Recently I had a long phone conversation with an economist living in a developed country. While talking about the progress of Bangladesh in various socio-economic indicators, he was talking about optimism. In his lifetime, he will see Bangladesh in such a position that it has defied even his imagination. His enthusiasm stopped at a point in the conversation. He was saying with sadness that it was not difficult for Bangladesh to become the dream 'Switzerland of the East' if order and good governance were ensured among the people.

Giving an example of how evident the tendency of people to disobey the law, the economist also said that he had to be ashamed of his 6-year-old granddaughter on a trip to Singapore, because he himself was disobeying the law and throwing fruit peels on the highway! He had to learn from that child that littering is not only wrong, but a crime. The child also taoght his grandfather that chewing gum is forbidden there.

We will now look at some recent events in the country. While many are quick to call the issue 'eyewash' by the government, it can be said that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)'s recent crackdown on the illegal wealth of former army chief Aziz Ahmed and former police chief Benazir Ahmed has dispelled a long-standing myth. .

Whether these two top officials are found guilty or acquitted in the final investigation is the next matter. But there is no doubt that a kind of fear is being created among politicians, bureaucrats and government employees. The idea is ingrained in everyone that no matter how many strategies are used to commit crimes or acquire illegal wealth, there will always be a fear of being caught. This 'fear' is very necessary even in the midst of the 'eyewash culture'.

But in reality, it became clear again that the law-abiding class in the society is not learning a little from these 'big events'. A report in today's newspaper revealed one aspect of the weakness of the authoritarian class in society. According to published news, the incident took place in the capital's posh shopping complex Jamuna Future Park. The wife of an officer (DC) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, who went shopping there, was prevented from entering with a car from the opposite direction, disregarding any rules. On being interrupted, she hurled inaudible abuse at the mall's security staff, at one point even raising her hand on the security staff. Meanwhile, the police officer's wife kept saying in a loud voice, "I don't have to obey rules".

The incident did not end there, after shopping; the police officer's wife broke the law and was stopped in the opposite direction and caused a ruckus. The mall security officer had to rush in to stop her. However, after hearing the details of the incident, the police officer expressed regret to the concerned.

The news is out - so maybe we'll find out. But how many cases of lawlessness are happening silently every day - there is no calculation. We have become accustomed to seeing such power in this city as we walk. Just like the responsible persons of the law and order forces are in the cars running in the opposite direction with sirens on the busy road, so are the people of other powerful classes and professions of the society.

Society has accepted this irregularity as a 'rule', in other words, it has been forced to accept it. We know that the instance of a police officer's wife perpetrating this scandal in a major shopping mall in the capital is not a new one. But the question is - how is our social status maintained after numerous incidents like this trend of disobeying the law, abuse of power from important positions, taking people as hostages and looting resources?

The status quo is in play because the voices of the society have lost their individuality and become lifeless. They are desperate to be close to power and blessed. The so-called 'conscience' of the nation today has lost its glory and adopted a kind of silent style.

As this 'conscience' sleeps awake, the social injustice and the valueless class become more enthused and busy trying to understand the injustice and rehabilitate it naturally in the society. As a result, everyone accepts an unusual situation and pretends to be normal. This may be the reason for the resurgence of law-breaking in our society in the course of recent events.

The Teesta problem has been discussed over and again for ages. Nothing is working. Not being realized is a reflection of the many hopes and aspirations related to the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people along the banks of the Teesta in Bangladesh. Every year a drought comes, and a monsoon comes. Burned by the heat, crops of the land are washed away by untimely floods. All efforts to remedy those problems are halted.

Since 1993, Bangladesh has been making strenuous efforts to resolve the issues related to the Teesta River. But since most of its problems are common, international and bilateral, it is difficult for Bangladesh to solve them alone. Therefore efforts are being made with neighboring India by signing agreements on the basis of bilateral cooperation and holding repeated meetings to find a solution in accordance with international law. Over the past three decades, many agreements have been signed through various discussions in hundreds of meetings. But due to various reasons and excuses they were not fruitful.

