BANGLADESH KHELAFAT ANDOLON

Eid Greetings from Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon on the occassion of Eid ul Azha

2009-11-27T07:10:00.000-08:00

BDR Mutiny : BKA Endorses the Concerns of Amnesty International for Fair Trials to Ensure Justice for Victims and Investigation of Torture in Custody

2009-11-12T22:57:00.000-08:00

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE

Embargoed until 00.01 on 12 November 2009

Bangladesh: Fair trials needed to ensure justice for victims of mutiny

The Bangladesh government must ensure justice for the victims of the February 2009 BDR mutiny by ensuring that all suspects receive a fair trial, Amnesty International said in a report released today.

Looking for Justice: Mutineers on trial in Bangladesh carries testimony from family members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) accused of participating in the mutiny. These reports suggest that scores, possibly hundreds of BDR personnel had suffered torture, for possible involvement in the mutiny. Nearly all were denied the opportunity to seek the assistance of a lawyer for weeks or months.

Amnesty International condemns the unlawful killings, hostage taking and other human rights abuses committed during the mutiny and calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The government of Bangladesh has an opportunity to reinforce trust in the rule of law by ensuring the civilian courts, which will be trying the accused, deliver justice.

“The mutiny was brutal and led to the killing of civilians, and army officers who died in horrific circumstances. It’s vital that the government of Bangladesh brings the perpetrators of these crimes to justice in a manner that is compatible with international law,” said Abbas Faiz, Amnesty International’s Bangladesh Researcher.

Following the mutiny, thousands of BDR personnel were confined to barracks and denied all contact with the outside world. Reports soon emerged as family members began to meet the detainees, alleging that scores, possibly hundreds of BDR personnel had suffered human rights violations, including torture, for possible involvement in the mutiny.

“Looking for justice” documents the methods of torture used including depriving suspects of sleep over a number of days, subjecting suspects to beatings and the use of pliers to crush testicles, inserting needles under suspect’s nails and administering electric shocks.

“The reports of torture that Amnesty International has received are consistent with the previously documented torture and ill treatment of detainees in Bangladesh. It’s not good enough for the authorities to deny that torture isn’t taking place. There needs to be greater accountability on this issue.” said Abbas Faiz.

At least 20 BDR personnel died in custody between 9 March and 6 May 2009 alone. BDR sources claimed that four of them committed suicide, seven died of heart attacks and another nine died from diseases. By 10 October 2009, the total number of BDR Personnel who have died in custody has risen to 48.

Amnesty International welcomes the Supreme Court’s clarification that army courts martial have no jurisdiction to try BDR personnel accused of mass killings and other criminal offences during the February 2009 mutiny.

The government must also reconsider its decision to use Speedy Trial Tribunal because the time limit these courts impose for the completion of the trial may lead to a miscarriage of justice.

Amnesty International urges the government of Bangladesh to ensure that:

- Those suspected of committing crimes must be brought to justice under internationally recognized fair trial standards which include the right to family visits and access to lawyers.

- All allegations of torture must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice in fair trials. Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases, regardless of the nature of the crime, and urges the Bangladeshi authorities not to seek the death penalty.

- the government must examine the capacity of the judicial system and if necessary seek assistance from relevant international bodies, to ensure that the criminal justice system has the competencies and resources – and the judges have the necessary training to conduct the trails of such a large number of BDR defendants in accordance with the international standards of fair trail.

- Bangladesh should ratify the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and designate or establish National Preventive Mechanisms in accordance with the Protocol.

Background

Large-scale mutiny at the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters in Dhaka on 25 February 2009 brought fears of an emerging BDR coup and a possible violent counter offensive by the army. The mutineers killed at least 74 people, including six civilians (three women and three men) and 57 army officers seconded to work as BDR commanders, one army soldier, and nine Jawans (lowest BDR rank). Thousands of BDR personnel accused of these killings are now in detention awaiting trial.

Ends

Public Document
****************************************

03 April 2007 Speech at Gothe Inst : The Common Patrimony of Mankind - The Beauty of Unity in Diversity

2009-11-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

Speech At Goethe-Institut Auditorium, Dhaka, 03 April 2007
The Common Patrimony of Mankind:
The Beauty of Unity in Diversity
- Kazi Azizul Huq, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

Special Guests, Discussants, Audience and the Organizers of the Event at the German Cultural Center,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Today is the Second Day of the current four day event on Architecture & Religion at the German Cultural Center. I specially thank Mr. Torsten Oertel, Director of German Cultural Center, for inviting me to the discussion titled "The Patrimony of Mankind : Beauty of Unity in Diversity" .

I am an activist of Political Islam and of Quaumi Madrasa System. In the Post Nine Eleven era when Political Islam and Quaumi Madrasa are issues of controversy, I am specifically grateful to the Goethe-Institut for inviting me to speak in this event. I think, Goethe-Institute by inviting me, knowing my difference of opinion, has demonstrated their sincere commitment to the Beauty of Unity in Diversity.

I am an activist of Khelafat Andolon. Our late leader Hazrat Maulana Mohammadullah Hafezzi Huzur (Peace be upon him) used to say :"Muslims are my brethren in Faith, and non-Muslims are my kin, because all human being are children of Adam and Eve (Peace and Blessings of God be upon them)."

God says: "O you men! surely I have created you of a male (i.e. Adam, Peace & Blessings of God be upon him) and a female ( i.e. Eve, Peace & Blessings of God be upon her), and made you tribes and families that you may know each other; surely to Allah the most honorable of you is the one among you who is most careful (about Divine Will); surely Allah is Knowing, Aware ." (Quran 49:13).

Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings of God be upon him) said in the Sermon of his Last Hajj: "All mankind is from Adam and Eve (Peace & Blessings of God be upon them), an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action."

All sides need to rationally study the true causes of today's conflict with Islam & Muslims – how much for religion-culture-ethnicity, how much for greed of others' wealth , how much for greed of expansion of domination on others, how much for ego and arrogance, how much for misinterpretation and disinformation, how much for ignorance, how much for blindness, how much for misunderstanding each other. Sometime unfair step of one party may provoke the other to pursue unfair way.

Those who are more powerful and privileged are to act more responsibly than those who are weaker and under-privileged. If the powerful and privileged ones misuse their power and privileges, shall be deprived of their power and privileges today or tomorrow.

Human being is blessed with the acumen to minutely measure and analyze the subjects and objects within human range. Such as the goldsmith's scale can weigh small pieces of gold and silver. But if one wants to weigh the Himalayan Mountain by a goldsmith's scale, it would be impossible. It does not mean that the goldsmith's scale is imperfect. Similarly even though a human mind is perfect and measures without error yet can not know the origin of God, such as a goldsmith's scale can not weigh the Himalayan Mountain. I believe in God; I spend time in the company of the beloved ones of God; I try to walk in compliance with the Will of God.

We have been trying to promote intercommunity relationship among Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews and Christians – so that mutual trust and compassion increases. Sri Sanjeeb Chowdhury, the founder Vice President of the Bangladesh Inter-Religious Council for Peace and Justice (BICPAJ), has been included in the Central Executive Committee of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon as an Advisor; Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon is in Dialogue with the Interfaith Strength of American Jewish Committee (AJC). In identifying good and bad, sin and virtues - we all communities have great similarities. Most of our religions are based on theism. But in our today's world most of the ruling elite of all communities and nations are under heavy influence of atheism & materialism of European civilization. Consequently the basis of Unity of the Mankind has been weakened. We have taken an initiative so that all beloved ones of God of all communities having Faith in and dependence on Almighty God can move forward to lead the mankind through evaluation of good deeds and implementation of justice.

When there was nothing, Great God was present. Great God is the source of everything in the creation. Unity, disunity, contradiction, difference, conflict, fight, truce – whatever there are in the creation, visible or invisible – everything is controlled by Great God. We understand or not, we like or dislike – Unity centering Great God exist. Therefore, we see a wonderful Unity in Diversity in the nature and creation. Great God has Blessed humankind with will power, intelligence and more efficient physical body. I believe, if the Mankind uses its freedom and higher qualities not to rebel against Great God but to fulfill His expectations then our diversity and differences will turn into success, beauty and bliss.

May Great God forgive us and make us well-wisher of each other despite our diversity and differences. Amin. Wassalam.

-Kazi Azizul Huq, International Affairs Secretary, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon
E-mail: kahuq.bka@gmail.com, khelafat@dhaka.net, Cell: 01819-407963
Khelafat Andolon

In the Sub-continent Maulana Sheikh Abdus Salam is an important Force of Peace Against Violent Tactics and Extra-Judicial Killings

2009-11-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

10 Nov.2009

In the evening of 2nd November 2009 Maulana Sheikh Abdus Salam was shown arrested and on 6 days police (CID) remand in the case of 21 August grenade blast at Awami League meet in Dhaka. At the end of 6 days remand he has again been taken on 4 days remand.

The authorities know very well that Maulana Salam is innocent. Yet they acted under a pre-determined agenda pushed by foreign intelligence and instigated by their local mercenaries and collaborators in the media and civil society (viz. Ain Shalish Kendra ASK, Hotline Bangladesh, Daily Star Group, Reporters Unity - all receive fund and guidance from DFID and British intelligence) .

The truth is that in the Sub-continent Maulana Sheikh Abdus Salam is an important force of peace against violent tactics and extra-judicial killings.

01 Nov.2009

At about 10 a.m. of 1st November 2009 Chief of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) Maulana Sheikh Abdus Salam for the Second time was abducted by government agents in civil dress from the premises of Dhaka Court after he had duly attended the court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate-2. He was on bail granted by High Court.

He duly arrived at the Dhaka Court and met his lawyer in the early morning i.e. 9:30 a.m. and completed his formal appearance before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate-2. After he had left the court room his lawyer went to another court room and Maulana Salam was alone on his way to leave the court premises. Reliable sources informed that Maulana Salam was abducted by government agents at around 10:15 a.m.

Lawyers informed us that in recent days many people have been abducted by Government agents in similar way and are kept in unknown custody for weeks without producing in any court - and after such illegal custody one day the victim is produced to the court as accused in any old bad case.

We are worried whether any foreign or local vested interest wants to eliminate Maulana Salam since he is the key person for our efforts to engage religious Muslims in non-violent civil movement.

Torture in Custody to compel the victim to sign false statement created by government agents as per pre-determined agenda continues to be a serious problem in Bangladesh.

If the liberal space for Islamic clerics and activists is not shrunken, they are unlikely to choose the path of armed struggle in Bangladesh

2009-11-01T16:54:00.000-08:00

Schooling Faith in Islam

Dear Friends,

BBC journalist Mr. Roland Buerk in his report of 26/2/2005 had expressed his concern about "Schooling Faith" in Islam.

The root of the problem lies in some Englishmen’s obsession to rule the world forever. European Renaissance and Industrial Revolution in Europe created vested interests who want to rule the world forever by the vices and institutions of atheism, materialism, colonialism, opportunism, hedonism, fornication and such other perversions and evils.

Those who do not have the compassion to look after their parents at their old age, want to teach the Afro-Asian nations about Human Rights and Good Governance. Obviously their aim is neither Human Rights nor Good Governance. Their aim is to promote their domination over the world forever. And that's nonsense. And they are already losing this battle.

I have been a member of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon for more than 25 years and I am very close to the Islamic Clerics and Non-Gov't Madrasa system (i.e. Quaumi Madrasa) and its pupils and teachers. I honestly and sincerely support the Talebans and the freedom fight in Afghanistan and Iraq, though I agree that they are human beings and they are not immune from prejudices, wrongs and errors. But like my compatriots I strongly pursue a policy of not taking up arms in Bangladesh so long we enjoy Freedom of Expression.

Founder of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Late Hazrat Maulana Muhammadullah Hafezzee Huzur (Peace of God be upon him), is one of the founders of the Non-Government Madrasa System in Bangladesh. He used to say in both indoor and public meetings, "Muslims are our brethren in religion, but Hindus and non-Muslims are our kin. We are all descendents and children of same parents Adam & Eve (Blessings of God be upon them)."

But BBC's Mr. Roland Buerk's local guide took him to the so-called madrasa child student in Narayangonj who said to Burek "I want to spread Islam, to convert Hindus into Muslims". I am sure this part of the report is blatant lie.

There is no record that Madrasa students after graduation engage themselves in missionary activities to convert the Hindus to Islam. But the Christian Missionaries are doing it, usually backed by western fund while Christians themselves in the West are deserting their churches.

Soon after BBC’s report, I sent faxes and e-mails to BBC expressing my curiosity to meet Mr. Burek's guide and the so-called Madrasa student he interviewed. They never responded. Most likely because it was a concocted story in line with the campaign to pressurize the administration to crackdown on Islamic institutions in Bangladesh.

The fact is that the Non-Gvernment Islamic Madrasa in Bangladlesh (i.e. Quaumi Madrasa) are NGO Islamic schools which are struggling to protect and promote Islamic Heritage & Culture. Literacy in Islamic scripts and orientation in righteous pious life is their main concern.

It is true that situation for quick growth of Islamic militancy all over the world exist. But if the liberal space for Islamic clerics and activists is not shrunken, they are unlikely to choose the path of armed struggle in Bangladesh. Best regards,

Kazi Azizul Huq,
International Affairs Secretary
Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

Our problem is not our poverty. Our problem is our selfish unpatriotic elite who are knowingly or unknowingly serving as foreign mercenaries

2009-10-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

from Kazi Azizul Huq
to liz.philipson....
date Jun 25, 2007 7:38 PM
subject Thanks for your mail of 24 June 2007

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Dhaka, Monday 26 June 2007.

Dear Mrs. Liz,

Thank you for your mail.

If I am asked to speak about the political situation of Bangladesh, I can not suppress the truth that the so-called 'Democracies of the Free World' have successfully taken away whatever little Freedom my Motherland had. Our problem is not our poverty. Our problem is our selfish unpatriotic elite who are knowingly or unknowingly serving as the mercenaries of foreign vested interests.

On 12 Feb 2007 in a letter addressed to the Hon. Chief Advisor of the current Caretaker Government of Bangladesh we wrote:"..fascism of Awami League, palace conspiracy of BNP and so-called 'Free Media' & 'Civil Society' controlled and manipulated by Euro-American vested interests have almost stripped Bangladesh of her sovereignty."

In the first week of January we came to know that American Embassy and British High Commission were secretly meeting senior officers of Bangladesh Army. The country was on the brink of a civil war. The So-called 'International Community' and their mercenaries at the helm of 'Free Media' & 'Civil Society' had already succeeded in creating such a situation that even Bangladesh military was not in a position to intervene without the support of US and her partners (UK, EU, India, UN) only who could tune the 'Free Media' and the 'Civil Society' in line with their agenda.

As a person, US Ambassador Butenis seemed better than other diplomats and the elite of my own country.

Initially the Emergency was welcomed by common people as they felt relieved since the country was on the verge of fratricidal civil war. But the so-called joint forces in the plea of recovering government lands destroyed small business of Hundreds of thousands of self-employed lower and lower middle-class families without any rehabilitation. Price hike, increasing unemployment, huge number of self-employed hawkers and small business owners suddenly rendered unemployed, reduction of flow money circulation - al together the situation is apparently very worrying.

However, Bangladesh is the land of Saints and Sufis. Allah Himself is its protector. Local or foreign traitors, whoever exceeds limit shall be punished.

I look forward to meeting you in Dhaka.

With best wishes and best regards.

Huq

Kazi Azizul Huq
(ibn Abdulhuq ibn Izzatullah ibn Abdulhamid)
International Affairs Secretary,
Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

At 03:22 AM 6/24/2007, you wrote:

Dear Mr Haq

I received your test message. I have not visited Bangladesh since last October - though I have been watching events from afar with great interest and would love to have been there. I am hoping to return before the end of this year and I also hope that I shall be able to see you and talk to you about your views of the way politics are developing within your country.

Best Wishes
Liz

PRESS RELEASE : Sharing Common Concerns of Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops held in Vatican

2009-10-09T05:51:00.000-07:00

In the Name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Dt: Friday 09 Oct.2009
PRESS RELEASE

Dear Editor,

Assalamu Alaykum. Courtesy Vatican Information Service [VIS 091005, 091007] we are copying hereunder selected quotations from the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops held in Vatican recently. Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon shares with Vatican similar concern about many of the issues copied hereunder. We strongly feel that the administrations of EU, USA and UN should return to divine moral values and pursue aim of reaching “high measure” of virtuous life. They should change their current harmful agenda for promotion of :-

(1) practical materialism, combined with relativist and nihilist thinking

(2) export its spiritual toxic waste that contaminates the peoples of other continents

(3) new global ethic which aggressively seeks to persuade African and Asian governments and communities to accept new and different meanings of concepts of family, marriage and human sexuality

(4) second wave of colonisation both subtle and ruthless at the same time

(5) liberalism, secularism and …lobbyists who squat at the United Nations

(6) structural injustice rooted in European and United States policies

(7) The 'Aid Industry', which feeds on selling negative and outmoded stereotypes of Africans and Asians as helpless victims of endless wars and constant famines.

For Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

Kazi Azizul Huq
International Affairs Secretary

QUOTATIONS

HH POPE BENEDICT XVI:

Africa ..represents an enormous spiritual 'lung' for a humanity that appears to be in a crisis of faith and hope ...at the moment, at least two dangerous pathologies are attacking it: firstly, an illness that is already widespread in the West, that is, practical materialism, combined with relativist and nihilist thinking........First World has exported and continues to export its spiritual toxic waste that contaminates the peoples of other continents….in this sense, colonialism which is over at a political level, has never really entirely come to an end.....The "second 'virus' that could hit Africa..is religious fundamentalism, mixed with political and economic interests……in God's name, but following a logic that is opposed to divine logic, that is, teaching and practicing not love and respect for freedom, but intolerance and violence ...

Matrimony as it is presented to us in the Bible, does not exist outside of the relationship with God. Married life between a man and a woman, and therefore of the family that springs from that, is inscribed into the communion with God Jesus welcomes the children..we see the image of the Church that, in Africa, and in every other part of the planet, demonstrates her maternal concern especially for the smallest, even before they are born ....

The Church in Africa, at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace.. one must always aim at the 'high measure' of Christian life, that is to say holiness

reconciliation is the stable foundation upon which peace is built, the necessary condition for the true progress of mankind and society, according to the project of justice ordained by God....

conflicts currently endangering the peace and security of the people of Africa. episodes of violence that have affected the people of Guinea I invite all parties to engage in dialogue and reconciliation.. spare no efforts to reach a just and equitable solution.....

carry out empirical studies yet practical analyses, though conducted with precision and competence, do not indicate the true problems of the world if we do not see everything in the light of God.our analyses are deficient if we do not realise that behind the injustice of corruption, and all such things, is an unjust heart, a closure towards God and thus a falsification of the fundamental relationship upon which all other relationships are founded....

ARCHBISHOP BUTI JOSEPH TLHAGALE O.M.I. OF JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA:-

Moral values embedded in the diverse African cultures, alongside the Gospel values, are threatened by the new global ethic which aggressively seeks to persuade African governments and communities to accept new and different meanings of concepts of family, marriage and human sexuality.

The cultures of Africa are under heavy strain from liberalism, secularism and from lobbyists who squat at the United Nations.

Africa faces a second wave of colonisation both subtle and ruthless at the same time. ...

Lay people, by virtue of their Baptism, have a significant role to play. They are expected to witness in the public square, in their families and places of work. Their Christian voice in the face of the many challenges in Africa, is weak, muffled or simply silent.

The hierarchy is without credible partners in the work of the transformation of Africa. Lay Catholics need to be given a voice in order to stand up and be counted for their Catholic faith. The hierarchy cannot do it alone.

