Zafar Iqbal, the ChetoNazi amongst Us

We know of the fact that intellectuals can shape a destiny of a nation, if they stand by their conscience and what is right. History has given us enough examples of intellectuals who lost the respect of the masses due to sale of their allegiances to the tyrants and oppressors of their people in return for short lived fame and glory.  History has side by side also given us examples of numerous intellectuals whose stand by their conscience has made them immortal. Great intellectuals such as Socrates are proof of that. Let us examine one such case.

Eminent Bangladeshi writer and national literary and cultural icon Muhammed Zafar Iqbal on Friday blamed the government for the leak of question papers of the ongoing Higher Secondary Certificate examinations and demanded a public hearing to reach a solution to the problem. Zafar Iqbal, also Shahjalal University of Science and Technology professor, made the demand as he led a sit in at the Central Shaheed Minar in protest at the leak of the question papers. 

Despite having evidence of question papers being leaked, the government had rejected the allegations, said Zafar Iqbal, also a member of the committee to frame the Education Policy 2010. He urged the government to arrange public hearing where prominent academics, teachers, students and guardians would exchange their views to reach a solution to the leak of question papers of public examinations. He, however, urged the young generation for launching a tough movement against the leaking of question papers. 

Saying this he left the programme and went to another program in the afternoon, where Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid presented him with the Chandrabarti Children’s Literature Award. Zafar Iqbal was seen sitting along with Nahid, the two friends happily chatting away throughout the programme. 

Now this was right after the program where Zafar spoke out against Nahid..........yes, right after when he spoke out AGAINST him!!! 

What does this tell us about Zafar Iqbal, eminent professor, well known atheist and apparently a shameless blatant supporter of the government?

That his words were just that, words. That he started actually protesting right at the end of the saga of the question leaks in order to save his image and skin simultaneously so as to keep up the camouflage. That he had always remained subservient to the government, as subservient as he was on the January 5 elections at the beginning of this year, where the writer came down heavily on a section of the media for their stand against holding the 10th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh on the 5th of January, 2013, amid a boycott by the main opposition party, alleging that those who had been calling for halting the electoral process were actually trying to ensure the participation of Jamaat-e-Islami in the election. 

Such actions and views of this eminent writer showcase a dark side of the personality behind the man that many are not aware of, and fail to see or comprehend. Zafar Iqbal may be a remarkably talented man, but the atheist cum self professed hater of Islamic education and politics has always had a clear stand regarding Islam, Islamic education, Islamic way of life and the role of Islam based politics in a secular state. Few are ignorant of the videos of Zafar Iqbal dancing recklessly with girls his daughter’s age or of pictures of his daughter drinking alcohol. A life long professor of secular values and a westernized way of life in favour of negating cultural and religious values of the society from which he emanates, Zafar Iqbal through his writings and actions led a generation astray, forcing down their throats a biased narrative of history that helped successive chetoNazis exploit the sentiments of millions, pitting them against their own culture and more importantly against Islam, weaning them away from moral values and social and cultural norms, and throughout the process denied any responsibility for the monster of ignorance residing with a cluesless generation he helped to create. 

Lets not shirk from the truth. Zafar Iqbal, with that silent secretive smile behind the trademark moustache, has destroyed a generation and probably more.      

If you are watching this, I'm either in solitary confinement, a hospital bed or dead #FreeSoltan

A new video showing 26-year-old American hunger striker Mohamed Soltan, held in an Egyptian prison for almost 200 days, was aired on Tuesday evening. 

The video released by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour shows Soltan speaking to camera and appealing directly to US President Obama and the international community. 

"If you’re watching this it means I'm either in solitary confinement in a dungeon somewhere with no access to the outside world or I'm in a hospital bed because the hunger strike I started January 26… has gotten the better of me or I’m dead,” Soltan said. “If I'm still alive, then I ask my government, the government of the United States of America, is my life not worth anything to you? Has the life of American citizens become worthless or is it because my name is Mohamed?

“Your government moved mountains and sent a charted plane to evacuate my fellow  blond hair, blue eyed Americans who were being detained by the same Egyptian military back in 2012, so why am I any different? Is it because my father is not some rich well-connected congressman or is it because my father is an Islamic scholar, an Islamic Academic? Or is it because, like you sir, I have an Arabic name?" the Ohio State graduate added.  

The video comes on the second day of Egypt's presidential elections and is likely to put more pressure on the Obama administration in its dealing with the Egyptian authorities. 

Soltan was arrested in the wake of the 2012 Rabaa massacre in Egypt in which pro-Morsi supporters were killed and arrested en masse following the overthrow of former President Mohamed Morsi. Soltan was shot in the arm in the days leading up to his arrest and claims to have been denied medical treatment in prison, where he says he was forced to rely on a fellow inmate to operate crudely on his wounds.

