Wed 21 Feb 2007
Long/sharp knives are out, from BNP and AL.
The logistical challenges are quite strong:
1. constitutional issues with forming party during SOE
2. who will capture the remaining 147 seats (assuming Yunus wins 3 seats) to get party majority in parliament
3. how will he stop falthoo people joining and poisoning the venture (remember Kamal H’s Gono Forum)
4. the tiny timeframe Yunus has to build grassroots support (CTG can stay in power maybe another 9 months max?)
February 21st, 2007 at 11:06 am
It’s definitely a power issue, but also in part an insult issue. Dr. Y’s blanket criticism of politicians has angered BNP and AL. Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury recently cited his pre-announcement views on politics (”no principle, they all do it for money, I’m not interested,” etc.), as if no one had previously done politics in Bangladesh with a view to change things–a strange interpretation of history in the month of February. Also AL is additionally angry because of his public support of Iajuddin during the earlier caretaker fiasco. Expect more controversy about elections as well: If the CTG is able to prevent most previous MPs from both parties to compete in the next elections by pressing mass-scale corruption charges, then it makes the path clearer for NaSh to emerge, but they’ll have to deal with widespread civil unrest.
February 21st, 2007 at 11:25 am
I think these are fair issues.
If you are going to call all politicians “crooks and corrupt”, then at least explain to the public why you want to be one.
If you thought Iajuddin was A+ then explain to the public why you thought so and where you stand now.
As a politician, he will face tough questions.
February 21st, 2007 at 11:44 am
I am 100% agreed with Salam Dhaka. Yunus owes
Explanations to us
February 21st, 2007 at 12:25 pm
AL and BNP’s rhetoric towards DMY is a clear statment about the pollitical garbage we are in. Of course H&K are afraid about their future. DMY is the real challange they are going to faces in BD politics. DMY said politicians are crooks and corrupt in BD therefore he is joing in politics to clean the house.
February 21st, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Some points to ponder:
Professor Yunus-er khola chithir khola uttor:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/uttorshuri/message/6547
An open response to the open letter of Professor Yunus
Mozammel H Khan
Dear Prof. Yunus,
This is an open response to your open letter to the citizens of your
beloved country, the country which you have brought to centre-fold of
pride in the international arena through your winning the much-coveted
Nobel Prize for peace. Your winning the Nobel Prize for peace has put
additional burdens on you to live up to the expectations of the people
not only within the geographical boundaries of Bangladesh but to the
people of the current global village at large. The multi-dimensional
aspect of peace has propelled the Nobel committee to extend its
periphery to recognize the contributions that may not be directly
entangled to what Alfred Nobel’s will had envisioned in 1895. US
scientist Dr. Normal Borloug, Iranian human rights activists Dr. Shirin
Ebadi and Kenyan enviromentalist Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai and you have
been awarded the peace prize in the similar extended dimension of
peace. However, this extended dimension in no way has undermined the
burden of your obligation to ‘advance democracy and human rights’, the
direct component of peace, as has been inscribed in the citation for
you by the Nobel Committte.
Regrettably enough, your performance as a voice of conscience in your
own homeland for the last several years in particular was far from
reassuring. Over the last sevreral years the battered human right
situations of our dear homeland was of grave concerns for many concious
souls around the globe. Oppression of minorities and opposition
workers, custodial torture and death, the brutal techniques of
custodial torture of politicians and intellectuals alike and probably,
the most despicable of all crimes committed by the government that has
been termed by human rights organizations as ‘terrorism by the State’
where people were being killed on daily basis in the name of so-called
‘crossfire’, absolutely disregarding the rule of law. Ironically, you
have been totally mum on these reprehensible acts of a government that
derived its authority from a constitutional process.
While you have endorsed the civil society movement to elect honest and
suitable candidates, you have been totally silent when one of our
brightest bureaucrat-turned politicians had been killed by assassin’s
grenade. It was puzzling to note the indifference of one our most
gifted sons, even before you became a Nobel laureate, vis-à-vis such a
heinous crime and tragedy.
If the ‘denial of bank credit to the poor people is a violation of
human rights’ then ‘denial of the right to know and teach the true
history of the nation to our school children’ is at least a violation
of human rights of equal magnitude, if not more. During the dark era of
the last BNP led government when our history was systematically
distorted, not only as an illustrious citizen but as an active maker of
that history as well, you did not express any words of criticisms for
this devilish act.
In one of your addresses to uproot corruption, you proposed the idea to
form ‘Sufferers Association’, you expect whose members to come to ACC
with evidence. However, when poor Nuruzzaman was arrested and tortured
for his ‘crime’ for bringing a simple allegation of bribery demand by
the son of a the then minister, a citizen, let alone an illustrious
one, I did not read any words of sympathy or protest from you to
rescues Nuruzzanan from the torturous arms of the State Machinery. It
was no other than Irene Khan, the chief of the Amnesty International,
who had to issue statement of condemnation in favour of the poor
sufferer.
Terming the present situation new one, you have said this is ‘the high
time’ to start politics from a new angle. However, I am afraid; you had
no part, whatsoever, in the creation of that ‘high time’. Over the
last two years or so, when the opposition political parties were
putting forward their demands for reforms to create a level playing
field to hold a free and fair election, you had no words of sympathy
for them. Quite to the contrary, only the other day when Prof. Iajuddin
Ahmed was carrying out one mischievous act after another to help his
benefactors materialize their blue prints, and while the whole nation
was critical of his actions and inactions, you evaluated his
performance through an A plus, which rather encouraged him to carry
forward with his partisan activities. In full tune with the BNP led
alliance, you were in favour of holding the election on January 22 in
order to ‘save the constitution’. In fact, it was the determination of
the AL led political alliance to derail the farcical electoral process,
the support of the international community in favour of a credible
election, the ceaseless effort by a section of civil society and the
timely action of our armed forces in full harmony with the wishes of
our people that saved the day. The widely acclaimed and prudent actions
of the Fakhruddin government in carrying forward with the multi-prone
reforms only proved the full-scale merits of the demands raised by the
AL led alliance. Fairness demands that you at least extend your thanks
and gratitude to these stakeholders, including thousands of political
activities who took to the streets, braving the police brutality of
Iajuddin government and specially those who laid down their lives for
creating this ’high time’ for you to float a new political party.
I could not agree with you more when you say, “it is now clear to all
that it is not possible to reach the adorably goal maintaining the
existing political culture; it is only possible by bringing a
comprehensive change to the culture. Through my work and experience, I
feel with all my heart that the people with their innate sense of
endeavour and creativity can achieve the impossible if political
goodwill, competent leadership and good governance can be established”.
However, I am taking strong exception to your intention when you are
putting yourself in the helm to lead that endeavour by forming a new
political party for two reasons. Firstly, through your sheer
indifference to the cause of human rights and rule of law, specifically
over the last five years of darkest rule, you failed to portray
yourself as a moral beacon, as was devoutly done by Prof. Muzaffor
Ahmed and others, for our citizens to emulate and take strength from.
While I respect your democratic right to form a political party but at
same token, in the arena of human rights, I am sorry to question about
the lapse that exist between what you practiced vis-à-vis our
expectation. Moreover, I am not too sure about the potential success of
your endeavour as well. Even Bertrand Russell failed in his multiple
bids to secure a seat in the House of Commons in the cradle of
democracy.
We have two types of politicians: one with firm conviction, while the
other with sheer opportunism. In the leadership level the later vastly
outnumbers the former while on the grass root level, a complete reverse
scenario exists. In response to your call to help with the formation of
a political party, in addition to many who, in the past, failed to
secure a berth in either of the existing political camps, I can
visualize the later group flocking into your camp in large numbers as
they may not be willing to ride anymore the sinking ship. Another group
of our citizens who always stay on the sidelines during the hours of
need of the nation but are absolutely attuned to your unfortunate
comments of bracketing all the politicians in the same bracket of
corrupt and devoid of any political conviction will be clapping your
arrival, as if with Aladdin’s lamp in your hand, to the domain where
controversy is a name of the game. Personal honesty has never been a
shield from criticisms for a politician. If you get to reach the
corridor of power, it will be the same group who will, most likely,
take no time in placing you in the same bracket where they have put the
leaders of the main political parties, without any differentiation,
albeit they are not a political force to reckon with. In fact, this is
the second reason why I am vehemently opposed to your entry into
political fray, since it would be extremely painful to see any dent,
through an iota of controversy around you, on our pride which you have
raised multi-folds on October 13, 2006 in the community of nations. Our
nation expects to see you as its conscience whereby you will be working
as its defacto ombudsman in promoting human rights and rule of law. You
have no right in your good sense, Professor Yunus, to demolish the
glory that you yourself have engraved on the face of the nation.
Dr. Mozammel H. Khan is the Convenor of the Canadian Committee for
Human Rights and Democracy in Bangladesh.
February 21st, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Bangladeshi/bangali has to learn rational reaction. I can remember, once our boys won something called “dana/gothia cup” and obviously the whole country though we are going to win world cup soon etc etc. It turn out that our boys were much older (due to no proper birth record) than their counterparts. Dr Younus got the nobel prize - come on he is not the only one in the world. I lived many years in Oxford and while visiting a college I found at least 13 pictures on the wall those won nobel prize - and it was only one college. It seems to me that Dr Younus also sorounded by similar level of flaterer as the politicians have, therefore there is every chnace of missing the otherside of the story. I think his political involvement will create pressure for others to change which is good.
February 21st, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Prof. Yunus sought some feedback on phone/email/SMS. I think that owes some explanation to us too. I mean what was the response, how many people responded in favor or against his plan, what were the arguments of people who wanted or opposed him to join politics etc. etc. Still I would like to see what he says in his political party objective and activities. But as many people are asking, can you announce any political party during an emergency period?
February 21st, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Much concern about Dr Yunus’ Nobel glory, and how it may be damaged - but I can imagine, that to him Nobel is a small token, (compared to other 140 amazing awards, and his astronomic achievements in Grameen).
What concerns Yunus is the CRUMBLING of the nation, and how he cannot just sitback and watch it crumble, while just basking in the glory. That would be too selfish, and too wasteful, given the incredible ACCESS and TALENTS he has to making a difference, to the nation.
He is a GO-GETTER, and a highly tech-savvy intellectual.
Silly comments from Hasina, or DU teachers are not going to sway him from his direction, nor going to affect his performance. If he did he would have disbanded Grameen years ago.
His comment about politicians was poignantly aimed at those in AL-BNP who not only ROBBED the national revenue, but allowed it to continue, turning a blind eye to reforming system to PREVENT corruption. Obviously not aimed at EVERY politician, but those who took part in that corruption knew full well, what he meant.
AL-BNP Policy of HARTAL and Boycott were grossly motivated, in GRAND corruption, against the interest of nation’s people and economy.
The question of why he wants to become a “politician”, is because of the need for a GENUINE nation-builder and govt LEADER who will stop the practice of hartal, boycott, black money and corruption.
AL and BNP did not provide those options, but only did “politics” to steal more.
February 21st, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Re Zaman #7.
During this emergency situation (SOE), the judiciary system (judges) has been separated from govt. Thats a major deviation from constitution.
Imagine this SOE as a special consitutional situation, where electoral system is being reformed.
Under is SOE therefore, ANY POLITICAL party, any electoral change, any voting reform, etc can be ENFORCED.
February 21st, 2007 at 3:41 pm
Cardinal sins of Dr. Yunus (or for whom the bell tolls)
Omar Khasru
According to entrenched, self-seeking and egotistical practicing partisan politicians and their crony columnist lackeys, Dr. Mohammad Yunus, the solitary Nobel laureate in the history of Bangladesh, has so far committed two cardinal sins. The first is that he was awarded the prestigious and most illustrious prize by the Nobel Committee. And the second peccadillo is his audacity and guts to express a desire to enter politics.
Typical grown-up Bangladeshis love to discuss, dissect, disparage, delve into and pontificate about politics and sports. But “power politics” after all is the exclusive passion, profession, possession, preoccupation, fixation and domain of established and ingrained politicos. How dare a rank outsider, even with the utmost education and knowledge, exalted accomplishments and name recognition, courage, honour and decency enter the arena and try to grab attention, authority, vote, validity, and veracity. They will not share their allegorically fenced off and lifetime leased arena with anyone else, however renowned, respectable and eminent the person may be.
But let me go back to the Dr. Yunus’s cardinal sin paradigm with strictly a commoner’s rational view. After Prof. Yunus was awarded the Nobel prize, the unrestrained joy and uninhibited pride that the populace spontaneously felt was profound and poignant. The micro-credit program, pioneered by him and admired and replicated in the rest of the world has played a symbolic role in alleviating poverty and, equally important, in financially empowering vulnerable and powerless poor rural women.
If one wants to nitpick and look minutely with a microscope into the nitty-gritty, I am sure one can detect blemishes and possible anomalies. I believe that a China-style double digit economic growth is the main driving force for effective poverty reduction with micro-credit playing a potent ancillary part. But I am not going to pull my thinning hair to foist my viewpoint over the recognized success of Prof. Yunus.
Moreover, a Nobel laureate need not be perfect or his program all encompassing. The recipient merely needs to be a unique and leading innovator, a pioneer if you like, and the work needs to be significant and beneficial. I think Dr. Yunus and his micro-credit program meets these prerequisites. The Nobel Peace Prize 2006 has been jointly awarded to a supremely deserving person and his socially conscious organization.
As if receiving the Nobel prize was not enough trouble, Prof. Yunus made a few generic comments about the existing characteristics of politics and the quality of politicians. It was as if he threw a lighted matchstick on a stack of dynamites. Politicians of both leading strands threw a major tantrum and poured extreme vitriol on him.
His assertion that politicians want to capture power because of money would seem like a universal truth and a tautological statement. But politicians on either side of the aisle, who disagree on everything else, unanimously took exception to that. In a phony, pathetic, ridiculous and vain bid to assert purity of character, and emphasize moral, ethical and unblemished incorruptible manners, they made pompous, conceited and sanctimonious comments which neither convinced nor impressed anybody.
That was before Dr. Yunus declared his intention to actually enter active politics. This “affront” and unwarranted encroachment on their cozy comfort zone and restricted metaphoric private elite beachfront property the politicians will simply not stand for.
This became evident when Shaikh Hasina fired the first salvo on February 17 and launched a broadside of verbal abuse against him. She alluded to Dr. Yunus and Grameen Bank as interest-earners and equated the misdeeds of bribe takers and corrupt elements with the interest earnings of Grameen Bank. This of course is an apt example of platitude and hyperbole of the worst kind and Shaikh Hasina is usually considered a champion and supreme practitioner of clichés and hackneyed phrases.
Awami League leaders own private banks that earn interest. Interest earning is the main business of banks and other financial institutions. Does Sheikh Hasina think that the business activity of Mercantile Bank is same as politicians or policemen seeking bribes or practicing corruption? The comparison seems rather preposterous.
It is alright for Sheikh Hasina and leaders of the rival parties to hurl insults, invectives, vitriol and abuses at each other in the strongest of terms, verging on acute rudeness and incivility. Politicians excel in bluster and tall talks; they show inflated creative talents in making mountains out of molehills when it comes to claiming boundless credits from puny little achievements. They justify and rationalize their transgressions and infractions as part of perks. Rather than being too touchy and easily upset about legitimate criticism it is high time that the parties indulge in serious introspection and put their houses in order.
A gentle reminder of part of a 1624 metaphysical poem by John Donne: “[N]ever send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
Prof. Yunus is taking tremendous risk by entering active politics. It is not only the stinging and unfair assault and incessant denigration by detractors but also his effort may flop spectacularly and he may be discredited. That is what vested quarters including the entrenched, petulant and contentious politicians want. He may also be portrayed as the favorite candidate of the World Bank, foreign especially US/UK interests, oil companies, current military backed regime (take your pick). The paradox of his fame, rare accomplishments and his pristine clean standing is that he will forever be held to a much higher standard.
The entry of Prof. Yunus into politics will be like a breath of fresh air in the squalid and putrid corrupt practices that have permeated the political scene for long. Most right minded and level headed Bangladeshis look forward to his political debut with eager anticipation and enormous expectations.
He needs to be aware and cautious about the slippery slope that he almost certainly will encounter, tackle and hopefully overcome. Also, a bunch of recycled old wine in new bottle, run of the mill politicians as cohorts is not the answer.
The new brand of honest and principled politics requires a new brand of candid and conscientious partners and associates. I hope Dr. Yunus will be a resounding success in politics as he has been in his other endeavors and former professions.
Omar Khasru is a freelance contributor to The Daily Star.
February 21st, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Dr Yunus:
1. Why did you think we should have gone to elections under M.A Aziz?
2. Why did you think Iajuddin was A+?
3. Do you think politicians “only care for money” now that you are going to be one?
4. Why do an SMS contest in India about your popularity and not in Bangladesh?
February 21st, 2007 at 5:00 pm
We all honor Dr. Yunus coz he brought glory to our nation by securing the nobel prize. But it doesn’t make him above criticism. He should say why he never spoke up against any human rights violation/ corruption at the govt level/ election engineering process.
In 1995, he signed an agreement with Monsanto, an agro giant, to distribute the genetically cultured rice seeds to the poor farmer. Back then, it was the daily star who published a series of article against the potential danger of such a venture. In face of criticism, he withdrew the agreement. Monsanto was beleived to influence his getting FAO prize in 1994. In 1998 he predicted that the flood will cause death for 2 lakh ppl. But he was proven wrong. In 2001 (after BNP won the election), he said that ‘unnoyoner dwar unmukto hoye gecche’, we’ve seen in the last 5 years how was the unnoyon. In 2006, he gave A+ to IAjuddin, he also advocated for Jan 22 election. He was vocal against the oborodh, but mysteriously silent about the election engineering plot. Now he is blaming both the parties, making blanket accusations. In India, he recently commented for the controversial Tata takeover of farming land.
I believe that Dr. Yunus, if elected, will serve the multinationals rather than the people of BD. He’ll be very good for our educated middle class, who are seeking jobs with higher salary, but I don’t think he can make a change in the life of the poor people. In African nations the ports and the mines are usually controlled by the MNCs/ foreign companies. How effective was such foreign investment in reducing the poverty in Africa ?
February 21st, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Come on guys, get a grip! I am sure Yunus regrets giving Iajuddin an A+, but is that the biggest critique you can raise?
We have a political party where the entire top leadership has been revealed to be GIGANTIC crooks, where one minister has 132 flats!!! The unbelievable stench reaches all the way up to the Queen and Royal Prince.
BNP worried as graft cries sharpen against Khaleda, Tarique
http://thedailystar.net/2007/02/22/d7022201096.htm
132 Flats!!!
http://thedailystar.net/2007/02/22/d70222020326.htm
We have another party where the Queen thinks Bangladesh is baap’er shompotthi, and after all ey Bangali tho amar bap’re marse– dekhai dimu. Now along comes Yunus to at least try to clean things up, and all you can do is nitpick about the A+?
I agree that Dr. Yunus’ alliances with multinationals are problematic and deserve critique. But in what alternative la la land do you live where you think BNP/AL would be any better on these? In fact, they would be far far worse!
Bangali pareo. If Gandhi came back from dead tomorrow and wanted to lead the country, public bolbe “oy shala dhuti porsosh ken? Lungi poira politics korthe ai!”
I don’t think Dr. Yunus is a saint and I am sure he has flaws. I am all for critique and am always hyper-critical of politicians. I am sure we will find things to critique when he announces his platform, when he campaigns and if he ends up running the country. But come on, have some perspective! This is our best shot at cleaning the country up at last.
Or who do you put your chips on?
B Chow?
HM Ershad?
Motiur Rahman Nijami?
February 21st, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Naeem,
Well said. Let the guy come in then fight him on policy.
My hands are nishpishing to write about the amazing developments that are happening in BD. Unfortunately I am travelling and has very little time to write long replies.
But I welcome him into our politics. He will make mistakes. Let us contribute and make constructive criticism so that he can correct the mistakes. Like Farhad bhai has said, this man has nothing to gain but a lot to lose by joining politics. It shows his sincerity in really trying to use the stature to change things around.
If last few weeks emails that I am receiving is any indication, the young folks who were turned off politics are suddenly very much tuned in to politics again which is a fantastic thing.
