Inside Thought

Awami League has one Sheikh Hasina


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Like everyone else, I am also drawn to chatter. Sometimes I just want a storm in a cup of tea. Whether it is politics or literature. I was talking to a senior leader of Awami League. We were talking about the current political and economic situation. Another colleague of mine was also at the table. We discussed about whether or not BNP will participate in the next election. The current state of Sri Lanka, the war in Ukraine, the global reality and the challenges facing the government were not left out from the storm in a cup of tea. We questioned what will be the role of America and India regarding Bangladesh in the upcoming elections and why diplomats are so active about Bangladesh now. The leader was giving his opinion. Again he was throwing questions to us. The leader said, 'Neither BNP nor foreigners are a factor for us. The politics of Bangladesh is not dependent on foreign countries. Nothing will happen in this country at the behest of any other country's ambassador or high commissioner. BNP's attempt to fish in troubled water will be of no use. Sushil and doctors' multifaceted activities in the country and abroad will be ruined if we are good.' I was listening to the words attentively. I asked, what do you mean by saying we are good? Please elaborate. In response, the leader said, 'We mean the Awami League. Talking about the activities of our leaders and workers. Common people see the activities of the government party. But some people do whatever they want without understanding. They engage in fights among themselves. Creates unnecessary controversy. Manifests unrestrained behavior. Does not want to understand reality. People are disappointed by this. The workers of the government party are angry and saddened. Our problem is with our inner troubles. Outside conspiracies were there before; they are still there. Only by dealing with them Awami League is in today's position.

 

I liked the words. Awami League is an old, traditional and experienced political party. Over the ages, this party has fought various movements. This party has led the liberation war. Sheikh Hasina fought with Bangabandhu's Awami League all her life. Established human rights. Today's Awami League is enjoying the benefits of her sacrifice. She has created a record of consecutive powers. Bangabandhu and Sheikh Hasina's Awami League knows how to agitate and how to disrupt a movement. The party has equal experience of being in and out of power for a long time. BNP does not have the strength to do anything with a strong stand against this party. Tiredness has developed within the BNP for being out of power for a long time. After Begum Khaleda Zia went to jail, there was despair. BNP is no longer in its previous position. They could not create any movement for the release of the party chairperson. Couldn't stand by the leader. There is still no end to the problems inside and outside the party. Begum Khaleda Zia is now physically ill. She is surrounded by doctors, lawsuits and jails. General leaders and workers are worried about her physical condition. Another top leader of the party is in London. Bangladeshi politics cannot be led at the top level while sitting on foreign soil. Mirza Fakhrul is fighting to manage the team in this difficult environment. It is still not the time to tell how much he can do. However, as a gentleman, Mirza Fakhrul has established a position in the country and abroad. And surviving.

 

The political reality of ruling party and opposition parties are completely different. There is account of demand in government party. Assault case and jail on opposition party. Awami League was in the opposition for a long time. They are in today's position after facing difficult situations including assault case and lawsuits. No one faced more adversity than Awami League. After August 15, 1975, this party was out of power for 21 years. 1975 to 1980 was a miserable time for the party. Then the leaders decided to bring Bangabandhu Daughter to support the party due to the difficult reality. Millions of Awami League workers welcomed the news of the leader's arrival. Enthusiasm was created in the team. These workers were Bangabandhu's trust. Sheikh Hasina also survives in their love. 1977 paved the way for Sheikh Hasina to take charge of Awami League. The conference was held on April 3 and 4 that year at the Eden Hotel in Dhaka. Sheikh Hasina was brought to a silent discussion among the party workers of that conference. In the conference, Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury was one of the claimants of the party president. Syeda Zohra Tajuddin inaugurated the conference under the chairmanship of Molla Jalaluddin. Many leaders including Fanibhushan Majumder, Zahirul Qayoum directly opposed Mizan Chowdhury in that conference. Young leaders agreed to it. In that council Syeda Zohra Tajuddin was temporarily made the convener. Later, Abdul Malek Ukil took over as president. Abdur Razzak became the general secretary and Tofail Ahmed became the Organizing Secretary.

