এ জন্ম তো কেটেই গেলো

কতবার তোমাকে কফি শপে আমন্ত্রণ জানিয়েছি -
একবার দেখবো বলে,
মনে আছে তোমার?
ভেবেছিলাম তোমার হাসিটা চিরদিনের জন্য কিনে নিবো
কিংবা হয়ত আরো বেশি কিছু।
বহুবার,
বহুবার তোমাকে অনুরোধ করেছি--- তুমি আমার আমন্ত্রণে সাড়া দাওনি।
'না'
তোমার প্রত্যুত্তর ছিল বরাবরই এমন।
কখনো পরিবারের অজুহাতে, কখনো বা ব্যস্ততা দেখিয়ে আমাকে এড়িয়ে গেছো।
অথচ
আজ, যখন পৃথিবীর সবচেয়ে বড় সত্যটির মুখোমুখি দাঁড়িয়ে আমি, পৃথিবীর বুকে এক- এক করে সমস্ত গোলাপ ঝরে পড়ছে
তুমি এলে,
অপ্রাপ্তির এক বেদনা ভরা মহাকাব্য নিয়ে।
কিন্তু এতদিনে তোমাকে ঘিরে যে দেয়াল তৈরি হয়েছে তা কি ভাঙতে পারবে?
সমাজ- বিধির মুখে লাথি মারতে পারবে?
পারবে না, জানি।
অনর্থক বেদনা বাড়িয়ে লাভ কী, বলো।
এর চেয়ে বরং আমরা মৃত্যুর অপেক্ষায় থাকি।
পরজন্মে আমাদের দু'জনের দেখা হবে।
আমাদের প্রথম দেখায়- দু'জনের চোখে জল গড়াবে।
জন্ম নিবে অশ্রুত শব্দের কথামালা।
আমি হবো তোমার জীবনের প্রথম পুরুষ।
তোমার চোখে চোখ রাখতেই মুহূর্তে সকল দূরত্ব ঘুচে যাবে সংকোচ ভুলে।
নীল আকাশের নিচে কফির কাপে বির্তক চলবে।
একসাথে জ্যোৎস্না দেখবো।
বৃষ্টিতে ভিজবো,
কদম তুলে তোমার খোঁপায় গুঁজে দিবো।
একসাথে বুড়ো- বুড়ির হওয়ার স্বপ্ন দেখবো।
আমার এমন পাগলামিতে তুমি হাসতে- হাসতে এ জন্মের সকল দূরত্ব চুকিয়ে আমার কাঁধে মাথা রাখবে।
এ জন্ম তো কেটেই গেলো, আর তো মাত্র কিছুদিন।

Rifat’s death and the degradation of our moral value

Criminals stabbed a young man named Shah Neyaj Rifat Sharif to death in broad daylight in front of Barguna Government College. A video of this incident has gone viral in the social media. In the presence of his wife and hundreds of people on the spot, Sharif was subjected to brutality. Sharif's wife Minni tried her level best to stop the miscreants but she failed.

Locals claim that two persons named Nayan Bond and Rifat Farazi stabbed Sharif, leaving him critically injured and Sharif breathed his last after being admitted to local hospital. Nayan Bond and Rifat Farazi are the leaders of local stalkers and they both maintain Gang. They are involved in drug abuse and snatching. Local people and the victims did not open their mouth in fear before but now all the evil deeds of the criminals are being revealed one by one.

The other incident is that in Jharkhanda extremist Hindus killed a Muslim youth named Tebrej stringing him with a pole for seven hours. What a shock! At this time he was forced to say 'Jai Sriram' and 'Joy Hanuman'. There is a storm of condemnation of this incident in social media. The incident occurred when US Foreign Ministry's report claimed that minority Muslims do not have any religious freedom in India. After coming to power in the second phase of the BJP, so-called guards and religious extremists again started the atrocities like killing Muslims. We have a great reason to be concerned about the way religious extremism arises in our neighbouring country. 

Biswajit, the tailor of old Dhaka, came to my mind while I was watching the video of Rifat Sharif's stabbing. In a similar way, Biswajit was hacked to death. He was stabbed to death in broad daylight. Likewise, video footage of Biswajit killing had gone viral. Condemnation was noticed in social media. But sadly nobody came forward to protect him while he was being stabbed in front of hundreds just like what happened in Sharif's case.

The question is--in front of a hundred people an innocent man was stabbed by terrorists, but nobody came forward to save him. But why? There may be many reasons behind this. But I think the two main reasons are- the degradation of moral values and the distorted culture around.

Intolerance is increasing in people. One attacks another without mentionable reasons, at the same time people are being so self-cantered that they do not feel the need to stand against this enormity. Rather, they pass by or take photos, videos hoping for likes and comments. I must say these are the online beggars of the digital era. They started their revolution putting a status on Facebook staying at home. But in reality they have no role in the state or society. All their activities are limited to likes and comments on Facebook.

The tendency to stand beside each other and help the distressed people at the time of danger is decreasing day by day. None but human beings are responsible for it. In the modern era, with the spread of knowledge and science, human values are expected to be increased. But sadly, it is going extinct. The sick culture around us is prevailing. Disappearance, murder, terrorism and extra judicial killings are increasing day by day. Biswajit and Sharif are the examples of the absence of the rule of law. Besides, the state has been contriving to ensnare the revolutionaries.

There is no scope to deny that such type of incidence is a matter of extreme deterioration of law. In the absence of the rule of law and the democratic values, unrest is prevailing everywhere. If there is no rule of law and the state fails to take exemplary action against the guilty, unrest increases in the society. The numbers of miscreants are increasing and at the same time in the absence of the rule of law, they are doing everything at their sweet will and terrorising the people. 

The fact that none will come forward to help others in such a scary situation considering personal security is known to all. Considering self-security, the common people tolerate all kinds of misdeeds done by the terrorists like Nayan Bond. People remain silent in the face of atrocities that occur right in front of their eyes. Some of them put status on social media protesting. Sadly one has to re-think even there is the ICT Act sued against him/her. 

The common people know if they dare to ward off Noyon's Bond stabbing hand, innumerable followers of Noyon Bond will devour them at once. There are countless Nayan Bond in our country and they are organised. They are patronized and made for a group of people of the society. But the patronizers are behind the scene always. We can realise that Rifat Faraji and Nayan bond's saviour hands are far away from that after stabbing one to death in broad daylight.

