain

The Korean war has ended. The 1953- pause of the war between South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea(DPRK) has now totally been ended through the magnanimous diplomatic efforts of the US President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Marshal Kim Jong Un. It is not only the beginning of new era of cordial relations between Washington and Pyongyang, but it also is the era of peaceful coexistence of South Korea and DPRK. Through the Trump-Kim historic agreement, there will be an end to the very provocative joint military drill in the Korean sea. There also will be gradual denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula. Thousands of American troops deployed in South Korea will now be withdrawn and most definitely the United States President now will actively consider freeing some Asian nations from cruel but elected autocracies. For the sake of world peace and for stopping the alarming rise of religious extremism and militancy, corruption-plagued so-called elected regimes; which actually are cruel auticracies should now come under Washington's radar.

The process of denuclearization of the DPRK has to be done slowly and scientifically by giving considerable time. Such crucial initiatives can not be done hurriedly.

As a new era of cooperation has already started, hopefully President Donald Trump and his efficient administration will not only lift punitive sanctions from the DPRK, world leaders should also take initiatives in getting the sanctions imposed by the United Nations on the DPRK lifted immediately.

South Korean President Moon Jae In also needs to encourage establishment and expansion of business and investments in the DPRK.

Right after the very successful meeting and signing of the historic agreement between President Donald Trump and Marshal Kim Jong Un, several anti-peace elements, habitual critics and senseless supporters of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are engaged in misleading people in the world with their nasty propaganda stuffs. Even British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), instead of appreciating the successful summit and agreement are engaged in catering misleading, biased and molested facts with a clean agenda of undermining President Trump's grand diplomatic success.

Both China and Russia seem to be delighted at this historic agreement. Moscow even is eyeing on getting economic benefit by establishing wider economic cooperation with Pyongyang, soon after lifting of the UN sanctions. Japan too is clearly delighted. But the tones of Iranian and Indian media in particular are not at all positive. It seems, they can't accept President Trump emerging as the mightiest, smartest and most successful leader in the world. Because they understand, this historic success will make Donald Trump much confident and even ruthless on those over-ambitious nations like Iran and India, who had hidden desire of emerging as key players in the global issues.

In the Middle East, Saudi, Israeli, Kuwaiti and UAE medias are expressing hope and delight seeing the end of Korean war through the Trump-Kim agreement. Following this agreement, there are all the possibilities of beginning of a fresher and deeper economic, technological and agro-industrial cooperation between Pyongyang and Jerusalem. Enhanced cooperation between DPRK and African nations would most certainly take place in exploration of rich mineral resources in DPRK.

Job opportunities for hundreds and thousands of the North Koreans would be created once industrial establishments, especially readymade garment industries are set-up by the friendly nations of Washington. For Marshal Kim Jong Un, the immediate challenge would be eliminating food crisis and creating job opportunities in his country. In this regard, he may seek cooperation from the Trump administration in particular as well as from China. DPRK can also start earning billions of dollars by exporting skilled and semi-skilled manpower (especially in the mining and construction sectors) in the Middle East. North Koreans are reputed as hard-working nation.

Before concluding, I would like to put forward some personal opinions and suggestions to Marshal Kim Jong Un and his administration. Let no side consider the Singapore summit and the agreement as the end of many of the upcoming challenges. The days of DPRK's isolation may end soon. Pretty soon. But, Marshal Kim Jong Un should establish his favorable presence in the media and the web. His state news agency KCNA or the Pyongyang Times (which is yet to be available online) or his party's Rodong Sinmun newspapers may not be sufficient in countering many of the critics of the Singapore summit. After abandoning their missile and nuclear programs, DPRK should put urgent emphasis on economy, creating job opportunities for the people of DORK, enhance diplomatic relations with newer nations and focus on the media. As a patriot and efficient statesman, I do believe, Marshal Kim Jong Un and his team can achieve these goals.

All the best to the decent people in the Korean Peninsula!


