Generals Moeen U Ahmeds Interview

Dilawar Hossain · Guest

General Moeen U. Ahmed discusses the countries direction for the first time in an exclusive interview with Global Bangladesh:
1. GB: First I would like to ask you a question about the Wall Street Journal article on 4th of June 2007. Your Reaction please.
General: The way portrayed the headline, one would think Army would takeover the power of Bangladesh; though, there are lots of truths in that article as it relates to other issues. For example, the two dominating parties sold parliament seats to deep-pocketed businessmen, used criminal gangs to silence critics, and funded election campaigns through extortion. I would like to make it amply clear that Army had or has no intention to takeover power. We could have done that on January 11 if we had intended to. We want to see sustainable democracy in Bangladesh where people from all walks of life get involved in a pure democratic society. It may be mentioned that some of the information used in the article were not updated.

2. GB: You have intervened to abort a flawed Jan 22 election, the U.S. and United Nations both offered tacit support. Knowing U.S foreign policy do you think U.S, UN will remain supportive to the last?

General: The people of Bangladesh had given opportunity to the politicians for three decades. The politicians, on the contrary, deprived the people and brought the nation to a point of no return. We had no option but to save the nation to avoid anymore bloodshed; perhaps a civil war. We are working tirelessly to bring about law and order and eradicate corruption. We definitely need global cooperation in transforming Bangladesh into a transparent nation. So long we work for the right cause as we are doing now in an appropriate manner, I expect for sure, international support along with U.S and UN will continue to be with us.

3. GB: Defense Ranking? You are a General today. We understand this ranking was supposed to be formulated years ago? Please tell us what it stalled so many years and what are the advantage and why within three months of your emergency power?

General: When Bangladesh Army’s Organogram was made in 1972, total strength was about 57,000 with the Chief of Army Staff of the rank of Lieutenant General. Now the strength of the Army is approximately 1,45,000, which is two and a half times larger than before. Don’t you think it was a step long overdue? Previous political governments had only talked about the issue but never materialized it. As regards the advantage, Bangladesh Army is one of the largest contributors of UN Peacekeepers but we don’t have a single Force Commander as most of them are of the rank of Lieutenant General. Now, at least, we have an opportunity to compete.

4. GB: Brad Adams, Asia director for Human Rights Watch, said: CTG (Care Taker Govt) very quickly squandering the goodwill. However, “At this point, it’s quite clear: The army is running the country. And they’re making it pretty clear they don’t intend to leave anytime soon.” As a General of this CTG, I am sure you are playing a key role in the war against corruption. Please advise what is the role you wish to play in future?

General: All the evidences of Bangladesh politics, point to compelling conclusion that the political parties divided the nation to a dangerous threshold that had no recourse but to confront a civil war. We thought if we were to save the nation, we need to recognize and build our relationship with one another. I wish I could play the role of helping to share each others burdens and strengths that has been apparent from primitive times -- when human clung together as mates, then families, then a community, which ultimately created a society and a country. Today some people talk about CTG activities, I watch ‘Tritio Matra’, and everyone seems to talk about moral justice. My wife and I used to think why Allah is not intervening? Doesn’t He see the injustice to human being by another human being? It is no one else’s responsibility but our own. All I wished - Almighty Allah would give us the strength to help a legitimate government to do good for the people. Military and other law enforcing agencies cannot do it alone. We, all together, need to build a stronger and prosperous Bangladesh. It’s my promise.

5. GB: Any ambition for becoming President or Prime Minister after you retire from Army?

General: I have already made it clear to the nation that I have no political aspiration. I am looking forward to my retired life to do something for the talented orphans of our country; pick them up and give them state of art education so that they don’t have to look back any more. I also intend to write a book which I have already named, ‘Way to Peace (Shantir Pathe)’.

6. GB: If you hadn’t taken the bold step what do you think country would have been today?

General: If I am not wrong the country was heading for a human disaster. Even being a military man, I could not conceive the nature of inhuman killings that the country had witnessed. All I can say that there would have been more bloodshed, more damage would occur to Bangladesh for next decades or so. If the January 22 elections had gone ahead, there would have been a civil-war-like situation where Bangladesh would have faced a situation similar to that of Somalia.

7. GB: CTG advising the nation to hold the election within 18 (eighteen) months. Do you think CTG will be able to complete election task in eighteen months or by Sept 2008? Personally, how you think 85% corrupt character can be corrected in just eighteen months?