The police remains inactive. Even if police arrests, terrorists like Nayan Bond quickly get out of jail and cause new misdeeds. The incident of the death of Rifat occurred in the presence of hundreds of people. Police claims the spot is under their CCTV cameras. According to the rules, CC TV has a control room for surveillance. 

So after the incident, why did not the police immediately take action against the accused? However, the prime accused Nayan Bond was killed in gunfight with police but is this permanent solution? Who patronize Nayan Bond, a deep analysis is running on this question. The local Awami League is divided into two groups, one party blaming the other. We are accustomed to take a look at such situation after happenstance. We also anticipate if the media turns away from this incident, all will be suppressed. Bangladesh must be out of this indiscipline.

To ensure rest in society, apart from the arrest of the accused directly involved in this heinous murder, the patrons of terrorists should be brought under the law and provided exemplary punishments at any cost. If the state fails to exterminate its roots then a new one could be added on the list of Biswajit and Shah Neyaj Rifat Sharif.

https://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=205853

Narendra Modi's landslide win in Lok Sabha elections : Did Indian voters support Hindu extremism?

Seventeenth general elections to the House of people (Lok Sabha) in the largest democratic state of the world were held almost fairly and peacefully. This election was held in seven phases and the polling results were finally disclosed. In this election, the Narendra Modi-led NDA got absolute majority with 352 seats. BJP holds 303 seats alone.

In the 543 seats of the House of people, a political party needs 272 seats for the absolute majority. That is, if the BJP wishes, then they themselves would be able to form the government independently. Although Narendra Modi is criticized in his own country as well as in the world for Hindu extremism, the Indian voters kept trust on him at last. Narendra Modi sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second consecutive term after claiming the landslide win.

In the middle of the nineteenth century, India became a British colony completely. Then, through a long struggle and bloodshed, the country was born in 1947 as a independent state. By the formation of the Constitution in 1950, India became a sovereign, liberal, non-communal and a democratic country. But when the BJP led by Narendra Modi-Amit Shah won the 282 seats in the 2014 elections, and since Modi became the Prime Minister, the Indian secular character is drawn to the fundamentalism. After the BJP came to power, various types of torture and oppression came down to the minority Muslim community of that country.

In the past years of Modi's government, we noticed that the Cow Protection Committee formed by extremist Hindus in India tortured and killed many Muslims for carrying cattle or beef meat. Cow slaughter has been banned in many Indian States. In the name of cow protection, innocent Muslim citizens were beaten to death by spreading rumours. Such hateful incidents have also happened in the country, the fanatic made hindrance to the  the Muslims in their religious practice and forced them to eat pork.

During the BJP rule over the past five years, Hindu-Muslim relations have deteriorated in India and the Muslims are now worried about their future. Even though communal violence in the country is being grown up, Hindu nationalist leader Narendra Modi did not take any steps against the fanatic, rather he remained silent on this issue. BJP came to power in the elections of 2014 based on hindu extremism and capitalising the previous Congress government's corruption, nepotism, lack of promised development, investment drought, economic recession, rural development slowdown, unemployment making a slogan 'Make in India'. In the past, 'Make in India' was one of the main projects of the Narendra Modi government. But there was no major success in this project. Before coming to power, Modi's promised that he will take a step so that the farmers may gain more than 50 percent of the investment but in reality it did not.

The farmers expressed dissatisfaction not getting the fair price and many of them committed suicide. The people of the whole of India were annoyed on the issue of canceling 500 rupees and one thousand rupees notes in 2016. In the national or international, there is nothing to say in the term of the Modi government. Rather, there is a variety of turmoil in and out of the country. Modi who came to power with a dream of prosperity has gradually brought a ill-fate to the peaceful Indians. Narendra Modi realized that this term the only way to wear down the opponents in the seventeenth House of people elections is to take shelter under Hindu extremism.

That is why, emotional issues like re-established of Ram Mandir in place of Babri Masjid, cancellation of special status of Kashmir and protection of cow gets importance in BJP's election campaign. Norendra Modi very tactically took advantage of this sentiment of Hindu voters. In addition, Recently Modi's statement about the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama gave him additional benefits in the elections. Modi became able to convince most of his country's voters that India is safer with him than others. As a result, Things like Rafael's corruption, unemployment problem, continuous peasant dissatisfaction and minority persecution could not impede in the way of victory. 

Meanwhile, in the media reports, Hindu extremists started violence against Muslim as soon as the result of the election is out. Three Muslims, including a woman, were beaten seriously at Siwan in Madhya Pradesh on the charge of trafficking cow. Not only that, they have been forced to shout 'Joy Sri Ram'!

There are now a lot of challenges ahead in the BJP government. Among them if the sensitive promises like the re-establishment of Ram temple, withdrawing the special status of Kashmir from the Constitution and the so-called NRC be in effective by BJP, it will create a crisis in the internal politics of India which will create unrest in the neighbouring countries.

On the other hand if the promises made by BJP before the election are not executed, the pressure of Hindu extremists on Modi will increase. In such a situation, Modi should emphasize the internal peace of India and at the same time keeping India's status in the world. And for this, of course, Modi will have to cast aside the politics of divide and hatred and should now walk on unity. It will bring benefits to the entire region, not just for India. And only Modi's liberal policies can increase dignity of India as a secular, multilingual and multinational and as the world's largest democratic country. We shall have to wait to see what path Modi actually chooses- -divide and rule or the path of peace and harmony.

https://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=201584

Border killing: There are promises but no implementation

The issue of border killing was reintroduced again in our discussion since 6 Bangladeshi nationals were shot dead at Bangladesh-India border by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) last January. There is no scope to deny that the Bangladeshi killing at India-Bangladesh border by the Border Security Force has now has become one of the major issues to bilateral relations between two countries. Several meetings were held between Border Security Force and Border Guards Bangladesh to stop killing and torture at the border. Every time the Indian Border Security Force pledged to bring border killing and torture to zero.

The high level of the government of India also assured us repeatedly to bring down border killing. But in reality what we notice there is no implementation of their commitments. The situation has improved very little over the years. The arrogant behaviour of the BSF has not stinted. The number of order killing continues to rise instead of falling. Another worrying news is that, by violating international law, Indian Border Security Force often enter Bangladesh illegally and attack Bangladeshis and abduct them. We do not know the reason for such arrogant behaviour of BSF. We, the Bangladeshis, do not expect such misbehaviour from our neighbouring friend state.

India is a big democratic country in this region. Besides Bangladesh, there are land boundaries of Myanmar, China, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan with India. But most deaths occur in India-Bangladesh border by Indian Border Security Force. Most of the killings were being occurred due to trivial reasons if we look back.

The list of complaints of human rights violation against Indian Border Security Force is very long. In 2011, the hanging dead body of Felani Khatun on barbed wire at India-Bangladesh border has became a symbol of the cruelty of the BSF. A voice raised around the world when inhuman scene of Falani's hanging body was published in various media. This incident was strongly condemned by various human rights organizations as well as the Bangladesh Government and the guilty BSF members were demanded for justice. Eight years passed since then but sadly the trial of the murder has not been ended yet. Such absence of justice gives rise to new crimes.

Of course we would like to see that the border guards of both the countries will play an important role against militants, terrorists, arms and drugs traffickers and smugglers in the border. In this regard, the border guards of the both countries will be aware so that no criminals can get away with doing crimes. All deserve that the culprits will be brought under justice and punished. But what message do we get from BSF when they enter Bangladesh inside by violating international law and show arrogant behaviour? Such perky behaviour of BSF is very unexpected. Such misbehavior of Indian Security Border Force is developing a kind of anti-Indian attitude among Bangladeshis young generations that is noted when Indian issues appear.

According to the human rights organization Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) six Bangladeshis were shot dead by BSF in January. Another human rights organization ODHIKAR says that 144 Bangladeshis were killed and 227 more Bangladeshis injured by BSF in the last five years.

Bangladeshi people living in the border areas travel to India illegally for different needs. Besides, many Bangladeshis have relatives in India. For the sake of that relationship, many people try to cross the border illegally. But none of them stay in India for a long time. They return their homeland when they meet needs. I must accept that it is a crime to cross the border illegally. But I must also say that none of the Bangladeshis are so much threat to India's security that they will be shot dead as soon as Indian Border Security Force sees them.

There are also allegations against the BSF that Bangladeshis are also being killed or tortured due to wrongdoing in the zero line, not just crossing the border. Indian Border Security Force argues that they do not open fire on civilians; but when armed smugglers attacked them, they are forced to fire in self defence. But has BSF shown any strong evidence for this argument yet? I do not deny those who were shot dead, many of them crossed the border illegally or associated with smuggling but they are not of armed attackers.

Regarding the smuggling in bordering areas, the people of both sides have responsibilities. But in every incident unarmed Bangladeshis are just killed. People in both two countries are involved in smuggling at the border. Even there are complaints against many BSF members. Then why will the Bangladeshi people only be subjected to such cruel and brutal killing at the border? When a Bangladeshi illegally enters India's border areas, the BSF can arrest him or her and hand them over to the police. A case may be filed against trespassers and they may be brought under justice.

But they cannot shot them or torture. No sovereign state can ever accept such innocent killing, torture or abduction of its civilian citizens. Indian Border Security Force has been opening fire on border violating the compromise agreement and promises. These killings and torture are undoubtedly a clear violation of international law and human rights. Unfortunately, there is no fair trial of these cases. As a result, unexpected incidents such as torture and murder are increasing at border.

At present India is one of the world largest economic and democratic powers and Bangladesh is India's one of the friends in this region. But apparently India doesn't maintain friendly relation at the border. It's high time for India to realise that unarmed Bangladeshi killing at border is one of the biggest obstacles to make a friendly relations between the two countries. Also as a neighbouring state, we never expect such an illtreatment from a large democratic state like India. In order to build up a friendly relationship between the two countries in real sense, all the arrogant and inhumane behaviour of the BSF must be stopped.

http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=189506

Jahangirnagar University : 48 years of excellence

It has been a few years since the academic relations with the university have been broken up. The relation that was developed with the University during my varsity life has been strengthened. The sweet memories always keep in mind. However, Far from the capital in an aesthetic beauty of nature, in a calm and quiet environment, Jahangirnagar University, one of the leading universities in the country for higher education, was established 48 years ago on this day. The only residential university in the country is a unique feature of rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

Modern architectures are mixed with nature. Jahangirnagar University is also unique in the field of research and higher education. The University has been playing a responsible role in the country's advancement as a pioneer since the establishment.

Jahangirnagar University is a same aged of independent Bangladesh. On January 12 in 1971, Governor of East Pakistan and the Chancellor of the University Rear Admiral SM Ahsan officially inaugurated the University. On August 20 in 1970, the then East Pakistan government named the new university through an Ordinance, 'Jahangirnagar Muslim University'.

After the independence, the University Act of 1973 was passed in the first session of the Jatiya Sangsad. The name of the University was changed to 'Jahangirnagar University' by excluding the word Muslim in the University Act - 1973. At the time of founding, the University started with 4 departments and 150 students. In the passage of time, Jahangirnagar University has been regarded as one of the country's leading university.

Currently, about 13 thousand students are studying in 35 departments and 4 institutes under 6 faculties. There are about 664 teachers at present.

Alongside education and research, a student of this university has been playing a significant role in the intellectual practice, political and economic movements of our country. The students of this university participated in the liberation war. Students of this University had participated spontaneously during the Ershad government's education movement and anti-autocracy movement. Students of Jahangirnagar University did not tolerate any iniquitous in their green campus. University premises have been shaken repeatedly in the slogan against injustice.

The movement against sexual violence started in Jahangirnagar University now spreads across the country. Such incidents of violence do not happen only at Jahangirnagar University, it is done separately in the whole country. However, it was first publicly protested with bravery in the Jahangirnagar University premises. This movement is still known as South Asia's biggest anti-sexual violence movement.

In the 48 years of the establishment of the University, there has been a lot of glorious achievement. The University has contributed to the country a lot in this short time. Internationally renowned scholars and researchers are being grown here. Today, many former students of this varsity are in the country in various important positions. Many of the students have been spreading internationally and they are doing well. It is a matter of great exhilaration for the Jahangorian.

