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Monday 25 May 2009

Prepare for Greater Revolt-Manzur

22.5.09 Ekota Correspondent

President, Communist Party of Bangladesh Comrade Manzurul Ahsan Khan called upon the working people to prepare for a greater nationwide revolt. He was addressing a huge meeting of garments workers in Ashulia, Jamgara on 22 May 09. The meeting was organised on the occasion of 3rd anniversary of the historic garment workers revolt in 2006 which shook the country. Presided over by Tuhin Choudhury a leader of the revolt the meeting was addressed amongst others by Advocate Mantu Gose adviser and Idris Ali, President Bangladesh Garment Workers Trade Union Kendra. Manzur said that frequent revolts in the garment sector are due to the fact that the garment workers are deprived of Trade Union and other rights and benefits. As long as the workers in the garments factories are not allowed to organize in trade unions, sporadic revolts and spontaneous outbursts will continues. No power on earth can stop it. It is only the trade unions which can ventilate the grievances of the workers and ensure peaceful settlement of industrial disputes.

He called upon the government to accept the demand of workers to fix minimum wage at taka five thousand. Always the wages and various benefits for Minister, MP’s and high government officials are increased without justification while the worker and low paid employees are continuously pushed into utter poverty. The disparity between the rich and poor is increasing in the society. This is causing spontaneous revolt not only in garment sectors but in all other sectors.

The grand alliance government is bringing everything under party control denying democratic and trade union rights to other.

Manzur alleged that the burden of global crisis of capitalism is being put on the shoulder of the working people. In this situation workers must unite in trade unions to resist such attempts.

Mentioning about the recent defeat of Tamil Tigers Manzur said that it is true that various international forces were trying to use them. But legitimate rights of Tamils must be ensured. All discrimination against them should come to an end. War affected people should be given due compensation and properly rehabilitated, otherwise the people who are distributing sweets today will face another war.

CPB President further said that the ‘Caretaker’, ‘Jote’ of Mohajote government whoever comes to power, the working people are exploited and deprived of democratic rights. On 22 May 2006 only garment workers came out on the street. But today whole people of Bangladesh are being exploited, oppressed and pauperized. To liberate themselves from such a situation all workers including garment workers agricultural workers, peasants, professionals, students, youths, women, adivasis, patriotic entrepreneurs class and revolutionary intelligentsia all together will build up a great nationwide revolt. This revolt will give birth to revolution, socialism and liberation. Manzur called upon the working people to prepare themselves for leading that revolution. The blood of tens of thousands of martyrs will not go in vain.

Saturday 23 May 2009

Top down pressure won’t lead to political reform Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

Bdnews
On the third day of the ongoing pre-poll dialogues between political parties and the government yesterday, the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) told the latter that reforming the country’s body politic will not be possible through ad hoc measures and top down pressure.
CPB also called for decentralisation of state power rather than redistribution of presidential and prime ministerial powers, and warned at the same time that formation of the Truth and Accountability Commission (TAC) ‘might end up being a political compromise bailing out big fishes of corruption’.
Meanwhile, Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, who spoke on behalf of the military backed caretaker government, said the government is thinking of holding a special meeting on economic matters with major political parties.
“Political reform is an imperative. But, political reforms will not be successful through ad hoc measures and pressure from the top,” said CPB President Manzurul Ahsan Khan during a joint post dialogue news briefing at the Chief Adviser’s Office.
Manzur said political reforms can only be successful and sustainable with widespread support from a politically aware well organised public.
Calling for an immediate withdrawal on the ban on politics, he said honest political parties should not be punished for the misdeeds of a handful of parties which abused power being in the last three governments.
The CPB chief also said a new ‘national charter’ is not required, and if one is to be created, that should be based on the country’s 1972 constitution.
“The distorted constitution must be restored to its originality of 1972. The 1972 constitution is our national charter,” said Manzur, later adding that non-participatory efforts to create a ‘national charter’ will be akin to a limited and shoved down the throat democracy.
He also said although CPB is open to discussions about redistribution of presidential and prime ministerial powers, the measure will not empower the people as it might still concentrate power in the hands of two people instead of one.
“The real issue is empowering the people. That is why concrete and effective measures have to be taken to ensure democratic decentralisation of power,” said Manzur.
Manzur called for strengthening the ongoing anti-corruption drive, but said recent efforts to reach a ‘compromise’ might only end up ‘appeasing the corruptionists’.
“People are starting to think, the anti-corruption drive is being used to implement a certain political blueprint or game plan,” said the CPB president.
He said recently the anti-corruption drive has lost its commitment and integrity by appeasing the corruptionists through handing out concessions to them.
“The initiative to create the truth commisssion could be seen as an effort to save the big fishes,” Manzur quipped.
CPB also demanded allowing of trade union operations, an immediate stop to foreign diplomats’ interference in the affairs of the country, trials of war criminals, and continuation of the Women’s Development Policy.
Manzur said CPB will not buy into any ‘national consensus’ by selling out its ideology, but will support a ‘national agreement on rules of the game’ to end political bickering.

