Unheard Voices

Fri 23 Feb 2007

88 Responses to “Yunus’ second letter”

1. Pavel Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 12:40 am

   Guys, can we look at it from a pragmatic point of view? A political
   entity may have all the ideologies you can imagine, but if it cannot
   get elected, then what is the point.

   This goes back to when we were discussing about the AL MOU with
   Khelafet-e-Majlish. By doing so, AL just proved that it is just another
   political party that is trying to leverage what it can to get the
   people’s mandate. And if I remember correctly, there were discussions
   during previous election(s) about AL considering some kind of
   arrangement with Jamaat-e-Islami.

   We are having this discussion about whether we like Dr. Y’s new move or
   not. This is healthy. However, he does have a few skills that
   Bangladesh can really use. Namely, (1) he is a great manager, (2) he
   knows how to sell an idea and mobilize large (and diverse) groups of
   people, and (3) he has something Dr. Kamal Hossain never had, which is
   he can connect to the ‘masses’.

   Beyond all these, he may not really have a chance in getting elected or
   having a significant impact on the BD political scene. As we have been
   discussing, Bangladesh’s political environment is very much
   emotion-driven. People seem to like hero-worshiping and politics of
   legacy. This is what sells and that is why we see what we see in the
   two leading parties’ leadership. And as for the growing distaste in the
   young generation about politics and politicians in Bangladesh, that is
   what will hopefully bring a change in its natural course.

   Pavel

2. Shumon Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 12:41 am

   Pavel,

   Perhaps I’m missing something… please correct me if I’m wrong. But isn’t prioritizing winning election exactly what corrupts all political parties? After making enough deals, one tends to forget the line.

   The whole idea of a new party is not to focus on winning, but to set a new agenda, a new way of thinking, a new vision for the country. By doing this, the dialogue and the expectations of the people will change and the other parties have to respond accordingly.

   Right now, AL and BNP are monopolizing our thinking. The best thing any new party can do is free us from that mindset.

3. Mridul Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 12:42 am

   We have had leaders who were personally honest, arguably with all the good intentions – ALL the qualities that Yunus has, arguably to a far greater extent. But they surrounded themselves with sycophants and built a legacy of iconic leadership from the shackles of which we are yet to break free.

   We can think in a myopic point of view that winning is the single-minded goal of a political party and so can AL and BNP. But is too much if we expect more from the caliber of Dr. Yunus and say that the ultimate goal of a political party would be to ensure fair political representation from all corners and build up support on the basis of bottom-up local leadership rather than top-down, I-know-all kind of approach? The means is just as important as the goal. With the current trend, Dr. Yunus will also soon surround himself with sycophants and history may repeat itself in a new form.

   I agree that winning should be a major goal – otherwise the whole point of running for an election largely fails. But what is to say that building political campaigns around issues people really care about rather than around an iconic savior is the WRONG way to win an election? I think it is demeaning to say that Bangladeshis by character are all about hero-worshipping and so let’s follow the trend that everyone else has.

   And also I am looking at the issue from the point of view of more than an election. Whatever Dr. Yunus does in the coming months and years, he will leave a lasting legacy – an ideal for many generations to come. He has the potential to become something like the Bangladeshi Gandhi – who countless Indians still refer to as the guiding beacon of morality but who never ran the country – he left a legacy on the basis of which others ran the country. And I really want to look at Dr. Yunus as that kind of a personality. And I write all these because I do not want to lose faith in him.

   This is really much more than just winning the upcoming election J

   Mridul

4. naaem Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 12:44 am

   As everyone keeps emphasizing, there is a limited window of opportunity to really take a stance and affect things. It’s great that so many people are weighing in on ACC/CTG/Yunus/etc, but I would really like to see us take a stand on things that others will ignore — esp vis a vis human rights, minority rights, class issues, etc. Keep in midn that there is a chance that if we are loud enough, the CTG may pass laws to make these things reality, much more likely now than under either BNP or AL. I really started thinking along this line after I read today that CTG had withdrawn several battallions from CHT– the first such move since the AL Peace Treaty! We need to strike now…

   I am planning 3 op-eds:
   - secularism in crisis
   - chittagong hill tracts
   - vested property act (or all the laws)
   - there are many more topics, but the more SPECIFIC the better

   Actually hoping that I won’t have to write all these– but rather than many of you will pick up the ball and write about these things, or other things, as well. It’s not effective for the same voices to always bang on about these issues– then it does NOT look like a movement. It’s really time for us, the younger generation to take control. By the way, let’s please make note of the fact that all the YOUNG voices that are stepping forward seem to be Muslims– we really need to take active, affirmative steps to bring out voices of all our other communities, not in a tokenistic way, but as equals.

   The piece below is not meant to be comprehensive, but I would like to get thoughts on following (if you have time, and please forgive imposition)…

   - the OLD Jamaat had many programs besides the tree-chopping/grameen opposition, all of which they have shrewdly ditched. what were the others?
   - what are other ways that Jamaat/Islamists have made themselves more palatable? Including appropriating 1971?
   - what are the other laws besides VPA I should reference?
   - what else (facts) can be added?

5. Nadia Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 12:46 am

   Dr Yunus’ strategy to bank (no pun intended) on youth, women and expats is absolutely brilliant. The median age for the Bangladeshi population is around 20 years and student politics has always had a prominent place in our country’s history. So it’s no surprise that youth are usually the prime target for political parties. However, women are an untapped demographic group despite the fact that both our PM and opposition leader have been women since 1991. While his move to reach out to expats for resources and support is not unprecedented, it’s definitely strategic and appeals to groups that are disillusioned by partisan politics.

   I am amongst those that view politicians as roadblocks to progress rather than leaders. However, I am watching all of this unfold with a lot of optimism and some healthy skepticism. We should also subject other (more seasoned) politicans to the same high standards that we hold for Prof Yunus.

6. mridul Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 12:47 am

   I also believe that we should all speak out our views, concerns and expectations without delay with the hope that Dr. Yunus has set up an effective mechanism to incorporate citizen’s opinions. We should all participate in providing the vision of a Bangladesh we want to see in whatever capacity we can – as he expects us to. He seems to have got rid of the name “Yunus Shamarthak Goshthi” since he does not mention it in the second letter at all, and uses instead the term Primary Preparatory Teams and has categorized Nagarik Shaktii Supporters Group as those who are supportive but outside the core political organizational structure.

   The bottomline of what I am trying to say is that if we feel that Dr. Yunus should come out in the public to respond to our queries in person, we should demand that. If we feel that he is not addressing the issues we care about adequately enough, we should communicate that as vocally and in whatever means possible. If we feel that Dr. Yunus has taken a step in the right direction, we should congratulate him in the loudest voice possible.

   Never in our history have perhaps ‘we’ the citizens of Bangladesh been given a chance to really participate in an important political process of the country – to really have our say regarding how a political party should shape us and what its priorities should be – we have always had to ‘fight’ to participate meaningfully. We are used to the political culture of jonoshobhas, which is a one-way channel for our leaders to make grand promises (that are hardly kept). Dr. Yunus’ open letter strategy may be the beginning of a new political culture. We should not take this opportunity lightly.

   I would sincerely urge all of us to be vigilant and expressive about all of Dr. Yunus’ moves – not because we want to find faults for the sake of it but because we want to participate in a historic political process of change and have our say. Some of what we will say may not be accurate, some will gain little support from others – but that’s OK. If you express an opinion and it resonates with a lot of other citizens of the country, perhaps it will get to the right ears. So please do not hold your thoughts in this crucial moment in Bangladeshi history, whether critical or congratulatory.

   Mridul

7. Joy Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 12:48 am

   Apart from the political climate, I think a more fundamental, and I would say dangerous trend, is going on. Any political party, including that of Dr. Yunus, should be concerned of the following, as that would be true leadership.

   Point 1 – Capitalism

   Capitalism can only thrive under due protection of property from illegal seizure. If there’s violations, it belongs to a civilian court. However, a few things have happened:

   First class magistrates can order assets frozen of anyone – this is very alarming for enterpreneurs, as the life blood of any company or any entrepreneur is it’s cash-flow. In any other functioning capitalist society the government has to prove to a court before freezing assets. While the current drive may be popular, it sets a dangerous precedent of government abusing its executive power to harrass capitalists, or to that effect, anyone they don’t like. And with all governments around the world, not just Bangladesh, if such power is given (or decreed), it will be abused.

   Point 2 – Habeas Corpus

   50,000 people arrested as “corrupt” and “terrorists”, mostly under special powers act. If we have 50000 terrorists, then we have a more fundamental problem. The special powers act has been abused by every single government, as every single government has found it useful to prosecute and persecute bypassing judicial review. The current administration should have gone after a subset of those apprehended using normal judicial procedures as opposed to relying on the very tenets that have cause grief over the last many years in Bangladesh.

