Licensed to terror – Bangladesh style
Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury
March 21, 2009
Remember the James Bond 007 movie named Licensed to Kill? In Bangladesh, a small country within South Asian region, right after installation of an elected government through December 29, 2008 general election, partisan hoodlums and terrorists are allowed to continue various forms of notoriety and crime being tolerated by the influential figures in the government and being silently watched by the members of the law enforcing agencies.
It is already over one month when my newspaper office was attacked by a gang of armed thugs belonging to ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League as well as a member from the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence. The attackers enjoyed blessings from one Shintu, proclaiming to be the advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Earlier, this Shintu called my office and demanded TK. 500,000 [equivalent to US$ 9200] as extortion. He in a harsh voice told me that the amount was required for organizational purpose of the ruling party. It was later learnt that this man continues to use the name of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a number of top figures in the government, in continuing various forms of illegal activities. Activities of this man is within the knowledge of the ruling party leaders, but, he is allowed in continuing such activities as it has become a regular culture in Bangladesh for some musclemen and thugs to do whatever they wish when their party is in power.
In most of the democratic countries, while leaders concentrate in their party activists and supporters to be aware of core value of democracy as well as democratic behavior, in Bangladesh, politicians teach anarchism, terror, corruption and every form of bad actions.
Each year, vehicles worth millions of dollars are torched by the political demonstrators on the streets of Bangladesh. Such destruction even continues on public and private properties. And, of course, instead of feeling guilty for such crime, politicians feel delighted. They claim such acts to be their democratic right.
In October 2006, thousands of activists of Awami League came on streets in Dhaka in particular with bamboo sticks, hockey-sticks, knives and other lethal weapons at the call of their leader [now Prime Minister] Sheikh Hasina to kill people on the streets, during broad-day-light, in the name of political demonstration. Controversial Awami League leaders like Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mirza Azam, Bahauddin Nasim etc., were leading such extreme notoriety.
And since Awami League came in power through December 29, 2008 general election, its student wing, youth front etc turned extremely enthusiastic in establishing reign of terror in all the educational institutions, while free-style crime continue in various parts of the country by these activists and members of the ruling party. Members of law enforcing agencies are rather captive in the hands of ruling party thugs and activists. Home Minister Sahara Khatun truly said on March 20, 2009 that country´s law and order situation was in the worst ever form since the independence of Bangladesh.
While the ruling government lately realized that they have virtually no control over their student wing, youth front, volunteer front etc, they have quickly adopted a very nasty policy of shifting the country to the status of a dangerous place in the world with severe threat of Islamist militancy attacks. Presidential Palace, Prime Minister´s office and home, Parliament House, broadcasting establishments, power stations, water supply centers and even English medium and Missionary educational institutions in the country are now under ´Red Alert´. According to information, ´Orange Alert´ has been declared in all the cantonments in the country. Everywhere is a fear of militant attack.
Police in Bangladesh have stepped up security at English-language schools in the capital amid fears of Islamic militant´s attacks. The measures came nearly a month after a mutiny at a military headquarters in Dhaka, in which thousands of rank-and-file border guards were accused of killing more than 70 people, mainly senior army officers. The government has said Islamic militants are linked to the mutiny. The government also said that Islamist militants have penetrated deep inside country´s law enforcing and disciplined forces.
There is also another comment by the government of link between local militants and Talibans. It is quite natural to believe, especially after the government´s comments that, notorious terror groups like Al Qaida might have already found certain place in Bangladesh with those Islamist militancy groups.
It may be mentioned here that, more than 100,000 students are attending English medium and missionary educational institutions in Bangladesh. On the other hand, there are above 69,000 Madrassas with additional number of kindergarten and kindergarten cadet Madrassas in the country. Experts consider Madrassas as breeding ground of Jihadists. It is also learnt that more than 300,000 students come out of various types of Madrassas in Bangladesh, most of whom are brain-washed with religious hatred, Jihadists mentality and high aspiration of becoming ´martyr´ in any religious war. Teachers in religious schools allure young students towards martyrdom with heaven, 72-virgins and many more eternal gifts.
Students in Madrassas learn to hate Jews, Christians, Hindus and other non-Muslims, considering them to be perverted from real religion. They [the students] believe killing Jews and Christians are their noble task right from Allah. They consider Bible, Torah and other Holy Scriptures, except Koran as false and man-written.
And, 300,000 plus students with such dangerous notions in mind, come out of Madrassas every year in Bangladesh, thus turning country´s security in potential threat.
But, what the ruling government is continuing to forecast since February 25-26, 2009 Massacre in Dhaka, has nothing to do with combating such rise of Militancy. Rather, it is simply a part of their political falsehood in saving a large number of ruling party-men, who are directly or indirectly involved behind the BDR Massacre.
Moreover, it is also important to remember here that, Awami League signed a treaty with Islamist party named Khelafat Majlish in 2006 for introducing Shariah Law in the country. One of the major partners in the coalition government in Bangladesh has electoral mandate of enacting Blasphemy law in the country.