This article also published at:
1.Modern Ghana, Ghana :13June 2018
2.Reviewnepal.com/Nepal :13June 2018
3. Ghana Nation
4.Sunnyfmgh,Ghana 
5.Vieweverything.com/Nepal :15June 2018
6.The Seoul Times, South Korea :18June 2018

7.pressbox.co.uk

The stunning culture of depoliticization, cruel treatment on prisoners and uncertain destination of Bangladeshi politics

M A Hossain

Former Prime Minister and chairperson of one of the largest political party in the country, Khaleda Zia suffered from a stroke on 05 June 2018, inside the so-called special prison ; where actually she has been kept in isolation since 08 February 2018. Policymakers of the ruling party are branding Khaleda Zia as a corrupt person. It is true that she has been convicted in a corruption case by a lower court in a country where independence and even dignity of the judiciary are already on dock. According to specific evidences, the chief justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, a loyalist of ruling party had already been proved as a thief, culprit, criminal, money launderer and a person of moral turpitude. Similarly too more high profile prosecutors appointed by the ruling party - barrister turin Afroz a prosecutor of the self styled International Criminal Tribunal and S M Wazeed Ali Khokan a prosecutor who had ulterior motives of generating unwanted enmity between the Bangladesh Armed Forces [ law enforcing agencies] and the ruling party- more precisely Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Khokan has also been caught red handed in a series of corruption allegations. Considering the above evidences, any one in the world can have serious doubt about the existence of rule of law in Bangladesh. I will not be surprise, if one day it is proved, the allegations brought against Khaleda Zia are politically charged. The way government is obstructing Khaleda's release on bail even by unduly influencing the lower courts would give a very negative signal to the international community. This claim gets strong substances as a High Court bench of justice Enayetur Rahim and justice Shahidul Karim made the observation on 06 June 2018 that magistrate proceeded with the matter in a wrong way.

Should such observations were made by the apex court in any decent and truly democratic nation, the magistrate concern should have been either demoted or even sacked. Because a person occupying the dignified seat of the court of law doesn't have any right of playing foul with such esteemed position. But unfortunately, in Bangladesh, not only the magistrate but even the members of the lower and higher courts are regularly performing as shameless clown of the ruling elites. This indeed is no good signal for any country.

Let us not forget, Khaleda Zia not only is a former Prime Minister, a leading politician but she also is a senior citizen of the country by exhibiting our 'stone aged' mentality by ignoring the health concern of this esteemed individual, we not only are proving ourselves as worst than beasts. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must remember no government is the last government in the world. She should remember, Mahathir Mohammad sent Anwar Ibrahim in jail with false charges and even got him convicted in a kangaroo court with the wild aspiration of remaining in power indefinitely. But, the same Mahathir had not only virtually been kicked out of his party and had to apologise to an imprisoned Anwar Ibrahim - seek Anwar's political blessings and then only liberate Malaysia from the evil clutches of Najib Razak and his band of looters and culprits. In my previous articles, I have repeatedly said- being in jail doesn't mean end of the world. It was proved number of times. Nelson Mandela[branded as traitor and culprit by the South African government] walked out of the prison as an icon of democracy and liberation of people from the enslavement of corrupt regimes. Anwar Ibrahim has walked out of the prison proving the world, he is innocent! Rather those who sent him to prison [ both Mahathir and Najib] were political crooks. Who knows, if Khaleda Zia too walked out of the prison as a hero and sent her political rivals loaded in caravan of lorries to prison.

An imprison person deserves full right to all and any sorts of medical assistance and treatment. The post 11January 2007, military backed government didn't waste even a secant in ensuring total medical assistance and treatment both to Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia whenever it was required. They never played foul with this extreme important issue. But the way our so-called elected representatives are behaving with the imprison individual [ in case of medical assistance and treatment] are not only shameful to the highest order but it also is a clear violation of human rights - more precisely crime against humanity.

Politics should not be always directed towards vindictism.  We all know, during the campaign of the presidential election in the United States, hundreds and millions of Trump's supporters chanted - "lock her up". Meaning they wanted Donald Trump to sent Hillary Clinton into prison after his victory. Mr. Trump too repeatedly said- " We would lock her up". But after the election - as Trump's daughter Ivanka said- "President Donald Trump is completely a different person. His agenda is not sending his political rivals into prison". Instead he has been tirelessly and relentlessly trying to improve lives of the people of his country. He is trying to improve America's economy. He is trying to play important role in establishing global peace. In brief he is behaving like a real patriot and a true statesman. Wish Bangladeshi politicians would take any lesson from it. 

This article also published at:
1.Modern Ghana, Ghana : 11 June 2018
2.Globoble.com
3.Sunnyfmgh,Ghana
4.wn.com

America First policy and a turbulent global economy

M A Hossain

Even when Washington and Moscow were engaged into cold war, diplomatically, politically and militarily ; the global economy already were US dollar- based. Meaning, Lenin's ruble(Soviet currency) could never establish even the status of an internationally accepted currency. United Kingdom even though has a much older history of global dominance (as the British imperialists turned many of the countries in Asia, Africa and Europe as its colonies); Britain currency, bearing the portrait of the English monarchs had also been considered as a globally accepted and exchanged  second International currency. United States, a country discovered by Christopher Columbus, much later then the English dominance in the world, most definitely weren't considered as a rival - not to speak of a superpower either by the British or any of its fellow imperialists such as France etc in the Europe.
Let us not forget, in size, Soviet Union was the largest country in the world,spanning its territorial area from Europe to Asia. With such a huge area and plenty of natural and mineral resources, Soviet Union could not emerge as an economic superpower. As ruble were not accepted as an international currency, Moscow was continuing business, more precisely buying and selling goods from and to its friendly nations against barter - not cash.
The global acceptance of American dollar had keynote behind the United States emergence as the mightiest nation in the world. The control of global politics had long back gone into the absolute command of Washington. In today's world, any nation facing an economic sanction imposed by the United States finds it much harsher and tougher than a sanction imposed by the United Nations. Economic sanction imposed by any other individual nation, without a ditto from the United States actually becomes mere paper tiger. That is the reality - should anyone agree or not.
President Donald Trump has started imposing punitive taxes on products imported from China. Such measures may temporarily deprive the Americans from buying cheaper products and consumer items imported from China, but in long run, it will severely affect the Chinese economy. It is not unlikely that President Trump may look for alternative sources to supply cheaper goods to the American consumers, but the process may take some time. President Trump and his administration are fully aware of the fact as to how China has been gradually establishing political dominance in Australia, Canada and many of the African nations initially by exporting cheaper commodities and ultimately and gradually taking control of the politico-economic system in those nations. By selling cheaper commodities, Beijing already has established its economic dominance in most of the African nations. China has been extending all out support to those autocratic regimes in Africa and Asia for the sake of keeping the United States and the European Union away from infiltrating into Beijing's sole dominance. In Myanmar, for example, China is extending moral and even immoral support to the military - backed regime with the aspiration of keeping Myanmar under China's exclusive dominance. 
Through the Maoist extremism, China has been consistently trying to establish its dominance in Nepal. Sri Lanka and the Maldives already are silently slipping onto Beijing's grip. Same thing may happen in the case of the Philippines, while countries like Cambodia and Vietnam already are within China's dominance. Only in the case of Bangladesh, China is yet to establish full dominance because of India's influence. Here again, one thing is common, which might have made Beijing greatly relieved. Both China and India are totally unwilling in allowing the United States in establishing any visible influence or dominance in Bangladesh. While for decades, China and Russia jointly had protected North Korea from any American dominance - in case of Bangladesh, the same method are jointly applied by the Sino-India nexus.
While it is most inevitable that Kim Jong Un and the socialist autocracy is about to fall in the North Korea- China and Russia, with the active collaboration of India may now put greater emphasis both on Bangladesh and Myanmar in avoiding another humiliating political defeat(as they already are going to witness in North Korea); and let Bangladesh and Myanmar slip into the grips of Washington's dominance.
American policymakers fully understand, unless they can minimizing Indian influence in Bangladesh, it won't be possible for Washington to establish dominance in this part of the world. With this understanding, the United States will apply multiple diplomatic tactics. The row between India and China over South China sea is just one issue. This will increase differences between India and China. The second issue would be the raise of radical Hindutva and repression on non-Hindus in India. There would be a sudden warmth in US-Pakistan relations, re-emergence of Khalistan movement and of course, 'eruption' of the sleeping volcanoes in the north-eastern part of India. president Donald Trump may also put pressure on Pakistan and India in letting the people of India and Pakistan occupied Kashmir hold the referendum of self- determination. Meaning, an independent Kashmir would emerge from the captivities of Pakistan and India. Catalan-type independence movements may also begin under American backing in Baluchistan, Tibet, Punjab, north-eastern States of India and even Poshchim Bangla(West Bengal). Bangladesh already has started spreading its Bengali nationalism in the West Bengal. The establishment of Bangladesh center in the Shantiniketan compound is just a beginning. Of course, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina does not have any anti-Indian agenda in her mind. But, as she has Stalinist like Hasanul Haq Inu and Rashed Khan Menon in her cabinet ; she also has some diehard pro-American(and of course anti Stalinist) within her inner circle. She even has few trusted and tested friends and allies of Pakistan (of course in disguise) right inside her house of policymakers.
Almost immediately after the Trump-Kim historic summit in Singapore, top policymakers in the Trump administration would most certainly turn their attention towards Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly has already been given a strong message of not sneaking his nose into Bangladesh affairs in ensuring a third consecutive term for Sheikh Hasina. America has left a clear message - this is not 2014. Those days of Barack Obama's timid and bankrupt diplomacy are gone. Bangladesh must hold a free, fair and participatory general election by December 2018. Washington is not ready or willing to see another 'Kim Jong Un' in Bangladesh. Narendra Modi has also been reminded of punitive economic measures like China, if he wants to play any 'foul' role of big brother in the region.
Modi most possibly got a clear message. He may not commit a political suicide by immorally supporting another fake election in Bangladesh. Moreover he knows, Indian voters may elect a secularist Rahul Gandhi as the next Prime Minister. Actually that's gonna happen!        
This article also published at :
1.Modern Ghana, Ghana
2.Globoble.com
3.review nepal.com,Nepal 

4.Sunnyfmgh,Ghana
5.asempanews.com
6.The Daily Asian Age,Bangladesh : 11 June 2018/ Titled "US battle for dominance and Bangladesh"

Significance of Singapore meetings, summit and beyond!

M A Hossain

The much-awaited historic summit between the US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is still on the track. The July 12th summit would most definitely change the political landscape in the Korean Peninsula. It will establish American dominance in that part of the world, while would certainly minimize Sino-Russian influence to a great extent. Right from July 12th, the clock will start clicking towards the demise of decades-old authoritarian Kim dynasty in the North. Kim Jong Un's days will be numbered. In this particular case, neither China nor Russia could salvage the sinking 'boat' of the Stalinist regime in North Korea. Once again, after many years, President Trump has proved, America is the only and mightiest superpower in the world. Kim Jong Un is for sure, destined embracing the fate of Libya's executed leader Muammar Al Gaddafi. No one can save him. Neither China - nor Russia. He already has been left at the mercy of the United States.

Ever since assuming his office, President Donald Trump has been vigorously and effectively taking bold initiatives in freeing the world from autocratic rules. The only exception here is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. But, in my opinion, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman(MBS) has been taking series of initiatives in transforming a very conservative and corruption-plagued Saudi monarchism into a moderate one. He has been relentlessly working in sweeping-off social orthodoxy from the Saudi Arabia. It is anticipated, within next 2-3 years, Saudi societies will emerge as much liberal and modern than the United Arab Emirates. For this particular reason, and for an extra-offensive diplomacy towards Iran and a softer diplomatic approach towards Israel, MBS most possibly has become one of the top-most allies of the Trump administration. Being an important member of the Arab League, Saudi Arabia, for the first time has shifted its diplomatic policy towards the Palestinians. This has also made MBS a silent ally of the Jewish State.

Trump administrations economic diplomacy with China has also been extremely harsh and even punitive for Beijing. Although six of the seven member countries of the G-7 - especially France already has signalled of beginning an economic war with the United States, but in my own views, such threats won't actually work as the combined military strength of the European Union and even China and Russia  are much behind than that of the United States. Moreover, Brexit actually has turned the European Union into a teethless entity. They have lots of challenges - economic crisis, unemployment and even illegal migrant and refugee issues. For the European Union and or the six member nations of the G-7, it isn't the time of either beginning or winning any economic war with the United States.

