North Korea : No more a threat to the world peace and opening a new economic corridor

M A Hossain

North Korean leader Marshal Kim Jong Un has started important step dismantling some facilities at its main satellite launching station which is believed to be the testing ground for intercontinental ballistic missiles. Recent satellite images has confirmed to the expertise that some signs of dismantling to the launching site have appeared. This is going to be a landmark step forward in fulfilling a promise after the historic summit between US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un. As per US based website 38 North's statement the satellite imagery analysis indicated the North had started dismantling a process building and a rocket-engine test stand which had been used for testing liquid fuel engines at its Sohea Satellite Launching Station. International community had seen this launching station of Pyongyang's space program a fig leaf for missile tests. However, Pyongyang sincerely begins the process of denuclearization. And it can not be implemented overnight. It would take time as the entire process should be done scientifically.

Pretty soon, Marshal Kim Jong Un should declare a comprehensive economic plan paving ways to the foreign nations in investing in industrial sectors in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea(DPRK). Initially Pyongyang would put special emphasis on investments in agro-industrial sectors.

Few of European nations though are yet to make any comment on the Trump-Kim historic summit and the agreement, the withdrawal of sanctions on the DPRK would take some times as they first need to make sure Pyongyang sincerely begins the denulearization process.

Republic of Korea(ROK) can establish common special economic zone both in DPRK and ROK under mutually agreeable proportion. In this regard, ROK can utilize the huge skilled and semi-skilled man power of DPRK. ROK also can invest common airline. shipping agency etc.

This is the most appropriate time for the Bangladeshi textiles and ready made garment industries to immediately focus on establishing both knit and oven garment factories - conventional and high-end by taking the advantage of comparatively cheaper but highly disciplined and hard working North Korean workers. Bangladesh also can establish leather processing factories, electronic industries(under Chinese joint venture) in DPRK.

North Korea's extreme cold weather is not favorable to palm oil. Under such circumstance, Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can consider establishing soya bean oil and cotton seed oil refineries in that country.

United States, China and African nations can greatly contribute in exploring extremely potential mineral resources and mining industries in DPRK.

Following President Donald Trump's grand success in Singapore and after signing an agreement with Marshal Kim Jong Un, several companies from Thailand, Indonesia, UAE, Israel, Poland and Philippines are considering establishing several business enterprises in the DPRK especially in the tourism and entertainment sector. It is anticipated that from mid 2019, at least 7-8 million tourists from around the world would visit Pyongyang and several tourist attraction sites.

There actually no reason to have any doubt on the sincerity of Kim Jong Un in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. Withdrawal of the American troops from South Korea may also take some time. So the tactics of putting further pressure on Pyongyang by continuing the undue economic and punitive sanctions would be counter productive.

This article also published at:
1.ReviewNepal.com,Kathmandu,Nepal :30July2018
2.Modern Ghana, Ghana :29 July 2018
3.The Seoul Times, South Korea: 30 July 2018
4.The New Nation, Bangladesh :31July 2018,Title:" North Korea: A new economic corridor"
5.Tiruppur Exporters Association (tea).India. org,India: 30July 2018
6.fibrenews.com
7.theinspiringdad.com,USA
8. Sunnyfmgh,Ghana
9.Globoble.com
10. Ghana Nation, Ghana

      

Bangladesh : Politics of uncertainty may end up in a black hole!

M A Hossain

A nation lacking patriotism are the heaviest burden to any country. But when politicians become unpatriotic, status of those nations can only be compared with those helpless Jews loaded in the train of Nazi forces. Politics are expected to breed selfless politicians who would dedicate themselves towards serving the people. But, unfortunately, the cases of our politicians are totally contrast. They, instead of dedicating themselves for the good of the people and the country - very shamelessly they pledge their thoughts, goals, even the entire entities into the grips of their master from other nations.

As the general election of 11th parliament is very closing to its scheduled time, the political arenas are becoming more vibrant. The debate is on regarding the process of upcoming general election. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) clarifies their stance time and again where Awami League confronts against BNP with constitutional advantage - general election in December 2018 will be held under Sheikh Hasina as head of the government. As per the present constitution obligation, BNP has to take part in next general election under the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bigwigs of Bangladesh Awami League are strongly echoing this message to the national and international community. But leaders of BNP are lamenting it as suicidal attempt to participate in general election under the ruling party. That's why before general election, they(BNP) participated all kinds of electoral processes -to show the national and international community - and strengthening their demand that it's a wild dream to expect a free, fair, and credible election from  Awami League. BNP's intention became more clear after the defeat in Gazipur, a senior leader dubbed this 'defeat' not a defeat. After each and every election BNP is debriefing to the international representatives about the ruling party's 'controlled election'. In this case, BNP is successful. The Westerners (specially the US and UK) expressed deep concern about holding a free, fair, and credible election under the ruling party. At this stage future of politics in Bangladesh is heading towards an uncertainty.

