Latest News
25 January 2009
Outstanding Achievement Award Ceromony
Dr Charles Tannock MEP with CFOB Executive Members Hasan Ali Imam and Cllr Mehfuz Ahmed attended the Outstanding Achievement award ceromony organised by the Bangladesh High Commission for top performing British-Bangladeshi students at this years GCSE and A Levels examination in the UK.
Dr Charles Tannock MEP with A Level Students who have received awards:
Dr Charles Tannock MEP, HE Dr M. Sayeedur Rahman, Cllr Mehfuz Ahmed with a student:
Cllr Mehfuz Ahmed, Dr Charles Tannock MEP with Bangladesh Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid MP and HE Dr M. Sayeedur Rahman Khan:
12 January 2009
Bangladesh Visit
Mark Field MP, deputy chairman of Britain - Bangladesh All Party Parliament Group visits Bangladesh in January 2010 with Tim Archer PPC Poplar & Limehouse, Cllrs Hussain and Ahmed.
5 November 2009
The British Curry Awards 2009
Joanne Cash PPC Westminster North, The Rt Hon David Cameron Leader of the Opposition and Anne Main MP St. Albans and Chairman of Conservative Friends of Bangladesh
11 March 2009
On the 10 March Anne Main took part in an Opposition Day’s debate on Unemployment wherein she made the following comment:
“On training, I recently participated in a debate on the curry industry, which has vacancies for skilled chefs. So far, however, the proposal to set up a specialised training so that we can fill the vacancies in the curry industry, as some unemployed people would like to see better opportunities provided in the catering industry?”
4 March 2009
Anne Main: Government disappoints curry industry
In a debate on the British Curry industry earlier today, Anne Main, MP for St Albans, challenged the Further Education Minister over the lack of appropriate training to encourage young people into the industry.
Anne said:
“In St Albans we have many excellent of curry restaurants, and I know from my discussions with restaurateurs, including the award-winning Chad Rahman at Chez Mumtaj, that recruitment in the industry is a big problem and consequently there is a shortage of skilled kitchen staff in the industry.
The British curry industry contributes £3.2bn to the economy and employs 100,000 people, and yet recruitment problems mean many restaurants are struggling to survive. I have been working with those in the industry to try and get more young people to enter the curry industry, but support from the Government is desperately needed if this is going to happen.
The British Curry Industry tells me that they do not want to continue to try to fill skills training gaps by bringing in chefs from Bangladesh, yet they are unable to get any assistance from the Government in developing specialised catering qualifications such as an NVQ in curry and ethnic cuisine. At best, current training opportunities only give an NVQ in general catering. The industry wants a top-class training college established in London supported by the Government as a formally recognised further education establishment.
Leading lights in the industry such as Bajloor Rashid, president of the Bangladesh Catering Association, and Enam Ali, president of Spice Business Magazine, who attended the debate, are extremely concerned that young people are not encouraged to go into ethnic specialities within the catering industry and that there are no training opportunities or formal qualifications available. When there are vacancies within the industry and so many young people needing jobs and training this is totally unacceptable.
Sadly, the Minister’s response did not show any willingness to address the issues, and in talks afterwards he dismissed the curry industry’s pleas for help setting up a specialised catering college. I will continue to press this issue to ensure that the voice of the industry is heard.”
The transcript of the debate is available for download here:
Westminster Hall Debate - British Curry Industry, Wednesday 4th March 2009
Below, an irate Enam Ali of Spice Business Magazine expresses his frustration to Further Education Minister following the debate.
3 March 2009
New All-Party Parliamentary Group
Anne Main MP has been invited by Baroness Sandy Verma (Conservative) to join a new All-Party Parliamentary Group Baroness Verma has set up. As chairman of the new group Baroness Verma has invited Anne to serve as Deputy Chairman. The new APPG is for women Parliamentarians in UK, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan & Sri Lanka.
The objective of the group is primarily to foster a closer relationship between Great Britain and the South Asian region in areas of education, health and gender issues.
Baroness Verma stated: “Building closer relationships with women parliamentarians will I believe add a much needed wider, softer and inclusive perspective in areas of development which will add net value to policy development and hopefully greater participation from women at all levels in our societies.”