After the Teesta problem was kept on the file for a long time due to the non-cooperation and monotony of the upstream countries, after the Awami League came to power for the second time in Bangladesh, the Teesta river water distribution problem started unraveling from 2014 and to some extent, a ray of hope could be seen. But due to differences of opinion with the Central and West Bengal governments of India, those efforts repeatedly stumbled.

The Teesta river water crisis, especially during droughts, has resulted in extreme contradictions between the Center and the state, with mutual blame and mud-slinging. The government and the entire people of Bangladesh, including the victims of Teesta bank, were disappointed by the long wait. Indefinitely not getting the expected response from India, Bangladesh looked for alternative means. In view of this, when a third party was called to come forward in the Teesta revival project, China came forward. They use the experience of China's distress or Huangho river revitalization project to help solve the Teesta problem.

On 18th September 2016, Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Power Construction Corporation of China for investment in the Teesta revitalization project. That too was in a wavering state for a long time. Five years ago, when the Prime Minister of Bangladesh wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of China, optimism started in the implementation of the project. China is already 115 km into the Teesta catchment area of Bangladesh. Prepare project draft by completing part survey. While China has expressed interest in conducting deep surveys in the 'Chicken Neck' area of Sikkim Teesta Creek and Siliguri in the Teesta part of India, India's lack of national security in this regard has become noticeable.

India considers China's investment in the Teesta revitalization project and the presence of Chinese engineers and experts on Indian soil and the use of modern technology as a security threat. However, China wanted to start the implementation of the project immediately after the national elections on January 7, 2024. But even after five months have passed after the national election of Bangladesh, the work of the project has not yet started.

Meanwhile, our Prime Minister announced the early implementation of the Teesta Revival Project in an election public meeting at Rangpur on August 2, 2023. To hear the start date for the implementation of that declaration, the suffering residents of Teesta bank are eagerly waiting till the severe drought days of May this year.

The memorandum of understanding signed between the Bangladesh Water Development Board and the Power Construction Corporation of China or Power China on the Teesta revitalization project includes satellite cities planned on both banks of the Teesta River, river mining and governance, erosion prevention systems, modeled after Suqian City in East China's Jiangsu Province. It has been mentioned that a modern agricultural irrigation system, fish farming project and tourism center will be developed.

The Chinese company has already completed the design and feasibility study for the implementation of the project on the banks of the Teesta. Three Chinese delegations are working in the districts of Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur and Gaibandha along the Teesta River. Among them, on May 10, New Delhi offered to invest money in the proposed multi-purpose project of dredging and construction of barrage in Teesta River inside Bangladesh. India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra made this proposal in a meeting with Bangladesh's Foreign Minister in Dhaka.

In this context, our Foreign Minister commented, 'We have undertaken a large project in Teesta. India wants to finance there. I said that the project in Teesta will be according to our needs. Let our needs be fulfilled.' It can be a big undertaking to fulfill our needs. But India's sudden focus on the Teesta revitalization project after decades of neglect has left our policy makers worried. It has been asked to think whether there is any other secret hidden behind it apart from achieving geo-political objectives.

Kolkata's Bengali newspaper Anandabazar said, "China has already offered investment and technology cooperation to Dhaka in Bangladesh's Teesta project. Within 48 hours of Sheikh Hasina's new government being sworn in in January, Yao Wen, the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka, met the new Foreign Minister, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, and requested an expedited clearance for their project on the Teesta. But I have expressed concern to Bangladesh about the work of engineers and technicians of a third country on the Teesta River flowing between India and Bangladesh.

New Delhi basically, they have offered to invest money in the proposed multipurpose project of dredging and constructing barrages on the banks of the Teesta within Bangladesh. Bangladesh had been courting Beijing about this project for at least 12 years. Following Hasina's letter, China submitted a project draft surveying the 115-km course of the Teesta through Bangladesh. In that project, besides increasing the depth of 10 meters by dredging the Teesta river, reclaiming the land on both sides, building a four-lane road there and controlling the water level through some barrages and irrigation canals. But after that the project did not get clearance. Now India has proposed to implement that project.