 

In that conference, Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury paid tribute to Bangabandhu and said, 'The leader is gone but the workers are left behind. If a civilian government is established in the country, then it is possible for Awami League to form that government.' Mizan Chowdhury's speech encouraged the leaders and workers of Awami League. The idea was created around Sheikh Hasina. The next conference of Awami League was held on February 13-15, 1981. A year before that conference, the leaders started coming and going to Delhi. They requested Bangabandhu Daughter to take charge of the party. Dr. SA Malek, Zillur Rahman, IV Rahman, Abdus Samad Azad, Korban Ali, Amir Hossain Amu, Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury and other senior leaders repeatedly went with the request. In the 1981 conference, Sheikh Hasina's name was announced as the president. There was no other alternative to keep the Awami League together and to energize the workers. After the conference many leaders including Abdul Malek Ukil, Dr. Kamal Hossain, Zillur Rahman, IV Rahman, Abdul Mannan of Tangail, Abdus Samad Azad, Korban Ali, Zohra Tajuddin, Sajeda Chowdhury, Golam Akbar Chowdhury, Amir Hossain Amu, Abdur Razzak, Tofail Ahmed and many others went to Delhi again. Separately, SA Malek was the first to go. They met with the leader about the date of return to the country. Awami League leaders and workers all over the country were waiting for her return. Finally, the wait ended on May 17 of the same year.

 

Before Sheikh Hasina took the lead, there was apprehension about the future of Awami League. There were fears about survival. Sheikh Hasina took the helm of Awami League in a difficult environment. She was only 34 then. It was a challenge to lead such a big team at that age. Bangabandhu's daughter faced the challenge and brought the Awami League closer to power in 1986. Became the leader of the opposition party in the National Parliament. As in 1986, Awami League could not come to power in 1991 due to conspiracy. With infinite patience she tackled everything single-handedly. Awami League came to power in 1996 due to her single activism. After five years, in 2001, the conspiracy started again around Awami League. Awami League's preferred CEC was in the net of that plot. No support was received from the Awami League nominated president. After BNP-Jamaat came to power, riots started all over the country. Khaleda Zia's government had to send in the army to stop the violence. Operation Cleanheart was conducted across the country. The army went back after dealing with the situation. But the conspiracy against Sheikh Hasina was not over. This time, a grenade attack was carried out to kill Bangabandhu's daughter. The head of various agencies of the state has been accused in this incident and is now in jail. Allah saved her from death in a grenade attack on 21 August. Allah has kept her alive for people because she wants to do great work for the country.

 

Not only on August 21, Sheikh Hasina was repeatedly attacked after coming to the country in 1981, before 1996 and after 2001. She faced death. She was imprisoned. But she dealt the situation with extreme patience. Handled everything inside and outside the party. Many people may have forgotten many realities. Awami League would have come to power in 1986 and 1991 if Bakshal was not formed under the leadership of Abdur Razzak. We didn't have to wait until 1996. She handled the challenges of Dr. Kamal Hossain, Mostafa Mohsin Montu. Brought Abdur Razzaq back home. Abolished Razzak’s Bakshal. During and after the 1991 elections, we toured the country with Sheikh Hasina and saw people's love for her. She is responding to the love of the people of Bangladesh by coming to power with the surprise of development. Her philosophy, strong leadership of thought gave new height to Awami League and brought to a new level. Expectations have increased about Bangladesh in the country and abroad. Countries like Pakistan sees Bangladesh as a role model of development. Appreciates the Padma Bridge. This is the success of Sheikh Hasina; the success is of Bangabandhu's ideological style. People's expectations have increased for the healthy development of Bangladesh in the future. A new dream has been created. This achievement cannot be hindered by the childish behavior of some fools. I don't think Sheikh Hasina herself will let anyone do that.

 

The over-enthusiasts destroy Awami League all the time. Damaged reputation at home and abroad. Why would the party take responsibility of some ministers, MPs, leaders and bureaucrats? It is not the responsibility of an MP to beat. Committee Trade is not the responsibility of responsible affiliate leader. Many leaders and activists at the field level regretted the committee trade. Expressed disappointment about not holding the conference. For two and a half years, the Central Jubo League could not protect the request of Comilla South District Awami League President, General Secretary to make a committee. This organization is now of no good. One of Omar Farooq Chowdhury's critics said that he used to take decisions in haste. At the end of the day, he would organize and return home. Now it's the opposite. That day, an MP lamented about the Chhatra League. He said, they are taking money from both sides with the committee. Such committee trade is not the political culture of Awami League. If dynamic leadership is not created, if competent leaders do not come, the influence of government bureaucrats in politics will naturally increase. I have seen many bureaucrats become Awami Leaguers in the last 12 years. I have also seen it changed. Many people make new calculations after retirement. Forget about becoming a super Awami League during service. Some become civils. They speak on talk-shows and criticize the Awami League government. They express their displeasure if they do not get a contract appointment or a new five-year appointment to a commission. Forget what get got during their tenure. Awami League cannot depend on bureaucracy. Awami League is a political party based on labor. There are twelve types of people gathering in this group. But field workers are different. They have no demand. They worked for Bangabandhu. And working for Bangabandhu Daughter. They don't compare what they got and what they didn't. Because of that Awami League surviving. And will be surviving. As long as Sheikh Hasina is there, I don't see anything to worry about this party. She is handling everything single-handedly. She is the center of trust.


