Himu's Window

  http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C04%5C18%5Cstory_18-4-2007_pg4_19   Begums shown the door as Bangladesh seeks a fresh start   By Helen Rowe The interim government continues to enjoy broad support from voters, who, tired of bickering and corrupt politicians, appear to be willing to give their new leaders time to carry out reforms BANGLADESH sought a new start Tuesday as its two main political leaders - blamed for the nation's descent into chaos and corruption - face exile abroad, analysts said. Dubbed the "battling begums," outgoing prime minister Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina Wajed come from rival political dynasties that have dominated the political landscape since Bangladesh won independence in 1971. But now Zia is expected to follow Sheikh Hasina into exile. Sources close to the ex-premier accused the new military-backed government of using her younger son Arafat Rahman to "blackmail" her into leaving. "This is th

http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/climate_change/article2458848.ece Bangladesh: A nation in fear of drowning The once lush island of Aralia is disappearing under rising waters as flooding becomes more frequent, temperatures increase and disease kills four people a month By Ann McFerran Published: 18 April 2007 Shamola Begum will never forget the way her son cried in the last days of his life. Nine-year-old Masuk had always been a sickly child, but before he died he'd pleaded: "Mother, I need food." But Shamola often only had a little rice to feed him; nothing more. Shamola, 30, lives with her family on a shrinking silt island called Aralia in north-east Bangladesh. When her eldest son began vomiting violently, Shamola took him to the only pharmacist on Aralia. The pharmacist knew that Shamola had little money for food, let alone for medical care, so he took mother and child to the nearest hospital, a three-hour boat ride away. Halfway through the journey, Masuk

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/04/18/d70418060179.htm   State of emergency cannot remain for long Butenis tells Rajshahi chamber leaders US Ambassador in Dhaka Patricia A Butenis yesterday told Rajshahi businessmen that the state of emergency was necessary to tackle the chaotic political situations but it cannot remain for long. She was speaking at a meeting with the leaders of the business community at Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (RCCI). "I think it (state of emergency) is not viable and democracy should be the ultimate destination", Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Director Kabirur R Khan quoted the US envoy as saying while seeking the opinions of the businessmen. Bangladesh seems to be back on track and there should be a time frame for holding elections, she added. "We told her that we are happy with the current government activities that are helping speed up economic progress", said RCCI President Hasen Al

www.ekhoni-shomoy.net   Web site launched to receive complaints about corruption   A web site has been launched to receive complaints against corruption. Any victim can lodge complaints against specific allegations through the web site, www.ekhoni-shomoy.net .    The victims can also lodge complaints by sending e-mails to addresses earlier published in print and electronic media, said a release issued by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence.