Russia-Ukraine War: Putin falls into trap of West!

Russia's long-standing concern that Ukraine--like former Soviet countries, like Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia--may join NATO in the future. The country claimed for long a promise from the West that Ukraine would never become a NATO member. But despite Russia's stipulation, the West allies did not pay heed to it. The West and its allies adopted a Membership Action Plan (MAP) for Ukraine at the 2008 NATO Bucharest Conference.

Although one decade has passed, Ukraine cannot yet be a member of NATO due to the opposition of several NATO member countries including Germany and Hungary. However, the process of NATO's accession to Ukraine has not come to the end. Russia-Ukraine tensions have raised pointedly over a number of issues, including Russia's occupation of Crimea, recognition of the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk, part of Ukraine, and NATO military exercises in Ukraine's airspace. Lastly on February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine, the culmination of a long-running crisis.

At the time of the unification of the East and West Germans, the West and its allies promised that there would be no eastward expansion of NATO. But after the collapse of the Soviet Union, NATO expanded eastward, and most of the European countries that were once in the communist bloc joined NATO. Russia's closest neighbour, Ukraine, is following suit. Russia's concerns the way the western military alliance, NATO, is slowly encircling Russia, is a threat to its sovereignty and security.

If Ukraine joins NATO, the rival United States or NATO forces will be on Russia's doorstep. Russia deems the military presence of its main rival, the United States and its Western allies, at its doorstep as a major security threat. Putin also considers the break-up of the Soviet Union in the early 1990's as a geopolitical catastrophe. Some of his recent statements suggest that he still regards Ukraine to be part of Russia! His bizarre attitude and provocative actions by the west allies have prompted him to invade Ukraine.

After the start of the military operation on February 24, Russia considered that Ukraine's defence system might collapse very easily. But in reality the opposite happened! The people of Ukraine and the military have built up a strong resistance. Putin may not have even dreamed he would face such obstacles in Ukraine. However, ignoring all obstacles and sanctions, Russia is fighting to achieve its goal. The country has started the process of forming a pro-Russian government in Ukraine by removing the current mayors of Melitopol and Dnipropetrovsk and put in power pro-Russian mayors.

But Russia will not be able to carry out its original plan until Kiev is occupied. And given the latest state of the war, it seems that Putin's goal will not be easily achieved. And realizing this, he may be going to adopt a "divide & rule" policy in Ukraine by taking part in Russia through a referendum in Luhansk.

Although Putin has made various arguments behind the invasion of Ukraine, he is under pressure from the outside world to launch a direct military strike on an independent and sovereign country. Only four countries in the world have sided with Moscow in a resolution condemning Russia in an emergency session of the UN general assembly. Not only in the outside world, there are protests to stop the war in his own country.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 3.5 million people have fled Ukraine and taken refuge in neighbouring countries since the Russian invasion. Russia's devastation in several cities, including the capital Kiev are being telecasted. As a result, peace-loving people consider Russia as an aggressive country.

The west and its allies have been imposing sanctions on Russia since its invasion. More than 5,000 sanctions have been imposed on Russia so far. The country has been removed from the SWIFT as a result the Russian economy has been crippled. Giant western companies are withdrawing their investments in Russia in protest of the attack. In addition, the country has become isolated due to the ban on air travel. The cost of living in Russia has already risen by 14 percent due to sanctions.

The country's import costs have increased drastically. According to the latest data, the country's inflation has risen to 14.5 percent. In addition to economic sanctions, FIFA, the governing body of international football, and UEFA, the governing body of European football, have banned Russia from all competitions. So the next World Cup became almost uncertain for that country. With the exception of a few countries, almost every country in the world has turned its back on Russia. Putin will be more cornered if the West can now reduce its oil and gas dependence on Russia.

Although not all Western and European leaders have reached a decision on Ukraine question, the military alliance NATO has benefited the most. A few days ago, the President of France called NATO a brain death, but now this is leading Europe! Russia's two neighbours, Finland and Sweden, say they too want NATO membership. In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, relatively small neighbouring countries have started to distrust neighbouring large states. In this crisis, NATO may be expanded again. The American arms trade will also boom. So, they are undoubtedly benefited.

