Here is the translated copy of the article by Khaleda Zia, published in The Daily Naya Diganta, on September 01, 2009.

We are at the heart of Bangladesh

The entry of Ziaur Rahman in Bangladeshi political stage, was sudden. But it was a must to happen. In order to fill the gap of presence of a righteous and honest leader, Ziaur Rahman entered into Bangladeshi politics as a response to the demand posed by the time and the nation. Ziaur Rahman did not enter into politics from the back door or by any midnight intriguing drama; he entered the politics as all the nation, civilians, armed forces and literally every single living people wanted him to take the charge of political fate of Bangladesh on a shiny morning, November 07, 1975. He became a leader by the people and for the people; and it is none but only the common mass people of Bangladesh - who made him, a leader.

The time when Ziaur Rahman became the leader by the people, there was not a single political party in Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by forming a single party 'Bakshal' had banned all other political activities and parties from Bangladesh and wanted only to run 'one party ruling system' in country. Democratic rights of the people of the country and the democratic practices were forced to put into exile. The legal system, courts and newspaper, all were controlled. Each and every human rights were violated at gross. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, self promoted himself from prime minister to president and became only exerciser of godly power and possessions. He extended his government's tenure to the power for three years without any vote or public referendum. Even after his long and historical records of being active organizer and leader of so many movements for the democracy and independence of the country; Sheikh Mujibur Rahman eventually proved himself only to be the father of all 'autocratic dictatorship' by establishing one party ruling system - Bakshal.

All these activities were against the spirit of our liberation war. The people of the newly independent and liberated country were greatly hurt and shocked to find themselves deprived of their rights. Using this situation to their benefits, an anti-sheikh mujib group lead by Kh. Mushtaq - a close associate of sheikh Mujib and with the help of some misguided army group captured the power by a bloody coup. Kh. Mushtaq put a ban on Bakshal. But he could not last long in the power as his leadership was not so strong enough to normalize the prevailing socio-economic situation of the country, at that time. Kh. Mushtaq was uprooted from power in a re-coup by another group and this group declared 'martial law' in the country.

A great revolutionary change took place by the joint efforts of army and civilian against these intrigues, on 7TH November 1975. This change was for the seek of the independence and liberty of the country, for multi party democratic system, for human rights, for democracy, for politics and for development and for production. That change was against military ruling and for democratic ruling. Ziaur Rahman, declarer of our liberation war, was at the leading position of this change movement. To make this change possible, Ziaur Rahman allowed politics in Bangladesh, introduced democratic practices in Bangladesh and widened the opportunity to form political parties in Bangladesh. He restored human rights, restored people's right to speech and liberated the newspapers, freed the legal system in the country. To foster the changes to more meaningful one, Ziaur Rahman formed a party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Muslim League was leading the movement to found a country, Pakistan. Later they could not revive up their politics to meet the demand of the time. Awami League was the pioneer in our movement for independence and liberation war of Bangladesh. But later they failed to play positive roles as a political party. BNP was born, on the background of awami failure, as a political party to contribute in the national politics from a independent and sovereign country's perspective. This party has created a new stream in the politics of Bangladesh with long history of struggle, peace and prosperity for last 31 years. The party is seasoned with experiences. Numerous martyr strengthened our oaths. We are walking with the flag of national unity raised above all against all the clashes, chaos and divisions. We created, developed, nurtured a true nationalism irrespective of religion, class, society, ethnic group. colors, landscape and professions. With our respect for religion kept ever flowing, we shall protect and protest all extreme racism. We shall extend our hand for friendship to all with equal respect in World politics, we shall not tolerate and make friendship with anyone who want us to be serving loyal to them. We shall and remain stick to our national interest and prestige. We are not leftist nor rightist. Who stays on our left is leftist, who stays on the right is rightist. Our position is on the left of the rightist and on the right of the leftist. Our position is at the center and we are at the heart of Bangladeshi politics. Bangladesh Nationalist Party is the main stream of Bangladeshi politics. BNP is the national political organization of Bangladesh.

First i wanted to make a blog about BNP. But later i decided to make it hubpage, easier for me to manage. Any way, i am here to discuss and share my views about the future of democracy in Bangladesh.