America's massive influence has also been once again exhibited when ambassador Nikki Haley not only vetoed a resolution drafted by Qatar and moved in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in defence of the Palestinians; she also used terribly strong words against the nations supporting this resolution. Britain, along with few more nations had abstained from voting, while Russia, China and some other nations had voted in favor. Due to the veto of the United States, this resolution had also dried-up. This time again, ambassador Nikki Haley has clearly shown - America is the greatest and second to none. This very resolution has also proved - Russia, China, the European nations etc are just nothing in front of the tremendous power and influence of the United States. Two particular entities - Qatar and the United Nations may face consequence sooner or later for this resolution. There would be emergence of domestic political turbulence in Qatar and most possibly a change of the government. This time, Saudi Arabia will most definitely play vital role alongside the United States in giving a befitting lesson to the Qatari rulers. I won't be surprised, if an anti-monarchism revolution will begin in Qatar.

Ahead of Trump-Kim summit, the United States defense secretary James Mattis has been meeting some leaders in Singapore. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi too has met the US defense secretary seeking Washington's help in Indo-China conflict over the South China sea issue. Mr. James Mattis, has assured the help-seeker Indian Prime Minister the help of Washington in this regard. Through this meeting, Sino-India relations will get further bitter. Most importantly, by seeking help from the United States like an obedient help-seeker, Narendra Modi has clearly proved to the world- India is no factor at all and it does not deserve the minimal scope of proclaiming to be a global power. In front of the United States, India's so-called military strength or political intellect is actually similar to that of any struggling Asian nations. Through this meeting, Modi had to pledge his support towards America's demand of surrendering all sorts of verifiable nuclear weapons and installations by Kim Jong Un. It is not unlikely that India now may even abruptly shift its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

This actually is the beginning of a new era of America's sole supremacy on world affairs. Every nation must listen to what Washington desires.

Narendra Modi's latest exposure of being a mercy-seeker of the United States rings an alarming bell for the ruling party in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina, who has been thinking, India can once again help her in remaining in power for the consecutive third term has virtually turned into a daydream. Actually it is United States, who can keep Sheikh Hasina in power. Not India. Not even China or Russia. Those days of a weaker America under the bankrupt rule of Barack Obama is a history now. President Donald Trump will not allow India or any other nation in playing any wrong game in keeping any government in power in South Asia through another fake election. This is the harsh reality. In my personal judgement, President Trump may even want to see Indian National Congress back to power. That means, a discreet connection between Washington and the Indian National Congress might have already been established. As Ivanka Trump is expected to become the first American female President in 2024, Washington may desire seeing a young Rahul Gandhi to be the next Indian Prime Minister. Political steering in India will actually go into the hands of young leaders like Rahul Gandhi. For Narendra Modi, most possibly, the coming months will be filled with series of political challenges and setbacks.

The Trump administration also may extend support towards the millions of Muslims in Assam, who are fearing to be expelled by the Modi government. In fact, the sleeping volcano of independence in the north-eastern part of India will re-emerge and start erupting soon. As I said, days of India's dadagiri(dominance or big brotherly attitude) in the region has already become lifeless.

Christopher Giddings, an influential member of the Republican Party, commenting on the forthcoming general election in Bangladesh said, "Members of the US Senate and Congress, irrespective of their political affiliations turn greatly dismayed when any government or nation insult any of the American constitutional institutions. Bangladesh has been showing total ignorance and had even shown the audacity of dishonoring the US House Resolution HR-64/2007 passed in defence of the freedom of expression. We are fully aware of the very wrong decision of the Bangladeshi authorities in blocking several websites of prominent newspapers. Such actions are similar to those of any isolated and authoritarian regime. We know, Obama administration could not play effective role in putting pressure on Bangladesh in showing respect to the aforesaid House Resolution. But, onwards, its not gonna happen again. Bangladeshi ruling party must hold a free, fair and participatory election. We are closely watching things in that country".

He added, "Democracy has to be restored in Bangladesh. Rule of law, human rights and rights to religion must be ensured. There should be an end to intimidation on the media".

A source in the Capitol Hill said, " We are aware of the facts about the ongoing drive of the Bangladesh government against narcotics. Through Dhaka's local press and the social media, we have taken note of the gruesome murder of Akramul Haque in Teknaf area in Bangladesh ; where two officers of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and Rapid Action Battalion(RAB) had taken active part. Why the government isn't yet taking any action against these perpetrators of heinous crime? That doesn't reflect Bangladesh's claim of the existence of rule of law".