General: We are looking forward to next election in 2008 once voter list is finalized and the candidates understand the terms and conditions of public trust. As professional soldiers, when called upon, we are duty bound to help the CTG to develop the country’s election system and oversee its systematic process. I am sure CTG will be able to hold election by December 2008 with our assistance. Presently, we are trying to restore law and order, eliminate corruption and shape up the environment for free and fair electoral process. As regard elimination of corruption, the process has already started, but it would definitely take time to bring about justice for everybody. I am sure, any transparent government, will pursue the aspirations of the people in right spirit in due course of time.

8. GB: Political ambitions are not dead among politician and lately we see many growing interest are popping up. Sheikh Hasina and or Khaleda may also considering reforming of their party and re-enter in politics. Do you think people will support them after so many allegations against them?

General: One can enter politics in many ways and can control politics either being in fore-front or from behind the scenes. The most important thing in politics is the popular support. If people are with you, you can do things directly or indirectly. As to who will be in front or behind, I cannot say. Let the time, people and democracy decide.

9. GB: President Ziaur Rahman was an idol for Bangladesh agricultural revolution from which the nation still reaping the benefit. Would you consider a similar revolutionary drive for vegetation and establishing adequate storage facilities so that all year round farmers and nation benefits.

General: Indeed! I believe that we have no choice but to make that green revolution again. This is also true that if we can provide efficient and effective storage system, our products can bring market stability or price control. I personally feel that, it is absolutely important for us to establish immediate agro task force for green revolution drive along with adequate storage facilities for year round market management.

(Bangladesh has increased its food production over the past 28 years, from 11.8 million metric ton in 1974 to more than 39 million metric ton in 2003, with an average annual increase of 8.2% approximately)

10. GB: You just said market stability and your green revolution. I am sure you understand that the result definitely not helps immediate problem but today’s concern question how you are going to control price, which may go against your popularity?

General: I myself wonder with the market condition. It is not quite out of control and CTG trying its best to control the prices in market place. However, at the end, it is all supply and demand. Inadequate supply, international price hike and freight market situation are the main reasons for such unstable market condition. To cope with the uncertainties and in order to make timely decisions, the Government needs to have an effective global market intelligence which should be able to deal with the projected supply and demand situation.

11. GB: Are you confident that charges against political leaders will eventually be brought against Political leaders?

General: Yes, I firmly believe so. Our job is to maintain the law and order and bring corrupt people to justice. It is the judiciary, who will prove them guilty, if they are. The corrupt people must be brought under trial and should not be denied a fair treatment.

12. GB: Why then it’s taking so long to bring corruption charges against Sheikh Hasina and or Khaleda Zia and others.

General: I think that the outfit of our NBR (or Assets Evaluation Outfit) is very small. You might have known the condition of DUDUK (Anti Corruption Commission) when CTG took over. Also, you are aware of the fact that, there are serious shortages of experts in DUDUK, Police, NBR etc. Chairman of DUDUK is working determinedly to address those issues. DUDUK laws were faulty and had to be amended. Thereby, the process has become somehow slow. Again because of the confidentiality of information being handled by these organizations, some of these outfits need to have a group of reliable staffs to work on the sensitive issues. While planning and staffing such organizations, we also need to keep in mind about the active and passive planted members of the previous Government. Thus the selection process also gets lengthy. Effective but small and impartial teams will be able to deliver the results expected out of them.

13. GB: Sir ! Let me ask you about growing terrorism question in our region. Have you ever thought, the United States created this problem from which today Bangladesh experiencing difficulties couping with terrorism threat ? Because the United States abandoned Afghan mujahideen freedom fighters to their own devices after Soviet withdrawal ? I am sure that you need help to root out the terrorism out of our region. Do you think the United States will help you with fund,resources and tactical support ?

General : During Taliban rule, Mujahideens from all over the world concentrated in Afghanistan to assist and fight for them. After the Afghan war most of the foreign Mujahideen went back to their countries including Bangladeshis to Bangladesh. The so-called Afghan-Bangladeshi mujahideen returned to their village where some of them found themselves unwanted and some of them subsequently got engaged in terrorism. I am sure that the United States is aware of the situation and we are looking forward to work together in order to uproot terrorism from Bangladesh.

