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Politics of bangladesh
Politics of Bangladesh takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Bangladesh is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. The Constitution of Bangladesh was written in 1972 and has undergone thirteen amendments.[1]
| Office | Name | Party | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| President | Iajuddin Ahmed | 6 September 2002 | |
| Chief Advisor of Care-taker Government | Fakhruddin Ahmed | 12 January 2007 |
The President is the head of state , a largely ceremonial post. The real power is held by the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The president is elected by the legislature every five years and has normally limited powers that are substantially expanded during the tenure of a caretaker government, mainly in controlling the transition to a new government. Bangladesh has instituted a unique system of transfer of power; at the end of the tenure of the government, power is handed over to members of a civil society for three months, who run the general elections and transfer the power to elected representatives. This system was first practiced in 1991 and adopted to the constitution in 1996.[2]
The prime minister is ceremonially appointed by the president and must be a member of parliament (MP), commanding the confidence of the majority of the MPs. The cabinet is composed of ministers selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president.
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The legislature is a unicameral, 300-seat body, the Jatiyo Sangshad. The 300 members are elected by universal suffrage at least every 5 years. There is universal suffrage for all citizens at the age of 18.
"On 16 May 2004, the Jatiyo Sangshad (the national parliament) passed the 14th constitutional amendment to reintroduce quotas for women (article 65). The number of seats in parliament is to be raised to 345, 45 (13%) of which will be reserved for women in the next parliament. The seats will be allocated to parties in proportion to their overall share of the vote. This quota system repleces the previous quota law which expired in 2001. Until 2001 a system of reserved seats for women was used, where 30 seats out of 330 were reserved to women (chosen by indirect election by the 300 directly elected MPs). This provision of guaranteeing women reserved seats expired in April 2001. This quota system was first introduced by the 1972 Constitution (originally providing for 15 reserved seats for women, out of 315 seats, for a period of 10 years). In 1978 a presidential proclamation enlarged the number of reserved seats to 30 and extended the period of reservation to 15 years from the date of promulgation of the constitution of the Republic in December 1972. The constitutional provision lapsed in 1987 and was re-incorporated in the constitution by an amendment in 1990 to be effective for 10 years from the first meeting of the legislature next elected. This provision also lapsed in 2001. The Parliament elected in October 2001 does not have reserved seats for women. Women's groups are lobbying for these seats to become directly elected positions and for the number of reserved seats to be increased." International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
The 8th Parliament had its first sitting on 28 October 2001.
Political parties and elections
- For other political parties see List of political parties in Bangladesh. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Bangladesh.
The two major parties in Bangladesh are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Awami League. BNP finds its allies among Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh while Awami League aligns with and Islami Oikya Jot,and also a double standard of leftist and secularist parties. Another important player is the Jatiya Party, headed by former military ruler Ershad. The Awami League-BNP rivalry has been bitter and punctuated by protests, violence and murder. Student politics is particularly strong in Bangladesh, a legacy from the liberation movement era. Almost all parties have highly active student wings, and students have been elected to the Parliament.
Two radical Islamist parties, Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB) and Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), were banned in February 2005 by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Since then, a series of bomb attacks took place in the country and have been blamed on those groups, and hundreds of suspected members have been detained in numerous security operations, including the head the of those two parties in 2006. The first recorded case of a suicide bomb attack in Bangladesh took place in November 2005.
| Parties | Votes | % | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh Nationalist Party (Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Dal) | 22,833,978 | 40.97 | 193 |
| Bangladesh Awami League | 22,365,516 | 40.13 | 62 |
Jatiya Party (Ershad)
| 7.25 | 14 | |
| Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh | 2,385,316 | 4.28 | 17 |
| Jatiya Party (Naziur) | 621,772 | 1.12 | 4 |
| Islami Oikya Jote | 376,343 | .68 | 2 |
| Krishak Shramik Janata League | 261,344 | .47 | 2 |
| Jatiya Party (Manju) | 243,617 | .44 | 1 |
| Non-partisan and others | 6 | ||
| vacant | - | 2 | |
| Total (turnout 74.9 %) | 55,728,162 | 100.0 | 300 |
| Rejected votes | 441,871 | ||
| Total votes | 56,169,233 | ||
| Registered voters | 74,951,319 | ||
| Source: Bangladesh Election Commission through Adam Carr and Daily Star | |||
Judicial branch
The highest judiciary body is the Supreme Court, whose Chief Justices and other judges are appointed by the President. The Judiciary is not separate from the administration, which has caused much commotion in recent years. Laws are loosely based on English common law, but family laws such as marriage and inheritance are based on religious scripts, and hence differ from one religious community to another.
History
Provisional government
The provisional government of the new nation of Bangladesh was formed in Dhaka with Justice Abu Sayeed Choudhury as President, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ("Mujib")--who was released from Pakistani prison in early 1972--as Prime Minister.
1972-1975 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Mujib came to office with immense personal popularity, but had difficulty transforming this popular support into the political strength needed to function as head of government. The new constitution, which came into force in December 1972, created a strong executive prime minister, a largely ceremonial presidency, an independent judiciary, and a unicameral legislature on a modified Westminster model. The 1972 constitution adopted as state policy the Awami League's (AL) four basic principles of nationalism, secularism, socialism, and democracy.
The first parliamentary elections held under the 1972 constitution were in March 1973, with the Awami League winning a massive majority. No other political party in Bangladesh's early years was able to duplicate or challenge the League's broad-based appeal, membership, or organizational strength. Relying heavily on experienced civil servants and members of the Awami League, the new Bangladesh Government focused on relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of the economy and society. Economic conditions remained precarious, however. In December 1974, Mujib decided that continuing economic deterioration and mounting civil disorder required strong measures. After proclaiming a state of emergency, Mujib used his parliamentary majority to win a constitutional amendment limiting the powers of the legislative and judicial branches, establishing an executive presidency, and instituting a one-party system, the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL), which all members of Parliament were obliged to join.
Despite some improvement in the economic situation during the first half of 1975, implementation of promised political reforms was slow, and criticism of government policies became increasingly centered on Mujib. In August 1975, Mujib, and most of his family, were assassinated by mid-level army officers. His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, happened to be out of the country. A new government, headed by former Mujib associate Khandakar Moshtaque, was formed.
1975-1981 Ziaur Rahman
Successive military coups resulted in the emergence of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ziaur Rahman ("Zia") as strongman. He pledged the army's support to the civilian government headed by President Chief Justice Sayem. Acting at Zia's behest, Sayem dissolved Parliament, promising fresh elections in 1977, and instituted martial law.
Acting behind the scenes of the Martial Law Administration (MLA), Zia sought to invigorate government policy and administration. While continuing the ban on political parties, he sought to revitalize the demoralized bureaucracy, to begin new economic development programs, and to emphasize family planning. In November 1976, Zia became Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA) and assumed the presidency upon Sayem's retirement 5 months later, promising national elections in 1978.