Awami League   Sheikh Hasina   Bangladesh   Politics  


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Inside Thought

Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, BMRC is at the forefront of research


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The Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emphasized that healthcare and its improvement were crucial for the development of the country. He believed that without advancements in healthcare and its infrastructure, and without people having the right to good health, building the nation would not be possible. Therefore, Bangabandhu formulated a beautiful policy framework at that time, which was both modern and scientifically sound. Most importantly, her daughter the visionary statesperson Sheikh Hasina has been implementing those policies in the same manner as Bangabandhu initiated, based on his foundational principles.

Bangabandhu's healthcare system was not only centralized in the capital, but it also extended to districts, police stations, unions, and even village levels. What we now call community clinics was Bangabandhu's dream. At that time, Bangabandhu could not implement the community clinic. However, today, his daughter, the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has successfully completed this initiative, setting a global example. Recognized by the United Nations as 'The Sheikh Hasina Initiative,' it stands unparalleled in the annals of world history, with no other individual having such a resolution named after them. 

After independence, the healthcare system was completely disorganized and inadequate. At that time, Bangabandhu elevated the status of doctors to first class. There was no higher education or research opportunity for doctors after MBBS. Bangabandhu then established the IPGMR. Today, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina it is Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, holding a prominent position as an academic institution and its reputation has spread globally as well.

After the assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975, BMRC was a toothless, spineless, dormant institution. When Sheikh Hasina took charge of the state, she handed over the responsibility of BMRC to Professor Dr. Syed Modasser Ali. BMRC is today a pioneer in research under the guidance of the Philosophical Statesperson Sheikh Hasina. But we have no chance of complacency. A few days ago, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina instructed doctors to focus on research work. She is very interested in herself. In all fields of research only doctors seem to be a little weak in this regard. Hon'ble Prime Minister is ready to do whatever is necessary for this. All we have to do is take initiatives.


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Inside Thought

Developing health systems without evidence-based information is a challenging task


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After independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave us this instruction that for a state to prosper economically and stand firmly on its feet, the health of its people must be safeguarded. In line with this vision, he initiated the development of Bangladesh's healthcare system, laying down a blueprint for its advancement. This vision is enshrined in the constitution of Bangladesh, emphasizing the centrality of healthcare to the well-being of its citizens. Drawing inspiration from Bangabandhu's philosophy, our esteemed leader, Sheikh Hasina, continues to steer our nation, providing constant guidance and implementing effective measures to further enhance the country's healthcare system. 

Developing the healthcare system in Bangladesh is challenging without evidence-based research. Without understanding our challenges and opportunities, progress in healthcare is hindered. Research is essential for identifying areas for improvement. We categorize this research into three parts: basic research, gathering evidence-based information for healthcare system development, and public health research. Each of these studies plays a crucial role in advancing our healthcare system.

Community Clinics became a gambling den because the BNP government never realized how much necessary it was for the country. We are delighted that today, under the leadership of visionary statesperson Sheikh Hasina, our country has revitalized these Community Clinics, reviving their programs. Now we need research. Therefore, the benchmark of Bangladesh's healthcare system will be these Community Clinics. In this case, BMRC has a vital role to play. If we can't collect research data, then we can't develop. We need to change our current health system but we need to do a thorough research on where the change is needed, why it is needed, and how it is needed. I believe that the current government under the guidance of the Philosophical Statesperson Sheikh Hasina will increase such research work. As a result, the activities of Bangladesh Medical Research Council will increase and become stronger.



