Change Indeed!
We thought that the people of Bangladesh have voted in the last election for a change. A change from age old culture of partisan bickering and politicization of all possible institutes. In fact, a major valid criticism of last government was politicization of all government Institutes. Last BNP government, while trying to outdo 96-2001 AL government’s activities, literally filled all government, semi-government institutions with partisan thugs and incompetent bootlickers. AL won this election with a promise of changing days. A change from that old culture of political affiliation based appointments in government rank and file positions.
Over the last weeks, major reshuffle has been made in the secretariat. Rationale? Bringing back AL sympathizing officers as leading bureaucrats.
University VCs, proctors, Pro-VCs’ were forced to resign ( by force in some cases) and party affiliates were placed in those positions.
Autonomous corporation leaderships, like that of Biman, have been replaced overnight.
A political government may have political appointees. Ambassadors may some times be political postings. That part is acceptable. But top bureaucrats, University VCs, Corporation CEOs can not be political appointees.
We are seeing hasty changes. But is this the kind of change we wanted to see?
If AL can show ‘good’ change by these postings, reduced crime and corruption, improved univ atmosphere, higher growth and development, then YES, this is the kind of change we voted.
But if they are re-arranging the Front Lines to gear-up for more Corruption, more decline, more mastani, more street fights – then we know who will be back to take their place, dont we??
Thats right, our friends the army will be back !!!
[Reply]
[...] Rumi bhai at UV blog has more observations about things going back to “normal”. [...]
Rumi bhai,
You did not vote for change. So of course you did not want to see any changes. The fact that Madam had appointed pro BNP firts in every institution- requires an intervention.
I just hope to undo the errors, they dont make more errors.
Having said that- it is simply sad that how government handled Upazila election. I think honeymoon is over for this government.
[Reply]
Seems like election rigging, manipulating, fake balloting in current Bangladesh under new govt AL does not deserve adequate discussion nor an official reaction from UV. Slumdog Millionaire does.
Can any body guess what would have happened if this were to happen during the CTG! Hell would broke loose followed by storm in blogosphere – gelo gelo gelo shob, uthto rob.
I an extremely disappointed not having any reaction from UV nor from its ED Asif Saleh, who never skipped an opportunity to point out how hell broke loose during CTG! Asif – what is your reaction to this vote!
So what Minister is found manipulating, MP beating some so called presiding officer, these are acceptable – and hence no reaction is required. Except from Rumi, whose reaction is well understood from his perspective.
But just because we supported AL, are we to turn blind eye to what just happened! Shame.
[Reply]
So Arif, “You did not vote for change. So of course you did not want to see any changes.” just because Rumi did not vote for AL, this is justified is what you think. Great go on like this. Be ready to face election in 5 years from now unless you guys do some thing to invite intervention once again that KGazi mentioned.
At least Rumi being a BNP supporter never hesitated to call the worng of BNP wrong. He did appreciate a lot of AL even though he is not a fan of AL. But you! No you two are from two different league. Vastly different. Thanks
[Reply]
The only people who actually voted for change are those (380 000) who voted ‘none of the above’.
[Reply]
AL admits that their Minister / MP influenced the poll:
http://www.amadershomoy.com/online/content/2009/01/24/late0119.htm
Now is to see, what action they take against the related individuals! I hoipe EC braves to take examplarary steps against these unworthy MPs / Ministers.
[Reply]
Well- AL always faces election without fear. It is “Madam” who had always problems during transition days.
[Reply]
Come on, Rakib, cut me some slack.
I did one of the fakibaji posts by linking to an existing article. Lekhar shomoy thakle boro kore likhtam. I am actually in the middle of travel and didn’t get a chance to read up on all the news related to this. My short term reaction is obviously of disgust. But not very surprised at this. Whether the change really has come or not should be seen as how this is dealt with. Will the much touted independent election commissioner work on the allegations and take concrete action and would the govt not interfere in it? If that is what does not happen, then the real disappointment and surprise will be there.
Bangladesh’s problem did not disappear in the last two years. There were superficial changes that happened that made people thing they were gone. The players changed but same act of disregarding institutions happened. If we think Bangladesh’s political scene has three major actors now — AL, BNP and army now. Disregard for human rights, subverting the judiciary and institutions happened under all of them. BNP took it to extra ordinary length in its last term and army, promising din bodol didn’t change anything. Now AL has promised din bodol which means things not being done as business usual. I am willing to accept that the rigging that took place wasn’t a central decision to rig the elections by the party. For a party that just won such a large mandate, it will be suicidal. So let’s take that it happened on very local levels where the obvious influence always goes in favour the ruling party. The OC at the police administration is now ever willing to please the AL mp and candidates in order to not get in their bad books. So I am not at all surprised at this.
But I am surprised at this — the point that Rumi bhai has made all along. If this election commission is as good as everyone claimed, then why couldn’t it stop it.
Now that it could’t stop it, can they take effective take action?
Secondly, will AL stand out of the way if they take action.
My hope to both the questions are yes.
[Reply]
MAhfuz Anam’s article
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=72802
and Shomokal’s news report
http://www.shamokal.com/details.php?nid=101029
[Reply]
Thanks Asif, for your response. I agree with most part bar few. As usual, our view on contribution of CTG will differ. By the by, CTG, in my opinion did not chnage any thing, they initiate the change but to maintain and strengthen it is the responsibility of the future including current govt. For once, would not you even recognize the change in port administration! After all there is nothing to detabe as the result speaks of itself. But let me answer your two question:
“If this election commission is as good as everyone claimed, then why couldn’t it stop it.” – Simply because they don’t have the power required nor resources to implement what they want. It is for state to implement what EC decides. I am sure you realize that. During CTG, EC decided to hold a nice election, state implemented that through CTG. CTG was effectively state rep. During this time, EC also decided to do a nice election. But state, being AL decided not to. After all when MP starts beating official and Ministers start sitting in poll center despite a resounding no, it indicates same.
“Now that it could’t stop it, can they take effective take action?” – as I said, it is state’s to take action. CTG did take, while AL didn’t as yet.
“Secondly, will AL stand out of the way if they take action.” I am looking forward to it. The responsible Minister and MP should be sacked if PM does that I will fee;l proud of the moment of progress. By sacking them, PM has nothing to loose but all to gain. Short term as well as long term.
Short term – the gains are all for AL and PM, long term it is for Democracy. This will leave a precedence for future where some one will think twice before doing so.
But only future will tell, if PM is bold enough to do what needs to be done. Some may say that Minister / MP is not culprit. I say, they are, if not for any thing, for creating the perception that they created.
Thanks and have a safe journey.
[Reply]
Rakib, regular UV bloggers have their own political biases — Rumi bhai may be BNP leaning, Asif may be AL leaning, I may be BNP leaning who was disgusted with the party — but rest assured, UV (and the Writers’ Collective) will be vocal against Awami misrule as much as it was against the last regime or BNP. Our parent organisation, Drishtipat, was born during the last AL government, in reaction to thuggery of Joinal Hazari. And UV was one of the first non-BNP leaning venues to protest AL reprisals after this election.
Of course on specific issues, our bloggers will have different views. We’ve always had that. We are not a Leninist organisation where everyone will parrot the Chairman’s lines. Rumi bhai has a take on AL appointments that is different from Asif’s. These guys will argue their cases very loudly. And then they will work together in some specific project that helps the marginalised in Bangladesh. I personally think there is a lot most institutions/organisations in Bangladesh could learn from this tolerance of diversity within their own rank.
Upazilla election is an important issue. We will write on it. But please understand all of us write here after stressful days at work or with busy family schedule. That means that a post may come a few days later than ideal. We can only apologise about it.
[Reply]
Political scene has one more actor to blame – its the EC!! But it is responsibility of AL Govt to control Law & order, not EC’s.
When CTG did a perfect election, they were given “Failing grade” but when AL does a Failing election, can we shift blame to EC ?
It is time for AL to face the failures & weaknesses of BD with an open mind, not be in constant denial to blame someone else. If AL has to bring changes claimed, then they have to FACE those problems truthfully.
For Hasina to be “annoyed” is not enough, she must be BOLD enough to discipline the law-breakers, EVEN IF it means upsetting her AL party hardliners.