Let the party begin !!
February 21st, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Abdullah Abu Syed sir used to say, ” Our youth suffers from lack of role models and don’t know which direction to go.” I’d like to say, “Sir, it is not that we DON’T have role models, we WON’T have role models.” Bengalis will be Bengalis after all and we have the natural talent to make everything and everyone controversial. Nobody is spared - Mujib, Zia, Yunus, and even Rabindranath. Shabar age ektu thutu chhitaya dewai kam.
In a way, DMY asked for it. His naiveté and imprudence as a politician has marred what would have otherwise been a grand entry into politics. We have endured so many wrong doings by our politicians in the past, can’t we have a little patience with this neo-politician’s words. Let’s find out first what he is really up to. Winning the Nobel Prize is not a crime!!
There are debates about the pros and cons of grameen microcredit system. We don’t know much until it is evaluated METHODICALLY by someone neutral. So, we cannot really discredit him before that is done.
It is quite probable that as a politician he will pursue multinational/capitalist agenda. Whether or not that will help to lay out a corruption free administrative infrastructure and help our economy can be debated upon.
I am not for or against him. I just think that he should be given a fair chance and a little more time. What the DU teachers have done should be condemned. His political identity should not submerge what he has achieved for himself and his country. DMY’s story reminds me of the ‘The Patriot’ - a poem that was our text back in school/college. It has only been two months —Let’s hope his end will not be the same…
I
It was roses, roses, all the way,
With myrtle mixed in my path like mad.
The house-roofs seemed to heave and sway,
The church-spires flamed, such flags they had,
A year ago on this very day!
II
The air broke into a mist with bells,
The old walls rocked with the crowds and cries.
Had I said, “Good folks, mere noise repels -
But give me your sun from yonder skies!”
They had answered, “And afterward, what else?”
III
Alack, it was I who leaped at the sun,
To give it my loving friends to keep.
Nought man could do have I left undone,
And you see my harvest, what I reap
This very day, now a year is run.
IV
There’s nobody on the house-tops now -
Just a palsied few at the windows set -
For the best of the sight is, all allow,
At the Shambles’ Gate - or, better yet,
By the very scaffold’s foot, I trow.
V
I go in the rain, and, more than needs,
A rope cuts both my wrists behind,
And I think, by the feel, my forehead bleeds,
For they fling, whoever has a mind,
Stones at me for my year’s misdeeds.
VI
Thus I entered Brescia, and thus I go!
In such triumphs, people have dropped down dead.
“Thou, paid by the World, - what dost thou owe
Me?” God might have questioned; but now instead
‘Tis God shall requite! I am safer so.
– Robert Browning
February 21st, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Prof Yunus doesn’t have to answer “difficult” questions about his relationship to dysfunctional political orders like the BNP or the AL. Rather, I’d say he needs to answer far more tough questions to the people of Bangladesh:
1> Can he give them jobs and lead them out of poverty?
2> Can he provide the law, order, security and stability in which socially inclusive development can flourish?
3> Can he create a working, environmentally aware infrastructure on which to build a safe and socially mobile country?
February 21st, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Let us not forget the context of Dr. Yunus’ A+ remark.
Iajuddin declared himself the Chief Adviser on 29th October and Yunus made the A+ comment two days later, on Nov 1st. With the impending political crisis, at that time it did look like a good way out. The advisers he appointed were mostly neutral and non-partisan. IMO the first team of advisers were better than the current lot.
But as we soon found out, by Iajuddins activities, BNP were still running the show behind the scenes and the current purge in all level of the administration is a proof of that.
Another point which has been argued on this board is Dr. Yunus called all politicans corrupt so if he joins politics he also becomes corrupt, for what he said ??!! What sort of logic is this?? AL/BNP logic??
All politicians who matter in Bangladesh are corrupt, let’s not talk about the fringe actors like the Inus, Menons etc. In Bangladesh politics means BNP, AL, Jamaat and JP (LDP - not a viable party yet).
Dr. Yunus has not yet picked a name for his party (Nagorik Shakti has been proposed). I am sure in due time he will announce his platform and answer all our questions. We have a vibrant TV/Print media and I am sure they will see to it that we get all the answers from him.
Give him time….
February 21st, 2007 at 8:55 pm
True Asif & Naeem, unfortunately Yunus looks like a better option right now. I am also very happy that the people who were repulsed by the name of politics are getting interested once again. For that Yunus deserves some thanks.
I am sure that our political parties will change themselves fast so that they can put on a fight against Yunus. I’ve a negative stand against so called ultra globalization, that’s why I’m not supporting Yunus. To me, a political party is not only about economy, it concerns much more than that. I am also against any party getting to the power with the help from the govt. That’s why I was against BNP in the last couple of months. If Dr.Yunus can earn public support and get to the power, I’ll have no objection. On the other hand, if he forms a party like Ershad and Zia did, uses state machinaries to form it and to influence the outcome of the next election in his favor, I will never support his move.
By the way Naeem, giving Iajuddin A+ then and now reversing the stand proves his 1. Lack of Political Knowledge, 2. Lack of courage to speak up against the govt in power, 3. Possible political bias. He is a nobel laureate, so his every word has a certain weight. A strong stand (as Asif had taken) for the truth was absent from his part. These are essential qualities for a good political leader. If he wants to be a good politician, he should also look into these factors.
February 21st, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Bangladesh got liberated on Jan 11th 2007 but the war is still on,keep fighting Jawaans
Dear Fellow,
It’s pathetic to see so many people are against Dr Yunus for openning a political party and emerge in the country as the third eye or third force, like the last hope for saving the country from the crooks, corrupt and criminized politiciansofBangladesh.Interestingly we Bangladeshi Bangali like to make history on the walk, another such history was written in the heart of Bangladesh on Jan 11th 2007. The history of liberation. This is the only country in the world who got liberated twice. Once we got liberation in 1971 from the oppression of Pak Hanadar Bahini and than on Jan 11th 2007 we got liberated from Bakhshalism,Rokhi Bahinism, Mujibism,Ziaism,Ershadism,BNP’ism, AWLism,Jamaatism,corruptionism,criminalism,oppressionism,suppressionism,rapism,crueltiism,facistism,familycrasim goondaism,rongabaism and choriism of the combined force of AWL,BNP, Jatiya party,Jamaat.
When the country was getting raped rigt and left for last 36 years and than mostly in the last past regime of BNP government from 2001-2006 no one uttered a word, but when the time came for election and change of power all the demands and reformation came in to being from AWL. and the other opposition and some newly opportunist party of LDP and Khelafamojlish in the name of moha Oikko jote 14 party alliace. I respect their agenda they were good but on the expense of 150 million peoples lifes and welfare and economic unstability of the country didn’t hold the respect for much longer from the common people( the hard earn labour people who bring in day and eat in a day).The country hit a point of no return and almost gave the name to the country as a failed state in the international media and in home and abroad. The two uneducated leaders of the main two parties who doesn’t even come and sit together or even come to face to face to even talk, forget about solving or discussing the problem.
What ever happens happens for the best. I am a firm believer on this and here comes the liberation from the silent revolution of the citizens party ( common people). We said enough is enough. Here comes our help from the greatest son of the soil the arm force,the arm force which I named them Made in Bangladesh. The first product batch of the BMA and most important the product which are mostly borned after 1971 with the help of the intellectuals and common people save and liberated the country.
Now when the country is going in the right direction as the train is put back on it’s track(by interim government of Dr Fakhruddin by cleaning the mess for a free and fair election ongoing, we the common people were looking for a driver to drive the train for the long haul. We have tried all type of drivers before like dictators,Generals, Majors,widow,separated-frusted women, half-men,half-women but they all fail to deliver the goods of service to the train.We didn’t find a single driver who has to guts to drive this train. The train was waiting for a new driver with his arms open to embrace, who has a vision, who talk, who listen, who plan , who understand the road, who knows the weather, who knows about the machanical-engineering difficulties, who is passionate,who loves his commoners who would ride in this train, no one came forward from the whole group of 150 million people but minus the one “Dr Muhammad Yunus”
The nobel laureate, peace maker, the fighter who fights against poverty,the manager who runs the organization of 10 million people with his education,passion,love.experience , honesty, the person who lead by example, the best Bengali of the East. The guy who has achieved it all. The guy who has won it all. The guy who has have it all. The guy who could easily live in peace and harmony like a king regardless he comes to join politics or not where he would be controvertial but no, here comes the Bangali nature of the Bangali Bangladeshi, who just can’t see it’s own good. They just can’t see their good future by their own eyer’s they are the enemy of their own good. Joining hands with Hasina and Khaledha, now as they both know that their existance is questionable because people are getting a choice to choose the honest and the educated for the first time in the history of Bangladesh rather than as always for last 36 years to choose from the lesser evil of the two the game has changed. Why Dr Muhammad Yunus” why him.Why not Hasina and Khaledah( ami arr amar mamu deshtareh lootah poirah khamu) where ami=AWL, Mamu= BNP
Now he is userers( Shodhkor) he is similar to corrupt. He is a disastor as he is rushing to the politics( as per Hasina dailystar feb20th).He is a bad person who charge high interest for this loan. He used force to get his repayment back from the poor women on his payment stallments. He used influence of the west to get the nobel peace prize ( from Saifur rahman), he is an international agent ( per Khaledah). What a pity man:
What had happend and the decision from Dr Yunus to form a political party is the best think ever happend for Bangladesh. We should be proud that we can see the development of the country with our own eyes as we live and enjoy it’s benefits, we can be part of it. We can build our country with our own hand. We are all aware of the deeds and work of our Ex MP’s and minester’s corrupt and criminalization. The list of the 50 influential persons filled almost equally by AW and BNP and others on how they grab public property , how one of them own 132 flats of his own, the stealing or personal use of the relief goods.
Than how can you ever talk about BNP and AWL? I know not all of them are corrupt I agree but where the honest and patriots were sleeping when all this corruption and mis-deeds were taking place under the nose of the two big netris
Hasina and Khaledah and Jalil and Bhuiyah or they were part of it too? Didn’t Khaleadha know anything about Falu and his pokor chori? didn’t Hasina know anything about the sontrash of Joynal Hazari and Shamim Osman?