   Finally, more than economic development, respect for human life and rule of law is more important for Bangladesh. The latter is actually more important for economic development and relief from poverty that any government coordinated effort (the government is just a facilitator and deregulator, nothing else). I say that because in Dr. Yunus’s own words, every human is an entrepreneur, and if you have a fair playing field, they will play and compete. And that is really what entrepreneuship is.

   So at the end, coming back to the topic of Dr. Yunus, I would go as far as to say that if he really wants a new Bangladesh and empower the youth and women, he should first commit himself to the rule of law and articulate his position clearly for a fair economic playing ground. A mega-terminal in itself not going to solve our problems and is not a shortcut to economic properity. Will it help? Yes. But a terminal is useless without an entrepreneur class who can benefit from a level playing field and can depend on the rule of law and the safety of personal property from seizure.

8. Tahmina Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 12:49 am

   Mridul is right we should participate in this changing process. Like Joy I also wants to know first his political views and thoughts but not in vague sentences. I want to know clearly (understandable to everyone means both educated and uneducated).

9. M A Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 12:51 am

   It appears that Dr. Yunus prefers the Airport for important
   announcements.

10. eeshita Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 12:53 am

    Why are people so unnecessarily sceptically? Is it not “cool” to just give a guy a chance?

    ‘He who’s without sin cast the first stone’

11. Shahed Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 1:23 am

    Went to have dinner at a friend’s place. There were only few of us. These are the kind of middle class guys who’d always talk politics but would never take any initiatives (nice guys though!). But I was taken aback by the amount of enthusiasm in them about DMY and his entry into politics. Couple of them are known to be die hard BNP activists, and one - ardent supporter of AL. Usually blind to the misdeeds of respective parties. But I saw a different light in their eyes today - a different kind of hope. As if BD has won the ICC all over again, as if the news of the dictator falling had just reached us. Our moments of glory and hope were back. To my surprise, I learned that three of them have already written to DMY pledging support and encouragement. They talked seriously about forming NS supporters group here in New Orleans. My cautious statement and skeptic ‘wait and see’ ways did not please them at all. On my way back, I thought may be I should not hesitate, may be the right moment will be lost if I waited too long, may be now is the time to support this man who has a chance to bring a change riding on these waves of hope and enthusiasm of the people even if they are unfounded. Even if DMY is as bad in politics as his predecessors, at least there is a chance there and may be we should take it. Hmmm…

    **’Nagorik Shakti’ - not a bad name. But I bet sooner or later some fanatic fotwabaz will find some hinduism in it.

12. Tanoy Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 1:30 am

    I think It is enough right now. Open the level playing field for every one.and I am agreed with Pavel we are emotional nation.

    Actually Nobel price of Yunus Has impact on Macro level. Because This Nation Got the Lamp of Aladdin suddenly. But Nothing has been changed in our day to day life. Because Every one of us is running for our own interest.

    So My opinion is work for the self upgrade and respect. I am very impressed about the Initiative of People like Asif, Rumi Bhai, Frarhan, Naeem who are really working on the
    field. Even very much Thrilled to see the enthusiasm of Youngster like Kawsar Jamal.

    So every one of you should work from your own platform but develop a productive NRB community as NRI. Then we don’t need to have

    any political leader or Nobel Lauriet to guide us. Personal liking or disliking is completely individual preference.If you wish to make Yunus as your roll model go a head.
    Follow the best part of his character side not the flaws of him. Same thing is applicable for Sheikh Haseena or other.

    From your professional platform you can develop your own wings and make contribution on the growth of this third world country and when all of our united force is turn to be a pressure group we can do lots of thing. Because I believe in implementation not discussion.

13. Sharmin Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 1:51 am

    A smart person like Dr Yunus forming a political party is like a dream come true. The saying goes, “A nation get the leaders it deserves”. Are we not ready for that leader?

    I can see many people are skeptical, I am not sure if they were better off if there was no one like Dr Yunus for Bangladesh, may be they were better off with Khaleda/Hasina and rest of the gang. Or may be simply they are those typical intelectuals who doesnt do too much work but can talk for hours:).

    We are ok with the enormous corruptions from the typical political “leaders” but we can’t forget that DMY gave A+ to Iajuddin. I am not getting it.

    I wish all the best to Dr Yunus for his new endeavers. I am really excited about it, don’t want to spoil that by reading all those “aantel” comments:).

    -Sharmin

14. PoorLand Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 2:30 am

    Tanoy,

    I find your post ( #13 ) is way better and positive than Hasina, and thanks by the way for the remind, ‘taking the best part of Dr. Yunus and even Hasina’.

15. PoorLand Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 3:27 am

    Things ( Nagorik Shokti ) has just started to take place step by step, many things are yet to be done and yet to be known. But at this moment the point is, it has started officially. Obviously we wont see anything physical yet, no matter skeptical or not. We should think and do first thing first. NOW is the time we get in the line to support him, try to create a group or team those who willing to support, at least as a voter and motivate others.

    Since Dr. Yunus has asked us expatriate in his second letter to form a group in respective country, let us give it a try as a first step. We can stop anytime, any point when we see wrong in him, or in his policy.

16. FZ Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 4:24 am

    As a nation, we have been betrayed so many times that I am skeptical about anything good that might happen. Based on Yunus’ past records, I don’t find anything that proves that he’ll be able to create much difference personally. But I also believe in people’s power, and if the people is behind Yunus, it won’t be possible for him to implement someone else’s agenda due to internal pressure from the party. So, if people gets behind him, we may be able to guide him better.

    I think our students should be more vocal. I was so disheartened to see the student community silent in the recent times. Newspapers like Prothom Alo, Jugantor, Janakantha or Daily Star was ‘banned’ by Chhatro Dol in DU halls, and still there was no strong protest from the general students. If the students’ attitude were the same in 1971, we would never have got an independent BD. It’ll be good to see our general students coming up to the front, and articulate their demands and grievances. Keeping aloof from politics is not the solution, either u accept the status-quo or u change it yourself. Yunus has provided us with an opportunity to take a stand(Asif, I was moved by your DS article). Take a stand now, and correct Dr. Yunus of all his faults.

17. sushanta das gupta Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 6:54 am

    Many comments are coming from the core members of DP. It is easily understandable that all the core members of DP are really wise enough to criticise any political leaders.

    As a new comer in DP postings, I see that all of you are fade up with running political party. And its very natural that any new things attracts than older thing do. I would like to tell all the commentators that DMY is definitely a widely respectable person. It is our duty to keep respect on another leader also. Now-a-days, I see that some commentators are spreading very rough personal attack. The comment that is coming now in DP will stay in the long run. I think, some of you will be very strange to see the outcome of DMY on next national election. So lets our people decide who will admin our country.

    Pls keep in mind that DP is not a sole agent of DMY. Let other person who is not supporting DMY’s politics to express their views under DP BLOG.

    Very Regards to DP.

    Sushanta

18. So Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 7:18 am

    Absolutely we are an emotional nation. It shows in our music, our films, our theatre, our politics, our history, everything. While I’m not suggesting that we approach all things with a complete lack of practicality, we might want to learn to work with what we have, as people (artists, politicians, you name it) have been doing to suit their purposes all along. We Bangalis are not likely to ever be known as a bunch of pragmatists, but emotion and logic are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

19. Sposhtobadi Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 7:32 am

    DMY could have had a larger than life image in the minds of emotional (educated) Bangladeshis. He could have remained as a role model and an extraordinary Ambassador to promote Bangladesh in the international arena. He could have stayed beyond any controversy while imposing influence on an elected government over crucial financial and reform policies. I am not sure what made him so adamant in rolling up his sleeves and jumping on the mess. If he becomes unsuccessful on what he thinks he could, we are going to waste our only Nobel laureate and go back to square one. I hope I am wrong about my current feelings. Let’s wait and see.

20. Annu Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 7:41 am

    Can somebody draft a letter on behalf of Drishtipat to Prof Yunus welcoming his decision?? I’m sure the majority of us back him and his courage to take on BD politics, no?

21. Tanoy Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 9:05 am

    Sposhtobadi you are correct and Basically we need a Brand Ambassador for the country instead of another Political Party. Yunus is this brand actually which could be utilized.

    Politics is a difficult game and you need time to establish yourself in here. But let’s

    see If he can branded himself in politics can be good for every one.

    Annu, I think Maximum Bolgers are very enthusiastic except only few of us.

    why do you depend on others? Take initiative by your self. I am sure you will get lots of support.

22. Lopa Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 9:08 am

    Why is the name “nagarik shakti”? nagarik is people who live in ‘nagar’ (city). Is it going to be another party for the urban elites?