A large number of non-governmental organizations in Bangladesh are reportedly engaged in terror financing. Intelligence reports recommended banning the Kuwait-based Revival of Islamic Heritage Society [RIHS] and taking action against a number of other Middle Eastern organizations found to have links with Islamist extremists.
In 2002, the US Department of State blacklisted some RIHS offices, citing their support to Osama bin Laden and Al Qaida. Intelligence agencies had also reported that militant group Ahle Hadith Andolon Bangladesh [AHAB] also receives such funding. AHAB chief Asadullah Al Galib himself talked about receiving funds. Other suspect NGOs include Rabita Al-Alam Al-Islami, Al-Muntada Al-Islami, Society of Social Reforms, Qatar Charitable Society, Islamic Relief Agency, Al-Forkan Foundation, International Relief Organization, Kuwait Joint Relief Committee, Muslim Aid Bangladesh, Dar Al-Khair, Hayatul Igachha and Tawheed-e-Noor.
Now, in Bangladesh, terrorism may even get stronger dimension when Islamists are aligned with Leftists and some of the heavyweight in the ruling party are continuing to patronize such notoriety. Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Haji Selim, Haji Mockbull, Shamim Osman, Joynal Hazari, Dipu Chowdhury, Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mirza Azam, Amir Hossain Amu etc, belonging to the ruling party are known terrorists or terror god-fathers. According to facts, hidden links amongst these elements are already established, who are continuing conspiracies in defaming Bangladesh Armed Forces as many of the kingpins of terror are greatly unhappy with Bangladesh Army for their anti-corruption and anti-terror drives especially since January 11, 2007.
Now going back to the titled topic! Thugs belonging to the ruling party attacked the office of my newspaper one plus month back. Surprisingly, there is no action from the law enforcing agencies or intelligence agencies in the country. We were categorically told by police that it was not possible for them to take any action against those thugs, as because; they [the thugs] belong to the ruling party.
On the other hand, the previous government withdrew police protection from my residence. Being the only journalist in Bangladesh, facing sedition, treason and blasphemy charges for criticizing radical and militant Islam, there is potential risk on my life from the possible attack by the Islamist militants. And, now, the government officially endorsed the fact of threat from the militants, but they are reluctant in reinstating police protection at my house. Reason behind is very simple; none of the major political parties in Bangladesh are against Islamists. In many cases, such elements are close-aides of the politicians. And, under such extreme adversity, what justice I can ever expect from the present rulers in Dhaka on the case of attack on my office and me on February 22, 2009? What justice I can ever expect in the continuing case of sedition, treason and blasphemy, which is hanging on my shoulder for past six years?
It is already over one month when my newspaper office was attacked by a gang of armed thugs belonging to ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League as well as a member from the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence. The attackers enjoyed blessings from one Shintu, proclaiming to be the advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Earlier, this Shintu called my office and demanded TK. 500,000 [equivalent to US$ 9200] as extortion. He in a harsh voice told me that the amount was required for organizational purpose of the ruling party. It was later learnt that this man continues to use the name of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a number of top figures in the government, in continuing various forms of illegal activities. Activities of this man is within the knowledge of the ruling party leaders, but, he is allowed in continuing such activities as it has become a regular culture in Bangladesh for some musclemen and thugs to do whatever they wish when their party is in power.
In most of the democratic countries, while leaders concentrate in their party activists and supporters to be aware of core value of democracy as well as democratic behavior, in Bangladesh, politicians teach anarchism, terror, corruption and every form of bad actions.
Each year, vehicles worth millions of dollars are torched by the political demonstrators on the streets of Bangladesh. Such destruction even continues on public and private properties. And, of course, instead of feeling guilty for such crime, politicians feel delighted. They claim such acts to be their democratic right.
In October 2006, thousands of activists of Awami League came on streets in Dhaka in particular with bamboo sticks, hockey-sticks, knives and other lethal weapons at the call of their leader [now Prime Minister] Sheikh Hasina to kill people on the streets, during broad-day-light, in the name of political demonstration. Controversial Awami League leaders like Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mirza Azam, Bahauddin Nasim etc., were leading such extreme notoriety.
And since Awami League came in power through December 29, 2008 general election, its student wing, youth front etc turned extremely enthusiastic in establishing reign of terror in all the educational institutions, while free-style crime continue in various parts of the country by these activists and members of the ruling party. Members of law enforcing agencies are rather captive in the hands of ruling party thugs and activists. Home Minister Sahara Khatun truly said on March 20, 2009 that country´s law and order situation was in the worst ever form since the independence of Bangladesh.
While the ruling government lately realized that they have virtually no control over their student wing, youth front, volunteer front etc, they have quickly adopted a very nasty policy of shifting the country to the status of a dangerous place in the world with severe threat of Islamist militancy attacks. Presidential Palace, Prime Minister´s office and home, Parliament House, broadcasting establishments, power stations, water supply centers and even English medium and Missionary educational institutions in the country are now under ´Red Alert´. According to information, ´Orange Alert´ has been declared in all the cantonments in the country. Everywhere is a fear of militant attack.
