Business and Politics in the Muslim World Asia Report
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BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD ASIA REPORT First Quarter 2009 Volume: 3 Reports of March, 2009 Table of contents Reports for the month of March Week-1 March 04, 2009 03 Week-2 March 11, 2009 57 Week-3 March 18, 2009 169 Week-4 March 25, 2009 366 Country profiles Sources 2 BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD ASIA REPORT March 4, 2009 Nadia Tasleem: Report on Asia 04 Ashia Rehman: Report on Fertile Crescent 13 3 BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD SOUTH & EAST ASIA and GCC & Fertile Crescent Nadia Tasleem Weekly Report from 21 February 2009 to 27 February 2009 Presentation: 4 March 2009 This report is based on the review of news items focusing on political, economic, social and geo-strategic developments in various regions namely; South Asia, East Asia, Fertile Crescent and GCC from 21 February 2009 to 27 February 2009 as have been collected by interns. Summary South Asia: Political Front: Government in Bangladesh seems to be struggling for the betterment of their country. In this regard various developments have been observed. Firstly new President Zillur Rahman expressed his desire to work neutrally for the welfare of his countrymen, on the eve of his oath taking as the country's 19th president. Secondly, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced to publish white papers on corruption. BNP Vice-chairman and lawmaker MK Anwar welcomed Prime Minister's idea and at the same time called upon the government not to restrain politicians in the name of curbing corruption. Government meanwhile has allowed all politicians to submit application at scrutiny panel for the cancellation of cases being filed against them to bring political harassment. Thirdly, government has started efforts to make village courts in order to lessen burden from formal courts. Fourthly, government claimed that territory of Bangladesh would no more be used for terrorist activities. Lastly, PM blamed military intervention for absence of true democracy in Bangladesh. She requested her public to stay dedicated to the cause of democracy in order to take Bangladesh to the height of dignity. Meanwhile, an alliance of leftist parties has demanded and an end to 'political interference' by the country's military intelligence agency, along with white papers on all actions of the past caretaker government. On the other hand BNP has announced to take grass root suggestions into notice to strengthen the party. All the while another significant issue emerged when Bangladesh was rattled by a fierce gun battle inside the headquarters of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR - paramilitary border security force); where junior officers have taken control and locked up senior officers in a mutiny. Gun and mortar shell firings were heard 4 and local media reported that 3 civilians and 2 BDR officials died. Government asked them to start negotiations in order to bring stability. Moving towards Srilanka political front remained occupied with issues regarding LTTE and Tamils civilians as well as stance of various states in this issue. Srilankan troops have even captured Tigers' most significant Sea base. Civilians have also started coming out of Tigers' controlled areas. Meanwhile members of Tamil National Alliance seem concerned about their future political role. Above all LTTE has also asked ruling regime to start negotiations to resolve ongoing crisis; government however has demanded release of civilians and total surrender from LTTE. US and UK urged Srilankan government to sort out political solution to Tamils issue. US Treasury even imposed sanctions against LTTE. India meanwhile asked government to suspend military campaign and asked Tigers to lay down arms. EU also asked LTTE to leave arms and participate in the process of democratization. Canadian Parliament also discussed Tamil genocide in their Parliament. Denmark also expressed concern regarding civilians trapped in LTTE controlled areas; government however clarified its position to Danish foreign minister. Russia however dismissed an attempt by Mexico to discuss in the Security Council the current military conflict in Sri Lanka. Srilankan government has agreed with UN to work in coordination to bring peaceful resolution to ongoing Tamils’ issue. UN has also announced to allocate $10 million to Srilanka in order to provide assistance to civilians caught in Tigers’ areas. Eelam National Democratic Liberation Front (ENDLF), a Tamils’ political party has asked India to play urgent role in solving civilians’ issue. The US President has sent message of congrats to newly elected President Nasheed of Maldives. President Nasheed has expressed satisfaction with first 100 years of his government by claiming that no act of revenge has been taken against any member of previous government. President has also appreciated role of defence forces in bringing democracy in their country. Various political parties in Nepal have started putting efforts to reach at a consensus regarding constitution making. Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party (NMKP) has also presented a draft of new constitution calling for executive power of the state to the President. Meanwhile former President has accused new government for its inability to deal with the issue of Nepali Army. Koirala has also asked new regime to stay isolated from religious politics. Likewise major seven parties have reached an agreement to form Integrated Service Centres (ISCs) only on the basis of recommendations made by an all-party committee and the necessity of the people's in the concerned districts. Various parties have expressed serious concerns regarding PM’s recent statement asking Maoists to stay ready for another revolution against those who try to topple Maoists’ regime. General strikes in Terai region also crippled country affairs. India: As far as election campaigns are concerned one of the most significant development had been VHP’s letters to various Muslim ulema asking them to declare India ‘Dar-ul-Aman’ 5 hence asking Muslim Jihadis to stop war against India. They claimed that India is friendly towards Muslims and Islam hence Muslims should not fight against her. Besides that use of abusive language by Narendra Modi against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and in response same thing being done by Congress against BJP, remained visible. Meanwhile Muslim Ulemas in UP have started accusing Mayawati to stop Anti-terror squad from victimizing Muslim youth. Besides all that killing of some high officials in Manipur has brought strong criticism against government hence opposition parties have given the proposal of implementation of Presidential rule in Manipur. They have infact accused government for its inability to control National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) rebels. NSCN-IM however has denied its role in recent killings in the region. As far as issue of Mumbai attacks is concerned efforts are still on the way to find out real culprits. India and Pakistan both seem to be keen in resolving this issue peacefully. As far as Jammu & Kashmir is concerned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that if the situation in the State continued to improve the way as in the recent past, the coalition government would withdraw laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the Disturbed Areas Act. Meanwhile an article by an American investigative Journalist, Steve Coll, published in Washington Post has revealed a secret deal between India and Pakistan regarding Kashmir that was under way during President Musharraf’s regime. Social Front: The only social development in Bangladesh is regarding alarmingly increasing number of drug addicts across the country. According to reports atleast 65 lakhs people including 1 lakh and 50 thousands women are drug addicted, 90 per cent of them are young people between ages of 18 to 25. At Maldivian social front, protest by a group of people asking government to free media remained potent. Meanwhile Maldivian President admired strong Islamic culture prevailing in the country. Above all Secretary-General of Amnesty International (AI) Irene Khan has said that the Maldives now has the best human rights record and has more freedom for press than any other country in South Asia. Flood victims in Nepal launched anti-regime protest in order to grab attention. Drug addiction has appeared to be the most potent issue at Bhutanese social front. Meanwhile a new human rights report by US department of state said the human rights situation in Bhutan has improved in the year 2007 but is not adequate for in a democratic nation. India: 6 At social front the most significant development seems to be statement made by Mufti Shabbir Ahmed Siddiqui, the Imam of a Shia mosque in Ahmedabad; who declared Modi to be a good person hence asked Muslims to forgive him for Gujrat massacre. Meanwhile Lucknow University’s department of ancient Indian history and archaeology has unearthed a 2,000-year-old Shiva temple as part of its excavation project recently in Uttar Pradesh; that is being considered as one among the oldest brick shrines. Besides that sharp rise in human rights violation against minorities, increase in the number of hepatitis victims and growing poverty level mainly in rural areas remained key issues at social front. Lastly debates regarding ‘Slum-dog millionaire’, after its acquisition of 8 Oscar awards remained another hot issue. Geo-strategic Front: Bangladeshi government has announced to provide India with transit facility that has been under discussion for a long time; in case it benefits poor people of Bangladesh. Many within country however have started accusing AL for selling sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh at the hand of India. Meanwhile Pranab Mukherjee during his visit signed two trade pacts with Bangladesh. US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard Boucher paid a visit to Bangladesh during which he held meetings with Home Minister and opposition leader consecutively. He assured full US assistance to Bangladesh in war against terrorism as well as in order to persecute war criminals.