But the economic and military position that Vladimir Putin created for more than a decade will only make him fall further behind. Even then it is no longer possible for him to stop fighting. This is not only because of his personal ego, but also because of the question of Russia's status as a superpower. However, it is hoped that the delegations of the two countries reached a consensus on a number of issues at the latest meeting in Istanbul. The sooner the war stops, the better for everyone.

Daily Observer

China-India regional crisis and aftermath

Over the past three decades, the two countries have held several rounds of talks on the disputed territory and border crisis between India and China. Despite this, tensions on the border between the two countries have not placated. At least 20 Indian soldiers have been killed in a recent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galoyan Valley on the border with Ladakh. Indian media claim that Indian soldiers were breathed their last because of hitting them with iron rods nailed by Chinese soldiers. This is the most egregious bloody conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in decades.

After 20 army personnel were killed on the Ladakh border, India could not retaliate without banning some Chinese apps due to lack of her prowess. In addition, about 14 per cent of India's total imports come from China. Besides, China's dependence on electronics, car parts, medicines, sports equipment, telecom and many other products is so high that Indian citizens themselves will be harmed if sanctions are imposed there. So it is almost impossible for India to throw away China commercially.

Apart from Bangladesh neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan are stirring up tensions on the China- Indian border. Jammu and Kashmir may also exacerbate. There is internal pressure on the Modi government as well as from neighbouring countries. Opposition parties are incriminating PM Modi and asking his resignation. The Modi government is under pressure overall.

China has adopted a strategy of cornering India by using its neighbour's accumulated distraction. India's long-standing hostile relations with China and Pakistan and India has been directly involved in wars with these two countries at different times. Although friendly relations with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh have been claimed, the question now is how deep really it is.

There are allegations of Indian interference in Bangladesh's internal politics. There is also dissatisfaction among Bangladeshis against India over sensitive issues such as unequal trade facilities and the killing of innocent Bangladeshis by the BSF one after another at the border.

According to, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) 21 Bangladeshis shoot to death, 4 tortured to death, 15 injured and 13 abdicated by BSF in (Jan- June 2020). According to statistics, 343 Bangladeshi nationals have been killed by Indian border guards on the Bangladesh-India border in the last ten years. Despite promises from India, none of this has been judged. The brutal murder of Felani Khatun on the Bangladesh- India border in 2011 caused a stir around the world, a case was filed against the accused in the Indian military court then but the trial was not satisfactory.

Any question about India's friendship with Bhutan can grow, could not have been imagined even a few years ago.  Bhutan has stopped providing water to farmers in Assam's Baksa district. Water has been flowing into the region from Bhutan through a channel since 1953. Thousands of farmers in about 25 villages depend on that water for cultivation.

Nepal released new maps claiming Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, the three disputed areas as her own land. A few days ago, two Indian villagers were shot dead by Nepali soldiers on the Nepal border in Bihar. The Nepalese army was accused of dragging an Indian. India may not have even dreamed of that.

On the other hand Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has directly blamed India for the attack on the Karachi Stock Exchange. There is dissatisfaction among the people living in Jammu and Kashmir after India withdrew Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. In this turbulent situation, Jammu and Kashmir may also take this opportunity to spread heat.

India has lost its way to bring the Corona situation under control. In this situation, it is very difficult to cope with the strategic pressure of the neighbouring countries. India has focused on increasing its military strength to defend its sovereignty. Additional troops have been deployed along the Ladakh border equipped with heavy weapons.

On the other hand, India has started employing additional troops to Andaman and Nicobar Islands to put pressure on China's activities in the Indian Ocean region as well. India recently imported 2.5 billion worth of military equipment from Russia. China is not far behind. They have been equipped with heavy weapons, including increasing the number of troops at the border. As a result, tension is rising.

