Hasina-Manmahon summit in Bangladesh promised so much but delivered too little. Impregnated hopes turned of reaching some milestone agreement into dry despair. Several months of sincere efforts of so many persons of two countries were blown with the winds. Teesta River sharing high drama culminated into tragedy.

Consequently transit agreement was not signed, power import deal or Joint Venture Coal fired power plant development initiative could not be inked, and even critical border issues remained unresolved. Hectic parleys at the last stage and efforts of many over 20 months to make the event a mega success hit quick sand primarily due to unexplainable stubborn attitude of Chief Minister Mamota Banerjee of West Bengal. For her last minute turn around very crucial Teesta Water sharing agreement signing was put on hold. Bangladesh was at least bold enough in not agreeing to sign Transit deal. Other issues like Power import deal and imported coal based power plant under NTPC-PDB joint are still in the womb of uncertainties. Some protocols, some MOUs and one framework agreement covering many aspects of co-operation were signed. All these however failed to perhaps please both India and Bangladesh government. There will be serious soul searching in both sides to find out what went wrong? Who stabbed the noble initiatives on the back? Indian Prime Minister has sounded frustrated for not being able to bring his Chief Minister of West Bengal on the discussion table for signing what could be a historic Water sharing agreement. If we analyze neutrally development of events harmed Indian image more than Bangladesh. World Communities through active media knows it was Indians failure which led to finally sign agreed water sharing treaty for their internal reasons. Indians perhaps lost a golden opportunity to earn trust and respect of Bangladeshi nation. The mistrust and disbelief among two SAARC neighbors continued. Many now will seriously doubt about sincerity of Indian Government for agreeing to ensure the legitimate right of Bangladesh as lower riparian country over the water of common international Rivers. Bangladeshis will not easily believe on Indian Prime Ministers repeated assurances that nothing that harms Bangladesh will be done at Tipaimukh and other places to divert river water on the upstream. Here are some details of the Agreements and MOUs.

Protocol to the 1974 Boundary Agreement

Foreign ministers of India and Bangladesh signed on the protocol to address the outstanding land boundaries issues and provide final settlement to land boundary issues which will come under the agreed protocol are;

a)      Undemarcated land boundary at Daikhata -56 [West Bengal]. Muhuri River-Belonia [Tripura] and Dumabri[Assam].

b)      Enclaves.

c)      Adverse possessions.

The undemarcated boundary has already been demarcated. The status of 111 Indian Enclaves [Population of 37,334] and 51 Bangladeshi Enclaves [population of 14,215] have been addressed. The issues of adversely possessed land along Indo-Bangla border in West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya and Assam has also been mutually finalized. This protocol if ultimately respected to the letters by both parties will bring significant change in the peaceful neighborly relation.

Framework Agreement on Cooperation for Development:

In this modern age it is almost impossible for individual countries to address all issues of its citizens on its own .Countries in different regions are addressing many issues of economic development, resources exploitation, poverty alleviation efforts through bilateral and multilateral collaboration . Such a framework agreement was conceptualized during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in 2010. It was agreed at that time that a comprehensive framework of cooperation for would be put in place covering mutually shared visions. The signed Framework agreement provides the Template for the future cooperation.

Addendum to the MOU between India and Bangladesh to facilitate Overland Transit Traffic between Bangladesh and Nepal:

The MOU would facilitate rail transit to/from Bangladesh and Nepal using the Rohanpoor-Singhabad route .It would also facilitate Rail Transit between Bangladesh and Nepal using Indian Territory through Radhikapoor-Birol line after Bangladesh Coverts its railway line in the section to Broad-gauge.

MOU on Conservation of Sundarban:

An initial 5 year duration MOU was signed for Sundarban for cooperation in areas of conserving biodiversity, joint management of resources, and livelihood generation for poverty alleviation, cataloguing of local flora and fauna and studying the impacts of climate change. A working group to be set up would be responsible for implementation of objectives envisioned in the MOU.

MOU for Conservation of Royal Bengal Tigers of Sundarban:

MOU for Conservation of the Royal Bengal Tigers of Sundarban would provide bilateral cooperation in undertaking scientific research, knowledge sharing and patrolling of Sundarban Waterways on their respective sides to prevent poaching or smuggling of derivatives from wildlife and bilateral initiatives to ensure the survival and conservation of the royal Bengal Tigers in the unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans.

MOU on the Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy:

• The MOU aims to establish the basis for a Cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical, bilateral cooperation in the areas of Solar, wind and Bio Energy on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity. In addition to above the following MOUs were also signed.
• MOU has cooperation in the field of fisheries.
• MOU, on Educational cooperation between Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Dhaka University.
• MOU on Cooperation between Doordarshan [DD] and Bangladesh Television [BTV].
• MOU between the National Institute of Fashion Technology [NIFT] New Delhi and BGMEA Institute Of Fashion Technology[ BIFT] .

There is no semblance of doubt that the Summit failed to achieve its billing. Tessta water sharing agreement, transit and power trading were three major issues. But mainly due to inexcusable, turnaround of Chief Minister of West Bengal put paid to efforts of many in reaching a historic agreement. Bangladesh had reasons in not agreeing to sign transit agreement. We can commend the courage and determination of Bangladesh in saying no to major neighbor India. We wonder how Chief Minister of a state could overturn the well conceived decision of Central Government of India. India has lost a glorious opportunity to achieve their long cherished plan of getting opportunity of using Chittagong and Mongla port. Bangladesh must now critically evaluate all its pains and gains that would arise from allowing India transit facilities. We cannot be extra gracious to a neighbor which does not hesitate to illegitimately divert the water of common rivers on the upstream to cause desertification of Bangladesh. West Bengal Chief Minister will not be Welcome in Bangladesh until she realizes what damage she has done to the bilateral friendly relation. Her action has only extended the mistrust and disbelief among people of Bangladesh and India.

Indian Prime Minister in a speech at Dhaka University also recorded his frustration for not being able to conclude water sharing treaty. He once again reiterated his firm conviction about not doing anything at Tipaimukh which may harm Bangladesh. The Power trading will have to happen sooner or later once the connectivity is made. We are least bothered about it. In future Bangladesh may achieve surplus power generation to export to India as India’s need of power is much more and the deficit is growing much faster. Bangladesh may not need setting up of power plants based on imported coal if it explores its own substantial high quality coal.

None in Bangladesh has got anything to be too frustrated. Bangladesh has lost none but Indians lost many. Chief Minister of West Bengal has dented the image of Indian Government to world community challenging the decision of Central Government which turned the table on Tessta Water Sharing treaty .Bangladesh Government deserves credit for not agreeing to sign transit treaty .Signing of some MOU and Protocols on important issues are also no mean achievement. One hopes that the process will continue for the greater benefit of the people of the region.