As President, Zia announced a 19-point program of economic reform and began dismantling the MLA. Keeping his promise to hold elections, Zia won a 5-year term in June 1978 elections, with 76% of the vote. In November 1978, his government removed the remaining restrictions on political party activities in time for parliamentary elections in February 1979. These elections, which were contested by more than 30 parties, marked the culmination of Zia's transformation of Bangladesh's Government from the MLA to a democratically elected, constitutional one. The AL and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founded by Zia, emerged as the two major parties. The constitution was again amended to provide for an executive prime minister appointed by the president, and responsible to a parliamentary majority.
In May 1981, Zia was assassinated in Chittagong by dissident elements of the military. The attempted coup never spread beyond that city, and the major conspirators were either taken into custody or killed. In accordance with the constitution, Vice President Justice Abdus Sattar was sworn in as acting president. He declared a new national emergency and called for election of a new president within 6 months--an election Sattar won as the BNP's candidate. President Sattar sought to follow the policies of his predecessor and retained essentially the same cabinet, but the army stepped in once agai
1982-1990 Hussain Mohammed Ershad
Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hussain Mohammed Ershad assumed power in a bloodless coup in March 1982. Like his predecessors, Ershad suspended the constitution and--citing pervasive corruption, ineffectual government, and economic mismanagement--declared martial law. The following year, Ershad assumed the presidency, retaining his positions as army chief and CMLA. During most of 1984, Ershad sought the opposition parties' participation in local elections under martial law. The opposition's refusal to participate, however, forced Ershad to abandon these plans. Ershad sought public support for his regime in a national referendum on his leadership in March 1985. He won overwhelmingly, although turnout was small. Two months later, Ershad held elections for local council chairmen. Pro-government candidates won a majority of the posts, setting in motion the President's ambitious decentralization program. Political life was further liberalized in early 1986, and additional political rights, including the right to hold large public rallies, were restored. At the same time, the Jatiya (People's) Party, designed as Ershad's political vehicle for the transition from martial law, was established.
Despite a boycott by the BNP, led by President Zia's widow, Begum Khaleda Zia, parliamentary elections were held on schedule in May 1986. The Jatiya Party won a modest majority of the 300 elected seats in the national assembly. The participation of the Awami League--led by the late Prime Minister Mujib's daughter, Sheikh Hasina Wazed--lent the elections some credibility, despite widespread charges of voting irregularities.
Ershad resigned as Army Chief of Staff and retired from military service in preparation for the presidential elections, scheduled for October. Protesting that martial law was still in effect, both the BNP and the AL refused to put up opposing candidates. Ershad easily outdistanced the remaining candidates, taking 84% of the vote. Although Ershad's government claimed a turnout of more than 50%, opposition leaders, and much of the foreign press, estimated a far lower percentage and alleged voting irregularities.
Ershad continued his stated commitment to lift martial law. In November 1986, his government mustered the necessary two-thirds majority in the national assembly to amend the constitution and confirm the previous actions of the martial law regime. The President then lifted martial law, and the opposition parties took their elected seats in the national assembly.
In July 1987, however, after the government hastily pushed through a controversial legislative bill to include military representation on local administrative councils, the opposition walked out of Parliament. Passage of the bill helped spark an opposition movement that quickly gathered momentum, uniting Bangladesh's opposition parties for the first time. The government began to arrest scores of opposition activists under the country's Special Powers Act of 1974. Despite these arrests, opposition parties continued to organize protest marches and nationwide strikes. After declaring a state of emergency, Ershad dissolved Parliament and scheduled fresh elections for March 1988.
All major opposition parties refused government overtures to participate in these polls, maintaining that the government was incapable of holding free and fair elections. Despite the opposition boycott, the government proceeded. The ruling Jatiya Party won 251 of the 300 seats. The Parliament, while still regarded by the opposition as an illegitimate body, held its sessions as scheduled, and passed a large number of bills, including, in June 1988, a controversial constitutional amendment making Islam Bangladesh's state religion.
By 1989, the domestic political situation in the country seemed to have quieted. The local council elections were generally considered by international observers to have been less violent and more free and fair than previous elections. However, opposition to Ershad's rule began to regain momentum, escalating by the end of 1990 in frequent general strikes, increased campus protests, public rallies, and a general disintegration of law and order.
On December 6, 1990, Ershad offered his resignation. On February 27, 1991, after 2 months of widespread civil unrest, an interim government oversaw what most observers believed to be the nation's most free and fair elections to date.
1991-1996 Khaleda Zia
The center-right BNP won a plurality of seats and formed a coalition government with the Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, with Khaleda Zia, widow of Ziaur Rahman, obtaining the post of Prime Minister. Only four parties had more than 10 members elected to the 1991 Parliament: The BNP, led by Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia; the AL, led by Sheikh Hasina; the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), led by Golam Azam; and the Jatiya Party (JP), led by acting chairman Mizanur Rahman Choudhury while its founder, former President Ershad, served out a prison sentence on corruption charges. The electorate approved still more changes to the constitution, formally re-creating a parliamentary system and returning governing power to the office of the prime minister, as in Bangladesh's original 1972 constitution. In October 1991, members of Parliament elected a new head of state, President Abdur Rahman Biswas.
In March 1994, controversy over a parliamentary by-election, which the opposition claimed the government had rigged, led to an indefinite boycott of Parliament by the entire opposition. The opposition also began a program of repeated general strikes to press its demand that Khaleda Zia's government resign and a caretaker government supervise a general election. Efforts to mediate the dispute, under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat, failed. After another attempt at a negotiated settlement failed narrowly in late December 1994, the opposition resigned en masse from Parliament. The opposition then continued a campaign of Marches, demonstrations, and strikes in an effort to force the government to resign. The opposition, including the Awami League's Sheikh Hasina, pledged to boycott national elections scheduled for February 15, 1996.
In February, Khaleda Zia was re-elected by a landslide in voting boycotted and denounced as unfair by the three main opposition parties. In March 1996, following escalating political turmoil, the sitting Parliament enacted a constitutional amendment to allow a neutral caretaker government to assume power conduct new parliamentary elections; former Chief Justice Mohammed Habibur Rahman was named Chief Advisor (a position equivalent to prime minister) in the interim government. New parliamentary elections were held in June 1996 and were won by the Awami League; party leader Sheikh Hasina became Prime Minister.
1996-2001 Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina formed what she called a "Government of National Consensus" in June 1996, which included one minister from the Jatiya Party and another from the Jatiyo Samajtantric Dal, a very small leftist party. The Jatiya Party never entered into a formal coalition arrangement, and party president H.M. Ershad withdrew his support from the government in September 1997. Only three parties had more than 10 members elected to the 1996 Parliament: The Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party. Jatiya Party president, Ershad, was released from prison on bail in January 1997.