Injust embraced and injustice done the sin is the same. Why would I respect a leader who has know guts to protest,why would I respect a leader who can’t call a spade a spade? a thief a thief, a corrupt a corrupt?
What would happen if AWL will come to power Hasina has already said that her own government won’t be able to arrest Falu or Giusuddin Mamun because than Khaledah and Tareq would call hartals. So should I vote for Hasina even if I support AWL? who doesn’t have the guts to arrest the corrupt regardless of being an may be ( elected government) or what else can we expect from AWL or BNP. They are same party with different name.Flip the coin it be same both side. And voting BNP for power again should be history for years.
We should punish AWL and BNP by saying no-vote to AWL and BNP for next two terms. We should punish them for their misdeeds and to the leaders to ignore it and put a blind eye to all the bad deeds of their followers. When a dad can punish his son for misgiving and misdeed can’t the citizens of the country have the right to frachise it’s right to punish the culprit? Don’t we listen lecture of democracy from this two ladies ? would they allow us to be democratic and franchise our rights to vote by saying no to BNP and AWL?
The million dollar question.I would let the readers answer this. I am not saying that if Yunus come to power the country would be gold but atleast it would be educated enough to produce gold in the form of young generation and we will make the country clean from the pollution of bad and confrontational and hartal and violence politics of the past. Even if we can save the country from a hartal or oboroadh or sea-port oborodh we can move forward but not back ward. Enough is enough and everything has a limit. As you sow so you reap..
Thanks
Kawser Jamal
http://www.changeBangladesh.com
Fighting for Better Bangladesh.
We are honest and passionate citizens of the country.
Kawser Jamal
505 Nan Circle
Little rock, Ar 72211.
http://www.changeBangladesh.com
I have the guts to call a spade a spade do you?
Lets join hands to build a better Bangladesh.Just Bangladesh.
If there is ever Yunus’ism I will protest that too,till the end, but just give him a fair chance If he ever goes astray we will remove him too.We Bangali Bangladeshi have proved that a lot
of time that we won’t give a free ride or a joy ride to any body any more.
February 21st, 2007 at 10:35 pm
I am just happy with the fact that people has started regaining hope in Bangladesh politics and are discussing politics and hoping for a change Bangladesh. I personally have some concerns regarding YSG but at least so far he has managed to unite all of us in a way that the whole country (including all political parties) whether supporting him or opposing him are waiting to hear what he wants to say about how he will proceed in politics and about his political party (which I think was very rear in Bangladesh). Many of us are also waiting to see what ahead of Bangladesh in this critical changing phase.
February 21st, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Well said Timur,
“By the way Naeem, giving Iajuddin A+ then and now reversing the stand proves his 1. Lack of Political Knowledge, 2. Lack of courage to speak up against the govt in power, 3. Possible political bias. He is a nobel laureate, so his every word has a certain weight. A strong stand (as Asif had taken) for the truth was absent from his part. These are essential qualities for a good political leader. If he wants to be a good politician, he should also look into these factors. ”
and These are the true points you have mentioned here.
Basically at least we got some Road map from
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharjee several times. Dr Akbar Ali Khan or Hassan Mashud Chwdhury even show some instance. But Did yunus able to make such mark. Govt of the people, for the people , by the people.It is not for the
section of people
But we have to analysis his pree & Post Nobel activities closely. Asif you are in the banking sector . so you might analysis well where is the advantage & loop holes of Grameen concept.In Business you have Capex& Opex. If we think on the Macro level by concentrating more on opex , is he thinking the interest of the poor people.
It seems His Political ambition is depending on the interest of Capitalist world. and he
wants to be always on the good book of them for his desperate attempt.
February 21st, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Naeem #13 hit the nail right on.
The key is to get a legitimate party and leader who will be best to clean up the country, AT LAST.
All other minor details of “A+, politician, interest rate” are just talk like Gandhi’s Dhuti.
February 21st, 2007 at 11:11 pm
With regards to criticisms about Yunus not doing this or that, I am reminded of a conversation I had with an ultra conservative Russian emigre in the early 80’s. This was right after the Gandhi movie had come out. He was a big critic of Gandhi. His main reasoning was that if Gandhi was so righteous, how come he did not do anything about the blacks in South Africa, where he started his political movement. I explained to him Gandhi has just started his political career and his philosophy was yet to be formed. His main focus at that time was the injustice inflicted on the Indian community in South Africa. You cannot fault someone for their omission when it is not part of their focus. By the same token, you have to fault every great man for all the things that he hadn’t done or all the worthy causes they failed to support.
If Dr. Yunus was running a human rights campaign in Bangladesh, and he had not spoken out against Kibria assassination, I would understand why this should draw criticisms. His focus until now had been micro-credit. With the way BNP-Jamaat government treated Proshika, there was good reason for him not to be public about opinions that is sensitive politically. It’s only Nobel fame has given Grameen Bank some immunity of late.
About giving Iajuddin an A+, you have to see the matter from the angle of some one desperately looking for political stability as chaos and disorder threatens his life’s work. I don’t see it as a support for Iajuddin, but essentially a wish to see things resolved. Time and again, he talked about settling matters amicably for the same reasons.
It just seems the other day that Yunus could do no wrong. Now that he is rocking the political boat, every type of attack, whether justified or not has become fair game. The person is yet to do anything political except declaring his political intentions. I suppose our politicians and their supporters have become truly worried and indulging in political mudslinging as usual.
I do have concerns like all the rest of you. My biggest question is whether Yunus be able to develop democracy from the bottom up or if he will he succumb to a coterie of yes-men that have made many leaders insular and out of touch with public, like our other political leaders. Also, I am worried about the stability of personality dependent politics. I am also worried if he will be dismissive of all criticisms the same way he is sometimes dismissive of some studies that suggest that micro-credit is not as successful with the poorest of the poor as it is for the slightly better off among the poor.
With regards to questions whether Yunus will represent India, USA or multinational interests, I see his international connections as a positive factor. He has shown himself to be tough on issues that matter to Bangladesh. Despite the Nobel prize being awarded by Norway, he did use the Norwegian trip to pick a legitimate fight with Nortel to try to get them to honor an informal pledge about handing majority share to Grameen stake-holders. Initially, Nortel was denying any such agreement existed; the third largest newspaper in Norway got hold of a copy of this informal written understanding from Nortel sources and it supported Yunus’ position. He also got support from an influential Norwegian parliament speaker. How many other personalities in Bangladesh or even the world will get this kind of support in Norway for Bangladesh institution against the interests of Norwegian shareholders? If this is a sign on how things are going to work out when Bangladesh’s interests are at stake, there is no worry about being controlled by foreign interests. More than any one else, Yunus will be in a position to get Bangladesh the best deal. He has already offered to help out the Garment manufacturers in the US market and a man of his international stature can do more than any one in Bangladesh.
February 21st, 2007 at 11:16 pm
attack will come mostly from AL, a ploy to keep AL supporters in bay. So that they do not change side.
The reaction of Nil dol and golapi dol against yunus being in the dhaka university convocation is something that requires due consideration and provides some food for thought.
The game is being over played for possibly another reason. The reaction of AL against yunus will make anti-AL people support yunus even more leaving BNP.
In that way it will get easier for AL. even a 5% shift will be disaterous for BNP with JP on AL’s side.
Something to think about.
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:03 am
Welcome to Dr. Yunus in BD politics! He has rightly identified the whole of BD politicians as corrupted thugs! I am surprised to see how some politicians are trying to separate themselves as good one while none of them spoke a single word against corruption during their tenure.
Our politics is so much divisive and we seem to have lost sanity due to our partisan mentality, same like the tribal culture of Arabs. Dr. Yunus’s political debut will bring a new breeze where we hope not to hear usual cacophony from our politicians, such as: Bangladeshi vs Bangalee; shadinotar pokkher shokti vs bipokkher shokti; secular vs non-secular; mujib vs zia; shadhinotar ghoshok vs jatir jonok…and so on.
DMY is neither from Sheikh or Zia family, nor he has made money like some of our present politicians made by shady dealings. He comes clean with a clean track record and I am sure that given a chance he will change this country!
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:11 am
AL are naturally upset against Yunus, because having derailed the BNP-ghesha elections, AL hits a bigger obstacle.
Not only a new opponent, but a referee, linesman, and penalties too??!
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:16 am
I don’t think his norway movement is is wise move or any thing for the Bangladesh side. and You can’t compare Yunus with Gandhi at all. Here My opinion is that he wanted to use his nobel price to claim the more profit from Telenor.
Gandhi foughtfor the independence of people
But even we don’t know what was the roll of Yunus during our indpendence.
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:47 am
I wouldn’t be surprise if some people start to question like these …
1. He call himself ‘Mohammod Yunus’, but we never see him wearing ‘tupi’ and going to masque in public.
2. He blame corrupted politicians, but didn’t say anything against corrupted business or business men.
3. How come he never criticized Razakers and Islami fandos till date?
4. He is talking big project related India, also recently visited India, but why he never question on border killings by India?
5. Why he is not showing respect & gratefulness to a shameless loser, who claim to be the mother god of current CTG, which resulted his new born.
6. How come he never went to people with ‘jakater lungi & shari’ instead of loan, if he really cared about poor? rather money making?
….
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:51 am
Tanoy,
You are entitled to your opinion. No one compared Yunus with Gandhi. Tanveer bhai gave a context citing Gandhi’s example. So what if there are a lot of things that you don’t agree with. Don’t vote for him . Whatever his role is in wherevere. If he doesn’t come clean based on your liking, don’t vote for him. But what rights you or anybody else has to keep him out of politics because of that? I just am not seeing what are you, Salam Dhaka, Sushanta etc are arguing about. Don’t like him, don’t vote for him.
I am sorry to note that the quality of dp debates are fast declining.
February 22nd, 2007 at 1:05 am
No the Gandhi reference came from Naeem in #13, saying people will always find faults:
“Bangali pareo. If Gandhi came back from dead tomorrow and wanted to lead the country, public bolbe “oy shala dhuti porsosh ken? Lungi poira politics korthe ai!””
I seconded that in #22.
