Tuesday, September 29, 2009
PM Hasina's Paper Co-Authored with US Army Officer: Chittagong Hill Tracts is the Road Map for Pakistan Tribal Areas
(RealTimeBangladesh Blog Report, September 29, 2009 (c))
Extensive Training facilities of Islamic militants have been discovered in Chittagong Hill Track (CHT) areas of Bangladesh.
Do you know in January 2009 The Prime Minister Hasina Wazed co-authored an article with a US military officer, a graduate of West Point Military School, and a First Lieutenant of Iraq War- published in the Internet edition of Armchair General magazine titled Smoking al Qaida and the Taliban Out of Pakistan’s Tribal Region?
If you did not know- PM's son Mr. Sajeeb Joy has also authored another article with the same officer of US Army. It is possibly interesting to look at these two articles from two very important personalities in current Bangladesh.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Suicide Sqad Training Camps by Islamic Militants Discovered in the Jungles of Bangladesh
Suicide Squad Training Camps Run by Islamic Militants Discovered in Bangladesh Jungle
The captured senior militant commander Mr. Saifullah- being very true to his name- is disclosing stunning information about the extent of JMB operations in Bangladesh.
Just not that one tin shed bungalow published in yesterday's Dhaka news papers- that there are now 14 training campuses in various remote jungles. Indeed where there is a popular jungle retreat- Coxes’ Bazar to Sylhet they are also lurking close-by inside the jungle.
It looks like it’s almost a university like situation. More than 500 militant officers are receiving training in various areas ranging from explosive making, suicide bombing and even in information technology! Who says women education is at peril under the Islamist. It also has squad of female suicide bombers.
The Arabic name Saifullah means “Sword of God”. But, the group is using much more than human sword. The groups R&D department has devised various smart bombs such as flask bomb, pen bomb, book bomb, etc. For example, a book bomb can be carried in a simple bag while the pen bomb can be carried in shirt pockets. These devices can be detonated by remote operation.
The explosives required to make these smart devices are coming from local and Indian free markets. According to unnamed sources- Mr. Sword has further indicated that the funding is coming from sources in UK, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Perhaps, each of these countries should be rebuked to aid in terrorism in Bangladesh.
The spin around the news has also begun. RAB and the authorities are claiming that this capture and bust indicate how successful they are in countering militants. They are near elimination. So did the last two administrations. Looking at the bigger picture it is however, not clear who is actually winning. Apparently, this capture also indicates that the militants are planning for the long haul- much longer than the terms of our administrations.
The foreign policies of US and West are fueling JMB recruitment. But also, thanks to the added wisdom of our own government. The opening up of the worm of amendment of the 5th amendment of country's constitution- can only help further fuel the problem.
The captured senior militant commander Mr. Saifullah- being very true to his name- is disclosing stunning information about the extent of JMB operations in Bangladesh.
Just not that one tin shed bungalow published in yesterday's Dhaka news papers- that there are now 14 training campuses in various remote jungles. Indeed where there is a popular jungle retreat- Coxes’ Bazar to Sylhet they are also lurking close-by inside the jungle.
It looks like it’s almost a university like situation. More than 500 militant officers are receiving training in various areas ranging from explosive making, suicide bombing and even in information technology! Who says women education is at peril under the Islamist. It also has squad of female suicide bombers.
The Arabic name Saifullah means “Sword of God”. But, the group is using much more than human sword. The groups R&D department has devised various smart bombs such as flask bomb, pen bomb, book bomb, etc. For example, a book bomb can be carried in a simple bag while the pen bomb can be carried in shirt pockets. These devices can be detonated by remote operation.
The explosives required to make these smart devices are coming from local and Indian free markets. According to unnamed sources- Mr. Sword has further indicated that the funding is coming from sources in UK, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Perhaps, each of these countries should be rebuked to aid in terrorism in Bangladesh.
The spin around the news has also begun. RAB and the authorities are claiming that this capture and bust indicate how successful they are in countering militants. They are near elimination. So did the last two administrations. Looking at the bigger picture it is however, not clear who is actually winning. Apparently, this capture also indicates that the militants are planning for the long haul- much longer than the terms of our administrations.