Firstly, it is not AL who can democratize Bangladesh. Even if they do with their "pala bodoler khela" ba "khelaram khele ja-r din"; they will make the people pay for it. For sure, the mass will not be "loving it".

However, BNP being the largest supported party in the country, can make a big difference. BNP will never ever get any ground better than AL's this term. It is already numbers of misconduct done by AL. Since, we had bad habit not going to parliament, we could not raise our voice. Even if we try to raise our voice out side the parliament, we face odds.

BNP, since our leaders pajjamas goes off from the waist on public spot, have only the supporters left to carry forward the transactions.

What should the BNP supporters do now?

Let us first give a big show of no-confidence with current party structure, for sure, it does not call for change in the head. Let the democratic practice be practiced inside the party. Let the party's rules and regulations be changed in light of the new era.

We, do not even read the manifesto of our parties in Bangladesh. We, do not even feel necessary to take part in active politics. It does not mean we are gone vanished from the country, we had our votes (they had their BDR) we had our light on the other end of the tunnel (they had their mutiny).

Anyway, I am going off topic. Now, is the time, that we need to hold our hands stronger than ever, now is the time we need to go to the villages, team by team, one after another, to every remote corners of the country - now we need to move, the supporters of BNP. Create awareness, need people to act on calls of actions.

Let us raise our voices, let us raise our hands together. Let the mass be united, let us be directed towards the golden day.

- We understand Jamate Islami, a political reality; we do not appreciate 'it' to be considered an ultimate ally. Use wisdom.

- We understand India, the all time jerking state, violates all international laws. Let us face it strategically with diplomacy.

- Show us a vision!!! We are not motivated unless.

Let us form multiple teams of BNP supporters from each area.

Let us exchange teams from different areas.

Let our cultural wings be stronger than ever.

Let our creative heads be more creative.

Let us have a media, stronger than ever. Let our bonds with media be stronger than ever.

Let us act on what is right. We will not go extinct, we are the mass.

Our leaders have failed but not us. Let us change the leadership, let us create the new leader from this turmoil. Let the democracy walk on new ways, soon when dynastic nasty leadership will over shadow them.

I just do not like it at all, whatever is going with this nation. Are we sleeping? Wake up or the game will be over. Wake up man, wake up!!!

Believe it "Our leaders are not the party, we are the party". As long we survive, our party will survive. As long we be deaf and dumb, our party will stay deaf and dumb. As long we do not change ourselves, we do not be active, our party will remain inactive. We need the silent mass be louder, than ever.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Girl assaulted for refusing to go out with BCL activist

A group of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists at Rajshahi University yesterday physically assaulted a female student after she refused the advances of a BCL activist.

The unruly BCL activists also severely beat up a student after he protested the incident and tried to protect the girl from the assault.

The injured female student is a student of Bangla department.

Sources said a group of BCL activists led by Kawser Ahmed, a fourth year student of Marketing, physically assaulted the girl in front of the Senate Bhaban after she refused Kawser's proposal to go out with him.

The female student's friend Srijon, a second year student of Political Science at RU, tried to intervene and save her. The BCL activists then beat up Srijon with bamboo sticks in front of the police on duty on the campus, witnesses said.

Srijon was released after first aid at the university medical centre.

On hearing of the incident, the university officials, including the proctor, and other general students rushed to the spot. They chased away the BCL activists after catching Kawser red-handed in the act of beating up Srijon.

The injured female student said Kawser had forcibly offered his love to her several times in the past and had also threatened to kill her if she refused him.

RU Proctor Prof Chowdhury Zakaria took Kawser away to the proctor's office and told reporters that legal action would be taken against the responsible BCL activists.

Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, RU unit, later met with the proctor at his office and demanded exemplary punishment of those responsible.

They also demanded that the proctor ensure security of the victim student. Different students' bodies at RU also expressed their deep concern over the incident and demanded female students' security on the campus.

They threatened to launch a tough movement against the RU authority if the responsible BCL activists go unpunished.

Sources said, Kawser gave a written statement saying he would not cause any more trouble on the university campus, and no action was taken against him.