Besides progress, some expectations and problems should also be talked about. To ensure democratic environment in the university and to provide the democratic right of the students, the University's Central Student's Union must be run. But JUCSU is ineffective for more than two decades. Present VC Professor Dr. Farzana Islam, after taking the authority, She announced to tune in JUCSU but did not take any initiative. JUCSU election is confined to assurance yet. Last year, the registration of the Registered Graduate Delegate was held after 19 years of Jahangirnagar University. The winner's majority panel was then promised to take necessary steps to arrange the JUCSU.

But nothing was done in reality yet now. The country's only full-fledged residential public university has an order, but in reality there is a severe housing crisis. Apart from eating low-quality food in the dining and canteen of the residential halls, the students have to live that hinders the intellectual development. The hotels at Battalaya on the campus are very commercial.

As a result, students are to take unhygienic foods at a high price. The only gymnasium of the university is the woeful situation. Swimmingpool has been lost for a number of years due to administration's negligence. In the uncontrolled and chaotic movements of the outsiders, the natural and biological environment of the campus is in danger. There are problems in the classroom crisis, intense seat crisis in the library, transportation crisis, inadequate funding for research, slow wifi connection etc.

The current government has approved a project of 1445 crore 36 lakhs for the infrastructural development as well as the improvement of education and research including other facilities of the University. Hope, Progress must be continued by eliminating existing problems. To develop ideological values, intuitive meditation and real humanity, Jahangirnagar University will lead the next day - is a such expectation.

https://dailyasianage.com/news/158132/48-years-of-excellence

Anarchy and corruption in education system: Who will bell the cat?

There is concern about the current education system of our country among the conscious people. Question paper leaks in the public examinations, error in textbooks, yearly syllabus changes, multiple public examinations, coaching-based education system, corruption and the pressure of getting A+ from the parents to the children are actually taking the education system of our country to the edge of the ruin. For a long time, various types of ill-competitions are going based on four public examinations in every year.

Parents are getting mad to ensure their children's GPA- 5. There is also ill competitions among educational institutions. And ultimately, impeccable students are being victimized. Here, the life of each student seems to be a part of a mill-factory! Almost every student is running here for GPA- 5. Being tired, some of them are taking their leave from life. After publishing the results of the public examinations every year, suicidal news are heard. Nevertheless, the pressure of expectations of the guardians does not minimize.

What responsibilities they should practise to the society, what to do to be a real person, besides the other things, there is no scope for free- thinking of the students. Parents also make decision what their children will be in the future as they grow up. Parents want to fill their own incomplete dreams through a child.

Moreover, many of the students look for the question before exam by abandoning the moral values, memorising the leaked questions, copying or looking at others in the exam hall. Among the parents, many are handing over the leaked questions to the child. How strange! There is no ethics and morality. What a suicidal decision! Parents believe that the child's golden future lies in GPA- 5 and the failure to achieve this is a statue of debris. But does the future only depend on the good results?

Recently, one of the country's top private TV channels has published an investigative report about anarchy and corruption of education sector. It has been shown in the report that the students who failed in the examination are being certified as passed because of the might of illegal use of money, as well as the results are being changed of the exam. GPA-5 is being sold like daily products! And some corrupt officials and employees of the board are involved in this abhorrent activity.

A syndicate has developed around them, whose job is to change the result in exchange for the money. Having watched the report, it can be said that the country is heading towards suicide. When the reporter was showing this situation of the Honourable Education Minister, he looked worried. But it is a matter of surprise that despite having all documents, he did not take any exemplary action immediately. 

As usual comments, he told that exemplary measures will be taken against the offenders. But how can we keep trust on him? When public examination questions were consistently leaking, he didn't confess rather blamed the issue of question leakages as 'rumour'. Dr Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, a renowned educationist of the country, has been vocal about the demand for end of questions leaked. Articles have been written in newspapers. Journalists have made reports with proofs. 

At last under the pressure, he accepted the reality. But he said that it is not possible to stop question paper leaks in the era of modern technology. Some 'Koolangar' teacher leaked the question. How to handle the question leak? In this speech, his administrative inefficiency is evident. He has not been able to take any punitive action till now against the culprits. He faced intense criticism before over question paper leak in all exams. Many people, including politicians, academicians and civil society members demanded that he should resign accepting failure to stop question leak but he did not.

The report illustrates the corruption and disillusionment of the educational system as well as the depiction of the deprivation of moral values.  Some of the guardians resort to corruption for good results of their child is nothing but shameful as well as suicidal. Being wondered, how they are parents! And what will be the benefit of such GPA- 5? Is GPA- 5 everything in life? Education will mean nothing in this country if such malpractice goes on.

I can remember a report was published on a private TV channel questioning about the country's 'education system standard' a few years ago. Then a debate was started in the social media. The reporter tried to present the overall image of the current education system by asking some questions who gained highest results in the public examinations. 

The answers given by the students found were very frustrating. Although the achievement of millions of students cannot be judged by just a few students.So, there may have a debate over the reporter and the report, but the miserable conditions that the reporter showed the report is relevant even today. Interest in learning about current students is very low. Most of them do not want to know about country, society and culture. They only want to have GPA- 5. And for this they can choose any path even may involve themselves in corruptions. Some of the parents are not lagging behind. This image is very dangerous for country and the nation. The quality of the majority of the students who are now doing better results is not satisfactory.

In 2008, in order to develop the students as intellectual and creative, the government introduced creative questions in education system in the country by eliminating traditional question method in the concept of developed world. It was introduced at the SSC level on experimental basis in the general education. Later it was applied to Madrasa and technical education. For the mental development of the students, the government prohibits printing, binding, publishing, importing, distributing and selling notebooks and guides from the first to the eighth grade by law.

Printing and marketing of guide and note books in one judgment in the High Court is completely prohibited. All the steps taken were promising and commendable. But what is the real picture? Although printing or marketing of notes or guide books is prohibited, a lot of books or guide books are publicly sold in bookstores. And the most ridiculous thing is that the test questions are made by note or guide since many of the teachers do not have a good idea about creative questions.