14. GB: The media and various information source accounting the corruption of former political leaders, prime ministers and public official stole some $ 1.5 billion dollar/annually . Summing up media calculation indicates that about $ 15 billion had vanished in the last 15 years. Do you think it’s possible that much money vanished out of a poor country?

General: I cannot vouch for the accuracy of $1.5 billion or 15 billion, but I know that millions of dollars have disappeared abroad into offshore tax shelters and investments through front companies and/or third-party names.

15. GB: What makes you believe that Bangladesh will have an election and will flourish with functioning democracy in place in the 18 months ?

General: It is a very loaded question. Frankly we are working tirelessly to bring a pure and sustainable democracy in Bangladesh, the rest is Allah’s will. The environment in Bangladesh is not fully conducive to real parliamentary democracy, as it is understood in the West. But at the same time, the demands of the world community and aspirations of our own people, make it imperative that we put our sincerest efforts towards this. I do not know anyone in Bangladesh who thinks that we shouldn't have democracy. So irrespective of one's views and with the passage of time; if we can establish the conditions for the very essence of democracy- which means beginning with the grass roots where there is none today; I think we have done more works towards achieving that goal. What we have to eradicate is the parody of democracy that we have suffered, which was camouflage for the systematic plunder of the country by the corrupted and political elites. We should hold local elections as early as possible. This will plant the seeds and start the process of establishing the democratic foundations for a new Bangladesh.

16. GB: Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury, a retired lieutenant-general who was appointed in February to head the country’s powerful new Anti-Corruption Commission, calculates that majority of Bangladeshi politicians and officials are corrupt. He is out to clean up the corruption. CTG making massive anti corruption drive putting every stage of people in jail. Lets assume, Six month down the line corruption down by 50% but no DFI, no domestic investment, no money circulation and consumer price on the rise, no jobs, what would you tell people then ?

General: We do not expect that to happen. If we nurture a fruit tree some day the tree will bear fruits. I am not an economist, rather a career army officer. To my understanding, rate of corruption and investment (DFI or, domestic) are inversely proportionate. History also contemplates the issue. We look forward to the World Media for projecting the right picture of the country to the world so that foreign companies are encouraged to come forward with DFI. Domestic investment, as a result of such acceleration, would increase automatically.

17. GB: General July-August, weather is bad. Natural disaster occurred. Flood devastated half the nation. 50 % Crop damaged. With current food shortage how you think of taking such unwarranted challenge?

General: To effectively combat natural calamities we need sound and pro-active planning. The trend of natural calamities that periodically devastate Bangladesh is typical and more or less known to us. Accepting this reality, we should put all our efforts together to remain prepared with adequate food storage for relief. Bangladesh Army always came forward to stand beside Government to manage such disasters in aid to the civil administration. Despite our food shortage, through collective and concentrated effort of all government organisations and the people such unwarranted challenges may easily be overcome. History has ample evidences of the courage and commitment of our people in facing such disasters at regular intervals. All we need is commitment, honest intention and a sense of mutual help.

18. GB: General, horse before the cart or cart before the horse? I mean to ask Reform before the anti -corruption or anti-corruption before reforms?

General: Corruption, as you know, is endemic and all encompassing in our society. And it is no denying the fact that annihilation of corruption from a society is near to impossible and calls for social and institutional reforms. Corruption is not only an internal security problem, it has external factors and stakeholders too. Since corruption is so difficult to eradicate completely the most practicable approach is to maximize chances of minimizing corruption. Having a look at the recent developments in Bangladesh you must agree that political corruption, the leading form in the global corruption barometer assessed by Transparency International, has allowed other forms of corruption to spread in all looks of the society. Is it for good governance, true democracy, and a free liberated society? If it is so, no reforms will succeed without minimizing corruption. Our anti corruption drives aim at achieving that. Achievement of this objective may be very difficult within the purview and time allotted for the present caretaker government. But this obviously will set example for the nation. An example will be to prove that law still exists and no one may think himself to be above the law. Our advisors are working relentlessly to achieve this. And I firmly believe their efforts will not go in vein.

19. GB: Global Bangladesh a publication from Washington hears many complaints from immigrant Bangladeshi’s, especially Middle East NRB who pump nearly 4 billion dollars a year remittances into Bangladesh economy. When these people arrive to Bangladesh to see their loved ones, they face tremendous harassment from customs, immigration including porters. They are threatened and treated like a third class citizen. How you think you would address this serious crime to those who are our economic backbone?

