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     Volume 8 Issue 61 | March 13, 2009 |

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Letters

Mutiny or Conspiracy

The mindless killing of the valiant army officers has created a sense of mourning in the air. People from home and abroad have stood against the barbarity. We have no words to express our anger and disgust at the bloodshed. What on earth called for the army officers to be killed so inhumanely? Is it really just a BDR mutiny stemmed from grievances?
Going by the events of February 25 doubts are creeping into our minds whether there were extraneous forces involved, which is a deep-rooted conspiracy against our sovereignty, damaging the major elements of our defence capability the army, and the BDR.
As for the incident, our political leaders have, yet again, started trading blame and counter blame. Politicising the matter they are, as usual, trying to capitalise on a grave catastrophe. Shame on our politicians!
This is a national crisis. It is a threat to our sovereignty. The politicians should stop pointing fingers at each other. Let us stand united to face the problems and help overcome the loss. We pray for the salvation of the martyrs' souls and hope that Almighty will grant them eternal peace.
Asir Faisal
Shah Amanath Housing Society
Sholokbahar, Chittagong

A Shameful Incident
On February 25 the entire nation experienced a very shameful incident. Some jawans of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutinied at their headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka. BDR jawans rebelled against the chain of command and took up arms against both their senior officers and the Bangladesh armed forces. This was a brutal act of murder. General amnesty to BDR jawans can never be acceptable and the brutal killing of these army officers cannot go unpunished. Of course, not all BDR jawans are related to this incident. The government should take effective steps to find out the real criminals and punish them.
Md. Asfath Ullah (Siyam)
BBA, Khulna University

Let Us Stand United
The saddest and the most heinous incident of killing army personnel by the degenerate BDR Jawans on 25th February has put a deep scar on the collective psyche of the people of the country. We are shocked to the extent of getting completely numb at the brutal incident, which by now has opened, after a series of turns in the unfolding of bizarre and awesome phases, new dimensions that encompass the security of the country. Experts think, our PM also informed us that it wasn't a mere case of mutiny on the part of the BDR jawans, it was a strategically-designed plot to destabilise the country, to shake the morale of our disciplined army. They are desperate to rewrite, in black colour, our glorious liberation of 1971. Our secular stance and values, our efforts and success to usher in democracy in our land is what the eyesore for these anti-liberation forces at work.
Deaths of so many army personnel, and the way their dead bodies were found in the sewerage and the mass graves are difficult to even witness on the TV screen or on the news.
At such a crucial juncture of time, we all, namely the political leaders of all should show a high sense of responsibility and restraint; stopping the blame-game that is, to our collective awe, at work to deteriorate the situation further.
Let us, stay united on the interest of the nation keeping in mind the words of wisdom: “Eternal vigilance is the prize of liberty.”
Rafiqul Islam Rime
Agrabad, Chittagong

We Deeply Mourn
The massacre of 25th February in Pilkhana, Dhaka is truly a tragedy in the history of Bangladesh. It was something that we were not at all ready for, especially when a democratic government elected merely two months ago are in power. What we have lost is totally indescribable. It's a huge loss not only for our armed forces but also for our country. Although the initial steps taken by the government is truly praiseworthy, since there was no better alternative to a peaceful bloodless solution of this ghastly incident what we have lost will never return again. But now it's time to act, it's time to decide. We want justice for those army officers who lost their lives. I hope that the government will do it's level best to ensure that the BDR soldiers who were involved in this hostile act get strict punishment.
Abu Mohammad Mahdin
Dhanmondi, Dhaka

No Peace in the Hills Yet
What has been depicted in the article 'No Peace in the Hills Yet' (February 27, 2009) is worthy of praise. Of course it is a matter of pain and worry that after more than 11 years of signing of the Peace Accord the people of the Hills still seek peace. In the article the writer tries to reveal some painful incidents where violation of human rights is very clear. So what will happen now? I know that some indigenous people do not build their houses on permanent and long standing structures in fear. I agree with the writer that the major dispute between the Bangalis and the indigenous communities is the land problem. As the most crucial clauses in the Accord including the land problem still remain unimplemented, the dispute is still there. Sometimes it gets worse and gets the media's attention.
From the article we can deduce that both the Bangalis and Paharis are not happy with their situation. The indigenous people want to live in their land and the settlers want to return to their homes in the plain lands. So mid why is there so much politics? The presence of the Army personnel (I pray for the salvation of the departed souls in the BDR tragedy) in such high numbers violates the Peace Accord.
Tritan Chakma
Khulna Medical College, Khulna

Sandals or Barefoot?
The 'Voice Box' in your February 13 issue of Star Magazine publishes two opposing voices on the same issue. Achhia, the garment factory worker states that the factory authorities prevent her from wearing sandals; and she is made to go barefoot when she goes out for food during the break. This is a statement of fact, as far as one can see. In contrast, the director (Production) of the factory where she works, states that the workers prefer to go out barefoot. This statement is based on his opinion, which could well be subjective and seems biased. It could quite possibly be based on statements gathered or dictated to illiterate women workers and coerced from them to support his statement, and give it a legal cover!
I would urge our human rights groups to investigate this matter and take it up legally and bring to book the management of Tex Tech Company Ltd, where this incident took place because this is a matter of violation of the rights of Achhia.
S. A. Mansoor
Dhaka

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