Although international and domestic election observers found the June 1996 election free and fair, the BNP protested alleged vote rigging by the Awami League. Ultimately, however, the BNP party decided to join the new Parliament. The BNP soon charged that police and Awami League activists were engaged in large-scale harassment and jailing of opposition activists. At the end of 1996, the BNP staged a parliamentary walkout over this and other grievances but returned in January 1997 under a four-point agreement with the ruling party. The BNP asserted that this agreement was never implemented and later staged another walkout in August 1997. The BNP returned to Parliament under another agreement in March 1998.
In June 1999, the BNP and other opposition parties again began to abstain from attending Parliament. Opposition parties have staged an increasing number of nationwide general strikes, rising from 6 days of general strikes in 1997 to 27 days in 1999. A four-party opposition alliance formed at the beginning of 1999 announced that it would boycott parliamentary by-elections and local government elections unless the government took steps demanded by the opposition to ensure electoral fairness. The government did not take these steps, and the opposition has subsequently boycotted all elections, including municipal council elections in February 1999, several parliamentary by-elections, and the Chittagong city corporation elections in January 2000. The opposition demands that the Awami League government step down immediately to make way for a caretaker government to preside over paliamentary and local government
agreculture of bangladesh
Agriculture of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is primarily an agrarian economy. Agriculture is the single largest producing sector of economy since it comprises about 30% of the country's GDP and employing around 60% of the total labour force. The performance of this sector has an overwhelming impact on major macroeconomic objectives like employment generation, poverty alleviation, human resources development and food security.
Meeting the nation's food requirements remain the key-objective of the government and in recent years there has been substantial increase in grain production. However, due to calamities like flood, loss of food and cash crops is a recurring phenomenon which disrupts the continuing progress of the entire economy.
Agricultural holdings in Bangladesh are generally small. Through Cooperatives the use of modern machinery is gradually gaining popularity. Rice, Jute, Sugarcane, Potato, Pulses, Wheat, Tea and Tobacco are the principal crops. The crop sub-sector dominates the agriculture sector contributing about 72% of total production. Fisheries, livestock and forestry sub-sectors are 10.33%, 10.11% and 7.33% respectively.
Bangladesh is the largest producer of Jute. Rice being the staple food, its production is of major importance. Rice production stood at 20.3 million tons in 1996-97 fiscal year. Crop diversification program, credit, extension and research, and input distribution policies pursued by the government are yielding positive results. The country is now on the threshold of attaining self-sufficiency in food grain production.
Role of Agriculture in Bangladesh Economy
The economy of Bangladesh is primarily dependent on agriculture. About 84 percent of the total population live in rural areas and are directly or indirectly engaged in a wide range of agricultural activities. The agriculture sector plays a very important role in the economy of the country accounting for 31.6 percent of total GDP in 1997-98 at constant (1984-85) prices. The agriculture sector comprises crops, forests, fisheries and livestock. Of the agricultural GDP, the crop sub-sector contributes 71 per cent, forest 10 per cent, fisheries 10 percent and livestock 9 per cent. The sector generates 63.2% percent of total national employment, of which crop sectors share is nearly 55 %. Agricultural exports of primary products constituted 10.4% of total exports of the country in 1997-98. In the past decade, the agriculture sector contributed about three percent per annum to the annual economic growth rate.
The agriculture sector is the single largest contributor to income and employment generation and a vital element in the country’s challenge to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, reduce rural poverty and foster sustainable economic development. The Government has therefore accorded highest priority to this sector to enable the country to meet these challenges and to make this sectorcommercially profitable.
Basic Information on Agriculture of Bangladesh
| 1. | Area of Bangladesh | 147570sq.km |
| 2. | Total population (January 1999) | 128.1 million |
| 3. | GDP (1998-99) | 755.73 billion Tk. |
| 4. | GDP Growth rate (1998-99) | 5.2% |
| 5. | Agricultural Growth rate (1998-99) | 5.0% |
| 6. | No. of Rural Household | 17.83 million |
| 7. | No. of non-Farm Household | 6.03 million |
| 8. | No. of Farm Household | 11.80 million |
| 9. | No. of Agril. Labour Household | 6.40 million |
| 10. | Small Household | 80% (9.42 million) |
| 11. | Medium Household | 17.50% (2.08) million) |
| 12. | Large Household | 2.50% (0.3 million) |
| 13. | Cultivated Area | 17.77 million acres |
| 14. | Cultivated Area per Household | 1.5 acres |
| 15. | Cropping Intensity (1996-97) | 174% |
| 16. | Irrigation Area | 8.59 million acres |
Opportunities and Constraints of Agriculture in Bangladesh
The opportunities and constraints prevailing in the agricultural sector of Bangladesh are as follows :
Opportunities:
- Agricultural sector is the single largest contributor to GDP.
- Crop production system is highly labour intensive and there is an abundance of labour in the country.
- Agriculture is the largest source of employment for skilled and unskilled labour.
- Favorable natural environment generally exists throughout the year for crop production.
- Wide range of bio-diversity exists for different crops.
- Different crops and agricultural commodities are the main sources of nutrition including protein, minerals and vitamins.
- Agricultural commodities have comparatively higher value addition than non-agricultural commodities.
- Agriculture is dependent on the vagaries of nature and is risky.
- Availability of cultivable land is decreasing.
- Widespread poverty among the population engaged in agriculture.
- Lack of required capital for agricultural activities.
- Inadequacy of appropriate technology considering farmers soci-economic conditions.
- Uncertainty of fair price of agricultural commodities due to underdeveloped marketing system.
- Agricultural commodities are rapidly perishable and post harvest losses are too high.
- Limited knowledge of common people about the nutritional value of agricultural commodities including vegetables and fruits.
- Serves as a national coordinating and supervising apex body for planning, integration and implementation of agriculture policies and related projects.
- Establish policies, regulations and projects that will ensure sustainable food production
- Achieve self sufficiency in food grain production through a sustainable growth in rice and wheat production.
- Achieve increasing and profitable production of minor crops and thereby maintain a balanced crop production.
- Increase rural employment through the adoption of modern agricultural practices
- Achieve low and stable consumer food prices and improve the nutritional status of the population.
- Develop food production that is suitable and sustainable.
- Establish macroeconomics policies that enable farmers to be responsive to domestic and world market opportunities.
- Provide high quality infrastructure and government services that will enable farmers to produce and market products at low cost.
- Rely on competitive markets to supply agricultural inputs at low cost.
- Provide incentives to establish labour intensive production and processing agrobased industries.
Organogram of Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry through its different wings is responsible for the administration and financial supervision, policy directives and monitoring, to carry out various activities of different institutes, directorates and agencies under the ministry.
The organizational of structure of Ministry of Agriculture is given below :
Agricultural Extension System in Bangladesh
The Department of Agriculture Extension is responsible for carrying out extension services at the grassroot level under the supervision of MOA. The DAE carries its activities in the field level with the help of its different wings. DAE is mainly responsible for :
- To motivate and help farmers adopt improved production practices to increase their productivity, meet national consumption requirements, maximize export and minimize import.
- To provide farmers with the latest results of research and farm techniques for their socioeconomic betterment.
- To help develop self reliance and cooperation by training local leadership for organized group action.
- To provide channels for service and information from the MOA and its different departments to the farm people and in turn relay the problems and needs of the farmers that require national level intervention.
- To provide an effective linkage between the various research institutes and the farmers so that along with the flow of technology to the farmers, the farmers level problems are also brought to the relevant research institutes for investigation and solution.
- To serve as liaison agency between farmers and other organisations , both public and private concern with over-all socio economic development of rural people , including the credit giving and input supply agencies.
The contribution of extension services under the supervision of MOA are reflected in the increased use of chemical fertilizer, increased recommended soil tillage, plant protection measures, use of improved/HYV seeds, irrigation practices, seed preservation practices, post harvest handling process and compost making/green maturing, among the farmers.
Agriculture Research System in Bangladesh
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of Bangladesh consists of ten research institutes under the umbrella of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC). Out of ten research institutes six belongs to Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), two to Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MOFL) one to Ministry of Commerce, and one to the Forest and Environment Ministry. In addition the NARS also comprises universities that have casual working relationship with BARC and other related organisations.The ten research Institutes under the NARs are:
(a) Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI)
(b) Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI)
(c) Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI)
(d) Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA)
(e) Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI)
(f) Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI)
(g) Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute (BSRI)
(h) Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI)
(i) Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRI)
(j) Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI)
The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) is the apex body of the NARS. The Council serves as the national coordinating organization for planning, integration, and implementation of research on crops, livestock, soil, water, crop protection, agricultural engineering, forestry, fisheries, economics and social science. BARC also identifies problem areas in agriculture and prepares national plans for agricultural research within the framework of national policies and development goals. The Council collaborates with international and national research center to ensure a rapid introduction, evaluation and use of improved agricultural technologies. BARC is responsible for planning, developing and upgrading of manpower base of the NARS.
The component research institutes have their own ordinances and separate mandates. They are governed by their separate management boards. The role of the institutes is defined by their respective ordinances. They are responsible for the task of generating research programs in their respective fields of activity. All the research institutes have their own network of regional stations, centers and sub-stations throughout the country. These stations undertake research on regional and local basis to cover the 30 agro-ecological zones of the country.
Review of Agriculture Sector Policy Reforms
The ministry has undertaken successfully a number of policy reforms in the past for which it has received considerable recognition both within government and its development partner. Agri sector, by this time has already achieved the cherished and desired long term goal of self sufficiency in the production of rice. The major success of the ministry is its unquestioned success in spurring the growth of crop agriculture while saving considerable amount of local currency through eliminating the subsidies on fertilizer and also allowing private trade in fertilizer, minor irrigation equipment and seed sector. Structural adjustments started with the liberalization of different agricultural input delivery systems of public sector, such as-
(a) Liberalization of trade in minor irrigation sector and encourage the private sector for supply of minor irrigation equipment's of the country. This happenedgradually in stepswith the removal of restrictionof import of small diesel engine in1986-87followed by the withdrawal of duty on such imports in 88-89.The subsidy on DTW were removed in 1992and BADC-the government organisation was removedfrom the procurement and distribution of minor irrigation equipment. These reform measures had a tangible effect on increasing the demand for irrigation equipmentand consequently therate of increase in area under minor irrigation.
(b) Privatization of trade in fertilizer with an objective to transfer the fertilizer management and distribution services exclusively in private sector; Imports of all fertilizers are now being done by private sector except urea. The private sector is not restricted from importing urea. All fertilizers are being distributed through private sector dealers through their network . The Government is providing no subsidy on fertilizers at the farm level and is selling all fertilizers at full cost pricing. The government has issued the revised Fertilizer Control Ordinance in 1995 in consultation with private sector and IFDC for quality control and regulation of fertilizer prices. This has led to the increased availability and wider adoption of chemical fertilizer at the farm level and economic activities in rural areas have also increased manifold due to the withdrawal of government from fertilizer distribution.
(c) Liberalisation of trade and foreign exchange for enhanced participation of private sector in Agricultural machinery of agriculture business. The Government has been continually reviewing conditions affecting competitive trade and taking action to remove barriers.
(d) Liberalisation of production, processing, distribution and import of seeds to ensure the participation of private sector seed dealers in seed industry development. The private sector is now allowed to import any improved germplasm for research and development and to develop its own facilities for producing foundation seeds. They are also allowed to import and sale seeds except five notified crops (rice, wheat, sugarcane, potato and jute). As regard to notified crops, there are procedural formalities to be observed by the private sector before any import. Private sector has now taken up programmes for production of hybrid rice seeds in the country.
(e) Import of agri- machines , including power tiller, was liberalised - resulting in the positive effect on import of power tiller. The area under power tiller utilisation also grew at about 3.5% per annum after introduction of the liberalization policy.
(f) Structural changes were also made in food supply and management system. Open Market Sale (OMS), procurement of food grains from the farmers at market prices, abolition of rural rationing system and allowing import of food grains by the private sector were the measures sofar implemented.
Besides, structural adjustment ,programmes were also undertaken in public sector simultaneously which are as follows :
(a) In order to improve and provide the need felt extension services to the farmers at the grass root level, agricultural extension services were strengthened through introduction of "Agricultural Support Service System" in accordance with the provisions of New Agricultural Extension Policy (NAEP); and
(b) In order to conduct uniform and coordinated research activities, agricultural research system was strengthened following the provision of National Agricultural Research System (NARS) through bringing ten primary research institutes under it with Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) at the apex.
The process of structural adjustments in agriculture sector has been still going on in Bangladesh. The observed structural adjustments like liberalisation of investment in minor irrigation sector, privatization of trade in fertilizer, liberalisation of trade and foreign exchange have already started to effect favorable impact in the agriculture sector. It is expected that such favorable trend will continue to prevail in future also.
In order to realize the objectives and targets of the FFYP (1997-2002), the Government will pursue the following major policy directions with a view to maing the country self-sufficient in food production and ensure dependable food security for all.