Despite being an ally of Egypt, the American authorities have expressed concern recently over developments such as the mass death sentences passed down on hundreds of members and supporters of the Egytptian Brotherhood. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki called the death sentences "unconscionable." 

Her comments echoed similar statements made by Secretary of State John Kerry in March. 

"I am deeply, deeply troubled by the sudden and unprecedented decision by an Egyptian court to issue preliminary death sentences for 529 citizens after a quick mass trial. It simply defies logic", Kerry said.

He urged the "appropriate Egyptian authorities to remedy the situation," adding that the decision does not reflect the values and goals to which the interim government has aspired to. 

The State Department last week said it had no new specific updates on this case but said it could look into it. There has been no response on this issue yet.

In the last few weeks and months there have been growing concerns over the failing state of Soltan’s health as a result of the prolonged hunger strike which has now reached 122 days.

In the video, Soltan explains why he chose to begin his open-ended hunger strike. 

I've started my hunger strike “because I was brought up a free man so my decision was to peacefully challenge and resist oppression entirely," Soltan said. "That even if the Egyptian military is able to jail me and my own government insists on abandoning me, I still control my own destiny. I still control my own fate and that to me is what being free and what being an American is all about."

Middle East Eye

A new video showing 26-year-old American hunger striker Mohamed Soltan, held in an Egyptian prison for almost 200 days, was aired on Tuesday evening.
The video released by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour shows Soltan speaking to camera and appealing directly to US President Obama and the international community.
A copy of the video was also obtained by the Middle East Eye and shows the young Egyptian-American pleading with Obama to do more to secure his freedom.
"If you’re watching this it means I'm either in solitary confinement in a dungeon somewhere with no access to the outside world or I'm in a hospital bed because the hunger strike I started January 26… has gotten the better of me or I’m dead,” Soltan said. “If I'm still alive, then I ask my government, the government of the United States of America, is my life not worth anything to you? Has the life of American citizens become worthless or is it because my name is Mohamed?
“Your government moved mountains and sent a charted plane to evacuate my fellow  blond hair, blue eyed Americans who were being detained by the same Egyptian military back in 2012, so why am I any different? Is it because my father is not some rich well-connected congressman or is it because my father is an Islamic scholar, an Islamic Academic? Or is it because, like you sir, I have an Arabic name?" the Ohio State graduate added.  
The video comes on the second day of Egypt's presidential elections and is likely to put more pressure on the Obama administration in its dealing with the Egyptian authorities. 
Soltan was arrested in the wake of the 2012 Rabaa massacre in Egypt in which pro-Morsi supporters were killed and arrested en masse following the overthrow of former President Mohamed Morsi. Soltan was shot in the arm in the days leading up to his arrest and claims to have been denied medical treatment in prison, where he says he was forced to rely on a fellow inmate to operate crudely on his wounds.
Despite being an ally of Egypt, the American authorities have expressed concern recently over developments such as the mass death sentences passed down on hundreds of members and supporters of the Egytptian Brotherhood. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki called the death sentences "unconscionable."
Her comments echoed similar statements made by Secretary of State John Kerry in March.
"I am deeply, deeply troubled by the sudden and unprecedented decision by an Egyptian court to issue preliminary death sentences for 529 citizens after a quick mass trial. It simply defies logic", Kerry said.
He urged the "appropriate Egyptian authorities to remedy the situation," adding that the decision does not reflect the values and goals to which the interim government has aspired to.
The State Department last week said it had no new specific updates on this case but said it could look into it. MEE has contacted the State Department but did receive a response in time for publication.
In the last few weeks and months there have been growing concerns over the failing state of Soltan’s health as a result of the prolonged hunger strike which has now reached 121 days.
In the video, Soltan explains why he chose to begin his open-ended hunger strike.
I've started my hunger strike “because I was brought up a free man so my decision was to peacefully challenge and resist oppression entirely," Soltan said. "That even if the Egyptian military is able to jail me and my own government insists on abandoning me, I still control my own destiny. I still control my own fate and that to me is what being free and what being an American is all about."
- See more at: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/american-hunger-striker-egypt-jail-appeals-obama-new-video#sthash.xlW4bNvd.dpuf

