CPB Round Table on Climate Change

Eco-friendly development before Profit

CPB Round Table on Climate Change

Bangladesh is one of the major victims of the global climate change and environmental degradation. As a result Bangladesh, its people and all life forms are under grave threat. It is because of environment-destructive development pursued by the so called developed countries. The west must pay due compensation to Bangladesh for this crisis. Emission of green house gas should be drastically reduced. There should be a fundamental shift from capitalist development based solely on profit to environment friendly development. On the other hand Concrete Steps have to be taken to rehabilitate affected people of Bangladesh particularly those living in the coastal areas. These displaced people also have a aright to be rehabilitated in safe places of developed countries. Specific steps have to be taken to protect ecology, environment, nature, rivers lakes, marsh land water resources and the forests. Urgent and concrete steps have to be taken to produce more of alternative energy.

Speakers at the Round Table on “Climate Change- Peoples Perspective held in Progoti Milanaoton, Mukti Bhaban,Dhaka on 3 May raised the above points.

Presided over by CPB President Manzurul Ahsan Khan the meeting was also addressed by Prof. Muzaffar Ahmed Economist and President BAPA, Hyder Akbar Khan Rono, M. M Akash, Ruhin Hossain Prince, Mongol Kumar Chakma, Dr.Abu Sayeed, Mihir Biswas, Sharifuzzaman, Chandan Shaha Roy.and others.

The initial keynote paper was presented by Ecology and Biodiversity conservation Researcher Pavel Partha. In his comprehensive presentation he said that appropriate peoples and climate-friendly strategy should be adapted by Bangladesh to fight against the dictates, control and extravagance of so-called rich and developed countries. A “national climate change peoples mandate” has to be evolved taking the people into confidence and take into consideration, native wisdom, peoples' sovereignty, traditional culture and practices including those of Adibasis the national minorities.

Partha also stressed that Bangladesh should resist all corporate business, carbon projects and anti-ecological initiatives in the name of climate change by ‘corporate adaptation business’. which may adversely affect our ecology, ecosystem, diversity, health, environment, livelihood and peoples' economy. All steps taken to face climate change, loan and grants by WB, IMF, ADB and international donor organizations should for the same purpose should be thoroughly transparent, must be free prior informed consent and subject to strict scrutiny and democratic peoples control.. He said effective steps have to be taken to protect life and livelihood against the danger of extinction, protect biological diversity, bio-ecological habitat and agro-ecological zones, life tradition and occupation, economic life based on wealth available in the locality and mass history. Partha addressed `Khonar bachan', Khona the historical climate scientist of the continent and focused peoples knowledge and relation with climate ecology. Partha also said so-called mainstream knowledge power structure there is no relation with natural process, this system marked climate also a different-retouched thing, not part of daily life.

Prof. Mozaffar Ahmed thanked Communist Party for organizing the discussion on an important issue like climate change and called upon all forces fighting for the protection of environment to unite. He said urbanization is going on but we do not know how to leave. We are only constructing concrete building with glasses, which needs more electricity. We are blind regarding technology. We should adapt technologies appropriate to our climate and construct buildings which fit in with our weather conditions. Water -logging has become a day to day problem for the south-western region. We have forgotten our traditions,how we used to live with rivers and nature in our country. Once upon a time we had 1200 rivers, now its hardly 250. About 120 rivers keep flowing during dry seasons
Due to excessive greed we have engulfed most of the river side. He said we have bitter experience about Farakka Barrage. In our country we have submerged Rangamati under water by constructing Kaptai Dam for producing electricity. We can therefore easily imagine the severity of the damage which will be caused due to construction of 40 dams in Assam for producing 50,000 megawatt of electricity. Every day people are protesting against these plans in India itself but such news does not find space in newspapers. We want solution of these problems in accordance with UN conventions. He called upon all to speak out in favour of reducing use of chemicals in agriculture against digging of stones in Jaflong, cutting off trees in the tea gardens and destruction of environment in Lauchora. Prof. Mozaffar said that an environment friendly development policy has to be followed and government should take effective measures to realize compensation from developed countries responsible for negative effects on climate. He said we should find out ways and means to face corporate capital.

CPB President,Manzurul Ahsan Khan said, we speak of urbanization but if we look back,centuries of development and urbanisation has lead to destruction of environment.The so called development is already spreading to villages.This will ruin our nature.It is high time we take up the issue of ruralisation. All round development of villages should take place in harmony with nature with the use of appropriate technology. Enough fund and incentives should be allocated for rural Bangladesh so that people return to their village homes. We must breakaway from the development philosophy of the west and make a paradigm shift in this regard.There is no other alternative to make the earth worth living.

Manzur said we are demanding capital punishment for war criminals and Razakars who perpetrated genocide on the people of Bangladesh in 1971. But those who are destroying nature and environment they are pushing the earth and its bio-diversity towards extinction. Those who are responsible for pollution ad degradation of environment are not only killing human beings, but the earth and all its life forms. They are committing a crime which is no less than genocide. We should also build up a united struggle against Environment “Rajakars”.

He said soil, water and trees work as carbon sink but here in Bangladesh deforestation is going on. In 1971 we had 17% forest now it is about 7%. According to UN report worlds largest mangrove forest Sundarbans faces extinction within decades. Soil degradation is going on due to use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides. Every year 25,000 Hectors of cultivable land is being transferred for using otherwise. Rivers, lakes and swamp lands are being occupied or filled up. After independence in 1971 at least 25 rivers have died.. In the capital city Dhaka we had at least 43 canals and 21 big ‘jheels’ or marsh lands. Most of them do not exist now. Water is being polluted. 60% of the pollution is due to industrial waste. Farakka barrage and Tipaimukh dams pose a grave threat to our water resources.

Multinational corporations by their callousness have burnt and destroyed natural gas and natural wealth worth millions of dollars. He said developed countries must go for alternative eco-friendly renewable energy and drastically reduce emission of greenhouse gasses. In Bangladesh concrete large-scale measures to introduce solar, wind, bio-gas etc have to be taken. Quoting Fidel Castro, Manzur said that simple replacement of incandescent bulbs by fluorescent bulbs can save millions of dollars in electricity. He said we have to bring about fundamental change in our culture and life style. We have a lot to learn from indigenous people, adibasis or ethnic minorities who live in complete harmony with nature.
Manzur said if there is an increase of temperature by one degree Celsius 11% of Bangladesh will be submerged under water. Already 250 sq Kilometers in Kutubdia, 180 sq km.in Swandip and 40 sq. km of land areas.in Bhola have gone under sea water. BCAS calculates we deserve compensation to the tune of 50 billion dollars. The compensation money should be spent properly under people’s democratic control.
He said capitalist globalization, consumer culture, and greed for profit, corporate business, production of arms, nuclear weapons nuclear wastes and fallout, senseless extravagance; ‘waste civilization’ etc are responsible for climate change.
Manzur quoted Engels who said “Let us not however, flatter ourselves over much on account of victories over nature. For each such victory it takes revenge…….By no means rule over nature,…. But with flesh, blood and brain belong to nature, exist in its midst.”
He said communist all over the world should be at the fore front of a grand unity and struggle for the preservation of nature, earth and all life forms.

M.M Akash an eminent economist said we want to win over the nature by destroying it. That will be suicidal. If we can approach development dialectically then only we can save nature and humanity at the same time.

Environmentalist Khalid Hossain said the issue has to be taken up politically. Compensation funds should be controlled by people and not by World Bank. He said the 1st option should be mitigation not adaptation. Developed countries should take urgent measures to drastically reduce the causes of climate change.

CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince who just returned from cyclone ‘Aila’ affected areas of Khulna, Dakope and Mongla described his experience during relief work. He said cyclone ‘ Cidr’ in 2007caused huge damage in the southern part of Bangladesh. After frequent disasters and recent cyclone ‘ Aila’ people in these areas are loosing hope and think that the danger of areas being submerged under water is very real and imminent. The ensuing budget should provide for short term and long term plans to mitigate the miseries of people living in south-western coastal zone. Relating his experience during relief activity Prince said in the beginning the government relief was not available in many remote areas. People need immediate supply of drinking and fresh water, food and medicines for survival. Most of the Barrages have been damaged. All barrages should come under a coordinated plan and urgent repairs must be undertaken.

President of the round table Manzurul Ahsan Khan closed the discussion by calling upon all, fighting for the protection of nature, to unite and evolve a National Charter addressing climate change and degradation of environment.End

Ekota Report

CPB AGAINST TIPAIMUKH DAM

Press release 6.6.09
CPB against Tipaimukh Dam

Communist Party of Bangladesh has called upon the government of India to stop the Tipaimukh Dam Project. India claims that the Dam is being constructed for producing electricity. Even if it is true, it is not acceptable. CPB President Manzurul Ahsan Khan and General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim in a statement further said that as an upper riparian country India will fully control and decide the volume of water flow. If they decrease or increase water flow according to their requirement, Bangladesh as a lower riparian country will face severe draught and unusual flooding in vast areas.

The leaders also said that the dam once constructed for production of electricity can easily be extended for turning it into an irrigation project. A risk will always be there that the Tipaimukh Dam can be turned into a barrage. If India proceeds with such a plan in future it will cause disaster for Bangladesh.

The CPB leaders said that the most important point is that, an upper riparian country cannot interfere with the water flow of any common river without discussions and consent of the lower riparian country. This is the international practice and law. But India has not supplied enough facts and materials to Bangladesh. They did not discuss and obtain consent. The Government of India is going forward with the plan of constructing the dam without consulting with Bangladesh. The statement also claimed that if the Dam is constructed, not only Bangladesh but also environment, nature and people of three eastern states of India will also suffer badly. This is why people of India are also opposing the Tipaimukh Project.

The Party Leaders said that the construction of Tipaimukh Dam will not only be damaging to Bangladesh environment and economy, it will also cause a deep dent in the Indo-Bangladesh relationship which is a matter of great concern. It is very important for the interest of the peoples of both the countries that friendly bilateral relationships prevail between them. It will be impossible to fight imperialist conspiracy in this region without friendly relationship between the two countries. Besides, the imperialists and the vested interest in both the countries always want deterioration of relationship between India and Bangladesh. Imperialism and the dark forces of conspiracy will use the deterioration of relations between the two countries, which will be an obvious outcome if India pursues its policy arrogantly. Indian government will be responsible for such an outcome.

Manzur and Selim in their statement called upon the Indian government to stop Tipaimukh Dam project in the interest of the people of both the countries. At the same time they appealed to progressive and democratic forces of India to raise their voice on this issue. They also called upon Bangladesh Government to take effective bilateral and diplomatic initiatives to stop construction of Tipaimukh Dam. The CPB leaders also called upon the people of Bangladesh to be active in protest against the construction of the Dam.
CPB Press Release

CPB calls for donations to Relief-Fund

CPB calls for donations to Relief-Fund

CPB President Manzurul Ahsan Khan and General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim has called upon all comrades to stand by the side of people affected by the devastating cyclone ‘Aila’ The leaders asked all party comrades to mobilize full capacity to organize relief operations amongst the people.

Meanwhile a Relief Committee has been formed at the central office of the Party under the leadership of comrade Mahbub Alam to organize the relief Operation in ‘ Aila’ hit Areas. The committee has called upon all to come forward and contribute to relief fund.

A relief fund has also been opened at the central office. Cash donations, food, medicine, clothes and other such materials will be received for distribution to remote areas.

All contributions should be sent to CPB central office to Comrade Moni Singh Road, Purana Paltan Dhaka -1000, Bangladesh. Telephone + 880-2-9558612,+ 990-1711438181 Fax + 880-2-9552333, E-mail

Bank Account Name:CPB Samabeshe Hatahotoder Sahyata Tahbil
Janata Bank,Purana Paltan Branch,Dhaka,Bangladesh.Savings Account no.9126-6
Ekota correspondent adds that true to its glorious tradition CPB leaders and activists this time also were the first to go to Aila devastated areas with the meager resources at their disposal. Party leaders quickly arranged drinking water, dry foods and medicines and took them to remote areas in boats, trucks and other indigenous transport, During the last Cyclone Cidr Party President Manzurul Ahsan Khan was amongst the first relief teams rushing to severely affected regions distributing relief and helping rehabilitation of people in the cyclone ravaged area. Many people and philanthropic organizations in and outside the country contributed in cash and kind to CPB since they believed that their contribution will go to right places and right persons.Meanwhile the government has been strongly criticized for its failure to provide relief in many places,even primary once like water,dry foods and medicines.It seems that the government could not learn much from the experience of the last cidr and.other natural calamities in the coastal regions.Experts hold climate change, responsible for frequent and devastating natural calamities in Bangladesh.

Speech By MAK (Moscow, 1987 on 70th Anniversary of October Revolution.)

Speech By Manzurul Ahsan Khan, Secretary

Central Committee Communist Party of Bangladesh

Moscow, 1987 on 70th Anniversary of October Revolution.

Comrade President

Members of the Presidium

Dear Comrades,

On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, on behalf of all the Communists and the working people of Bangladesh allow me to convey to you all on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution our fraternal greetings from the bottom of our heart.

The Great October Socialist Revolution was the most significant event of the present times. This was the first revolution which instead of replacing one exploiting system by another replaced it by a social system free from exploitation. The long cherished dream of mankind, of people all over the world fighting for thousands of years against exploitation and injustice, for happiness, came true.

The 1917 Revolution ushered in a new era. The era of transition to socialism. Mankind entered into history from pre-history. It gave new impetus to toiling people all over the world in their struggle against capitalism. It opened up new possibilities for peoples fighting to break colonial shackles. Struggle of our people against British colonial rule gained new momentum. As a matter of fact breaking of colonial yoke made a real beginning after the October Revolution. We therefore consider that the October Revolution is not only a day of celebration for Soviet people or for Communists and workers of this earth but it is a day of celebration for the whole of mankind,

The Soviet Union has traversed a long and difficult path. A path completely new and unknown to mankind. The CPSU armed with the scientific theory of Marxism-Leninism has successfully lead the Soviet Union throughout its glorious history. Victories of worldwide significance have been achieved.
The emergence of world socialist system has brought about fundamental changes in the balance of forces in favour of peace and progress.

The successes of Socialism especially achievements of Soviet Union is a source of inspiration for the communists and progressive forces of the world.

The present process of Perestroike and Glasnost is drawing the attention and concern of thinking people allround the world. It proves the strength rather than weakness of a society when it is able to face realities, identify shortcomings, overcome the problems arising in course of developments and accelerate all round progress.

Scientific and technological development has made this earth small. Millions of eyes are watching the day to developments in Soviet Union has got its international significances. With every success here people round the world are more convinced about socialism, more confident about the future they are fighting for.

Dear Comrades, our party is fighting in difficult conditions. Our country is in the periphery of world capitalism, with its most rotten manifestations, a country under neocolonialist and ruthless capitalist exploitation, where absolute poverty and famine rein. We are fighting for a national democratic revolution. At present we are engaged in united struggle with other forces for the establishment of democracy and well-being of our people. The October Revolution is the endless source of knowledge and inspiration for our struggle.

Our people will never forget that the country of October Revolution, the country of Lenin was by its side during the most difficult period of its history, during our national liberation struggle in 1971.

The gravest danger to mankind is now the danger of nuclear holocaust, the danger of war. The Soviet Union true to its traditions set by October Revolution whose 1st decree was the decree of peace written by Lenin is at the helm of the struggle against imperialist war mongers, for peace and disarmament.

Glory to the Great October Socialist Revolution.

Glory to Lenin and heroes of the Revolution.

Glory to Peace and Communistm.

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.

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.