India is the lone emerging world power in the SAARC region. Good friendly neighborly relation based mutual trust and respect of sovereign equality is extremely essential for peaceful coexistence for all nations of South Asian countries. Bangladesh and India have some irritants, some issues which soured their relation since the 15^th August 1975 – the black day in the life of Bangladeshi nation and history. Misguided military rulers seizing power through backdoor and polluting politics with money and muscle; and thriving on cheap anti Indian sentiment back pedaled the Bangladeshi nation. Anti Liberation forces were rehabilitated, religion was used as way to exploit people and unnecessary issues were harbored causing extreme miseries for the people of Bangladesh. On the other hand imprudent Indian beauracrats and some communal Indian politicians also misguided Indian policy makers in depriving Bangladesh from some legitimate rights. Consequently several issues like water sharing, boundary disputes [Land and Maritime] and trade imbalances caused profuse bleeding of bilateral relations. It is really unfortunate that majority of Bangladeshis possess genuine apprehension about Indian attitude towards Bangladesh while Indians in 1971 made such massive contribution for the liberation of Bangladesh. We hope Indian policy makers could realize what Bangladesh wants and what is the way forward to normalize the relations.

Water Sharing: Bangladesh economy is agro based and our agriculture is largely dependent on supply of water throughout the year in major rivers and tributaries. Almost all of our rivers either originate from India or flows through India before entering Bangladesh and flows across Bangladesh before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. Due to unilateral Indian actions depriving Bangladesh of its lower riparian right many such rivers have almost died and rest are in the process of extinction. There is Joint River Commission (JRC) and the commission sits in regular meetings. But in the last 40 years since independence other than Ganges water sharing agreement signed during last term of Awami League led government sharing of other river waters could not be agreed. We hope that India and Bangladesh could realize the issues and challenges. In the recent past meetings between Bangladesh and India focused on Dam and barrages at Tipaimukh. Bangladeshi parliamentary delegation headed by veteran politician Abdur Razzak visited Tipaimukh and met responsible Indian ministers and policy makers. None other than Indian PM assured that anything- harms Bangladesh will not be done by India at Tipaimukh. Bangladeshis now want clear commitment about the assurance of Indian Prime Minister. We do not want our Surma, Kushiara; Manu Rivers die from Indian one-sided action at Tipaimukh. The equitable sharing of Teesta River water is another major irritant. We hope that a water sharing agreement of Teesta River based on equality will be settled during the ensuing visit of Indian PM. We have heard that sharing of Feni River water is also included as a part of the package. We hope Bangladesh will not be asked to sacrifice its legitimate right in any such agreement.

Boundary Disputes: Ever since the partition of India in 1947, some disputes in marking of borders between India and Pakistan in eastern region, existed. Mujib–Indira agreement vowed to resolve these after emergence of Bangladesh in 1971. Unfortunately no government of India and Bangladesh made sincere efforts to resolve these disputes. Bangladesh and India must exchange the enclaves on the basis of Mujib–Indira agreement. Both India and Bangladesh possess some lands belong to other. We hope on the basis of credible survey such lands will be exchanged. It is also expected that a meaningful agreement to this effect with specific timeline and action plan will be included in the agreement.

Bangladesh and India have entered into arbitration on maritime boundary disputes in the Bay of Bengal. India is exploring for Petroleum resources in the Bay of Bengal for several years but as soon as Bangladesh planned to explore in its own deep water Indians vehemently objected. Bangladesh had to enter into arbitration due to stubborn attitudes of India in resolving this issue through bilateral discussions while the matter may be resolved through arbitration. But it may take several years. If both party respect international norms there are still opportunity to resolve it through bilateral discussion or this will remain an apple of discord for several years. We hope summit meeting will reach some positive decisions on this matter.

Exchanging Criminals and Combating Crimes:

For several years now criminals and terrorists of one country are finding safe haven in other country and are carrying out their crimes through their planted agents. Two countries’ must make a fresh vow of not sheltering any such criminals and let any place of their land to be used for carrying out subversive activities against others. In the recent past Bangladesh government made crack down on Indian insurgents inside Bangladesh and pushed back several such separatists. Bangladesh government is working on a trial of suspects involved in a massive arms haul through Bangladesh for Indian separatists. But India has so far failed to reciprocate the gesture. Many noted Bangladeshi terrorists including the killers of Bangabandhu, the father of nation, are reportedly hiding in India. One hopes that India will guarantee that it will make everything possible in not letting anyone do any subversive activities sheltering in India.

Border Killings:

Despite serious reservations of Bangladeshi Indian Border security force continues to kill and torture innocent Bangladeshis at the border. Senior Indian policy makers made repeated assurances. But that has not worked so far. Indian economy is in no way doing better than Bangladesh that people will move to India for job seeking. Only smugglers may try to go across. But why BSF should resort to killings? Setting up of barbed wire fencing along the border is disgrace for a might neighbor. Bangladesh can never dream of an armed confrontation with India. India started the process of mistrust and disbelief the day it started setting up barbed wire fencing. We hope India will realize these mistakes. Barbed wire fences will remain an irritant in India Bangladesh relation especially when it is seeking transit across Bangladesh to link its eastern and western region.

Transit and Regional Connectivity:

Bangladesh has genuine concern here

a)    Many Bangladeshis believe that India may try to transport military hard ware’s using this transit routes to combat insurgencies which may make Bangladesh exposed to Indian separatists groups active in Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram.

b)    Bangladeshi roads and highways, railways and waterways, ports are far from ready to absorb massive flow of transit traffic. It will take several years and huge investment to handle transit traffic. There must be credible feasibility study with transparent benefit cost ratio before bringing in transit into play. Present Bangladesh road infrastructure is even not suitable enough for our own needs. Situation of railway is even worse. Bangladeshi rivers lack navigability in all season primarily due to Indian unilateral actions of withdrawing and diverting water on the upstream.

c)    Transit tariff has not yet been decided. Let Bangladesh create infrastructure to handle additional traffic load emanating from regional connectivity. Let all these costs get included in the feasibility study. If our earnings through job creation and tariff make the proposition profitable we believe no one will object to Bangladesh being part of regional connectivity.

d)    Bangladesh is supposed to have unhindered connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan through Indian Territory. Are we getting it? Can Nepalese and Bhutanese trucks carrying commodities enter Bangladesh without hustles through Indian Territory?

All the above issues must be positively resolved before entering into or renewing any transit treaty with India.