Baroness Verma was in Bangladesh during the recent elections as part of an All-Party Parliamentary Group Bangladesh delegation.
February 2009
On Monday 23 February David Cameron and Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Grayling, joined Joanne Cash PPC Westminster North and Cllr Mehfuz Ahmed at a meeting with police officers from Paddington Green Police Station to discuss crime and disorder in the local area.
The visit took place just hours before Chris Grayling gave his first major speech as Shadow Home Secretary at the Greater London Assembly, outlining measures to tackle youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
In his speech, Mr Grayling described how a Conservative Government would not only get to grips with the root causes of a broken society but would also be unashamedly tough whenever a crime is committed.
David Cameron and Chris Grayling took the time to visit Westminster North to demonstrate that life under a Conservative Government would be different – things are going to change.
The Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron, explained why his Party’s new measures are so important:
“Crime may not be in the headlines so much today but that doesn’t mean it’s gone away. Remember that it’s not just the National Debt that has doubled under Labour, but violent crime too.
Every since I was elected Conservative leader, I have tried to address this issue in a serious and substantive way. We have not gone for the cheap, superficial and simplistic soundbite politics of Labour.
If we win the next election, I want a loud and clear message to be heard by every kid who’s getting into trouble and every kid who’s thinking about it. It’s the Conservatives you’re dealing with now. You’re not going to get away with it anymore.”
29 December 2008
Bangladesh Elections
British MEPs Dr Charles Tannock, Nirj Deva, and Neil Parish are currently in Bangladesh acting as electoral observers as part of a European delegation. Dr Charles Tannock will provide a full report upon his return.
Dr Charles Tannock with Neil Parish observing at a Dhaka polling station:
Dr Charles Tannock MEP (Conservative, London) in Dakha as Chairman of the EU short term election observation mission for the Bangladeshi general election 2008 with Dr. A T M Shamsul Huda (Chief Election Commissioner), Nirj Deva MEP (Conservative South East England), Neil Parish MEP (Conservative, South West England):
17 December 2008
A Message from Anne Main MP
We welcome the news today that an election is now agreed for the 29th December with all parties agreeing to participate. It is particularly welcome that the state of emergency has been lifted today allowing full campaigning and freedom of speech to ensure that as many as possible can vote in an election that they will find credible.
At a presentation of the All Party Parliamentary group today I urged our Government to ensure that both during and after the election we encourage respect for human rights and minorities. The ID and voter registration system is to be welcomed and I wish for a peaceful and fairly contested election so that any new Government can move forward and tackle some of the pressing issues facing Bangladesh, namely the price of food, poverty, climate change and the global economic downturn which will inevitably hit Bangladesh and businesses hard. I have also met with our new High Commissioner Nigel Evans urging him to ensure that he brings his good offices to bear in supporting Bangladesh at this crucial time.
Anne Main MP St. Albans
Chairman, Conservative Friends of Bangladesh
Deputy Chairman, All-Party Parliamentary Group
Patron, The Friends of Bangladesh UK
November 2008
Mile End East by-election - Thursday 20th November 2008
On Friday 14th November after Jummah prayer members of the CFOB executive committee were present at the Burdett Road mosque helping to boost support for the Conservative candidate Motiur Rahman.
Top: Mahbubur Rahman, Matt Vaughan, Cllr. Peter Golds
Bottom: Abdus Hamid, Motiur Rahman, Cllr. Mehfuz Ahmed, Syed Kamall MEP
Church Street's residents elect their first ever Conservative Councillor
Conservatives in Westminster North have today seen the election of their candidate, Mehfuz Ahmed, in the Church Street Council By-Election.
Church Street has been a Labour stronghold since its creation in 1964 – local residents have never before been represented by a Conservative Councillor.
Mehfuz Ahmed's victory is even more significant given Church Street's location – it is one of ten electoral wards, and one of only four Labour wards, in the newly redrawn, marginal constituency of Westminster North.
Westminster North will be a key target seat at the next general election. The outcome in Church Street bodes well for Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Joanne Cash and is further evidence of the tidal support behind David Cameron and the Conservative Party.