He said, " Blocking the websites of any newspaper or news portal aren't smart job in this age of advanced technology. People always can use proxy gateways. By blocking The Daily Star, Bangladesh authorities had already proved, there are strong ingredients and substantial evidences on the crimes committed by the members of the law enforcing and security agencies. A content on the web gets spread and shared (even in PDF formation) within minutes. So, blocking it actually doesn't work".   

This article also published at:
1.Modern Ghana, Ghana :04June 2018
2.Globoble.com
3.Sunnyfmgh,Ghana
4.Ghana Nation 
5.The New Nation, Bangladesh :08June 2018/Title "Significance of Singapore meetings".

  

Foul game of double standard and political victimization in Bangladesh

M A Hossain

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has started a crucial war against drug with the noble goal of salvaging the nation from the alarming spread of drug addiction. Under her direct supervision a special drive against drug peddlers, especially those selling yaba, a pill shaped dangerous drug produced and spread from Myanmar are continuing in full swing, godfathers of these rackets still remain untouched for reason unknown. People already are raising questions as to why yaba godfathers from country's Ukhia-Teknaf area, which are the gateway of smuggling yaba into Bangladesh ; and whose names are prominently appeared in several intelligence  reports still remain out of the net.

A ruling party lawmaker, Abdur Rahman Bodi from Teknaf has long been known as the godfather of yaba rackets is surprisingly been granted impunity by anti-drug operation forces. Bodi's brothers, his personal assistant Mong Mong Sen and Teknaf upzila chairman Zafar Ahmed are spreading yaba across the country. Awami League lawmaker Bodi's name has appeared in the intelligence reports prepared by several agencies in Bangladesh. Still he remain out of reach as it is whispered that Bodi has been paying huge amount of 'donation' to a number of Awami League bigwigs including a key leader of the youth front of the ruling party. Due to this 'special arrangement' the home ministry top brasses are reluctant in instructing anti-yaba drives in Teknaf and Ukhia area.

The narcotics department in its report said, Abdur Rahman Bodi was one of the main controller of yaba trade in Bangladesh. Copy of this report had already been sent to the home ministry as well as other intelligence agencies. But, no action had been taken against this notorious yaba godfather.

Bangladesh police has already prepared a list of 26,299 drug dealers and patrons in the country. But, the home boss Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told reporters, that no action can be taken against Bodi due to lack of evidence of his involvement in yaba trade.

According to newspaper reports, over one hundred leaders of Awami League and its front organization like are linked with yaba trade.

While the law enforcers are feeling shy in nabbing ruling party lawmaker Bodi, a section of the anti-Awami League administration and some 'renegade' leaders of the party are showing full vigour in falsely accusing another ruling party lawmaker Amanur Rahman Khan  Rana with ridiculous murder cases. It is clear that Rana is a victim of intra- party feud and most possibly some vested quarters are enthusiastic in defaming his excellent image in the Tangail constituency.   


This article also published at:
1.The New Nation, Bangladesh :04June 2018/Titled "Alarming spread of drug"

Bangladesh's war on dark trade and our aspiration of eliminating the dirty elements

M A Hossain

Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina has declared an all out war against dark trades - such as narcotics and corruption. This is a noble war to save 170 million people and the future of Bangladesh from the grips of few thousands of culprits. International community including the United States are highly appreciating the ongoing drive against narcotics. The US ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat said, all the countries are fighting against illegal drugs as it kills people, destroys families and cripples economics. She said, "On the other hands, goal should be zero tolerance. Goal should be bringing everyone to justice".

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government did not launch the drive against narcotics all of a sudden. She said,"Intelligence agencies have collected information for a long time. They have worked on those involved in it, we have put them under surveillance. This drive is the demand of the people".

The public sentiment in Bangladesh are very much in favour of the government's war against narcotics. This is for the second time after the happenings  of 1/11 when dozens of corrupt politicians were arrested thus people applauded - Sheikh Hasina undoubtedly is now the most popular politician in Bangladesh ever since she started this war.