General: I exactly understand the embarrassment that these hard working people undergo at our airports. I also understand how unsafe and uncomfortable their visits are. Once again, it’s a matter of great sorrow that our system portrays our character to undermine those wage earners who are our economic pride. I personally will take this issue with the authority to get those punished who are involved in inhuman behaviour and more so at my own I will address resources and make an endeavour to change the national character of our social, cultural, political and economic conditions. The condition should allow a citizen and visitors to gauge the present and visualize the future. We are working to change the character of our systems and ensure a peaceful safe transit and movement of a visitor. If you have read Bangladeshi newspapers on 13 June 07, I have said in public that I would request government to give special status to all wage earners who remit more than $5000 per year. On my request, already a special arrangement has been made in Dhaka airport to handle wage earners.

20. GB: You clearly don't feel that Khaleda Zia or Sheikh Hasina have got any future roles to play in Bangladesh politics.

General: Well! Certainly both had been Prime Minister once or, twice and both have completely mismanaged the country as per as recent evidence of corruption goes. Therefore, I really personally would like to ask them: has this nation ever given so much leverage to anybody to hold power alternately and present corruption, bad governance and organised crime to the society? As per as future role, it’s the people of Bangladesh to decide.

21. GB: Since March 2007, you have spoken regularly about the devolution (we will change this word to match with your answer) of power and the importance you placed on trying to rebuild democracy from the bottom up, and you named democracy of Bangladesh style. How do you reconcile this with some of the actions that your government has taken - like the arresting of people and keeping people in jail without bail? How do you reconcile things with your calls for a rebirth of democracy in Bangladesh?

General: There is no rebuilding of democracy, frankly - it is the building of democracy. There has never been true democracy in Bangladesh, and I am very sure of that. I am saying this with firm conviction. There has never been real democracy in Bangladesh, because democracy is certainly not having just elected governments and depriving people. That is my sad observation on especially the Commonwealth leaders, who are more concerned with having elected governments functioning in a country and then are least bothered about how that government is dispensing democracy in that country. Generally this is how an elected government behaves, whether it is democratic in its dispensation. That is what democracy is, I believe.

22. GB: And what do you think about our very many religious groups? Are they an "irritant" in context to your philosophy?

General: Religious groups are there, they have their point of view and I do respect those religious views. I am very clear that Bangladesh is a moderate Islamic country. Whatever the problems we are experiencing with regards to religious extremists inside Bangladesh are certainly assessed to be the spill over effects of global trend. I am sure with proper education, job and opportunity, we can overcome our religious problems. Further, everyone in our country, be it Muslim, Hindu, Christian or Buddhist have right to have his or her viewpoint, and I respect that.

23. GB: For the regional power sharing and integral defence fact, India is a dominant factor. Bangladesh likes to consider India to be its best friend. However, I doubt that very much. I liked to see both nations to benefit from each others resources. Honestly what is your feeling of Indian policy makers and or Government towards Bangladesh? Do you believe for a moment that India like to see a stable Bangladesh or to keep Bangladesh in destabilized economically, politically and diplomatically?

General: What a question! Personally I think Indian Government is intelligent and I am sure they will appreciate and understand that compatible economic strength, mutual respect and friendship are the keys to development. Strong linkage between our two governments and private sector will generate enough economic activities and resources that would include transport, communications, free goods and services across border, transit, water sharing, power and energy, agriculture, food security, ICT and eco-tourism. And we are working for the progress towards these objectives for mutual commercial interest. One issue we must all remember that national security issues often spills over the national boundaries and neighbours should always move hand in hand to common goals of mutual interest.

24. GB: What is your dream in terms of reality?

General: People never can think the magnitude of a hurricane or tsunami until it strikes and takes away human life and wealth. I was in a dream yesterday but when I woke up I saw too much polarization in our civil society and social organizations that foster internal conflict. Political unrest and civil disorder, I think, are the major ingredients in deterring national growth and TODAY my reality is, as the Army Chief, I am a catalyst to CTG in bringing order, civility and in creating wealth and opportunity for the society.

25. GB: All along CTG has been taking and suggesting political reforms, could you please tell us what CTG really means by political reforms?

General: If you see around the globe, I mean in democratic nations, laws for effective activities for public benefits govern political parties. In Bangladesh, political parties are not governed by any norm or guided by the laws. We also see almost at every level, officials of various political parties use students and younger groups as enforcers or muscleman or mastans to keep their own post years after years. We would like to see a comprehensive law to govern the political parties and we would also like to see the Election Commission to administer the new law and ensure strict compliance.