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Inside Thought

Like the economy, we will also advance in research under the guidance of the Prime Minister


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The Honourable Prime Minister has provided a strategic framework for medical research. Henceforth, we can develop a five-year action plan under the guidance of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC). It is imperative for doctors to show interest in medical research. Integration of research methodology into medical education curriculum is underway but requires reinforcement. Adequate evaluation mechanisms should be established for physicians committed to medical research. Offering research incentives to those dedicated to medical research instead of private practice is likely to attract numerous young doctors to the field. Incorporating research findings into national-level policy-making will not only incentivize researchers but also enhance systems for the utilization of research outcomes. An initiative should be launched to facilitate collaboration among researchers at all levels, both domestically and internationally. This will afford local researchers the opportunity to work alongside their international counterparts, while also allowing international researchers to recognize Bangladesh's potential in medical research.

Doctors should not only be stuck in pursuing higher degrees or promotions through research. In this regard, health policy makers should also take precedence. It is essential to ensure the participation of doctors in national and international seminars, both domestically and abroad. The more doctors participate in international seminars, the more they will be exposed to various aspects and methodologies of global research, which will stimulate their interest in research. Moreover, such seminars hold immense potential for bilateral research collaborations with researchers from different countries.

Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Eye Hospital and Training Institute, established in the name of Bangamata in Gopalganj, is the only regional research center of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council till now. I will again call to open a cell of "Bangamata National Cellular and Molecular Research Center" at our regional research center. Then, inspiration in research among the doctors of the southern-western region will be observed, and a new gateway of research will be opened in this region. Bangladesh is now globally recognized for its emerging economic power in the world economy. Under the guidance of the visionary statesperson, the Honorable Prime Minister, we will also advance in medical research. With the assistance of BMRC, we will conduct three internationally acclaimed researches from our regional research center and publish the results of the research in international standard journals. This is my commitment to the Honorable Prime Minister.


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Inside Thought

Prime Minister's Endless Support Fuels Research Endeavors


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The lifelong goal of the Father of the Nation was to bring smiles to the faces of the distressed people of Bangladesh. He prioritized the healthcare sector to achieve this goal. In just over three years, he took several significant steps to improve the country's healthcare system. He formulated robust constitutional policies, practical action plans, and necessary infrastructure.

The history of medical science is as ancient as human history itself. With the integration of global technology, the father of the nation established the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) in 1972 to advance the country's medical field through innovative means. He outlined the functions of BMRC, which included improving and organizing scientific research in various branches of health sciences, providing training to public health workers, and publishing research findings. To develop and organize scientific research in the various disciplines of health, reproductive health and nutrition to identify issues and problems related to medical and health care needs. To develop manpower in health research through training programs and workshops and to ensure appropriate application and utilization of medical research results. BMRC, established under the guidance of the father of the nation, is a significant institution in health science research. By conducting demand-driven modern research programs in various branches of medical science, it will assist in establishing smart universal health care for the health sector. This is our expectation from BMRC.

Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of the Father of the Nation, repeatedly urges doctors to pay special attention to medical research. She often says, "Excellence cannot be achieved without research. Doctors cannot just provide treatment and expect progress. Researching alongside is also essential." Following in the footsteps of her father's legacy, she has led extensive development and implementation in the health sector over the past 15 years, reaching the doorsteps of the people. Her sincere efforts and interest in medical research are commendable, and we want to utilize them for the benefit of our country. We are extremely fortunate to have such a Prime Minister who is highly enthusiastic about medical research herself. With her guidance, we express hope that research activities in the medical field will commence in Bangladesh.


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Inside Thought

True independence thrives on continuous medical research, guided by the enduring vision of the Father of the Nation and the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Publish: 10:00 PM, 24 Mar, 2024


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The word "freedom" is our most cherished and revered term. Just as every individual dreams of freedom, thirsts for it, and holds the desire for freedom in their hearts, so too does a nation achieve its ultimate transformation and embark on the path of development through the means of freedom. Just as individual freedom develops and liberates a person, igniting the stream of their free thoughts, similarly the freedom of a nation takes all its people towards progress and modernity, ensuring the success of nation so that all citizens can enjoy its benefits. Therefore, if we analyze the history of the world, we will see that without freedom, no nation could uphold self-respect, dignity, and prosper. Thus, throughout the world, in every country, we have witnessed the aspiration for freedom, wars fought for freedom, compromises made for freedom, and people of the whole world being mobilized for freedom.

Nelson Mandela famously stated that Without freedom, no one can survive. Without freedom, a nation perishes. Reflecting on Bangladesh's history, in 1947, the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recognized that true freedom for the Bengali nation was only possible through independence. He envisioned the construction of a non-communal, progressive state structure for Bengalis, a dream achievable only when the nation gained sovereignty. Hence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, from the very onset of the country's partition in 1947, wanted independence, nurturing the desire for freedom and initiating a relentless struggle that culminated in 1971. Bangabandhu realized that if we can't achieve independence, the Bengali nation would not stand tall on the world stage. Bangabandhu realized that if we can't achieve independence, the Bengali nation would not stand tall on the world stage. He envisioned for a modern, progressive, and developed state. Even back in 1947, when he was actively involved in the struggle for independence, he had a vision for what Bangladesh would be like. He had a plan for that time as well. He had only attained a scant three and a half years to implement that plan in reality.

We all know that a war-torn country where Pakistani occupying forces wreaked havoc for nine months, it's impossible to get everything back on track within just three and a half years. But Bangabandhu had laid out a blueprint for Bangladesh within that short span. We call it an architectural plan. Plan to build the sonar Bangla. However, even after facing defeat in the Liberation War of 1971, the anti-liberation forces in Bangladesh did not accept their defeat. They initiated rebellions in Bangladesh, and in the course of those rebellions, on August 15, 1975, they mercilessly assassinated the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with his family. This assassination was an act of anti-liberation forces. The real reason behind this massacre was to thwart the fruits of Bangladesh's independence. Making Bangladesh a subordinate state again, making it a confederation of Pakistan. Therefore, upon analyzing the individuals in power post-1975, it becomes evident that figures like Mostaq, Ziaur Rahman, and Hussain Muhammad Ershad all exhibited pro-Pakistani inclinations and adopted a Pakistani-style approach. Their objective was to transform Bangladesh into a replica of Pakistan. They manipulated the state apparatus to ensure that the benefits of freedom remained elusive for many. Consequently, their actions were consistently anti-Bangladesh and anti-independence. They managed the state structure so that not all people get the benefits of freedom. Every action they took was against the interests of Bangladesh and its independence. On May 17, 1981 Sheikh Hasina returned to her homeland, aiming to thwart the efforts of those opposing independence. Upon her return, amidst a hostile atmosphere, the visionary leader Sheikh Hasina wholeheartedly embraced and pursued the dreams of Bangabandhu. The significant progress we witness today in Bangladesh, both in infrastructure and in the evolution of mindset, can be attributed to the actualization of Bangabandhu's aspirations.

When considering the advantages of freedom, the correlation with medical research becomes apparent. If we analyze the developed countries of the world, we see that those countries which have prioritized medical science are the ones that have advanced the most. And we have many such examples around us. The United States of America is perhaps the biggest example of how prioritizing medical science has led to advancement.

Bangabandhu understood it in 1971. And it was because of this realization that he identified the areas of priority in his first five-year plan, among which he marked education and healthcare as the most crucial sectors. If we observe the first five-year plan closely, we will see that Bangabandhu particularly emphasized granting priority to medical research. In determining the priorities for the development of the newly formed state of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu identified the health sector as a priority. He envisioned extending healthcare services to the rural population and established the BMRC to emphasize research in healthcare. However, from the late seventies to 1996, we call this period the dark age. During that time, Bangladesh plunged into a dark world. As a result, our modern thinking, liberal thought, and progressive ideas were obstructed. Consequently, scientific and medical research also suffered a setback. From there, today we have embarked on a journey. 

We have seen that the Philosophical Statesperson Sheikh Hasina gives special importance to medical research and ensures that medical research is conducted under proper leadership. Therefore, she has entrusted the responsibility of chairing the BMRC to an expert like Professor Dr. Syed Modasser Ali. I hope that the initiatives taken by the BMRC today are complementary to Bangabandhu's dream. It is closely related to the thinking of Statesperson Sheikh Hasina. That's why we see three levels clearly. Bangabandhu's dream, the guidance of the philosophical statesperson Sheikh Hasina, and the practical implementation plan of the BMRC. If these three can converge at one point, then undoubtedly Bangladesh will stand as a modern developed country in front of the world. Not only infrastructure development, but also through thought, contemplation, and research, Bangladesh will illuminate the world as an advanced state.


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