A leading newspaper has been serializing reports exposing the drug menace and its dangerous effect on our societies. But surprisingly the same newspaper has turned into the biggest critic of Sheikh Hasina ever since the offensives on narcotics began. Such dubious role of that newspaper reminds me of the naked greed of 27 top media houses in India, who were ready in promoting BJP's 'Hindutva' madness and defaming the secularist forces in that country. Although Cobrapost itself labels their anti corruption 'covert operation' as sting operation, but any sensible individual would certainly understand Pushp Sharma did not just walk into the offices of those huge media houses and fooled their bosses without having anything substantive and believable in hands. Sharma approached media groups with hypothetical offers ranging from Indian Rupees 15 million  - for local news channels-to Indian Rupees 5 billion  for national networks including Star India and The Times Group. None of the videos shows that any money was exchanged or a contract was signed or if any of the news groups ran content in lieu of money.

If someone is going to buy the theory that Pushp Sharma simply walked from the street onto the posh chambers of the media tycoons with a offer of 5 billion  and those media tycoons had wasted time in discussing this issue with a person having no substantial content (reasons to believe).

In my personal opinion, the entire sting operation was designed and conducted by Rahul Gandhi and the political opponents of Narendra Modi. Agenda behind this 'sting' operation was to fool the Indian voters and put BJP into political discomfort. Someone may even ask- how much the Cobrapost cronies had been paid by the anti-Modi quarters for this nasty game?

Cobrapost is rather an unknown media entity. No one ever had hard this name before this funny sting drama. I put challenge on the Indian investigating agencies to please investigate this 'Cobrapost scam' and unearth the secret transaction of a hefty amount of money between Cobrapost 'Kingpins' and Rahul Gandhi's off shore bank account.

The activities of the Bangladeshi leading daily in this case of Sheikh Hasina's war against drugs are no less dubious than Cobrapost activities. We all know drug barons are billionaires. They can buy anyone - even that large media house. At least their conscious.

The war on any social enemy such as drug, militancy and corruption must be handle through two ways - militarily and judicially. Some of the narcotic peddlers, may be 15-20 thousand shall be militarily addressed while rest should be addressed judicially. But when the question of judiciary arise it reminds me of those culprit, rascal, and scoundrel public prosecutors who are occupying important position in the judicial system. These public prosecutors, instead of honestly delivering their responsibilities are unfortunately indulging into dishonestly making their fortune. According to an intelligence report, hundred percent of the public prosecutors (current and previous) turned into billionaires from the status of brief-less lawyers. These people are not appointed on the basis of merits, but on the basis of blessings. They do bribe the top brasses in the law ministry for becoming a public prosecutor. In fact, this is their investment, through which they use the position of public prosecutor as petty prostitute.

We can always bring the bad instances of barrister Turin Afroz, S M Wazed Ali Khokan and many of the infamous thieves of Baghdad err public prosecutors. Turin Afroz should have been already behind the bar for severely destroying the very image of the International Criminal Tribunal. Thanks to the investigator for finding only some glimpse of the corruption of S M Wazed Ali Khokan who built 10stored building worth approx 3.5 crore taka in 35,Allahma Iqbal road at the heart of Narayangonj town (city in Bangladesh).Recently he purchased one flat of 1500 square feet worth approx 3 crore taka at Sattar Tower in Narayangonj city. Very interestingly, after becoming the public prosecutor of Narayangonj District Court he became the owner of two expensive posh vehicle (Dhaka metro GHA-15-7156 and Dhaka metro GA-25-6885). He presently living in own 6 stored building worth approx 3 crore taka in 35,Allahmah Iqbal road in Narayangonj. Anti corruption investigating officer found a huge amount of ill-gotten cash in safe deposit to number of national banks. Before 3 years of becoming public prosecutor advocate Wazed was a petty brief less lawyer in Narayangonj court premises. Let not forget Wazed is a public prosecutor in Narayangonj district - not Dhaka! Just imagine how much money the public prosecutor in Dhaka are making through illegal means simply by abusing their position.

We all want Sheikh Hasina to win in the noble war against narcotics. She must win! But unless she cleans her weapons for winning this war- any such noble effort ultimately will turn into a great flop. While militarily addressing the narcotic issue as a primary measure - corrupt public prosecutor like Turin Afroz, S M Wazed Ali Khokan and others should also be militarily addressed for the sake of probing Sheikh Hasina as an honest individual and a true statesman. Where is the problem in militarily addressing at least several corrupt members of the prosecution?  If corrupt public prosecutor like Afroz, Wazed and others remain in the judiciary system, even genuine drug peddlers or godfathers will walk out of the prison just like heroes wearing tons of garlands and waving victory sign by buying these paid prostitute named public prosecutor.