Trade Imbalance:

Bangladesh suffers from huge trade imbalance with India. Indian goods of any quality, good or bad- enter Bangladesh legally or illegally, almost uninterrupted. There are no questions of quality control. But Bangladeshi trade commodities have to undergo various tariff and non tariff barriers. Examples are dirty polluting Indian coal which even India does not use is pushed into Bangladesh and Bangladesh unfortunately accepts the high sulfur and high ash coal. Pro Indian Environmentalists and agitators find dirty Indian Coal more acceptable than allowing economic mining of own superior quality coal. Government of Bangladesh also remains silent. On the other hand our cement, our pharmaceuticals, Rahimafrooz batteries have to face various barriers in entering Indian market. We hope summit meeting will address all these matters.

It is very encouraging that present government of Bangladesh has taken historic initiative to resolve all outstanding issues with India. It is for the mutual interests of both the countries that all issues are resolved without further delay for peaceful coexistence. But all mistrusts and confusions must be done away with through mutual respect of sovereign equality. Bangladesh must come out of its inferiority complex and Indians must abandon its ‘take all and share nothing’ attitude. Let the visit of PM Dr. Manmohan usher a new era in Indo-Bangla relations. Let it set the trend of greater integration of SAARC region. A peaceful SAARC region is so essential for the continued economic development and poverty alleviation of billions of helpless people of the region. All professionals have meeting of minds. It only needs political will and strong fellow feeling at the summit level to make things happen. We welcome Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Bangladesh with lots of hope and ambitions.

The honesty and integrity of the British media has come under serious scrutiny in the recent past. Australian Media Tycoon Rupert Murdoch has been compelled to close down his “News of the World” when charged for its unholy methods of tarnishing the image of leading personalities and smear nations. Rupert Murdoch had to appear before a parliamentary probe committee and regret for the scam. Almost at the same time Another British media “The Economist” has published has carried a highly controversial report questioning India- Bangladesh relation, the emergence of Bangladesh, the genocide by Pakistan occupation army in 1971and the trial process of the identified War Criminals of 1971.

The report without any credible evidence has brought out an allegation that Indian Government sponsored the Awami League with money and advice to win the 2008 elections. Congress is in Indian state power, and there is a historic link between the Congrees and Awami League based on good wish or even blessings as both champion democracy. But how can a leading international media mention that Indian Government provided monetary support to Awami League? Do they have any credible evidence? Neutral observers and world media unanimously acclaimed the free, fair and transparent election of 2008 . Even no major objection was raised by any of the opponents. But how after two and half years later “The Ecomonist” could bring up such a serious allegation? This report has definitely undermined and in fact embarrassed both India and Bangladesh. The countries have every right to question validity and authenticity of the report. This is more pertinent at this moment since two friendly SAARC neighbors after years of mistrust and disbelief have started positive actions to resolved several outstanding issues – water sharing , enclave exchange, joint actions against terrorists, boundary disputes resolution, regional connectivity , trade rationalization . Some issues were fundamentally agreed during Bangladesh PMs Visit to India and most of the others are at advanced stage for meeting of minds of the highest level at the upcoming summit of two PMs in Dhaka in September 2011.

In Bangladesh there is a group of people who in everything smells some Indian fish .This group though do not hesitate to use Indian Garments, go for shopping to India or get medical treatment to India when required. They do not object to use dirty polluting Indian coal but they raise hue and cry when Government takes imitative to explore own sweet coal or explore for petroleum in the offshore. This group sure will be encouraged by such yellow journalism of “The Economist.
Economist report questioned visit of Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi’s visit to Dhaka in a satirical manner. Sonia was in Dhaka on invitation of PM Hasina to attend an international seminar on Autistics Children and to receive the highest civilian award [Posthumous] on behalf of Late Indira Gandhi for her motherly contribution during the liberation war. There cannot be any question if the chief of the two ruling political parties share ideas and opinions on the regional politics and government affairs anytime anywhere.

The report also questioned the crackdown of militant groups and terrorists by Bangladesh Government. The section of the report may be quoted here:

Ever since 2008, when the Awami League, helped by bags of Indian cash and advice, triumphed in general elections in Bangladesh, relations with India have blossomed. To Indian delight, Bangladesh has cracked down on extremists with ties to Pakistan or India’s home-grown terrorist group, the Indian Mujahideen, as well as on vociferous Islamist (and anti-Indian) politicians in the country. India feels that bit safer.

We will be extremely pleased if Economist can provide the credible evidence of the bag of cash that it is alleging to have been provided by Indian Government . If not Economist owe an apology to both India and Bangladesh.

From 2002 – 2006 Bangladesh became safe haven of terrorists. Finance Minister SAMS Kibria, popular MP Ahsanullah Master was killed by grenade attacks. Attacks were carried out against British High Commissioner in Bangladesh, Mayor of Sylhet, and MP Suranjit Sen Gupta. Finally terrorist under state sponsorship killed several Awami Leaguers including wife of Bangladesh President in a carnage and mayhem in front of Awami League Central office at the heart of the capital city. The terrorists became so organized that they could carry out simultaneous grenade explosion in 64 places of the country at the same time. People were killed at court buildings, cinema hall. It was alleged that some country’s intelligence agency unfriendly to both Bangladeshi progressive force and India setting up safe training shelter within Bangladesh trained terrorists and provided deadly weapons to carry out subversive activities within Bangladesh and India. A huge arm haul was confiscated at CUFL Jetty of Chittagong which was allegedly transited through Bangladesh for a separatist group of India. Present government very courageously took appropriate actions against the group. Government has also initiated actions to authentically probe all acts of terrorism of the past. Instead of admiring governments efforts Economist report has unfortunately criticized the admirable Bangladesh action.

The saddest part of the report is that it questioned the Bangladeshi initiative of conducting trials of identified war criminals. There can be any or many difference of opinion about the process of conducting the trials. But it is a long term legitimate demand of the Bangladeshis to try and punish the collaborators of Pakistan Army in carrying out genocide, rape, looting and arsening in 1971. Economist has unfortunately advocated for the alleged criminals under custody. The intent and purpose of the report is well understood.

The report also questioned about various outstanding bilateral issues resolution process. It has questioned regional connectivity. We cannot deny our geographical reality. We are surrounded by India from 2.75 sides. Any regional connectivity will benefit all nations. If India can connect its major regions with neglected Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura through it how it harms Bangladesh? Why we are apprehensive that India will transport Army or Military gazettes through the corridor? This connectivity is for trade and commerce only. However, we are not fully aware about the details of the regional connectivity. It will not be wise to talk about it at this stage.

In conclusion we like to request the editor of “The Economist “ to clarify the issues raised in the report and address the Bangladesh response .If such kind of reports are regulary published who knows some day it may have to embrace the same fate as Rupert Murdoch’s “ The News of the World”.