Joanne Cash, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Westminster North explained:
"This result is momentous. It is a clear message to Gordon Brown and the Labour Party that our residents have had enough.
Mehfuz Ahmed will make an excellent Councillor – he embodies the positive spirit of the Conservative party and our campaign in Westminster North.
We work for the right to represent our constituents. People are realising that if they want to improve their lives, it is the Conservative Party that will provide the opportunities to do so."
Westminster's newest Conservative councillor, Mehfuz Ahmed, agreed,
"Many people who have never voted Conservative before have put their faith in me.
I will repay their trust by working hard to ensure that the residents; views are heard and to make Church Street a safer and better place for us all."
BBC NEWS - Bangladesh poll date is announcedAnne Main MP welcomes today’s announcement that the General Elections will be held in Bangladesh on 18 December, election authorities say, with 13 November the deadline for nominations.
Understandably there have been concerns in the delays in holding these elections and I welcome the fact that a rigorous identification system has now been put in place to ensure that voter fraud is minimized. It is imperative that the elections proceed in a timely and orderly manner and that the democratic will of the people is upheld. I wish Bangladesh well in its progress toward a democratic elected government.
Anne Main MP
St. Albans
Anne Main MP at the recent British Curry Awards
March 2008
Anne Main MP and Cllr Tim Archer’s visit to Bangladesh
January 2008
Diary of Events
Saturday 5 January
We arrived in the early hours of the morning at Dhaka International Airport and were met by members of the Bangladeshi National Party and Awami League political parties.
Upon arrival at the hotel and after a short rest we organized our itinerary determined to try and meet representatives from all Parties. Our first meeting that same day was with Saber Chowdhury, the Organising Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League & Political Secretary to Sheikh Hasina.
Later in the day we met with representatives from Amnesty International: Timothy Parritt, Deputy Director Asia-Pacific and Abbas Faiz, Researcher at Amnesty International.
Sunday 6 January
Our first meeting was at Dhaka University with the following: Professor S.M.A.Faiz, Vice-chancellor; Dr. Aka Firowz Ahmad, Proctor; Dr. Borhan Uddin Khan, Professor & Dean, Faculty of Law.
Later in the day we paid a visit to the British High Commission and met with his Excellency Mr. Anwar Choudhury.
On Sunday we also met with Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Mr. Alhaj Khondkar Delwar Hossain.
Monday 7 January
In the morning we had a series of private meetings with representatives of the Press and Media.
That evening we met with Zillur Rahman, Acting President of the Awami League and also had the opportunity of meeting with Sheikh Hasina’s legal defence team including M.K. Rahman, Advocate Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Muhammad Mohsen Rashid, Advocate, Tawfique Nawaz, Senior Advocate Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
Tuesday 8 January
Our first meeting of the day was with Saifur Rahman, Acting Chairman, and General Major (rtd) Hafizuddin Ahmed of the Bangladesh National Party.
In the afternoon a visit was made into the countryside around Dhaka to visit the Canary Wharf sponsored Youth Football team.
A visit was also made that afternoon to the Bangladesh National Martyrs Memorial commemorating the three million Bangladeshis that died fighting for Bangladesh Independence.
In the evening we met with Begum Khalda Zia’s legal defence team: A. M. Mahbub Uddin (aka Khokon), Advocate Supreme Court of Bangaladesh; Barrister Muhammad Nawshad Zamir & Barrister Sk. Abu Musa Muhammad Arif.
Wednesday 9 January
Before flying home we took some time off and visited Lalbagh Fort, Bangladesh National Museum and Bangladesh National Parliament building.
We did request meeting with the representatives from the Caretaker Government but no meetings were forthcoming.
Cllr Tim Archer
15 November 2007
Anne Main MP, Chairman of CFOB, tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM 268)) yesterday on the British curry industry. The content of it is as follows:
“That this House congratulates the British curry industry on its third successful British Curry Awards ceremony; recognises the contribution that the industry makes to the UK economy, representing £3.2 billion, 100,000 jobs and the enrichment of the national culinary experience; wishes the industry continued success during the next year; is concerned that the industry needs assistance to ensure that young people and skilled chefs are encouraged to enter the industry; and asks that the ability of the industry to recruit is taken into account in future policies determining workforce movement.”