However, India's sudden offer during the Indian national elections on the earlier agreement with China is somewhat mysterious. It is a matter of concern how all the policy makers and people of Bangladesh will accept this sudden investment interest from India after so long. Time will tell how faithfully Bangladesh will consider this financing interest of India.

As the time approaches for China to start work on the Teesta revitalization project, it will not be easy to convince India, which has been dormant for a long time, to share the Teesta water only on the proposal of their Foreign Secretary. India's practice of unilaterally withdrawing the waters of the Teesta and the resulting vacuum in providing Bangladesh with a legal and equitable share of the international flow of the Teesta is very painful. Analysts believe that India's interest in financing the Teesta revitalization project after signing an agreement with a third country could create a new wave of India's interest and participation in China.

Besides, India has not yet been told what Bangladesh's 'needs' or expectations are regarding the Teesta revitalization project. The ongoing tension between India and China over regional geopolitical power will further escalate if Bangladesh reaches out to India by violating the agreement signed with China. Besides, China may lose confidence in Bangladesh and reduce or stop its investment and technical assistance in other big projects we are running.

Therefore, the proposal of the Indian Foreign Secretary's interest in financing may prolong China's Teesta revival project as well as spoil China's good relations with Bangladesh. After India's financing proposal, China has already asked for additional expenditure of Tk. 30 thousand crore. Some people think that a situation like 'Shyam Rakhi na Kul Rakhi' has been created in the ‘Indian offer’ before the work has started.

But without verifying any public opinion, why did such a thought suddenly arise among the policy makers of our country?

Despite India's repeated promises to resolve the Teesta water issue, no action has been taken. We have found an alternative way for this. Where is the problem with being involved? To avoid this vacillation, one must think deeply. And for this reason, India should respond to the funding proposal with a deeper thought. Making big decisions in advance can be another trick. Therefore, the analysts think that the issue should be considered more seriously.

The author is a professor of the social work department and former dean of social science faculty of Rajshahi University.

Myanmar's internal conflict and the Myanmar Army's clash with the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine continue to intensify. Across the border in some townships of Rakhine, massive clashes are going on with the Myanmar army. Several Rohingya villages have been burnt there. Unable to withstand the intensity of the conflict, the Rohingyas are fleeing towards the Bangladesh border in fear of their lives. Many people think that they are forcing Rohingyas living in these areas to leave their homes by burning their villages. On the other hand, it is known that Myanmar army on one side and Rohingyas on the other side are using the Rohingyas as human shields in a well-planned way to kill the Rohingyas. Myanmar's army has lost control of many areas to AA in Rakhine State in the ongoing conflict. The Myanmar army forcibly captured the Rohingyas and orders them to fight with them during clashes with the Rohingyas in areas inhabited by Rohingyas. They are inciting inter-communal violence by forcing the Rohingyas to engage in conflict with each other in the name of protecting themselves from attacks by each other in their areas. According to Human Rights Watch, around 1,000 Rohingya have been forced to join Myanmar's army since February. Both the Myanmar army and the AA are pushing to fight for them and the Rohingya are being used as human shields on the battlefield.

About 600,000 Rohingya are still living in Rakhine state. A number of Rohingya rights activists from abroad have alleged that the AA is forcing Rohingya refugees into Buthidung town in Rakhine. Their homes have been looted and set on fire and there have been human rights violations. Many Rohingyas have been killed. 10,000 civilians have been displaced by clashes between the AA and the Myanmar army in Buthidong and Maungdu. No steps are being taken to ensure their safety and security. Regarding the conflict situation in Myanmar, the European Union (EU), the United States and some countries have called on all parties to the conflict to ensure the safety of civilians in a joint statement. It said it had helped the Rohingyas move to safer areas, but the Myanmar junta has been waging havoc there. The United States has called on Myanmar's junta and the UN to provide humanitarian access and protect civilians in the ongoing situation, expressing concern over allegations of Rohingya displacement and increased violence in Rakhine.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Falker Turk expressed deep concern over the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya from Buthidung town in Rakhine State and urged Myanmar's military and AA to immediately end the conflict there. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have been displaced by renewed violence and destruction of property in the town of Buthidong in northern Myanmar's Rakhine State. The United Nations calls on the Myanmar government to protect civilians allow immediate and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance and unconditionally comply with international law. Falkar Turk urged Bangladesh and other countries to come forward to help the Rohingyas who are facing persecution.

James Rodehaver, head of the UN Rights Office's Myanmar team, described the ongoing situation as dire. The United Nations has warned that intercommunal tensions could escalate if Rohingya and Rakhine clash against each other. The United Nations also fears that retaliatory violence may occur in such a situation. Human rights monitors also confirmed the forced relocation of Rohingyas from at least eight villages under army control.

UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Thomas Andus, has called on Bangladesh to move away from its 'closed border' policy to shelter displaced Rohingya in the wake of the ongoing crisis in Rakhine. Although the United Nations, donor countries and organizations have worked to solve the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh's generosity has expressed its opinion that the only hope for the Rohingyas. The UN Special Rapporteur has also called on all countries in the world to come forward with emergency funds to improve the situation in the Rohingya camps inside Bangladesh. Thomas Andus called for an end to the AA's "forced displacement and human rights violations" against the Rohingya.

Elizabeth Throssell, a spokeswoman for the UN rights office, said tens of thousands of civilians had been displaced in Buthidang and Maungdoo towns in Arakan amid escalating violence in conflict-torn Myanmar's Rakhine state. About 45,000 Rohingya who recently fled for their lives from Rakhine State are waiting for safe shelter on the banks of the Naf River. Elizabeth Throssell called on the Myanmar government and the AA to protect civilians in accordance with international law. Bangladesh does not have the capacity to deal with this crisis without the urgent intervention and support of the international community. Ration cuts, inadequate infrastructure, violence and the activities of Rohingya militant groups have threatened the lives of Rohingya in Bangladesh as a result of reduced aid.

Myanmar's border posts along the Bangladesh border are currently occupied by AA. This is the state of Myanmar through full self-determination under the framework, Arakan State wants to be built in the future. Its main strength is its commitment to Rakhine people's communal harmony, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Their foresight in this critical situation will help them to increase their acceptance in the international arena in the days to come.

Across the border in Cox's Bazar area, UN and other aid agencies have been working in Rohingya camps with their professional skills and sincerity for the past seven years. They are aware of the Rakhine situation. In the current context, the United Nations, UNHCR, IOM and other international aid agencies can establish a safe zone and a humanitarian corridor for displaced people in Rakhine to ensure the safety of Myanmar citizens fleeing persecution. They can manage this activity very easily from the peaceful location of Cox's Bazar. It will also support them in this work because they need acceptance in the international arena.

By participating in these aid programs together with the United Nations and international aid agencies, they can only prove themselves as the proper representatives of Rakhine beyond their identity as Rakhine ethnic armed groups. In addition to this, if the Rohingya's acceptance towards AA is revealed in the international arena, it will be useful to get international support in the coming days to implement their objectives.

Donor organizations are under pressure to provide assistance to the Rohingyas who have taken refuge in Bangladesh, so there is no opportunity for Myanmar citizens to seek refuge inside Bangladesh. Bangladesh government has taken precautionary measures at the border. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has strengthened security at Bandarban border due to the fear of new Rohingya infiltration through the border. The number of BGB personnel has been increased in the border posts and establishments in the border areas of Bandarban and Cox's Bazar and patrolling and surveillance has been increased in the border areas. The CCTV cameras installed in the border area are being monitored round the clock and the surveillance of BGB as well as intelligence agencies has also been increased.

The international community has been quick to express its concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar's Rakhine state. The brutal events of 2017 have taught them to be cautious before the situation deteriorates. The international community has realized how generous Bangladesh was despite its limitations and humanitarian aspects. They feel the absence of such generosity in the present context. Establishing safe zones and a humanitarian corridor for displaced people in Myanmar's Rakhine state has become imperative to deal with the ongoing situation. The UN and international organizations can deal with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Rakhine by taking quick decisions. This experience of working inside Rakhine will help to play a stronger role in future Rohingya repatriation. It is expected that the United Nations and international aid agencies will come forward to solve this crisis by taking effective measures in the areas under the control of Rakhine State.

Br J (Rtd) Hasan Md Shamsuddin, NDC, AFWC, PSC, M.Phil Researcher on Myanmar and Rohingya. 

The discussions surrounding former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed's alleged illegal assets has gained momentum with two court rulings mandating the seizure of his properties over alleged corruption. As speculations reverberate throughout the country, this revelation has once again raised doubts about the efficacy of the state apparatus.

Given his extensive involvement in various state affairs during his tenures as head of Bangladesh Police, chief of the Rapid Action Battalion, and Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, it was inconceivable that a situation would arise where the assets of such a prominent police figure would come under legal scrutiny.

An event unveiling a book authored by the former IGP towards the end of his tenure can better explain the situation. The book launch, held at the Krishibid Institution's auditorium in Dhaka, was graced by the presence of Home Minister Azaduzzaman Khan Kamal, then Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque, and other dignitaries.

During the event, speakers, including the ministers, heaped praise upon Benazir Ahmed for his talents, integrity, and professionalism, ostensibly presenting him as the epitome of a qualified and deserving police chief. 

In his lengthy expression of gratitude, Benazir Ahmed tried to show how honest, patriot and loyal to the government he is.

However, such effusive accolades, juxtaposed with present circumstances, raise questions about whether the state was oblivious to Benazir's ascent to his current position. Particularly when serious allegations are leveled against an official in the law enforcement agency who has been honored with numerous state-level awards, including the President's Medal, Prime Minister's Medal, Police Medal, and Integrity Medal in recognition of his professionalism, the underlying weaknesses of the state become glaringly apparent.

If the total value of Benazir's assets is averaged out, his daily income is no less astounding than possessing Aladdin's lamp.

As police chief, Benazir was often seen attending various events and sparking controversy with his political speeches. Upon his retirement, rumors circulated that he would soon receive a 'prize posting' in an important position. Many IGPs were appointed as ambassadors, high commissioners, or representatives of international organizations after their retirement. However, opinions vary on why an officer as controversial and politically ambitious as Benazir Ahmed did not receive such an opportunity. It is said that officers within the police force who had a hostile relationship with him do not want him to regain influence.

If the question is raised about whether Benazir Ahmed is an isolated case in our country, many would argue that there are numerous such figures in Bangladesh. They come under scrutiny only when they make headlines. Considering the socio-economic inequality in the country, where most of the wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, it is not unreasonable to say that individuals like 'Benazir' contribute to the public's suffering. Sociologists and analysts attribute the rise of these powerful individuals to the widespread poverty and helplessness observed among the middle and lower-middle classes, as well as marginalized groups in society.

Throughout the history of independent Bangladesh, we have seen civil servants thrive as if they possessed Aladdin's lamp during various administrations. However, those 'Benazirs' who rise under the protection of the so-called powerful often remain hidden. When government employees, funded by the people's taxes, exploit the populace and become major landowners, assuming the role of feudal landlords, the notion that 'the people are the source of all power' loses its meaning.

The apparent truth in Benazir's case echoes an old adage. The significance of accountability for the administration and policymakers within a democratic governance structure is often neglected by stakeholders. Despite repeated calls for transparency, such as presenting "wealth statements" of public representatives and government employees, the clamor dies down after a few days. Issues of corruption and good governance resemble a game of cat and mouse. This longstanding practice has now become widespread, fostering a corrupt mentality through a kind of social transformation. Consequently, individuals who accumulate vast wealth through unscrupulous means often enjoy impunity.

Meanwhile, the recent resurgence of activity by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is noteworthy. The ACC had remained inactive regarding Benazir Ahmed for a long time, not taking any action or making any statements. However, if the court's order to seize Benazir Ahmed's substantial wealth sets a precedent and this wealth is transferred to the state, it could pave the way for similar actions against many others. The general public is now waiting to see how long this 'revolutionary' trend will last and whether it can be sustained.