February 22nd, 2007 at 1:10 am
In my opinion, Dhaka University teachers & students just put the final nail to the coffin of their well reputed ‘progressive mind’. Enough of their political service! It’s prime time they do their business education and education only.
February 22nd, 2007 at 2:41 am
Asif is right on the point. If you don’t like the guy, JUST DONT VOTE FORM HIM. After all the corruptions of the professionals politicians, Yunus not wearing tupi and why he didn’t personally distribute “lungi & sari” are comical criticisms! What is next? criticize his fashion sense & fotua!! The guy has just started crawling in the political theatre. I agree with Naeem that Yunus must by now regrets the A+ comment. At least he has decided to get his hands dirty fully knowing the unhygienic political culture that prevails in todays Bangladesh. If our friends who are so enthusiastically dancing on the anti Yunus tune, can you please come up with an alternate candidate with same or similar stature whom they dont mind votinf for?
Cheers
February 22nd, 2007 at 3:22 am
well Asif I am defensing my opinion. See
I never mentioned he should not be in politics.
even one of my writing indicated that arrivel of him has improved the quality of the agenda
of politics. But I really don’t like his comments or some steps which look very much childish to me in some extent. At least Nobel Lauriet Like him should give some thing New and If he joins the politics he
should have patience to hear about Criticism. Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury is always a big critic of Yunus. So what does it mean?
any of them is become inferior to each other’s site? I do have same respect for AGC
and Yunus.
Asif you are an intelligent man.
So you should not be that emotional in such comment. I have a policy to say white to white and gray to gray.that does not mean
I am always correct. and Definitely If you
feel u have right to remove this posting.
As you are the captain of the ship , you must maintain the quality and we will also try to follow .
I am agreed with Tanvir that Yunus can influence the international community for the development of our country. But I strongly oppose his general comments about all the Political leaders of Bangladesh.
Just remember By casting vote your responsibility is not going to be finished.
If the same people like Moudud Ahmed is joining with Yunus what the benefit we will get from him? IF Khelafat Mazlish-AL agreement faces Criticism why Yunus will not be treated as common people. Because To be leader of the people you must be common people first.
February 22nd, 2007 at 3:30 am
Sufi Baba yes. To me Yunus is not the last person.
If I utter the name of Dr Debapriya Bhattacharjee, Dr Fakruddin Ahmad, Hassan Mashud chowdhury or Dr Akbar Ali Khan is there any problem? This type of list is end less.
See I am not opposing Yunus. This is not the question of substitutes. My opinion is that Yunus is not the last answer to Bangladesh.
and Current CTG administration is running well without Yunus. Just remember that. Even
I will mention the name of Sheikh Haseena or Motia chowdhury also. Because I did not find any serious flow on them at all
February 22nd, 2007 at 4:14 am
To focus back on Naeem’s original questions /comments:
1. constitutional issues with forming party during SOE
There is a ban on political activities. Doc Y cannot take this forward without “authorities” turning a blind eye.
2. who will capture the remaining 145 seats (assuming Yunus wins 5 seats) to get party majority in parliament
I will be confident in predicting that local elections will happen before Parliamentary ones. Is he preparing for that? Then the question to be asked is how is he doing so? What is the screening process for candidates?
3. how will we stop the rats from BNP/AL etc jumping ship, joining Yunus, and poisoning the venture (remember Kamal H’s Gono Forum was bedeviled by goondas trying to join)
This is a to me the crux of issue I have with this adventure. Citizens have been asked to form committees. There seems to be no system to validate who gets in.
Though I do not have first hand experience with this, but I’ve been told by many ex-Grameen that his style is very autocratic in nature and he is not open to criticism. Is this true? In that case does it help having 145 other Parliamentarian or 10,000+ grassroots chairmen, members and ward commissioners?
And isn’t the fact that we are already promoting a celebrity (albeit a capable one). Isn’t that the problem with the party system now? It is leader centric and without democratic election and process in choosing those who run it. I would have been so much more comfortable if Doc Y from the beginning came in with a well-defined team.
4. the tiny timeframe Yunus has to build grassroots support (CTG can stay in power maybe another 9 months max?)
Well firstly I think the elections are at least 18-24 months away. So he has the time. But the question in my mind is
a) What is the ideology that he believes in? Anti-corruption drive, while much required, cannot be the only platform. Honesty cannot be the only criteria for us to choose a leader. In any case now with Hassan Mashud in the helm of ACC, we will see great advances in the Anti-corruption drive.
b) Where is he getting the funding of building this grassroot network? Are we confident that small donations from individuals will come? How much? Will there be a cap on donation. Or will sources be revealed?
I think reading reactions here and at other places, and from talking with many from different socio-economic groups, I am in the same boat as many. We are torn. We do not what to do. Our heart says that Doc Y is the only hope we have got while our head implores us not to be so hasty in jumping into bed with first person we fancy. To take that thought a little bit further, I’ll wait and see what the politics of Doc Y is before I give up my political virginity to Nagorik Shakti.
February 22nd, 2007 at 4:27 am
Asif ref point #29: end of the day we as voters will either vote for him or not vote for him.
But here in DP and in other forums we should be able to debate the pro & con of the man joining politics. Not that anyone is saying that Doc Y does not have the right to come into active politics. Only if he should.
I agree with you that some of the reasons being offered from the “anti” lobby is sketchy at best. But those reflect the sentiments of the Yunusphobes. Younusters on the other hand are not giving anymore arguement than “he is an honest man / we have no other choice in comparision”.
Both sides need to do better.
And for a fence sitter like me the debate (and decision) is still up in the air. What I decide on (however insignificant it might be) will largely be based on the debate on forums like DP.
February 22nd, 2007 at 4:30 am
Tanoy,
Everything has a place and time for everything. Just like it is irrelevent to post Happy valentines day on 21st February, the thread has a topic. Unless you clearly connect your content to the topic, it loses relevance. We are discussing the merits of his joining politics not “what do you like and dislike about yunus”. All of those flaws that you mentioned regarding A plus to Iajudding, these were all discussed/criticized to death before. Just look at the archive . In the later days when we will do the comparison between the parties, these issues will obviously be discussed.
But so that’s why I was confused about why people are bringing up these non-issues which he will have to explain eventually when he joins politics.
February 22nd, 2007 at 4:42 am
Farhan brought on some nice points.
Firstly, it does not look like DMY is going for a few seats in the parliament and will be satisfied being the decisive fraction in forming the next government. He sounds quite ambitious and confident. If his party is going to have candidates in all 300 constituencies within whatever little time left, who are these people?? Do we even know for certain any prominent personalities who are going to join his party? Even if he has a few intellectuals, technocrats, businessman, and bureaucrats with him, it is hard to believe that the grassroot people will vote for them.
Secondly, the CTG/IG is backing DMY - this rumor was rife for a while. If this is true, will the CTG/IG try to prolong their stay (surely they’ll stay more than 9 months) to give DMY enough time to organize his party?? Is that the reason, SK Hasina backed away from her demand for voter ID cards and wanted an election ASAP?
My guess is, there is something brewing and we are yet to know it.
DMY was not judicious in his first steps as a politician. He may bring us hope but we are ‘ghar pora garu’, and therefore, need to find out first what he is really upto before extending our support. He needs time, we need time….
February 22nd, 2007 at 4:44 am
Farhan,
I think its too early to decide whether you or I will vote for Yunus without knowing his platform or policies. However, it is the right time to state whether we should celebrate Yunus’ entry to politics. Here is my one sentence reason to celebrate it.
When an articulate inspirational figure with tremendous national and international stature and very good organizational capability joins an industry, the industry is bound to get a bump up. So everyone’s life whose life is affected by the industry should be happy. I see three things happening when he enters.
Qualitative change in politics
Competition between the parties
Possibilities of a genuine alternative force in politics
More people will be encouraged to join politics for the right reason
Having said that, if Yunus stays credible for the foreseeable few months, then the other parties will fill the heat and clean house. Whether anyone likes him or not, unless they were direct benefeciaries of the looting that went on, they should be able to celebrate the improvement in the party they support — whether it is bnp, al or cp
February 22nd, 2007 at 4:54 am
Check the full write up at the Phiriye Dao Blog and comment there.
February 22nd, 2007 at 4:57 am
RE: #39
In other words, DMY is the best thing we have right now that can break this AL-BNP duopoloy in BD politics. It is a little worrisome that the initial look of it is another personality-based political party. But we need to welcome it for its, hopefully, rich content and new views and ideology.
DMY has decided to join politics. Whether he should have or shouldn’t have is not a very important question anymore. He is here and what he brings to the table is what we all are waiting to see.
February 22nd, 2007 at 5:05 am
For discussion,
“Poverty in the museum”…a rhetoric or a real possibility?
February 22nd, 2007 at 5:08 am
First of all Asif I am really sorry about that posting of Val day in Ekush e February.:). To be very Honest I have very less idea about Valentine’s day and all.But I again mentioned
You are the Captain of the ship. and It is not necessary you have to submit every thing which anyone writes. To me which is correct it should not be relevance to you. so You will put only what ever you feel right and we will accept in sporting way. Because by doing Drishtipat you are bringing all NRBs under one banner who have difference of opinion.It is really a great achievement.
But yea you see ” To every action has equal and opposite reactions.”
what’s going on in here even lots of blogers
highlighting best part of yunus and attacking some other people who might not be
even responsible for that and here I am agreed with Farhan. This is not question of
anti or Pro Yunus. But I am 100% agreed with you that arrival of Yunus will bring more productivity in politics. I also watch politics as industry. Agenda should be Chittagong port, Voip etc which is related to the development of the country and issue based. Not unproductive things like pro or anti India
February 22nd, 2007 at 6:19 am
Mr Naeem and ASIF
I would like to thank you for nicely presented posting on DMY. I was little bit confused for the entry of DMY to politics. But after going some days i see there is going a nice competition to be good politician everwhere in AL, BNP and other parties in BD. Every party will has to consider good policies regarding to DMY’s Policy. AND this is the best part of the entry of DMY to politics.
Sushanta
February 22nd, 2007 at 6:23 am
Nice to see the discussion back in track.