Khaleda Zia is the leader of the opposition in the parliament. As elected MP she is enjoying all facilities and privileges as the member of the parliament. She has abstained from Parliament and did not join the recent discussions and dialogues on the constitution amendment. She has declared actions for scrapping constitution provision of care taker government following the verdict of Supreme Court declaring it illegal. So her statement favoring continuation of Care Taker Government directly goes against highest court verdict. Any sensible citizen has legal and constitutional right to sue her for her statement. Khaleda perhaps forgot that her alliance had landslide disaster in election held under care taker government. In recent times in no election under present EU there have been any credible allegations of state interference. So her statement favoring CTG and her declaration of no election under EU is unconstitutional. BNP or any party may or may not participate in any or many elections. But in reality BNP does not have organizational strength to oppose any election.

Energy crisis, power and water crisis are fall out of Khaleda’s own failures. In her last term she did nothing to meet emerging massive deficits. The depth and diversity of the crisis is so acute that it is taking more than expected time. Khaleda if she is peoples leader must suggest how to improve the situation .Instead she has let out her B and C teams to oppose government initiatives to explore and exploit own resources.

Flying in and out of Shahjalal International Airport has now become risky for unplanned city growth. A carefully planned international airport at Suitable place can turn Bangladesh an important hub of global air links. Why Khaleda has to oppose the initiative for a new modern International Airport?

Why she should oppose special economic Zone in Sylhet if it creates massive job opportunity and ease massive trade imbalance with India?

Her declaration for not pursuing any further hartal type destructive program has not emanated from her love of people. She found that recent hartals apart from creating nuisances brought no mileage for her evil design. People not only responded but also resisted. Senior party leaders refused to join street agitations during hartal. But in any case we welcome her statement and hope that she remains true to it.

Present government has been voted to power through fair, free and credible general election for 5 years term . Despite some failures it is trying relentless to reconstruct Bangladesh that Khaleda government left behind in 1996. No one can bring any Khaleda Government type corruption against any. Government has initiated many milestone projects in Energy, Communication and other sectors. Relation with different countries including neighbors has started to improve. Many disputed issues with India are on the advanced stage of getting resolved. Teesta river water sharing treaty. Land boundary demarcation and exchange of enclaves may happen soon. India, Nepal, Bhutan may use Bangladesh ports. Several initiatives have been taken to ease grid locks in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Implementation of Dream Padma Bridge will start soon. Why leader of the opposition instead of raising her disapproval in the parliament is behaving like paper tiger on the street? Can she tell what Bangladesh looses in allowing transit for India through Bangladesh? Why Bangladesh must not utilize the opportunity of gaining economically from it? Why Khaleda is not placing her proposal for resolving issues with India in the parliament?

Present Government has advanced slowly but steadily on the trial process of criminals against humanity. It has surfaced involvement of her two sons in money siphoning, involvement of her eldest son in August 21 massacre. People understand her heart burning for protecting the corrupt syndicates, plotters and masterminds of terrorist activities of her time. But people fail to understand what she meant for upstaging a democratically elected government through Arab Awakening type movement.

Perhaps the little informed leader does not know Arab Awakening is staged against corrupt autocrat regimes which very cruelly are trying to suppress spontaneous people’s movement. When her own son’s area alleged in corrupt, money laundering and abetting killers and terrorists how she can lead any such movement against still a very popular government?

Rather people must join movement to bring back all criminals and corrupt element that have fled from Bangladesh after carrying out massive corruptions and siphoning off people’s money. People must rally around initiatives to try War criminals and masterminds of terrorist activities killing innocent people.

Khaleda must thank present government that if after acting like a novice and spreading hatred and venom against ruling government she is not being put behind the bar for voicing disapprovals of highest court verdict. She is better advised to join parliament and try to keep government honest through honest objective criticism. She must also come up with better alternative proposals in the parliament and wait till next general election for taking peoples verdict.

India must realize that irrespective of size and economic situation Bangladesh and India are sovereign equal and matters must be dealt with on the basis of sovereign equality. Everything must be looked upon on mutual win- win basis. No party must have take all and share nothing attitude.

Bangladesh Needs Equitable Share of Water:

The river based agro economy of Bangladesh desperately needs equitable share of water through all common rivers. Indian actions of unilateral withdrawal of water in some common rivers have initiated desertification in huge areas of Bangladesh. During the ensuing summit meaningful progress must be achieved on water sharing. Bangladesh must be ensured of its legitimate right in accordance with international norms as lower riparian country. We hope Teesta Water sharing agreement will be inked during the summit. There must be unconditional assurance by India to honor all signed Indian treaty and agreements on water sharing. India must not take any project on the upstream which may harm Bangladesh on the downstream.

Maritime and Land Boundary Disputes must be resolved:

It is a pity that several issues relating to boundary disputes in land and water remains unresolved for 40 years. Bangladesh will love to see complete implementation of Mujib-Indira treaty on exchange of border Enclaves. There must be authentic survey of boundary demarcation and India must not resort to barbed wire fencing as Bangladesh government in the meantime done more than enough to crack down on all hide outs of Indian insurgents inside Bangladesh territory. India must assure Bangladesh and practically implement that no innocent Bangladeshi is killed along the border by BSF. The maritime boundary disputes must also be attempted to resolve on the basis of sincere bilateral discussions. Petroleum resources underground cannot be bounded by physical boundaries. If the maritime boundary demarcations are agreed in accordance with International law there may be still some overlaps of underground resources. These can be exploited on the basis of Joint Development agreement in practice in many countries-Indonesia- Malaysia, Malaysia-Thailand, Netherlands –Germany.

Cross Border Trading of Energy:

It is great that after several years of discussions India and Bangladesh have started implementation of power grid connectivity. But we understand the power trading is stuck on some issues of power tariff. The power Grid connectivity between India and Bangladesh must give Bangladesh access to Hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan. 4 Countries must make meaningful progress in sharing power according to their needs. Manmahon- Hasina summit must set the strong the basis for such power trading. Tariff and other technical and non technical issues which barricades power trading must be honestly resolved.

Exchange of Criminals and Prisoners:

Present Bangladesh government has done a lot in crashing all militant hide outs from inside Bangladesh territory. No group or individuals are now allowed to use Bangladesh territory to work against Bangladesh and neighbors. Bangladesh also arrested or pushed back some identified Indian insurgents. But several top Bangladeshis terrorists are carrying out operation from inside India. Indian government must sincerely try to arrest them and hand over to Bangladesh. Some identified criminals against whom there are arrest warrant are allegedly hiding in India. Some are in Indian Jails. They should be returned. In this context if any treaty or protocol needs to be signed that must be inked.