As a result, they asked directly help from the guide books. Private and coaching business is unleashed after the creation of creative methods in education system. Frequent public examinations are making coaching, private, model test trade reinforced. As the student's note guidance increased, the dependence towards the coaching or private has increased. As well as the model test trade is increasing day by day.

Consequently, the educational institutions are involving themselves to this business. In the name of additional class and model test, many school-colleges are getting huge amount of money every year from the students. On the first day of the year the government is giving new books to the students. New educational institutes are being established, the government is trying to develop a technology-based education system, increasing stipend, more students are obtaining GPA-5 and the passing rate in the examinations is on the rise but sadly the main goals and objectives of the country's education system are deviating day to day.

Where is the opportunity to develop one's own talent and nobility here? Everyone just wants GPA- 5 whether he or she knows something about country, society and culture or not. We must acknowledge the fact that our country's current education system is unable to make good citizens.

http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=144414

Rape : The dark side of the world's biggest democratic country

It may be harsh to hear that rape is not a new problem in India. Even the death after being raped is not a new phenomenon. Many women had died before being raped in India. But the death of a medical student named Nirbhaya being raped caused a huge stir in the whole of India. This incident pushed the conscience of the Indian people. As far as I remember Nirbhaya was raped on December 16, 2012 on a bus on the way to return home after watching a movie with her friend. She breathed her last in a Singapore hospital while taking treatment. After the rape and murder of Nirbhaya, there was an unprecedented protest across India. 

The whole of India was busted into protest in this incident. Then Indian Police arrested the criminals in the face of the mass protests. About four people were ordered to be hanged in the case of gang-rape and murder of medical student Nirbhaya in the trial. After this incident in Delhi, the Indian government passed a new law against rape of women and for the protection of women. Along with this, various women rights and human rights organizations in India were vocal against rape and sexual harassments. But sadly, in the last six years after the tragic incident of 2012, the incidents of rape in the country are not far away, but it is increasing day by day. 

According to official data, there are more than 50 rape cases per day in India. In addition, a private voluntary organization states that every 15 minutes a child is subjected to sexual abuse.

Recently, in India-controlled Jammu and Kashmir, a case of raping and killing a child named Asifa Banu, has been discussed again in India. Not only India, there is widespread dissatisfaction in the world for it. Many have been vocal against this incident in social media are already demanding the trial. In the press, I came to know that eight-year-old child Asifa Banu was gang rapped and then was killed after being abducted. What a terrible incident! I do not know how to condemn this incident! Having seen the picture of Asifa Banu in social media, I feel a special fondness towards her. She is like an angel. But she could not escape herself from the sensual eyes of the barbarian rapist. Where are the humanities, values and ethics! Really this is so inhumane and pathetic.

After the rape and assassination of Nirbhaya, there was temporary relief due to the rising voices of the Indians, increasing awareness and ensuring the exemplary punishments of the culprits. But anti-human crimes like rape have not been stopped. The little girl Asifa Banu is the last victim yet now. As compared to earlier, the rate of education has increased in Indian, financial independence has also increased along with women's participation in the work force. The society has progressed in comparison to the earlier. But then there is a rise in crime against humanity like rape, but why this situation repeating?

India's recent entertainment style is playing a role in creating social decline. With the influence of satellite some of the songs that are used in the Indian film by the name of item song created in the deformed manhood theme, their half-naked presentations and distorted gestures are not unknown to us. Most of these are sexual stimulants as well as abusive for women. Women are shown as products in this type of song, advertisement and cinema. The spread of ill-entertainment and advertising is, not only in India but also in developing countries like Bangladesh, making the normal life of women abnormal. 

As well as the absence of strong administrative structure like Western countries, the lack of honesty and expertise of law enforcement agencies has marginalised the rights and security of women. Although many organizations are working in order to establishing women's rights, in most cases they are showing failure. There are scopes to question the activities of these organizations. Moreover, There is no scope for denial that India's poor security system and the serious depletion of the social values are making women's life increasingly endangered. Also religious superstitions, the domination of patriarchal attitude are creating obstacles.

Earlier, the religious leader of India, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, was accused of rape and he was convicted. But despite being convicted, the Indian government had to face many problems to execute that sentence. The religious beliefs of the people of India are being misused by a religious class in India. There are many allegations against these religious leaders, but no one opens their mouth against them.

India is unique to tourists for its history and tradition. But in the event of continuous rape, going to India to the foreigners is now a panic. Many tourists in India had been subjected to sexual harassment and rape. Earlier, United Nations as well as several international human rights organizations started worrying about rape and killing of a foreigner. 

A Bangladeshi girl named Nargis went to visit Azmir Sharif and returned dead after being raped. In these incidents, Indian government and law enforcement agencies may adopt additional warnings for the safety of women. But the problems were not solved--- repeatedly the incidents of sexual harassment, rape and murder are giving the message. 

It is a matter of shame for a modern democratic state like India. The insecurity of women is destroying India's image abroad. If the Indian government cannot stop the degradation of society, if the anti-humanitarian crime cannot be suppressed, India will have to pay a higher price for this in future.

http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=137045

নিভৃত উদ্যানে এক অপরিচিতা

চারপাশে মূর্ছনার সুরে, মন যেন কাকে খুঁজে মরে।

কখনো দূর থেকে কিছু হাহাকার

বৃষ্টি হয়ে প্লাবিত করে জমিন।

গোধূলির রাঙা আলোয় বর্ষার জলে ভিজতে থাকা একাকী শালিক -

নীরবে রচনা করে একাকিত্বের আখ্যান।

প্রণয়ের গভীর আবেগে অবুঝ মনে খুঁজে ফেরে বর্ণহীন শব্দের উৎস।

এ কোন ব্যাকুলতা, নাকি কেবলই ভ্রান্তি আমার?

জীবন পাতার অনেক খবর

মার্চ মাস আমাদের জাতীয় জীবনে অন্যান্য মাসের তুলনায় এর গুরুত্ব একটু বেশিই। ২৬ মার্চ আমাদের স্বাধীনতা দিবস; এদিন আনুষ্ঠানিকভাবে আমাদের স্বাধীনতার সংগ্রাম শুরু হয়। এ মাসে জন্ম নিয়েছেন আমাদের স্বাধীনতার স্থপতি বঙ্গবন্ধু শেখ মুজিবুর রহমান। যার জন্ম না হলে হয়তো বাংলাদেশ স্বাধীনই হতো না। এ মাসেই আমাদের স্বাধীনতার নায়ক শেখ মুজিবুর রহমান ঢাকার রেসকোর্স ময়দানে (বর্তমান সোহরাওয়ার্দী উদ্যান) লাখো মানুষের সমাবেশে জাতির উদ্দেশে এক গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভাষণ প্রদান করেছিলেনÑইতিহাসখ্যাত ৭ মার্চের ভাষণ। বঙ্গবন্ধুর এ ভাষণ স্বাধীনতাকামী বাঙালি জাতির অনুপ্রেরণা হিসেবে বিবেচনা করা হয়। এটি মুক্তিবাহিনীতে যোগদানকারী মুক্তিযোদ্ধাদের অংশগ্রহণের অন্যতম প্রেরণা হিসেবে কাজ করেছিল। ৭ মার্সের বিখ্যাত ভাষণের মধ্যে বাঙালির মুক্তির বার্তা ছিল। এ ভাষণে তিনি বাঙালিদের স্বাধীনতা সংগ্রামের জন্য প্রস্তুত হওয়ার আহ্বান জানান। এরপর শুরু হয় দীর্ঘ সংগ্রাম; যার ফলে আমরা পেয়েছি লাল সবুজের পতাকা। ঐতিহাসিক এ ভাষণের গুরুত্ব অনুভব করে গত বছর ইউনেসকো ৭ মার্চের ভাষণকে ‘ডকুমেন্টারি হেরিটেজ’ (বিশ্ব প্রামাণ্য ঐতিহ্য) হিসেবে স্বীকৃতি দিয়েছে। এটা আমাদের জন্য অত্যন্ত আনন্দের এবং গর্বের বিষয়।

গৌরবান্বিত এ ঘটনাকে উদযাপনের জন্য সোহরাওয়ার্দী উদ্যানে নাগরিক সমাবেশের আয়োজন করা হয়। দেশের বিভিন্ন প্রান্ত থেকে অসংখ্য মানুষ সোহরাওয়ার্দী উদ্যানে সমবেত হয়। এ পর্যন্ত সবই ঠিক ছিল। কিন্তু বিপত্তি ঘটল যখন ৭ মার্চ উপলক্ষে সোহরাওয়ার্দী উদ্যানে আয়োজিত জনসভাকে কেন্দ্র করে রাজধানীর শাহবাগসহ আশপাশের বিভিন্ন এলাকায় বেশ কিছু নারী ইভটিজিং ও হয়রানির শিকার হলেন। অশ্রাব্য গালি থেকে শুরু করে তাদের গায়ে বোতলের পানি ছিটিয়ে দেওয়া, বোতল ছুড়ে মারা এবং ঘিরে ধরে শারীরিকভাবে হেনস্তা করার মতো ঘটনা ঘটেছে বলে অভিযোগ ওঠে। ভুক্তভোগী নারীদের কেউ কেউ সামাজিক যোগাযোগের মাধ্যমে এসব ঘটনার কথা তুলে ধরেছেন। চারিত্রিক ও নৈতিক মূল্যবোধ কোথায় গিয়ে নেমেছে! একটা স্বাধীন দেশে, ঐতিহাসিক একটি মুহূর্ত উদযাপনকে কেন্দ্র করে নারীরা লাঞ্ছিত হয়, হেনস্তার শিকার হয়, সিসি ক্যামেরা ও শত শত আইনশৃঙ্খলা বাহিনীও সেদিন তাদের নিরাপত্তা নিশ্চিত করতে পারেনি। ভুক্তভোগীদের অবস্থাটা চিন্তা করলে শরীরের লোম খাঁড়া হয়ে যায়। এ ঘটনায় আমাদের মাননীয় স্বরাষ্ট্রমন্ত্রী বলেছেন, দোষীদের আইনের আওতায় এনে বিচার করা হবে। কিন্তু তার এ কথায় কতটুকু আস্থা রাখা যায়? যতদূর জানি, আজ অবধি এ ঘটনার সঙ্গে জড়িত কোনো অপরাধীকে গ্রেফতার করাও সম্ভব হয়নি। দৃষ্টান্তমূলক শাস্তি নিশ্চিত করা তো অনেক দূরের বিষয়। গত বছরের পহেলা বৈশাখে নববর্ষের উৎসবে ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের টিএসসি-সংলগ্ন সোহরাওয়ার্দী উদ্যানের ফটকে ঠিক একইভাবে নারী লাঞ্ছনার ঘটনা ঘটেছিল। প্রমাণসহ সেই ঘটনা সামাজিক ও গণমাধ্যমে প্রকাশিত হয়েছিল। কিন্তু ওই ঘটনায় অপরাধীদের দৃষ্টান্তমূলক কোনো শাস্তি হয়েছে এমন খবর আজও শুনিনি। সুতরাং এবারের ঘটনায় দোষীদের যে বিচার হবে, দৃষ্টান্তমূলক শাস্তি হবে রাষ্ট্রের ওপর এমন আস্থা কীভাবে রাখি? এসব কুলাঙ্গারদের বিচার না হওয়ার সঙ্গে ক্ষমতার কু-প্রভাব জড়িত থাকে। যেসব অপরাধী ক্ষমতার সঙ্গে যুক্ত নয়, দেখা যাচ্ছে তাদের বিচার হয়। আর যারা ক্ষমতার সঙ্গে জড়িত, তারা বিচারের বাইরে থেকে যায়। অপরাধ করে দিব্যি বুক ফুলিয়ে ঘুরে বেড়ায়। নতুন অপরাধের জন্ম দেয়। এদের শাস্তি হয় তখনই, যখন জনগণ আন্দোলন করে রাষ্ট্রকে বাধ্য করে।