The world economy has almost collapsed as a result of prolonged lockdowns during the Corona period. Hunger, poverty, unemployment are on the rise. According to the study, global growth could drop from 2.5 per cent to 2.3 per cent this year. According to economic analysts, the damage to the world economy could exceed 15 thousands trillion. So it is easy to assume that the next time, like the present, will not be very pleasant for us. India is now the world's fifth largest economy, according to the World Population Review 2019, a US-based think tank. The size of their economy is 2.94 trillion dollars. And China's position is second, and fast moving. The size of China's economy is 14.14 trillion dollars. Obviously, the economies of the two countries are a big part of the world economy. If the Sino-Indian war breaks out in such a crisis situation, the people of the entire region will be severely affected economically. As well as creating additional pressure on the world economy.

Both China and India should respect the agreement reached in 1998 and 2005 to stop the use of firearms in the conflict between the two countries. They should resolve issues quickly through dialogue in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Daily Observer

Bangladesh Police: Remain people’s friend forever

As a child, I used to run away in fear whenever I saw a policeman wearing a khaki dress. Despite not having the ability to analyze any good or bad, as a child, I was afraid of the police. Growing up, the fear of the police of the ignorant period began to mature by watching and reading about various kinds of negative activities of police on a daily basis.

Later I realized that this fear is not only mine, but most of the common people of this country. And this may be the reason why no one easily seeks help from the police even if they are in danger. Allegedly, common people do not step on their feet to the police station unless they are forced to. And even if someone seeks legal help with any problem in the police station, most of them have bitter experience.

Bangladesh Police is intimately involved with the people. This force is responsible for maintaining law and order in the country, preventing adulteration, curbing militancy, prosecuting aspirants, curbing crime, assisting in the establishment of justice, minimizing traffic congestion and maintaining order on the roads, including special security protocols for VIPs.  In addition, police is involved in many ways with the history of our freedom struggle. The first armed resistance against the Pakistani aggressors was formed by the members of the police force. Despite all the performances and contribution to the society, a wall of mistrust and suspicion has been built between the police and the common people of this country and it has stayed for a long time.

The first corona patient was identified on March 8 in Bangladesh. The police force is one of the frontline fighters who have been fighting against the Corona situation since its inception. About 10,000 police members have been infected with the corona virus and more than 30 members breathe their last till now. They were infected with the corona virus while serving the country and its people during this pandemic. Bangladesh Police is currently the most admired force in the country for their humanitarian activities.

There are many humanitarian activities that BD police is performs during this epidemic. Under current situation, when house owner attempt to evict the tenants illegally from the house at midnight, police comes forward to arrange shelter for the helpless people. Relatives are fleeing, leaving loved ones on the streets fearing Coronavirus. Policemen are treating the sick.

While the relatives are not coming forward to entomb the body of the deceased in Corona, the police are arranging the funeral in accordance with the religious rites of the deceased. Policemen are providing food for the unprivileged hungry people. They are pouring water on the heads of people who have fallen ill on the streets. They are working yet at all times to create awareness about coronavirus among the people of the country and making sure lockdown.

In Corona past period, Bangladeshis usually deem the police to beat any peaceful democratic movement, to suppress a particular political party, to be involved in extrajudicial killings, to prosecute in absentia, to indict innocent people. Police has repeatedly made itself negative headlines by getting involved in illegal activities. The public interest works of the police at normal time surpassed by so many dishonest activities.

The police who are now on the side of the people during the Corona period, before Corona, the people of this country had many allegations against that force. The question is what happened in the police force overnight that resulted in their humane and responsible behavior? Speaking with some police officers, I realized that one of the most obstacles of the police in the way to be a friend of the common people is the powerful persons who disrespect law and unjustly they use their influence to make the police stand against mass people interest.

The police are forced to obey the authorities for the sake of their own, his family's safety and job. And those who ignore all kinds of adversity and stand against the miscreant have to endure various deprivations and insults as well as have to face unsought incidents. Another major problem is corruption in police recruitment. When an incompetent person becomes a member of the police force in exchange for a large sum of money, he naturally becomes corrupt in his working life.

Since the political influence on the police has let up during the coronavirus, the police are now able to function independently. And for several years now, there have been no serious allegations of corruption in police recruitment. As a result, a positive change has begun to take place in the police department. The humane and responsible behavior of the police during the epidemic is results of that indeed.

Bangladesh has already passed several months of corona infection. During this time the situation in Corona did not improve but deteriorated. The country's economy has been facing hardship due to lockdown for a long time. Hunger, poverty, unemployment is on the rise. At the same time, we are afraid of death. The situation will not improve very quickly, it is easy to guess. Still as frontline fighters, the policemen are working relentlessly in the interest of the country. I wish them good health and at the same time congratulate them for their benevolence.

The humane role and responsible conduct of the police during the epidemic has created an opportunity to rethink about the Bangladesh Police. People have already started thinking of the police as friends. The police force should now break down the wall of long-standing mistrust of the people and at the same time, act in a way that does not hurt people's faith again. We do expect the Bangladesh Police will stand beside the common people like a friend not only during the pandemic, but also in normal situation.

Daily Observer

Will Shahbaz be successful, or his fate be like his predecessors?

Renowned cricketer Imran Khan took power in Pakistan through democratic elections in 2018 by forming an alliance with the conviction of fulfilling various promises. His assumption of power was a significant event. He broke the chain of long period of hereditary rule in Pakistan. But before his term expired, his opponents ousted him in a no-confidence vote on April 9, accusing him of economic and foreign policy mismanagement. According to Pakistan's constitution, Imran did not manage to have the required 172 votes to rule out a no-confidence motion. Apart from Imran's allies, several lawmakers from his own party took a stand against him. Now the questions arise the ouster of Imran Khan is the solution to Pakistan's political crisis? Or has the crisis intensified?

Imran Khan accused foreign powers of backing the opposition's no-confidence motion in parliament. Imran Khan asserted directly that United States conspired with the opposition to overthrow his government because of Pakistan's position at the UN on the Ukraine issues and his recent visit to Russia during the Russia -Ukraine war. He also claimed that the country had sent a "threat letter" in this regard. The United States denied the allegations.

Although Imran came to power democratically through elections, there are allegations that the country's military was behind his rise to power. But the army's good relations with Imran Khan have come to an end. In addition, the country's economy is already fragile due to rupee depreciation, declining reserves, rising commodity prices and revenue shortfalls. Imran has failed to deliver on most of his promises to eradicate terrorism, corruption, poverty and unemployment. In particular, commodity prices are beyond the reach of the common people.

When Imran came to power in 2018, inflation in the country was only 5.08 percent, which has now come down to 12.7 percent. In January this year, the country's consumer price index rose to 13 percent. Imran took various welfare projects like 'Health card' for the welfare of the people. But corruption, unemployment, rising commodity prices have created discontent among the people against his government. Moreover the controversial anti-terrorism campaign has led opponents to unite against him. All in all, when he was in a unsteady position, his political opponents chose to oust him.

Political tensions in Islamabad are nothing new. The vacuity of the democracy that erupted in Pakistan's politics with the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan, the first prime minister of the newly independent country, are still undergone. Since independence, no democratically elected Prime Minister of the country has been able to fulfil his responsibilities. Some of them have been assassinated or ousted. The fate of the Prime Minister of Pakistan has always been controlled by the 'Deep State'. The same thing happened with the last democratically elected incumbent Prime Minister Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi.

The country's opposition leader and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahbaz Sharif has taken over as Pakistan's new prime minister. Several countries, including neighbouring India, have already congratulated the new government. On the first day of the parliamentary session as the Prime Minister, Shahbaz has given various promises to the people. It is declared that a new federal government will be formed like the national government. The new government will formulate an economic policy to curb inflation and currency devaluation.

They will formulate economic policies to prevent the rupee from depreciating and adopt a balance policy with all countries in foreign policy. Besides, relief activities will be started on an emergency basis for the poor people of the country. The new government will arrange for the repatriation of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (Shahbaz's brother) and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. Nawaz Sharif was convicted in a corruption case, is currently in London for medical treatment.