Police in Bangladesh have stepped up security at English-language schools in the capital amid fears of Islamic militant´s attacks. The measures came nearly a month after a mutiny at a military headquarters in Dhaka, in which thousands of rank-and-file border guards were accused of killing more than 70 people, mainly senior army officers. The government has said Islamic militants are linked to the mutiny. The government also said that Islamist militants have penetrated deep inside country´s law enforcing and disciplined forces.
There is also another comment by the government of link between local militants and Talibans. It is quite natural to believe, especially after the government´s comments that, notorious terror groups like Al Qaida might have already found certain place in Bangladesh with those Islamist militancy groups.
It may be mentioned here that, more than 100,000 students are attending English medium and missionary educational institutions in Bangladesh. On the other hand, there are above 69,000 Madrassas with additional number of kindergarten and kindergarten cadet Madrassas in the country. Experts consider Madrassas as breeding ground of Jihadists. It is also learnt that more than 300,000 students come out of various types of Madrassas in Bangladesh, most of whom are brain-washed with religious hatred, Jihadists mentality and high aspiration of becoming ´martyr´ in any religious war. Teachers in religious schools allure young students towards martyrdom with heaven, 72-virgins and many more eternal gifts.
Students in Madrassas learn to hate Jews, Christians, Hindus and other non-Muslims, considering them to be perverted from real religion. They [the students] believe killing Jews and Christians are their noble task right from Allah. They consider Bible, Torah and other Holy Scriptures, except Koran as false and man-written.
And, 300,000 plus students with such dangerous notions in mind, come out of Madrassas every year in Bangladesh, thus turning country´s security in potential threat.
But, what the ruling government is continuing to forecast since February 25-26, 2009 Massacre in Dhaka, has nothing to do with combating such rise of Militancy. Rather, it is simply a part of their political falsehood in saving a large number of ruling party-men, who are directly or indirectly involved behind the BDR Massacre.
Moreover, it is also important to remember here that, Awami League signed a treaty with Islamist party named Khelafat Majlish in 2006 for introducing Shariah Law in the country. One of the major partners in the coalition government in Bangladesh has electoral mandate of enacting Blasphemy law in the country.
A large number of non-governmental organizations in Bangladesh are reportedly engaged in terror financing. Intelligence reports recommended banning the Kuwait-based Revival of Islamic Heritage Society [RIHS] and taking action against a number of other Middle Eastern organizations found to have links with Islamist extremists.
In 2002, the US Department of State blacklisted some RIHS offices, citing their support to Osama bin Laden and Al Qaida. Intelligence agencies had also reported that militant group Ahle Hadith Andolon Bangladesh [AHAB] also receives such funding. AHAB chief Asadullah Al Galib himself talked about receiving funds. Other suspect NGOs include Rabita Al-Alam Al-Islami, Al-Muntada Al-Islami, Society of Social Reforms, Qatar Charitable Society, Islamic Relief Agency, Al-Forkan Foundation, International Relief Organization, Kuwait Joint Relief Committee, Muslim Aid Bangladesh, Dar Al-Khair, Hayatul Igachha and Tawheed-e-Noor.
Now, in Bangladesh, terrorism may even get stronger dimension when Islamists are aligned with Leftists and some of the heavyweight in the ruling party are continuing to patronize such notoriety. Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Haji Selim, Haji Mockbull, Shamim Osman, Joynal Hazari, Dipu Chowdhury, Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mirza Azam, Amir Hossain Amu etc, belonging to the ruling party are known terrorists or terror god-fathers. According to facts, hidden links amongst these elements are already established, who are continuing conspiracies in defaming Bangladesh Armed Forces as many of the kingpins of terror are greatly unhappy with Bangladesh Army for their anti-corruption and anti-terror drives especially since January 11, 2007.
Now going back to the titled topic! Thugs belonging to the ruling party attacked the office of my newspaper one plus month back. Surprisingly, there is no action from the law enforcing agencies or intelligence agencies in the country. We were categorically told by police that it was not possible for them to take any action against those thugs, as because; they [the thugs] belong to the ruling party.
On the other hand, the previous government withdrew police protection from my residence. Being the only journalist in Bangladesh, facing sedition, treason and blasphemy charges for criticizing radical and militant Islam, there is potential risk on my life from the possible attack by the Islamist militants. And, now, the government officially endorsed the fact of threat from the militants, but they are reluctant in reinstating police protection at my house. Reason behind is very simple; none of the major political parties in Bangladesh are against Islamists. In many cases, such elements are close-aides of the politicians. And, under such extreme adversity, what justice I can ever expect from the present rulers in Dhaka on the case of attack on my office and me on February 22, 2009? What justice I can ever expect in the continuing case of sedition, treason and blasphemy, which is hanging on my shoulder for past six years?
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