A new video showing 26-year-old American hunger striker Mohamed Soltan, held in an Egyptian prison for almost 200 days, was aired on Tuesday evening.
The video released by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour shows Soltan speaking to camera and appealing directly to US President Obama and the international community.
A copy of the video was also obtained by the Middle East Eye and shows the young Egyptian-American pleading with Obama to do more to secure his freedom.
"If you’re watching this it means I'm either in solitary confinement in a dungeon somewhere with no access to the outside world or I'm in a hospital bed because the hunger strike I started January 26… has gotten the better of me or I’m dead,” Soltan said. “If I'm still alive, then I ask my government, the government of the United States of America, is my life not worth anything to you? Has the life of American citizens become worthless or is it because my name is Mohamed?
“Your government moved mountains and sent a charted plane to evacuate my fellow  blond hair, blue eyed Americans who were being detained by the same Egyptian military back in 2012, so why am I any different? Is it because my father is not some rich well-connected congressman or is it because my father is an Islamic scholar, an Islamic Academic? Or is it because, like you sir, I have an Arabic name?" the Ohio State graduate added.  
The video comes on the second day of Egypt's presidential elections and is likely to put more pressure on the Obama administration in its dealing with the Egyptian authorities. 
Soltan was arrested in the wake of the 2012 Rabaa massacre in Egypt in which pro-Morsi supporters were killed and arrested en masse following the overthrow of former President Mohamed Morsi. Soltan was shot in the arm in the days leading up to his arrest and claims to have been denied medical treatment in prison, where he says he was forced to rely on a fellow inmate to operate crudely on his wounds.
Despite being an ally of Egypt, the American authorities have expressed concern recently over developments such as the mass death sentences passed down on hundreds of members and supporters of the Egytptian Brotherhood. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki called the death sentences "unconscionable."
Her comments echoed similar statements made by Secretary of State John Kerry in March.
"I am deeply, deeply troubled by the sudden and unprecedented decision by an Egyptian court to issue preliminary death sentences for 529 citizens after a quick mass trial. It simply defies logic", Kerry said.
He urged the "appropriate Egyptian authorities to remedy the situation," adding that the decision does not reflect the values and goals to which the interim government has aspired to.
The State Department last week said it had no new specific updates on this case but said it could look into it. MEE has contacted the State Department but did receive a response in time for publication.
In the last few weeks and months there have been growing concerns over the failing state of Soltan’s health as a result of the prolonged hunger strike which has now reached 121 days.
In the video, Soltan explains why he chose to begin his open-ended hunger strike.
I've started my hunger strike “because I was brought up a free man so my decision was to peacefully challenge and resist oppression entirely," Soltan said. "That even if the Egyptian military is able to jail me and my own government insists on abandoning me, I still control my own destiny. I still control my own fate and that to me is what being free and what being an American is all about."
- See more at: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/american-hunger-striker-egypt-jail-appeals-obama-new-video#sthash.xlW4bNvd.dpuf

We demand justice for Afzal Hossain, Shibir leader from Rajshahi

After illegally arresting Rajshahi University Shibir leader Afzal Hossain, police have tortured him using hammers, iron rods and sticks, breaking his arms and legs in the process. Officials of Shibir revealed such shocking allegations against the police at a press briefing on the 26th of May, 2014. They strongly protested the incident perpetrated by the security forces.

The briefing said that police had arrested two Shibir activists, Afzal Hossain and Shahiduzzaman without any reason whatsoever on Saturday, the 24th of May, 2014. Afzal Hossain, sports secretary of Shibir at Rajshahi University was going on his motorcycle at Talaimari area beside the university at 9:30 pm when he was apprehended by security forces. However, police initially denied their arrest. In the meantime, Motihar thana police tortured Afzal using hammers, iron rods and sticks, breaking his arms and legs in the process. Despite the barbaric nature of the above, the police further claimed back then that he had been arrested from a ‘gunfight’ , and had taken Afzal at the dead of the night to a quiet area and shot his leg to prove their claim of a ‘cop catches terrorist during gunfight’ story.

Picture: Afzal Hossain beside the grave of Sharizzaman Nomani, killed by BCL goons at Rajshahi

Despite the vehement falsification, the news version produced by police has been circulating in the some news media for quite some time. There is a great need to examine and condemn the barbaric nature of the police which they have displayed in arresting opposition activists, especially Shibir activists. It will be wise to remember that just a few days ago, Jessore City Shibir president Jahidul Islam Mondol was similarly unwarrantedly detained by police and later shot in the leg in the dead of the night of 13th May 2014, the very day after his father Abul Khayer travelled to Jessore Press Club and pleaded with the police to not make his son a victim of 'crossfire'. Today, he has been rendered crippled. He was among six Shibir activists shot by police with firearms within 22 days in Jessore. The question remains, what was his fault?

Picture: Jahidul Islam Mondol, Jessore City Shibir President

What is the fault of Afzal Hossain? That he was an activist of Shibir? That he protested the injustices in the society by raising his voice? Who will take blame for such incidents of imaginary gunfights and fairytales of crossfire being regularly spun by the security forces with the full blessings of the government of Sheikh Hasina Wajed, self proclaimed daughter of peace, against her rivals and opposition activists?

Its time for the world to speak up. International rights groups like the Human Rights Watch have demanded an end to the injustice in the name of justice. Raise your voice. Condemn this barbarity.