Trading:

To balance huge trade imbalance India must withdraw all tariff and non tariff barriers those are impeding entry of Bangladeshi export commodities into India. In any bilateral talks some lists are exchanged and parties agree to act upon it. But in actual practice very little are achieved. Not only border hats Bangladesh needs zero tariff or minimum tariff on its goods entering India. Bangladesh has agreed to provide transit to India to travel across from East to west [Tripura, Meghalaya – West Bengal. In future India may use like Bhutan, Nepal, China and Myanmar Bangladeshi ports for their exports and imports. But in exchange Bangladesh must get free trading rights with 7 sisters around Bangladesh, unhindered access for trading Nepal and Bhutan.
India must take actions in its border to stop free entry of drugs and narcotics from their part into Bangladesh and BGD to stop this nuisance.

Friendly Relation must be strengthened:

Bangladeshis have no particular reason to have Indian allergy excepting a very limited group of fundamentalists. But many Bangladeshis do not like big brotherly attitudes of a section of Indian beauracrats – the spoilers. Many great initiatives in the past to normalize relations have been spoiled for this. Some great initiatives taken during Bangladesh PM’s visit to India could not make meaningful progress for bureaucratic attitude. When there are political commitments of highest level beauracrats must not create impediments.

Let the visit of Indian PM to Bangladesh and the ensuing Summit opens the avenues of several Win- Win breakthroughs of mutual relations. It is only through mutual co –operation respecting sovereign equality two important SAARC countries can make giant strides towards economic development and poverty alleviation. Let Bangladesh-India be trend setters in the South Asian region.

One must agree that the present government inherited an almost failed country when it won election as grand alliance in end 2008. Wide spread corruption , sponsored terrorism, almost nonfunctional power and energy sector, soaring price of essential, unbearable grid locks and deteriorating law and order situation. Grand alliance in its election pledge promised to change these all, pledged to create digital Bangladesh, pledged to try War Criminals , stood rock solid against corruption. In end December 2010 after spending two years almost 40% of its time in office they made some genuine progress in some areas and stalled deterioration in others. Let us try to make some honest assessment of the pains and gains.

Government took over in Early January 2009. The time coincided with high season of intensive irrigation .Electricity demand usually reach peak at that time. One must give credit to the government that despite serious deficit of power in national grid new government in 2009 handled irrigation load very professionally True urban people had some obvious pains but farmers got power and diesel for irrigation, fertilizer and seeds at affordable costs and with relative ease to produce bumper crops. Government of grand alliance must deserve thanks for that. Government promised to remedy energy crisis and fuel supply crisis within short time as they announced about extensive home work to deal with the crisis. Government could take positive decisions of extracting own coal and petroleum resources in much more professional manner. It is not that government did not have good intentions. But due to poor vision and inefficient management most of the government initiatives to improve power and energy sector situation fell flat. After two years in end 2010 nation is experiencing another massive power and gas crisis. But nation must have patience also. Some initiatives taken for augmenting gas supply and add more power may start giving positive impacts by end 2011.

Failures to start extraction of own coal is a major failure. Initiatives for LNG and Coal import are two major misguided initiatives. Very soon both these will prove not feasible. But valuable time is wasted in the process. Government will do much better to start extracting own coal under strict monitoring of social and environmental impacts management. Affected community must be properly rehabilitated. Mine mouth coal power generation must be our main objective now to address the massive power crunch, energy crisis.

Law and order situation may not be the most ideal .But it is definitely much improved than what it used to be at the time of BNP-Jamat led 4 party alliance. There is no state sponsorship of organized terrorism. Opposition can carry out their political parleys in much safer ways. No terrorists hurl deadly grenades on opposition meetings. No MPs of the opposition are killed brutally. Terrorist cannot carry out simultaneous grenade attacks in several places. Law and order situation has definitely improved a great deal. But whether or not it improved to expected level is a matter of assessment. Think of brutal incidents at Peelkhana BDR Headquarter within a month of new Government rule. Think how the impact was contained.. The trial of the killers has started. Some quarter staying at comfort made prophecies that Government could be more aggressive. But considering the vulnerability of thickly populated BDR Complex and surroundings and possible massive impacts of hurried actions PM Hasina took the best possible actions that any state leader of prudence could take. But we lost several bright army officers .We got many widows and many orphans. We hope the killers and conspirators will be punished. We hope such incidents in future will not happen again.

The continued intolerable excesses of Student, youth and labor fronts of ruling party and government failure to contain these are a major failure. It may not be denied that in Bangladesh culture trouble makers always seek safe haven in ruling party. Fortune seekers always change colors. There may be infiltration of Shibir in Student league. But why not weed them out? Why Student politics cannot be left to genuine students only? Why Student unions in academic institutions are not elected democratically? Failure to control its own aggressive fronts is a major failure of of the government. We hope PM will utilize her senior party leaders [Now in hibernation] to carry out cleansing of her own party fronts soon. Nation wants to see student politics regain its glorious past as soon as possible.

Yet Government could complete first round of trial of Bangabandhu killers and could initiate process of long expected trials of War Criminals. Nation must remain united for this. The trial process must be fair, open and neutral and completed as soon as possible.

Education policy based on ideals of liberation war is a major achievement. Distributing books at the very start of academic session is also a major achievement. Education minister and ministry must get accolade for that. Nation must repulse the conspiracy of a certain identified quarter against education policy.

Positive decision on transit and normalization of relation with major neighbors India is a major gain. Bangladesh surrounded from 2.8 sides by huge India must gain from its geological location. Letting India, Nepal , Bhutan, China and Myanmar use our ports will advance Bangladesh economy tremendously. A small country like Bangladesh can make massive gains through exploiting its proximity to two massive economic giants India and China and balancing its relation with both.

Commencement of Pallasy Jatrabari Flyover, advancement of Elevated Express Highway. Positive developments Historic Padma Bridge, 4 lanes Dhaka –Chittagong Highway are milestone achievements. One hopes that all these will be implemented within the tenure of the present Government. It will be great if works of Modern Bangabandhu International Airport and Deep Sea port can commence within the tenure of the government. There have been somre allegations against Communication ministry for non-transparency. Government must make all its actions transparent. All major decision must be taken in a fair and proper manner. Nation must be made aware through parliament.
Government appears a little panicked in dealing with opposition. Grand alliance having massive peoples mandate must be most tolerant to opposition thoughts and criticism. Khaleda Zia issue of Cantonment board house could be handled without giving BNP opportunity to dramatize it. Similarly arrest of suspected war criminal Salahuddin Qauder Chowdhury could be done ion a much professional manner.

