Is there any government in Bangladesh?

Cross section of people in Bangladesh may raise a straight question to each-other. Is there any government in Bangladesh? With my knowledge and what I gather from the media, it is evident that, there is surely a government in Bangladesh, working hard for its survival. I am citing only a few examples, which will possibly give a convincible response to the questions of many:

Ruling 'Grand Alliance' government in Dhaka led by Bangladesh Awami League recently decided in a Cabinet Meeting to cancel the lease of residence of the leader of the opposition, Mrs. Khaleda Zia, inside Dhaka garrison area. This decision was taken just in less than 20 hours from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed's call to the leader of the opposition to vacate the house for constructing multi-storied apartments for the murdered army officers, who were killed during the Bangladesh Riffles (BDR) massacre during February 25-26.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has already started limited demonstrations and protests against this decision of the government. US State Department officials were quoted by News World from New York stating that, this decision of the government was 'unnecessary' and was aimed at creating 'undue political issue'.

Why the ruling government may create 'undue' or 'unnecessary' political issue? Response is not very complex. It is well publicized by now that Sheikh Hasina Wajed's new government is certainly feeling shaken at the ongoing investigation into the BDR Massacre issue. Especially they are concerned at the investigation conducted by army probe committee, which may submit report anytime within May.

Several Bangladeshi newspapers are continuing publishing news scoops quoting probe committees, giving some details on the conspiracy behind the barbaric massacre, which not only caused lives of army officers but dignity of a large number of female members of their families.

Bangladesh Awami League's leader Torab Ali Akhand and his son Leather Liton (a notorious terrorist), BDR deputy assistant director (DAD) Towhid confessed to the interrogators giving details of the conspiracy. According to facts disclosed by them the matter of 'blueprint' to stage the massacre and kill army officers were already within the knowledge of a number of influential members of the government. They are Sheikh Hasina Wajed's cousin and influential leader of Bangladesh Awami League, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim; Sheikh Hasina Wajed's nephew and Member of Parliament Sheikh Fazley Noor Taposh and Home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) sources reported came to know that members of 'angry' BDR men sat in a number of secret meetings at the residence of Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Barrister Fazley Noor Taposh. Holding of such meetings began from October last year. Barrister Taposh assured the BDR men that once his party comes in power, the issue of several demands by the members of Bangladesh's border security forces shall be duly considered. He (Taposh) arranged meetings between the kingpins of BDR massacre with Awami League leader Torab Ali Akhand.

There are allegations of involvement of Bangladesh Awami League's student wing leader Harunur Rashid aka Leather Liton and his brother-in-law Rezaul Karim Razu with the brutal massacre conspiracy as well as of helping the fleeing mutineers.

According to information, the kingpins of the massacre met Barrister Fazley Noor Taposh at his office of 17-18 December with their demands. During the meeting, BDR men decided to vote for 'Boat' symbol and help Barrister Taposh in winning the election.

¾ days after the election and declaration of landslide victory of Bangladesh Awami League, some leaders of BDR met Taposh at his electoral office at Sky Center at Dhaka's Dhanmondi area. Subsequently, the kingpins of BDR massacre met Barrister Taposh's uncle and influential leader of the ruling party, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim on February 13, 2009 at 9:00 pm at his residence at Banani residential area in Dhaka, with their demands. He (Sheikh Selim) told them that, the matter was not within his purview and suggested them to contact the Home Minister.

Later, the BDR men met Home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun and pressed forward their demands. They went to 'Imperial Rest House' and the residence of the Home Minister at least thrice to meet her. As they could not meet the Home Minister, a written copy of their demands were handed over to the personal secretary to the minister and subsequently, the kingpins were able to communicate with Advocate Sahara Khatun over cell phone on a number of times.

Later, the kingpins of the massacre prepared a leaflet (which was later distributed inside the BDR headquarters on February 24) and sent copies of it to Barrister Fazley Noor Taposh, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed.

Subsequently, the kingpins decided to hold the director general of BDR and other senior officer hostage to press their demand. A number of leaders of Bangladesh Awami League gave them this suggestions with the hope that, once the officers are held hostage, the government will quickly accept their demands.

While, the issue of anger within BDR was already within the knowledge of some of the influential members of the ruling party, this message also reached the attention of anti-army elements like Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mirza Azam etc. This angry section of leaders started efforts in turning the hostage plan to murder and rape conspiracy with the goal of 'giving a proper lesson' to army for their 'anti politician offensives' during the anti-corruption drive.

Sensing proven involvement of a number of influential Awami League leaders behind the February's BDR Massacre, the ruling party is desperately trying to somehow divert people's attention towards other issues thus finally killing the investigation reports. It is even rumored that the government has 'managed' several high-ranking army officials in not releasing the investigation report in next several months.

There are similar instructions with Criminal Investigation Department to avert any involvement of Awami League leaders behind the conspiracy and bring out a 'eye-washing' report to the nation. Officers are given promises of 'multiple benefits' once they will be able to 'cool down' the entire issue.

Meanwhile, huge volume of counterfeit currency was recovered from a residential hotel named Imperial Guest House in Dhaka, which is owned by the brother of Home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun. Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) raided the hotel at around 5 pm (Bangladesh Time) on April 10, 2009. Sensing RAB's presence, nephew of the Home Minister, Polash entered into verbal altercations as well physical assault with the members of the elite force. This raid was conducted following statement from some counterfeit money dealers arrested earlier. Huge volume of counterfeit money as well as equipment of making such currency was seized from the hotel. Forgers were arrested along with the nephew of the Home Minister. But, later, due to 'influence' from the high-ups, Polash was released.

Sheikh Hasina Wajed has declared recently that Bangladesh will also launch its own satellite soon. Although many might have taken this as part of government's 'Digital Bangladesh' plan, it is greatly anticipated that Mrs. Hasina might have made such announcements keeping the issue of North Korea's satellite launching recently, which drew global attention. It is also learnt that Bangladesh is continuing negotiations with Iran and Russia for establishment of nuclear based power plant as well launching of the satellite. China is also one of the potential 'partners' in such projects. The latest announcement is also made to divert the attention of local and international community from the BDR massacre to various other issues.

From the above points, it is possibly clear that the present rulers in Dhaka are struggling hard for their survival. One of the key factors for the government of Sheikh Hasina Wajed is to make sure that the BDR Massacre investigation never sees light of the sun. This is the most crucial point for her government, and they will do anything in ensuring this.