FR. KIERAN O'REILLY, SUPERIOR GENERAL OF THE SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS:-

to address issues of structural injustice rooted in European and United States policies that affect Africa adversely. ...

As the 'family of God' the Church is challenged to witness and promote the universality of God's love for all people and the future unity of humanity....

Africa is poorly served by the mass media, which focuses almost exclusively on the bad news, thus creating a widely accepted narrative of a continent in a constant state of crisis. ..

The 'Aid Industry', too, feeds on selling negative and outmoded stereotypes of Africans as helpless victims of endless wars and constant famines.

[Source : Vatican Information Service www.visnews.org or www.vatican.va ]

Letter to White House : Forwarding Comment of Father Timm on President Obama's Cairo Speech

2009-10-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 02, 2009.

To:
Mr. David Axelrod, Senior Advisor to the President,
White House,
Washignton D.C. USA.

Cc: To Whom It May Concern

Subject: Forwarding Comment of Father Timm on President Obama's Cairo Speech.

Mohtaram,

Assalamu Alaykum.

We are forwarding hereunder comment of Father Timm on President Obama's Cairo Speech.

Rev. Father Richard William Timm CSC is an American educator, zoologist and activist for the post-World War-ll neo-colonial Anglo-American Agenda. Since 1952, Father Richard W. Timm has been working in the territory now called Bangladesh.

In view of the latest anti-Obama campaign, it seems that you need to know this comment. This comment means that American Ideals declared by its founders is not American Agenda.

And we know that the American Agenda in the 20th and 21st Century has been to serve as the face and fore front of British Colonialism - which is waiting to be defeated by divine people under Divine Leadership.

Unless the US and the Jewish people are able to disassociate themselves from British Agenda and conspiracies - they will not be able to serve the God they believe in and want to serve.

Maassalam.

Kazi Aziz

Kazi Azizul Huq (ibn Abdulhuq ibn Izzatullah ibn Abdulhamid)
International Affairs Secretary
Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

Cell: 01819-407963. Tel: 8411436.
Fax: +880-2-8411436
E-mail: kahuq@dhaka.net, khelafat@dhaka.net

Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:49:58 -0700 (PDT)
From: DICK TIMM
Subject: Re: We generally endorse President Obama's Cairo Speech
To: Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

Dear Friends,

Thank you for sending me the complete text of President Obama's talk. This has been my first opportunity to read it in its fullness. Although it tends to be idealistic, we can all reach a higher level of idealism by inspired leadership and sharing with one another.

Father Timm

--- On Fri, 6/12/09, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon wrote:
From: Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon
Subject: We generally endorse President Obama's Cairo Speech
To: "US Deptt. of State"
Cc: feedback@pmo.gov.bd, pemnews.dhk@gmail.com, feedback@mfa.gov.il, inquiries@un.org, nizamuddin.ahmed@thomsonreuters.com
Date: Friday, June 12, 2009, 8:50 AM

..in order to move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. - President Obama
==========================
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Cairo,Egypt)
________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2009

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
ON A NEW BEGINNING
Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt

1:10 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you very much. Good afternoon. I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning; and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. And together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I'm grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I'm also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: Assalaamu alaykum. (Applause.)

We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the world -- tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. All this has bred more fear and more mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. I know there's been a lot of publicity about this speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." (Applause.) That is what I will try to do today -- to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.

Now part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I'm a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and at the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.

As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam -- at places like Al-Azhar -- that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities -- (applause) -- it was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality. (Applause.)

I also know that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President, John Adams, wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, they have served in our government, they have stood for civil rights, they have started businesses, they have taught at our universities, they've excelled in our sports arenas, they've won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers -- Thomas Jefferson -- kept in his personal library. (Applause.)

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear. (Applause.)

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. (Applause.) Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words -- within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum -- "Out of many, one."

Now, much has been made of the fact that an African American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. (Applause.) But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores -- and that includes nearly 7 million American Muslims in our country today who, by the way, enjoy incomes and educational levels that are higher than the American average. (Applause.)

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state in our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That's why the United States government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab and to punish those who would deny it. (Applause.)

So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations -- to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. When innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. (Applause.) That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.

And this is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes -- and, yes, religions -- subjugating one another in pursuit of their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners to it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; our progress must be shared. (Applause.)

Now, that does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: We must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and as plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not -- and never will be -- at war with Islam. (Applause.) We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security -- because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice; we went because of necessity. I'm aware that there's still some who would question or even justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: Al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.

Now, make no mistake: We do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We see no military -- we seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and now Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

And that's why we're partnering with a coalition of 46 countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths -- but more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as -- it is as if he has killed all mankind. (Applause.) And the Holy Koran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. (Applause.) The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism -- it is an important part of promoting peace.

Now, we also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That's why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who've been displaced. That's why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend on.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. (Applause.) Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."

Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future -- and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. And I have made it clear to the Iraqi people -- (applause) -- I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. And that's why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by 2012. (Applause.) We will help Iraq train its security forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.

And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles. Nine-eleven was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year. (Applause.)

So America will defend itself, respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.
The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed -- more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, it is ignorant, and it is hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction -- or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews -- is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people -- Muslims and Christians -- have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than 60 years they've endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations -- large and small -- that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: The situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own. (Applause.)

For decades then, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It's easy to point fingers -- for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought about by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security. (Applause.)
That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. And that is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience and dedication that the task requires. (Applause.) The obligations -- the obligations that the parties have agreed to under the road map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them -- and all of us -- to live up to our responsibilities.

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and it does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign neither of courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That's not how moral authority is claimed; that's how it is surrendered.

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have to recognize they have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, recognize Israel's right to exist.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. (Applause.) This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop. (Applause.)

And Israel must also live up to its obligation to ensure that Palestinians can live and work and develop their society. Just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be a critical part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

And finally, the Arab states must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state, to recognize Israel's legitimacy, and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and we will say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. (Applause.) We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.

Too many tears have been shed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of the three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra -- (applause) -- as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, peace be upon them, joined in prayer. (Applause.)

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is in fact a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I've made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question now is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

I recognize it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude, and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It's about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. (Applause.) And any nation -- including Iran -- should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I'm hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy. (Applause.)

I know -- I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere. (Applause.)

Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments -- provided they govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they're out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. (Applause.) So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power: You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Barack Obama, we love you!

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you. (Applause.) The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.

Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it's being challenged in many different ways.

Among some Muslims, there's a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of somebody else's faith. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld -- whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. (Applause.) And if we are being honest, fault lines must be closed among Muslims, as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That's why I'm committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.

Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit -- for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We can't disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.

In fact, faith should bring us together. And that's why we're forging service projects in America to bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That's why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action -- whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.

The sixth issue -- the sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights. (Applause.) I know –- I knoow -- and you can tell from this audience, that there is a healthy debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. (Applause.) And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now, let me be clear: Issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, we've seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.
I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. (Applause.) Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity -- men and women -- to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. And that is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams. (Applause.)
Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence into the home. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and change in communities. In all nations -- including America -- this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we lose control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities -- those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.

But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradictions between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies enormously while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.

And this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf states have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century -- (applause) -- and in too many Muslim communities, there remains underinvestment in these areas. I'm emphasizing such investment within my own country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas when it comes to this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.

On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America. (Applause.) At the same time, we will encourage more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in online learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a young person in Kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more jobs. We'll open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, grow new crops. Today I'm announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world that we seek -- a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.

I know there are many -- Muslim and non-Muslim -- who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort -- that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There's so much fear, so much mistrust that has built up over the years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country -- you, more than anyone, have the ability to reimagine the world, to remake this world.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort -- a sustained effort -- to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It's easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There's one rule that lies at the heart of every religion -- that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. (Applause.) This truth transcends nations and peoples -- a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us: "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."
The Holy Bible tells us: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Applause.)

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now that must be our work here on Earth.

Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you. Thank you very much. Thank you. (Applause.)
END
2:05 P.M. (Local)

###

For Creation of Palestine State Muslim/Arab side also needs piety & sincerity to honor agreement

2009-09-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:40:14 +0600

To:
H.E. President Mahmud Abbas
H.R.H. King Abdulllah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud
H.E. Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei

Cc:
H.E.President Barack Obama
To Whom It May Concern

Subject: For Creation of Palestine State Muslim/Arab side also needs piety & sincerity to honor agreement

Mohtaram,

Assalamu Alaykum.

Our Jewish friend Dr. Richard L.Benkin in recent correspondence among PA diplomat, Dr. Benkin and me commented that the conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere would have ended long ago if the Arab-Muslim side were represented by real devout follower of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) and his faith, Islam. The divine ordinance obliges all individuals and parties to abide by agreement. And it is true that till date the Muslim/Arab side has little spirit to honor the agreement reached between PA and Israel. Muslim community has more than 40 states while the Jews are struggling to secure their only one state. We should not forget what Allah said to Holy Prophet Hazrat Daud (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) who had many wives and still he intended to marry the wife of another person.

The Jewish people are suffering from the obsession that they are the "Chosen People of Allah" and the Muslims are also suffering from the obsession that they are the "Chosen Ummah of Allah". But no one is caring that true Faith, Piety and commitment to covenants is the basic requirement to be Chosen by Allah.

The pro-Israeli Weekly Blitz has published an article titled "The ignorant arrogance of the advice-givers" written by Mr. Barry Rubin. Neither I have read the June 22 Newsweek article by Jacob Weisberg nor my purpose here is to endorse the content of the article of Mr. Barry Rubin. But the article reveals some of the genuine concerns of Israel - resolution of which largely depends on the Muslims and Arabs.

I am forwarding a copy of the article and urge all concerned to be sincere to the agreements already reached to create the State of Palestine.

May Allah forgive us and Bless us with His support to be His obedient servants.

Maassalm.

Kazi Azizul Huq
(ibn Abdulhuq ibn Izzatullah ibn Abdulhamid)
International Affairs Secretary
Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

Cell: 01819-407963. Tel: 8411436. Fax: +880-2-8411436
E-mail: kahuq@dhaka.net, khelafat@dhaka.net
Blog: www.bangladeshkhelafatandolan.blogspot.com

===================================================

Weekly Blitz
VOLUME - 4, ISSUE - 39, DHAKA, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/index.php?id=950

The ignorant arrogance of the advice-givers
Barry Rubin

One remarkable thing about watching the Middle East is how what’s celebrated as brilliant in Europe or America is errant nonsense. Writing such stuff makes people successful and gives them an audience of millions. What they say is so ridiculous that one wants to laugh, yet so totally accepted as true in Washington and European capitals that the laughter would be laughed at. The article to which I refer is by Jacob Weisberg in the June 22 Newsweek, entitled, “A Friend in Need: Barack gets tough on Bibi.” It is far more terrible because Weisberg is neither leftist nor anti-Israel but has simply imbibed what “everyone says.” Let me quickly add that while I don’t know Weisberg personally, I’m confident in saying he has no serious training in the Middle East, speaks neither Arabic nor Hebrew, spends little time researching the region, and has no real qualification for making the judgments he does.

Here's the theme: Israelis are so stupid about their country, situation, and region on the life-and-death issues which they have been dealing with for decades that they must be saved in spite of themselves by people who have no knowledge or experience on any of these things. No other country in the world is so frequently told this kind of thing which I hear all the time from Europeans, too.

Is it so hard to comprehend that our views and behavior are based on years of experience and study? That we know best how to save ourselves and have been doing a far better job of it, against tremendous odds and unhelpful kibbitzers,than many others? That heeding their prescriptions would be disastrous, in fact have already proven so? After all, the tragic history of the last 20 years has largely resulted from listening to the same advice he gives now,

When one tries to explain these things in conversations, however, you can see their eyes go blank and their ears close up.

Weisberg’s article follows this pattern. The United States, he says (and these are main elements in the rhetoric among supporters of the Obama administration and several European governments) must show Israel “tough love,” lean “harder on Jews and the Arabs to get serious about a deal,” and stop “fostering Israeli illusions that there [is] an alternative to trading land for peace.”

All three of these arguments are based on false premises.

Tough love: This derives from the late 1980s and early 1990s when the left side of the Israeli spectrum was pushing the land-for-peace and negotiate with the PLO arguments against their rivals on the right. A little U.S. pressure, they argued, would help get talks going.

A lot has happened since then, however, notably the 1992-2000 Oslo process. This proved to the vast majority of Israelis that the Palestinian leadership (and Syria, too, for that matter) wasn’t ready or interested in peace. Disillusioned, a lot of these people supported Ariel Sharon and the disengagement from the Gaza Strip, the results of which (Hamas takeover, rocket fire) made them even more disenchanted.

That’s why the Labour partywhich invented the land-for-peace argument in the first place and made the Oslo agreement and offered a two-state solution in 2000is now in a coalition government with the Likud party. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not a “right-wing” or “hard-line” leader but someone who speaks for the national consensus, a consensus based on education through painful, bloody experience.

Israel also faces a more hostile Europe, an Iran racing toward nuclear weapons, an intransigent and incompetent Palestinian Authority, plus Hamas and Hizballah.

Today the last thing Israelis need or want is pressure to make more concessions to the Palestinians. They’ve already made a lot; these didn’t lead anywhere good. What Israel needs today is not “tough love” but real support.

Push “harder on Jews and the Arabs to get serious about a deal”: The false assumption here is that getting an agreement, any agreement, is a desperate need of the two sides and of the region as a whole.

In fact, Israel is doing very well without any comprehensive peace agreement. The economy is doing fine; morale is high; security improved. Moreover, this concept pays no attention to the idea that a deal can be a bad one, inherently instable and leading to more violence.

It never enters the minds of these people that a “peace” agreement that was broken or had dangerous provisions (giving up strategic territory; east Jerusalem; empowering a radical regime in a next-door Palestinian state; opening the door to foreign Arab or Iranian armies entering; bringing in millions of Palestinian Arabs to Israel) could leave Israel far worse off.

As for the Palestinian leadership, far from being desperate for a deal it is desperate to avoid one on anything other than its own unrealistic terms.

Stop “fostering Israeli illusions that there [is] an alternative to trading land for peace.” This one makes me laugh. Everyone in Israel knows that there can be no comprehensive agreement without trading land for peace. The question is, however, whether any comprehensive agreement on decent terms is possible at this time.

In addition, the question is also which land. Israel has focused on three to five percent of the West Bank that is strategically important and has large concentrations of Israeli population.

Finally, if someone doesn’t understand that the barrier to peace is the Palestinians and not Israel, any advice they give Israel is going to be worthless.

As for those giving advice, here’s what we’ve seen in the last six months from those who want to “save” others by imposing their own vision:

--The idea that stopping construction on Jewish settlements would bring some Arab concession has already proven wrong.

--The idea that engagement with Iran would work has already proven wrong.

--The idea that the United States could successfully engage Syria in a set of mutual compromises has already proven wrong.

--The idea that an Obama charm offensive would bring higher levels of Arab support has already proven wrong. And that's just in six months!

Let’s have a little humility and readiness to listen, please, from those who would play with the lives of other people.

Barry Rubin is director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center and editor of the Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA) Journal. His latest books are The Israel-Arab Reader (seventh edition), with Walter Laqueur (Viking-Penguin); the paperback edition of The Truth About Syria (Palgrave-Macmillan); A Chronological History of Terrorism, with Judy Colp Rubin, (Sharpe); and The Long War for Freedom: The Arab Struggle for Democracy in the Middle East (Wiley).

Eid Mubarak to All

2009-09-19T04:39:00.000-07:00

On the occasion of the ensuing

Holy Eid ul Fitr

Greetings and best wishes

from

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon
Ahmadullah Ashraf ibn Hafezzi Huzur, Amir-e-Shariah
Mohammad Zafrullah Khan, Secretary General
Mohammad Azam Khan, Publicity Secretary
Kazi Azizul Huq, International Affairs Secretary

Mail to HH Pope: Anglo-American occupation forces are not "working for peace"

2009-09-19T04:35:00.000-07:00

Date: Sat, 19 Sep 2009 05:51:14 +0600

Subject: Anglo-American occupation forces are not "working for peace"

To: H.H. Pope Benedict XVI
Cc: To Whom It May Concern

Mohtaram,

Assalamu Alaykum.

It is a matter of great regret that the Government of Italy sent soldiers in support of continuation of occupation of Afghanistan. It is not agreeable that the Anglo-American occupation forces are "working for peace".

H.H. Mollah Mohammad Omar is Leader of the Believers and a divine leader defending his Faith, people and country.

The Anglo-American administrations are promoters and protectors of the sins and evils of atheism, agnosticism, materialism, hedonism and social perversions (fornication, extra-marital sex, live-together, homosexual living etc.).

Believers in God irrespective of religious identities and differences need to join their hands in common Divine Cause.

Maassalam.

Kazi Azizul Huq
(ibn Abdulhuq ibn Izzatullah ibn Abdulhamid)
International Affairs Secretary

At 07:07 PM 9/18/2009, you wrote:
VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE

NINETEENTH YEAR - N. 157
ENGLISH
FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2009

HOLY FATHER'S GRIEF OVER DEATH OF ITALIAN SOLDIERS IN KABUL
VATICAN CITY, 18 SEP 2009 (VIS) - Benedict XVI yesterday expressed his grief
at the death of six Italian soldiers, members of the "Folgore" parachute
regiment, in a bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, which also caused the
deaths of fifteen other people.

The Holy Father gave assurances of his prayers for the victims and
expressed his "closeness to the families and to everyone involved", declared
Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J.

"What causes most sorrow", Fr. Lombardi went on, "is the continuation of
such violence against the very people who are working for peace. ... We hope
that all this bloodshed may, in the end, give way to the peace to which so
many people are committed and are giving their lives".
OP/KABUL ATTACK/LOMBARDI VIS 090918 (140)

Divine Teachings for all Believers : The Holy Quran Sura:XVII (Bani-Israel) Verses:18 to 39

2009-09-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Divine Teachings for all Believers

The Holy Quran

Sura: XVII (Bani-Israel) Verses: 18 to 39

QUOTE
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

[XVII: 18] Whoever desires this present life, We hasten to him therein what We please for whomsoever We desire, then We assign to him the hell; he shall enter it despised, driven away.

[XVII: 19] And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted.

[XVII: 20] All do We aid - these as well as those-- out of the bounty of your Lord, and the bounty of your Lord is not confined.

[XVII: 21] See how We have made some of them to excel others, and certainly the Hereafter is much superior in respect of excellence.

[XVII: 22] Do not associate with Allah any other god, lest you sit down despised, neglected.

[XVII: 23] And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him (i.e.Allah), and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) "Ugh" nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word.

[XVII: 24] And make yourself submissively gentle to them (i.e.parents) with compassion, and say: O my Lord! have compassion on them, as they brought me up (when I was) little.

[XVII: 25] Your Lord knows best what is in your minds; if you are good, then He (i.e. Allah) is surely Forgiving to those who turn (to Him) frequently.

[XVII: 26] And give to the near of kin his due and (to) the needy and the wayfarer, and do not squander wastefully.

[XVII: 27] Surely the squanderers are the fellows of the Shaitans and the Shaitan is ever ungrateful to his Lord.

[XVII: 28] And if you turn away from them to seek mercy from your Lord, which you hope for, speak to them (i.e.the near of kin, the needy and the wayfarer) a gentle word.

[XVII: 29] And do not make your hand to be shackled to your neck (i.e. miser) nor stretch it forth to the utmost (limit) of its stretching forth, lest you should (afterwards) sit down blamed, stripped off.

[XVII: 30] Surely your Lord makes plentiful the means of subsistence for whom He pleases and He straitens (them); surely He is ever Aware of, Seeing, His servants.