Manzur Demands Full Implementation of CHT Peace Treaty

Rangamati 20.05.09. Special Correspondent:

CPB President Manzurul Ahsan Khan demanded full implementation of CHT Peace Treaty signed almost a decade ago between Bangladesh Government and JSS. Manzur was addressing a public meeting at Rangamati Gymnasium Terrace organized by Pahari Chatra Parisad PCP to observe its 20th anniversary. Presided over by Jotirendra Bodh Prio-Santu Larma, Rashed Khan Menon MP, Pankaaj Bhatchary and others.

Manzur said that Bangladesh fought a liberation struggle against national exploitation but now millions of national minorities are being oppressed and deprived of their legitimate rights. He said CPB is in favour of restoration of 1972 constitution to bring the country on the right track but the constitution should be amended to ensure constitutional rights of national minorities. He said the Pahari or Jummo nationalities (national minorities of Chittagong Hill Tracts) as well as national minorities in the plains are subject to discrimination, repression and harassment. Their lands are being illegally occupied and deforestation is causing displacement and destitution. Leaders of Adibasis like Alfred Soren, Piren Snal, Choresh Risil, Abdur Rashid, Kalpana Chakma, Satyaban Hajong and many others have been killed or kidnapped. Manzur said this meeting of the PCP started with our singing of national anthem and hoisting of our national flag. Paharis are no less patriot than Bengalis. Paharis are in no way a threat to the independence and integrity of Bangladesh. Unfortunately it seems that the CHT has been turned into a military cantonment. He said the threat to our sovereignty come from the US and its lackeys who have entangled Bangladesh in unequal treaty. They are trying to establish hegemony in the region and carrying on Naval Exercise in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. Myanmar and India are claiming ownership of Sea Blocks earmarked by Bangladesh to explore oil and gas. Our Army, Navy and Military should go to places where our independence and sovereign authority on our natural resources are under real threat.

Addressing a workers meeting of the CPB Rangamati District Committee in the evening presided over by secretary Anupam Barua Manzur said the Communist Party should be the champion of the cause of both Paharis and Bangalis. We are against chauvinism of any kind. We want peace, friendship between all communities and eco-friendly development. We are against foreign intrigue in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. Our Army was born out of the glorious armed liberation struggle. We want our Army to play its due role with courage and dignity. Its foremost duty is to fight foreign aggression. Army is not meant for police duty. Manzur said we don’t want to see Rangamati as a war field but as one of the most beautiful tourist spot earning a big amount from a well developed and eco-friendly tourist industry. He demanded a separate Education Board for CHT so that the special needs of the Paharis and also the Bengalis could be addressed. The President of the meeting demanded construction of a 250 bed Hospital and a University. He expressed surprise that the local Awami League though a party to peace accord is in reality working against the treaty along with BNP and Jamat.

Saturday 16 May 2009

Repeal Black Laws, ensure Taka Five Thousand for Garment Workers

Dhaka- May 15: Ekota Reporter

A Garment Workers Convention held in Dhaka at Tazul Milonayatan demanded repeal of black labour laws and introduction of Taka Five thousand (about 70 US dollars).

Manzurul Ahsan Khan a veteran trade union leader and President of Communist Party of Bangladesh supporting 2 points demand said that existing labour laws have deprived the workers of Bangladesh of rights and benefits even guaranteed in 1926 labour acts introduced during colonial rule.

He said workers movements can never be surprised by black laws in contravention of ILO Conventions ratified by Bangladesh Government. He said that workers revolt and violence on the streets particularly in the garment sector is due to absence of trade unions in most of the garment factories. It is the trade union which can take up the grievances of the workers, resolve the problems after negotiation with the employers.

He said the newly elected government is busy in enhancing wages and benefits for Ministers, MP’s and high government officials. Government seems to have no headache for the enhancement of workers wages who enhancement of workers wages who can hardly manage two square meals with the present meager wages.

He said employers are never punished for violating laws ensuring benefits to workers and safety at work place. Workers face ruthless repression of government, employers and hired hoodlums employed by them. He called upon the workers to unite with peasants and build up a mass movement against the ruling class for fundamental changes in favour of toiling masses

Saturday 9 May 2009

Manzur addresses May Day Rally

Working Class has been betrayed.

Manzurul Ahsan Khan a veteran trade union leader and President of Communist Party of Bangladesh, speaking at a huge May day rally said that working class of Bangladesh has been betrayed, deceived and continue to be ruthlessly exploited and deprived of fundamental trade union and human rights.

Worker of Fulbari Upozilla under the district Dinajpur organized huge procession in the morning of 1st May and paraded the streets of the town culminating in the Shahid Minar where a huge public meeting was organized. The meeting was addressed by leaders of workers of Barapukuria Coal Mine, power plant, hotel, restaurant and transport workers etc. leaders of peasant, agricultural worker, students, youth and women organizations, also spoke in solidarity.

Manzur said on the very May Day the workers of Bangladesh has been deceived. It has become a holiday for the rich. Though it is a government holiday since 1972, after independence majority of workers in Bangladesh do not get a paid holiday on this occasion. But the President, ministers, all civil and military officers enjoy paid holiday on this day stained by the blood of the working people.