As I predict - now the reality has come out from horse's mouth! Bangladeshi rulers though are hiding their worries and fear behind artificial smile - their palpitations and blood pressure already have crossed the alarming level. To Sheikh Hasina, the only challenge is crossing the electoral hurdle in December 2018. She actually can attain this goal by using her loyalist Election Commission(EC) and band of thugs - who would stuff ballot papers- fill ballot boxes- and make her winner in a fake election. None of the bigwigs of ruling Awami League are considering the Western request of holding free, fair, credible, and participatory election. Because they know, West are not their allies. Instead, India and its unethical leaders are ready to extend any possible help to Awami League in continuing Bangladesh as its 'vessel state' by keeping Awami League in power. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unwilling in seeing a Bangladesh minus Awami League. Because, he and his party comrades are convinced - Awami League only is a 'Indian political party'. They also know West or China can not become a prominent partner of Bangladesh if the 'Indian political party' remain in power. To India, ensuring Awami League power eternally are much more important than proclaiming a secular India into a Hindu Republic of India.

Our politicians don't believe what they say- they don't say what they believe. As a result we can see a gulf of differences in freedom of political expression and right to political activities  between Awami League and BNP. The confrontational stance between two largest political party in Bangladesh is really a great concern for the nation. It creates an insecurity to the society and great threat to the sovereignty of the country. At this situation, senior citizens and leaders from BNP are strongly demanding a political dialogue between two major parties. In my personal opinion, dialogue between major political parties is not at all a solution or savior from this crisis. Sheikh Hasina had shown her courage to attain a dialogue with her main opposition but she was refused with tremendous humiliation [but political victory] by the crooks of some BNP's think tanks as well as enemies of the nation. Now regarding inter party dialogue, they got to seek and wait for the mercy from Sheikh Hasina.

Now the billion dollar question is how to get rid of this great crisis. Yes, only solution is the 'honest intention' of the government to avoid the confrontational situation and make an atmosphere for holding a free, fair, and participatory general election.

Our electoral history is not very praiseworthy. And recent experience of present Election Commission is not satisfactory. Khulna and Gazipur city corporation election have emerged as 'controlled election' of so-called 'satisfactory election' by Election Commission. One thing is very clear, under this Election Commission- free, fair, and credible election is a day dream- if not wild dream. But at this moment, I personally don't expect a rational responsibilities from present EC and democratic values from ruling party. It will take more time to bring political reform amongst the democratic parties. More disastrous situation, internal and external pressure will make our politicians more responsible to their duties and dedication. With this very short span of democracy, we should not be very optimistic about democratic culture and values from the parties. When the political parties are not practicing democracy then how the government formed by those parties will become democratic and let alone the so-called independent constitutional institutions like Election Commission, Anti Corruption Commission, Judiciary etc.[Don't label me as apolitical] But we don't have magic bone to resolve this ethical crisis in politics at this moment.

Bangladesh Awami League is a secular political party. Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) is a radical Hindu party. Moreover, India, for the first time since 1971,has lost credibility in the eyes of the people of Bangladesh. The impression is that New Delhi has failed to guide it's neighbour in the hours of crisis. This failure is not because of political motivation but because of  lack-lustre diplomacy. In my personal opinion- ideologically, morally, ethically BJP can never be a political master of Awami League. But in reality, it happens so. And this is going to be a kick off for political disastrous situation. Bangladesh Awami League might extend its tenure more consecutive times but it will exterminate the present Awami League and emerge as a secular democratic political party in future.

Let us look into another political factor in Bangladesh. In the eyes of Indian policymakers, BNP is an anti-Indian party. But in recent days, BNP leaders are competing in seeking 'blessings' from radical Hindu India returning to power. In my opinion, ultimately, both the parties are going to be losers. It pretty odd witnessing both the mainstream political parties in the country [by defying the public sentiment] had already made their presence [as humble worshippers] in the temple of radical Hindutva. Such tendencies in the Bangladeshi politicians are unexpected, unacceptable and even indecent.