[Reply]
YET MORE PLUS CA CHANGE. this is not i believe for the EC to deal with just for the party. is it doing anything to discourage this or is it blindly appointing loyalists at every turn
Shocking display of greetings at DU
DU Correspondent
The Dhaka University (DU) yesterday witnessed an ignoble rat race among teachers to get to the newly appointed university officials to pay their admiration and adulation depriving students of their precious classes.
Over 200 teachers rushed in a hustle and bustle towards the Registrar Building to congratulate pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Harun-or Rashid and Treasurer Professor Mizanur Rahman on their appointment.
With flowers, bouquets in their hands and hardly caring about their professional duties, they spent hours to welcome the two, who assumed their offices yesterday after taking over from their predecessors.
As the old senate room was crammed with teachers many were seen waiting outside in the corridor to show off their loyalty to the second and third most important persons of the country’s premier university.
“I have never ever seen such an enthusiasm among teachers,” a teacher told The Daily Star.
With teachers spending hours for the ‘unofficial’ greeting ceremony, students of different faculties under arts, social science and business studies did not find their teachers in the classrooms. They expressed resentments over such negligence from the part of their teachers.
“Which one goes first — attending classes or congratulating officials?” asked a student, who came from Gazipur for his class adding, “Our teachers could congratulate pro-VC after classes or he could notify students that he/she would not be able to take the class.”
Students alleged that many of their teachers left their classes before the classes ended up.
“I had a two-hour class but I curtailed it by one hour to join the ceremony,” said a teacher at the Social Science Faculty expressing disappointment over the growing nasty culture of the university.
Split into two different colours, Awami League-backed Blue Panel and BNP-backed White Panel, the DU teachers are widely blamed for not imparting lessons regularly, delaying completion of examinations and announcement of results.
“This is an utter negligence to the duty,” said Prof Syed Monzurul Islam of the English Department, adding that the main duty of a teacher is taking classes and exams timely rather than anything else.
“What happened today in the name of greeting officials is morally unaccepted,” he said, raising question that why should teachers need to congratulate their colleagues depriving students when they can meet each other everyday?
Prof Monzurul believes a partisan mentality works behind such an attitude.
“Anything ignoring classes is not acceptable to me. Classes should be the first priority for a teacher. This is their moral responsibility to the students,” Vice Chancellor Prof. AAMS Arefin Siddique told The Daily Star.
The teachers are also engaged in teaching at private universities and consultancy at the cost of DU students. This has been going on for years but no effective steps have so far been taken to put an end to such a propensity for negligence to duty.
Teachers are also blamed for overstaying overseas depriving the university students of their valuable classes.
[Reply]
Ma’am Sara,
Action for violation of the Election code is definitely EC’s turf hence, CEC can crystal clearly opt for robust action to nip in the bud as, already several by-Elections are in the pipe-line. AL President & even several MPs have indicated their displeasure so, its immature for any sweeping remarks.
Insofar as the Oxford of the East – DU is concerned, of these Mr. Know-alls the least said the better, as this has become the culture.
take care.
[Reply]
Jyoti,
Your explanation is very logical but it would have been appreciated more of its effectiveness had same been observed equally in almost all the time. It was not that is why at times perceptions are created that you are trying to address.
Family life, work are nothing new for the writers today. These were there as well when CTG was there. But had such thing taken place, a second (metaphorically speaking) would not have been spared to critique CTG.
Just think about the incident of Giteeara (I have no connection to her). For her husbands supposed misdemeanour how much was discussed! Compare to that the beating of official by MP. No discussion at all except for few. In case of this upozila election, the reason it deserves importance because it clearlys comes at the heel of last one that was conducted CTG. Between the two, nothing changed except for the government. Comparison comes automatically and of reasonable mind it is reasobale conclusion : CTG prevailed.
By no means, I indicate my disgust at the govt yet. It hasn’t come to that point. But it is interesting to see what action is being taken or can be reasonably taken or will be allowed to be taken! Blaming EC, like few did, is a nonsensical thing. EC can only provide directive, but implementation of it is at Govt’s mercy. CTG implemented. AL did not.
This is not enough.
“We can only apologise about it.” – Gracefully accepted.
