Election, the good and the bad
December 24, 2008
If democracy is a way of life, Bangladeshis have so far been able to enjoy it by fits and starts. It is not because of their fault or lack of interest but in spite of themselves. There have been abrupt interruptions at regular intervals in democratic dispensation after independence. The first came in the form of one-party rule in 1974 which was short-lived. It was followed by martial law that lasted for three years. In 1978 a semblance of democracy was restored to give legitimacy to the erstwhile military ruler.
Warm clothes being distributed in N-districts
December 23, 2008
Different government, non-government and charitable organizations have been distributing warm clothes among the cold-hit people in the northern districts. Official sources said that the warm clothes including blankets are being distributed among the poor, distressed and elderly people in all districts of the northern region to mitigate sufferings of the cold-hit people.
Problems the Emergency leaves behind
December 22, 2008
On 16 December 2008, the President repealed the Emergency which he had imposed on 11 January 2007. There is little doubt that the 2-year Emergency will be debated in the political and legal arenas of Bangladesh for a very long time to come but even as the emergency is withdrawn, it leaves behind certain problems which would have to be tackled by the State and the next government.
Implementing power projects
December 21, 2008
ACCORDING to a media report, the implementation of eight big power plants set to be built within next three years is likely to be hampered by fund constraints. The government has proposed Taka 38 billion for installation, generation, transmission and distribution works within the next financial year. But actual implementation of the above projects might require more than Tk. 40.50 billion. Delays in project implementation would hurt the economy, which would suffer from power crisis as a result.
Prices of most items show downward trend
December 20, 2008
Consumers in the capital have been hearing a sigh of relief as prices of some items of daily commodities have started falling in local markets and they hope that prices would continue to come down in the coming days as two major parties promised to contain the price hike in their poll manifesto. The limited income groups, who have been suffering terribly due to skyrocketing prices of food for last few years, said only an elected government could keep the prices of daily necessities to a tolerable limit.
Victory Day aspirations
December 17, 2008
THIRTY-SEVEN years ago on this day, Bangladeshis created a magnificent history by triumphing over an occupation force and creating an independent and sovereign homeland. The creation of Bangladesh was nobody’s favour. The people made supreme sacrifices and tremendous endeavours to win freedom. But the singular thought that fills the mind on the occasion of Bangladesh’s 38th Victory Day is, whether this nation that created history in 1971 through a heroic War of Independence could utilise its enthusiasm and energy better to achieve faster progress in national development in all other spheres.
What the political parties are promising us: Pros & Cons
December 15, 2008
All eyes and minds are riveted on the politics of the Country with the major political combines of BNP and AL in a tizzy over the upcoming polls. BNP and AL have issued their manifestos on 12 and 13 December respectively, promising everyone every conceivable and some inconceivable things too. Well, it remains to be seen how many of these promises will be fulfilled but if the past is any guide, right after the ceremonies are over it will be business as usual, meaning that there will be a government but little governance and there will be a parliament but little democracy.
Electing the blind, leading the blind
December 14, 2008
Political parties can now hold meetings from 12 December for seven days under emergency and the state of emergency is going to be lifted, as promised, just twelve days before the scheduled Election Day. So, a hushed or a boisterous electioneering for not more than 16 days till 27 December is allowed for political parties to make processions, rallies and door-to-door campaigns. Campaigners must remain quiet on 28 December, the day before the election to be held hopefully on Monday, December 29,2008.
Number of hungry people worldwide rises to 963 million: FAO
December 13, 2008
Another 40 million people have been pushed into hunger this year primarily due to higher food prices, according to a new report published by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) this week. This brings the overall number of undernourished people in the world to 963 million, compared to 923 million in 2007 and the ongoing financial and economic crisis could tip even more people into hunger and poverty, FAO warned.
Hajj starts today amid tight security
December 6, 2008
Saudi Arabia has mobilised a force of 100,000 men to protect an estimated two million Muslim pilgrims flocking to Makkah for hajj, amid fears of attack or deadly stampedes. For the first time, the authorities have brought in sophisticated US-built helicopters to guard against possible attack during the world’s largest pilgrimage, which has often been blighted by tragedy.