Sheikh Hasina actually has no more cards in her hands. She already has played all the cards- noble and evil - for the sake of remaining in power by pleasing her Indian master. The end result is - Hasina has been pushed into the point of no return. Sheikh Hasina must have already realized this fact. But,  the only option she has too engage into the ultimate battle of survival by confronting with her political and ideological rivals. Difference between the two major political parties are widening everyday. This confrontational situation certainly are pushing the very fate of democracy into absolute uncertainty.  

This article also published at:
1.Modern Ghana, Ghana :21July 2018
2.Sunnyfmgh,Ghana
3.Globoble.com
4.Ghana Nation

Bangladesh : Politics of revenge & gain

M A Hossain

Following the fall of autocratic military regime of General Hussain Muhammad Ersad in 1990, the public perception in Bangladesh was, Awami League under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina would win the landslide victory in the general election. Public perception and sentiment were so smart that no one could exactly feel the pulse of the people. Right before the election in 1991, during exclusive interview to BBC Bangla journalist Sirazur Rahman and aggrieved Sheikh Hasina in response to a question said; she wants to win the election to take revenge on the betrayer nation which killed her father and members of the family. Sensing the consequence of this comment, BBC decided not to air the interview. But the matter was already leaked by Sirazur Rahman himself. This had put the nation into extreme dilemma. They started rewinding their memory ; and instantly remember Sheikh Hasina, back in 1986, right before a fake election held under the military dictator had publicly declared in a rally - " Those who will join this election under military dictator Ershad will be branded as national betrayer". Hours after this strong statement, at the odd hour of night, it was none but Sheikh Hasina herself who abruptly join the election.

No one dared reminding Sheikh Hasina, she actually had turned into a national betrayer by joining the fake election and by dishonoring her own political sermon. But in reality, such wrong disease are very much prevailing with in most of politicians in the world. They don't believe what they say- they don't say what they believe. Unfortunately Sheikh Hasina had open her mind to the interview with BBC Bangla; which resulted in a catastrophic defeat for Bangladesh Awami League and an unexpected landslide victory for Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP). But one thing became crystal clear- people of Bangladesh do not admire politics of revenge.

Sheikh Hasina too realized a fact, it is not appropriate to be honest with the people. Instead politicians should adopt the art of mockery. Taking lesson from this, right before the general election of 1996, the same Hasina turned into a neo-prophet of peace ; by putting on hijab and seeking apology to the nation for the crime and blunders of her legendary father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

People accepted the apology of Hasina and voted her into power thus honoring her with the leadership of the nation. They believed a repented Sheikh Hasina will never repeat the blunder of her father and the band of crooks surrounding Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. They had the firm belief - Sheikh Hasina will dedicate herself in serving the nation thus attaining the image of a true pro-people leader. They wanted to see a Mahatma Gandhi - a Nelson Mandela - or Abraham Lincoln in Sheikh Hasina. But they didn't even think in their wildest thought - Sheikh Hasina is a politician - not an angel! Yes, Gandhi, Mandela, or Lincoln too were politicians. But, they were free from the disease of revenge and greed. Politicians definitely need the quality of a precise human being. But unfortunately, politics has gone into the wrong hands of mere beasts.

During the entire period of 1996-2001, Sheikh Hasina could not show any magic of a true leader. Instead her actions were just Xerox copies of her father and his rule. People became suffocated with the whimsical, wrong and hot headed governance of the self-styled daughter of democracy.

The people had no room but they choose the bad from worst. They had to vote Khaleda Zia and her Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP) into power. Although people were fully aware of the evil, greedy, and proud tendencies in Khaleda Zia. Being the wife of General Ziaur Rahman, a man who at least enjoys the reputation of being honest (financially - not politically)- she allowed her own brother Major (rtd) Sayeed Eskandar and his band of looters in not only nabbing the wealth of Bangladesh but also in precisely screwing the Armed Forces in particular and the people in general. Eskander had no shame in teaching his own nephew(son of Khaleda Zia) Tarique Rahman, the art of corruption, nepotism, falsehood, looting, swindling of public money, smuggling out tons of cash to abroad - and even womanizing.

But, Khaleda Zia at least have certain degree of decency - just because she is the wife of a General. During her tenure of 1991-1996, Sajeeb Wazed Joy(son of Sheikh Hasina) was caught by the law enforcing agencies when he and his friends, being drunk, drove their car on the road divider after hitting homeless people. No one though died but were critically injured being hit by Joy's car. Most of the BNP men wanted to send Joy into prison. But soon after hearing this news, a decent wife of a General - Khaleda Zia instructed to hand over Joy and his friends to the family members with full respect.