রাষ্ট্র ও সমাজ জীবনে নারীর সম-অধিকার, মর্যাদা ও ক্ষমতায়ন নিশ্চিত করার জন্য বিশ্বের অন্যান্য দেশের মতো বাংলাদেশেও প্রতি বছর নানা কর্মসূচির মধ্য দিয়ে আন্তর্জাতিক নারী দিবস উদযাপিত হয়। এ বছরও চলতি মাসের ৮ তারিখে দিবসটি পালিত হয়েছে। নারী সম-অধিকার ও ক্ষমতায়ন বিষয়ে সারা বিশ্ব এখন সোচ্চার। নারীরাও এখন নিজেদের অধিকারের বিষয়ে অনেক বেশি সচেতন। ফলে জেন্ডার সমতার বিষয়টি পুরোপুরিভাবে প্রতিষ্ঠিত না হলেও আগের তুলনায় নারীর অবস্থার অনেকটা উন্নতি হয়েছে। ঊনবিংশ শতকে বাঙালি নারী জাগরণের অগ্রদূত বেগম রোকেয়া সাখাওয়াত হোসেন সমাজজীবনে সর্বক্ষেত্রে নারীদের পশ্চাৎপদতার আক্ষেপ করে বলেছিলেন, স্বামী যখন পৃথিব থেকে সূর্য ও নক্ষত্রের দূরত্ব মাপেন, স্ত্রী তখন একটা বালিশের ওয়াড়ের দৈর্ঘ্য-প্রস্থ (সেলাই করার জন্য) মাপেন! স্বামী যখন কল্পনা-সাহায্যে সুদূর আকাশে গ্রহ-নক্ষত্রমালা-বেষ্টিত সৌরজগতে বিচরণ করেন, সূর্যম-লের ঘনফল তুলাদ-ে ওজন করেন এবং ধূমকেতুর গতি নির্ণয় করেন, স্ত্রী তখন রন্ধনশালায় বিচরণ করেন, চাল-ডাল ওজন করেন এবং রাঁধুনির গতি নির্ণয় করেন। দেশে নারীদের এখন আর সেই আগের অবস্থা নেই। মানুষের দৃষ্টিভঙ্গিরও অনেক ইতিবাচক পরিবর্তন হয়েছে। নারীরাও এখন রান্নাঘর থেকে বেরিয়ে এসেছে। পরিবার, সমাজ ও রাষ্ট্রের বিভিন্ন গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ক্ষেত্রে মেধা ও কর্মদক্ষতার পরিচয় দিয়ে প্রমাণ করেছে তারা শুধু সন্তান উৎপাদন ও পুরুষের মনোরঞ্জনের জন্য পৃথিবীর বুকে আসেনি। বিশ্বের উন্নত দেশগুলোর নারীর ক্ষমতায়নের সঙ্গে পাল্লা দিয়ে বাংলাদেশের নারীরা দ্রুত অগ্রসর হচ্ছে। বাংলাদেশ এখন নারীর ক্ষমতায়নের ক্ষেত্রে বিশ্বের রোল মডেল। বর্তমান সরকারের প্রধানমন্ত্রী, সংসদের বিরোধীদলীয় নেতা, সংসদের বাইরে বিরোধী দলের নেতা, সংসদ উপনেতা ও স্পিকার প্রত্যেকেই নারী। এ ছাড়া প্রশাসনের গুরুত্বপূর্ণ পদে নারীরা মেধা ও যোগ্যতা দিয়ে কাজ করে যাচ্ছে। নারী জ্ঞানার্জনের মাধ্যমে পরাধীনতার শৃঙ্খল ভেঙে নিজেদের যোগ্যতায় এবং রাষ্ট্রের পৃষ্ঠপোষকতায় সামনে এগিয়ে যাচ্ছে। বাংলাদেশের রফতানি আয়ের একটি অন্যতম বড় উৎস তৈরি পোশাক খাত। দেশের রফতানি আয়ের একটি সিংহভাগ আসে এ খাত থেকে। দেশের পোশাকশিল্পে নিয়োজিত অধিকাংশ শ্রমিক নারী। এ ছাড়া কৃষিক্ষেত্রেও নারীদের ভূমিকা গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। পুরুষের সঙ্গে কাঁধে কাঁধ মিলিয়ে নারীরা দেশের উন্নয়নে কাজ করে যাচ্ছে। কিন্তু দুঃখজনক সত্ত্বেও নারী নির্যাতন ও লাঞ্ছনা থেকে নেই। অর্থনৈতিক স্বাধীনতা অর্জন করেও দেখা যাচ্ছে নারী তাদের প্রাপ্য সুযোগ-সুবিধা ও মর্যাদা থেকে বঞ্চিত হচ্ছে। যৌতুকপ্রথা, বাল্যবিবাহ, বহুবিবাহ, ধর্মীয় কুসংস্কার, পারিবারিক জীবনে পুরুষতান্ত্রিক মনোভাবের আধিপত্য, সমাজে বিদ্যমান মান্ধাতা আমলের প্রথা, কুসংস্কার, ইভটিজিং নামক সামাজিক ব্যাধি ইত্যাদি নারীর সম-অধিকার ও মর্যাদা প্রতিষ্ঠার ক্ষেত্রে বড় বাধা হয়ে দাঁড়াচ্ছে। অন্যান্য দেশের তুলনায় বাংলাদেশে রাষ্ট্রীয় ব্যবস্থা ও সামাজিক কর্মকা-ে নারীর অংশগ্রহণ বেড়েছে এটা অস্বীকার করার কোনো সুযোগ নেই। কিন্তু নারী নির্যাতন ও বঞ্চনা থেমে নেই। আন্তর্জাতিক আইন ও সনদের পাশাপাশি দেশে নারী অধিকার সুরক্ষায় আইন রয়েছে। কিন্তু দুঃখজনক হলেও সত্য, নারীরা আজও পরিবারে, সমাজে ও রাষ্ট্রে শারীরিক, মানসিক, অর্থনৈতিক, যৌন নির্যাতনসহ প্রতিনিয়ত বিভিন্ন নির্যাতনের শিকার হচ্ছে। বেসরকারি একটি সংস্থার রিপোর্টে দেখা যাচ্ছে, ২০১৭ সালে শারীরিক নির্যাতনের শিকার হয়েছে ৫ হাজার ৫৮৩ জন নারী, আত্মহত্যার পথ বেছে নিয়েছে ৭৫৭ জন, মানসিক নির্যাতনের শিকার হয়েছে ৬২৮ জন ও অন্যান্য ধরনের নির্যাতনের শিকার হয়েছে ৮৮৮ জন। বাস্তবে এ সংখ্যাটা হয়তো আরো বেশি হবে। কারণ নারী নির্যাতনের ঘটনাগুলোয় ভুক্তভোগীদের অনেকেই সামাজিক মর্যাদাহানির ভয়ে অধিকাংশ ক্ষেত্রে চুপ থাকে। এ থেকে বোঝা যায়, দেশে জেন্ডার সমতার বিষয়টি পুরোপুরিভাবে আজও প্রতিষ্ঠিত হয়নি। এর জন্য পুরুষ সমাজ যে এককভাবে দায়ী ব্যাপারটা এমনও না। অনেক সময় দেখা যায় নারী দ্বারাই নারী নির্যাতিত হচ্ছে। এ জন্য নারীবাদী কিংবা পুরুষবাদী না হয়ে, সবাইকে মানবতাবাদী হওয়াটা খুব বেশি দরকার।