Manzur mentioned that in 1886 during the Mayday struggle the main demand was 8 hour duty. Almost a century and a quarter have passed but most of the workers are compelled to work for 12, 14 or 16 hours a day despite laws forbidding work exceeding 8 hours. Many workers do not get weekly medical or earned leave according to law. The new government is busy in enhancing the ways and benefits for ministers, MP’s and civil and military officers but the workers demand for a living wage, wage-commission, minimum wage board and dearness allowance have been ignored. Despite Laws worker are deprived of trade-union rights. Job-security and safety at work places.

Manzur called upon the workers to build up strong and united trade union movement for defending their rights and development. He said according to election the newly pledge elected government has failed to reopen a single factory closed down due to W.B. prescription. In reality more factories have been closed down. CPB President said that people of Fulbaria had to sacrifice life of several friends to compel the Government. To commit that open pit coal mining which will displace hundred thousand people will not be allowed. He said 38 years of independent Bangladesh has proved that the bourgeoisie has failed to ensure democracy, development and peoples’ well being.

Manzur said history demand that the workers and toiling masses of Bangladesh take up the reins of the country. Toiling people must rise to the occasion and prepare itself for the accomplishment of this historical task. Failure of working people, communist and left democratic forces will pave the path for an extremist fascist take over.

Friday 8 May 2009

Water, electricity, gas crisis, price rise and unemployment need urgent solution- Manzur

CPB President Manzurul Ahsan Khan has said crisis of water, electricity, gas, continuous price hike and unemployment and such other problems faced by people demand solution on an emergency basis. He said high expectation after the land slide victory of the AL led government has already been frustrated and now people are coming out on the streets, Jamat BNP and other extremist forces are trying to use the public discontent to regain their lost positions. Manzur called upon all left and democratic forces to champion the cause of the people and build up a left democratic alternative. He said the left should fight against the failures of the 14 party government and also expose the Jamat, extremists and their allies who are largely responsible for the present situation.

Manzur was speaking in series public meetings held in North Bengal including Sirajganj Town, Kamarkhand, Belkuchi, Bogra, Shariakandi, Manda, Naogaon, Rajshahi and Fulbari-Dinajpur from 26 April to 2 May.

The CPB President also called upon Sheikh Hasina to come out in public if she is under pressure and threat of any ominous circle. He said it is the people who brought her to power. The same people will build up mass movement so that the elected government can assert its power in favour of the people. He also said CPB is ready to fight side by side with the 14 party alliance along with the people of Bangladesh against threats to democratic process, authority of an elected government and sovereignity of the country.

He condemned extra judicial killings in the name of so-called cross-fire despite assurances given by the present government. Manzur expressed concern about the news of the death of more than 16 BDR soldiers while in custody or committing “suicide”. He said people and families of the victims of the massacar want open and fair trial and punishment of the real culprits and their God Fathers within the country and abroad.

Wednesday 6 May 2009

Life of Comrade Mokhlesur Rahman is a book to be read by every one fighting for emancipation of mankind-Manzur


Manzurul Ahsan Khan President Communist Party of Bangladesh while speaking at a condolence meeting organized by Citizen Committe of Borgra for Comrade Mokhlesur Rahman on 2nd May at District Council Auditorium said that the glorious life and struggle of Comrade Mokhlesur Rahman, is in itself a book which must be read and studied by everyone fighting for the emancipation of mankind. An eminent fighter against British Colonialism, leader of the language movement, organizer of freedom struggle and a legendary Communist leader Mokhlesur Rahman who died on 10 the April 2009 at the age of 91.

He was beloved by people from all walks of life which was reflected by attendance by cross sections of people attending the solemn meeting.
Manzur said the honesty, integrity, firmness, self sacrifice, love for people and commitment to ideals of Mokhlesur Rahman will serve as an example for the people of Bangladesh.. Presided over by Advocate Iqbal Ahmed the meeting was addressed by leaders of political parties, workers, peasants, professionals, intellectuals etc.

Stop repression on national minorities and give them recognition in the Constitution-Manzur

CPB President Manzurul Ahsan Khan in his speech said Stop repression on Adibasis or national minorities and give them due recognition in the constitution of the country. He was speaking at a public meeting of national minorities held on 27th April in Bhabanipur Union under Sherpur Upazilla of Bogra District organized by Bangladesh Adibashi Union. Attended by hundreds of Adibasis and Bengalees the meeting was presided over by Adibasi leader Birendra Nath Mahoto.

Manzur in his speech condemned the killings of Adibasi leaders Alfred Soren, Satyaban Hazong, Peren Snal and many others and grabbing of land belonging to Adibasis. He demanded all lands be returned to Adibasis and they are given the opportunity of teaching their children in their own language. He condemned virtual military rule in Chittagong Hill tracks, ruthless repression, and violation of peace agreement of the Bangladesh Government with the JSS as the representative of national minorities of Hill Tracts. He called upon adibasis and toiling and exploited people of Bangladesh to build up struggle against all kind of discrimination and exploitation. The meeting was rounded off with a colorful cultural performance by Adibasis.

Press Release from Sherpur 27.4.09