7 November 2007
On Monday 29 October in broad daylight Muquim Ahmed, a prominent businessman and owner of the Cafe Naz brand, was attacked outside his restaurant in Brick Lane, East London. Mr Ahmed a Deputy Chairman of CFOB suffered horrendous injuries and was taken to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. We hope that Mr Ahmed will recover from his injuries soon. We are grateful that the Bangladeshi Community in East London held a meeting on the evening of Tuesday 30 October with the police to discuss the apprehension of the perpetrators. We hope the perpetrators are apprehended soon and dealt with appropriately by the justice system. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Ahmed and his family.
27 September 2007
Omar Faruk writes on CFOB progress
Summer has been a very busy period for Anne Main MP and the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (CFOB). The postponement of the elections in Bangladesh, the incarceration of previous Prime Ministers, Government Ministers, Members of Parliament and Civil Servants has raised many concerns for Bangladeshis and the British Banglasdeshi Diaspora. The collapse of the money transfer company First Solutions in the United Kingdom has been a major issue for Bangladeshis and the Birtish Bangladeshi Diaspora. The inclement floods in Bangladesh have made many a destitute.
Anne Main, the Chairman of CFOB together with CFOB colleagues have been tirelessly attending meetings and progressing issues on behalf of the British Bangladeshi Diaspora. On 1 August Anne addressed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party seminar at Newham Town Hall attended by hundreds of people, both Anne and the writer were very warmly received by the audience. At another meeting Anne together with Joanne Cash PPC Westminster North and myself addressed the Awami League seminar attended by hundreds of people at a park in the East End of London,. We were well received and the organisers were grateful for their attendance – it would appear there were no speakers from the other political parties.
I accompanied Anne & Charles Tannock MEP when they attended the cross party group on Bangladesh seminar in the House of Lords.
Other CFOB committee member, Dominic Grieve MP, Shadow Attorney General and Anne attended a meeting with members of the Awami League upon incarceration of ex Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina.
In September Teresa Rosell, Deputy Chairman CFOB and I accompanied Charles Tannock to a meeting with the Bangladesh National Party where various proposals were put forward which are now being actioned. The following week Charles was accompanied by various members of CFOB including Mehfuz Ahmed and Abdus Hamid to a metting with Sheikh Hasina’s family and members of the Awami League.
Early in the Summer Anne was appointed Vice-Chairman of the cross party group on Bangladesh and during the summer Anne has been appointed to the cross party group to investigate the First Solution collapse. Meanwhile Charles has helped set up the cross party group on Bangladesh in the European Parliament.
Omar Faruk, Barrister at Law
Conservative Party Parliamentary Candidate List
26 September 2007
The EU must not lose Bangladesh to anarchy and military dictatorship.
Brussels, 10th September -- Following the August student demonstrations, Charles Tannock MEP, Conservative Foreign Affairs Spokesman in the European Parliament, has called for a three point plan to restore full secular democracy in Bangladesh.
Charles said: "The EU must be vigilant over Bangladesh, aware that South Asia is a political tinderbox. Ignoring a democratic death-by-a-thousand-cuts is not a sensible option given the Islamist threat which lies in wait in a vast and strategic nation of 150 million.
"I call for:
1. The continuation of impartial investigations into the violent threats received by journalists and human rights defenders and attacks carried out against them;
2. The release of university academics who were recently engaging in peaceful protests but who remain in prison; the release from prison of the 3 former Prime Ministers on bail to prepare their defence and the right for EU observers to attend their trials to ensure due process.
3. The confirmation that democratic elections will be held in 2008 or sooner if at all possible which was given to the EU and USA. The return to Bangladesh of the EU funded long term election observation mission as soon as possible to monitor progress.
"Western aid donors are watching Bangladesh carefully given concerns about human rights deterioration in the last few years together with increasing Islamist radicalisation of its society and a departure from its original course of secular multiparty democracy - a model we in the EU should strongly continue support."
However, the election time scale appears very long and there are suspicions that the military, whose profile politically has recently risen are keen to radically and deliberately alter the political complexion of the country by removing from circulation two warring protagonists, ex-Prime Ministers Sheik Hasina and Khaleda Zia.