The Anti Corruption Commission itself is already under the unholy influence of the corrupt public prosecutors. In this case a special task force comprising some trusted and tested members of the Armed Forces should be instituted immediately (with the participation of DGFI, NSI) to prepare a list of the corrupt judges, public prosecutors, and even members of Anti Corruption Commission and secretly submitted to the Prime Minister Office. To win the battle against narcotics and corruption, we all know, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will handle the people in the mentioned list(prepared by special task force) with her iron hand. If she can do this, another landslide victory in the next general election is hundred percent guaranteed! Take my words!!!

     

America's '3D' policy, Kim Jong Un and fall of the Great wall

M A Hossain

In the heart of Beijing city, the palace of Xing and Ming dynasties stand as the most attractive tourism site. Chinese guides would narrate the history of the dynasties and even show the rooms been used to house the concubines, with a mysterious smile. Name of the palace is- Forbidden City. Ever since communist revolution in China, though the palace is become Forbidden City- a tourist attraction, by enlarge China actually has emerge as a communist rule forbidden country. For past few decades, communism and socialism have been falling in many countries in the world. It began with the fall of Soviet Union - more precisely fall of communism, which is the latest contribution in Cuba - where, following the death of Fidel Castro, socialism has already become lifeless. The mighty leaders of communism and socialism could not give birth to a new communist or socialist country during past couple of centuries. On the other hand, communism and socialism fell in many countries. Even today there is wind of change in Cambodia, Venezuela etc. But, the most important and significant events are developing in North Korea. Washington has specific, categoric and non redundant policy for that part of the world.

At the first stage Washington though are demanding 'Denuclearization' from Kim Jong Un, the next demand will be 'Democratization', for sure. And the final episode would be 'Displacing' or ousting the decades old Kim dynasty thus planting Washington's puppet government in Pyongyang. By doing so United States of America will actually open a 'vendor' store of democracy [in North Korea], where from instigation and encouragement of democracy would be consistently distributed with in the entire Korea-China border. People may argue saying, fall of communism in China is a day dream. I would like to remind them, if communism could fall like rubles on the streets of a global superpower Russia - it really is not impossible in case of China. The free market economy has already change the mind set of young Chinese population. They understand money more than politics. Cheating foreign buyers by hundred and thousands of Chinese so-called traders are rampant. Every year these rackets of Chinese fraudsters are stealing over 4 billion dollar from around the world. Chinese authorities very seldom take any action against such rackets. Meaning, the morality of communism has long been buried in Chinese society. Today's China is nothing but a mock communism, solely destined in making money. For these reasons, communism in China has already become fragile.  

Policymakers in the US, the Trump administration and America's intelligence agencies are fully aware of the poor state of communism in China. But they can't do anything from Taiwan, Mongolia or even Hong Kong. Because, Mongolia and Hong Kong are already with in the tight grips of China ; while Taiwan itself is suffering from extreme fear of invasion by Beijing. So, the only front to infiltrate into China is North Korea. To attain this crucial goal, Donald Trump either has to make extreme friendship with Kim Jong Un or turn him into an obedient pleasure boy of Washington. That is why, Donald Trump is talking about North Korea becoming 'very rich' if Kim Jong Un accepts the Denuclearization proposition. It will not be unlikely that after denuclearising, Washington and its allies may do everything possible to really turn North Korea into a very rich country. They may not even touch Kim Jong Un. Because America needs a glowing example for the communist rule Chinese people. A wealthy North Korea, after joining hands with the US will only prove [at least to the Chinese people] - communism and socialism can only make leaders affluent and rich. But it can not directly benefit the people. A new North Korea with a Western prescribed socialism, under the rule of Kim Jong Un actually is going to be an important test case for the US. Through this, Washington will allure other nations - more precisely China in abandoning communism and embracing the Western prescribed political theory.


This article also published at:
1.Modern Ghana, Ghana : 01 June 2018
2. Globoble.com
3.Sunnyfmgh,Ghana
4.Ghana Nation, Ghana
5.Pressbox.co.uk
6.The New Nation, Bangladesh :03June 2018