“Upazilla election is an important issue. We will write on it.” Looking forward to that.
As for reaction: Here is a snapshot. I was watching two elderly person listening to TV – the election related rigging and ballot stuffing, manhandling. This is their first reaction. – “Ei AL gelo!” Both of them supported AL in this election. I can see, they will not hesitate to change in 2014, if few such thing continue.
Thanks.
[Reply]
Rakib,
Thank you for raising these points as they are valid indeed. First of all, why the bloggers were so up and arms and extra sensitive during the CTG days. Two reasons:
1. Lack of press freedom ( Geeti Ara story got reported only in one pro bnp paper)
2. Complete lack of unaccountability of the people who were governing.
For both the reasons bloggers tried to fill a gap of doing check and balance.
The need for being vigilant is still there as much as before but we are aware that there is supposedly freedom to raise these issues in the press and the parliament.
So bloggers here won’t do the job of MPs and the journalists, rather they will fill the gap where needs to be. So every single AL lapses won’t be reflected in the blog and neither will all of their good works. Rather it will focus on trends, analytical pieces and postings covering media coverage on critical issues.
The collective has taken principle stand for supporting democracy in our country and for it to take root and hence it will always be vigilant against undemocratic government both in nature and in legality.
[Reply]
Asif, this blog can be as much or as little vigilant as it likes. But, democracy does not end with elections – thats just the first baby step. Democracy only begins when the system manages
1. anti-corruption,
2. transparency and
3. accountability.
We need to be 1000 times more vigilant that those 3 concerns are met by public servants (politicians), when they talk about ‘democracy’, esp in Bdesh.
Our journalists in BD do not have the personal security or the luxury to publish issues of corruption, mastani or exploitation of national funds and public property. Which is why Bd is in such a state of systemic collapse. Bd newspapers do not have total “freedom, as they politically controlled when it comes to covering the 3 items above.
For HR, for democracy and for Bdesh its critical that this blog keeps VIGILANT about the 3 items listed above, as the fundamental issue for improving BD Human Rights.
[Reply]
careem aly says “Insofar as the Oxford of the East – DU is concerned, of these Mr. Know-alls the least said the better, as this has become the culture.
———–
This is one area that needs Quick Change, before DU, RU, JU, CU turns into the “Gutter of the East”. Politicians know very well how shameful is their involvement, and how disgraceful is Corruption in those places.
Code of Ethics in Academia needs immediate reform, if we are to maintain a national sense of pride. Its NOT a culture now, that we should hide under the rug.
[Reply]
“Rather it will focus on trends, analytical pieces and postings covering media coverage on critical issues.” – Asif, would you disagree that Upozila election was one such critical issue! My take says no. But I may as well be wrong.
The reason you outlined for being so vocal during CTG is partially true but I guess army’s involvement made it more so. No matter what was done good or praiseworthy, praise was very hard to come nor recognition. Due to our past experience with military, we are rightly skleptical of army’s involvement, and I won’t fault us for that. However, it is also worthy to note, army has or perhaps been forced to evolve as well, in a positive direction. The election within two years as promised, no matter what people speculated, vindicates this. The educated lot to which you and me supposedly belongs are expected to critique issue objectively. My take many of us havn’t done that, when it came to CTG.
Looking forward to the promised post that Jyoti mentioned.
Thanks
[Reply]
Kgazi, so long teachers politics as it is now is not stopped, changes are hard to come by. I agree this is one of the most critical area that needs to be taken care of for our future. I have a personal apathy towards the so called University Teachers who come abroad on lien for 5 years riding on the name of DU/CU/others, complete whatever study they want to and never goes back to the counrty. These are, in my eyes, one of the worst culprit country has ever produced.
I don’t mind for them coming and falling victime to the lure of western glitters so long they do it rightfully: That,
1. They give up their post before coming, perhaps resign in time that their conscious is aware of their intention not to go back.
2. Earn the scholarship or whatever on their own and not using the logo of our universities.
3. Not deprive students of for 5 years from the association of a worthy teacher, who of course they are not, but the one who could have taken their place had they resigned.
I support them who come here on scholarship as a teacher, complete their study, and go back, and join university – continue teaching. I have one such friend I am proud of.
