Yes For "Bangladeshi Bhasha"

It is time to accept a new language, It will secure future and work as hedge.

Recently a row over Bengali language between the central govt and state govt of Bengal in India caught everyone off guard. It started when a Police officer in Delhi sent a letter to the state govt of Bengal ,requesting for interpreter of "Bangladeshi Bhasha". The interpreter would try to get the meaning of Bengali documents ceased from migrant workers,hailing from Indian state of Bengal. Authorities in Delhi alleged them to be Bangladeshi, not Indians. But the letter caused great unease in Bengal as there is no such thing as "Bangladeshi Bhasha" or Bangladeshi language. The language spoken in both Bangladesh and Indian state of Bengal is called Bengali or "Bangla". But there are different hues and dialects in the ways Bengali [spoken] and written in the two parts. But the beauty is people from both sides comprehend the language of the other side without giving much effort. Bengali letters are based on Brahmi script whereas Hindi is based on Devnagri script. And the languages have their [roots] in the Sanskrit. Unlike Hindi, Bengali language was shaped by the colonial rulers.For this reason, to me, Hindi is more down to earth than Bengali.

Literary works of the affluent class residing in the Indian state of Bengal give it a prestigious presence among other languages. But it is widely practiced and spoken in Bangladesh where most of the Bengali speaking people reside. Just few years ago an online book platform of Bangladesh did a survey among the highest selling Bengali books. It was found out that the book that topped the list was a religious book written by a religious scholar from Madrasha. Nowadays, Bangladeshi publishing industry is thriving on publishing books for Madrasha students and on religion. As most of the books are written [in] Arabic, Persian and Urdu in these schools, there is a need for greater explanation and literary notes in Bengali for these scholarly works. And Madrasha is drawing more students because education is cheap and free and three-course meal [is] provided here with accommodation. Moreover, one can switch to school, college or university after passing some certain level. Most of the Madrashas are less susceptible to outside political interference and the environment in general is less troubling than other educational institutions, which nowadays are used for various occasions,including smoking hashish. Flexibility, austerity push families to send their kids to Madrasha. And the Bangladeshi publication industry survives [] catering to the need of these Madrasha. Compared to Bangladesh, practice of Bengali is in receding stage [in Indian Bengal]. Delhi's apprehension is that language similarities drawing the Bengali speaking people of the two countries [closer], posing a threat to its integrity. Consecutive successes of jointly produced Bangladeshi films with record budget cementified that apprehension. In addition, highest number of irregularities in the voter list of Indian state of Bengal found in Murshidabad , a Bengali speaking Muslim majority district adjacent to Bangladesh border. This further caused the suspicion to have roots. Though this term of "Bangladeshi Bhasha" is mooted for the first time, I [think] Bangladesh should snatch it to launch and promote a "Bangladeshi Bhasha" in a bid to make distinction between the languages spoken here and other side of the fence. I went through few language schools and had the chance to leaf through pedagogy books of one of them ,so I think I have the right to chew few words about this matter.

The French, Japanese and Koreans modified their languages so that a great number of people can understand and practice those languages. French Academy modified syntax,conjugation of verbs [and] limited the number of verbs with the consent of linguists. Japanese Hiragana and Katakana were introduced to make easy learning [of] the Chinese characters and distinguishing between foreign and Chinese entries into the language. Koreans also introduced abridged version of characters to make it distinct from the Chinese characters. We are not unfamiliar with modifications of languages in Bangladesh. Recently, Chakma language got a new written form,script and syntax. Rohingya language has introduced hanafi script. Even Sylheti language, many claimed it is a different language than Bengali,has its own script called "Nagri". For "Bangladeshi Bhasha", we could introduce a new script or [modify] the existing one.The letters should include letters from Thai,Rakhine,Saontal,Sanskrit,Roman ,Chakma,Persian languages,reflecting contributions of them shaping our language.My suggestion is to limit the letters between 20 and 25 instead of 49.We do not need at the same time "ই"(i) and "ঈ"(ii) or "উ"(u) and "ঊ"(uu). Similarly, we have awfully lot of consonants. For example, "ট" and "ঠ", the series "ত","থ","দ"," ধ" and "প","ফ","ব","ভ" are pronounced from same locations of the mouth. Just for differences in pronunciation, we introduced some redundant letters. We have an appetite for redundancy, overspending and this tells why we are having such big budget deficits! Instead of too many letters,we could have introduced accents like the French. Just one letter with different accents represents different pronunciations.

In our cuisines, we do not use too many spices. So our language should be devoid of redundancy. Orthographic adjustment are also needed to be made. For instance, "বিনিয়োগ"(investment),"আস্থাহীনতা" (lack of trust), অদূরদর্শী(lack of foresight) are long words. We could use concise words instead to express these terms. Similarly, syntax could be different from now what we have. Since we are living in an era of technological marvels, we should take aid from programming languages to shape the vernacular language. Instead of saying " I have eaten Bread,Potato ,Egg ,Tea in the breakfast" ,We could write "সকাল::নাশতা::রুটি,আলুভাজি,ডিম,চা" (Morning::Meal::Bread,Potato,Tea,Egg). The use of scope resolution operator from C++ makes the phrase more concise and understandable.

The new language will work as a barrier to protect us from demoralizing campaign. Language and cultural similarities are often used to demoralize other races. It will make a distinction between Indian Bengalis and Bangladeshis. So allegations of clandestine migration could be checked real time. To that happen, we need at least 20/30 years! It all depends on how popular the new language will become among the population. A closely knitted group of people may start the endeavor among themselves. Often kids develop their own fun languages to communicate among them. It could [start] just like that. If great number of people subscribe to that language, then Bangla Academy may convene linguists, scholars of linguistics ,lexicographers to formally give shape the new language. The new language will best capture identity of people of this country and will be bedrock for a new culture that we aptly call our own. This distinctive identity will help us getting rid of any demoralization. "Bangladeshi Bhasha" is indeed a great idea coming from an interesting place. We should embrace the idea irrespective of its origin, and securing our future averting demoralizing influences. So there is a big [yes] for "Bangladeshi Bhasha" and [no] for the Adani deal. The Adani power purchase deal is hurting Indo-Bangladeah relationship. Nitty gritty of the deal came to surface and is causing great unease. 15% punitive fee for delayed payments, higher coal prices than the market rate, penalty to cease the deal are costing the future potentials of both countries. Bangladesh is going through serious macroeconomic adjustment and austerity. For the sake of two countries,the deal should be reviewed. As both parties are heading for court, I think and hope the strategic community of India will abstain from taking sides here. State apparatus and influence should not be a tool and platform for giving undue privileges to exclusively few partisan businesses and promote cronyism. So to save the bilateral relationship this deal needs to be reviewed or discarded. Again yes for "Bangladeshi Bhasha" but no for the Adani deal.

Joint Defense Production: Some Points To Note

Proposal floated in a seminar Ushers change in defense in particular.

Last week Indian High Commission organized a seminar and proposed joint production of defense equipment and sharing of technology. It is indeed a good proposal came from a neighbouring country that allowed private sector in defense article manufacturing. The country has a good track record of allowing the press to report on corruption on defense sector. This proposal if comes into fruition will boost the governance situation in our defense sector.

India has long ago offered a $500 million line of credit to import defense equipment from India. Bangladesh spent some of the credit to import bus, truck ,floating bridge and other nonlethal equipment. India continues to offer the line of credit. Recently, India offered to sell 105 mm light cannon to Bangladesh. In addition, maintenance ,repair and overhauling plant for the MI-17 helicopter fleet that Bangladesh set up with the assistance from the Ukraine will likely to get benefit from the Indian proposal. India has the license to manufacture some parts of this kind of helicopter and in future it is going to decommission large part of its MI-17 fleet, opting for the Western options as well as the domestic ones. Bangladesh on the other hand is going to induct more units of MI-17 helicopter as it is equipping both the BGB and the Police with this kind of helicopter. Sanctions on the Russian Federation mean Bangladesh will likely to hinge on India to procure future MI-17 units and its parts or produce the parts with Indian consent.

Indian private sector has long been operating in Bangladesh. In fact, it is the Indian private sector that opened up manufacturing and assembling facilities in the automobile sector in Bangladesh. Hero Honda first set up its motorbike assembly plant in Bangladesh. Later, other Indian and Japanese companies followed its step. Mahindra has a mini truck assembling plant in Comilla. Bajaj last year set up an assembling plant for three-wheeler after a Bangladeshi company demonstrated its ability to manufacture three-wheeler locally. Similarly, many Indian companies that researched and built prototype of Indian defense article for Indian Army but did not manage to get world attention may open facility for such equipment for the Bangladesh Armed Forces as well as for the world as Bangladesh has a very liberal and competitive export policy.

There are some hurdles in this endeavor. First, Bangladesh does not have proper policies and guidelines for engaging local / foreign private sector in defense article manufacturing. So we need proper guidelines and laws to ensure smooth participation of private sector, constitutional protection for the press for reporting on corruption in the defense sector and to make strong parliamentary committee on defense to administer regular hearing on defense related issues. India has Defense Acquisition Procedure(DAP) 2020 and the USA has Defense Production Act (DAP) 1950 and other laws and regulations to address the issues. In my piece“Need Policies For Domestic Defense Production” on November 30,2023,I highlighted the matter. Apart from that we also need laws to compensate individuals and groups who may fall victims of wrong policies / misconduct of any member of defense community.

Second, in our country public spending /resources often fall into wrong hand as proper check and balance mechanism is not in place. I have recently come across a documentary that reveals how agency people in a powerful country operate shadow company/front line company/think tank to misappropriate local resources and spy on others(Watch the docu).In Bangladesh, we witness how grand scale misappropriation of local resources/public spending often goes off the radar or seldom talk about at the highest level of defense community. Working with such front line companies at the end of the day will not bring any benefits.

Third, companies registered in the stock exchange have greater transparency than those who are not registered. Stakeholders and shareholders ask about their decisions and seek explanation. As they want answers,the press often provide them information through regular reporting. Unfortunately, most of the Army run subsidiaries are not in the stock exchange. Many of them are overusing public resources. If subsidiaries like BOF,BMTF, Radisson ,Army Golf Club sell some shares to the public and the private sector ,then stakeholders will question about their spending and decision making and government will not have to spend much on these subsidiaries. Any Indo-Bangla joint venture has to make sure these subsidiaries sell shares to the private sector. It will be boon for our capital market.

It is indeed a good news that India has shown keen interest to joint defense article manufacturing. It will transfer technology and pave the path for other future foreign investment. Thriving motorbike industry is the example. Moreover,Bangladesh will be able to get greater market access to Indian consumer market and will augment its export volume in the country. The crucial aspect of this proposal is it will bring the necessary transparency and accountability that our defense sector currently lacks.

Currency Swap To Ease Dollar Demand

To Reduce dollar dependency, Countries ink deal to swap currency.

In the wake of dollar crisis, government is mulling to trade in currencies like Yuan and Rupee. A huge debt obligation in the years down the line has made the prospect of such idea even stronger. Undoubtedly pressure on dollar will be huge. This year alone we have to make interest payment of Taka 1 trillion. However, Bangladesh is looking for alleys to settle some trade deals and debt obligations in other currencies.

So far Yuan and Rupee have emerged out as the would-be currencies for future limited trade. But there is a growing debate about sustainability of trading in such currencies.

Central banks in this region are not unfamiliar with currency swap. Back in 2018,I wrote a piece titled “Lessons From India-Japan Currency Swap Deal"¹. Sharing parts of it again:

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Last week I took a lot of interest in two news. First one is about a $75 billion currency swap deal between Japan and India. Second, Taka is getting stronger against the Indian Rupee as the latter continues to depreciate against US dollar.

India and Japan inked a $75 billion currency swap deal. According to reports, the deal will help both countries to do trade in Rupee and Yen, without depending on dollar. The deal came amid volatile nature of Rupee against the US dollar. Economists and experts say that though India, whose foreign exchange reserve is more than $340 billion, is in better position in terms of stocking forex and in financing trade deficit , the currency swap deal with Japan will offer it a psychological comfort in any kind of worst case scenario in the wake of trade war by lessening its dependence on Dollar.

In brief, a currency swap deal between two parties is a currency agreement that will take place at a future date at an exchange rate that prevailed in the past. The parties will negotiate the exchange rate. This kind of deal helps parties get rid of brokerage fees, costs and uncertainties in volatile currency market.

For instance, an Indian exporter may export some goods to Japan. He gets the exports receipts in dollar at his bank account. Then he has to convert the dollar again to Rupee to meet his expenditure at home.

Meanwhile, another Indian importer imports some Japanese goods and markets it at home. He buys dollars and sends it to Japanese exporter’s bank account.Japanese exporter converts it to Yen to meet his local expenditures. This Yen-Dollar-Rupee and Rupee-Dollar-Yen conversion process takes lots of fees and costs. In any kind of uncertainty in the foreign exchange market, the costs also climb up. Central banks of the two countries make a deal that the two will swap their currencies at an agreed exchange rate in the future. So the central bank of India deposits rupees at the account of Indian exporter and central bank of Japan subtracts yen as import payment from the account of Japanese importer. Processing the whole transaction requires less time and cost and at the same time the swap deal works as a cushion for exporter and importer in a volatile currency market.

This kind of deal needs prior agreement between governments.

Bangladesh needs more of this kind of currency deal than India. Bangladesh’s forex reserve is not enough to meet the looming uncertainties in the volatile currency market. In 2016-2017, our Forex reserve was $33.49 billion. At the end of September 2018, it stood at $31.95 billion. Trade deficit is on the rise .In 2017-2018, our overall balance was negative. Current account deficit grew by 7.35 times (Source: Bangladesh Bank). Need for backing up the forex reserve has never been felt so dearly before.

If one takes a look at Bangladesh’s top trading partners, he will understand the point I am making here. India and China are two key trading partners. Moreover, the two are offering credits to finance many projects here. Add another influential country to this list: Russia, which is also financing major energy projects. Trade is also growing with Russia.

Every year we are repaying interest plus part of the debt in foreign currency.In addition, imports from these countries are higher than our exports.

In recent years, our exports to these countries are also growing. But trade balance is always against us as exports never catch up the imports.

According to Bangladesh Bank, we imported $ 4.72 billion worth of goods from India in the first two quarters of this year(2018).Meanwhile, we exported only $402 million worth of goods in the same period.

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In 2021-2022,export to India reached $1.5 billion. However, trade deficits with both India and China have widened.

But another thing is that the number of Indian tourists to Bangladesh is increasing. Every month, Bangladesh issues 15000/20000 Visas to Indians. Meanwhile, a far more greater number of Bangladeshis travel to India every month. In addition, Indian workers remit around $4 billion every year. If both the countries agree, then the two can use Rupee and Taka in these cases, easing demand on dollar in both the countries.

But Bangladesh is willing to trade in these currencies in limited amount. With India, $5 billion worth of trade could take place in Rupee. However,unlike Yuan,Rupee is not an IMF SDR and is susceptible to volatility. Both Bangladesh and India may reach a currency swap deal by June,addressing the challenges of doing business in Rupee. An IMF SDR like Yen /Euro could be a better alternative as they are less prone to market volatility.

Bangladesh already lent $200 million at LIBOR + 2.0 percent interest rate to Sri Lanka under currency swap deal². Bangladesh extended the repayment period till September, 2023 at the request of Sri Lanka. Currency swap between India-Bangladesh is anticipated to be attractive. Otherwise, it will not take off. Nitty-gritty of the deal is still unknown. Such deal may pave the path for greater market access to India and augment Indian investment in Bangladesh. But the market volatility casts shadow over Rupee-Taka deal.

Notes And References

1. ”Lessons From India-Japan Currency Swap Deal”,Rezaul Hoque,https://rezaulhoque.wordpress.com,November 03,2018.For more read at https://rezaulhoque.wordpress.com/2018/11/03/lessons-from-india-japan-currency-swap-deal/
2. ”Sri Lanka Set To Get Another $100 million From Bangladesh Under Swap Arrangement “,Siddique Islam,The Financial Express,August 30,2021. For more read at https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/bangladesh/sri-lanka-set-to-get-another-100m-from-bangladesh-under-swap-arrangement-1630290778

La Semaine Dernière A Mes Yeux

(20 mai --- 27 mai)

Selon un reportage, une cour indienne a condamné 7 Bangladais à la prison perpétuelle pour avoir violé une Bangladaise en 2021.

Selon un reportage, le gouvernement a renouvelé la politique de versement depuis l’étranger. À partir de maintenant, les Bangladais peuvent envoyer remittances au Bangladesh en ne pas soumettant les papiers.

Selon un reportage, chef de l'haut-commissariat pour les réfugiés a peur que la guerre en Ukraine fasse une quête pour les Rohingyas très très difficile.

Ma Semaine Gastronomique

Date	Petit-déjeuner	Déjeuner	Dîner	Snacks,Sucrerie et Fritures
24			riz gonflé et pommes de terre avec oignon et poivre
25	Eau de citron et Psyllium Husk,pain et gourde serpent avec thé sans sucre	Riz,purée de pommes de terre,Ruhi poisson curry,tête de poisson dans soupe de Mung,banane curry	Pain et tête de poisson dans soupe de Mung	Riz battu au lait avec datte,thé sans sucre,Jamrul/Champoo
26	Eau de citron et Psyllium Husk,pain et tête de poisson dans soupe de Mung avec thé sans sucre	Riz,Puis Shak(un type d’épinards avec noix de Jackfruit et pommes de terre),Rui poisson,soupe de lentilles	Pain plat et soupe de lentilles	Riz battu au thé avec datte,thé sans sucre,riz gonflé avec pois chiches,chanachur,oignon et poivre
27	Eau de citron ,pain et omelette avec thé sans sucre	Riz,Data Shak(un type d’épinards ),Courge amère,Pama croaker poisson,soupe de lentilles	Riz gonflé, Pois chiches,Béguny,AlooPuri	Riz battu au lait chaud avec datte,thé sans sucre,Muraly(un bonbon de pois de chiches plongé dans la mélasse),Biscuit

Scars In Celebration

Rumor mills cause mayhem unprecedented,
Uncivilized minds fall prey to plan of groups regimented.
Spending more on development of human resources
Could stem the attack planned by evil forces.

Another bout of communal attack against the minority community amid Durga Puja celebration has severely challenged the communal harmony and social fabric of Bangladesh. It happened at a time when Bangladesh is celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence and boasting its achievement in infrastructure projects that even a decade ago none would believe achievable.

What marred the mood of celebration is the negligence of law-enforcement agencies. This year this is second such communal violence that did damage to property and lives and made international headlines. If one googles 50th anniversary celebration of independence of Bangladesh ,one will see news and pictures of agitators pelting stones towards police or seminary students attacking Brahmanbaria rail station in protest of Indian PM's official visit to Bangladesh ,certainly not the celebration news reports Bangladeshis expected in world media. A damaging publicity to brand Bangladesh.

When we have this kind of crowd who are susceptible to agitate on slightest instance of disinformation or custom-made stories then it is indeed hard to create a cohesive and inclusive society, vital for a nation to prosper and set example for others.

This latest bout is different from other incidents as Police played a controversial role and feared such attack amid Durga Puja celebration. And vandalism spread others parts long after the first occurrence at a Puja celebration spot in Cumilla. The culprits behind the Cumilla incident have been arrested. But who are behind them is still being investigated. Here are my observations¹:

1. Long before the latest bout of vandalism, a group of youtubers preached hatred towards Hindus particularly ISKCON.A former Major of Bangladesh Army now staying in Canada in an interview with a Bangladeshi journalist who is now in exile in USA did not hide his antagonism towards ISKCON and claimed former BJP governor to Tripura on a train trip through Bangladesh told his entourage: “these were all Hindu temples once and converted into mosques",pointing the mosques dotted the landscape. The major claimed former governor had requested PM Hasina to transform them into temple again. This kind of disinformation was spread unabated through social media.

2. Former secretary to the Minister of Labor and Immigrants Welfare was charged by Police for the corruption allegations made against him.This personal secretary was known as Mr 15% in Gopalganj. Minister was former Father-in-law of the PM's daughter. He was part of the faction that attacked houses of District General Secretary of ruling party, a Hindu,and his fault was he failed to attend an iftar party.His cases made way to the arrest of ruling party goons,loyalists to ruling party minister.This is a serious development as such high political figure has never been implicated before.

3. Current Police Chief, who had earlier been DG of RAB, in a press conference feared that there might have been attack in Hindu interests during Durga Puja. The information divulged in the wake of Boat Club controversy where a film star was detained for causing troubles at the club where Police Chief is the president, a post not to be held by public servant. Later, embarrassing photographs of a Police officer and the star severely tarnished image of Police. The star's mentor was also grilled in Police custody.

During his term as RAB DG, encounter of a ruling party counselor in Cox's Bazar by a RAB personnel created lots of controversy at home and abroad. He did not do any probe there. In addition, as RAB DG he had also witnessed the worst terror incident in Bangladesh's history. Government did not replace him. Later Police in an announcement said there had been no threat to Durga Puja. Only Ansars,however, deployed to provide security to the Puja Mondops.

4. A Police inspector implicated in the controversy of an e-commerce platform was detained by BSF while he was on his way to Nepal through India for intrusion. He was later handed down to West Bengal Police. Despite repeated request of repatriation, Indian Police turned deaf to Bangladesh Police's call.

5. A Bangladeshi Court recently cleared the way for ensuring Hindu widow's rights over the property of her husband. Many groups objected such radical changes in the law. In addition, corruption verdict of a former Chief Justice,who had left Dhaka under ruling party threat, was scheduled to be held in the middle of October. But the hearing was delayed further following the communal attack.

6. A high-profile Rohingya leader was shot dead at a camp in Cox's Bazar. He was successful to mobilize crowds to observe Rohingya genocide day and helped to prepare evidence against Myanmar Army Chief in Rohingya genocide case. He even met President Donald Trump. In many YouTube channels his killing was portrayed as an act by Indian and Myanmar spy agencies.

7. Recently BNP consulted with leaders and loyalists of various districts and planned to launch a movement to electoral reforms and fresh election.

8. PM is about to set off an official visit to Europe where she may conclude several defense deals. European governments are less reluctant to sell weapons to countries with poor human rights records.

A British Navy ship HMS Kent arrived in an official visit to Bangladesh when the vandalism unfolded.

Thawing relations between Bangladesh and India witnessed boom in RMG export to India and Indian credit line including defense sector for defense purchase. India even offered its credit line to purchase an European fighter that it is currently using. Such communal tension may wipe out such offer from the table and makes way for others.

These incidents and things in part or full contributed to the recent vandalism. Subsequent investigations may shed further light.

But many here tried to portray the rise of nationalistic force across the border a threat to Bangladesh. It is indeed wrong to tag BJP and Sangha Paribar with other dogmatic groups in the region in the same category. We often forget the ruling party in India often sorted many political disputes through legal battle in the court, not through vandalism or muscle power. Here is part of my take on improving relationship and making a lasting bond with the spiritual group behind BJP:

As Bangladesh turned 50, regional connectivity and cooperation echoed in the messages and speeches of leaders of this region. Being the big country of this subcontinent, no scheme would come to fruition without the right kind of support from India. And the group Modi represents holds significant leverage in power corridor, politics, security establishment, corporate India, strategic community and society in India. Unless the group throws its weight around any regional connectivity plan, it will be difficult for the countries to connect the region and accelerate economic activities.

During his stay in Bangladesh, Modi paid visit and offered prayers to two ancient temples: one in Satkhira dated back to the era of Lakshman Sen and the other one in Gopalganj belonging to a community known as "Motua" who holds considerable influence in the politics of West Bengal and other Indian states. There is no doubt after Modiji's visit the two ancient temples will draw bigger crowds in the coming years. Time has come that Bangladesh embarks on a campaign to attract foreign tourists in these sites.

Similarly, Bangladesh government could offer land to spiritual group Modiji represents to set up an institution that will spread the ethos, teachings and the concept of "Hindutya" or "India" to people representing other faith groups.

Bangladesh could be the ideal place for such institution for two reasons. First, Bangladesh is a Muslim majority country and the Muslims are presented in the media as rival to the spiritual group. People from all around the world subscribe to this institution and get an idea of their lessons and visions. Second, it will help removing any ambiguity and dispel propaganda about their pacific beliefs. Bangladesh will have advantage making lasting bond with this group.

Moreover, India shows respect and attaches great importance to the relationship with Bangladesh. In recent years, envoys sent by India as High Commissioners to Bangladesh rose to superior positions in the country's Foreign Ministry. From those positions, they hold leverage to clear and implement any initiative that will bring the countries closer and improve common people's lives. Except few other countries, no other countries show this kind of respect towards Bangladesh.

In that light, inviting Modiji in the celebration of Independence day was right and judicious one. His presence not only bolstered ties but paved the paths for trouble-free future cooperation. Recently World Bank did a study and revealed that regional connectivity would augment Bangladesh's GDP by 17% and India's by 7%. While other nations collaborate on sending missions to Mars and moon and production on vaccine, our region could not emerge from poverty,communal hatred, ignorance, corruption and parochialism.Trivial issues still lead to spilling of blood and destruction of property. These are encumbrances towards forming a common market.

To stem recurrence of communal attack, we need to change the change textbooks and include history,anecdotes and literature on riots, holocaust so that students at tender age understand evil of such hatred and have a negative impression to such heinous acts. On the part of concrete actions, Bangladesh could outlaw such hatred and raised the penalty for such crimes. In addition, Bangladesh could also secure the interests of minority groups by amending the constitution. At the same time, Bangladesh and India could ink special deal to contain the risk emanating from nature or human-made disaster. Under the light of such deal, specialized forces may jointly conduct cross border operations like arrest,investigation,rescue, relief etc that forces of a particular country cannot do because of religious and personal reasons.

Disinformation continues unabated. Many spread falshood in the social media that such attack paved the path for future intervention of Indian Army,which will march down the Dhaka street in near future. Back in August this year,Bangladesh Army units took part in the march past of Indian Independence Day celebration in Delhi. On 16 December, Indian Army along with Russian and Mexican Army will take part in the march past on national parade square on the occasion of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s victory.

There is no denying that to fight such disinformation we have to develop our human resources. So we have to invest a lot in this sector. And to get rid of the rumor mill, there is no alternative to a free press. Before spending billions on purchasing arms, it is more sensible to spend few millions on building institutions to make good citizens. This step at least will not put us into shame when we will celebrate 100th anniversary of our independence.

Notes And References:

1 “Connecting Communities “,Rezaul Hoque,https://hoquestake.blogspot.com,March 27,2021Link here

Connecting Communities

Vandalism emasculates connectivity zeal.
Destroyed stations mean waste of taxpayers' bill.
Showing respect and holistic development plan
Unlock potentials that only connectivity can.

Bangladesh celebrated its 50th independence day. There was no short of jubilations, greetings and messages from world leaders. Despite the rising cases of COVID-19, cultural programs took place as planned. Participation of heads of states and representatives of neighboring countries elevated the celebration of 50th anniversary to a new level, reiterating commitment towards a strong regional connectivity.

Unfortunately, the celebration was marred by agitation of a dogmatic group, resulted in loss of 5 lives. In Chattogram, a police station was attacked and in Brahmanbaria, a rail station was vandalized. Everyone has right to protest. But in the name of protest, loss of lives and destruction of public property did not present us to the world as civilized nation. This incident, in fact, ridiculed our independence day and reminded us that we have to go a long way in terms of human development. Look at the reason for vandalism: a neighboring country's PM whose party's some past remarks offended a section of Bangladeshis would come to attend independence day celebration and Bangabandhu's 100th birth anniversary and the dogmatic group decided to oppose it. An individual or group has right to express feelings in a democracy. But there should be a civilized way. Holding a press conference, sending a press release or forming a human-chain in front of presspeople could have been civilized way of demonstration. But causing mayhem and destruction to public property could not be called sign of sane and just behavior.

Long before this anarchy, a certain section was calling into question the decision to invite PM Modi, the former Gujarat chief minister. Negative impression made by media trials etched in the memories of people for years. None probed who wielded power in the central back then.

Over the last one decade, a remarkable change has taken place in India. Nationalism driven by ethos of dominant faith group is becoming predominant in every aspects of Indian lives. It is a fact that we have to acknowledge. Modi embodies the ethos. From humble background, his ascension to power sounds like legend. He remains shining example of empowerment of the Have-nots of India.He proved his mettle in Gujarat where most Muslims, unlike any other Indian states, enjoy better life and livelihood opportunities. This holds true for Indian states where BJP and their allies formed government. Look at Maharashtra or Karnataka. Muslims in theses states are highly educated, wealthier than those in other states. And they are not fleeing in droves abroad or to other Indian states. It means their development agenda and policies are holistic and not biased towards a particular community.

Indian state of Tripura is the latest example of this manifestation. Once backward and forgotten, Tripura now witnesses infrastructural boom and frontier district's Muslim villagers have been freed from contract -farming of cannabis. Years down the line decent livelihood opportunities await for all Tripura residents.

As Bangladesh turned 50, regional connectivity and cooperation echoed in the messages and speeches of leaders of this region. Being the big country of this subcontinent, no scheme would come to fruition without the right kind of support from India. And the group Modi represents holds significant leverage in power corridor, politics, security establishment, corporate India, strategic community and society in India. Unless the group throws its weight around any regional connectivity plan, it will be difficult for the countries to connect the region and accelerate economic activities.

During his stay in Bangladesh, Modi paid visit and offered prayers to two ancient temples: one in Satkhira dated back to the era of Lakshman Sen and the other one in Gopalganj belonging to a community known as "Motua" who holds considerable influence in the politics of West Bengal and other Indian states. There is no doubt after Modiji's visit the two ancient temples will draw bigger crowds in the coming years. Time has come that Bangladesh embarks on a campaign to attract foreign tourists in these sites.

Similarly, Bangladesh government could offer land to spiritual group Modiji represents to set up an institution that will spread the ethos, teachings and the concept of "Hindutya" or "India" to people representing other faith groups.

Bangladesh could be the ideal place for such institution for two reasons. First, Bangladesh is a Muslim majority country and the Muslims are presented in the media as rival to the spiritual group. People from all around the world subscribe to this institution and get an idea of their lessons and visions. Second, it will help removing any ambiguity and dispel propaganda about their pacific beliefs. Bangladesh will have advantage making lasting bond with this group.

Moreover, India shows respect and attaches great importance to the relationship with Bangladesh. In recent years, envoys sent by India as High Commissioners to Bangladesh rose to superior positions in the country's Foreign Ministry. From those positions, they hold leverage to clear and implement any initiative that will bring the countries closer and improve common people's lives. Except few other countries, no other countries show this kind of respect towards Bangladesh.

In that light, inviting Modiji in the celebration of Independence day was right and judicious one. His presence not only bolstered ties but paved the paths for trouble-free future cooperation. Recently World Bank did a study and revealed that regional connectivity would augment Bangladesh's GDP by 17% and India's by 7%. While other nations collaborate on sending missions to Mars and moon and production on vaccine, our region could not emerge from poverty,communal hatred, ignorance, corruption and parochialism.Trivial issues still lead to spilling of blood and destruction of property. These are encumbrances towards forming a common market. The incidents in Dhaka, Chattogram and Brahmanbaria ashamed us. It reminded us that we have to walk hard to connect the region.

Germans and French fought long wars. Within few decades after second World War, they got over their bitterness and hostility and took the lead to form a European common market. Recent vandalism exposes weakness in our societies. Developing human capital is as important as investment in manufacturing or infrastructure. We only need unremitting commitment.

Allow FDI In SMEs

This week a leading think-tank has revealed that every year nearly 800,000 youth added to an army of job seekers. It appears that it does not ring any alarm bell across the corridor of power in government machinery. Ruling party seems little troubled by the news.

The revelation has been made in the wake of a High Court verdict that put a complete stop on all forms of extra tuition by school and college teachers outside classroom. Luckily the court, at a later ruling, spared the the "freelancers" who are private lesson providers but not involved with any educational institution.
It is incontrovertible that coaching culture in Bangladesh has rotten to the core. It puts extra cost on parents and the parallel system some how challenged the mainstream education system.

Solution to the degeneration of existing private lesson providing services is not a total halt but to regulate the industry. Despite the sparing of freelance private lesson providers, the verdict will have adverse implication on the job market. Because many teachers whose sole mean to get a decent living out of this will switch to moonlighting, putting further pressure on whatever job opportunities available in the market.

On the other hand, the form of "extra care" will take resort to classroom. It is highly likely that after this defining ruling extra care will take place within the boundaries of a classroom and parents have to bear the same extra cost as it was before the ruling. A pragmatic decision is widely anticipated where the teachers will be allowed to provide private lesson subject to restrictions. It however was not the case.

In brief, the ruling may have negative consequences for the job market as well as the on classroom teaching.

Unfortunately, we fail to create quality jobs in this country. If there were quality jobs then I think this coaching culture would not take a virulent form and teachers would be contend with their jobs.

In other sectors too, there is a dearth of good jobs. Highly polarized politics is partly to blame. Growth of private firms is synonymous with the tenure of ruling party that maintains some kind of ties with businesses. The other successful ones have closer ties with the men-in-fatigue. Rare are the firms that avoided any kind of ties with these two and stretched their businesses at home and abroad. The sheer level of uncertainty made the private sector jobs less attractive. So more and more people vie for public services jobs.

The SMEs, bloodline of an economy, are not doing well. Deteriorated governance and free season of corruption made it a victim. There have been reports that SME funds have either been swindled or laundered abroad. So the growth and employment generating sector never pitched up and true entrepreneurs remained shy throughout the period of this regime. Rare are the sectors that create jobs and add real values to economy by increasing revenues for governments and installing a formidable supply chain management system across different sectors of the economy. Our agro-processing industry is the shining example.

India has already opened up its retail market to FDI. India is more cautious about FDI. Unlike other sectors, tax evasion attempt, corruption and other fraudulent activities will be much lower in FDI on SMEs. In addition, small and medium foreign entrepreneurs who have a true commitment to stay in a country will invest here.

Bangladesh can take cue from India. In a country like Bangladesh, allowing FDI in SMEs is quintessential to propel growth and employment opportunities. Our politically blessed businessmen feel insecure here and have shown inclination towards laundering money abroad. Providing fund to these cronies never translated into job creation and value addition.

So government can seriously think of allowing FDI in SMEs and RMG industry. Please note in these two sectors our local entrepreneurs are doing well. Local RMG bosses have always been critical to such proposal. But allowing FDI in these two sectors will be boon for the two.

A more pertinent example will be in this regard our financial institutions. While our desi banks have become subject of incessant plundering,  foreign private banks in this country are doing quite well and smattering of fraudulent activities are detected in these banks over these years. Management board of these banks have always remained out of local politicians' reach. Perhaps that must be the reason behind their less troubled balance sheets.

Germans have shown keen interest in investing SMEs. I don't know whether that offer is still on the table. Bangladesh should give serious thought in its implementation. With the FDI, our SMEs will have a chance to meet superior management system, innovation and good work environment.

Since the PM is on a official visit to Germany, Bangladesh could initiate dialogue with Germany to facilitate this business proposal as soon as possible.
Given the pool of job seekers and presence of politically blessed businessmen whose only job is to siphon off public and private funds, FDI in SMEs could be seen as a game changer.

Unfortunately, we procrastinate to implement these business deals. If there were well functioning foreign SMEs in the country we would have some foreign pressure group who would help us improving the business environment in spite of significant presence of cronies.

As it appears, institutionalized corruption holds our economy back and slows further down the trickle down process of the growth distribution, we should mobilize our efforts to find extraordinary ways to make every one on board of this much trumpeted doing-well development vehicle. Allowing FDI in SMEs will be one of those extraordinary steps.