Government handling of Massive Ulfa Arms Haul in Chittagong must be handled more carefully. Every state has own strategy to suit situation and circumstances. We must be very careful in exposing state defense strategy. This issue and August 21 st man slaughtering case must be dealt with very carefully. If previous government hierarchy are really involved they must be brought to justice without trying to gain political mileage here.

But anyway despite various challenges and ongoing crisis deliberately created by vested interest government made several milestone achievement. Government must handle Energy- power crisis, Grid locks, eve teasing and Student front avalanche, Price spiral in more professional manner. Trial of war criminals and other major crimes must be done in fair and neutral manner. We hope by end 2011 nation can start breathing freely and really can witness several positives. Good luck Bangbandhu daughter PM Sheikh Hasina and her mahajote Government in New Year 2011.

Children Park – a type of real social business

(example of MOON PARK & MOON HOUSE)

This was also published in The News Today 09 Dec 2010 and other blogs

http://www.newstoday.com.bd/index.php?option=details&news_id=14376&date=2010-12-09

http://www.bdcomcn.com/English-Articles/children-park-a-type-of-real-social-business-of-moon-park-a-moon-house.html

 http://bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidRecord=343086  



Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, of Bangladesh while addressing the prize giving ceremony of a painting competition at Dhaka Osmani Smriti Auditorium on October 18, 2010, has directed the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to recover all the children’s parks in the capital. The prime minister, according to UNB Dhaka, vowed to establish a safe and prosperous Bangladesh for every child.

Yes, there is no doubt that concerned authorities would try their best to recover all government children parks, no matter how successful they would be to maintain and keep the campaign according to given directives from the highest executive of the government. But I, like many others, am little wondered as to how much those local influential illegal occupants have gone regarding places like Children parks too. There is no need to emphasize the requirement of children parks for the over all development of a total Children. Considering their importance’s, government did their parts and hopefully would continue doing the best in this regard always. But we being the brothers and sisters, parents and relatives, teachers and lovers of every child also got to think and do exactly in the same way as our Prime Minister thought and gave directives.

Because the government can not establish more and more children parks all of a sudden, and because we all also have the morale and social responsibilities too for all the children, so, we got to also do some thing, either individually or being in a group. We may think of taking following measures to ensure so that more and more children get the facilities of Children parks:

1. Authorities of schools and other educational institutions may consider establishing children parks at their own premises, no matter how small or big those could be. They should also ensure the proper maintenances of all existing children parks.

2. Those who, specially at rural area, can effort to make few items of children park at their own premises may also make such facilities available for their own and local children. There are few such items directly related to physical exercises which don’t need lot of space, cost or electricity. Besides, such can be made with collective efforts too. Some one may also think of making the same at their roof top at city location too. The idea is so that every child gets the minimum facilities of Children Park.

3. Many rich people of our society already have hundreds and thousands of “Farm Houses” (bagan bari in bengali pronunciation) of their own. Those are indeed their spare houses out side the city areas mostly for their personal leisure and pleasure. Of course I am not trying to say any thing against their farm houses, however, would like to humbly suggest so that they could also think of making those, whole or part of those, in to some thing like children park for the local children and thus allow local children to play there either free of cost or with little ticket money. We always talk about social responsibilities and social businesses. Arranging such facilities for the children could be one of the best social responsibilities. Again the concepts of social businesses often emphasized by our Noble Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus are known to the whole world and also widely discussed. So, from that point of view too, some token ticket money may also be charged from incoming children, however, the ticket fee got to be within affordable limit of those rural parents too.

Frankly speaking, I won’t suggest any of above if I won’t believe on those totally. I use to always think in the past about these children park facilities for our rural poor children. That is the reason I tried to establish two such children park at my own according to my personal interest, planning, limited economic capabilities and efforts. Spending my pension money, I have established one Children park named Moon Park at village PIRUJALI in General Area Hotapara, Gazipur. The area is near writer Humayun Ahmed’s Nuhash Polli and really green and comfortable in all seasons.

Well, for this case, I tried to establish and experiences by myself first and then now trying to suggest some thing for others too. It is said in the religion also that you try to do the same first before you suggest the same to others. When ever, I heard or read about the social businesses expressed by noble laureate Dr. Yunus, tried to think and identify as to how many types of social businesses could there be, specially for a country like Bangladesh? I also tried to think always as to what maximum social benefits can be offered with what minimum charges from different types of social businesses. Well, there can be many different types, but, for me, I have desired to do some thing related to children’s health, enjoyment, excitement, mental growth, physical exercise etc, and so thought of establishing one children park for them as part of so-well-discussed social business.

Now at this stage, being little encouraged by the noble directives of honorable prime minister of Bangladesh, I have only one aim of mentioning this as an example and that is, so that others who are interested may also establish such children parks at different parts of our country. Besides, those who are already having their Farm Houses (bagan bari) may also become interested as well as feel responsible to tern their those farm houses, part or whole, into children park for the local rural children and allow them to play either free of charge or with little token ticket money.

“Moon Park” is a small eco friendly green garden which is also used for picnic or outing spot for those city people who may afford to rent it and be interested to enjoy the green nature as part of their rest and refreshment. However, the focus is always given to the local children’s playing and that is why the word “park” is associated with it’s name. Any one may be wondered to know that a local child may visit and play at Moon Park with only taka ten ($ US 10 cents only) per person. The Moon Park was inaugurated on 14 April 2010 (pohela boishak) through arrangement of boishakhi mela (local fair organized on the bengali new year) where all the incoming children along with their parents, friends and relatives were allowed to go inside and play with free of charge. Surprisingly the total presence on that very single day crossed the figure 2500 (almost 100% children of that general area) which really proved in my mind that, yes, our children really need such facilities. I also felt very comfortable inside for being able to make one such park for our rural children. The smiling faces of our rural deprived children are still in my memories, pictures of which can also be shared by readers from below web link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/113734232071731875096/MoonPark#

“Moon House” is also another such place, same eco friendly garden with children park facilities where children can not only play but also see life birds and fishes. No matter how many facilities children are enjoying inside but only taka 30 ($ US 40 cents only) is charged per person. It is designed to be a real safe house for the playing of children and that is why the word “house” is associated with it’s name.

It may be mention that the eco friendly green gardens of both Moon Park and Moon House are also attracting foreigners and as such contributing to the tourism in Bangladesh too. Hope the scope of tourism in this sector would also increase in future.

I hope both Moon Park and Moon House would be able to contribute for children’s playing in the long run as part of social businesses in real sense. I also hope that many other persons having similar feelings like me would also try to do some thing better for our children which are so necessary for their total development. Children would carry us forward, they are our future hopes and so we must do our best to do best for them.