23. Tulip Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 9:16 am

    DMY deserves a chance (he has more to loose than to gain by entering politics anyway).Its not about blindly supporting a particular party/person but being a part of this potential political changing process and making the most of this opportunity by raising our opinions for our country’s betterment .At this point of time it won’t be wise to have too much high expectations from DMY ( he is bound to make mistakes) but to be optimistic that he may start the process of bringing a sustainable political change in future for the new generation.

    In the long run whether he’ll be consistent with this communication strategy or not is a different story…atleast we’ll know that we tried

24. Asif Syed Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 9:22 am

    I think we should see how Mr. Yunus forms his party, what are the party values and then if we like it we vote for him. If we don’t like his policy we just don’t vote for his party… how simple can it be …. Lets just give him a chance now.

25. Nadia A Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 9:49 am

    Interesting BBC article….

    Bangladesh’s Split Personality
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6342241.stm

    “Democratic elections postponed indefinitely - and a state of emergency imposed. It is a scenario which might suggest suppressed civil unrest, the heavy hand of security forces and a frightening increase in tension.

    But in Bangladesh, the reality has been very different.

    After months of political protest and strikes, the latest round of the perennial feuding between the two main parties, the Awami League and the BNP, the mood in Dhaka under its new caretaker government is one of calm and relief.

    Most people, it seemed, had felt the impact of more than enough political fireworks. Better to have stability and a chance to return to normal daily life, people told me, than to carry on with political dramas and elections which no-one expected to deliver reform or real change.”

26. Addafication Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 10:18 am

    http://addafication.com/2007/02/21/before-boarding-dryunus-populist-bandwagon/

    One view of Dr. Yunus’ entry…
    Conspicuous by its absence from all of Dr.Yunus’ pronouncements thus far, ever since he started closing the gap between himself and political engagement till now that he can be all but said to be a politician, has been his ideological standpoint. Before he left for Calcutta having just floated the idea of floating a party, he spoke of the rather obvious. The shambolic state our political process is in; the need for new faces to rejuvenate it. On his return, he has sprouted visions of considerable grandeur. Mega ports; mega highways; mega museum exhibitions. Somewhere in between, it dawned on him staying apolitical would not do. Somewhere in this protracted process that constitutes taking a stand, I hope he didn’t manage to lose what he stands for.

    What he has said thus far is not indicative in any way of how he plans to lead our nation. He has only spoken of what he wants for our country, and admirable as they are, that is not enough. More importantly, none of it is original.

27. Amer Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 10:31 am

    Re comment 22:

    Somebody brought this up in another post saying that citizen refers to only people that live in the city and hence Yunus’ party is targeted to the urban populace.

    I think it should be pointed out that the while “nagorik” and “citizen” both have their roots in the words for urban centers, their meanings have etymologically evolved to first refer to members of a city-state (i.e. like Babylon) and then refer to members of a state. There is no other word in either Bangla or English that can be used to identify a member of the state better than citizen or nagorik. Under this definition, village dwellers are also citizens of Bangladesh. I believe this transcendental idea of being a member of the Bangladeshi State regardless of place of residence, socio-income group, race, or religion is what DMY’s party name hoped to capture.

    I don’t think its that difficult to see, and I’m a little surpised that his party name is causing so much confusion.

28. PoorLand Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 10:39 am

    Lopa #22

    >>Why is the name “nagarik shakti”? nagarik is >>people who live in ‘nagar’ (city). Is it >>going to be another party for the urban elites?

    Why he wearing ‘pants’ instead of ‘lungi’!? Is he going to be another urban elites like me?

29. Sposhtobadi Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 10:44 am

    DMY has the right to do anything with his life. Since he has decided to forego his comfortable distance and get soiled in BD politics, he sure can proceed (even without the letter-writing episodes). The ripple effect will basically unite BNP and AL ! Because of ‘emergency’, BNP/AL is somewhat keeping it silent. Once the emergency is cleared and election declared, can you imagine the intensity of the war? DMY versus AL+BNP. The collective nuisence of BNP and AL might just become too much for DMY to fight upright. We will wait and see, but would really hate to see if DMY gets written-off. He is the best Ambassador Bangladesh would ever have…that is a proven truth. What is unproven is whether or not he would be the best political leader to lead a unique country like Bangladesh…he just might not!

30. Nadia A Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 10:51 am

    Several people have noted (justifiably) that Prof Yunus has not laid out the idealogoies of his new party. Just wanted to point out that he did address this issue in his open letter:

    “I have expressed on several occasions my ideas and opinions on the objectives and programmes the party requires to build a new Bangladesh. In this regard, I am enthusiastically trying to discern the hopes and desires of the nation. The messages that I have received from you recently, contained some questions, some opinions and some preferences on this matter. You wanted to know what would be my party’s goal and purpose? I will outline the goals and purpose of the party later. The party itself will decide on it once it is formed.”

    We have waited (quite fruitlessly) over 35 years for good leadership. In 1991, we were optimistic when thugs and self-serving politicians took the helm. So surely we can give this guy a few weeks to come up with a firm agenda. It’s quite admirable that he is striving to involve the party members formulate it’s ideology. It’s participatory and democratic……

31. PoorLand Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 10:56 am

    Amer #27,

    >>I don’t think its that difficult to see, and I’m a little surpised that his party name is causing so much confusion.

    I think some people are always love to see conspiracy and fiction, some even find it intellectual, and some try to make fuss out of nothing ‘intentionally’. If you see last few days comments here, these type of questions are popping up endlessly, and seems certainly not without purpose.

32. Tania A Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 11:18 am

    Thanks Nadia for speaking my mind. I wrote a medium sized response earlier on but it got deleted…grrr…

    Jai hok…it’s nice to read everyone’s comments and see people’s enthusiasms.

    In brief, my response is that Dr. Yunus is a lot more credible than either SH or KZ and whether NS wins the elections or not, this is a monumental shift in our politics and we should at least be supportive and excited about that.

    Being critical of people wanting to get into politics is good practice because whoever is running for any elected office should be accountable for their actions. But I humbly request that we refrain from being malicious or overdoing it without good reason.

    It’s very easy to sit in our cushy chairs as we enjoy our Western comforts and pontificate. It’s another thing to actually TAKE ACTION.

    Mridul- I understand the sentiment about wanting Dr. Yunus to be like a Gandhi like figure but I think if he can actively get involved in the process and make a difference, why not? Gandhi as great as he was, was in the end murdered by his own caste members and I certainly would not want the same fate for Dr. Yunus.

    FZ- Could you please clarify what you meant by Dr. Yunus’ past records? What exactly are you trying to insinuate or suggest? You can certainly make whatever remarks you want to but I would be interested to see your argument about it.

33. Asif Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 12:56 pm

    Tania,

    Good to see you in the blog.
    The accusations against him, I believe, are mostly divided into two categories.

    1. Political: That he did not take any stand on critical political and moral issues of the nation in the past 35 years.

    2. Grameen’s microcredit loan recovery practice and high interest rate

    Now that he has joined politics, he can not be vague on issues. He need to be specific. A very good summary on people’s (including mine) on moral issues have been listed at here ( http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2007/02/04/chintito.htm )

    Sooner or later, he will HAVE to address this. But I think as Nadia alluded, he should clarify the stand of his party in these issue after talking to the other leaders.

    On the coming attraction of accusations,

    A. he is going implement the interest of the Captialists (as Naeem said as if BNP-AL suddenly turned left without telling us)

    B. He is getting special privilages from the govt etc.

34. FZ Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 1:02 pm

    To Tania A #31, about the past records a lot have already been said in the other entry(Yunus is in). I don’t want to repeat myself here. You can go there and see different opinions that diff pl have expressed.

35. Fugstar Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 1:09 pm

    i hope the letter is reflected upon and some of the action points acted upon. Just so people think about who they are and finda there place better.

    Imagine having the task for constructing that letter knowing that there will be a captive audience.? *strokes cat*

    Pavel said ‘Whats the point in ideology if it doesnt get you elected’.

    its not *totally* about power, at least from where im standing. Ideology conveys intangiables that transform decisions, taboos and creativities of people. They carry, assumptions, analystical tools, values and aspirations that are held so deeply that they give direction towards action.

    you dont need huge amounts of votes to change politics. make up great ideas and let people nick them.

    this portion of the letter speaks volumes.

    “This politics will be non-communal, secular, democratic, good governance, free from corruption and against politicisation. It will be the politics of equity for women in all spheres, building the future of young generation and not to bow down to foreign power and to stand in the world holding the head high.”

    I wonder about the politics of ensuring no ‘politicisation’, however that word cluster plays well to the Awami League. The dignity /sovereignty vibe shines through in the last half, which is more attractive to the right.

    The primary prep tea’s prescription reads like some kind of sampling strategy. do goups like those actually organise after erading a letter?