26. GB: You have mentioned in one speech about Bangladeshi democracy Governance and widely interpreted your statement. Can you please tell what did you mean by Bangladeshi democracy?

General: I guess I have answered this loaded question before. Since you are asking the question again my answer is to cite quote from Bukhari that “On the authority of Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) who said, while Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) was talking, a man came and asked the prophet, “When will the last day be?” The Prophet replied “When integrity is lost then wait for the coming of the last day”. He asked, “How will it be lost?” The prophet said, “When the government is entrusted to the undeserving people, then wait for the last day”. All I can say in Bangladesh context, the architectural design of our government is faulty. The manner in which our parliament functions, parliament members can hardly claim to be representatives of the people and that needs to be changed.

27. GB: If Bangladeshi people ask you to say something about yourself, what would you say in few sentences?

General: Being a son of the soil, I always dreamt to see a prosperous Bangladesh since my very childhood. So, if someone asks to say something about me, I must say about my country, my beloved Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a land of wealth. We have about 150 million people and I say we have 300 million hands. Only thing we have to do is to train these hands for best utilization. Our politicians have divided our people into different factions and never tried to unite them. We were united in 1971 and achieved our independence in 10 months only. Let’s rise again and wage war against corruption, nepotism, poverty, hunger and illiteracy.

28. GB: What you do at your leisure time (if you have any)?

General: I hardly have leisure time. It seems 24 hours is not enough in a day for me. However, when I get time I enjoy playing golf. In the evening I work with the computer and simultaneously listen to music.

29. GB: There is no doubt that you love Bangladesh till death and you would do your level best for the betterment of the people in Bangladesh. How you want them to remember you when you retire?

General: I love my country more than myself. Many a times I risked my life for its subsistence. I want to continue the same till I depart from this world. I want our people to remember me as a person who placed the nation before self.

30. GB: Some people refer you as a brave heart; others refer you as the greatest hero of Bangladesh. Some people think of you as ‘wind beneath the wing’, especially for the common citizen of Bangladesh. Your comments please!

General: Thanks Mr. Lutfur Rahman Riton (I am really moved by your feelings and concern for me)! I owe you 80 dollars (or much more than that which can’t be quantified in cash or kind), which you had spent over cell phone to inquire about my whereabouts (Reference to the open letter by Mr. Lutfur Rahman Riton from Ottawa, Canada published in Weekly 2000 dated 22 June 2007). I am also amazed the way most of the Bangladeshis feel about me. On 02 April 07 a group of people from USA spread a rumor that I was killed. Rumor spread like wild fire. My office received thousands of calls to find out whether I was Okay. Some people even came to my house. Later I came to know many wept for me quietly. The teenagers say they are my fans; mid-aged group say that your words sound like the tune of Babylon’s Piper and elders say, “May Allah give you strength to continue with your job”. Our people are good in heart and remain contended with very little. Let’s all work together for a better future for our people.

31. GB: What will you be doing when you retire? Will you answer to a call if your contribution is needed and if you are asked to become a public servant to better serve the people of this land?

General: I have partially answered in Question number 5. At this moment I am looking forward for my retirement.

32. GB: What is your favorite food?

General: Fish, Chicken, Vegetable and Fruit.

33. GB: Your family (please tell us about your family for our readers)

General: My wife Naznin is a social worker, my daughter Sabrina (23) is married to Azad who is a businessman. She is also pursuing her higher studies. My son Nihat (20) is a student. His dream is to be an automobile engineer.

\34. GB: Who has the most contribution/support/inspiration in your life in becoming the Army Chief and a Four-Star General?

General: My wife Naznin and my children have the maximum contribution to my present achievement. I also recall my parents’ teaching and support they provided (both have left the world for eternal peace. May Allah bless their soul). All my brothers and sisters also helped me to reach this height.

35. GB: Last question, I hear you play Golf .How good are you?

General: Yes! When I get time, exhausted, stress out I try to play. How good am I? …. Come and join me. At least you will enjoy the gossip

To collect your hard copy please
Fax [ USA] 703 354 9822 or email info@... or log on
www.GBangladesh.com

Source: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amra_bangali

				Visitors : Powered by phpBB Copyright BDDiscussion.com © 2006 All Rights Reserved.