1. constitutional issues with forming party during SOE
As long as he doing paper works like till date, it wont be any problem I guess. I mean he is not holding any press conference or public demonstration except sending letters or view to media, which is within the line that other public figures are enjoying or practicing. Certainly there would be a time open for political activity for all parties before election, which he may use with full swing, though not sure is that enough or not. But that’s the reality he has to accept.
2. who will capture the remaining 145 seats (assuming Yunus wins 5 seats) to get party majority in parliament
Well I shall be happy even if he get 2nd or 3rd majority in his first election. If he manage half or more, I don’t bother much who gets the rest, but the key word is law and constitution has to be working good. Otherwise ‘hortal’, ‘oborodh’, chaos on the street by opposition as usual may come again for NOTHING issue.
3. how will we stop the rats from BNP/AL etc jumping ship, joining Yunus, and poisoning the venture (remember Kamal H’s Gono Forum was bedeviled by goondas trying to join)
In grass root level? I am not sure, but in middle or upper level, Dr. Yunus should avoid every little rats for that matter. I mean all educated fresh new faces he needs, don’t have to worry about experience in politics or anything for that matter. Any body fails to do the job, just replace with backup.
4. the tiny timeframe Yunus has to build grassroots support (CTG can stay in power maybe another 9 months max?)
I am not sure but for the beginning, local educated volunteers such as collage or University students in grass root level could be an idea. Those who has interest in upper level politics after a few years of field work in grass root level. Could be certified as a ’social worker’ even if those has no interest to continue.
February 22nd, 2007 at 6:51 am
Asif, ref #39:
I am quite positive that Doc Y can be the catalyst for the change we want. However my worry is that he will spend his political capital on a street scuffle instead of using it, as suggested in my Phiriye Ano Bangladesh post, to be the Chief Visionary for the country.
Doc Y in politics for sure. But at what level? In what role?
To draw on the Gandhi comparison (without getting into the debate on if it was a comparison to start with or not), Mohandas Karamchand did not need to be elected to Parliament or to be PM to have an impact on the politics of India. Hence he attained Mahatma. Doc Y I don’t think needs to either.
February 22nd, 2007 at 7:10 am
Howard Zinn said:
“You can’t be neutral on a moving train.”
Lot of points raised, my response to a few items…
>Timur Says:
>I am sure that our political parties will change themselves fast so that they can put on a fight against Yunus.
It’s already happening. Today’s PA headlines:
“Grassroots AL and BNP workers demand cleansing operation in party”
Now, CTG has been in for 40 days now. This cry did not come before. Even after arrests it did not come. Why because Fakhruddin cannot be CTG forever, and everyone by now knows that the chances of Army coming in are slim. Once Yunus came in, there is a real political threat.
>I’ve a negative stand against so called ultra globalization, that’s why I’m not supporting Yunus.
There is much to critique about globalization, multinationals, free markets, structural adjustment, etc. But why is this a mark against Dr. M Yunus? Every political party BNP/AL/JP/maire Jamaat are for all these things!
In fact, they are not even for a nuanced, analytic take on these things. They are for it because it brings more cash in, which allows them to skim off a bigger 5%. Is DMY a bigger poster child for capitalism because he has actually engaged with that system on a global level? I don’t think, so, rather he actually is more likely to understand at least some part of it and try to ameliorate its awful, rapacious, destructive side- (and sometimes frontal) effects.
The Monsanto alliance was a disaster. But what happened afterwards? People like Farhad Mazhar ripped apart the decision, and DMY backed down and cancelled the contract. Now think of all the scandals of the last 15 years:Mig 29, CNG, Dog Squad, Biman Catering, Relief maal, Dheutin, Teletalk, list tho endless. Did BNP-AL ever back down from any of it? At least with DMY you have the hope that when he makes mistakes we can critique and he will learn from the mistakes. It’s worth a shot.
>By the way Naeem, giving Iajuddin A+ then and now reversing the stand proves >his 1. Lack of Political Knowledge
Many folks on DP have written that it was a rash move. Hopefully he learnt from that mistake.
>Kawser Jamal Says:
>When the country was getting raped rigt and left for last 36 years and than >mostly in the last past regime of BNP government from 2001-2006 no one >uttered a word
That’s actually very untrue. Many many people spoke out. For their troubles, they had their hands smashed, their tendons slit, their heads bashed in, their children threatened, their businesses attacked, and their jobs “forced retirement”.
Thus, in last 10 years, Bangladesh was listed by CPJ as “most dangerous for journalists” (more than Iraq!).
>We have tried all type of drivers before like dictators,Generals, Majors ,widow, separated-frusted women, half-men, half-women
I appreciate very much Kawser Jamal’s jehadi josh and anger, but is it really necessary to use sexual and misogynist insults?
>Tahmina Says:
>Many of us are also waiting to see what ahead of Bangladesh in this critical changing phase.
Thing is, the factors arrayed against DMY are actually quite gigantic and maybe even impossible to overcome, so there may not be any “later” if we wait and see.
I believe that if you want to critique and influence, don’t do it from the sidelines—get directly involved. We are on the brink and we are either about to get a lifeline, or go over the cliff.
>Tanoy Says:
>you might analysis well where is the advantage & loop holes of Grameen concept.In Business you have Capex& Opex. If we think on the Macro level by concentrating more on opex , is he thinking the interest of the poor people.
Analyzing GB financial model is useful for development economic debate, not for understanding DMY as a future politician. Bangladesh is not Grameen Bank, and running Bangladesh is not like implementing microcredit. DMY is not a duffer, he knows that his policy platform can’t be an in toto replica of GB’s “Ten Points.”
But yes, how DMY ran GB is useful to understand how he may run the country.
>It seems His Political ambition is depending on the interest of Capitalist world. and he wants to be always on the good book of them for his desperate attempt.
Hasina-Khaleda on the other hand are fearless fighters for the left, and part of the Latin American left axis…
>ehsanul Says:
>The reaction of Nil dol and golapi dol against yunus being in the dhaka university convocation is something that requires due consideration
How substantial is this? I was not there. Heard it from kottor AL and BNP people (I don’t know how people I am friends with can be either, but still…)
>Tanoy Says:
>I don’t think his norway movement is is wise move or any thing for the Bangladesh side.
Well let us see, the Norway move is not done yet. And honestly, that case is a he said-she said dynamic. DMY accuses Norwegians of reneging, Norwegians say they never agreed. If I had access to documents, I might have had a more rounded opinion.
>You can’t compare Yunus with Gandhi at all.
Sorry, I should have been clearer. They are very different cheese. I was only using that analogy to say we can find fault with anything. There will be much to critique once DMY comes into politics, but it’s rather soon for so much nitpicking.
>But even we don’t know what was the roll of Yunus during our indpendence.
This is new? Was this debated? I didn’t think so. I am pretty sure I read somewhere that he was involved in some Probashi movements? Can someone shed light.
Anyway, frankly, we need to get well beyond the point of using 1971 as the barometer of political worthiness (I have an op-ed on the same coming out in DS next week). Even chini chor Kazi Jafar was a jalamoi leader in 1971!
>PoorLand Says:
> Dhaka University teachers & students just put the final nail to the coffin of their >well reputed ‘progressive mind’.
It’s actually not clear how much of an opposition to DMY there was on DU campus, and how united or far-reaching it was. Let’s get more details before we write DU off (sorry, momentary sentimentality for my temporary alma mater…)
>sufibaba Says:
>Yunus not wearing tupi and why he didn’t personally distribute “lungi & sari” are comical criticisms!
Umm, I think Poorland was being sarcastic.
>Tanoy Says:
>Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury is always a big critic of Yunus.
Was he “always” or are you just referring to his anti-Yunus op-ed that came out this week. Keep in mind that AGC is super hardcore AL, so that is also the context.
>[Asif] Definitely If you feel u have right to remove this posting. As you are the captain of the ship , you must maintain the quality and we will also try to follow .
That’s a bit unfair. There are two Asif’s. One is the Asif who founded DP. The other is just a regular joe who also has opinions and can get excited or het up. Asif may have been a bit upset in his last post (I have been matha gorom many times more on this blog). But I don’t think you should conflate that with his role as moderator. He was never suggesting to censor your or anyone’s comments (unless they fall foul of DP rules on obscenity/slander/personal attack/etc).
>I strongly oppose his general comments about all the Political leaders of Bangladesh.
I don’t.
Here’s an exercise. Name 20 honest politicians. Seriously. But no lower-level chuno-pooti. High ranking people.
>If the same people like Moudud Ahmed is joining with Yunus what the benefit we will get from him?
Well, Moudud has not joined Yunus, so that’s a false dichotomy.
PS Everyone knows CTG wants Moudud to turn state’s witness against the other big guns.
>IF Khelafat Mazlish-AL agreement faces Criticism why Yunus will not be treated as common people.
Mixing apples and oranges, Yunus hasn’t signed an agreement with Khelafat Majlish.
>Because To be leader of the people you must be common people first.
Not necessarily, and not always.
>Tanoy Says:
>See I am not opposing Yunus. This is not the question of substitutes. My opinion is that Yunus is not the last answer to Bangladesh.
No one is suggesting he is. Maybe a start though…and then all of YOU can build the answer
>Current CTG administration is running well without Yunus. Just remember that.
Yes, but ahem:
1. They are backed by army and you can’t have that forever
2. Legally you can’t have CTG forever, and not even for 5 years
>I will mention the name of Sheikh Haseena or Motia chowdhury also. Because I did not find any serious flow on them at all
I do. MOU with Khelafat-Mojlish for one thing.
>Nazim Farhan Choudhury Says:
>There is a ban on political activities. Doc Y cannot take this forward without “authorities” turning a blind eye.
Perhaps CTG will rescind SOE soon? But then of course, BNP-AL back on streets….
>I will be confident in predicting that local elections will happen before Parliamentary ones. Is he preparing for that? Then the question to be asked is how is he doing so? What is the screening process for candidates?
Yes, these are the real questions. This is where rubber meets the road and I think even with best intentions logistics are quite difficult.
> Citizens have been asked to form committees. There seems to be no system to validate who gets in.
Yes, again, this is one flaw that crippled Gono Forum.
>And isn’t the fact that we are already promoting a celebrity (albeit a capable one). Isn’t that the problem with the party system now? It is leader centric and without democratic election and process in choosing those who run it. I would have been so much more comfortable if Doc Y from the beginning came in with a well-defined team.
