October - December 2006 News
10 December 2006
Dr. Phillip Lee has written an article about Bangladesh on his blog. You can read it by clicking on the link below:
Emissions Matter to Bangladesh
16 November 2006
Bangladesh under threat from Islamic extremists in 2007 general election
It must be a top EU priority to ensure free and fair elections next January in Bangladesh, a traditionally secular and democratic country of 140 million, says Conservative Foreign Affairs spokesman
Strasbourg, 16 November 2006 -- In a speech today in the European Parliament, Dr Charles Tannock MEP, warned that the secular state of Bangladesh is under threat from Islamic fundamentalism and that the UK and EU have a duty to keep up the pressure for reform and full respect for democracy, a free press and human rights for all of Bangladesh's citizens prior to the Parliamentary Elections scheduled to take place next January.
Dr Tannock said:
"These elections are crucial and it is essential the EU maintains a visible major presence throughout the caretaker government period as otherwise some frustrated power hungry general might try a military coup.
"For many years since its foundation in 1971 Bangladesh was the exception in the Islamic world as it pursued its independent course in a peaceful and democratic fashion. Regrettably since 2001 there has been increasing Islamization of Bangladesh as Islamists have attempted to fill the vacuum left by corrupt warring secular parties.
"The NGO Taskforce against Torture has documented over 500 cases of torture and intimidation by radical Islamists, who have also murdered supporters of the Communist Party. Indeed, Hindus, Christians, Chittagong Hill Tracts tribal people and Buddhists have been targeted as well.
"The EU-Bangladesh Cooperation Agreement of 2000 is based on respect for democratic principles in Article 1 and its breach can lead to the Agreement's suspension and with it the significant EU General System of Tariff Preferences and the EU foreign aid which amounts to 17% of its total."
Press Release - Dr. Charles Tannock MEP
16 November 2006
Fair and free elections
Fair and free elections are an essential part of a democracy. For elections to be free there needs to be freedom of assembly, freedom of speech and expression, freedom from intimidation or coercion and freedom to register a vote in secret. For elections to be fair there needs to be an independent organisation to monitor the electoral process, universal suffrage, an open and transparent ballot counting process, and equal treatment of electors, candidates and parties by election officials and all arms of government.
The CFOB have been invited to send observers to Bangladesh to assist in free and fair elections there next January. We are both proud and pleased to have been asked to do this. Support for the secular democracy of Bangladesh is an important part of what CFOB is about.
Dr. Philip Lee, Bank of Researchers Coordinator, CFOB
15 November 2006
CFOB are pleased to announce that Michael Gove MP has joined the committee. A recent recipient of the ‘Rising Star’ Award at the Channel 4 Political Awards, Michael has brought a fresh intellect to the Conservative Party since being elected MP for Surrey Heath in 2005. He is a close confidant of David Cameron and presently serves as Shadow Minister for Housing.
Dr. Philip Lee, Bank of Researchers Coordinator, CFOB
28 October 2006
On behalf of the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (CFOB) I would like to take this opportunity of offering our warmest congratulations to Dr. Muhammed Yunus who was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, along with Grameen Bank. Dr. Yunus is the developer and founder of the concept of micro credit, the extension of small loans to entrepreneurs too poor to qualify for traditional bank loans. Dr. Yunus is the founder of Grameen Bank. In 2006 Dr. Yunus and Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Dr. Yunus has received several other international honours including the World Food Prize and the Sydney Peace Prize. He is also the author of Banker to the Poor and a founding board member of Grameen Foundation.
The announcement made by the committee read:
“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006, divided into two equal parts, to Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank for their efforts to create economic and social development from below. Lasting peace cannot be achieved unless large population groups find ways in which to break out of poverty. Micro-credit is one such means. Development from below also serves to advance democracy and human rights.”
To say that the Bangladeshi community in the United Kingdom is proud of Dr. Yunus’ achievement is an understatement. The CFOB believes that this award will go some way in putting the identity of Bangladesh in a global context. Recently, the Investment Bank: Goldman Sachs, quoted that “Bangladesh is one of eleven countries most likely to emerge as an economic success in the next phase of development and, therefore, a most desirable investment option”. CFOB believes that the hard work being done by individuals such as Dr. Yunus, will greatly contribute towards Bangladesh being able to force its way out of devastating poverty that the country has been suffering and, hopefully one day, be able to set an example to other countries. The Conservative Party here in the United Kingdom is committed to supporting the work being done by Dr. Yunus and the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh.
Abdus Hamid, Membership Coordinator, CFOB
22 October 2006
CFoB has now been launched! After formal ratification by the Party Board on Monday 25 September the official launch of the Group took place at the Conference in Bournemouth. The Rt. Hon William Hague MP officially launched the group and speeches were made by: Anne Main MP; His Excellency Mr. Sabihuddin Ahmed, The High Commissioner for the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh; Dominic Grieve MP, Shadow Attorney General; Brian Binley MP; Lord Sheikh; Shahagir Bakth Faruk & Muquim Ahmed.
The room was full and there were many who just simply could not get in which was unfortunate. We promise next year that we will have a larger room. Therefore, our apologies to those who were unable to enter the room - it will not happen next year!
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You can view more pictures of the launch by going to the Events page.
Meanwhile, thank you for visiting our website and please continue to visit for news of upcoming events which we will be organizing around the Country.
09 October 2006
The Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP, the Leader of the Conservative Party, has officially endorsed CFoB:
(Click on the image below to enlarge the letter)
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