Mujibar Badal
Los Angeles.
-----Original Message-----
From: Muhammad Ahmedullah <bricklanecircle@yahoo.co.uk>
To: history_islam@yahoogroups.com; zoglul@hotmail.co.uk; mbimunshi@gmail.com; rehman.mohammad@gmail.com; mahmudurart@yahoo.com; farhadmazhar@hotmail.com; premlaliguras@hotmail.com; dhakamails@yahoogroups.com; khabor@yahoogroups.com; alochona@yahoogroups.com; bdresearchers@yahoogroups.com; bangla-vision@yahoogroups.com; mouchakaydheel@yahoo.com; odhora@yahoogroups.com; ayeshakabir@yahoo.com; sayantha15@yahoo.com; shahin72@gmail.com; minarrashid@yahoo.com
Sent: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 11:04 pm
Subject: [khabor.com] Seminars on Bangladesh and Bangladeshis Abroad
Seminars on Bangladesh and Bangladeshis Abroad
Every=2 0Thursday, 7-9pm, 22 January - 9 April 2009
Lab 5, Idea Store Whitechapel
321 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1BU
22 January
Tea for the Raj: A History of Tea in Assam and Sylhet
By Roy Moxham. He recently retired from the University of London. His most well-known book is The Great Hedge of India, part-travelogue, part-historical treatise on the author's quest to find a 1500-mile long customs hedge built by the British in India to p revent smuggling of salt and opium. His second book, Tea: Addiction, Exploitation and Empire focuses on the effect of British tea addiction on British policies in Asia and Africa, and includes the author's own experience as a tea plantation manager in Africa.
29 January
The Global Financial Crisis and Implications for Developing Countries like Bangladesh
By Professor Mushtaq Khan, Professor of economics at School of African and Oriental Studies. He was born in Dhaka in 1961, completed his undergraduate studies in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford and then won a scholarship for his PhD studies in Economics at Cambridge. Previously he taught at the universities of both Oxford and Cambridge. Information about his research interests and publications are available on his website: http://mercury.soas.ac.uk/users/mk17/.
5 February
"Valuing Family, Valuing Work: British Muslim women and the labour market"
By Zamila Bunglawala. She is a Senior Policy Analyst at HMG DIUS and Fellow at the Young Foundation. Zamila has previously worked with the UN in Darfur and Kathmandu on conflict issues, the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit and Open Society Institute on UK labour market policies for faith and ethnic minority communities. She will speak on the findings of her new book as above detailing the reality of religious discrimination and low employment levels for UK born British Muslim women, including from Bangladeshi backgrounds.
12 February
Community and Institutional Adaptation to Riverbank Erosion along the Jamuna River, Bangladesh
By Fuad Ali. He is a PhD student in the Department of Geography at King's College London, previously he studied Physics at Imperial College. He is Projects Coordinator at IMASE (www.imase.org), a constellation of Muslims who are interested in the society, development and learning; and Senior Researcher at Youth Think, a research organisation focusing on youth. The problem of river erosion in Bangladesh is a key technological and social challenge for Bangladeshis today, as it has been for decades. Annoyed with fatalistic and at times opportunistic climate change propaganda from one side, and religious platitudes about science and civilisation from another, Fuad (flukely) won an interdisciplinary research grant and went about investigating.
0D 19 February
Celebrating Bangla - past and future
By Dr Hanne -Ruth Thompson. She spent almost four years in Bangladesh in the early 90s and her encounter with the Bangla language had a profound effect on her life / work. In 1999 her first book Essential Every Bengali was published in Dhaka. She then went on to do a PhD on Bangla grammar at SOAS in London under the supervision of William Radice. Now she divides her time between teaching Bangla at SOAS and writing a Comprehensive Bengali Grammar for Routledge. She has also written a Practical Bengali Dictionary for Hippocrene in New York.
2 6 February
A panel discussion on A Bangladeshi Obama in the UK?
Benjamin Zeitlyn. He lived in Bangladesh as a child and has a degree in geography and development studies, and a master's degree in migration studies from the University of Sussex. During his master's degree he researched the Bangladeshi community in Madrid. He has also worked in Bangladesh at the Refugee and Migratory Research Unit, attached to the University of Dhaka. There he was able to research migration to Spain and Italy from the Bangladeshi perspective.
Ruhana Ali. She has been working as a community organiser for The East London Communities' Organisation (TELCO) on social justice campaigns including safer streets and the London Living Wage. She has trained with the Citizen Organising Foundation in the UK; a sister organisation of the Industrial Areas Foundation in America where Obama trained and worked. She graduated from the London School of Economics and strongly feels that young people should take an active role and engage in civic life. She has also worked as a teacher, journalist and television presenter.
Asif Saleh. He recently retired from his post as Vice President at Goldman Sachs in London to be the full-time Executive director of Drishtipat, a Bangladesh human rights organization he founded in 2001. Drishtipat is an active force in the Bangladesh diaspora, with branches in eight cities on four continents, and numerous programs and fundraising initiatives that focus on human rights and humanitarian relief. Drishtipat's blog has been named one of the most influential in Bangladesh by The Daily Star, and its Writers' Collective are frequent contributors to print media.
5 March
Evolution of Architectural practice in Bangladesh
By Hafizul Hasan. He is an Assistant Professor, Architecture Department, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He graduated from BUET in 1989 and in 2003 completed his studies on Urban Environmental Management from Asian Institute and Technology. In 2006 he completed a postgraduate program on Disaster Management from BRAC University. He worked as a consultant for AKAR design, Global Architect, Thai Airways, HSBC, British American Tobacco, Lever Brothers, Grameen Phone, Prime Bank, Premier Bank, Basundhara Group. Currently, he is studying at Greenwich University on Construction Management and Economics.
12 Marc h
International Volunteering and the Bangladeshi Diaspora
By Sandra Kabir, Executive Director of BRAC UK, and Jebi Rahman, Programme Officer for Porishod, BRAC UK's Diaspora Volunteer Programme for British Bangladeshi Professionals. The programme is supported by DFID and VSO, who found that Diaspora communities are underrepresented in international volunteering when they could be playing a key role in development awareness. Sandra, whose extensive career in development began in Bangladesh in 1976, and Jebi, whose first experience of volunteering and visiting schools in Bangladesh in 2004 led her to further study an MSc in Comparative and International Education (Oxford University) discuss this and other issues surrounding the initiative and invite returned volunteers to share their experiences and opinions.
19 March
"Whose language is it anyway?" English Language and Access: The Case of Bangladeshis in London
By Dr Ferhana Hashem. She is a Research Fellow at the University of Kent, currently working on a Nuffield Foundation Small Grants funded research project entitled 'What kind of language service should public authorities provide to minority groups: the case of Bangladeshis in London'. She has recently completed research on a two-year ESRC research project, which explored 'Ethnic Options of Mixed Race Identity' in Britain. Ferhana completed her doctorate in political sociology in 2003, which examined Bengal Muslim identity in the Indian subcontinent.
26 March
ENGLADESH - screening of photo documentary explor ing the impact of migration to Britain on Sylhet
By Photojournalist Sam Strickland. He will present and discuss his ongoing documentary examining how migration to Britain is transforming Sylhet and the UK. Engladesh began as a photojournalism MA thesis (London College of Communication). Sam's interest in photography grew from his degree in history and journalism at Queen Mary & City University in London. He has since photographed for the National Portrait Gallery, charities in the UK, Uganda and Bangladesh and various magazines. Engladesh (first cut) is online at www.engladesh.com
2 April
A panel discussion on The Future of Bangladeshi Marriage in the UK?
Sapnara Khatun. She read law at the LSE and was called to the Bar and has been in practice since 1990. Appointed as Judge - Recorder of the Crown in 2006. In 2003 she was appointed to the government's Family Justice Council to advise on all aspects of family justice system. She has also advised on and drafted the new Forced Marriage Act and plays an active role in the boards of many voluntary and charitable organisations.
Ashley Chisholm. He set up MixTogether.org three years ago. Run entirely by volunteers in their spare time, the website offers a safe place for mixed race and religion couples to speak to each other and try to resolve problems with their families. Ashley works full time as an accountant in the City.
Shelina Zahra Janmohamed. She is a commentator with a focus on British Islam, writing regularly for The Muslim News and Emel magazine and also mainstream press such as The Guardian. Shelina writes her own blog at www.spirit21.co.uk and appears regularly on TV and radio to comment on Islam, Muslim and Muslim women's issues.. She was born in London, studied at New College (University of Oxford) and works in the technology Industry. Shelina is about to publish her first book in February 2009 entitled 'Love in a headscarf' (www.loveinaheadscarf.com).
9 April
Special Networking Event / Comedy Evening
A number of organsiations will make short presentations about projects they are running, followed by an exciting evening of stand up comedy acts by MIXT NUTZ COMEDY.
For details: 07903 671787, bricklanecircle@yahoo.co.uk
From: Isha Khan <bd_mailer@yahoo.com>
To: zoglul@hotmail.co.uk; mbimunshi@gmail.com; rehman.mohammad@gmail.com; mahmudurart@yahoo.com; farhadmazhar@hotmail.com; premlaliguras@hotmail.com; dhaka mails@yahoogroups.com; khabor@yahoogroups.com; alochona@yahoogroups.com; bdresearchers@yahoogroups.com; bangla-vision@yahoogroups.com; mouchakaydheel@yahoo.com; odhora@yahoogroups.com; ayeshakabir@yahoo.com; sayantha15@yahoo.com; shahin72@gmail.com; minarrashid@yahoo.com; history_islam@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, 3 January, 2009 2:28:55
Subject: # H I #: Book Review: The India Doctrine 1947-2007
| Book Review: The India Doctrine 1947-2007 A K Zaman It is almost two years since the first edition of The India Doctrine appeared on Bangladesh bo okshelves to wide acclaim and appreciation. The newly revised edition now titled The India Doctrine (1947-2007) is an astonishing work of exceptional depth and analysis and is probably the first book of its kind not only in Bangladesh but also in South Asia as a whole. It is indeed a stupendous effort by Barrister MBI Munshi. While I had a few words of criticism for the original version of the book which appeared to me to be fragmentary and a little disjointed this revised edition is an exceptional work and its various parts have been finely consolidated and is also far better written and organized. As the author reminds us, he had almost two years to write this revised edition and it was certainly time well spent as the language and style is now much easier to follow and effortless to comprehend. The Bangladesh Defence Journal (BDJ) has published the book at a price of Tk. 1200 or roughly $17 and is 636 pages in length. Of those pages one third consists of end notes and references which number in their thousands leaving in no doubt the strong evidentiary grounds on which Barristers Munshi's thesis is based. The book also contains a useful foreword by the editor of BDJ, Mr. Abu Rushd, who earlier wrote the ground breaking 'RAW in Bangladesh.' Mr. Rushd in his foreword contrasts the original version of 8 0The India Doctrine' and the present edition stating that, "The first edition was a turning point in political and historical writing in Bangladesh. The second edition continues this trend with further elaboration of issues … covered in the earlier book but on very recent events such as the causes behind the cancellation of elections in 2007 and new material on the 1971 liberation war and India's motivations in assisting [an] emergent Bangladesh." Mr. Rushd further elaborates on the importance of the book in the context of South Asia's geo-strategic realities, "The book is certainly a must read for those interested in South Asian affairs, geo-strategy, intelligence, and the political, diplomatic and economic influences of an increasingly important region of the world which contains almost a sixth of the world[s] population, two nuclear powers and several more in the near vicinity. The book will hopefully inspire others to explore the subject of Indian hegemony and expansionism and also allow policy-makers in the West to better comprehend the risks of permitting an unrestrained India to dominate the region." The last remark seems particularly relevant in light of the Mumbai terror attacks in December 2008 and the increasingly hostile attitude taken by India towards its neighbour Pakistan who it accuses of having direct i nvolvement in the incident although only a few weeks earlier a Col. Srikant Pirohit had been apprehended for supplying explosives to Hindu fanatics to carry out similar outrages. Mr. Rushd concludes that the book should hopefully, "educate the policy-makers and military planners in Bangladesh about possible threats emanating from our neighbour and the consequences of New Delhi's influence in our internal affairs as well as the principal cause of instability." This is probably even more pertinent after the overwhelming victory of the Awami League (AL) party in the recently concluded 2008 national elections. The AL has often aligned itself with the interests of New Delhi in both foreign and internal matters and this has aggravated tensions within the country. It would be wise for the AL leaders to take some lessons from this book and adopt a more cautious attitude to New Delhi since our own history shows that a two-thirds majority in parliament is no guarantee of longevity or permanence in power especially when deeply held views about our national interest are constantly and arrogantly offended. The obvious reason for publishing this new edition is that the original book had many gaps and overlooked many significant issues principally due to the time limitations placed on the author. Barrister Munshi states in his opening remarks in the preface that, "By all accounts the first edition of 'The India Doctrine' was a book incomplete. While it covered the essentials of the periods 1947 and 1971 fairly well it managed to convey only a fraction of the notable events and incidents that were to take place during 2006 and which were to reach a climax in 2007. The years 2006-2007 had much less of the cruelty, violence and bloodshed associated with 1947 and 1971 but nevertheless represents a significant period of transition that witnessed a revival of great power politics in South Asia that was to significantly affect the terms of the India Doctrine." This short period indeed witnessed immense and often tragic and horrendous events that will undoubtedly have lasting effects on the South Asian perspective and psyche. The author next deals quite comprehensively with the internal struggles within India and its new alliance with the United States built upon the tenuous foundations of the nuclear agreement passed amidst intense opposition, particularly in India. The author explores how this new strategic relationship affects the regional balance and includes reference to China and Russia and the wider geo-strategic imperatives of the U nited States and India. The author then surveys the influence of the India doctrine and Forward Policy on the South Asian neighbourhood and the internal conflicts this incited in many countries of the region (i.e. Sri Lanka, Nepal, Sikkim, Pakistan and Bangladesh). . The next few chapters on the liberation war and Indian propaganda have been completely redone and large segments rearranged to fit more logically the shape, context and logic of the book. New material and information is incorporated into chapters 4-8 and recent developments on the CHT insurgency and peace agreement is rendered in the last of these chapters. From a Bangladesh perspective the most controversial sections of the book will probably be Chapters 9 and 10 that deal with India's project to have Bangladesh declared a failed state. The chosen method to achieve this objective has been through propaganda with the labeling of Bangladesh as a 'hotbed' of Islamist terrorism. The media campaign orchestrated by India has been so successful that many voters in the 2008 elections actually believed this nonsense not realizing that such malicious canards were being propagated by Indian intelligence (i.e. RAW) via our local media. Another method favoured by India to have Bangladesh rendered a failed state is through economic sabotage and as Barrister Munshi explains, CFor India to secure its political and military supremacy and control over the South Asian region it has become necessary for it to continuously maintain and protect her lead over other economies even by unfair means such as sabotage, fomenting and encouraging political instability in neighbouring countries and most obviously through propaganda." However, it is interference in the political sphere that India has been most successful in undermining Bangladesh's democratic institutions and Barrister Munshi traces the chaotic events surrounding the transfer of power to a caretaker government in 2006 to the release of Sheikh Hasina from custody in June 2008 with each event being heavily influenced by external actors and in particular India. Barrister Munshi provides a convincing argument and analysis on all the above issues and his contribution to the book stands as an extraordinary achievement that will set the standard for such works in Bangladesh and probably elsewhere in South Asia. The 557 pages written by Barrister Munshi will hopefully gain widespread readership in Bangladesh since the issues raised in the book are incredibly important to the continued independence and integrity of the nation against the hegemonic and domineering tendencies of India. The chapters written by the author will likely stand out as the most important to be written on South Asian affairs for the last 60 years at least. It presents a completely new perspective on South Asia rarely seen in writing from this region and hardly discussed in weste rn literature on the subject. The final two chapters of the book are authored by two Pakistanis and this is a major development on the first edition which had no chapters on Pakistan and this is probably the only collaboration between writers of both countries on this type of subject matter. Chapter 11 of the book is titled 'The Peace Charade' and is written by Mr. Ahmed Quraishi. Mr. Quraishi is a prominent media personality in Pakistan and his background as an investigative journalist, columnist, roving reporter and head of a private, independent think tank are all very impressive and raise his credentials as a highly respected and informed writer. According to Mr. Quraishi, India had by early 2008 been conducting a massive intelligence operation with Pakistan as its target. Afghanistan was being used by New Delhi as a springboard and the Islamists were the tools of this operation. Israel is said to have provided help and the US position as Pakistan's ally is described as somewhat ambiguous. This brief summary sets the tone for a very interesting and well researched chapter with its premise based on the discovery of a document that reveals a conspiracy 'to break the stranglehold of the intelligence agencies, the bureaucracy and the military in Pakistan' as these are believed by India to be responsible for keeping the K ashmir issue alive. Chapter 12 of the book is written by Dr. Prevaiz Iqbal Cheema who has an outstanding academic career. He obtained and M. Litt in Strategic Studies from Aberdeen University and a Ph.D. from Quaid-i-Azam University in Pakistan. He has been a teacher for almost 28 years with posts held in Pakistan, Australia, Singapore and the United States. His excellent and lucidly argued chapter discusses the Kashmir dispute and Pakistan-India relations. His chapter initially discusses the origin and nature of the Kashmir dispute highlighting the policies of both India and Pakistan followed by a discussion on the internationalizatio n of the dispute. Finally the paper focuses on the new developments that have impacted upon the dispute and the current status of Indo-Pak relations. Dr. Cheema concludes his survey of the issues by commenting that, "Without the resolution of [the] Kashmir dispute, not only India and Pakistan would never enjoy proper fruits of peace and cooperation but South Asia would also be deprived of much desired peaceful environment." It is, therefore, unfortunate that India has not shown the requisite sincerity in negotiations for this sensible and desired outcome for regional peace and security. Overall, this book, The India Doctrine (1947-2007), is an extraordinary and astounding effort requiring not o nly immense dedication but also a significant amount of courage, boldness and resolution. Writing in the hostile and threatening atmosphere created by India in Bangladesh the writers have shown admirable willpower and fortitude. The book not only deserves success but also our respect. http://www.shodalap .com/AKZ_ india.htm |
khabor..........We Know Bangladesh Better.
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