For those who may be interested to know about Moon House and Moon Park for their picnic or outing purposes may also brows below web link:

http://www.moonhousemoonpark.com/

 email: moonhouse.moonpark@gmail.com,

Despite ruins of indepence war in 1971 Bangladesh, under the visionary leadership of Bangabandhu, launched a tremendous journey in the world of energy. Think of the overall situation of 1972. Bangladesh government started almost from ruins. Defeated forces and their beneficiary local meerjafars were very much active to destroy our glorious achievements. Yet within a little over three years the Bangabandhu-led government could achieve the following milestones in the Energy Sector.

• Creation of Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Now Petrobangla) with similar mission and vision as of PETRONAS and PERTAMINA. PETRONAS was pioneered by another visionary leader Mahathir Mohammad. No ungrateful Malaysian killed Mahathir but we ungrateful Bangladeshis killed our dreamer. We know PETRONAS is the symbol of Malaysia. It is an international Energy Company of Choice. Petrobangla is fighting for its survival. Visionary Dr Habibur Rahman was the CEO Petrobangla and concurrently Secretary Energy. Can we compare our present energy sector leader with Dr Habibur Rahman?

• Acquisition of 5 major discovered gas fields (Titas, Habiganj, Bakhrabad, Rashidpoor and Koillashtilla) from Shell BV Holland at nominal prices. These gas fields are still the backbone of Bangladesh’s gas and energy sectors. After Bangabandhu we handed over our discovered Haripoor Oil Field to unknown oil Company Scimitar and later handed over major gas region block 12, 13 and 14 including Petrobangla owned Jalalabad Gas Field to a little known company Occidental. Later on two so-called democratic governments handed over Petrobangla Gas Fields to NIKO against unsolicited offers.
• Formulation of PSC, Engage 6 IOCs for 8 blocks in the Bay of Bengal and commencement of exploration. Bangabandhu made Bangladesh the first country of the region to enter the Bay of Bengal. Since that black August, Bangladesh has failed to award any PSC in deep water. Due to failure of the nation to carry forward good works of Bangabandhu government our neighbors have aggressively engaged in exploration campaign in the Bay of Bengal squeezing us from both directions. Bangladesh has to unlock its potential in the deep water after resolving the serious challenges of maritime boundary disputes.
• Set up primary gas distribution network in Dhaka city.
• Set up major power generation unit at Ghorashal.

The greatest traitor Khondkar Mustaque Ahmed lowered the status of Petrobangla during his short tenure as the Chief Executive and then military autocrats General Zia and General Ershad militarized the energy sector and encouraged corruption and misgovernance.

It is not that the development of energy sector remained static since 1975, but the control of the sector gradually drifted from the hands of committed professionals to army and civil bureaucrats, as well as to the energy mafia syndicate who made a fortune out of it. Massive corruption and mismanagement made the sector a happy hunting ground for fortune seekers. Committed professionals, finding the situation unhealthy, left the sector creating a huge brain drain. Still, the creation and development of Bakhrabad Gas Systems Ltd (which again owes its origin to Bangabandhu) , the National Gas Grid and the extending of gas transmission system to the western side of Jamuna River are our notable achievements over the last 35 years. However, during this period the nation witnessed major scandals in the gas and energy sector.

Scimitar Scam, Saipem Syndrome, Mismanagement of Magurchra Blow Out, Mishandling of Shangu Offshore Gas Field Development, Ignoring Chevron, Exxon Mobil and PETRONAS in second-round bidding for coveted block 9 for petty gains, Niko Scandal, many scams in award of Power Plant Contracts have made our energy sector stinky. We must accept these as our national failure. We must be ashamed considering that Bangabandhu in three and half years could achieve milestone successes while we ruined it over the years.

Bangladesh now has to digest the highly expensive liquid fuel power plants and actively consider the import of LNG and coal, leaving our significant petroleum and coal resources under-utilized.

The present government is led by the daughter of the greatest Bangladeshi soul. She must take a lesson from her illustrious fathers. Bangabandhu did not care about the warnings of strong neighbors against entering the Bay of Bengal. Bangabandhu set up a very accomplished Petrobangla management and set Dr Habibur Rahman, a leading geologist, as its CEO. He authorized the gentleman, credited as one of the persons to draft the 1972 constitution, to formulate the first PSC. I wonder why the daughter of Bangabandhu is not working towards a professional, dynamic and committed energy sector, and why she is hesitating to give a green signal for the extraction of coal and offshore petroleum resources. We expect that as a mark of respect to her illustrious father , PM Hasina should take some milestone decisions in the energy sector in the Month of August. 

Episode-ONE.

Photo: Bangladesh Power development board (PDB) has been installed wind power project at Kutubdia near to Bay of Bengal with cost of TK. 9.5 crores. At least 1,000 consumers have been under taken this power supply project. Kutubdia, Bangladesh. June 09 2008.by: Mohammad Islam, Coxs Bazar.DrikEWS.

Episode-ONE:

Every year when August comes Bangabandhu is remembered, in Bangladesh and all over the world where ever Bangladeshi community lives, for his unparalleled contribution to the cause of Bangladesh. His contribution for Bangladesh liberation is unmatched and undisputed. He not only led a peace loving innocent Bangladeshi nation to the glory of Indepence but he was also the trend setter in almost all facets of national life. He started building castles in ruins. Do we all know or realize how he dreamt about the energy future of Bangladesh? What led him to acquire major Gas Fields from world reputed Shell BV? Have we realized his vision of Petrobangla? Or how he managed to inspire the country’s energy sector at its infancy preparing PSC and commencing offshore drilling in the Bay of Bengal?

Bangabandhu often used to say: “In the country of Shekh there has to be huge gas and petroleum resources. Brilliant Bangladeshis must learn the art of exploring and exploiting the resources. Bangladesh must go for rapid industrialization based on its own energy resources, cheap labor and abundant raw materials. Bangladesh needs golden Bangladeshis to create Golden Bengal”. He was aware that only professional exploitation of one’s own energy resources would create long term energy security of Bangladesh. The conspirators and cold blooded killers not only killed the greatest Bangladeshi of all times but they made Bangladesh’s energy sector orphan. Bangabandhu could be the same inspirator for Petrobangla what Mahathir was for PETRONAS. Just imagine the charisma, farsightedness and determination of the great man. What he achieved in a war ravaged country in three and a half years, the rest of us failed to achieve in 35 years.

Bangladesh cannot enter deep water to access its resources for maritime boundary disputes. Petrobangla and Gas sector management has been taken over by bureaucrats, its status has been decimated. Bangladesh managed to acquire 5 large discovered Gas Fields from a Major IOC almost at throw away price. Over the years we have allowed tiny IOCs like Scimitar, Occidental and Niko to grab our discovered gas resources. Like all other areas Bangladesh misses Bangabandhu in Energy Sector in confronting serious energy crisis.