The biggest mistake Khaleda Zia did commit was the voter less fake election in February 1996, which gave tremendous political mileage to her political rivals. But Khaleda Zia didn't take any lesson from the past. She tried to hold another voter less election in  2006, which was confronted by Awami League and its political allies. The confrontational politics led to military intervention. Few senior army officers, including Khaleda Zia's relative Major General Masud Uddin Chowdhury rushed to the Presidential Palace, forced President Iazuddin Ahmed in appointing Fakhruddin Ahmed (a former official from World Bank) as the chief adviser of a military backed interim government.

From the very first hour of their rule, the military backed interim government declared a war against corruption. Dozens of BNP leaders were arrested ; which was followed by arrest of Awami League leaders too. Finally, they also arrested Sheikh Hasina and then Khaleda Zia. This had suddenly turned General Moeen U Ahmed politically ambitious. He wanted to become a political third force. This wrong attitude had also led him to the wrong tactics of revenge and even greed. Moeen brought dozens of politically charged cases against the leaders of BNP and Awami League, while his inner circle got indulge into shameless corruption. Although in January 2007, people of Bangladesh whole heartedly welcomed the military intervention. They quickly turned confuse in drawing a line between this rule and the politicians. Another problem with General Moeen was his extreme romance with India as well as clear indication of the military backed government towards Awami League - at a later stage.

In 2008, Awami League won a landslide victory in the general election and Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister for the second time. But onwards she didn't hesitate in exposedly moving ahead with her agenda of establishing one party rule in one hand and taking full revenge on the nation,political rivals and the Bangladesh Armed Forces. She also, in collaboration with General Moeen had played dubious role where 57 brilliant officers of Bangladesh Armed Forces were brutally murdered inside the HQ of Bangladesh Rifles (Now Border Guard Bangladesh). There were rumours, India actually wanted to take revenge of Padua defeat ; where several members of border security force of India were killed by Bangladesh Rifles during a gun fight(in fact a skirmish). The mighty Bangladesh Armed Forces taught a befitting lesson to Indians - by exhibiting the 'audacity' of greatness. India had no problem in using Sheikh Hasina in taking a 'befitting' revenge on Bangladesh.

This particular incident inside Bangladesh Rifles HQ had given the opportunity to Sheikh Hasina in sending hundreds of army officers into force retirement. Even some of them were charged with criminal cases. India's RAW(spy agency) even invented the ridiculous theory of coup attempt(or attempts) thus enhancing Hasina's opportunities of sacking many more officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

During 2001-2006, Khaleda Zia's government actually went captive into the hands of her corrupt sons Tariqur Rahman and Arafat Rahman ; who established a defacto power house named 'Hawa Bhaban' where from the two sons with the help of their scoundrel friends had established the regime of looting, corruption, nepotism - and what not! Khaleda tried to suffocate her political opponents by using the law enforcing agencies. To legitimize her evil deeds, she shook hands with several militancy groups such as Khatmey Nabuwat Andolon, Harkatol Jihad etc. She even tried to eliminate Sheikh Hasina through a state sponsored grenade attack on 21 August 2005. Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped this assassination bid.

During BNP's rule, British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury came under grenade attack in the holy shrine of Shah Jalal in Sylhet. Awami League prominent leader Shah A M S Kibria, Ahsanullah master were amongst the few who were killed by the BNP thugs.

Khaleda Zia convincingly believed, the only tool of pleasing the West was declaring war against Islamist militancy. With this agenda she began offensives on Jamatul Mujahidin(JMB) and other militancy groups. But the Western world didn't get be fooled. They knew, both Khaleda and Hasina are inclined towards Islamist parties and any so-called war against militancy by either of these Bangladeshi leaders are mere eye wash.

Once again, politics of revenge and gain has put Bangladesh into jeopardy. Sheikh Hasina is unwilling in leaving the office even in the distant future. She has been crushing her political rivals through numerous ways and means. No one knows, what fate awaits for unfortunate Bangladesh. India is ready in doing anything in keeping Sheikh Hasina in power.

To Bangladeshi politics, the United States and the West had long become irrelevant. Meanwhile, Rohingya crisis, lack of rule of law and gross violation of human rights, freedom of expression, right to religion are putting increasing burdens on the very existence of democracy in the country. Bangladesh is not Syria - at least, but the situation here is no less complicated than any of the crisis. Politics of revenge and gain has already put the very sovereignty of Bangladesh under cloud. No one can anticipate - what awaits for this nation even tomorrow.     

This article also published at:
1.Modern Ghana,Ghana :05July 2018
2.Globoble.com
3.Sunnyfmgh,Ghana
4.Ghana Nation, Ghana