    Poorland, “why doesnt Dr Y wear a lungi.” I doubt its a disadvantage, he just doesnt in public. Imagine our suspicion if he went all Gandhi on us?

36. Zakia Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 1:10 pm

    Hi! I am new in this blog; However, I have become interested to exchange ideas in this forum.

    Prof.Dr. Muhammad Yunus, to me, has appeared as saviour; even if it is not his intension, let us make it happen, because it is Almighty’s intension. Let us collectively make him a Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, OR a Dr. Yunus who will make the richest and happiest Bangladesh. Let us create a revolution surrounding him. Let us make him the Leader of the ‘Freedom Fight’ against corruption, terrorisms, Unproductivity, hypocrisy, poor education, poverty, un-creativity, unemployment, political business, power misuse,bad education, superstitions, ignorance and other vices of primitive or modern civilizations. Friends! this moment of opportunity has come after 36 years again to make a golden Bangladesh. Let us make it happen.

    Some has to lead every revolution, is there any more competent person other than Dr. Yunus right at this moment? If not let our joint effort make him a great Leader in the world who brought enough honour for us all.

    If we can’t make Dr. Yunus a great revolutionary, we are either confused or hypocrite or having evil inside, corrupted, imprudent, or criminal minded, or resistance to the better changes,handicapped, coward or the the continuation of human life.Time has come and we have to act. It is not the duty of Prof. Muhammad Yunus to make the country a better and prosporous place for us all, we have to take care of our own share. So, come on Friends! Time is favourable and it is passing away, Let us join together hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder; let us put our head together, efforts jointly to make our dream true. Let us make it happen in our life and by ourselves. We who are post liberation generation did not get the opportunity to fight in 1971 for the freedom of this country. Let us show our courage and heroism now in 2007 and make us immortal in the history. Let us be guided by ourselves instead of lying ourselves on the will of some dishonest and hollow political culprits. Let us be guided by the honest politician, not by the terrorists or Mustan, let us lead ourselves, let us get advice and direction from capable educated and honest people instead of uneducated or half educated or no-self educated arrogant subhumans.

    Regards

    N.B. To me Dr. Yunus is the man who can change the world to be a better place for better human beings. Let him start from Bangladesh, for the shake of common Bangladeshi suffering people, for the shake of any victim of poverty, illiteracy, disease, accidents, disasters, wars, corruptions, discrimination or terrorism. Muhammad Yunus is a great Leader, ENTREPRENEUR, organizer, and Manager. The western people has understood it, then why are we late to realize it?

37. Tania A Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 1:43 pm

    Asif,

    Thanks for the clarification.

    1) I personally believe that the reason why Dr. Yunus hasn’t spoken out about politics and/or moral issues to date is because he’s probably just wanted to appear/ remain nuetral. I don’t think he needs to justify his past stance to anyone. Now going forward if he is elected into office, and such atrocities continue…then it is fair for us as responsible citizens to demand that.

    He’s done whatever he’s done through Grameen Bank in a quiet and dignified manner. Whatever attention he has had to date is not him going out seeking it…but people clamoring to give it to him. He has I believe still maintained a very dignified personality throughout it all.

    2) Grameen’s microcredit loan recovery policy and high interest rate
    Are you saying Dr. Yunus is vague on these issues? If so, then I disagree because I think he is very clear on both of these issues. In the interest of not boring everyone, I’ll address the interest rate question. GB’s interest rate is set at 20% declining for basic loans. There are housing loans at 8%, higher education loans at 5% (which accrue 6 months after the student graduates from university) and 0% for struggling members (begger loans). Which rate is high? It’s illogical for anyone to expect a lower interest rate than this because the rates cover administrative costs and also these rates are decided by the borrowers. The interest is also recycled and then reloaned out to other members. So what’s the problem?

    I am sure there are horror stories of women killing themselves because they could not repay, etc, etc but the greater good and accomplishments of Grameen Bank far outweigh any of this.

    No system is 100% foolproof but Dr. Yunus at least had the will and perseverance to try to help the poor of our country which is a lot more than us sitting in our comfortable heated offices are doing.

    Mr. or Ms. FZ- thanks for your remark. I am new on this board and have yet to figure out how to navigate around. I will look up the other arguments shortly. Cheers.

38. Tania A Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 1:48 pm

    I don’t mean to discount the great work of Drishtipat and other wonderful organizations doing stuff for Bangladesh.

    We all want the same thing at the end of the day- a better Bangladesh that can realize her full potential.

    So it would be really nice to see us collectively working together than trying to rip apart possibly the next best thing for Bangladeshi politics since…well…I draw a blank there unfortunately.

39. admin Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 1:57 pm

    Quick Disclaimer reminder for those who are new.

    “Unheard Voices” is a Drishtipat initiative that provides an interactive online platform to stimulate dialogue among the young generation of Bangladesh. As a community blog, it is designed to enrich our understanding and broaden our perspective on various issues by bringing together contributors with diverse experiences, opinions and viewpoints. Users are invited to share their insights on current affairs and issues of interest to Bangladeshi youth. The views presented in the discussions in “Unheard Voices” belong to the individual commentators and are not meant to represent Drishtipat’s stance on those matters. Drishtipat as an organization is committed to unbiased and non-partisan protection of human rights and social justice in Bangladesh. Drishtipat provides the technical and administrative expertise necessary to run the blog, and Drishtipat members moderate the blog for common courtesy and decorum. The blog entries are not edited based on the content of the opinions expressed. We also disclaim all responsibility for any comments posted by non-contributors in the comments sections of this public blog where any one can comment.

40. Partha Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 2:10 pm

    I don’t want to bring the discussions of ‘micro-credit’ while we are discussing the political profile of Prof. Yunus. I’ve seen today some discussants at Dhaka National Press Club confused his role as a microcredit pioneer with that of political leader. As I wrote yesterday, he was silent on some governance issues in the past, but I want to give him little bit more time to see how he unveils his political philosophy to the country and speaks out those issues in more clearer terms. I want to repeat: ‘clearer’ as I dislike bhasha-bhasha terms. For example, he was talking about ‘Oikker rajniti’, ’shoth-joggo prarthi’ what does these mean? etc. But I also don’t want to see him from ’saviour’ perspective cause that creates lots of mis-perceptions about a political process that is ever evolving. Remember, what happened to Sk. Mujib. It also deviates attention from institution strengthening to individual worship. If the institutions are strong enough to work and act neutrally, then the doors of politics would always be open for good people, no matter whether Prof. Yunus joins the politics or not. But its good that he decided to join politics, I mean there is no other way to change the country other than joining the politics and working to change it within itself. Anyway, I look forward to celebrating a positive and LONG-LASTING political environment in Bangladesh. My 2 cents.

41. Kawser Jamal Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 2:18 pm

    Tania A.

    can we use your comments on post#37 on other thread, it’s really well defined and nicely articulated.

    Zakia, Poorland,Tania and others
    We are also part of the Bangladeshi who will support Yunus. More the merrier. We are forming a supporters group. I would like you guys to help us help Bangladesh with your valuable knowledge,love,passion and criticism. Together we can make a better Bangladesh.

    Dr Yunus is 65 if I am not wrong, it be us the new generation who has to take his mission and our own mission for better Bangladesh for the long haul. He can be the coach but we are the players.We need to play our part right.

    Thanks
    Kawser Jamal
    kawserjamal@yahoo.com

    http://www.changeBangladesh.com

42. Shahed Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 2:28 pm

    To Tania # 38:

    Most of us (not all) here are trying to discuss DMY’s actions from a constructive point of view. We are not trying to rip him apart. Constructive criticism is also very much needed for DMY. Unwavering support is a form of blindness and may corrupt DMY himself even if he is a great person. Although I agree that a few bloggers got carried away with their criticisms of DMY.

    Since the debate is still on, thought I’d throw in this interesting perspective of a friend on Grameen loan interest.

    The much debated 20% loan (on declining basis) was set so that the affluents do not get interested in Grameen loans. If Grameen had interest rates same as or as low as other banks, some influential/rich/affluent/corrupt person can take advantage of it using his poor followers/disciples/relatives/etc.

43. Timur Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 2:28 pm

    I couldn’t understand the Popularity: 50% [?] line at the end of the post. Can someone please clarify ?

44. Tanoy Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 3:01 pm

    Well Asif I think Micro Credit and Higher interest issue is a factor in here at least

    for the political Move.These things are Just

    the cheap publicity& Criticism of our political system. Basically My focus is in other side “Grammen Bank” is a concept against

    poverty. Yunus Can’t be said the Father of Micor credit . Because some other people have started even earlier But Yunus implemented it successfully. Basically If we go back to 30 years back we need to know why he has started Micro credit. obviously he had business in mind and He implemented it successfully . and His concepts work every where. so Naturally if you have a business mind you will always need the return and as GB never took any Collateral so higher interest is obvious in here.I did not find any wrong in here.