দেশের প্রায় অর্ধেক জনগোষ্ঠী নারী। বৃহৎ এ জনগোষ্ঠীকে পেছনে ফেলে কাক্সিক্ষত উন্নয়ন সম্ভব না। কাক্সিক্ষত উন্নয়নের জন্য নারীর সম-অধিকার ও মর্যাদা প্রতিষ্ঠার মাধ্যমে নারীর ক্ষমতায়ন অবশ্যই প্রতিষ্ঠিত করতে হবে। নারীর প্রতি সব ধরনের সহিংসতা বন্ধ করতে কার্যকর ব্যবস্থা নিতে হবে। নারীরাও সমাজের অংশ এবং আমাদের সার্বিক উন্নয়নের অংশীদার এই বোধ সবার মধ্যে জাগ্রত করতে হবে। সামাজিক দৃষ্টিভঙ্গির ইতিবাচক পরিবর্তন এবং আইনের প্রয়োগই পারে সাম্যের সমঝোতামূলক বৈষম্যহীন শান্তির সমাজব্যবস্থা গড়তে।

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Equal rights and dignity of women

 

A few months ago UNESCO recognized the March 7 speech as "Documentary Heritage" (World Certified Heritage). It is very gleeful and makes us proud. In order to celebrate this glorious event, a citizen rally was organized in Suhrawardy Udyan. People from different parts of the country gathered there to emblazon. So far everything was okay. But there was a problem when several women were being victimized and harassed in different areas around Shahbagh in the capital, organized by the rally. Some of the victim women put the status of this incident on Facebook and these became viral.

Where did the character and moral values of the people! In an independent country, women are assaulted on broad daylight, CC cameras and hundreds of law enforcers are being unable to ensure their security. In this incident, our Honorable Home Minister said that culprits will be brought under the law. But how can we get confidence on his words? As far as I know, it is not possible to arrest any criminal involved in this incident till now.

At the festival of Pohala Baishakh, there were similar incidents of female assault in the same way at the gate of Suhrawardy Udyan, TSC-affiliated to Dhaka University. The evidence was published in media. But I have not even heard of the incident that the perpetrators have been punished exemplary. So this year, the trial of the guilty will be exemplified, how to put such confidence on the state?

With regard to the trial of these culprits, the influences of power are involved. Those criminals who are not related to the power, they are judged. And those who are in power, they are out of trial. They are punished only when people force the state to the movement.

Women assaulting and violence on them is a everyday news in our country. Opening the pages of the newspaper can be seen --- because of dowry, because of not agreeing to the proposal of love, during the daily movement women are subjected to torture and harassment. According to a recent NGO research report, 94 percent of women in the public transport were victims of sexual harassment. What a horrific information! Outside the house or even inside, everywhere women feel insecurity.

A woman's life has passed through numerous such undesirable experiences. Because of family and social conditions, many of the victims do not open their mouth about these issues. In the modern era, with the advancement of knowledge and science, the character and moral values of the people should be increased. But what is the reality? Just shame!

In order to ensure equal rights, dignity and empowerment of women in the state and social life, like others country International Women's Day is celebrated every year through various programs in Bangladesh. This year also the day has been celebrated on 8th of this month.

The world is now vocal about women's rights and empowerment. Women are still much more aware of their rights. As a result, gender equality is not fully established, but women's condition has improved much earlier. Now women are coming out of the kitchen. Identity of talent and competence in many important areas of family, society and state has proved that they do not come to the world only to produce children and entertain men. Bangladesh's women are fast moving forward with the empowerment of women in the developed countries of the world.

Bangladesh is now the role model of women in empowering. The Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition, the Leader of the Opposition outside Parliament and the speaker are all women. Besides, women are working with merit and qualification in the important positions of the administration.

Through the knowledge, breaking the chain of subordination, women are moving forward with their qualifications and patronage of the state. One of the major sources of export earnings of Bangladesh is the readymade garments. A major portion of the country's export earnings comes from this sector. Most of the labourers are women engaged in the garment industry.

Apart from this, women's role in agriculture is also remarkable. Women are working on the development in the countryside with shoulder to shoulder with men. But despite all, women torturing and assaulting are not stopped. Women are being deprived of their rights and dignity although they achieve economic independence. Dowry system, child marriage, polygamy, religious superstitions, the domination of patriarchal attitude etc. have become a major obstacle in establishing equal rights and dignity of women.

There is no scope to deny that women's participation in national arrangements and social activities in Bangladesh has increased in comparison. But oppression and deprivation of women did not stop. International law and In addition to the Charter, there is a law for protection of women rights in the country. But sadly, women are still subject to various tortures including physical, mental, economic and sexual abuse in the family, in society and in the state.

According to the report of a private agency, in 2017, 5,583 women were victims of physical abuse, 757 people have been killed, 888 people have been victims of mental torture and 628 others tortured. In reality, this number may be even more. Because many of the victims become silent in most of the time because of social disappointment.

The issue of gender equality in the country is not fully established even today, although half of the population of the country is women. It is not possible to go ahead ignoring a larger numbers. Equal rights and dignity of women must be established for the desired developments.

Effective measures should be taken to stop all forms of violence against women. It is necessary to awaken everyone's feelings that women are part of the society and they contribute to the overall development of the country being partner of men. Promoting positive social outlook and proper application of law can establish equal rights and dignity of women.

https://dailyasianage.com/news/116462/equal-rights-and-dignity-of-women