Charles added: "It is difficult to understand why they are not released on bail pending trial and furthermore why the initial arrests were so melodramatic and lacking in due process under emergency powers which this resolution rightly calls for to be lifted as well as calling for EU diplomatic observers to be present at their trials."
Charles Tannock MEP
26 September 2007
European Parliament resolution of 6 September 2007 on Bangladesh
Co-authored by Charles Tannock MEP
The European Parliament ,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on Bangladesh, in particular that of 16 November 2006(1) ,
– having regard to the state of emergency which was decreed by the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh on 11 January 2007,
– having regard to the Declaration of 16 January 2007 by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the recent political developments in Bangladesh,
– having regard to the EU Troika's visit to Bangladesh in June 2007,
– having regard to the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the People's Republic of Bangladesh on Partnership and Development(2) ,
– having regard to the statement of 17 July 2007 by the UN Secretary-General on Bangladesh,
– having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the parliamentary elections which were to be held in Bangladesh on 22 January 2007 were postponed after poll-related violence by a High Court decision of 29 January 2007 and it has now been announced that they will take place before the end of 2008,
B. whereas the political situation before the imposition of the state of emergency was characterised by a refusal to engage in dialogue among major political actors, personal antagonism, occasional violence and extraordinarily high levels of corruption,
C. whereas the state of emergency was declared on 11 January 2007 and former Central Bank Governor Fakhruddin Ahmed took over as head of the non-party Caretaker Government on a platform for ending corruption,
D. whereas the EU Election Observation Mission suspended its operations on 22 January 2007 as the likelihood of a free and fair election seemed remote at that time,
E. whereas the United Nations decided to withdraw its support for the electoral process on the same day,
F. whereas the military-backed Caretaker Government, with the objective of ending corruption, has introduced repressive measures, including a ban on all political activity, the detention or charging of over 160 political leaders, including three former Prime Ministers, Sheikh Hasina, Khaleda Zia, Moudud Ahmed, and more than 100 000 civilians,
G. whereas frequent violations of freedom of the press, including arrests and cases of torture, have been reported, involving journalists and media personnel,
H. whereas the joint forces are playing an increasingly significant role in the nationwide crackdown on corruption, with sweeping powers to raid homes of suspects and confiscate property,
I. whereas Bangladesh's longstanding tradition of secular democracy, including respect for human rights and especially women's rights, freedom of speech and religious tolerance is increasingly under threat,
J. whereas the renowned Bangladeshi lawyer, human rights activist and UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Sigma Huda, was convicted in July 2007 and sentenced to 3 years in prison on charges of bribery and corruption; whereas there are increasing concerns that Ms Huda, who suffers from severe medical problems, is being denied specialised medical treatment; whereas on 17 July 2007 UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon called on the Bangladeshi authorities to fully respect Ms Huda's fundamental rights,
K. whereas, under Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 'everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him',
L. whereas on 27 August 2007 the Supreme Court overturned a High Court sentence for the release on bail of the former Prime Minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, who has been imprisoned since July 16 2007;
M. whereas the former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and her son were arrested on 3 September 2007 in Dhaka on allegations of corruption,
N. whereas the EU and Bangladesh have long standing good relations and are important economic partners,
1. Is deeply concerned about the disproportionate response of the military and the police against the student protests which erupted in late August 2007 at Dhaka university; considers that the demonstrations were evidence of the unpopular political role played by the army; welcomes the fact that the curfew imposed in Dhaka and five other cities because of these protests was lifted on 28 August 2007; calls for the immediate release of the persons who have been arrested subsequent to the students' and teachers' unrest, including members of the teachers' association Shikkhok Samity, i.e. Anwar Hossain, Harun Ur Rashid, Saidur Rahman Khan and Abdus Sobhan;
2. Is deeply concerned about the arrest and justification for ongoing detention of Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, arrested on 16 July 2007 and charged with extortion, and of Bangladesh Nationalist Party president Khaleda Zia, charged with corruption; calls on the Bangladeshi authorities to conduct the trial in a transparent way and according to the rule of law; more particularly, calls on the government to base its anti-corruption campaign solely on facts relevant in the context of criminal proceedings concerning corruption;