    But I don’t agree with you that He can be better Choice than Hasina or Khaleda.
    Because to run a country is a team work .
    He may be a politician But can he be a good administrator of the country? Because To me
    It is completely a new arena to him and He has to depend on his teamwork . His team mates will be the key in here. and who are they? Because Country can’t be run as Corporate house or Bank.

    Now we need to be sure If he does have this administration skill or not

45. Tania A Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 3:06 pm

    Hi Kawser: Honestly I don’t think I did a very good job of articulating my thoughts but sure go ahead and quote whatever you like!

    I’ve read about some of the work you do through changebangladesh.com and heard about the very successful concert last Oct. It really made me feel very proud to be a Bangladeshi.

    Shahed: Forgive my semantics…it was more a figure of speech than a blatant accusation that everyone’s trying to rip him apart. Go forth with the constructive precautions…I’m hesitant to use the word criticism…as to me it signifies too much negativity.

    I actually just read the piece about the “academics” accusations against Dr. Yunus. Quite laughable actually.

    I am definitely a strong advocate of Dr. Yunus but by no means am I an unwavering supporter. I expect him to be accountable for whatever he decides to do and I am pretty sure he will.

    I agree that the political ideology of his party needs to be articulated which I think he already made clear was going to be done soon and one that would be decided by the party members. So why don’t we give him some time to select these party members? Also, I believe his second letter calls on all citizens to give him suggestions. So please don’t hold back on whatever issue you feel strongly about and you think he should address. His email, phone, fax are on the letters. If that’s not open communication with citizens, I’m not sure what is!

    It just seems a little contradictory that a few folks on this board are calling for him to articulate “his” ideology but at the same time saying that he shouldn’t be seen as a “messiah” (which I am in total agreement- let’s not make the mistake of turning him into a god or our savior).

    We can ALL make change happen if we set our minds to it and of course take the appropriate action.

46. Zaki Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 3:32 pm

    I have been wondering if it would actually make sense for Dr. Yunus to _not_ contest the elections himself and instead devote himself entirely to building a grassroots-based political party. In my view, the task for the next elected goverment in Bangladesh, if allowed to function properly, is rather straightforward at this stage. But building a party with a transparent organisational structure, accountable to the grassroots, is a serious challenge, which Dr. Yunus’s vision and ingenuity will perhaps be able to meet. If he is successful in this, then the other parties would be forced to evolve along similar lines to retain popular support, and this in itself would be a true political revolution in Bangladesh.

    If Dr. Yunus were to declare that he would not be candidate for the elections himself but instead campaign for the most able candidates of his new party, then this would improve his standing and credibility among the people, and, in my opinion, in no way diminish his ability to shape the political future of the country. And it would give the country an example of a different kind of leadership: a leadership which derives not from executive power (or the desire for it) but from moral authority.

47. arif Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 4:14 pm

    Tania,

    The concert you mentioned was done by Take Back Bangladesh( http://phiriye-ano.blogspot.com/2006/12/new-beginings.html ), not changebangladesh. I am not aware any tangible work by changebangladesh other than postings from Kawser Jamal.

48. Tania A Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 4:23 pm

    Oops sorry! My mistake!! Yes of course Take Back Bangladesh…concert I heard was a huge success…

49. Kawser Jamal Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 4:59 pm

    Tania:

    The concert was not done by ChangeBangladesh.Yes I did encourage and inspired my friend Mr Nazim Farhan Chowdhowry and he will have and had all our support.He is a good guy.

    We share some similar vision.

    Arif bhai thank for your upright comments and yes we didn’t do any tangible work in this world or in Bangladesh but yes just kept our self out of doing corruption individually or by family members.
    Please type Abudulla Al Dewan on google and look at his article and than look at the board members of Change Bangladesh. Change Bangladesh is not only Kawser Jamal. There are thousand people involve in this organization. It’s not right to judge an organization from the angle of one person’s does and don’t.

    Kawser Jamal
    http://www.changeBangladesh.com

    http://www.provati.com

    Thanks
    Kawser Jamal

50. Saleh Tanveer Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 9:11 pm

    So far, it seems Dr. Yunus is following the build-up stategy in forming his organization, starting forming clusters at the local level, until leadership within each of the clusters emerges. I think this is a good strategy as it allows consensus of grassroots opinion to filter up and make it to the party manifesto.

    Some of you have want to see the complete package before you decide to be involved. But it seems to me that Dr. Yunus himself does not have a preconceived idea about this, other than some broad outlines like operating under secular democratic principles. So, this may be a chance for your to get your best ideas make it through by being involved. If the final product is not what you like, you may want to disassociate yourself at that point. For many who are fed up with politics as usual, I think this is an opportunity, the likes of which may not come in a life-time.

    My feeling is that the success or failure of this party will be decided less by Dr. Yunus but by the capabilities and limitations of the grassroot leadership that emerges in the process.

51. Saleh Tanveer Says:
    February 23rd, 2007 at 11:58 pm

    Let me make some a few comments about Grameen bank’s effectiveness, interest rate as well as other impressions of DMY’s leadership. These have come under renewed attack from politicians of all colors, as well as by some left-leaning academics.

    For many years, I have been following this debate as I have close friends on either side of the debate. I wanted to know the truth for myself, as best as I could, and get to my own informed conclusion.

    So, I did quite a bit research for myself on the internet through Google by typing keywords like “Grameen critics”. I also attended a talks, including by an academic from Manchester University who went to Bangladesh along with his student and interviewed quite a few Grameen borrowers. He was an early critic but now has a more balanced position.

    The general impression I got after many hours of reading numerous reports and scholarly articles is that Grameen Bank/BRAC micro-credit has been generally effective in alleviating povery among the borrowers, though the degree of effectiveness remains controversial. It seems that Grameen/BRAC micro-credit has not worked well for ALL borrowers. Roughly, a third of the borrowers do very well. Another third do OK. The bottom third struggle, and for a good fraction of the latter group, micro-credit may have hurt them. The rates of poverty alleviation on the overall is anywhere between 1-5% per year, depending on who you believe and what methods they use to calculate it. Nonetheless, over the last 30 years, cumulative effect been very significant. One thing all researchers agree on is the huge social benefits, including education of the children for families who have been generationally illiterate. Also, I looked for the worst things researchers found out about Grameen, but could not find a single reference to corruption. This impression, if accurate, is a major managerial accomplishment of its leadership for an organization of this size, spread out over the entire country.

    About interest rates, Grameen charges 20 percent interest rates for basic borrowing, 8 % on housing loans and 5 % on student loans. The latter two is clearly cross-subsidized by the former, as they are below market rates. Besides covering the salary of the staff at a level comparable to government pay scale, Grameen underwrites debt-writeoff following a borrower’s death, pays for life insurance and subsidized health care (though only at a most basic level). It also gives 12% interest on long term deposits to its clients, which is higher than market rates. It also suspends loan repayments during major flood disasters. Bearing in mind all the costs incurred, the interest rate seems quite reasonable for a self-sustaining organization that provides services to millions. Yes, it would have been nice not to have interest rate at all, but how could it sustain itself and grow to something as big as it is today?

    I think the reason some people harbor wrong impressions about Grameen interest rates is their forced savings program– not everything they borrow are available to them for spending. They are also charged a few takas for medical insurance.

    The most important thing for me is that all the profits earned by Grameen goes back right into the organization, which is owned by the borrowers themselves, not by DMY or other Grameen employees. One blogger was complaining that DMY was wrongly pressuring Nortel to give up majority share of Grameen Phone to “him”. The correct statement should have been that he was pressuring Nortel to honor their informal pledge of handing over majority share of GP to Grameen telecom, which is owned by the poor borrowers, not DMY. Dr. Yunus’ claim of an informal agreement has been verified by the third largest newspaper in Norway, who got hold of such a statement from internal Nortel sources after the present Nortel leadership was claiming there was no such prior understanding.

    My conclusion is based on extensive reading and balancing all different kinds of evaluation, some at odds with each other. Dr. Yunus may be overstating the effectiveness of micro-credit as a tool for poverty alleviation; nonetheless, on the whole, there has been tremendous positive effects of work by Grameen, BRAC and some other NGOs.

    Further, despite criticisms you hear about efficacy of Grameen programs from people like Dr. Taj Hashmi, I haven’t seen a single negative comment from any informed researcher about Dr. Yunus’ basic honesty and integrity, though some say he does not listen to his critics and is stubborn.

    The most sweeping negative comments always seem to come from people who know the least or haven’t bothered to do their homework. Politicians are trying to milk such misperceptions to their own advantage–read Sk. Hasina’s statement about no difference between corrupt people and usurers, the latter clearly referring to DMY.