Yes, agreed, that would have been good.
But this is why I also don’t buy all the conspiracy theories. There is no well-planned Fakhruddin-Moin-Butenis chokro that has been hatching this for months. They are making it up as they go along, and that’s why there is a real risk that the BNP-AL sharks will again regain the upper hand. And then, the bloodbath will begin…
>b) Where is he getting the funding of building this grassroot network? Are we confident that small donations from individuals will come? How much? Will there be a cap on donation. Or will sources be revealed?
Good questions.
> Our heart says that Doc Y is the only hope we have got while our head implores us not to be so hasty in jumping into bed with first person we fancy.
But, but, there is no second person….not right now anyway
Look when KH floated Gono Forum many knew it was a long shot, but they tried anyway. And that time too, many/most people sat on the fence. Result, GF went under and now 10 years later here we are again…fence sitting while Rome burns. (ps NOT a personal attack on Nazim)
>Nazim Farhan Choudhury Says:
>But here in DP and in other forums we should be able to debate the pro & con of the man joining politics.
Agreed.
>Asif Says:
>Here is my one sentence reason to celebrate it.
>When an articulate inspirational figure with tremendous national and international stature and very good organizational capability joins an industry, the industry is bound to get a bump up. So everyone’s life whose life is affected by the industry should be happy. I see three things happening when he enters.
>Qualitative change in politics
>Competition between the parties
>Possibilities of a genuine alternative force in politics
>More people will be encouraged to join politics for the right reason
Well said. Jak B school education ta kaje dilo…
(joke, please don’t flame me)
>Tanoy Says:
>Because by doing Drishtipat you are bringing all NRBs under one banner who have difference of opinion.It is really a great achievement.
PS there are also RBs like Nazim.
PPS In spite of my initial “get a grip” comment, in the end learnt a lot from this debate
February 22nd, 2007 at 7:13 am
[...] the country to be the most corrupt one in the world. According from the Daily Star, from Drishtipat.org, one BNP minister owned 132 flats under his name. 132 Flats!!! This M [...]
February 22nd, 2007 at 7:31 am
I have same question as Farhan. From where will be his starting point?Most Important
Compatibility issue will arise with our political system. Main problem is that We have to first ask who we are actually? Yunus is speaking about the Honest men but who are those honest men? what is the parameter of the measurement of Honesty? Now question is that what will be the position of Efficiency?
Do we have enough manpower in hand to go with this honesty as well as efficiency?
Basically My Final question is that what will be the road map of his political destiny.
Even if his policy is good are those compatible with our National Political system or not ,is the most important factor. Other wise Debate, Table talk, Honest/Dishonest discussion will be going on
and we will be in same paranoid. and Most important is the process and time frame of Implementation.
February 22nd, 2007 at 7:59 am
Well Naeem Nice point. I am little bit differing about you on AGC. I know him personally and I have great respect for him.
See It is wrong Idea that AGC is the supporter of AL. He is the one of the brilliant student
of Secular movement of Bangladesh. Basically every bloger thinks I am blind supporter of Al But No I am supporter of the Politics of Al Type which has some amount idealism. But I never support their Khelafat activities
You know In our society when you are speaking about secular society, progressiveness you are becoming pro AL and That’s why AGC is also treated as man of AL. But Abdul Gaffar chowdhury never got any good treatment even from AL.
He is even big Critic of people like Salman F Rahman and Zafarullah. Basically you know
Our Left alliance did a big mistakes After 1971 not to make the roll of good opposition
and That’s why BNP, JP all have been born and Today Yunus has also chance to speak bad about politics.
Well If Yunus can break this Jinx I will be more than Happy. Because No country can run with out progressive force. and It should be the principle basis of the constitution.and
Secular movement should not be sole property of AL.
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:03 am
Tanoy, you are the most inconsistent writer in this forum. You are not only a hardcore AL supporter, you are blind about many things.
Please refrain from undue personal attacks - UnheardVoices admin
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:10 am
What we have here is a person with a proven track record of competence and honesty trying to make a mark in politics. The question before us is this: Should we support such a person, or do we, in a quest for legendary perfection write him off through cynicism or outright disparagement? To me it’s a no-brainer — the entry of Dr. Yunus in politics must be welcomed.
Sure, he has made mistakes, continues to do so, and will make many more in the future. However, the key point is that he is likely to listen to civil society and take corrective action unlike Khaleda, Nizami, or Hasina.
So, if you are unhappy about some of his recent moves, by all means tell him. Make your criticisms constructive, and provide meaningful solutions. Don’t write him off by putting his mistakes under the microscope.
Yunus is the best hope we have at the moment. The knight in shining armour that some of you are expecting will rescue Bangladesh simply doesn’t exist.
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:22 am
Yunus listed Secularism among one of the core principle of his new party.
More details at http://dhakanewsroom.com
February 22nd, 2007 at 11:19 am
Those who ask “since he said politicians are greedy for money, then why does he want to come to politics?”, don’t you think you are asking a 100% stupid question? He wants to come to politics *because* almost all politicians are greedy! I could not believe people were asking such a incredibly silly question!! Even the more-Awamileaguer-than-AL-itself columnist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury was asking this question repeatedly in his columns so many times!! Come on you guys, he wants to come to politics because he believes almost all politicians are after money. He wouldn’t want to enter politics if he believed otherwise. He did not blame politics itsekf, he blamed corrupt politicians and believes he can give a good try to change the direction of BD politics to a positive one.
Yunus has his flaws. But those are never comparable to the myriad corruptions and misdeeds by our politicians. If you want to stop him from coming to politics because he has those one or two mistakes, tell me the name of a politician who you want to save the country from the dirts of corruptions and mismanagements.
–Bilash
February 22nd, 2007 at 11:32 am
Kathkhotta I think you should avoid personal attack. Your such type of comments indicate
You are also heard Core Anti Al. If you have
problem with Some one , you should put right
logic behind that. Here Best part I have
Seen people speak with logic not blindly.
It ’s a platform and we should not forget about the self respect for every Bologer.
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Billah, I really don’t understand why you people Think that we are making comments that
He should not enter politics. and I did not find any single person who speaks here about this.Look people will criticize him and If he does not have this patience how ?
Let me Tell you one thing during the period of
late 80’s Haseena and Khaleda had Image .you know why because They did not get the taste of power. But After 90s Things change dramatically . Because this is the system of Bangladesh from the Top to bottom. Today you are passionate about Yunus but after 10 years he may not be holding same position to you. Basically I really don’t know how much our life style will be changed on his arrival or departure. You want to see him politics is fine but there are someone who does not want to see him in politics.They have also their democratic right.even they may be their well wisher. Because some people want this for his Honor.
But If he wishes to Join politics none can stop him to do. See Then you have to see how much his party do meet up the basic needs of the people. here I don’t want to see any BNP- Jamat Govt . But can I stop BNP well wishers?
Here every political leaders refer “JONOGON” Wants. But we know what’s the definition of “JONOGON” to them. So Don’t force any one to imply your own theory. obviously if your formula and likings are better majority will accept it.
And about one leader I can take few names like Mujahidul islam selim, Motia Chowdhury
and lots of other names are there.
They are not small fishes
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:53 pm
“I am agreed with sheikh Haseena . 2001 election was the root of all evils” -Tanoy.
“I will mention the name of Sheikh Haseena or Motia chowdhury also. Because I did not find any serious flow on them at all” -Tanoy.
So Tanoy, do you want us to believe us that you are a blind AL supportar aftar making the above observations?
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:54 pm
The theme of the post:
“So he needs all the support he can get.
I am in, are you?”
Yes I am in for sure. Till he is right,till his action and behavior and policies goes for greater interest of the country.With my little knowledge of life and little schooling and education I can surely judge between right and wrong.
If he ever goes wrong I would be the first one to protest too.
thanks
Kawser Jamal
Dis: Individual statement.
February 22nd, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Subzero_Hibernation, looking at your punctuations and the use of capital letters in the middle of a sentence reveal your other identity, Tanoy. I was forced to attack you personally….just like Hasina was forced to recall ‘hartals’! Yes, ‘logic’ was my main problem with you…and your poor English. Sorry about that. You have the right to say whatever you want as a ‘Bologer’…mei guan shi !
BTW, Dr. Yunus had to come forward leaving his Nobel celebrity-life only because of the fear that Hasina or Khaleda might take us for another 5 years’ ride. He knows that people like AGC would never stop spreading venom. Dr. Yunus is the best alternative we have right now. The second best is the current CTG, no matter who is behind it. It is an ABSOLUTE NO for BNP, AL, Jamat, JP, LDP. We have had enough.
February 22nd, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Tanoy, it was Bilash, not Billah!! Mujahidul Islam Selim and Motia Chowdhury would save the country from the dirts of corruption and mismanagement ???? Wow !! That is quite mindboggling ! Selim is a political paracite. Motia Chowdhury never had a media appearance where she was not lying on the streets or was not wrestling with police on a prison van. We need political news coverage without visually disturbing images of our leaders.
Time has finally come to dream forward. Both the parties had only directed us to dream backward….to understand the dreams of their founders.
February 22nd, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I am heartened to see in Yunus’ latest letter that he is going to practice democracracy from bottom up. The nomination will be decided from the ground level up. Also matters like financing has been left to the volunteers themselves rather than a central party funding source. This should make involvement a labor of love and should help sift out the opportunists to some degree, though there still remains some danger of rich people manipulating at the local level. Some financing limits have to be imposed by the party so it does not become the democracy of the rich.
Besides some broad guidelines like secular principles and slogans like “moving forward”, he is also leaving a lot as far as the details of the party manifesto to whatever emerges from the Nagorik committees.
Folks, this may be a chance for many to shape this party’s destiny, by being involved; rather than watch and see what emerges.
I like what I see so far, though much remains to be seen how we jhograte bangalis, with seemingly little tolerance for each other, can get together at the local level and work together.