3. Calls on the Bangladeshi authorities to allow access to all tribunals by international human rights organisations, interested parties and international observers such as EU Member State diplomats or the Commission delegation staff, to ascertain that proceedings are fair and impartial;
4. Is deeply concerned about the conditions under which Sigma Huda, who has been sentenced on bribery charges is imprisoned, in particular the lack of any medical treatment which she urgently needs; urges the Bangladeshi authorities to provide Ms Huda with all the necessary medical treatment and help required by her health condition; calls on the Bangladeshi authorities to respect the fundamental rights of Ms Huda, in particular the right to receive visits from her family and friends in prison; urges the authorities to immediately allow these visits;
5. Regrets that the Caretaker Government, while making progress on tackling corruption, has been far less assertive on political reform; calls for a return to democracy and the lifting of the state of emergency in Bangladesh; calls in particular for the lifting of the ban on all political activity, in order to enable all parties and political organisations to prepare for open and fair elections, as provided for under the constitution;
6. Notes the publication of a roadmap for elections by the Election Commission in July 2007 and the efforts to overhaul the registration process and amend the electoral legislation; urges the government, nevertheless, to reconsider its present roadmap for elections and to speed up its preparations;
7. Welcomes the EU's commitment to grant its full technical support to the Bangladeshi authorities for the organisation of the elections; calls for the EU Election Observation Mission to resume its long-term activities as soon as this is feasible and advisable;
8. Demands that an end be put to the creeping militarisation of the country; is deeply concerned about the role of the Bangladeshi Military Intelligence Service ('DGFI'), the allegations of torture of persons held in custody,
9. Calls on the Bangladeshi Government to refrain from any arbitrary expulsions of slum dwellers and landless peasants from urban roadsides and fallow lands, in line with the High Court's ruling, and to undertake the necessary evictions only on the basis of well prepared rehabilitation plans;
10. Calls on the Council and the Commission to monitor carefully the human rights and political situation in Bangladesh in the light of recent events and to make representations concerning the continuance of the state of emergency; calls on the working groups established between the EU and Bangladesh on institution building, administrative reform, governance and human rights to contribute actively to stabilising democracy in Bangladesh;
11. Calls on the Caretaker Government to make progress with the creation of a National Human Rights Commission, the implementation of which should also be a priority for the future civilian government;
12. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
24 September 2007
Dr. Phillip Lee writes for ConservativeHome.com
This is an article which Project Director, Dr. Phillip Lee, has written for ConservativeHome.com:
The Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (CFOB) was established at last year’s Conservative Party Conference. At a well-attended launch event organised by Anne Main MP, the Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague MP welcomed the creation of the group and supported its aims to both build better relationships with the Bangladeshi people here in the United Kingdom, and foster a greater understanding about the country of Bangladesh.
There are over half a million British Bangladeshis. Traditionally, Labour has been the political party of choice within the community. CFOB immediately recognised this and set about challenging that attitude. Bangladeshis are entrepreneurial, hard-working and family-oriented people and hence we believed that they should instinctively feel at home in the Conservative Party. Our growing membership since the launch is evidence that we were right. Up and down the country there are ‘key marginal’ constituencies where significant Bangladeshi communities live. CFOB has worked hard to make contacts and listen to the concerns of those communities. One example was the widespread concern about climate change. Bangladesh has more to fear from global warming and consequent rising sea levels than most. Some estimates suggest that over 15% of the country will be engulfed by the Bay of Bengal by the turn of the next century. That would see a forced migration of some 17 million people. We have found that the Conservative Party’s recent emphasis on developing policies that would limit man’s contribution to that potential natural disaster has been very much welcomed by the Bangladeshi community. By actively listening to such concerns, CFOB has not only successfully spread our fresh political message to Bangladeshi communities that have not previously considered voting Conservative, it has also helped to improve broader community relations at a time when the tolerant British society that we all cherish is under pressure from Islamic extremists. Interestingly, throughout the last year feedback from the Bangladeshis we have contacted has all been very positive.
