Mark Your Calender: January Seminar on Bangladesh in Ottawa

Apology for Cross Posting: Please circulate


SAP Canada and CCIC's Asia-Pacific Working Group invite you to attend a 
lunchtime seminar on:

Bangladesh Crisis: Democracy in Dilemma

With a presentation by Faruq Faisel, followed by open discussions

Time: Tuesday January 9, 2007, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.

Place: CCIC's Board Room, 3rd floor, 1 Nicholas Street, Ottawa.

Bring your own lunch.

Once again, Bangladesh is facing another severe political and constitutional 
crisis.  After completing its term, the BNP government and its alliances 
have transferred power to the so-called interim government in October. 
BNP-appointed current President, Professor Iazuddin Ahmed, proclaimed 
himself as the Chief of the Caretaker Government as well.

Leaders of a 14-party alliance, led by the Awami League, are locked in a 
furious struggle with the former ruling coalition ahead of general 
elections, scheduled for January 23, 2007.  The caretaker administration is 
struggling to ensure that all parties take part in the election to make it 
credible.

The constitution says elections must take place within three months of a 
government ending its mandate.

While the 14-party alliance is demanding reconstitution of the election 
commission, the President has deployed the armed forces. Four of the ten 
advisors of the interim government resigned in protest.  Because of all 
these dramatic events, Bangladesh is sliding closer to toward a dangerous 
and violent conflict.  At present the Election Commission has no credibility 
and people’s confidence on the current President is declining rapidly.

Will there be a poll on 23rd January?  Will the organs of government, 
include the Presidency, be able to regain a semblance of credibility?  Will 
the political conflict be pushed to open warfare?

In his presentation, Faruq Faisel will share his observations, analysis and 
eyewitness experience of the latest political developments in Bangladesh and 
the implications for the people and their society.

Faruq Faisel, a Canadian International Development and media specialist 
started his career as a journalist in Bangladesh.  He follows politics and 
development of Bangladesh closely and advises several international agencies 
on Bangladesh issues.  His latest mission to Bangladesh was in October 2006, 
when he talked to political leaders, including some members of the rising 
Islamic fundamentalist parties, as well as activists, journalists, lawyers 
and civil society representatives.

For further information on this seminar, contact Richard Harmston, SAP
Canada: Phone 613 241 1333; Email rharmston@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx









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