February 22nd, 2007 at 3:56 pm
I am not decided yet but I am actually in favor of welcoming Prof. Yunus into politics and also be watchful about the steps that he takes through this political party. This is just the beginning and we are yet to see who joins it, how it is different from others, what objectives it plans to place forward, who gets the nomination etc. etc. But this time, now as a political leader, Prof. Yunus must have to clear his position on issues such as, human rights violation, religious extremism, corruption, terrorism etc. It is true he refrained himself commenting on governance issues in the past, but that does not dis-qualify him as a politician as long as he keeps the spirit to address these now through his political platform. And the bottomline that he has spirit, hard working attitude, honesty and simplicity, would definitely be a plus point in his political life. Lets hope for the best.
February 22nd, 2007 at 6:23 pm
I do not have problem if Dr. Yunus comes to politics. However, I think that he is getting backing from some influenctial quarter. With this backing there will not be level playing field in the next election. I do not think that in a free and fair election, Dr. Yunus’s party can be victorious.
Well, history may repeat itself again. Zia came to power through military coup. Then he developed own party and in the election his party won landslide. Ershad came again through military coup. He started own party and then ruled the country for 10 years.
I am afraid that Dr. Yunus is following the same pattern but in a more sophisticated way. After all people are now more educated and we are living in internet age!
I do not care whether Dr. Yunus is agent of western power or not. All the political parties are agents of western power.
My problem is that he may be cheating frustrated people of Bangladesh.
February 22nd, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Katkhotta,
Didn’t want to get involved personally in this blog but I respect Motia Chowdhury too much to let it go. She is one of the very few ‘pure’ politicians in the mainstream BD politics. She maintained her stance under tremendous pressure and temptations. She lives a simple and honest life and stands for what she believes in. Lying on the streets and wrestling with police are part of political activities and she is a politician.
Let us appreciate people who have contributed to BD and BD politics all their lives and sacrificed a lot. We do have big enough hearts to give due credit even to people we are opposed to, don’t we?
February 22nd, 2007 at 6:43 pm
I liked his second letter. I also like his advocacy for secularism. Let’s see how he forms his party. I don’t want to see the lootera and shontrashi politicians getting a place in his party.
I hope AL and BNP also do shuddhi obhijan inside. Easier for AL coz not too many corrupt leaders are there in the top. May be Md. Nasim, Salman F Rahman and Zafarulla. For BNP, it’ll mean getting rid of Nazmul Huda, Tareq Rahman, Falu, Babar, Dulu, Bulu, Moudud — I don’t know how many they’ll need to get rid of. Mannan Bhuiyan’s ministry LGRD is the main center of corruption. Khaleda Zia herself has allegations of corruption against her. I don ‘t think it’ll be possible for BNP to survive the Yunus and CG blow.
At the end it may be AL vs Yunus. Both of them have their faults and strengths. Only one thing can help BNP survive, the anti-secular mindset of majority of our people.
February 22nd, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Let’s give him a chance.
I think anything would be better than AL/BNP and one only need to look at their past performance. Most people forget corruption was rampant during AL era as well, they look better only in comparisons to BNP.
Sure his ideas are radical but all revolutionaries were a bit unconventional. He made a success out of Micro-credit so why not give him a chance.
I would rather choose someone who has proven to be competent and genuine than someone from AL/ BNP.
February 22nd, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Yunus is the only man in Bangladesh politcs today, who has successfully proven his abilities in setting up and running serveral organized instutions with millions of Beneficiaries. He is also one of the most educated person in BD politics. Khaldea never ran anything in her life except for Bangladesh, same is true for Hasina.
I would not hire either of them for a small business that I run. The only qualification they have are being associated with our former leaders.
Many of us have talked about Grameen Bank but how about DMY’s contribution in setting up Grameen Phone? GP was not the first mobile operator in Bangladesh, in fact the first operator was CityCell owned by BNP foreign minister Morshed Khan. CityCell charged couple of lac takas for a brick handset and 100s of takas in call charges.
Grameenphone managed to bring about a revolution in Bangladesh’s communication sector, specially extending it’s coverage to rural areas and enabling many villages to cummunicate to the outside world for the first time.
GP is another example of how another initiative taken by DMY changed the life of the average Bangladeshi, in a positive way. IMO GP has contributed more to Bangladesh’s development than Grameen Bank.
February 22nd, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Yunu’s second letter please click on the link below
http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/02/23/d7022301075.htm
The part that talks about the expatriates:
Dear Expatriate brothers and sisters
I am especially thankful to you. I have received a huge number of emails and telephone calls from you. You have expressed your trust in me. You have clearly stated your interest in bringing change to the country’s political arena. Now is the time to start work. Create supporters groups in the countries of residence. Establish its offices at your workplace or your home. Build up communication centres. Effectively use the modes of communication, discussion and disseminating information available through the Internet. Take steps to create supporters groups in your own village or your town back in Bangladesh. If possible, visit the country for a week or two. Go to your locality and create supporters groups. Ensure financial assistance for them. Identify and then talk to honest and competent candidates and then encourage them to join Nagorik Shakti. Constantly maintain contact with us and describe your activities. Give us your advice at every step. If possible, take leave from work or your business to come back during elections. This is your chance to earn the honour of establishing a new politics in the country with your own hands.
End.
Anybody interested please contact me we can discuss via email and see what we can do for him.If his agenda’s and policies and vision’s are good there is no harm in helping him till he is on the right track.
Kawser Jamal
505 Nan circle
Little rock Ar 72211
kawserjamal@yahoo.com
Please ref email to : “Support Yunus”
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Katkhotta,
I am surprised to see your imagination. For your Kind Information my name is Anup Das Gupta. I am from Toronto, Canada.
I even don’t know Tanoy very well :D.
I think You even do have wrong concept of the
meaning of politicians. Just ask you some thing what is your standing about the secularism? I think better you see the reply
of the #64 of Shahed .It will be more than enough for you . You know problem of Yunus . Some Anti AL heard core BNP people need Umbrella to take shelter of him. Just find
#65 of FZ.
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Yes, Motia Chowdhury is a clean person, but does she have the leadership qualities to take the lead in taking Bangladesh to its dreamed destination. Do you think she has the right knowledge of current world economy, technological revolutions, scientific innovations, creativity-friendly education systems, smart foreign policy making, etc. etc. I don’t claim DMY is an expert in all these, but he is far better than Motia or any other politicians. Just look at our politicians when they are pushed in front of the microphone in a political meeting. They don’t give a speech, they just start frantically dancing! Our future leaders will be smart, intelligent, wise, good speaker, good thinker, and all in all a good STATESMAN.
I again repeat that DMY may not be the best person we need right now, but he is the best OPTION right now. I, for one, do not have the guts or qualities to lead the country in 21st century. Do you have that? Do Hasina and Khaleda have that? We have had enough of them! Period.
–Bilash
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:44 pm
To Rosul
Well I Have made it clear my standing on the post #50. IF you think I am Pro -Al you can and I don’t have any problem at all. Basically
I just want to say white to white and gray to gray. In Current political Scenario I don’t think there is any better option than AL right of the moment. and I am proud to say that I am
a small student of Secular, Progressive movement of Bangladesh. The best part of Yunus I like he made Secularism of his constitution.
and I really don’t know why do you people have problem to hear the truth. Traek Zia did all
corruption means we have to accuse Haseena and Al.
Now I am asking here to particular Yunus Fans do you support Yunus only because You hate AL?
Or Do you like him for his Vision and all?
I know Asif, Naeem, Kawsar Jamal do have their honest statement. But If some other guys want to see yunus as Anti Al Plat form I think your concept will be come as big slap nip on the bud. and At least I don’t support such fake neutralism. I Thank Shahed For his True statement about Motia Chowdhury. At least she does not deserve the
“WRESTLING” Comments.
February 22nd, 2007 at 10:06 pm
–FZ Says: “I hope AL and BNP also do shuddhi obhijan inside. Easier for AL coz not too many corrupt leaders are there in the top.”
—
Hasina also has corruption allegations against her, its not just Khaleda. In fact Hasina went to court few times on Frigate and MIG fiasco.
But my real corruption concern is not whether Hasina or Khaleda personally stole anything, or who is more corrupt. My concern is that neither took any steps whatsoever, during their terms, against the daylight-robbery that was corruption.
Saifur Rahman said, after years of denial, “yes, I know my ministry is corrupt, but what can I do, shall I fire everyone?” So, their answer was - lagae jao karchupi!! Keep on stealing - thats the only way we work. From Khaleda and Hasina there was acceptance to that. They all concurred that corruption cannot and must not be challeneged.
At least at one point BNP DID attemp an anti-corruption step, they raised the salaries of govt officers (wrong move, as salaries do not control corruption, laws do). They introduced RAB - excellent law & order step, but had control problems. They also had a drive against bhejal food.
Even late Shams Kibria of AL bitterly complained aginst TIB for “most corrupt nation” title. As if “”there is no corruption, and how dare you enlist us”"!!
Worst form of corruption was of course gross abuse of constitution by hartal, oborod and boycott. Both AL & BNP could have banned hartal and boycott, but they didnt.
Question is, why did Hasina and Khaleda ignore corruption? Was it,
1. Due to lack of leadership and anti-corruption know-how? (quite possible, for old-school politicos)
2. Too busy with hartal boycott?
3. to use corruption as political weapon?
4. To intentionally GAIN from corruption?
5. all of the above?
Whatever the answer, the bottomline is - these two women should NEVER EVER be given the charge of PM of Bangladesh. They have had their chance and failed miserably. Time now for serious replacement.
KGazi
February 22nd, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Katkhotta,
I am happy to see your reaction towards me .Neither I have any wish to waste my time to
make the useless debate in here with you. because I believe This blog is not for battle . But My question to you who has given you right to imply your own opinion on discarding all the political parties on favor of world called
“WE”. By doing this you are exposing your original face of the Idealism which you are
representing.
Well Asif I am sorry to say I don’t have any
wish to attack any one personal in here. By doing such things It will not help to maintain the quality of Blogs. So I am sorry for this posting
February 22nd, 2007 at 10:57 pm
M. M. Chowdhury (Mithu),
It is unfortunate to see how the highest political leader in Bangladesh is engaged in dirty politics to keep their family dynasty in Bangladesh like Jordan. This highest leader does not want change in Bangladesh for a better future. This leader wants to keep hostage Bangladesh for their hortal, aboroth and corruption. If she was educated person, she should not make such a comment rega