[XVII: 31] And do not kill your children for fear of poverty; We give them sustenance and yourselves (too); surely to kill them is a great wrong.

[XVII: 32] And go not nigh to fornication; surely it is an indecency and an evil way.

[XVII: 33] And do not kill any one whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause, and whoever is slain unjustly, We have indeed given to his heir authority, so let him not exceed the just limits in slaying; surely he is aided.

[XVII: 34] And draw not near to the property of the orphan except in a goodly way till he attains his maturity and fulfill the promise; surely (every) promise shall be questioned about.

[XVII: 35] And give full measure when you measure out, and weigh with a true balance; this is fair and better in the end.

[XVII: 36] And follow not that of which you have not the knowledge; surely the hearing and the sight and the heart, all of these, shall be questioned about that.

[XVII: 37] And do not go about in the land exultingly (i.e.arrogantly, proudly), for you cannot cut through the earth nor reach the mountains in height.

[XVII: 38] All this-- the evil of it-- is hateful in the sight of your Lord.

[XVII: 39] This is of what your Lord has revealed to you of wisdom, and do not associate any other god with Allah lest you should be thrown into hell, blamed, cast away.

UNQUOTE The Holy Quran Sura : XVII (Bani Israel); Verses 18 to 39.

Call to implement Divine Commandments

2009-08-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

To Whom It May Concern

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon Calls all Judeo-Christian State actors and their mercenaries and collaborators to obey Divine Commandments and reform their laws and values accordingly. Otherwise they are sure to be engulfed in Divine Curse in this world as well as in the Hereafter.

According to Divine Commandments all are required to prohibit atheism, atheistic secularism, fornication, gay-ism and lesbianism which the European and American authorities are legalizing, protecting and promoting.

To commit sin is humane. But to legalize sin means rebellion against Allah.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon endorses all the following Commandments:-

Commandments in the Judeo-Christian Divine Scriptures as follows:-

I am the Lord your God
You shall have no other gods before me
You shall not make for yourself an idol
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
Honor your father and mother
You shall not murder*
You shall not commit adultery
You shall not steal***
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife
You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Commandments

MUSLIM-JEWS DIALOGUE August 2009

2009-08-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

(1)
By E-mail
Date: Sat, 08 Aug 2009 03:25:05 +0700
From: Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon khelafat@dhaka.net
Subject: Jewish point of view for consideration

Friday, 08 Aug.2009

To:
HRH. King Abdulllah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud
H.E.Chief Rabbi David Rosen
H.H. Pope Benedict XVI
H.H.Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei
HRH King Abdullah
Palestine Embassy

Cc:
H.E. President Barack Obama
H.E President Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
To Whom It May Concern

Muhtaram,

Assalamu Alaykum.

One of our Jewish contacts Dr. Richard L. Benkin has sent following comment to our Facebook wall:

QUOTE
Richard Benkin
There cannot be true ME peace talks until these realities are admitted and dealt with. Without it, we will continue to have the phony slogans and pretend peace talks that never bring peace.

That is only one reason why the Arab adamant refusal to accept Israel as a Jewish State is so critical.

By the way, Arabs and Muslims have full citizenship rights in Israel, serve in the Parliament (Knesset), Supreme Court, etc. Jews--BY LAW--are prohibited from living in Jordan or in a future Palestinian State.

During the Arab occupation of the "West Bank" and Jerusalem, Jews were prohibited from going to their holiest religious sites. Many Jewish sites and institutions were destroyed by the Arabs. But that has never been the case for any religion under Israeli hegemony.

Until there is reciprocity--which the Arabs will not even discuss, as we have seen again this week--there can be no peace talks that will succeed.
Wed at 6:28pm
UNQUOTE

We think, Israel should agree Right of Return for the Palestinians while Arab states in the former Palestinian territory i.e. Jordan and proposed State of Palestine should make provision for granting citizenship to peaceful Jews who make commitment to obey the constitution and the law of the concerned state.

Communists, Atheists and Seculars can not be and should not be trusted to be in the ruling elite of the Holy Land.

An independent City State Jerusalem should be created and administered jointly by the friendly and pious religious clergies of Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
Maassalam.

Kazi Azizul Huq
International Affairs Secretary

(2)
From: Faik Hamza < >
To: Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon < >,
Subject: RE: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 06:33:01 +0000

Dr. Richard L. Benkin as all the Zionist leaders in Israel and rest of the world are not admitting the rights of the Palestinian people to return to their homes and are not ready to confess their crimes against humanity. Which they have committed through out the time since 1897 when their first congress decided to establish a home for themselves on the soil of Palestine.

The Jewish people in Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Jordan ware living peacefully at these countries till the terrorist of Zion started killing them to force them emigrate to Israel and till now they are living at these countries with their full rights guaranteed

but maybe Dr. Richard do not know that the Jewish state do not allow the people even from reaching the Mosques for praying, as every Friday thousand of Muslims are not allowed to reach Al Bitu al-Mukkadas for Juma prayer not only that but the people are not allowed o reach their schools, Universities or the hospitals they are not allow to move freely at their home towns and often are beaten arrested or humiliated by the Israeli occupation forces lately the Israeli want the Palestinian to recognize it as a Jewish state. We did not force the Jewish to recognize Palestine as a Muslim country and still we welcome any Jewish who wish to live with us in peace the way how we ware living together before 1948.

I assure Dr. Richard that sooner or later, he and the people like him. will be forced to admit their crimes , since we Muslim, Christians and Jewish Palestinians together we will be able to regain our rights and return to our home to build our independent state of Palestine, with Al Quds as its capital under the full control of the Palestinians who over they are without any foreign interference.

(3)
From: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin" < >
To: "Faik Hamza" < >,
Subject: Re: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 06:43:07 -0500

Faik Hamza is providing all of you with falsehoods and disinformation. Slander is the stock in trade of he and his ilk. Those who listen to it do so at the expense of justice and our future.

Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
http://www.interfaithstrength.blogspot.com/
+1-847-922-6426

(4)
From: Faik Hamza
To: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"
Subject: RE: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 15:09:39 +0000

Do the Dr knows what justice really is

(5)
From: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin" < >
To: "Faik Hamza" < >,
Subject: Re: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 10:24:26 -0500

Hamza damns himself as a supremacist who seeks the death of all faiths except his. He is the best advertisement for why he and his ilk are a scourge on humanity.

Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
http://www.interfaithstrength.blogspot.com/
+1-847-922-6426

(6)
Date: Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:41:18 +0700
To: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin" < >
From: Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon < >
Subject: Confidential
Cc: kahuq@dhaka.net

Dear Brother Richard,

Assalamu Alaykum.

I am copying hereunder a part of our 2007 correspondences in which there are 2 mails from Mr. Hamza dtd 1 Aug.2007 and 2 Aug.2007.

Best regards.

Huq

(7)
From: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin" < >
To: "Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon" < >
Cc: kahuq@dhaka.net
Subject: Re: Confidential
Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 12:06:45 -0500

Dear Brother Huq,

Shalom Aleichem.

This the difference between you and Hamza. I would bet everything I have, as well, that you are a more devout follower of the Prophet Mohammed and his faith, Islam.

Were more people like you, the conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere would have ended long ago. I think always about our statement to "agree to disagree." And that is why I defend our relationship and defend you even against people who otherwise are allies of mine. You know I will always stand on my beliefs, regardless of who opposes me; and I believe strongly that you are a good man, an honest man, and a devout man. Enmity of others cannot tear us asunder.

Among civilized individuals, there always will be disagreements and differences in specific goals and positions. You, sir, carry your beliefs and values within the context of a civil society whereby we utilized the same legitimate means to achieve our goals and respect the will of the people, win or lose, within the confines of civil society and protection of minorities as well as the majority.

Hamza also confirms in his email to you that the goal of the Palestinian Authority and its constituent organizations is NOT peace with Israel but the destruction of Israel. Under such circumstance, they cannot be an honest peace partner; the consequences to their people is and have been their doing.

Brother Richard Benkin
Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
http://www.interfaithstrength.blogspot.com/
+1-847-922-6426

(8)
From: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin" < >
To: "K A Huq" < >
Subject: Fw: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 21:29:07 -0500

Brother, please look at this email string between Hamza and me. Does he have an official position with the Palestinian Authority?

Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
http://www.interfaithstrength.blogspot.com/
+1-847-922-6426

----- Original Message -----
From: Faik Hamza
To: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"
Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2009 8:32 PM
Subject: RE: Jewish point of view for consideration

look our olders gave us the truth about what happened to them 1948 on the hands of the Jews

sure we are obedient, and thats why we are here today a step or maybe two away from regain of what our

fathers and grand fathers lost, what u said about Arabs is not true, maybe for some reasons our leaders right now like to shake hands with their enemy, but be sure thats will not remain for long, the time of cleaning the ignorants as well as you occupiers of Palestine is coming, give damn shit to what that Muslim from India said, the fact is we know who is who, and later on u will discover Dr. that simply you are going to sink in your full of shit, u seem to be so ignorant, you better read the history and learn before its to late Dr.

________________________________________
--------------------
From: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"
To: Faik Hamza
Subject: Re: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:04:19 -0500

Now you are simply full of shit.
As has always been the case for the Arabs, you are more interested in propaganda than truth.

And that is why the Arab people are degraded, ignorant, subject to corrupt governments that do not serve their interests, militarily weak, and sporting the highest levels of unemployment and other social ills in the world. At the end of the 20th century, the United Nations and various experts wrote extensively about how democracy and freedom made huge gains in the century--huge gains everywhere--except the Arab world.

I had a debate with a Muslim (not an Arab) journalist in Northern India earlier this year. He said that "every Muslim knows" that the international media is controlled by seven Jews. "Really, I said. Who are they?" And so he named Rupert Murdoch--who is not Jewish and I told him so. "Who else?" I asked. He named Ted Turner of CNN---also not Jewish. But, this man who is one of the disseminators of information, said, every Muslim is taught this and believes it. You would rather keep your children ignorant and obedient than give them the truth, and that is why you always will be complaining about your condition and blame someone else for it.

Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
http://www.interfaithstrength.blogspot.com/
+1-847-922-6426

----- Original Message -----
From: Faik Hamza
To: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 11:11 PM
Subject: RE: Jewish point of view for consideration

The option of Uganda was never rejected but adapted, for some reasons related to the reality on the ground, since the Jews can not reach in there so eazy, while Palestine was the eazyer as it was under GB mandate, the Jews shifted to the option of Palestine the matter was never related to your prayer of return to Al Quds or Zion more than finding home for the Jewish people, could you tel me you Dr. Richard ware ever you are, or ware ever your birth have taking place, could you tel me what relate you to Palestine, who , from your forth generations was there, why do not you feel great to be as you are now USA, GB or ware ever you are citizen.

look at you, you could not say the names of the north palestine cities correctly they are HIFA, YAFA and AKKA , and yes I still beleive that there is place for the Jewish people in Palestine, they can live with us on equal footing, the way we lived together before 1948, we can co exsist in peace and harmony, but how could this happen, while still you insist to deny me my rights to go back and return to my home.

________________________________________
From: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"
To: Faik Hamza
Subject: Re: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:18:22 -0500

No, we never prayed to go to Uganda. Always our prayers have been to return to Jerusalem and Zion. Uganda was suggested by some people but rejected by Jews because it is not our ancestral homeland.

So you mention "North Palestine" and the cities of Haifa, Yaffo, Acco. So, do you accept that you can reach peace with a state of Israel? That Israel can continue to exist? Or do you insist that those cities and others be part of a Palestinian state?

Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
http://www.interfaithstrength.blogspot.com/
+1-847-922-6426

----- Original Message -----
From: Faik Hamza
To: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 8:38 PM
Subject: RE: Jewish point of view for consideration

Well, here Dr. Richard talking about the promised land. Will Dr. Richard give us some information about the option discussed by the said congress to establish the Jewish state at Uganda, how can prayer for centuries to return to the homeland at Palestine given second option of Uganda, did u ever pray to go back to Uganda in Africa? We Palestinian refugees victims of the victims, never prayed to go any where, but to return to our homeland the soil of Palestine, and the most important we are not demanding to return to Gaza or West Bank, though these are parts of Palestine, but to our homes at north of Palestine, at Hifa, Yafa, Aka and Tabaria in the heart of what you have established temporary.

________________________________________
From: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"
To: Faik Hamza
Subject: Re: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:29:05 -0500

By the way, earlier in this email chain, you said, that Jews had to confess their "crimes against humanity. which they have committed through out the time since 1897 when their first congress decided to establish a home for themselves on the soil of Palestine." You are incorrect about the year. We Jews have wanted to return to our ancestral homeland in Jerusalem and Israel for centuries upon centuries. We pray for it every week on our Shabbat, many times yearly during our many religious holidays; always we prayed to return to Jerusalem and Zion; many centuries even before the Zionist Conference in 1897. And we still do. It is in our Jewish religious worship and has always been so.

Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
http://www.interfaithstrength.blogspot.com/
+1-847-922-6426

----- Original Message -----
From: Faik Hamza
To: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 12:22 AM
Subject: RE: Jewish point of view for consideration

why do you take it this way, say i hate been made refugee by Jews, I hate been denied return to my home by Jews and you stop this old new accusations against any one who stand against your injustice, why do you run away by accusing me i hate Jews or I am anti Semitic

----------------------------------

From: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"
To: Faik Hamza
Subject: Re: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 20:40:29 -0500
So you hate Jews?

Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
http://www.interfaithstrength.blogspot.com/
+1-847-922-6426

----- Original Message -----
From: Faik Hamza
To: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"
Sent: Sunday, August 09, 2009 8:27 PM
Subject: RE: Jewish point of view for consideration

Damns you Dr. , I do seek justice, I do seek to return to my father's home, is that a scourge on humanity, I do not stop, but i demand the right of Jewish people to return to their homes. not in Palestine, but the places where they ware brought from. Do the Dr. think that Israel protecting humanity by denying the rights of over 4000000 Palestinian refugees or by giving away their belonging to settlers. I think for the Dr. to be human u must admit to the crimes of the Jewish people you must supporting them so they can achieve their dream of great Israel, and then even there will be no Jordan, Syria or Iraq, but only one state of the chosen people of God.

hey Dr. stop misguiding the world, the world today is not blind of what are you doing daily of great deal of killing non-Jewish.

the world today is no more misguided by your fabricated allegations of been or ware the victims what are you doing today in Palestine is clear your not the victims but the killers of the humanity

(9)
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:41:49 +0700
To: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin" < >, "Mr.Faik Hamza" < >
From: K A Huq < >
Subject: Re: Fw: Jewish point of view for consideration
Cc: "H.E.Chief Rabbi David Rosen" < >,
"HRH King Abdulllah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud"< >,
"H.E.Seyed Ali Khamenei"< >

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

DHAKA, Sunday, 16 August 2009.

To: Dr. Richard L. Benkin and Mr. Faik Hamza

Cc:
H.E.Chief Rabbi David Rosen, KCSG, Israel.
H.R.H. King Abdulllah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, KSA.
H.E.Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Iran.
To Whom It May Concern

Dear Brothers Richard and Hamza,
Assalamu Alaykum.

1. After receipt of Brother Richard Benkin's mail I talked in detail to Brother Faik Hamza.

2. The purpose of our Dialogue has been reduction of anger and tension and promotion of constructive engagement for peace and justice.

3. Now I think that the correspondence between my two brothers i.e. Dr. Richard Benkin and Mr. Faik Hamza have to be temporarily postponed until both are agreed to disagree and continue constructive dialogue for Peace and Justice.

On 2nd September 2001 we sent a letter to the then Israeli President H.E. Mr. Moshe Katsav. In that letter we wrote:-

QUOTE
I call you my brother, because we believe in the Prophethood of Hazrat Moses Alaihissalam which is testified by the Last Prophet of Allah i.e. Hazrat Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Sallallaho Alaihissalam.

We are the closest and the most compassionate kin of Bani Israel. We have learnt form the Last Revealed Scripture of Allah i.e. The Holy Quran, about the inhuman sufferings inflicted on Bani Israel by Pharaoh. We are definitely partisan of Prophet Hazrat Moses Alsihissalam and his pious & obedient followers amongst Bani Israel. We are completely against Pharaoh and the oppressors like Pharaoh whom we treat to be enemies of Allah and of His Prophets.

Allah Says us in the Holy Quran :

" The apostle believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers ; they all believe in Allah and His angels and His books and His apostles ; We make no difference between any of His apostles: and they say : We hear and obey, our Lord ! Thy forgiveness (do we crave) , and to Thee is the end of all journeys."- (The Holy Quran 2 : 285, Sura Baqarah, Verse No.285).

Allah says in the Holy Quran :

"O people ! be careful of (your duty to) your Lord, Who created you from a single being (Adam) and created his mate (Eve) of the same (kind) and spread from these two many men and women ; and be careful of (your duty to ) Allah, by whom you demand one of the another (your rights) , and (to) the ties of relationship ; surely Allah ever watches over you." (The Quran 4:1 Sura Nisa, Verse No.1)

Therefore, all pious Muslims believe in One Allah, His angels, His books, His apostles ; pious Muslims do not make difference between apostles of Allah ; pious Muslims are modest and they beg forgiveness of Allah ; pious Muslims believe that Allah created mankind from a single pair of parents, i.e. Hazrat Adam Aslaihissalam and his wife Hazrat Eve Alaihissalam - thus the mankind is the progeny of Adam and Eve and are related to each other by blood. Pious Muslims do not believe in the atheistic hypothesis of evolution regarding origin of man which propagates the basis of discrimination i.e. man was originated in different races.

Pious Muslims are inherently non-arrogant, modest and compassionate. It is for the sake of Allah only that they sometime become hard. In fact All apostles of Allah and believers including Hazrat Moses Alaihissalam and his pious followers are Muslims. Islam means surrendering to Allah. Muslim means who has surrendered to Allah. Muslims are neither any race nor any tribe nor any ethnic community. Last apostle of Allah i.e. Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Sallallaho Alaihissalam was brotherly and compassionate to the Jewish people. But unfortunately some of his neighboring Jews turned to be the enemies of Allah. He was required by Allah to be hard to the enemies of Allah.

Divine Revelation in Sura Maidah (V) of the Holy Quran :-

" Verse - 20. And when Musa said to his people : O my people ! remember the favor of Allah upon you when He raised prophets among you and made you kings and gave you what He had not given to any other among the nations. "

" Verse - 21. O my people ! enter the holy land which Allah has prescribed for you and turn not on your backs for then you will turn back losers."

" Verse - 24. They said : O Musa ! we shall never enter it so long as they are in it; go therefore you and your Lord, then fight you both, surely we will here sit down."

" Verse - 25. He (Musa) said : My Lord ! surely I have no control (upon any) but my own self and my brother ; therefore make a separation between us and the nation of transgressors. " (The Holy Quran, Sura Maidah, Sura No.5 )

Kindly verify above facts from your own sources and Rabbi. The way the State of Israel was created by wiping out indigenous population of Palestine, is not justifiable even in accordance with the principles of the prevailing Western Civilization and its institutions - while the western civilization and its institutions owes largely its existence and promotion to our Jewish brethren. It is a contradiction. It is highly irrational.

Nevertheless, realities on the ground have been accepted by the Palestinians as well as by the neighboring states. Then by what Commandment of the Ten Commandments you are denying the inalienable rights of your Muslim and Christian fellows to have a separate Palestinian homeland ?

Let there be light. Let there be peace. Let again the exalted place of Jerusalem be upheld.
UNQUOTE

On 16th April 2007 we Re-sent a copy of that letter to American Jewish Committee (AJC).