The foreign policies of US and West are fueling JMB recruitment. But also, thanks to the added wisdom of our own government. The opening up of the worm of amendment of the 5th amendment of country's constitution- can only help further fuel the problem.
Friday, September 25, 2009
News From Around
- Tehcnology: Under 10K Laptop's to be Made in Bangladesh
- Intolerance: Elderly Party Leader Beaten in UK for Voicing Dissent by Party Mobs Loyal to PM Hasina
- High Tolerance: Bengali Man Rises and Returns Home One Hour After His Burial
- Drowning Maldives Seeks Help from Sinking Bangladesh: Wants Earth from Bangladesh River Dredging
- Land Robbers Working Hard Filling up Bangladeshi Rivers (picture below) | Turag
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Health Care Bangladeshi Style
Heart Bypass Patient Slapped, Cursed and Killed by Nurse in National Heart Foundation Hospital.
Yes it happened last week!
As health care debate rages in USA- it is probably time to reflect back in our own yard- the horrific state of health services in Bangladesh. Every family now has horror stories. Many doctors and rouge institutions are operating with open license to kill. There exists no patients bill of rights.
Can doctors, and medical professionals take note how much the profession has sunk? Below are some reports which should defy all sensibility:
In Bangladesh too many doctors are collecting kickbacks from test laboratories by referring tests. Some test labs and hospitals are paying kickback's up to 33-40% [Ref]. Some have devised indirect schemes to launder the payment. This is completely unethical and even declared criminal in many countries.. Even Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA)'s ethics statement says:
Yes it happened last week!
As health care debate rages in USA- it is probably time to reflect back in our own yard- the horrific state of health services in Bangladesh. Every family now has horror stories. Many doctors and rouge institutions are operating with open license to kill. There exists no patients bill of rights.
Can doctors, and medical professionals take note how much the profession has sunk? Below are some reports which should defy all sensibility:
- Heart Bypass Patient Slapped, Cursed and Killed by Nurse in National Heart Foundation.
- Doctors Celebrating Eid 2009: No Doctors in Dhaka Medical, Shurawardi, Mitford, PG Days after EiD
- Fathers, Mothers, Daughters and Hearts Lost in LabAid Cardiac
- Labaid' Manager Slaps Dying CCU Patient's Son Seeking Help
- Princeton U/WB Study Reports Ghost Doctors Running Goverment Hospitals
Nationwide the average number of vacancies over all types of providers in rural health centers is 26 percent. Regionally, vacancy rates (unfilled posts) are generally higher in the poorer parts of the country. Absentee rates at over 40 percent are particularly high for doctors. When separated into level of facility, the absentee rate for doctors at the larger clinics is 40 percent, but at the smaller subcenters with a single doctor, the rate is 74 percent.If you are poor- of course you have no care. If you are rich then also the industry will be glad to take your money- but still you wont have the care. The only way to get service is to know closely someone in the hospital.
In Bangladesh too many doctors are collecting kickbacks from test laboratories by referring tests. Some test labs and hospitals are paying kickback's up to 33-40% [Ref]. Some have devised indirect schemes to launder the payment. This is completely unethical and even declared criminal in many countries.. Even Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA)'s ethics statement says:
"The following practices are deemed unethical:BMA and Government should investigate the doctors and clinics enaged in such practice and take back all the income and profit generated from such practice by prosecution, black mark on practice license and above all hefty fine. It is time, the country must look into its own health care reform and perhaps take a fresh look at the state.
(3) Receiving any money in connection with services rendered to a patient other than a proper professional fee, even with the knowledge of the patient."
Monday, September 21, 2009
8.0+ Earthquake Imminent?
A big shake- ostensibly shaking the Dhakaite's sense of invincibility- lasting a full 20 seconds was felt at Dhaka immediately following the Eid, at about 3:55 p.m. Its epicenter was 460 kilometers north-northeast of Dhaka near the Bhutan-China border. This is the 5th jolt felt in the north eastern India and Bangladesh region- in last few weeks each with increasing magnitude 4.0, 4.3, 4.9, 5.3, and 5.9 and now a 6.4.
See how hot the area have become from the Real Time Earthquake Map served live by USGA.
Is an Earthquake of thousand year now imminent? A paper by geophysist Roger Bilham at the University of Colorado is predicting a mega earthquake of more than 8.0 magnitude is imminent here, putting over 50 million people at risk in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan. The paper says:
See how hot the area have become from the Real Time Earthquake Map served live by USGA.
Is an Earthquake of thousand year now imminent? A paper by geophysist Roger Bilham at the University of Colorado is predicting a mega earthquake of more than 8.0 magnitude is imminent here, putting over 50 million people at risk in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan. The paper says:
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Nirjhar's New Film Namuna Held at Censor Board
Breaking News From Around
- Yet Another Climate Change Study: Bangladesh Sinking
- List Compiled: See 198 Unauthorized Major Dhaka Buildings CausingTraffic Hell
- EID MUBARAK- Obama | Clinton | Pope Benedict | Mullah Omar | Medvedev | Gordon Brown
- 2 Million Children Starving in Bangladesh
- Thrill Ride Going Home: An Woman travels home sitting between two bogis
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Bangladesh Joins The List of Countries with Nuclear Ambition
Bangladesh has also revealed its interest to join the growing ranks of countries set to get nuclear energy. The step minister for Science, Information and Technology Yafes Usman said that already it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Russians in May. A Russian team has visited Bangladesh. A team from Dhaka is due to visit Russia in late October. The first step of the plan is to get a 600-1000 MW Plant to meet the extreme electricity scarcity of the country. It is part of consorted national effect. It sought the approval from IAEA in 2007 said Tapan Chowdhury, adviser to then interim government and head of the energy ministry.
I
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries on Earth. It also has a relatively smaller geographic area. The safety of the plant can be a major concern. It has the potential to turn into a mega disaster.
On the other hand there is almost no reserve in natural energy in the country. Bangladesh has about 14 tcf of proven and recoverable gas reserves. More than 3 tcf of gas has been extracted and it consumes around 1.6 billion cubic feet (bcf) gas per day. It's small gas and coal reserves will run out within decades if used at the present rate.
Hidden among the development is probably a brewing mini nuclear race in the Ganges Delta. Read on Myanmer's nuclear ambitions too. Steps ahead, Burma is building a 10 MW light-water nuclear Research Reactor. It has an active uranium search program which confirmed deposit discoveries in five sites Magwe, Taungdwingyi, Kyaukphygon and Paongpyin in Mogok, and Kyauksin. In 2006, a full fledged nuclear engineering departments at Yangoon Technological University (equivalent of BUET) has been established with BS to PhD program. There is uncorroborated report about a secret weapons program in the Naung Laing mountains [Google Earth View of the Secret Installation] - located less than 400 km east of Dhaka.
How hard it will be for Bangladesh to set a foot in the game? In 2008, Pakistan has offered strategic partnership to Bangladesh in nuclear technology.
It a classic nuclear chain reaction. Pakistan got it for India. India did it not that much to fight Pakistan- but to secure itself against China. China got it to be balance it's power with US and the West. But by now it has nothing to do with US or West. The complex geopolitics of the sub-continent makes its a matter of mere Bangladesh's national will.
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries on Earth. It also has a relatively smaller geographic area. The safety of the plant can be a major concern. It has the potential to turn into a mega disaster.
On the other hand there is almost no reserve in natural energy in the country. Bangladesh has about 14 tcf of proven and recoverable gas reserves. More than 3 tcf of gas has been extracted and it consumes around 1.6 billion cubic feet (bcf) gas per day. It's small gas and coal reserves will run out within decades if used at the present rate.
Hidden among the development is probably a brewing mini nuclear race in the Ganges Delta. Read on Myanmer's nuclear ambitions too. Steps ahead, Burma is building a 10 MW light-water nuclear Research Reactor. It has an active uranium search program which confirmed deposit discoveries in five sites Magwe, Taungdwingyi, Kyaukphygon and Paongpyin in Mogok, and Kyauksin. In 2006, a full fledged nuclear engineering departments at Yangoon Technological University (equivalent of BUET) has been established with BS to PhD program. There is uncorroborated report about a secret weapons program in the Naung Laing mountains [Google Earth View of the Secret Installation] - located less than 400 km east of Dhaka.