    The only cautionary note about DMY style of leadership is whether he will be listening to his critics sufficiently and often enough to be able to make mid-course corrections, if and when they are needed.
    Also, he is used to working with his ex-students and Grameen borrowers who are on the board; all of them look upto him for all important decisions and follow them.
    The question for me is whether or not
    he will be able to transform himself to dealing with people on a more equal basis and give due consideration to the merits of their arguments against his own, not to say that other political leaders do any better.

    However, I am encouraged to see over the last week that he has been apparently listening to some of the things that have been said. Recall the ill-conceived name “Yunus Shomorthok Goshthi” was not repeated in his second letter.

    In my earlier personal note to him, I had advised him not to enter politics because I was worried he will be unable to control his party, which I feared will attract a large number of opportunists. Further, I think too much dependence on a single personality for our national salvation is an unstable arrangement, as the person’s departure creates a vacuum that is hard to fill and may indeed stunt a nation’s political growth. I would rather have society come to a stable equilibrium through a process of competing socio-economic groups, each vying for political power. I feel that his (and others’) work on poverty alleviation will eventually create new groups of empowered people who will flex their political muscle. This would be his greatest achievement.

    Now that he is already in, I acknowledge the potential good that may come out of this, and like to think that the not-so-good outcomes I was worried about are lesser possibilities.

    Some years back, when we were debating on Socio Culture Bangladesh (scb) about BD politics and the path out of the vicious cycle of poverty, corruption and poor leadership, Dr. Mahmud Faruque made a perceptive comment–something to the effect that a push or a nudge at critical junctures in a nation’s history can cause that nation to break out of this vicious cycle. Perhaps, DMY’s entry into politics is one of those events.

    Regardless of whether or not you agree with my assessment, there can be no denying of the incredible courage and passion DMY has displayed, as mentioned earlier by Mr. Farhad– here is a person who has been put on a pedestal by a nation for the honors he has brought us; yet he is risking it all to try to make a difference, with little guarantee of success.

52. KGazi Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 12:55 am

    Barak Obama, another lighthouse in the horizon of US politics, mentioned today what Dr Yunus will aspire to achieve - that is to abolish the game of DIVISIVE politics.

    Hasina, like Bush are masters of divisive politics - (u are with me or you are enemy) and so are many academics and activists back home, infected by that idea.

    But it will be the unification of nation-builders thru constructive JOINT democracy and leadership, which will be the goldmine of Yunus.

53. FZ Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 1:58 am

    Thanks Saleh Tanveer for an impartial evaluation of Grameen Bank and DMY. I hope Prof Yunus will be able to come up with a better alternative for us. Let’s not take him as a ‘fereshta’, let’s help him to form his party and give suggestions and constructive criticism.

    If he doesn’t turn out to be trustworthy, we’ll have our voting power to reject him anyway.

54. naeem Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 4:30 am

    > Zaki Says:
    >I have been wondering if it would actually make sense for Dr. Yunus to _not_ contest the elections himself and instead devote himself entirely to building a grassroots-based political party.

    You think if he tried to build a party for 5 years, BNP or AL would leave him alone? Whoever got back into power would rip him to pieces and shut down Grameen. Don’t forget BNP managed to shut down Proshikha. 4th or 5th largest NGO.

    >Sposhtobadi Says:
    > If he becomes unsuccessful on what he thinks he could, we are going to waste our only Nobel laureate and go back to square one.

    So, we should wrap our “only” Nobel laureate in tin foil and put him in the glass cabinet in drawing room, so that mehmans can see it and go “aha aha”?

    Or like my dad, who keeps TV remote control wrapped in plastic for 10 years?

    No thanks.

    PS There are other Nobel leaureates who ran and lost (read Mari Vagras Llosa’s excellent account of his failed bid “A Fish Out Of Water”), and they survived. I lived near Llosa in Peru, and he was the man about town or what we call “dibbi ghure beracchen”, he did not seem to have lost his Nobel “prestige”.

    > M A Says:
    >It appears that Dr. Yunus prefers the Airport for important announcements.

    Airport announcement was not the most prudent image politics move (recall the anti-KH election slogan “Dr Kamal Hossain amar murubbi manush, kinthu uni breakfast koren Paris e, lunch koren Geneva the, uni kibhabe Bangladesh er manus her dukkho bujhben?”)

    However, you are scraping bottom of barrel if you consider that to be a substantive critique. It’s superficial. Real thing is not where he says something, but what he says.

    >Mridul
    >Capitalism can only thrive under due protection of property from illegal seizure.

    Hernando de Soto’s recent follow-up to THE OTHER PATH (a groundbreaking study in 80s of informal markets) argues exactly this as why entrepreneurship does not thrive where there are not strong land/property rights and rule of law.

    >sushanta das gupta Says:
    >Pls keep in mind that DP is not a sole agent of DMY. Let other person who is not supporting DMY’s politics to express their views under DP BLOG.

    Sushanto, plenty of anti-DMY posts are here. So who is stopping anyone from expressing views (unless there is slander+personal attack+obscenity)?

    >Annu Says:
    >Can somebody draft a letter on behalf of Drishtipat to Prof Yunus welcoming his decision

    I don’t think this is necessary, nor useful.

    1. What does he need to be welcomed for? He is already in. Or do you think he will digbaji and say “jak DP amare welcome korse, ebar ami dui haath e nami”?

    2. Generally I have extreme allergy to this sort of mandhata bangalipona of reception, shombordhona, fool er mala, blab la stuff. This stuff needs to go into dustbin of history (sorry Annu don’t be hurt)

    3. Anyway DP is not united on this, so question of letter from DP does not arise.

    > Lopa Says:
    >Why is the name “nagarik shakti”? nagarik is people who live in ‘nagar’ (city). Is it going to be another party for the urban elites?

    No, Nagorik is citizen.

    City dweller is “nogor bashi”

    > PoorLand Says:
    >>Why is the name “nagarik shakti”?
    >Why he wearing ‘pants’ instead of ‘lungi’!? Is he going to be another urban elites like me?

    That’ right! And why is he smiling so much in every photo? Otho hasher ki ache?

    Bangali pareo…pan theke chun khoshle kheipa jai

    > Tania A Says:
    > our Western comforts

    I think there are some DP posters who are in BD as well.

    > Fugstar Says:
    >Poorland, “why doesnt Dr Y wear a lungi.” I doubt its a disadvantage

    Poorland was being sarcastic!

55. naeem Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 4:34 am

    Sorry, typed too fast.

    Mario Vargas Llosa

    And the book is FISH IN THE WATER

56. Sowula Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 6:18 am

    Dear Drishtipat and your bloggers/commentators.

    Firstly I want to quickly say that until DMY actually proposes policies and demands FAFE to be restored to the country so his new party can contest elections, I don’t think he’s done the most important and most obligatory part of floating a political party.

    But I am more interested in you commentators. I am a British human-rights activist who has been volunteering for an indigenous rights NGO in Sylhet for the last five months, and will be here for at least a year.

    I read DP often, as it’s very good, but I get the impression that all you commentators know each other, and some of you write regularly for the DS, New Age etc?
    But you talk of ‘we’ citizens, but how many are you are NRB, and will not actually get a chance to vote?
    How much do you have in common with the vast majority of ‘normal’ Bangladeshis?
    This isn’t a criticism - but in the interests of transparency, which you all state the interim military government should install, would you guys object to declaring who you actually are, and if you have any vested interest, when you comment here?
    Partly it would make it more accessible to people like me who don’t know your world, and also it might add an extra dimension to your views?
    For example, I think that ‘Joy’ is the son of Sheikh Hasina, but it would add to my understanding of this blog if I actually knew.

    Many thanks, and much respect for all that you are trying to do.

    Tim Sowula
    http://www.deepinthedesh.wordpress.com

57. Sowula Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 6:55 am

    Sorry, one more comment, about DMY - the more I learn about this, the more I am shocked that Bangladeshi civil society and I would presume the people in general (who can’t afford to comment on Yunis) are so willing to back and genuflect to somebody who it increasingly appears you know nothing politically about.

    Since when did the Nobel Peace Prize committee decide who would make a good political leader or not? I thought in a democracy the people are ultimately to decide.

    Granted, Yunus’s political opponents aren’t popular at the moment, but surely if you demand transparency from your politicians, and want Yunus to be a politician, then you should demand transparency and openess from him?

    Until he starts making political statements rather than declaring utopian visions that anyone with a decent education could state, he is not a politician.

    Why are you letting Yunus have it both ways?

58. Shahed Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 7:28 am

    Excellent write up by Saleh Tanveer. Thanks for that. Cleared up a lot of things. I was wondering if the evaluation of effectiveness of micro-credit (1/3 does well, 1/3 OK, and 1/3 struggle) is available online or in a book/report format somewhere. Just curious.