CFOB has also been keen to encourage a stable and prosperous Bangladesh. It actively supports the principle of secular democracy enshrined within the Bangladeshi Constitution drawn up in 1971. Furthermore, it retains an independent voice in Bangladeshi affairs, as it has no affiliation with any Bangladeshi parties. Evidence of this active support by the CFOB for Bangladeshi democracy was demonstrated at the beginning of this year by a group trip to Bangladesh headed by our Chairman, Anne Main MP. It had been arranged to assess the political situation which had then become very unsettled. CFOB believes that an orderly and violence-free general election held at the earliest opportunity would be in the best interests of all Bangladeshis. For Bangladesh to continue enjoying the economic growth it has seen over the last 15 years, it desperately needs the relative political stability it had experienced until the recent unrest began. Since its inception, CFOB has provided much support to all interested parties in Bangladesh, and has plans to further strengthen ties with the country. Meetings have been held with leaders of all the major political parties and a further group trip to the country is planned for later this year.
In just our first year, CFOB has increased its membership base within British Bangladeshi communities, actively supported Parliamentary candidates throughout the country and forged strong links with Bangladesh. We have every intention of making our second year just as successful for we believe that the Conservative Party has plenty to offer the British Bangladeshi Community.
Dr. Philip Lee, Project Director
28 August 2007
Congratulations to Kevin Hollinrake our Treasurer who has been selected as the Parliamentary Candidate for Dewsbury. You can read about Kevin here.
Welcome to two new committee members: Omar Faruk who is joining our membership team. Omar has just recently got on to our Parliamentary Candidates list and Hasan Ali Imam who is going to take on the role as Secretary to the Executive Committee. Hasan is already on our Parliamentary Candidates list and ran for us in the 2005 General Election.
10 May 2007
Bangladeshi Elections
The Conservative Friends of Bangladesh would like to see a stable and prosperous Bangladesh. CFOB would like to see violence free and orderly elections being held at the earliest opportunity. A state of emergency was imposed and political activities were banned to bring a halt to political violence and deaths. It was effective of the Interim Government of Bangladesh in response to the media, civil society and international community to lift the temporary travel restrictions on leaders of the major political parties. The timescale of restoring democracy by the end of 2008 means that elections in the near future are unlikely.
We hope the the Election Commission will complete an accurate voter list and ID cards within the next twelve months, hopefully these steps will ensure free and fair elections. We are informed that the Interim Government of Bangladesh have arranged meetings between the Foreign Adviser and the British Foreign Secretary, and have also sought technical support from the British Government. The technical support for the election process and the Election Commission's voter list preparation are welcome steps which we hope will enable transparency and meaningful consultation. It would be very sad if military rule re-emerged in Bangladesh.
Omar Faruk
9 March 2007
Anne Main MP visits Bangladesh
Bangladesh was scheduled to hold national parliamentary elections on January 22nd 2007 and despite calls for a swift election, after weeks of crippling nationwide protests against his administration's handling of the upcoming election, President Iajuddin Ahmed declared a state of emergency and stepped down from his role as head of a caretaker government charged with overseeing a democratic transition. The Bangladeshi Army moved in to enforce the open-ended emergency, which curtailed many of Bangladeshis' constitutional rights and imposed a nighttime curfew. The election, originally scheduled for January 22, has been postponed. Several months of pre-election turmoil came to a head after the opposition alliance announced that it was withdrawing its candidates and boycotting the election to protest a voter list it claims the incumbent coalition padded with millions of fictional names. More than forty-five people had been killed and hundreds injured in pre-election clashes across the country over the past few months.
In a country with a population of 110 million that has seen two military dictatorships in its thirty-five years of independence, the possibility of an army takeover always lurks in the background of any political crisis. Whether the army's intervention will be temporary or long-term this time remains to be seen. Bangladesh has had three successful elections and wants to make sure that Bangladesh has a fourth successful election.
Anne Main, chairman of the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh and Member of Parliament for St. Albans, travelled out to Bangladesh to examine and witness the situation herself amidst all the turmoil on 4th January of this year. During the course of her visit, Ann Main met staff from the British High Commission in Dhaka; which included Duncan Norman the Head of Chancery, the British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury as well as Graham Elson the Deputy Chief Observer of the European Union, Judy Thompson from the UNDP amongst other prominent economists, academics and industrialists.