But things will not be easy for the new government. The country's inflation is now above 12 percent. The amount of foreign debt is 130 billion dollars that is 43 percent of GDP. The rupee depreciated to 190 against the dollar. Political instability in this economic downturn will have a more negative impact on the country's economy. In addition, separatists have long demanded autonomy in the country's mineral-rich and largest province of Balochistan.

Recently there has also been an increase in violence. The separatists may rise again in the political instability. The country also must need to reshape its diplomatic relations. Because Imran Khan has referred to the no-confidence motion against him as an American conspiracy. As a result, Pakistan's relations with the West have come to a standstill. In addition, Pakistan's relations with the West are at an all-time low over issues such as its position at the UN in the Ukraine-Russia war, the Afghanistan issue, and Pakistan's non-participation in Western protests against China's "human rights violations."

The new government have to overcome many challenges, including the opposition movement on the streets, the fragile economy, the internal separatist movement, corruption and militancy, the pressure of the deep state, and the development of diplomacy with the outside world. This remains to be seen whether Shahbaz will be able to come over all the challenges, or his fate will be like that of his predecessors.

Daily Observer

Culture of impunity and the death of innocents

The New Market area has returned to as usual after a joint meeting of students and business leaders. The shopkeepers have reopened their shops by arranging with various items aiming at Eid. The market is also quite crowded with customers. Everyone in need of life and livelihood has turned the pages and started working with new enthusiasm. But what about the families of the two people who lost their lives in the conflict? Will their family ever be able to return to normal life? Is their loss compensable?

Clashes erupted between workers at two fast food outlets in New Market which later turned into a clash between the businessmen and the students of Dhaka College. The Dhaka College and New Market area turned out a battlefield in the chase and counter-chase of shop owners-employees and students of Dhaka College. Many innocent people including journalists and police were injured and two persons lost their lives in this bloody clash which lasted for 48 hours. One of them is Nahid Hossain, a 'deliveryman' of a courier service who left his home in Kamrangichar to join his workplace.

But he lost his life in a clash between the two sides in the New Market area. Footage published in the newspaper shows a young man wearing a helmet stabbing Nahid indiscriminately with a sharp weapon. Could it be the image of a civilized state? After having a look on the brutal picture, really I can't control myself. Nahid has nothing to do with those who were involved in the conflict. He also did not go there to fight with any group, then in whose interest did innocent Nahid have to die? Who will answer this question? Another is Mursalin, a salesman at a readymade clothing store in the New Market who also got admitted with injuries at the hospital and lastly succumbed. Now it is a question of fair justice!

The clashes, which lasted for about 48 hours, resulted in heavy traffic jams during Ramadan. Many innocent people including journalists and police have been injured while performing their professional duties. The police tried their best to normalize the situation. But ignoring them, clashes were going on from time to time. Now the question is - is it only the responsibility of the police to keep situation under control?

In a place as important as Newmarket, bloody clashes have been going on for a long time but why no responsible person of the country rushed to there to handle the situation? Mayor of the city, Business leaders, Local leaders, why not take the initiative to normalize the circumstances? There are many such questions but who will reply? The situation would not have been so worsen if any person in charge of the high level had been active in the beginning.

Nahid got married just seven months ago. His wife Dalia's hand is still hennaed where is embossed 'I love you Nahid.'  Nahid left forever breaking the chain of love and Dalia's all dreams. Mursalin had a small family with wife Mitu and a son and a daughter. In a short span of time, two families and all theirs dreams flattened Out. Trading has already grown up in the New Market in full swing. Students of Dhaka College will also be back in class-examination. But the loss of Nahid and Mursalin's family in the conflict will never be made up. The state cannot turn aside its liability.

The state will not be able to return Nahid and Mursalin to their families. However, the state can break the ice to the bereaved families by making sure exemplary punishment to the criminals. After all, this needs to ensure to restore people's confidence in the country's justice system. Nahid's mother named Nargis Akhter said to the journalists that she didn't want want justice! Her remarks highlighted a lack of confidence in the country's justice system, which is an ominous sign for a civilized and democratic state indeed. We want to have confidence in the justice system of the country.