Unfortunately I have 6/7 more acquientances that belong to the ones who exploit the system and never goes back. What is astonishing, these, who betrays their country’s trust placed in them, becomes the most vocal patriotic intellectual, shamefully. Hightime, it be stopped. It needs to be enforced as establishment will never change itself as the practice serves them well.
[Reply]
Dear All,
It is sad to let you know that all the changes we have talked about Bangladesh might be going into drain soon. I am convinced with few internal messages that came to me with current UPZilla Election in Bangladesh. My home town is where Padma Bridge will be built and my internal message came with facts that AL Govt from top AL leadership picked up a New UPZilla Chairman with influence and vote rigging and working out a plan who will get what on Padma Bridge projects. This is a $1.2 Billion project in Bangladesh. We need to make sure no more Mr. 2% are created under AL Administration.
I also heard an uneducated millionaire man came from Washington, DC who spent more than three (3) crore BD Take to secure his Chairman position with the help of an AL MP and upper AL leadership. They have this plan for the last 2 years where to put whom so huge money can be secured from this projects. Even in one case AL dished their honest 25 years veterans leader in that Village during the nomination process to put an uneducated businessman from Washington, DC to maximum their corruption money from the Padma Bridge project.
I like to point out this kind of activities are unacceptable and people should be aware of it. So next Govt in 2013 can bring future culprits to justice for their corruption. Only way these culprits will be changed when General people work a Watchdog. If this Padma corruption can not be stopped, this will be like be compare the size of USA Maddof $50B scam in Bangladesh.
I like to propose to the following steps to stop this possible huge corruption in Bangladesh:
1) Since current Govt will decline to do anything, General people and media have to play the greater role to keep all MPs and all newly elected Chairmen in watch and their activities, their wealth, income compare to their submitted wealth info during nomination.
2) Media should point out any culprits who will be involved as Mr. 2% in Padma Bridge Project.
3) NBRs in various countries might have to take few responsibilities if possible to make sure money without income verification does not come to their respectable countries from Bangladesh.
4) Cycle of corruption in Bangladesh will be declined only when people in Bangladesh becomes proactive, not reactive, and plan to closing the channels to stop their corrupt money to enjoy.
God bless Bangladesh and save her 160 Million general people from these future culprits.
Note: This preventive action is not to bash any political parties but to save poor people’s wealth and their future in Bangladesh.
Regards,
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu), USA
[Reply]
Rakib- majority of univ teachers have 2 goals – either cheat the system, or leave the country. This creates the cycle of decay, rotting the education institutions. Most leave due to frustration of the rot.
MM Chowdhury – why are newspapers NOT writing these reports of Padma corruption, if they now have ‘press freedom’ ??
[Reply]
Kgazi, your 3 point should have included either one another or among those the ‘rule of law’- the fundamental of a progressive society. If we had a little of it what have been identified as evil/destructive, say those uni teachers could have have been netted in and put to justice.
Instead of talking many issues (not opposing but as preference) focus should be on education and economics. If Maslo’s theory any guide here, we are at the ‘basic’ tier or may be less.
Jyoti wrote few good pieces during ‘economic meltdown’ If I can I would urge him to continue doing that. Jyoti bhai, please.
Rumi, Asif, do recognise your great effort to entertain the bloggers and keep them attracted to the blog, but you can get more value of your dedication and persevere (please do not take it otherwise- I only wish you well).
Mujib, Zia issue though dominates our psyche but don’t you agree that, them – divides us and what Mujib did, Zia did not do, is history. Lets bring the issue that deals with our basic and fundamental requirements as a common goal. May I request you more on the education, energy, economy, please.
[Reply]
Kgazi, your 3 point should have included either one another or among those the ‘rule of law’- the fundamental of a progressive society. If we had a little of it what have been identified as evil/destructive, say those uni teachers could have have been netted in and put to justice.
Instead of talking many issues (not opposing but as preference) focus should be on education and economics. If Maslo’s theory any guide here, we are at the ‘basic’ tier or may be lower.
Jyoti wrote few good pieces during ‘economic meltdown’ If I can I would urge him to continue doing that. Jyoti bhai, please.
