Birth Anniversary- Bangabandhu



English Desk, Barta24.com
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Photo:  Collected

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Photo: Collected

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Today, Sunday –March 17 is the 99th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The greatest Bangalee and also the best son of this soil was born on this day in 1920 in the remote hamlet Tungipara under the then Gopalganj subdivision. His father was Sheikh Lutfar Rahman and mother Saera Khatun. Sheikh Lutfar Rahman was a bench clerk in the court who served in Goplaganj and Madaripur subdivisions. Bangabandhu’s nick name was ‘Khoka’ and had ophthalmic problems from childhood. 

Sheikh Mujib is not a name only but a history of struggle, protests, success and tragic end of a father from his creations. His politics was not only bounded in a geographical boundary rather it influenced the whole sub-continent as well as the whole third world inhibited by the millions of oppressed and suppressed.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was known for his courage and determination from the juvenile age. He came in touch with eminent politicians like Sher –e- Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque and Hossain Shahid Shuwardi when he was a school student. On one occasion these two leaders went to a Gopalganj school where Sheikh Mujib was a student. While visiting school Sheikh Mujib placed some demands including the repairing of the school building roof. The two leaders were charmed by the courage and spontaneity of Mujib and committed to fulfill his demands.

While in his school life Sheikh Mujib was arrested for his anti-British role and suffered imprisonment for a week. That was first imprisonment. Gradually Sheikh Mujib got involved in the British Indian politics and came very close to A. K. Fazlul Haque and H.S. Shuhwardi.  

After partition of Indian subcontinent making India and Pakistan , Sheikh Mujib’s career took a new turn. Pakistan was divided into two wings--- East Pakistan and West Pakistan. East Pakistan –now Bangladesh was homogeneous in nature because almost cent percent people speak Bengali language while in West Pakistan people still speak in various languages. Despite the fact, the Pakistani ruler wanted to make our language Urdu. Young Sheikh Mujib along with thousands roared against this decision. Sheikh Mujib was taken to jail. Finally through 1952 language movement Bangalee got back their mother tongue. Pakistani ruler accepted Bengali and Urdu as languages. 

Sheikh Mujib had to fight the Pakistani ruler for 23 years against the disparity, oppression, suppression and deprivation. In 1966 Sheikh Mujib announced his famous six-point demand to end the deprivation of erstwhile East Pakistan which enraged the Pakistani rulers.  They arrested Sheikh Mujib, some civilians, bureaucrats and some naval officers in the Agartala Conspiracy Case to prove Sheikh Mujib, a secessionist. It was a deep conspiracy against Sheikh Mujib and the Bangalees who wanted a rightful share of the state earnings.

But the mass upsurge of 1969 by the Bangalees foiled all the conspiracy against Mujib  hatched by the Pakistani ruler. Sheikh Mujib was freed and given a rousing reception at the Race Course ground now Shuwardi ground. Sheikh Mujib was accorded the title Bangabandhu. It saw the exit of Pakistani ruler Ayub Khan and entry of new military ruler  General Yahiya Khan at the helm of Pakistani ruling clique.

Then came the general election of 1970 which saw Bangabandhu’s Awami League  a sweeping victory in the erstwhile East Pakistan. But the military ruler of Pakistan at the instigation of Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto who won the majority seats in West Pakistan did not hand over power to Bangabandhu who was the leader of the majority in the national parliament.

 Protesting the decision Awami League led by Sheikh Mujib started movement resulting the biggest ever meeting at Shuwardi Udyan on March 7 of 1971. Sheikh Mujib made his historical declaration where he said’ this struggle is for liberation, get ready with your available weapons to drive out the Pakistanis ’. General Yahiya came to Dhaka and sat with Bangabandhu resulting no fruit. Actually Pakistani junta was passing time to bring more armed personnel from West wing to take punitive action against the Bangalees.

On the night of March 25, 1971 Pakistan army in a body dangerous weapons came out on the street from Dhaka cantonment and started indiscriminate killing of the people, student, pedestrians and women. They took Bangabandhu into custody and flown him to Pakistani jail in Layalpur. However, before arrest Bangabandhu declared the independence through a wireless message to Awami League leader Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury in Chittagong.

However the Bangalees with the help of friendly countries fought out the occupation forces and finally freed the country on December 16, 1971.

 Bangabandhu came back and started building the war ravaged country and bring economic order. But the conspirators did not allow it. Bangabandhu while president of the country was brutally killed along with his family members in the small hours of August 15, 1975. Present Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana survived who were in abroad.

We mourn his untimely brutal death and get renewed zeal from his teachings to take Bangladesh march ahead. So long Bangladesh will last Bangabandhu will remain undisputed leader of very high grade who never compromised the interest of his people. He will be in our heart.

   

'They threatened to kill me at the airport if I returned home'



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

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Jatiya Sangsad Leader and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that on May 7, 2007, I crossed the hundred barrier and returned to the country. At that time, the caretaker government, even from within the Awami League, was barred from coming to the country. I was even threatened to be killed at the airport on my return home.

Prime Minister said these in an unscheduled discussion on Tuesday (May 7) in the evening session chaired by Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury.

The Prime Minister said, today (May 7) is a unique day in my life because I had returned to the country that day crossing the hundred barriers. Many advisers of the caretaker government at that time also told me on the phone that you will not come, you stay outside, I will do whatever it takes. Some also threatened. It was said that if she returns to Bangladesh, she will be killed at the airport. I said Alhamdulillah, I will come to my country.

The Prime Minister said, "All airlines were prohibited from giving me a boarding pass." After standing at the airport in America for three hours and quarreling with them, I came to London on British Airways. On the day I was going to board the plane in London, I was not allowed to board. That day I vowed that I would return home anyway. Even when I left for the airport, many people told me on the phone that you will not come; in fact they will kill you. I didn't care. However, I am grateful to the leaders and workers of Awami League.

Sheikh Hasina also said that then it was said that no one should go to the airport. Even from within my party. The Secretary of the party then told everyone that he would be expelled if he went to the airport. None of our leaders and workers can live on the streets. I gave only one message that everyone will stay. We fought guerilla warfare, everyone stay, you don't leave until my plane lands, until I open the door and get out.

She said, I was told that when I boarded the vehicle, I would be taken to an unknown location. I told the driver to go where people are going, don't go over the flyover. Thousands of people are on the streets. Ignoring the restrictions of some people in my party, the leaders and workers not only welcomed me but also gave me security.

She also said that at that time one or two people could come to me. Sabina Yasmin is sick, I went out guerilla style. I went to the hospital avoiding the eyes of the police. That day I spoke very harshly, I said who is running the country? The police arrived the next morning. I was arrested and brought to a dirty abandoned building in the Parliament building. I was imprisoned there.

The Prime Minister said, not only on this day, but also in 83, Ershad Sahib arrested us and took us to Lal Dalan at 30 Hare Road. From there she was taken to the DGFI office for questioning. Mr. Ershad arrested me several more times. Me, Matia Apa, Sahara Apa (no longer) take the three of us together and sometimes kept us overnight in the control room. Not only that, I am able to come here today and serve the people by overcoming repeated arrests, direct firing, bombs and grenades. Now I am only standing, to thank the people of Bangladesh, to thank the leaders and workers of the party.

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Birthplace of extortion: Extortion in rickshaws on 100 yards road is more than 21 lakhs



Abhijit Roy (Kaushik), Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Barta24.com

Photo: Barta24.com

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Panthpath signal is a little further from the capital's Farmgate. The road distance from Farmgate to Panthpath signal is only 700 meters. However, it has been reported that more than 21 lakh illegal tolls are collected annually from approximately 100 yards of the road from Panthpath signal to Kazipara junction within the 700 meter road. The busy road has now turned into a den of illegal extortion.

Private University Asia Pacific can be seen just a little further along the road in front of Anand Cinema Hall located at Farmgate of the capital. Crossing the educational institution and moving forward, you will see hundreds of rickshaws parked on the road adjacent to the old gate of Pani Bhavan. As a result, the common people traveling on this road are suffering daily.


Common people suffer due to illegal rickshaw garages occupying the road but few people are benefiting. Among which are the names of some local leaders and activists of the ruling party.

The road was seen on spot visit, rickshaws plying in different parts of the capital came and accumulated at this place after 7 pm. During the day, 50 to 60 rickshaws are always parked here, but as the night progresses, the rickshaw line gets longer. Basically the rickshaw pullers park the rickshaws all night on this road after earning the whole day. As a result of rickshaw parking on the main road, traffic jams are also seen on this road most of the time after evening.

According to the investigation, more than 300 rickshaws are parked every day in this garage built by occupying the road. A fee of Tk. 20 per day is charged from the rickshaws for this parking.

If a minimum of 300 rickshaws are accounted, according to the calculation, daily fee is collected from the rickshaw garage built in this short distance area of Tk. 6 thousand. As such, the amount of monthly subscription is Tk. 1 lakh 80 thousand. And at the end of the year, this figure stands at Tk. 21 lakh 60 thousand.


According to the complaints of common people traveling on the road, rickshaws are kept on this road with regular subscription through lineman. And the local leaders and activists of the ruling party get the share of this contribution. Basically they collect money through linemen.

Barta24.com conducted an investigation based on the source of the complaint. The investigation revealed the name of a person named Sohail who was allegedly in charge of the lineman. He is the one who collects regular subscriptions and built a rickshaw garage occupying the main road. He also built a rice hotel next to the footpath next to this rickshaw garage.

Meanwhile, talking to several rickshaw pullers who use the garage, they also admitted that they have to pay Tk. 20 per rickshaw. However, in most cases, the rickshaw owners calculate the number of their rickshaws and give subscription to Sohail, they said.

When asked about these matters, Lineman Sohel told Barta24.com that these are not extortion. Those poor people leave their rickshaws here. Leave it at night, take it again in the morning. Why don't you see everything else? Why are you so paranoid about this road, brother, don't you do other work? I will talk to you later.

When asked about this, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tejgaon Traffic Division, Mostak Ahmed told Barta24.com that when I am in charge, we keep the main road (main road) empty. And the sidewalks are usually watched by police.

He said, "When my traffic police are on duty during the day, we try to keep all the roads empty." There is no opportunity to occupy the main road. And if such matters remain, then we will ask the Thana police to take action.

Tejgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Mohsin told Barta24.com that action has been taken against them several times. Regular evacuations are also done. We constantly work against them. Meanwhile, the police brought them and removed them. We continue our efforts.

In response to the question of how they occupy the place and resume their activities even if they are sometimes evicted, he said, when the operation is carried out, everyone gets better, but when the eviction is over, they go back to their previous positions; What to do? As long as people are not good, it is difficult to complete these tasks completely.

However, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Tejgaon police station Mohammad Mohsin sometimes gave the information about the evacuation, but the traders in the vicinity said that the traders staying in this area were evacuated but the rickshaw garage was not evacuated.

On the condition of anonymity, a local businessman said that all the shops have been raided at various times around the sidewalk or road. But I have never seen a rickshaw raiding this garage. I have been doing business here for almost 4 to 5 years now, but I have never seen any action taken against this garage even once.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dhaka North City Corporation told Barta24.com that you provide details including address on WhatsApp, we will look into the matter and take appropriate action.

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Donald Lu is coming to Dhaka



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

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US State Department Assistant Minister for South Asia Donald Lu is coming to Dhaka again. He is scheduled to come to Dhaka in the middle of this month to discuss Bangladesh-US relations.

On Tuesday (May 7), the diplomatic sources of the two countries confirmed the truth of this matter.

This is the US Assistant Secretary's first visit to Dhaka after Bangladesh's 12th national elections. Before this, he last visited Bangladesh last July. After the election on January 7, the discussion around Lu's visit has started in the diplomatic arena.

This will be the 4th visit of Donald Lu, who is discussed in South Asia for various reasons, to Dhaka. He last visited Bangladesh last July as part of a multi-faceted campaign, including announcing a separate US visa policy for Bangladesh to ensure a credible election. At that time, he was accompanied by Uzra Jaya, the US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights. Due to the increased heat of the political field before the election, the double visit of Uzra Zeya and Donald Lu was much discussed in the country and outside the country. Uzra Zeya and Donald Lu met the highest levels of government that time.

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The 'Shishu Bazar' of the British era is still going on in Katiadi



Saidur Rahman Naim, Upazilla Correspondent, Barta24.com,Katiadi(Kishoreganj)
photo: Barta24

photo: Barta24

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In Achmita Union of Katiadi Upazila of Kishoreganj, the ancient British-era Shishu Bazar still survives as a witness of time. Although the name is Shishu Bazar, it is actually a milk market. This traditional milk market has been meeting the demand of milk in the region for years.

Every morning buyers meet with wholesalers and retailers at the cow milk market. Here the farmers sell about 6-7 thousand liters of milk every day. Farmers are happy to get cash by selling milk.

Talking to the local elders, it is known that during the British period, the British used to visit the Achmita area. In Hossainpur and Jalalpur of Katiadi there was a blue hut.(Neel Kuthi). Among them, Jalalpur was the largest furnace in Asia. which still exists today. Considering the geographical advantage, the British started living in the present Achmita area by setting up some palaces. There is a legend that Shishu Bazar for milk is required for feeding their young children. Over time comes the Zamindari era. Then they also used to take milk from this market in the morning. This Bazar used to start from the crowing of dawn which is still going on for ages Today it is known as Shishu Bazar to the people of Ashmita.


The farmers who came to the market said that about a thousand farmers of the union raise dairy cows. They produce about 7-8 thousand liters of milk. Medium and small farmers bring milk to the market and sell milk to retailers and wholesalers. 8-10 wholesalers collect milk here.

Going to the market on Tuesday (May 7) morning, it is seen that farmers are bringing fresh milk by bi-cycle, rickshaw and CNG auto rickshaw. Someone is standing with a bottle, pitcher, jug, some brought two liters, some 10 liters, some brought more milk. Tk. 70-80 per liter is being retailed. Again wholesalers are buying milk and pouring it in drums. The sweet smell of milk is spreading in the air. The farmers got the price at the rate of Tk. 60-70 per litre. Most of the customers in the market are sweet sellers. Milk is collected and used to make sweets.


Zamir Uddin (75), a milk seller of Achmita village, said, 'Our fathers and grandfathers used to sell milk here. I have been watching since childhood. I do not know how old this market is. I am bringing three liters of milk. It feels good to sell and get cash.'

Madan Gopal, a buyer from Bajitpur said, 'I have been collecting milk from this market for 30 years. Ancestors also took from here. I bought 70 liters of milk for the sweet shop.

This Bazar runs from dawn to 9 am in Achmita Bazar next to the Katiadi-Kishoreganj regional road.

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