Kissinger of Bangladesh

by Haroon Ur Rashid
October 23, 2008

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/113/kissinger-of-bangladesh

Dr. Kamal Hossain an internationally acclaimed lawyer from Bangladesh also chief of the political party [President] GONO FORUM criticized Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, the Commerce Adviser calling him a MINI KISSINGER for dialoguing with the 'corrupt politicians'. Dr Kamal is famous worldwide as a jurist, and has a long association with the United Nations. From 1998-2003, he served as the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan. He has also been an observer in various elections round the world.

Kamal Hossain was arrested in April 1971 and kept in custody in West Pakistan. He was released with Sheikh Mujib as both of them left Pakistan for London. Dr.Hossain served as the Minister of Law from1972-1973, Minister of Foreign Affairs from1973-1975 and Minister of Petroleum and Minerals from1974-1975 in the Government of Bangladesh during the rule of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The constitution of Bangladesh was drafted by him in 1972. Critics argue that the draft was a major copy-work from Pakistani constitution. But he could not resist the change of the constitution which was made by creating BAKSAL [Bangladesh Krishok Sramik Awamy League] by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was associated with Awami League until the early 1990s, when he formed his own political party, GANO FORUM [People's Forum], following disputes with Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina. After leaving Awami League, he competed in several general elections but never won.

In news briefing following a meeting of his party's standing committee Dr Hussain said,

"Like a mini Kissinger, the commerce adviser is now very busy meeting and dialoguing with political leaders, even the corrupt ones. He is now commercializing the constitution leaving his commerce ministry duties"

Dr Kamal also branded A.F. Hassan Arif, the Law Adviser as an associate of the MINI KISSINGER and advised the law adviser not to run with the commerce adviser to politicians for 'secret meetings'.

Dr. Kamal Hussain called out with surprise as to why Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed and four other advisers are continuing to have dialogues with corrupt politicians? Dr. Kamal demanded a judicial committee for investigating the incident of granting bail to 206 detainees including many political leaders in 100 minutes. "The law adviser should investigate the issue of granting bail to 206 persons in a day. It's not possible through legal procedures. An investigation should be launched in the interest of the people and the judiciary," Dr Hussain added.

He also urged the caretaker government not to defer the election being threatened by some 'corrupt politicians' who are saying their parties will not participate in the election unless their top leader's release from detention is made permanent.

In a clever remark Dr. Kamal said, "A congenial atmosphere for the next election and unconditional release of corrupt politicians can't go hand in hand. We don't want an election ignoring our constitution." In no case should the present government bow down to unfair demands of a few political parties, also said Dr Kamal. He suggested the government to make public the details of corruption cases against politicians, so that people may know their real face.

As to the highly controversial 'second -headquarter' of BNP, run by son of the former PM Begum Khaleda, Dr Kamal said, "I support Tanvir's proposal for publishing white papers on HAWA BHABAN." It may be mentioned that Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqui is one of the eminent figures in BNP who was a minister during the office of Khaleda Zia's husband President General Ziaur Rahman. He raised question about former president HM Ershad's getting bail in four cases, and termed the whole process as unconstitutional.

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