On returning, in a recent interview to Islam Channel, Anne Main talked of her experiences whilst in Bangladesh.
Anne, set out to meet the people who were being mostly affected by the ongoing turmoil and uncertainty due to the elections. During her visits to local industries in Dhaka, she spoke to many ordinary members of the public and learned from them that the greatest impact of the elections was upon them. The resulting impact of closures and curfews upon the transport and general infrastructure meant that daily life was being severely affected. The public were not interested in the political squabbles and bickering that dominated the news day in day out.
During a visit to a factory in Dhaka, Anne spoke to a number of labourers who talked of the impact of the elections on their work. Port closures and curfews in Chittagong had meant that the flow of goods were effected and hence causing factory closures. The visits to the factories were nevertheless quite a pleasant insight. The factories had maintained good conditions and introduced the provision of a crèche for the young children, canteens, good safety equipment and generally a well-looked after workforce. It would seem that at this level the country was moving along quite happily and the elections seem to be an unwanted and unnecessary hindrance to the steady growth.
Anne talked of how people were not overly concerned with who won the elections so long as the country was working towards stability and growth. However, not surprisingly Anne did notice the increasing number of people who actively were involved with the politics of the country and were constantly mesmerised by the flow of media report and coverage that kept the country glued to all forms of electronic and written media.
The possible introduction of identity cards seemed to be a positive step towards a regulated the voting system in Bangladesh. A number of conversations with politicians and industrialists echoed the same. It would seem the country was ready to take another very important step towards securing a sustainable democratic process for its long-term success.
Anne Main was the only parliamentarian to have visited Bangladesh during its most difficult weeks earlier this year and speaks from an experience at a grass root level. On her return, Anne has briefed Andrew Mitchell, Mark Simmonds and William Hague and will be shortly briefing the Foreign Office.
On 19th January, a week after Anne’s return from Bangladesh, during parliamentary questions asked the Secretary of State for International Development when he or Ministers from his Department last visited Bangladesh; and what steps his Department is taking to support the re-establishment of favourable conditions for free and fair elections in Bangladesh. In his reply the Rt. Hon Mr. Thomas: The Secretary of State for International Development stated that;
“..DFID is working closely with the British High Commission in Dhaka to support the re-establishment of favourable conditions for free and fair elections.
Our common assessment, shared with much of the international community, that preparations for the Bangladesh election planned for 22 January lacked credibility, and that the election would have been boycotted by the main opposition parties, led to DFID’s decision to suspend plans to support civil society monitoring and international observation of this election.
On 11 January, the President proclaimed a State of Emergency, postponed the elections and resigned as Chief Adviser to the Caretaker Government. A new Chief Adviser was appointed on 13 January.
With the British High Commissioner, DFID is seeking meetings with the Chief Adviser and other Advisers of the new Caretaker Government to offer further technical and financial support for actions that will ensure a free and fair election. If this is accepted, we will prioritise this in the months ahead. In addition, our ongoing support for a programme to monitor and prevent political violence in Bangladesh will continue during the state of emergency.
When the date of a new election, based on credible preparations that ensure that the election will be free, fair, and contested by all major parties, is announced, we expect to resume support for civil society election monitoring and international observation. If necessary, we will revise the planned activities to fit the new political environment”
6 February 2007
Running for office?
Local Elections 2007 or the next General Election: are you a (potential) candidate for the Conservative Party? Do you have Bangladeshi connections or a significant Bangladeshi community in your ward/constituency?
Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (CFOB) can put you in touch with contacts in your area; help you write literature, arrange meetings with local community groups and even campaign with you!!
Contact me and find out more – look forward to hearing from you!
Kevin Hollinrake, Treasurer
01727 825100
07768 037721
And ask for Kevin re CFOB
22 January 2007
Coming soon! A detailed account of Anne Main MP's visit to Bangladesh from 4 - 12 January 2007. Also, Dr. Phillip Lee has written another piece about Bangladesh on his blog. You can read it by clicking on the link below:
Bangladesh - Votes Needed Not Violence
