Fuel price and the

We all know that the crude oil price is skyrocketing globally for many months now and our oil companies are reeling under a heavy financial burden. Just to bail out these companies of their predicament this moderate price hike was inevitable and rather overdue. The situation had become so alarming that after a month or so our petro companies would not have been able to buy oil from the international market due to the paucity of funds and there would have been no petrol at all in the country. Imagine the scenario. It would have been worse. It is better to pay more for the petrol or diesel than not to have it at all. We should be a little more reasonable and think that how long the government can subsidise petro products. Subsidies have eaten away a great chunk of our resources and to continue subsidising product after product will not be healthy for the economy. The earlier we get rid of this menace the better it is. My sympathies for our finance adviser Dr Azizul Islam who in spite of his good intentions was forced to swallow the bitter (oil) pill

Happy birthday Nelson Mandela

Recently, the inspirational revolutionary-turned-peacemaker Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday was celebrated in advance in Hype park, London. The 46664 concert evening highlighted tribute and thanks from world leaders and celebrities to honour this iconic and much respected leader. On this occasion, he spoke briefly about poverty, health, including AIDS, and oppression. He also spoke about Zimbabwe’s democracy.
Nelson Mandela, a great political leader born in South Africa in 1918, fought against racism, violence, oppression, repression and impoverishment in his own country. A Nobel laureate for peace in 1993 became the first black president in South Africa.
His 90th birthday is a significant one as the USA is also likely to elect a black president for the first time in its history which is consequent inspiration of this great man’s legacy against racism. Facing a stiff prison term for his ‘anti-government activities’, in 1964 Mandela made the following statement before the court:
‘During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.’
We also congratulate and wish him the best on the most inspirational leader’s birth day. Long live Nelson Mandela and say ‘NO’ to racism.

Peace finally breaks out

NEWS BASED STORY BY BLOG's EDITOR:More than immediate peace, the painstaking Egyptian brokered Israel-Hamas truce is appreciated for vindicating advocates of dialogue and negotiations, setting the pace for the future as regards the Middle East's most complex problem, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.While few familiar with the region's history are lighting their cigars just yet, and the understanding could not prevent immediate exchange of limited hostilities, it is the most promising yet between Tel Aviv and Hamas at a time when both have pressing issues with the other they'd like taken care of sooner rather than later.After years of 'no negotiations with terrorists', a stance that registers closely with allies in Washington, Israel has apparently come to the conclusion that a little understanding isn't too bad if it halts the flurry of rockets into its southern establishments, even though their fatality threat is far smaller than the panic they cause. Hamas, for its part, has come to appreciate that its defiance is much better served without incessant Israeli bombardment and raids. Then there is the mutual give-and-take concerning Israel's long captured soldier Cpl Gilad Schalit in return for opening Gaza's borders to food and fuel supplies as acute shortage threatens to finally finish off struggling residents. On the surface the understanding seems to nicely balance both sides. Yet there are greater concerns that are bound to present themselves very quickly. Having taken the heat, Hamas will waste little time in refurbishing its supplies and rearming itself, an exercise that will make Israel see the deal as counter-productive, most probably inviting strong reaction. On the other hand, even if Hamas stays committed to its word, seeing its obvious immediate advantages, there is no guarantee numerous other militias will cease operations simply at its behest, such diverse has the Gazan splintered uprising become in the years of struggle, choke and lawlessness. Considering the odds, a realistic assessment does not see the understanding holding for long. Indeed, most pundits accord it little save the lull-before-the-storm brushing aside. Yet that is specifically why the international community must gear itself for far greater involvement. For a US administration that has only recently promised taking up Palestine as its legacy initiative, the timing could not be better. The agreement, however fragile, is a great victory of use of negotiations as opposed to muscle. Hamas' actions following its promise should be seen very carefully, and cooperation should be rewarded so it has something to show for the new approach. As for Israel, even its firmest supporters will struggle to find instances where the Jewish state has honoured promises with regard to its role in the Middle East. Counting the six long decades of its illegal occupation, that makes for a very long list of lies.For better or worse, regional powers are clinging to the understanding as the most positive development to have emerged from the conflict in quite some time. Keeping it on track will require skilful diplomacy from regional and non-regional players alike. Considering the way the Middle East has been damaged in the recent past, it seems unlikely any stakeholder will take this opportunity lightly

Tarique's spinal cord broken

TAREQ RAHMAN Who is son of Ex-President Zia-ur Rahman and 3 times prime minister begum Khaleda Zia.Spinal cord of Tarique Rahman is broken, causing acute pain in his waist and neck, a physician at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) said on Saturday.Private TV channel I quoting Prof Yunus reported that Tarique, who is undergoing treatment at BSMMU hospital prison cell, is also suffering from pains in his right hip- joint. "His condition has deteriorated," the doctor said, adding that he needs treatment abroad.Earlier, detained ex-PM Khaleda Zia had alleged that her son was in good health before his arrest and questioned why he cannot walk now being under government custody.About Khaleda Zia's health, DIG (Prisons) Maj Shamsul Haider Siddiqui said she developed swelling in the wrist of her left hand and was also suffering from pains in her knees due to arthritis.The BNP chairperson preferred her treatment at the United Hospital in Gulshan, as she doesn't want to go abroad for treatment. She is rather calling for sending abroad her two detained ailing sons-Tarique and Coco for their proper treatment.