Honorable Chief Rabbi David Rosen, International Director of Interreligious Affairs of American Jewish Committee (AJC), sent us a reply in which he wrote:

QUOTE
-Twenty per cent of the State of Israel are Arabs ninety per cent of them being Muslims who are full citizens of the State of Israel.

- Israel's Declaration of Independence 1. affirms equality of rights for non-Jews a position energetically defended by the Israeli courts and 2. calls on the Arab states to live in peace with her.

- Israeli leaders called on the Arab population not to leave their homes in the build up and during the fighting of 1948.

-In 1967 Israel sent a letter via the US to King Hussein urging him not to join Egypt and Syria in trying to exterminate Israel. Hussein ignored this warning and lost control of East Jerusalem and the West Bank as a result. Israel did not force Arab residents to flee this was their (misguided) choice (substantially fueled by anti-Jewish propaganda.).

- Israel's first president Chaim Weizman signed a concordat of cooperation with the Emir Feisal as leader of the Arab world in 1919. Most Arab nations ignored this and launched hostilities and then war against Israel which led to the tragedy of Palestinian displaced persons.

These points make it clear that Israel has never sought to wipe out any population in the Holy Land/mandatory Palestine, but has sought and seeks to live in peace with them and guaranteeing that in its own society, all are equal before the law and equality of franchise, regardless of religion or race.

As far as a Palestinian state is concerned, the goal of establishing such ( a two states solution) is the official policy of the State of Israel, for which it withdrew at the time from the territories in the West Bank under the Oslo accords. Unfortunately, Palestinian violence forced Israel to reoccupy much of these. If the Palestinians will recognize Israel and cease violent acts against its citizens, they will gain their legitimate aspiration for a state (which is actually in the interests of the State of Israel as well.)

Blessings from Al Kuds Al Sharifa in the prayer that all who hold Jerusalem dear will be able to enjoy her sanctity and beauty in safety and dignity.
UNQUOTE

In 2007 the representative of the Palestinian Authority verbally informed us following points to be communicated to our Jewish counterpart :-

QUOTE
Equality of Citizenship in Israel:
It is not true that all citizens irrespective of Jews or Arab Muslims enjoy equal status and opportunities in Israel. Even all Jews are not equal in Israel.

There are 3 classes of Jews in Israel:
(a) Western Jews (European/American) the privileged Class
(b) Eastern Jews (Middle Eastern) the under-privileged Class
(c) Black Jews (African) like the slave Class

Western Jews (from Europe/USA/Canada) enjoy higher status and opportunities in Israel. Eastern Jews and African Jews suffer discrimination.

Arabs generally suffer more severe discrimination and frequent persecution, intimidation and suffocation. Even those Arabs who are in good book of the Jews and have been made Knesset members are not spared from frivolous allegations and charges based on communal suspicion.

Territory and Border of Israel :
On the entrance of Israeli Knesset (Parliament) and on one side of Israeli currency the territory of Israel is shown from the Nile to the Euphrates.

It indicates Israel’s belligerent provocative nature.

Right of Return:
The Jews from anywhere in the world are considered to have the Right of Return to Israel though those Jews or their parents or their grandparents were not inhabitant of that land.

Palestinians who themselves or their parents or their grandparents were inhabitant of that land are denied of the Right of Return.
UNQUOTE

We duly communicated the same to our Jewish Counterpart in Israel.

Honorable Chief Rabbi David Rosen of Israel sent to us following reply:-

QUOTE
Allow me to express my appreciation for the spirit in which you have initiated and continue this discussion in keeping with the injunctions of the Prophet PBUH, to engage others especially the Peoples of the Book in respectful discourse; and in keeping with his revelation of the Divine injunction "to know one another".

I am also grateful for the opportunity you offer me to dispel distortions, falsehoods and myths, that have become widespread as a result of the poison of politics and propaganda which "blind the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the just ".

I refer to your points in the order you have numbered them.

1. This allegation reveals great ignorance regarding Israeli politics and society. Not only is there complete equality of franchise for Arabs and Jews whether Sephardic (from the ME, Asia and Africa essentially Muslim lands) or Ashkenazic ( essentially from European lands), but the current President of Israel, the Minister of Defense, the Attorney General, the Chief of Staff (and I could go on) are all Sephardic Jews and the Sephardic religious party, Shas, is currently being "courted" by the candidates for the next presidency, revealing the degree to which it exerts control in Israeli political life.

Moreover my own son-in-law's parents come from Morocco and I certainly do not consider him not our grandchildren to be second class citizens in any way.

I can only conclude that the strange and spurious reference to Black African Jews concerns Jews from Ethiopia (there are of course many black Jews from Yemen and Jews from southern Africa residing in Israel.) It is true that Ethiopian Jews face many difficulties due to the fact that before their return to the Jewish homeland they have lived in a very different and disadvantaged cultural context without the same educational opportunities. However not only is there no institutional discrimination against them, but the State actually allocates additional resources for social and educational services as a means of affirmative action.

The complete falsehood of this allegation about different classes of Jews, should lead you to conclude that the allegations concerning Israel's Arab citizens are similarly as false.

2. There is no emblem of Israel's currency at the Knesset. However there is a pattern on the ten agorot coin (approximately one penny sterling hardly a significant coinage !) that could be seen as a map of the Middle East and may be seen as an allusion to the journeys of our Father Abraham. There is no basis to any claim that the motive behind this outline on the ten agorot coin is belligerent (and as I say, if there would have been any significant motive, it would have made sense to use a more prestigious coin or note! ) However let us for argument's sake allow that the reference intended by this pattern is to indicate that the Divine promise to Abraham Isaac and Jacob as written in the Torah was to inherit the land from the Nile to the Euphrates. Does this imply belligerence ? Judaism like Islam forbids any act of violence against innocents and prohibits theft and robbery of any person. No Divine promise can permit the transgression of God's Law and His moral prohibitions. There are certainly Jews who dream that one day God's promises will be fulfilled, but no decent Jew thinks for one minute that that allows him to wage war against others especially believers in the One God nor God forbid to steal others' property.

The parallel would be if a Muslim country had an outline of a map of the extent of the Caliphate when Muslim rule was at its zenith. Surely that would be a legitimate memorial of the past and even a hope for the future as long as it is not achieved in a manner that shows any disrespect for the life and dignity of another.

3. This is the only point that contains a legitimate criticism. Allow me to explain how Jews see Israel's Law of Return.

Even though we were expelled from our land both by the Babylonians (in 586 BCE) and then by the Romans (70 CE) not only have there always been Jews living in the Holy land, but wherever we have been, we have maintained our fidelity to our relationship with it. It is the only "Qibla" for Jewish prayer. In our daily prayers three times a day and in grace after every meal, we prayed and still pray for our return to the land and its restoration. Our festivals are not only historical festivals but seasonal ones as well (therefore our lunar calendar is synchronized with the solar calendar) in keeping with the seasons in the Holy Land (Jews who live in Argentina for example celebrate the Spring festival in the autumn and pray for rain when it is not appropriate for Argentina, because our liturgy is conditioned by the land.) At the end of a Jewish wedding a glass is broken in remembrance of the destruction of Jerusalem and hope for the return. At the end of the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, the Day of Atonement, and at the end of the Passover meal we declare "next year in Jerusalem."

Accordingly we have always seen ourselves as citizens in potential and the establishment of the State of Israel has enabled us to exercise this "citizenship".

I lament that Palestinians from the Holy Land are not able to enjoy this right as well and the only reason for that is the ongoing conflict and the concomitant security concerns. I pray that these will be resolved, peace will prevail, a Palestinians state will be established; and Palestinians will be able to enjoy the same rights in their state as Jews enjoy in theirs insh'Allah.

I concur with the sentiments of his Excellency and applaud your initiatives. I think that it would also be important for us to come together and bring religious leaders from the Muslim and Jewish worlds to discuss these matters and work on a common plan for justice security and peace for all in the Holy Land.
UNQUOTE

Then the we received from the representative of the PA copy of resolution of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) which we duly forwarded to our Jewish counterpart in the Dialogue.

Honorable Chief Rabbi David Rosen in his reply wrote:-

QUOTE
With regards to the file from the PA that you sent, I do not claim that every thing that the government of Israel does is right and just indeed, Israeli society is distinguished from those around it precisely by the fact that in a true democracy, people are free to criticize their governments. Not only can you see this in Israeli daily newspapers (e.g. on line at) www.haaretz.com but also in the plethora of civil rights organizations that focus overwhelmingly on Arab/Palestinian human rights (including one that I co-founded called Rabbis for Human Rights.)

However to present a litany of Israel's actions against Palestinians as if this was some kind of intentional brutality is to be disingenuous at best. Attached in response to the file from the PA, is a random compilation of daily threats by Palestinians to Israeli civilians in just the last few months. It is such actions as these that lead to the Israeli military's response which the PA file documented.

I have already addressed his Excellency on the matter of the Holy Sites which are fully protected by the government of Israel and that as far as the Haram Al Sharif is concerned, Jewish religious law prohibits Jews from entering thereon. As far as the Gay Parade is concerned, you will no doubt know that the religious authorities and communities here worked hard successfully to prevent this in the past and even when it was permitted this year, was restricted to areas far from any religious site (and far from the Old City.)

As far as libel against Jesus of Nazareth is concerned, you will not find any dignified Jew indulging in such perversities, which when they took place centuries ago, were a reaction of Jewish suffering to Christian oppression. It is obvious to all respectable Rabbinic leadership that such libel is contemptible and condemnable.

I conclude with the prayer that the Almighty and All-Merciful will enlighten all humanity to live in respect for the life and dignity of all people.
UNQUOTE

We think that the above correspondence show us light of hope and inspiration to move forward to remove impediments in the way of implementing the agreed Two State Solution.

With best wishes and best regards to all.