What happened in the clashes that day is a criminal offense. The culprits can be traced only by analyzing the footage of numerous TV cameras and CCTV. We all expect the perpetrators to be brought to justice through an impartial investigation without any political considerations.

Daily Observer

How long will our roads remain death trap?

A heartbreaking accident took place at Savar's Boliarpur on the morning of June 4, the same day when the whole country was thunderstruck and brought us down by the news of one death after another in a huge explosion after a fire broke out at the BM depot in Sitakunda. A Dhaka-bound bus ran over an Atomic Energy Commission bus in the other lane, killing four people on the spot and seriously injuring several others. So far 6 people breathed their last breath in this accident. Every unfortunate death is excruciating, causing deep wounds in the minds and raised furore among the people.

Pooja Sarkar is one of the few officials of the Atomic Energy Commission who was killed in the road accident that day. The girl who lost her mother in childhood grows up with a lot of hardship and struggle being able to get admitted as a student of 41st batch of Physics Department of Jahangirnagar University. She completed her graduation with distinction, and then she joined the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission as a scientific officer. She had married the love of her life, Tanmoy Majumder, who graduated from Dhaka Medical College, made a home of love and dreams. After marriage, she regretted that they did not stay together for a long time due to the posting of her husband Dr. Tanmoy. By any means, she managed to change her husband's posting and brought him to Manikganj.

After a long time, the couple started to live under one roof again. 6-month-old unborn child in the womb of Pooja. New dreams in the eyes of the two. All in all, the excitement of Pooja's happiness has been revealed on the Facebook status of his uncle Subrata Nandi. But her happiness did not last long. Everything is like a tale! Everything was shattered in the blink of an eye when a speeding long- haul bus rammed into the BAEC officer's bus carrying scientist Pooja Sarkar. Who will take responsibility for this incident?

Last June 11 was Pooja Sarkar's birthday. A picture went viral through social media where is seen Tanmoy Majumdar is cutting a birthday cake with a picture of his dead wife in his lap. But her last year's birthday was also a joy, a wave of love. Dr. Tanmoy's gloom face exposes that breathing does not always mean to live. Will he be able to forget everything and come back to normal life? Will such tragic incidents continue to happen in the name of accidents? Is there no end to this crying?

Road accidents are nothing new in this country. Every day, somewhere, someone is killed on the street, or maimed. This can no longer be called an accident because of the constant reckless uncontrollable driving, unlicensed driver, and unfit car crashing into a place where people are dying. Every person in this country has to go out at the risk of their lives. The whole road is like a death pit. Our day begins with extreme uncertainty. Death is now just a number in this country!

According to the information received, 6284 people were killed and 7468 injured in road accidents last year. In May this year alone, 1,029 people were killed in road accidents. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh has the highest death toll in road accidents in South Asia. But is such kind of information disturbing the people concerned at all?

Although the number of road accidents has increased alarmingly, no effective measures have been taken yet to control it. Sad but true, when students started a movement demanding safe roads, the student wing of the government party attacked them! Even then the government was forced to pass the road safety law but it has not been implemented properly. Instead, the government was forced to amend the law under pressure from transport workers' leaders.

The government is a kind of hostage to the leaders of various organizations related to road and transport. They raise fares if they want to, they ran over people if they want to, they call transport strikes if they want and make the whole country unusable! They are so powerful that they do not care about rules and regulations of the country. On the other hand, there are allegations of corruption against the BRTA. Instead of serving the people, some corrupt employees of the BRTA are harassing the people for years. Obaidul Quader, Minister of Road Transport and Bridge, conducted several raids but the real situation has not changed yet! The driving license matchs yet now without driving test if you are ready with bribe. The bus which ran over BAEC officials that day had no fitness, even no driver's license. So how did it on the road? There are also many allegations against the traffic polices. People are also not aware of traffic rules while moving. The overall situation in the transport sector is dire. But how long?