59. Saleh Tanveer Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 9:13 am

    Thank you, Mr./Ms. FZ, Mr. Shahed, for your compliments.

    In answer to Mr. Shahed’s query, about the 1/3 rd fractions, I was directly quoting a professor from Manchester University who had given a talk at the London micro-credit club in the fall of ‘05. I was in the audience as I was visiting UK at the time. He had gone to Bangladesh with his student and together they talked to many Grameen borrowers and collected statistics. He was also an early critic of Grameen, by his own admission.

    These numbers are only rough estimates, but they generally consistent with the impressions I got from a fair amount of reading. There is a large variance in the statistics gathered by different researchers, partly because questions were phrased differently and the interpretations of data were also different (this is where bias of the observer came in).

60. Sposhtobadi Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 9:14 am

    >>Sposhtobadi Says:
    >> If he becomes unsuccessful on what he thinks he could, we are going to waste our only Nobel laureate and go back to square one.

    So, we should wrap our “only” Nobel laureate in tin foil and put him in the glass cabinet in drawing room, so that mehmans can see it and go “aha aha”?

    Or like my dad, who keeps TV remote control wrapped in plastic for 10 years? >>

    ‘naeem’, the tone of your response could be better without such mockery. You have not understood the concern and your sarcastic ridicules were unnecessary. Your father has not only kept his remote control wrapped in plastic for 10 years, he has also managed to keep your mind wrapped with superiority complex as until today …

    Sharing opinion is not an exam to pass. The very concept of ‘unheard voice’ gets lost if intellectuals like you keep pricking others. I was referred by a friend to DP blogs…only to find out more-orthodox-than-Pope ones like you. Good luck to you all and have a great Bangladesh. I will be better off without my voice ‘heard’ by DP superstars.

61. Zaki Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 11:29 am

    Naeem says:
    >> You think if he tried to build a party for 5 years, BNP or AL would leave him alone? Whoever got back into power would rip him to pieces and shut down Grameen. Don’t forget BNP managed to shut down Proshikha. 4th or 5th largest NGO.

    Naeem, I did not mean that his party should not participate in the coming elections; rather he should perhaps not be a candidate himself. Your point about Proshika is well-taken.

62. Saleh Tanveer Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 11:36 am

    Mr. Shahed:

    Continuing my answer to your question in # 58, please check out the link below. This is essentially the outline of the presentation Prof. Hulme from Manchester gave at the London micro-credit club, which I attended in person. The outline does not contain the precise 1/3rd fractions I quoted in my post, which was part of his spoken presentation; nonetheless, this study from a former critic is revealing and indeed consistent with the overall impression one gets after reading a lot of the literature.

    http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm/research/events/documents/WM-TB-sem-Hulme-Pres.ppt

63. bitterboy Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 12:48 pm

    I am amazed to see the entire spctrum of DMY’s issues and in depth discussions here: pros and cons, hopes vs hoplessness, heartening vs disheartening comments, Grameen vs National Leadership role, microcosm of micro-credit vs macro-cosom of national politics.

    All discussions are very fruitful. I believe, some of the bloggers did good jobs like Tania/Saleh Tanveer to dispels some of the doubts in our negative minds about DMY.

    Some of the bloggers doesn’t see DMY’s joining politics as positive venture and skeptiical about his capabilities as a national leader. This won’t be not inflating, should I say, god willing he can make him not only a very effective national leader, but I do profess he can rise to the stature of global leader discovering a new direction for international leadership toward peace, prosperity and harmony among citizens to citizens and nation to nation.

    Some are accusing him not doing anything about politics in the last 35 years after our independence. It is now just few months he gained most prominence in our national level and a significant level in the international arena.

    Before now he was not a politician and politics was not his field of prime focus. Why should we incriminate him for being unconcerned about myriads of socio-political, human rights, corruption and other issues? Dr. Yunus is not a superman, he like no one can focus on every issues on the earth at the same time or even in someone’s entire life. Undoubtedly I beleive he had a political thinking for years from now, but politics was not his mission up until recently. He had a great
    vision of alleviating poverty through his Grameen Project. He has accomlished his goal. For his monumental success he has been awarded the NPP [Nobel Peac Prize].

    His NPP has endowed the nation great honor and enlivened us with power and prestige, honor and dignity. This event was so far the highest personal achievement for him. But for us as a nation it is the event of highest honor and prestige, second to our independence after 1971.

    But due to crooked politicians our all good achievements are on the way of being garbage. We were for consecutive 5 years world-championed as a corrupt nation,thanks to schismatic politics of AWL and BNP.

    It is the high time and only time to come out of their duel shackles. We can do it if we do want to and unite under the leadership of Yunus. If we miss the golden chance this time perhaps we won’t see it any more in our life time. We have the ship ready, we have the skilled navigator to steer and surf with us in the sea of success.

    It’s the time to say Enough is Enough for Crooked Corrupt, Morally Bankrupt Self-Seeking Politicians. Enought is enough to amass bank accounts sipping the blood and vitality of people. It is the time for reckoning. It is the time for divorcing the duo AWL-BNP. It is the time for moving forward with full vigor with the vision DMY has for us. No time at all to look back at our demigods and stare at and compare who is more handsome or more cutie. No time at all left with us to be pasted with past and remorse. Lets all make a combined giant stride and stampede all obstructions on our way. We will for sure reach the Zenith of Success if don’t delibaretely mistep.

    May Allah be up with us towards good will.

    Thanks.

64. M. Amin Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 3:57 pm

    http://www.amadershomoy.com/news.php?id=139310&sys=3

65. Saleh Tanveer Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 6:12 pm

    Just an error in my post # 51.
    I meant Telenor (state controlled phone company of Norway) and not Nortel.

    Thanks to Afsar Ali for pointing this out.

66. naeem Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 9:41 pm

    >Sposhtobadi Says:
    >‘naeem’, the tone of your response could be better without such mockery.

    My apologies if your feelings were hurt. But you have misunderstood. I often have a mocking tone as a style (look @ my DS op-eds), it does not indicate “superiority complex”.

    >Your father has not only kept his remote control wrapped in plastic for 10 years, he has also managed to keep your mind wrapped with superiority complex as until today

    Hardly. I’m an artist, which to my father’s generation is not a profession, so people of his generation usually say:
    - ashol chakri nibe kobe
    - bari kinbe kobe
    - biye korbe kobe

    So my elders giving me superiority complex does not arise.

    >Sharing opinion is not an exam to pass.

    Agreed. You shared your opinion, I shared mine. Neither of us have anything to pass.

    >The very concept of ‘unheard voice’ gets lost if intellectuals like you keep pricking others.

    Arre bhai, apne eyhsob ki shuru korlen. Ami abar intellectual holam kobe. I hate intellectual windbags.

    >I was referred by a friend to DP blogs…only to find out more-orthodox-than-Pope ones like you.

    You are far too sensitive. There are 100s of posters on DP, I am hardly a dominant voice.

    As for orthodoxy, you have not followed my writings for a long time. I am hardly orthodox. And by the way, FYI, my next op-ed in Daily Star (coming out in next 1-2 days) is about secularism, but ends with a call for building a left-progressive state that challenges orthodox capitalist thinking. Hardly DMY’s favored stance. (and I was one of the people who bashed the Monsanto decision).

    >I will be better off without my voice ‘heard’ by DP superstars.

    Eta tho obhiman korlen un-necessarily ebong fao. No one is stopping anyone’s voices from being heard. Post away, you will see every single post will go through.

67. naeem Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 9:44 pm

    Heard an interesting argument against DMY’s entry last night @ dinner. The sum of it is, UNLESS DMY actually wins (a long shot if you start looking @ then logistics of gathering 150 deats), this will be tremendously damaging for GB. Because if either BNP or AL wins (and we are making big mistake in talking as if they have disappeared), they will do everything they can to squash Grameen to oblivion.

68. Shahed Says:
    February 24th, 2007 at 11:44 pm

    I condemn the stance DU student organizations and teachers took on not letting DMY be the speaker at the convocation on the ground that he had launched a political party. Did not expect this level of narrow mindedness from the country’s number one educational institution.

    On the other hand, read the article(#64) and related DS news. It is a little disappointing to learn the megalomaniacal proposition by DMY. I wonder who his political advisers are at this moment. It is not surprising to see his businessman attitude though. That’s who he is. So many people’s hopes are banked on this person. He’d better not mess with it.

    (Thanks, Saleh Tanveer, for the GB link.)

69. KGazi Says:
    February 25th, 2007 at 12:12 am

    Naeem re #67,

    This is why Hasina & Khaleda are now “pleading” to have early elections, so that the CTG cannot do TOO MANY reforms, which may restrict Hasina-Khaleda’s powers to mess around BD orgs (like army and Grameen), after (if) they return to power.

    Poor Hasina must be crying now to have ANY elections, even WITHOUT voter talika, even with Iajuddin EC, even one that BNP wins, just so that their harrassment and corruption powers are kept intact!!

    This is why the CTG reforms on checks and balances, judiciary and electoral, corporate and political, are so critical now, BEFORE elections, so that political vendetta and mafia-style “crushing to oblivion” are legally and practically IMPOSSIBLE after elections.

70. Salemin Says:
    February 25th, 2007 at 3:36 am

    M Amin & Shahed (post 64 & 68):

    In Financial Express today, the news came as Nahiyan proposed the name of his own or both of their name to be the name of the project.

    Wanted to paste the link here, but some odd reason http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/ this site is not opening now.

    I doubt Prof. Yunus would be that stupid to propose his name in the project.

71. Shahed Says:
    February 25th, 2007 at 4:56 am

    Salemin,

    Looks like Financial Express website is down. Anyway, if DS has misreported this news, they owe everyone a big big apology. This kind of mistake is quite unacceptable in these critical times, regardless if it was intentional or unintentional, or done by DS or FE.

72. M. Amin Says:
    February 25th, 2007 at 1:39 pm

    Everyone who is closely following BD political developments and alignments should know Mahfuz Anam publisher/part owner of Daily Star (DS) being considered for top party position of Nagorik Sokti. But he is not the only person considered, there are other contenders.

    Financial Express reported Yunus statement was actually Sheikh Nahayan wishes. But DS reported it was Yunus statement. IMO FE was right and Mahfuz Anam and co. have just abused media power to send Yunus a message. Message that - if Mahfuz Anam wishes don’t come true then Yunus image and political career can be severely damaged by DS media power. That is the same sentiment came from Amader Somoy (AS) report and that why it has skillfully asked DS to come clean.

    http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=2/25/2007&section_id=7&newsid=53560&spcl=no

    Beyond who said what there are other interesting points brought up by AS. Hope those points will provide food for some deep thought.

73. FZ Says:
    February 25th, 2007 at 5:44 pm

    I used to honor Mr. Mahfuz Anam much. But I was suprised last year (August) to see him breaking the law himself. I don know if you’ll believe me, but I think I should tell u guys about it.

    It was about 11 pm, I was addafying with some of my friends at Sat Masjid Road, between Anam Rangs Plaza and the Dhanmodi Lake. I saw Mr. Mahfuz Anam coming out of a house adjoining the lake (on the sat masjid road). His car was parked outside, he drove his car back to get inside the house, a minute later he came out, driving himself and being accompanied by most probably his wife. Then came the moment of surprise for us.

    Instead of going left and taking the U turn in front of Medinova (only about 30 m to go, ), he turned right (wrong side) drove 25 meter and took the goli adjoining the Anam Rangs plaza. It was almost 11 pm, so not much traffic on road, and it was only abt 25 m of wrong side drive, but still most of our friends were disheartened to see him breaking the law himself.

    One of my friends knew that I’m a fan of mahfuz Anam and he mocked me about it. He said that he’s seen Mr. Fakir Alamgir beating a rickshawala. So it is not a big surprise that Mahfuz Anam is breaking the law.

    Anyway, this post is not for throwing personal attacks against prominent personalities, but I thought it is good for all of us to know the true face of some persons whom we consider as our idols.

74. Wasim Says:
    February 26th, 2007 at 12:14 am

    I think BNP should be happy if Yunus’s party runs in the next election. The ideology of Yunus’s party will be similar to that of AL. The most porminent point is secularism. Yunus will hurt AL though some progressive BNP men may join Yunus party. But ultimately BNP should be winner if Yunus can take some pro AL progressive votes. Hard core AL vote will not go but secular people who can not vote either BNP or Jamaat may vote for Yunus.
    Probably because of such calculation Amader Samoy reported that Yunus may form alliance with AL.

75. Tanoy Says:
    February 26th, 2007 at 7:36 am

    please read

    http://amadershomoy.com/news.php?id=139767&sys=1

    I Value columns of Masuda Bhatti. she is an intelligent columnist

76. M. Amin Says:
    February 26th, 2007 at 12:59 pm

    good catch Tanoy. She has some very valid and interesting points.

77. jotilcase Says:
    February 26th, 2007 at 1:55 pm

    This is a great debate.

    I’m glad that DMY is actually trying to promote local leaders. I think this is will be good for lowering corruption because a lot of corruption happens through patronage. There r genuine local people out there. Get their voices out. We have to see wheather DMY’s voice actually drowns them out or not.

    I found the followin articles best about this debate

    Jalal Alamgir’s “We Need Local Leaders Not National Personalities”

    http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/02/15/d70215020324.htm

    Mridul Chowdhury’s “Why Yunus samarthak goshthi?”
    http://thedailystar.net/2007/02/21/d70221020421.htm

    Anisur Rahman’s “Response to Dr. Yunus”
    http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/02/19/d702191501118.htm

78. Tania A Says:
    February 26th, 2007 at 9:57 pm

    Hi FZ,

    With all due respect…if you and your friends lose respect for a “high esteemed” person just because they made an illegal traffic turn (in Dhaka no less), then my DP counterpart poster, you are setting yourself up for really big disappointments.

79. Tanoy Says:
    February 27th, 2007 at 12:01 am

    Tania I think It is not negligible point.
    In Fact Those small things some times
    indicating transformation mind of the people.
    Same thing can be news If Any leader can do and Mahfuz Anam is in front of them. I hope those things can’t be taken in light way.

    Other wise one day those corrupt leaders will say we have maximum stolen biscuit and Relief goods not million of dollars.:)

80. naeem Says:
    February 27th, 2007 at 12:04 am

    Mahfuz Anam made a u-turn?

    Oh oh, I went through a red light Sunday at Newmarket. Amare dorra maren.

81. Asif Says:
    February 27th, 2007 at 12:15 am

    Are you guys seriously saying that you lost respect for someone because he took a wrong turn in traffic light? Another example of our hero worshipping and how we think our leaders are prophets and not human.

82. KGazi Says:
    February 27th, 2007 at 1:10 am

    DMY should make a policy NOT to allow any one into his party who has ever been in AL, BNP, JP or Jamaat.

    All these old drop-outs like Ershad, B.Chow, Moudud, etc should be honored as retired pensioners. Their old politics of stale ideology should now be “sent to the museum”.

    Idea being to eliminate job-hoppers, party-boppers, corrupticians and opportunists, but instead to encourage fresh blood and dynamism, with an unique and brand new outlook.

83. FZ Says:
    February 27th, 2007 at 1:20 am

    Asif and Naeem Bhai,

    True, we should not take people as our prophet, but we can expect some sort of minimum from them. I know it’s not a big deal breaking traffic law in a city like Dhaka. But Mr. Mahfuz Anam’s image in my mind is of a person standing strongly for adherence to law and principles. That’s why we were surprised seeing him breaking the law himself, no matter how minutely significant break it was.

    I’ll not be surprised if Naeem Bhai breaks traffic law, but I’ll be disheartened if he makes a single communal comment. I’ll be surprised if Mr. Abdullah Abu Sayeed litters on the street, not if Mosaddek Ali Falu does the same. I’ll be suprised to see Fakir Alamgir beating a rickshawala, even if I myself had done that. I’ll be surprised if Sultana Kamal orders crossfire, not when L Babar does that. That’s how it goes, we create an image of a prominent man from their stand, and we also expect them to conform with the standard he’s set for himself.

84. naeem Says:
    February 27th, 2007 at 2:16 am

    FZ, I think you raise good points, as does Asif. Let’s move on. I think the crying need now is to give specific, actionable recommendations that can be implemented by Yunus, Fakhruddin, as well as Khaleda and Hasina is they genuinely want to reform their party (belatedly they have realized they have to, for survival).

    A small example, a friend who works for Disaster Preparation and Business Continuity for asian companies involved in semiconductor business is now writing an op-ed for DAILY STAR on what BD needs to do to prepare for fire, earthquake, terrorist attack, war. It’s not glamorous, but it is practical actionable. I am sure Fakhruddin will read it closely, as will Yunus and others.

85. KGazi Says:
    February 27th, 2007 at 3:20 pm

    Fakhruddin’s ideas are on track, and reflects people’s needs. FINALLY, somebody is talking REAL ISSUES of the country, and NOT buried in the legacy bogus politics.

    Read article:
    http://www.newagebd.com/front.html#1

86. asif Says:
    February 28th, 2007 at 9:23 am

    Very good piece by Afsan Chowdhury on Yunus.

    in Probe magazine

    http://www.probenewsmagazine.com/index.php?index=2&contentId=2233

87. FZ Says:
    February 28th, 2007 at 2:20 pm

    Yunus gives a wonderful speech in DU convocation: