US Congressman Joseph Crowly holds Press Conference in Dhaka Ajoy Roy

US Congressman Joseph Crowly holds Press Conference in Dhaka

Ajoy Roy

Published on May 03, 2009

US Congressman Joseph Crowley, co-chairman of US Congress Bangladesh Caucus, held a press conference in the afternoon today, 22nd February 2006 after having a series of talks with the AL Chief and leader of the opposition Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia Rahman.

In a press conference he said that for fair and free election a device must be found through a mutual understanding between the government parties and the opposition parties. He however opined that the government has a more responsibility in holding free and fair election. He pointed out that every citizen above 18 years must found his name in the voter list. He expressed hopes that 4 party alliance government would respond positively to the election reform proposals placed before the parliament by the main opposition and settle the issue to facilitate credible elections. ï¿½I know that the minority (the main opposition) have made their case or (are) attempting to make their case in parliament and I hope that response from the majority (the government) will be done in way to settle the issue.ï¿½, he told the press conference held in the American Centre. He further expressed his pious wish by saying that like him the US wants to see a free and transparent elections, where all eligible voters would caste their votes without hindrance and fear. Praising high of practice of democracy in Bangladesh, the congressman observed, ï¿½We in United States respect Bangladesh for democracy. We want democracy here continues to develop and flourish. It is important to have free, fair elections for flourishing Bangladeshï¿½s democracy.ï¿½ He expressed his satisfaction to see what he called Bangladeshi democracy ï¿½a moderate Islamic democracy.ï¿½

Mr. Crowley returns home today morning (24th February) after a 3-day visit to Bangladesh.

In the morning the congressman met Sheikh Hasina and her party colleagues in Sudhabhaban, the residence of AL chief. The AL chief reiterated the proposals for independent election commission and a truly neutral caretaker government under which a fair election might be possible. The proposals reflect the no confidence of AL over the present election commission now headed by a justice of the Supreme Court, who it is alleged that he was a beneficiary of BNP and the present mechanism of formation of a caretaker government. Mr. Crowley gave a patient hearing but, it is learnt did not make any comment. How USA can help in holding a fare election in BD to this question AL chief sought the cooperation of the USA government in this matter.

After the meeting Mr. Jalil, the GS of AL told the journalists that he has been apprised of the need of a free and fare election under an independent election commission and a neutral caretaker government formed according to the AL formula. Mr. Crowley however evaded questions asked by the present journalists saying that he would address the press in the afternoon.

During the meeting with PM Begum Khaleda informed Mr. Crowley that her government is treating members of minority communities equally. In fact there is no discrimination between majority and minority- they are all Bangladeshis. Her government is taking every measure to protect the rights of every citizen including those belonging to minority communities for which the congressman thanked her and her government. He termed these steps as ï¿½some positive stepsï¿½- what are those positive steps ï¿½ the congressman did not elaborate, nor the minorities knew about those steps. It is not a new thing what Khaleda said- nor she individually nor her government has ever admitted that minorities are being persecuted by her government, her political followers and Islamic fundamentalists. Leaving aside every thing, when our constitution begins with ï¿½Bismillah ar Rahman ar Rahimï¿½, when our constitution says, ï¿½Absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah shall be the basis of all actionsï¿½(81A), when our constitution pledges, ï¿½The state religion of the Republic is Islam, but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony ï¿½(2A), when our constitution pledges ï¿½the high ideals of absolute trust in Almighty Allahï¿½ (Preamble) then how could PM Khaleda and her associates in BNP or 4-party alliance could claim that minorities have equal rights and are treated equal according to constitution and law of the country? Mr. Crowley knows it very well; even then he praised her government. Is it just a diplomatic norm, or does he sincerely believe that Khaleda government is taking measures to protect the rights of minorities? It is the US government that has put a stigma ï¿½Bangladesh is a moderate Moslem stateï¿½ on the forehead of Bangladesh, and Mr. Crowley knows it very well. Now he has issued a new certificate calling Bangladeshi democracy as ï¿½a moderate Islamic democracyï¿½. Would Mr. Crowley explain to us what is the definition of ï¿½Islamic democracyï¿½ with a prefix ï¿½moderateï¿½? We were already tired of hearing moderate Moslem state or moderate Moslem democracy. Then what is the meaning of ï¿½Peopleï¿½s Republic of Bangladeshï¿½ ï¿½ that the constitution defined the character of Bangladesh ?

Prof. Ajoy K. Roy, is a reputed scientist and human rights activist from Bangladesh, He sent this article from Kolkata.