Rumi, Asif, do recognise your great effort to entertain the bloggers and keep them attracted to the blog, but you can get more value of your dedication and perseverence (please do not take it otherwise- I only wish you well).
Mujib, Zia issue though dominates our psyche, but don’t you agree that, them – divides us and what Mujib did, Zia did not do, is history. Lets bring the issues that deal with our basic and fundamental requirements as a common goal. May I request you more on the education, energy, economy, please.
[Reply]
Dhaka, Jan 26 (bdnews24.com)—A special tribunal for trying war criminals will be set up under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act 1973, said law minister Shafiq Ahmed on Monday.
“It is not necessary to revive the Collaborators’ Act for trial of war criminals. The 1973 Tribunals Act still exists. A war crimes tribunal can be constituted to try them under this law,” the minister told reporters.
Asked what initiatives his ministry was taking to try 1971 war crimes, Shafiq replied, “On principle, the home ministry will take the initiative. The law ministry will give legal assistance.”
“Give some more time to the government. Awami League will of course try war criminals in keeping with its manifesto pledge.”
“But the government is determined to undertake the trials by rule of law,” said the law minister.
Foreign minister Dipu Moni, meanwhile, sought UN support for the trial of war criminals on Monday.
“We have … had talks on trial of war criminals,” UN resident coordinator Renata Lok Dessallien told reporters after calling on the minister.
Dessallien said the UN would examine how it could help in this regard if the government sought UN support.
“The minister said the government was committed to bringing war criminals to justice,” said a foreign ministry statement.
[Reply]
Arif: The fact that Madam had appointed pro BNP firts in every institution- requires an intervention.
—
Are you serious? Two years after 1/11 our senior bureaucracy is still so infested with BNP cronies that this kind of wholesale changes are needed? Really?
[Reply]
SHW has unbridled power now to do whatever she fancies and thinks is in her interest. look at the parliamentary spatial politics going on. Its clear to me that She, just like Obomber represents no change whatsoever.
The problem is that when you make people OSD or sideline them…. they inflict their ‘talents’ on the rest of us. At least the civl service kept them out of ‘civil society’.
Institutions interested in self preservation and vulnerable to government power now may feel that they have to bring in awami friendlies to provide an imagined political shielding.
This is one of the main reasons i dont like our divided and ruled democracy. its nigh on impossible to build a sophisticated and potent institution without selling out to the west or to the parties.
[Reply]
Dear Fug,
Were you born pessimistic or you work hard everyday to be one?
[Reply]
Dear Jyoti Bhai,
I would imagine so. During KZ regime, almost every senior officials in the GOB were appointed on partisian basis. However, many offices were not neautralised in last two years of CTG.
read this… they still think KZ is the prime minister.
http://www.bangabhaban.gov.bd/ziaur.html
besides, any government will prefer to work with the like minded bureaucrats. How that is a problem?
[Reply]
its a problem because in our shared culture the yes man’s, pump, jack, sucking up and danda are powerful and perverting.
i love your use of the word neutralisation. i hope we can one day have a systematically reformed civil service, but it has to be reformed by a moral force with both moral authority and wisdom. its a good time to have a big national discussion on this issue.
[Reply]
Arif – govts working with ‘like minded bureaucrats’ is OK as long as there are no like-minded bank accounts sharing their goals !!
Trouble with this is favoritism, conflict of interest, cover-up of accountability, nepotism – we have talked about this before. All of these issues are major problems in corruption. We want to cut down corruption in our governance, NOT support our political parties in order to let them siphon our economy into their Swiss Bank accounts.
In fact, for the benefit of anti-corruption, it would be better if bureaucrats are from OPPOSITE party – so that they can keep checks and balance and reduce favoritism in dealings.
[Reply]
moral force with both moral authority and wisdom
- if 228 seats, highly educated, qualified and clean imaged ministry cannot assure this, then I dont know who can.
[Reply]
want to see another cat fight?
http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/abc/home/contentposting.aspx?isfa=1&feedname=CTV-TOPSTORIES_V3&showbyline=True&date=true&newsitemid=CTVNews/20090218/iggy_obama_090218
[Reply]