Nozrul Islam

Under pressure form the Interim Government, supported by the military, Khaleda Zia chooses exile in Saudi Arabia in exchange for the freedom of her son imprisoned for fraud. Meanwhile rival Hasina, of the Awami League, may “postpone” his return home from the United States.

Caretaker government’s law enforcement drive reaches Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina. The country’s powerful army is bent on wiping the slate clean of the major political parties with tacit Indian and US support.

The extensive anti graft campaign, started by the provisional government, has netted Tareque Rahman, “epicentre” of high level corruption; held responsible for billion dollar contracts with Chinese industries to build enormous power plants, of little use to the nation.

Microcredit inventor decides to run for parliament in a new party. Reactions vary: Some see him as the “Saviour of the Fatherland;” others look with suspicion at some of his non committal views and his political inexperience.

President Iajuddin quits as head of caretaker government and delays elections as the opposition demanded. Tensions remain high though as the UN ends its support to the electoral process. For some analysts a creeping coup d’État is underway.

It is the second day of opposition protest against caretaker government. Country is paralysed as tens of people are injured and arrested in Dhaka. President Iajuddin is unwilling to give in as the military seek extensive powers and the United Nations puts on the breaks.

Awami League claims caretaker government is not neutral, calls for resignation of caretaker PM, President Ahmed. For opposition leader Hasina, it is impossible to go to the polls in the present atmosphere.

AsiaNews visited the village of Saupru Karbari, in the Chittagong hills, the target of a ferocious attack by Bengalese settlers two months ago. The settlers want to seize the lands of the aborigines, who have been left with destroyed homes, broken arms and legs, and hopeless fear.

In the Chittagong hills, Bengali thugs continue to terrorise indigenous communities, victims of murder, rape, land seizure, and a justice system unwilling to do its job.