- an appropriate policy framework for sustainable development of farm mechanization and commercialization of agriculture;
- the agricultural research institutes will strengthen research in order to render full support for augmenting breeder seeds of new variety;
- decision to restructure BADC has already been taken by the Government which has considerably been downside, BADC will continue to support private sector development;
- increased use of organic and bio-fertilizers in association with the popularization of the use of DAP, blended fertilizer (NPK) and urea super granule (USG) will be pursued with a view to reducing pressure on urea and improving soil fertility;
- establishment of an appropriate institutional system to ensure the availability of agricultural credit in time.
- The present Government has accorded highest priority to the agriculture sector. The commitments in this respect are reflected in the National Agriculture Policy (NAP)of 1999 , that includes : (i) timely supply of agricultural inputs at affordable prices, (ii) appropriate action plan for agricultural credit and marketing of agricultural products, (iii) Government support to agriculture, (iv) priority for the development of agro-based small and medium industries, (v) Enhanced rate of private sector- participatation in different sectors of agriculture i.e. seeds, fertilizer, agro-machinery and also in establishing agribusiness. (vi) Agricultural Mechanization (vii) Pest Management (viii) Greater coordination between the Government, NGOS and Private sector (ix) Food based Nutrition (x) Environmental Protection in Agriculture and finally involvement of Women in Agriculture.
- Bangladesh Agriculture is now in the process of transformation from subsistence farming into commercial farming. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has already entered into the European Market for export of vegetables and other high value crops. This process opens a vista to private sector investment in the areas of production of high value crops, production of seeds (especially hybrid seeds), of chemical and blended fertilizers, agro-processing enterprises, etc. The policy reforms that have taken place offer greater scope and opportunities for private sector participation and a suitable environment towards promoting agrobusiness and investment.
| Sl | Page & Serial No | Comments of the Planning Commission | Comments of th Comments of Planning Commission on SOW with related Comments of Ministry of Agriculture |
General Comments : | |||
| 1 | I | As per existing practice, it is desirable to have an evaluation of the activities of the first phase of the project to be conducted by IMED. This would facilitate undertaking the second phase of the project. | The IMED is yet to finalise its evaluation report. Necessary actions can be taken after the finalisation of the report |
| 2. | II | In the Mid-Term evaluation of the first phase, some weakness/deficiencies have been spelled out. In starting the Second phase, those deficiencies along with comments of Planning Commission should be taken into cognizance and rectifying measures incorporated in the program of the proposed second phase. | These are reflected to some extent in contributions & lesson learnt from ATDP-Phase-I on Page 8-9 of SOW. |
Specific Comments on Statement of Work. | |||
| 3. | 3.1 | Result-1 : Besides the number of enterprises, volume of goods and amount of business may also be used as indicator. | These are minor changes that may be included in the SOW |
| 4. | Result-2 : Here also number, volume and products/services may be used as indicators. | These are already included in the SOW | |
5. | Result-3 : Number and volume of improved product and quality services; increase in selling price may also be used as indicator. | These are minor changes that may be included in the SOW | |
6. | Result-4 : Percentage of reduction of production cost of product may be used as indicator. | These are minor changes that may be included in the SOW | |
7. | Result-5 : Percentage of change in policy implementation may also be used as indicator. | This appears somewhat irrelevant in respect of improved management of internal cash flows. |
| 8. | 14 3.2 | Fertilizer : IPM techniques may be included in the programme. | IPM is not actually related with fertilizer. IPM is an extension technique and may not be feasible for private sector entrepreneurs. |
| 15 3.4 | Services : Information on prices of various products, Quality control, Techniques of reducing production cost, product diversification, acting as an agent of export market, arrangement of participating in Export Fair, visit for export market may be included in the service item. However, infrastructural facilities for exports, arrangement for processing, quality control and research equipment, inputs may be include in the service item. | Techniques of reducing cost. product diversification export fair, infrastructural facilities may be included in the service item. | |
| 9. | 16 3.6 | Overseas Programmes : Quality control, product diversification, post-harvest processing, expanding international market and other technical training may be included in the programme. | The specification of the overseas program are generally detailed in the annual workplan according to the subsectors of ATDP. |
| 10. | 17 3.7 | Roles and Relationship : The Steering Committee meeting may be held at least twice a year. | It has already been included in the latest version of SOW. |
| 11. | 18 3.8 | Management of Local Currency : The amount of local currency provided by the Government with heads of account may be worked out. | The approximate amount of local currency is $ 31 million is stated in the SOW. The amount of local currency provided by the govt. with heads of account are generally detailed in the PP |
| 12. | 19 3.10 | Long-term Staff/Key personnel : Here 3 (three) long term expatriate personnel have been proposed. But in the project in many areas fields such as : product development, quality control, market development, post-harvest processing, expert in seed, horticulture, fisheries, livestock, poultry, agri-machinery, financing etc are needed to achieve the objectives of the project. Number of experts may therefore be increased by reducing duration of each long term proposed expatriate consultant. Qualifications, terms of references of local and foreign consultants may be spelled out in the report. | It may be mentioned that in the latest SOW the total number of expatriate consultants have been reduced to 2 instead of 3. In most of the areas proposed by Planning Commission there is provision of short term expatriate consultants. Besides the proposal of Planning Commission to reduce the duration of 2 long term expatriate consultants i.e., Chief of Party and Business Development Advisor may not be feasible for the project. |
| 13. | 3.18 | Contractor performances : Mid-term evaluation may also include the contractor's performance which will help to reorganize the inputs for getting better results. | This may be agreed upon. |
| 14. | 25 | Estimated Budget for ATDP Phase-II : In the proposed budget allocation, it is seen that 62%has been earmarked for consultancy service. But in Bangladesh the main problems of expanding agro-business are lack of necessary infrastructural facilities, credits, equipment for quality control, processing and product development, refrigerator van etc. Some facilities/services should therefore be provided through this project to develop the agro-business sector. This may be done by readjusting consultant budget/reallocating resources. There expatriate consultants (One as COP+Two for Business Dev.) have been proposed. As a result some important field/areas of activities would remain outside the Purview of expect, consultancy. Provision may be made for some short-term consultancy for covering some important activities like processing, marketing, seed, horticulture and enterprise development activities by reduced to save money for reallocating in the new activities as mentioned before, provision of national (local) consultant for quality control, products development and diversification, reduction of production cost, agri-machinery and processing equipment specialist may also be made in the short-term consultancy list. | In the latest version of SOW 31% of the dollar fund (10 million dollar) is earmarked for consultancy services. However the proposal of Planning Commission to readjust consultant budget for providing credits,equipment for qualitiy controll, and product development may be agreed by further reducing the consultancy costs. As mentioned earlier the number of expatriate consultants have been reduced to 2. There are also short term expatriate consultants as proposed by Planning Commission. The number of short-term expatriate consultants are 30 Person month while the number of local consultants are 60 Person months. |
HOW U CAN DO BUSINESS IN BANGLADESH
How to do business in Bangladesh
Here you will find reports on doing business in Bangladesh, business customs, negotiating tactics, social etiquette, cross-cultural communication and business entertainment. Discover crucial tips on Bangladesh business protocol, business practices and business culture. Learn about Bangladesh trade regulations, import and export policies. The major topics in the reports include: bangladesh business protocol, doing business in bangladesh, bangladesh business customs, bangladesh business etiquette, bangladesh business culture, negotiating in bangladesh, bangladesh business practices, bangladesh cross-cultural communication, business relations in bangladesh, conducting business in bangladesh, bangladesh management, bangladesh business manners, business correspondence in bangladesh, business contacts in bangladesh, human resources in bangladesh, relocating to bangladesh, trading with bangladesh, how to do business in bangladesh, exporting to bangladesh, establishing business in bangladesh, importing from bangladesh, developing business in bangladesh, government regulations in bangladesh, bangladesh social etiquette, bangladesh business entertainment, bangladesh business gifts. To get more information click on the appropriate category below. Enjoy!
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- Business Opportunities .... Sectors of the Economy .... Finding an Agent .... Working with distributors .... Establishing an Office .... Technical Services .... Joint Ventures .... Investment Protection
- Business Opportunities .... Sectors of the Economy .... Finding an Agent .... Working with distributors .... Establishing an Office .... Technical Services .... Joint Ventures .... Investment Protection
A variety of reports on Bangladesh business protocol, customs, negotiating, etiquette, gift-giving, establishing business relations, Bangladesh trade regulations, cross-cultural communication, proper manners, business entertainment ....
Bangladesh - Pre-Departure Country Reports
Make your upcoming business trip a success! Current news. Bangladesh business etiquette. Negotiating tips. Proper manners. Business and social communication. Business protocol. Business meetings and business travel in Bangladesh. Things to avoid ....
Welcome to Business Briefings - Bangladesh! Learn about how to do business in Bangladesh and how to develop relationships with your business partners. Find out what is the appropriate protocol and business etiquette in Bangladesh, how to negotiate, what are the proper business gifts and much more.
Published by International Cultural Enterprises, Inc., leaders in international business information. The content of these reports is provided by US executives currently doing business in Bangladesh. Below is a brief summary of the topics, as well as the word count. To view the list of reports on other countries
Doing Business in Bangladesh
Making initial contact ..... Meeting and greeting ..... Forms of address ..... Dress code ..... First meeting ..... Verbal and nonverbal communication ..... The importance of relationship .....Orientation to time ..... Topics of conversation ..... Names ..... Titles ..... Decision-making behavior ..... Bargaining range Establishing Business in Bangladesh
Business Opportunities .... Sectors of the Economy .... Finding an Agent .... Working with distributors .... Establishing an Office .... Technical Services .... Joint Ventures .... Investment Protection
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islam
ISLAM IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RELIGION IN THIS WORLD HERE I(HASNAT KARIM SAIKAT) DESCRIBE A STORY ACCORDING TO Mufti Ebrahim Desai In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and salutations be upon the final Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi wa sallam – May peace be upon him) Honourable Chair and respected participants, I greet you with the greeting of Islam, Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuh May the peace of Almighty Allah, the mercy of Almighty Allah and the blessings of Almighty Allah be upon you and all those who seek the truth. It gives me great pleasure and honour to be part of this conference). I make du’aa and pray to Almighty Allah that He accept the efforts of the Council and may He make the Council grow from strength to strength in benefitting humanity, Aameen. I also wish to express my gratefulness and gratitude to Professor for being instrumental in my association with the Council. I make du’aa that Allah bless him and his family. I also make du’aa for all the silent soldiers behind the success of the Council. May Allah bless each and every one of you, Aameen. Respected readers, the religion of Islam is a Divine code of life and therefore it is complete and comprehensive, perfect and absolute. There are no flaws and deficiencies in Islam. It provides guidance in every aspect of our life from the time of birth till death. It provides guidance in our domestic life, social life, economic life and political life. It also provides guidance on food, drinks and nutrients which is of paramount importance for a healthy way of life. After all, ‘Healthy food is healthy life’. We are what we eat. Respected readers, I want to take advantage of this opportunity and address you in sequence of priority – First things first. A teacher once wanted to convey an important lesson of life to his students. He took a jar and filled it with rocks. He asked the students if the jar was filled. They said yes. He then took pebbles and put it in the jar. The pebbles found their place in the spaces between the stones. He again asked the students if the jar was filled. They said yes. He then took sand and shook the jar. The sand filled all the empty spaces in the jar. The teacher then told his students the rocks resemble the most important things of your life – your religious values and beliefs. The pebbles resemble issues second to belief, that is your actions and deeds and the sand resembles all other sundry aspects of life. The first and foremost thing in the life of a human being, that which serves as the rocks of one’s life is the recognition of Almighty Allah is Supreme with all supreme powers. He is One and Unique. There is no equal to Allah. His Might, Power and Magnificence is reflected in His creations around us. We cannot ignore and deny the manifestations of the power of Allah in His creations around us. If we choose to, then at least, we cannot ignore our ownselves, the human physical structure. Allah tells us in the Qur’aan: ‘And don’t you see [my power] in yourselves.’ (Surah51 Verse21) Our bodies are small worlds. The flesh resembles the earth. The bones resemble the mountains. The growth of hair and nails resemble greenery and vegetation. The thousands of blood vessels resemble the streams that flow through the earth. Furthermore, the human body contains approximately 100 trillion cells, which are primarily regulated by the heart, the lungs and blood vessels. What is more amazing that the 100 trillion cells, the heart, lungs and blood vessels are regulated by the pituitary gland, a small piece of flesh which is the size of a pebble. When we examine all this, a magnificent structure is revealed before us which is a clear manifestation of the Power of Almighty Allah. An old man was once admitted to hospital for not being able to pass urine. When he was treated and the bill was presented to Him, he began crying. He was asked the reason for crying, he said, ‘For 70 years, I ate food and drank and I ate and I passed toxins with ease and not once did Allah send me His bill.’ A great scholar and jurist, Imaam Shaafi’ee [ra] was asked, ‘How did he recognise Allah.’ He said, ‘Through a malberry leave. When a gazelle eats the leaf, it produces musk, when a silkworm eats it, it produces silk and when a goat or sheep eats it, it produces dung. Who else besides Allah has changed the malberry leave into musk and silk?’ Allah is our Creator and He is also our Sustainer. He provides food and sustenance for us and every creation in miraculous ways. Look at a mosquito, it lays its eggs in dirty and murky water. When the egg hatches, after three days it is able to detect its food- suitable blood in a radius of 40 miles. The mosquito injects its victim, secrets a fluid and takes in the blood. Which school, college or university did the mosquito attend? A macaw is a beautiful bird known for its dazzling colours. It breaks poisonous seeds with its beak. It is obvious that poison would cause harm to it. It then eats pieces of rock that serves to absorb the toxins in the seeds. Where did the bird learn this from? It may be useful to share with you the incident of Sulaimaan [Solomon] (alayhimus salaam). He was a prophet and a king. He had control over jinns, animals, birds, etc. He was able to converse with them. As a king, he had everything at his disposal. He once requested Allah to grant him the opportunity to host all the animals of the animal kingdom and fish of the sea. Sulaimaan (alayhimus salaam) prepared food for a whole year and when the appointed time came one fish of the sea ate all the food. Sulaimaan summoned the fish and reprimanded it. The fish said, ‘O Sulaiman, you took the responsibility to feed me today, yet today I ate only ¼ of what I eat daily.’ [Nafhatul Arab] Allah states in the Qur’aan: ‘Verily, Allah is the Great sustainer. Full of Power and Strength. (Surah51 Verse58) The Qur’aan reminds us to be conscious of the power and bounty of Allah before slaughtering an animal and consuming the meat. The meat of an animal is crucial for our survival and good health. Meat contains iron. If there is no iron in the body, the red cells will decrease and that will lead to a person getting ill. Meat contains zinc. Yes, certain plants do contain iron and zinc but in relatively small proportions. Meat contains vitamin B12. This is never in vegetables [The existence of the vegetarian Muslim – Karima Burns]. How can we slaughter an animal and benefit from its nutrients – iron, zinc and Vitamin B12 - and never reflect on Allah’s power and bounty. It is, therefore, compulsory to think of Allah and recite the name of Allah before slaughtering an animal. Allah orders us: ‘And do not eat from those animals upon which Allah name is not taken.’ (Surah6 Verse121) If an animal is slaughtered and Allah’s name was not taken, that animal is regarded to be a carrion as we would be ungrateful to Almighty Allah. It is prohibited to eat the meat of such an animal as we did not reflect on the Creator of the animal and did not take His name. Respected readers, Almighty Allah is our Creator and He is our Sustainer. However, the purpose of Allah creating us and sustaining us is to worship Him. That is to express slavery, complete submission and subjugation to all the ordains of Almighty Allah. Almighty Allah is our Master and we are His slaves. We do as He says. We have no choice in any matter against His orders. Worshipping Allah is not confined to prayers and charity. While prayers and charity is important, worshipping Allah refers to a complete way of life. Our domestic life, how we deal with our wives, children and family. Our social life, how we deal with felow human beings. Our economic life, how we earn our income. Our political life, how we manage our overall issues. Respected readers Islam means peace and Islam is a religion of peace. The general embodiment of Islam is based on mercy, love, care and affection. The foremost personality in Islam, our beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) was a mercy unto mankind, a fountainhead of mercy and a champion of true human values. The birth of our beloved Prophet was an earth-shaking event. He endured a childhood as an orphan . His father passed away before he was born. His mother passed away when he was only six years of age. He grew up as a person with sound character. He was known as As-Sadiq (The truthful one) and Al-Ameen (The trusted one). When he was 40 years of age, Allah appointed him to be His Prophet and guide the people. This was a very difficult task as the Arab peninsula was infested with all types of evils. Children used to be buried alive. Women were abused and had no rights whatsoever. Killing and murder in the Arabian peninsula was the order of the day. It was the noble character of Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him) that won the confidence of people and changed their lives. Consider this incident: in the prime stages of Islam, when Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him) began announcing his Prophethood and inviting the people to the oneness of Allah. There was much propaganda against him. Some called him a witch, others called him a poet. Some claimed he was possessed by an evil spirit. It is an unfortunate reality that the innocent and simple minded people do get affected and brainwashed during propaganda. We witness this all the time. Nevertheless, at that time, when there was much propaganda against Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him), there was an old lady carrying her luggage with much pain. Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him) approached her with much kindness and affection calling her ‘Ma’ to assist her. She did not know Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him). As Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him) was carrying her luggage, he observed she was upset and angry. When he enquired from her, she started giving vent to her anger and began speaking ill of Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him). She did not know the person she is speaking ill about is the same Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him), but he still comforts her. When they reached their destination out of Makkah, she enquired from Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him) who he was. Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him) did not want to reveal his identity. He said my purpose was to comfort you. When she insisted, then Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him) revealed his identity. The woman was humbled by his humility and affection that she accepted Islam. Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him) was a perfect human being with sublime character. A perfect husband having granted due consideration to his wives. A perfect father having nurtured his children. A perfect friend always ready to assist. A perfect politician with the agenda of advancing the cause of perfection in humanity. In brief, Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him) an icon of all the previous prophets – Adam, Moses, Jesus, who were icons in their own accord and each prophet educated their followers about the final Prophet, Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him), and urged them to follow him. Let us consider the statements of others regarding Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him): John William Draper states ‘Four years after the death of Justinian, AD 569, was born at Makkah, in Arabia that man who, of all men exercised the greatest influence upon the human race … Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him).’ (A history of Intellectual Development of Europe, London 1875.) A Hindu Scholar, Diwan Chand Sarma, says: Muhummad was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around him.’ (Prophets of the East, Calcutta, 1935) George Benard Shaw states, ‘I have studied him – the wonderful man – and in my opinion far from being an anti-christ, he must be called the saviour of humanity.’ (The Genuine Islam) ‘Mohammed was the most successful of all religious personalities.’ (Encyclopaedia Brittanica, 11th Edition) I urge one and all to obtain authentic Islamic literature about this great personality and enrich yourselves with the information of Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him). No human can afford being in this world and being ignorant of Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him). After all, our salvation in the hereafter depends upon bringing faith in the Oneness of Allah and in all the Prophets including the final prophet – Messenger Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon respected readers It may be useful to share with you some core values of Islam. First and foremost, Islam teaches us to love every creation and to be kind to every creation. Allah is Merciful and He loves us to be merciful to His creation. Our beloved Prophet taught us that one cannot be a perfect believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. Obedience to parents and maintaining family ties is a deeply entrenched value in Islam. One cannot be a perfect believer until his neighbour is not taken care of. Mercy is not confined to human beings. It is for every living creature under the sun. One very important value in Islam is shame and modesty. The laws of Islam are compatable with human nature. That is because Allah is our Creator and He knows our nature. He has granted laws compatible with our nature. It is natural that every human being it attracted to the opposite gender. And it is precisely for this reason Islam prohibits intermingling of sexes. Islam teaches us to be modest in our clothing and appearance. It is through this conduct that we are able to exercise restraint and respect the opposite gender. What is the point of having a law prohibiting sexual harassment when there is no restriction of such conduct that actually leads to sexual harassment? The doors and avenues to a crime should be locked, rather than opening the doors and doing control damage. Today, the entire world is grappling with women’s abuse due to the lack of shame and modesty. It is unfortunate to note that woman abuse is prevalent in many parts of the world. According to the United States Department of Justice, somewhere in America a woman is raped once in 2 minutes. (Rape Survival, Defence and Healing). In England and Wales, 1 in 20 women are raped. (The Guardian, July 23, 2002). Tens of thousnads of women from Eastern Europe are sold into sexual slavery to work in brothels in other parts of Europe. (Trafficking of women in Europe). Our hearts cry out at the unfortunate plight of such women. Our united efforts can remedy the situation of abused women as Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - May peace be upon him) was successful in condemning women abuse and granting them a right to live with dignity and honour. When one examines the Islamic code of dressing for a woman in relation to the immodest appearances of a woman and the subsequent harms, the wisdom of Islam comes to the fore. i should also point out to you that the institution of Nikah (marriage) in Islam is the center of maintaining one’s shame and modesty. The institution of marriage is sacred and carries along with it certain responsibilities. It is not just to fulfill one’s passions and desires. The husband is required to care of his wife, show her compassion and fulfill her worldly requirements. He should be tolerant to her and consider her feminine nature. Our beloved Prophet mentioned, “The best among you is he who is best to his wife.” It is unfortunate that many married women feel a a sense of insecurity, She does not know when her husband will leave her. To her, marriage is not a permanent commitment. It is a day to day matter with much pain and anxiety. This is one of the reasons a woman goes to work to secure herself but unfortunately undergoes immense stress. In a recent research by the Universities of Bristol, Bath and Kent, it was revealed that working mothers juggling the demands of a career undergo a stressful experience. Cortisol, a hormone which regulates blood pressure and controls the heart and immune system in such women is exceptionally high. The research also found that there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that most career-pursuing women prefer to stay at home. (The Star South Africa, November 2005) In Islam, marriage is a sacred institution and a husband is required to keep up to his commitment. He is not just to use the wife and create a feeling of insecurity and anxiety in her. A wife is a precious pearl to be well guarded and secured. This leads me to point out the natural consequences of working mothers. That is the Absent Parent Syndrome (APS). Every human being has a natural demand of love. The first avenue is the mother. If the mother is not at home, the child is deprived of that love. The mother returns home tired and then cannot show attention to her child. The child grows up frustrated and searches for love elsewhere. That may be some person with bad qualities and hence we lose our children at the expense of creating security for ourselves and materialistic demands. Respected readers, I understand that many people here today are from the business sector. It will be prudent to discuss some issues of the economic system of Islam which will be of interest to you. Islam is not an economic system like capitalism and socialism. Economics is just one part of Islam but the most perfect economic system. Human values form the core of economics in Islam rather than just enriching oneself. 1) It is for this reason Interest is prohibited. (Surah3 Verse130) Why should we enrich ourselves at the desperation of another? Islam encourages helping and assisting fellow human beings for nothing in return or enter into a joint venture where both can benefit. 2) When there is a fear of shortage in a commodity in the economy, one should not take advantage of that and purchase large quantities of that commodity and hoard it only to sell it at an exhorbitant price thereby taking advantage of an unfortunate situation. (Tirmidhi) Our beloved Prophet prohibited hoarding as that is against kindness and humanity. 3) When two people have concluded or are about to conclude a deal, Islam prohibits the third person to intervene and derail that deal. (Tirmidhi) 4) Similarly, taking wealth by coersion is also prohibited. (Surah4 Verse29) 5) Consideration to the other in economics is part of Islam. A young and old man entered into a partnership of grains. There was an understanding that each one would take some grains every alternate day. After some time the heap of grains remained as it was. The young person asked theold person what prayer does he perform that the grains do not decrease. The old man replied, “I wanted to ask you the same question.” The young boy then replied, “I should not take my share of the grains in consideration of you as you are old. I am young and I can still earn.” The old man replied, “I too, should not take my share of grains in consideration of you as you are young and you need more. I am old and do not have much demands.” Islam teaches us to live with dignity and honour. We should work hard and earn our own income. We should not rely on people and governments to support us indefinately. The situation of need and necessity is different. One person came to our beloved Prophet and presented his need. The prophet told him, “Should I not show you a better way of life than merely begging?” He asked the companion if he possesed anything. He said “Yes, a bowl and a mat.” The Prophet called for that and auctioned that. He then told the companion, “Take the 2 silver coins, purchase food with one coin and purchase an axe with the other. Cut wood and sell that wood. I should not see you for two weeks.” That compaion sold wood and enriched himself. We believe in creating people who live with dignity and honour and not people who live off others. I must clarify, one is the principles of Islam and the other are the practice and conduct of Muslims. If the practice and conduct of Muslims do not conform to Islam that is not Islam. Let us judge Islam by its principles. I do concede that Islam would be better understood if it was correctly adhered to by Muslims. However, that should not serve as an obstacle and excuse to search for the truth as is the case in any state of confusion. Obtain a copy of the Quran and study it. It is a word to word revelation of Allah and it contains a wealth of information and guidance. In this world of scientific calculations and technological advancements, you will be amazed to know that recent scientific discoveries are already in the Quran revealed 1400 years ago. Scientists have researched and recently discovered the issue of chromosomes in a human being. Upon fertilization of the male and female sperm, the features of the child are determined. This is already in the Quran. (Surah80 Verse17,18,19) Which University did Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi wa sallam – May peace be upon him) go to? Scientists have made a detail study on embryology. How the feotus is formed in the womb of the mother. That is accurately stated in the Quran. (Surah22 Verse5) Dr. Keith Moore of Canada, an embryologist studied the Quranic version of embyology and stated there could not be anything more accurate on embryology than the Quran. The issue of origin of life, amoeba, the big bang theory, and the world being a gaseous mass, all is already stated in the Quran. The Quran refers to the mountains as a peg. (Surah78 Verse7) The mountain having a root and serving as a peg is only being researched now. Steel being extra terrestial and out of this universe is being researched. That is already referred to in the Quran. Skin anatomy is being researched. That is already in the Quran. I wish to conclude with an example of the echo of life. A father and son were strolling in a jungle. The son exclaimed ‘Aah’. He then heard a sound ‘Aa’h. the son asked, ‘Who are you?’ The sound replied, ‘Who are you?’ The son got angry and said, ‘You coward.’ The sound came back ‘You coward.’ He didn’t know what was this. His father then told him, ‘Son, listen to me now.’ The father then said, ‘How are you.’ The sound responded ‘How are you?’ The father said, ‘How wonderful you are!’ The sound responded, ‘How wonderful you are!’ The son the asked the father, ‘Dad, what is this?’ the father then explained, ‘The sound is an echo. You get back what you said. Son, this is exactly what life is all about. If you do good, you get back good. If you do bad, you get back bad.’
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