How hard it will be for Bangladesh to set a foot in the game? In 2008, Pakistan has offered strategic partnership to Bangladesh in nuclear technology.
It a classic nuclear chain reaction. Pakistan got it for India. India did it not that much to fight Pakistan- but to secure itself against China. China got it to be balance it's power with US and the West. But by now it has nothing to do with US or West. The complex geopolitics of the sub-continent makes its a matter of mere Bangladesh's national will.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Abducted NSU Student in FBI Custody: Father Appeals PM to Intervene
Father says DGFI picked up a North South University student from Tejgaon Arong Store at Dhaka and was flown by CIA to FBI back in 2006. Father urges PM Hasina's help in his release. The father does his news conf. at the alter of Dhaka University's 'Oprajeyo Bangla'- as if this symbolism bears some meaning.
If you have not followed it before.. its a complex story. The boy born in US returned to Bangladesh for education and then left Bangladesh for US perhaps in the pursuit of happiness. But then at some point returned to BD and planned to settle and get married back in native country. Why? Who knows. But, by this time US did not want to part him. Uncle Sam sent a plane to pick him up. Now wont let him go..
Family explains the tribulation in YouTube. Dont forget to see many other YouTube appeals for "freeing Shifa". As if YouTube have some mythical power to deliver justice for those who do not have other recourse?
Airport Security is Such a Pain These Days..
How we take it now a days? with a bit of asian humor. Read Airport security and Humor: A perilous journey through the anti-joke zone By Nury Vittachi
If you have not followed it before.. its a complex story. The boy born in US returned to Bangladesh for education and then left Bangladesh for US perhaps in the pursuit of happiness. But then at some point returned to BD and planned to settle and get married back in native country. Why? Who knows. But, by this time US did not want to part him. Uncle Sam sent a plane to pick him up. Now wont let him go..
Family explains the tribulation in YouTube. Dont forget to see many other YouTube appeals for "freeing Shifa". As if YouTube have some mythical power to deliver justice for those who do not have other recourse?
Airport Security is Such a Pain These Days..
How we take it now a days? with a bit of asian humor. Read Airport security and Humor: A perilous journey through the anti-joke zone By Nury Vittachi
Bangladesh Learning Internet Censor
Bangladesh Interior Ministry has informed BTRC about 84 websites, some operated from abroad perhaps by NRB's- for encouraging pornography and prostitution. As a country with traditional culture it faces the dillema of balancing freedom of speech, adult right for pornography, commodification of women, and ruling parties need to silence opposing points of view. During the massacre at BDR early this year, the government also tried to block in vein Internet sites including youtube, when leaked video showed angry army officers shouting vehemently at the prime minister.
Tipaimukhi Dam: Goodbye Surma, Kushiara as You Know It!
If you are agonizing over the dam- then behold- read about World's Largest Dam to Come on Brahmaputra which has been planned by China.
More to Come: 100 more Dams Under Construction in Himalayas
Indian Scientist on Hunger Strike to Stop Himalayan Dams
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Asian Highway vs. Transit to India
Hasina: Asian Highway to Run Through Faridpur.. Dhaka.. Bangladesh..
Drive from Iran to Malysia via Dhaka. Asian Highway-1 (AH-1) would be constructed on the Benapole- Jessore- Bhanga- Dhaka- Kanchpur-Sylhet-Tamabil route and AH-2 on the Bangalabandha- Hatikamrul- Tangail- Dhaka- Kanchpur- Sylhet-Tamabil route..
Transit to India: Group Threats Akhaura Port will be Bombed
Drive from Iran to Malysia via Dhaka. Asian Highway-1 (AH-1) would be constructed on the Benapole- Jessore- Bhanga- Dhaka- Kanchpur-Sylhet-Tamabil route and AH-2 on the Bangalabandha- Hatikamrul- Tangail- Dhaka- Kanchpur- Sylhet-Tamabil route..
Transit to India: Group Threats Akhaura Port will be Bombed
Open Season Again for Land Grabbing: Even UN!
Government land-grab by political and business bigwigs and administrative inactivity is a serious problem in Bangladesh. It is growing and land prices are skyrocketing.
The Rangs Building- was owned by a powerful business group of Bangladesh. The group first made its fortune being one of the first distributor of SONY electronics goods in Bangladesh. The building stood as the 'national monument' of land pirates- as a symbol of corruption and abuse. In one of the few people's success stories it was demolished in 2008. This national 'accolade' now bestows on another building not too far from that Rang's Monument- featured below!
There is also now new alarming trend that even public entities are diverting lands designated for public use for short term profits often political in nature with blatant disregard for public interest and environment. Even Local United Nation has gotten involved in this orgy. New Nation reports:
Public Grabing Kaptai Lake | RAJUK Grabing the Dhaka Rivers | Are You The Lucky One to Get a Plot in Purbachal? | United Nation to Grab 2-Acre from Shangshad Bhaban Lawn
MOYEEN is Gone. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to Hold on to "Illegal" Skyscraper in the Middle of Precious Wetland at the Heart of Dhaka with Blessings from Govt.
After the negative news of child labor, poor treatment of workers, the garments industry is earning another black spot. The misguided leadership of BGMEA is putting its members into trouble- opening its members to more national and international criticism- making them appearing as rouge cohorts in the leadership's dishonest mindset- apparently for no benefit to its members.
In fact, the way things are turning - it might cost way more.
The particular building -blatantly stands in the middle of Kawran Bazar's wet land. Such anti-environment activity coupled with their other issues- can spar international boycott.
It is not clear if BGMEA is aware of its precariousness. The labor unrest situation in Bangladesh Garment's Factory is one of the most explosive in the world. Extreme low wages- high awareness about the exploitation among the workers- and weakness of the management is spelling an accident to happen.
You can write to BGMEA at www.bgmea.com.bd.
Govt Recovers 26 Bigha Land Grabbed
The grabber seems to be a member of the ruling party. To set example it should expel such members from the party of Bangabondhu.
The Rangs Building- was owned by a powerful business group of Bangladesh. The group first made its fortune being one of the first distributor of SONY electronics goods in Bangladesh. The building stood as the 'national monument' of land pirates- as a symbol of corruption and abuse. In one of the few people's success stories it was demolished in 2008. This national 'accolade' now bestows on another building not too far from that Rang's Monument- featured below!
There is also now new alarming trend that even public entities are diverting lands designated for public use for short term profits often political in nature with blatant disregard for public interest and environment. Even Local United Nation has gotten involved in this orgy. New Nation reports:"The government is going to inflict yet another taint on Louis I Kahn's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar capital complex by leasing out land for a training academy and a UN office.Here are some recent news which should expose to the complexity of the problem:
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing has leased out permanently a piece of open green land ... a two-acre plot to the UN office, sources say. ... Noted architect Prof Shamsul Wares says the site falls within the 1,600-acre Sher-e-Bangla Nagar capital complex, also known as the National Assembly Complex, designed by world famous architect Kahn."
Public Grabing Kaptai Lake | RAJUK Grabing the Dhaka Rivers | Are You The Lucky One to Get a Plot in Purbachal? | United Nation to Grab 2-Acre from Shangshad Bhaban Lawn
MOYEEN is Gone. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to Hold on to "Illegal" Skyscraper in the Middle of Precious Wetland at the Heart of Dhaka with Blessings from Govt.
After the negative news of child labor, poor treatment of workers, the garments industry is earning another black spot. The misguided leadership of BGMEA is putting its members into trouble- opening its members to more national and international criticism- making them appearing as rouge cohorts in the leadership's dishonest mindset- apparently for no benefit to its members.
In fact, the way things are turning - it might cost way more.
The particular building -blatantly stands in the middle of Kawran Bazar's wet land. Such anti-environment activity coupled with their other issues- can spar international boycott.
It is not clear if BGMEA is aware of its precariousness. The labor unrest situation in Bangladesh Garment's Factory is one of the most explosive in the world. Extreme low wages- high awareness about the exploitation among the workers- and weakness of the management is spelling an accident to happen.
You can write to BGMEA at www.bgmea.com.bd.
Govt Recovers 26 Bigha Land Grabbed
The grabber seems to be a member of the ruling party. To set example it should expel such members from the party of Bangabondhu.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