Energy security of any country now is equally important as food security. It is long term energy security that created all confrontations, insurgency and terrorism in the world. Major Powers despite having enough resources, reserves and technology are constantly using or misusing their might to take over the energy resources of energy rich countries. The politics of countries like USA, UK and Australia is dominated by major Energy Companies.

In our opinion, energy security and food security complement each other. Many countries of the world like Japan and South Korea do not have any basic fuel resource to feed power generation. They exclusively depend on imported fuel .But they utilize it properly and are industrial super powers. Countries like Sudan, Nigeria and Angola have enormous fuel resources. But they do not have good governance and rely on foreign companies to explore and exploit their resources. Corruption and mismanagement of resources have resulted in poor economy and massive poverty.

Countries like Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and UAE have huge oil resources. They were once not much aware of its importance. But now utilizing the oil and gas resources these countries have developed massive infrastructures, set up good world class education institutions and have turned into leading economies. But absence of democracy in most of these countries has failed to provide the benefits of petroleum resources to all citizens. Countries like USA, UK and EU Countries have enough resources and technical and financial resources of their own. But they access overseas resources to ensure their own long term energy security; in some cases to preserve and protect their own resources for future use. The case of countries of former Soviet Union is different. They have huge unexploited resources which alone can feed the rest of the world for several decades. But oil diplomacy fails to make economic use of their resources. Countries like China and India have substantial resources. But their rapidly growing economies have created energy-hungry markets. Both of them are hunting for reliable energy resource all over the world.

Countries like Bangladesh where too many people live on a small piece of land, energy and food security go hand in hand. Bangladesh needs optimum production of food grains and vegetables from rapidly diminishing agricultural land. That is only possible if there is an ensured supply of fertilizers at affordable and subsidized price to farmers and uninterrupted power supply for irrigation. Bangladesh also needs rapid industrialization to employ is growing population for economic growth and poverty alleviation. Bangladesh would not have to bother so much about power for irrigation if hundreds of rivers and tributaries could retain water through the year as was the case even till a few decades back. Climate change causing infrequent draughts, unilateral withdrawal of water on the upstream of common rivers, massive siltation and pollutions of all rivers and streams, unauthorized occupations of rivers, canals and streams have made use of surface water for irrigation scanty. In irrigation season power and diesel demands are a burden on our energy system. Power requires to be diverted for irrigation load; fuel supply requires to be diverted to meet power generation demand.

Bangladesh has substantial unexplored petroleum resources both offshore and onshore. It has huge discovered but mostly unexploited coal resources. There is tremendous opportunity for expanding various forms of renewable energy .It has Energy Policy, Power System Master Plan, Gas System Master Plan, Mines and Minerals Acts and Policy, and Independent Energy Regulatory Commission. Petroleum industry in the region is more than 55 years old. There are many well groomed professionals. Yet its energy security is extremely vulnerable. The reasons are poor sectoral governance, lack of political will and commitment, bureaucratic legacy, poor energy pricing, unbridled corruption and lack of proper incentives in energy industry to attract and retain competent professionals. All these factors have, over the last 35 since the unfortunate killing of Bangabandhu in August 1975, have had a combined adverse impact on the energy scenario. Bangladesh is now suffering from the worst energy crisis of its history which beggars description.

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To be continued, Episode-TWO in 24 hrs, Keep an eye on e-bangladesh.org.

England was riding high after winning T20 world cup and beating Australia. They plotted to win three matches ODI against Bangladesh comfortably to boost their morale after beating Australia in hard fought 5 matches ODI series 3-2. They were so confident that they rested key bowler Swann for the series. The first ODI they won relatively comfortably .Before the start of play at Bristol complacent David Gower and David Lloyd in prematch preview was discussing about batting form of English captain Andrew Starus. England won the toss and put Bangladesh into bat on a greenish wicket under cloudy sky. England had Anderson. Broad, Shezad to exploit the situation. We all know sub continental teams struggle on such wicket , in such situation. Gower thought Bangladesh can not put up competitive score; Staruss will not get opportunity to post a century. Bangladesh made Gower eat his words.

Bangladesh not only put up a competitive score but also won the match playing all-round good cricket. Tigers out gunned vaunted England in all departments. Top order Tamim ,Kayes, Junaid and Jahurul batted with resolve , Tail Enders Mashrafee and Mahmudullah made valuable contributions. All bowlers bowled with great heart, fielding was sharp and agile. Bangladeshis even kept their cool in tight situation and won the match.

Tamim started in usual flamboyant style .But after his brief stay Kayes anchored the innings and Junaid stepped into Tamim shoe. He too left after scoring a brisk 21. The foundation of the innings was laid by a 83 run third wicket solid partnership of Kayes and Young Jahurul .But like recent matches main stay Saquib and Ashraful failed to make substantive contribution. Kayes was still there .Mashrafee and Mahmudullah made useful contributions. Yet the final score of 236 appeared at least 40 short of a formidable target on a smallish ground. But tigers looked resolved and determined. It did not matter that regular keeper Mushfiqur was injured. It did not matter the batting hero of the previous match Roquibul Hasan was unavailable through injury. Masharfee and his men had spring in their legs. Once they withered early storm of Staruss Tigers were always on the hunt. Once openers and Kieswetter were undone by bustling Rubel Hussiain Bangladesh never looked back. Collingwood and Morgan were removed by Razzak. Bell twisted and fractured his ankle while fielding and was stretchered to hospital in ambulance. Heavily strapped Bell was not fit to bat.

At this stage only Jonathon Trott was the thorn for Bangladesh. But he hardly looked convincing.Saquib; Shafiul bowled tight and got the rewards. Ground fielding was sharp and bowling was professional. England still rallied around Trott and with Broad playing some strokes 43 valuable runs were scored at 8th wicket.Pendulam for once swung in England’s favour. But Lion hearted never say die Mashrafee returned and accounted for Broad at a critical stage. Yet Trott fought. Mashrafee removed Anderson and was about to go for victory lap. But an injured Ian Bell with Morgan to run for him limped to saty with Trott to saviour the grace of English lion. The last over of the tense match.Trott was at the strikers end. Six runs were pinched of the first three deliveries with one wide. Young Shafiul did not panic.He let out a well disguised slower delivery. Trott nicked to the keeper .Tigers wrote the history at Bristol in red letters.

In 2010 Bangladesh did not win any cricket match at international level but went tantalisingly close to winning a few. Just the killer instinct was not there. With Mashrafee back at the leadership let us hope that Bangladesh grows winning habit,Congrats Mashrafee and his men for making Bangladeshis proud yet again.