Maassalam,

Kazi Azizul Huq
(ibn Abdulhuq ibn Izzatullah ibn Abdulhamid)

Founder Convener, CIRB-Hezbollah cirb.hezbollah@gmail.com
International Affairs Secretary, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon khelafat@dhaka.net
Advisor, Islamic Democratic Party (Organization led by veterans of Afghan War of Liberation from soviet Occupation)
Team Leader, Human Rights Forum info.hrf@gmail.com

Address:
24/A, Joar Shahara (Olipara), Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh
Cell: 01819-407963. Tel/Fax:+880-2-8411436 E-mail: kahuq@dhaka.net

(10)
From: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin" < >
To: "Mr.Faik Hamza" < >,"K A Huq" < >
Cc: "H.E.Chief Rabbi David Rosen" < >,
"HRH King Abdulllah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud" < >,
"H.E.Seyed Ali Khamenei" < >
Subject: Re: Fw: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2009 06:30:49 -0500

Dear Brother Huq,

Shalom Aleichem!

Let us be clear-headed about something. I know you will recall the days we spent together in Dhaka in 2007 and especially are hours-long dialogue. Brother, it is no secret that both of us began that conversation with many suspicions about one another and perhaps even doubts about each other's sincerity. We also disagreed on many specific issues that arose during that dialogue.

But during the course of that afternoon, respect replaced suspicion and doubt; and we "agreed to disagree." We recognized that as a believing Muslim and a believing Jew, we ultimately had more in common than we had in conflict. It led to further dialogue, further understanding, further mutual respect; and a genuine and heartfelt brotherhood between the two of us. It no doubt contributed to both of us taking public action in support of one another's peoples: you, for instance, publicly called for dropping Bangladesh's travel ban to Israel; I stood publicly and passionately defended Islam against those otherwise allies who see it as the root cause of the world's troubles; and we both stood for justice and each other more than once, too.

We continue to hold differing positions on certain issues, but instead of using that as an excuse to demonize one another and end dialogue; those differences only reinforce to us that we need to have more dialogue, of course based on the same level of mutual respect. Baruch Ha-Shem!

Our relationship also began with and flourishes within the soil of our individual strength of belief and defense of our own faiths and peoples as well.

There is a belief--that I share--which says it took two old warriors, two men with impeccable credentials as defenders of their faith and people, to take a giant step toward peace in the Middle East. In fact, Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat took the single most important stride toward Middle East peace to date. Sadat was a decorated soldier who won his medals fighting Israel; Begin was the first Israeli Prime Minister from the Nationalist camp. Both were unreserved champions of their peoples. Yet, it was these two men who forged the longest lasting and most significant peace agreement in the sad history of the Middle East. Anwar Sadat broke a taboo in coming to Israel for the cause of peace; Menachem Begin risked his political life by uprooting Jewish communities in the Sinai. Both men remained strong in their beliefs but were able to see beyond them to what is the greater good.

I had wondered if dialogue with Mr. Hamza could produce similar results. Perhaps he is not used to genuine opposition, as opposed to phony friendship. But in the end, he advocates the elimination of the Jewish State of Israel and is implacable. He insists on demonizing the Jewish people again and again. He allows no space in which understanding can be reached--in complete contradiction to you and many other Believing Muslims I have the pleasure of knowing. He has essentially called you, my brother, a fool for engaging in honest dialogue with me. Can I be passionate in defense of my people? Of course, and I expect the same from you and others with whom I dialogue. As we both agreed, only that level of honesty can produce productive dialogue such as the sort you and I have had.

Mr. Hamza's intransigence, on the other hand is precisely what is standing in the way of any resolution of the Middle East conflict. He demands only total victory for one side (his). His absolutist position destroys the very purpose of dialogue or a peace process. His insistence on ideology over fact is what has kept and will continue to keep his people in a degraded state where they cannot see any cause for their problems that is not attributable to someone else. And that is a shame. Not only does that insure continued conflict, but it also stunts the development of his people and their children.

So, brother, I agree that the dialogue between Mr. Hamza and me has not been productive, and it likely will not be productive no matter how long it continues. But I would caution against drawing a parallel or moral equivalence between us. I believe I have earned my stripes in that regard, being a passionate Jew and Zionist, yet also a passionate defender of Muslims and opponent of those who would defame Islam. What has Mr. Hamza shown us?

Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
http://www.interfaithstrength.blogspot.com/
+1-847-922-6426

(11)
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:59:42 +0700
To: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin"< >,"Mr.Faik Hamza"< >
From: K A Huq < >
Subject: Re: Fw: Jewish point of view for consideration
Cc: "H.E.Chief Rabbi David Rosen" < >,
"HRH King Abdulllah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud" < >,
"H.E.Seyed Ali Khamenei" < >

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Dear Brother Richard,

Assalamu Alaykum.

1. We re-iterate that when we call for removing impediments in the way of implementing the agreed Two State Solution - we want both Israel and Palestine to be viable but non-belligerent states entering into long-term no-war agreements with each other.

2. We continue to uphold that believer Muslims and believer Jews ultimately have more in common than have in conflict.

3. We think that it will be unwise to permanently shut any window for discussion and consultation to improve the situation and mutual acceptability for common good. All of us have to try not to be too angry that we fail to choose good encouraging words in our discussion that Allah loves.

With best wishes and best regards.

Maassalam.

Huq

kazi Azizul Huq (ibn Abdulhuq ibn Izzatullah ibn Abdulhamid)
Cell: 01819-407963. Tel: 8411436. Fax: +880-2-8411436
E-mail: kahuq@dhaka.net

(12)
From: Faik Hamza < >
To: K A Huq
Subject: RE: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:53:31 +0000

I never called Mr. Huq a fool, I rether believe that Mr. Huq has all the rights to present his own views, he can call to lift the ban on Bangladeshi people to travel any ware they like to.

Mr. Huq gave me a phone call requesting me not to reply to Dr. Richard slang, which was on respond to my demand return to my home at the north of Palestine, if you go back to our conversation , no ware you will find that i have defamed Muslims or Jewish people or even Israel, rather i have asked Dr. Richard to come and live among us in peace if Dr. Richard is a Jewish and Zionist, well i am a Palestinian refugee, who lost every things. who is injustice put on him, and who is demanding his rights back, is that extreme, and war did I defamed my people and their children, and in which way, I did not gave up their right of return, I did not submit to the occupation, I did not , I will not ever give up the idea of North Palestine, if Dr. Richard have ideas about how to solve the problem of Palestine and how to do real justice, and of course he can represent all the Jewish people in the world let him come forward in put his clear plans who knows maybe i am wrong the gentleman meant really business

(13)
From: "Dr. Richard L. Benkin" < >
To: "K A Huq"
Cc: rosend
Subject: Re: RE: Jewish point of view for consideration
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:01:04 -0500

Dear Brother Huq,
Shalom Aleichem.

Movement is always good; but looking at Mr. Hamza's reply, I am not sure he is showing any. In fact, he did berate you for even talking to me. Nor did he show any movement on his position but only denied what he said was indeed what he said. (Do I have to include copies of his emails and statements? Or do we realize he knows what he said?)

Moreover, he follows the same disingenuous line of "negotiation" that his cohorts do. Notice he said he would talk to me if I had a solution--and represented all the Jews in the world!!!!! Gee, do you think that was a genuine offer? It is ironic, though, that the Arabs demand Israel negotiate, make concessions, etc., when the people they want Israel to negotiate with cannot even represent all the Palestinian factions--let alone all the Arabs and Muslims. But evidently, only we should see that as an obligation on us.

In fact, I will issue the following challenge to Mr. Hamza. If negotiators can guarantee that they will reign in all Arabs, Muslims, and Islamists and stop them from continuing their war against Israel once a deal is struck, he will have broken the barrier to productive negotiations.

Dr. Richard L. Benkin
http://www.InterfaithStrength.com
http://www.interfaithstrength.blogspot.com/
+1-847-922-6426

----- Original Message -----
From: K A Huq
To: drrbenkin
Cc: rosend@
Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 8:13 AM
Subject: Fwd: RE: Jewish point of view for consideration

Dear Brother Richard,

Assalamu Alaykum.

I am forwarding to you the last mail I have received from Mr. Faik Hamza. He probably forgot to keep copy of his mails of 2007.

I find improvement in Palestinian position as follows:-

(a) he has no objection to our call to Bangladesh Government to lift ban on travel to Israel;

(b) now he agrees that Jews and Zionists can be citizens of proposed State of Palestine.

With slight correction of spelling I have attached the file of our recent correspondence initiated from your views which we put under the title "Jewish point of view for consideration".

With best wishes and best regards.

Maassalam

Your Brother,

Kazi Azizul Huq

(14)
From: Faik Hamza <>
To: Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon
Subject: RE: LINK to Muslim-Jews Dialogue in August 2009
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:42:31 +0000
ArrivalTime: 22 Aug 2009 05:42:31.0672

Mr. Huq

I like to make it clear

1- I no where i agreed for you to Bangladesh leave ban on Bangladeshi travel to Israel, I said it is ur right to demand lifting travel of Bangladeshi to travel any where, simply because you are Bangladeshi, it is a matter between you and your Government, I do nothing to do with it, and i do not interfere in it.

2- i stand by my call the Palestinian state is open for all religions, so Mr. Richard welcome to live in Palestine in peace

faik hamza

(15)
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:43:03 +0700
To: Faik Hamza <>
From: Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon <>
Subject: RE: LINK to Muslim-Jews Dialogue in August 2009
Cc: "HRH King Abdulllah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud"<>,
"H.E.Chief Rabbi David Rosen" <>,
"H.H. Pope Benedict XVI" <>,
"H.H.Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei"<>,
"HRH King Abdullah"<>,
"Palestine Embassy" <>,
"Dr.Richard L.Benkin"<>,....

Saturday, 22 August 2009.

To: Mr. Faik Hamza, Palestine Embassy, Dhaka.

Cc: To Whom It May Concern

RE: LINK to Muslim-Jews Dialogue in August 2009

Mohtaram Mr.Hamza,

Assalamu Alaykum.

By your mail it is re-confirmed that you have no objection to our persuasion of Bangladesh Government to lift ban on travel to Israel.

Best regards,

Kazi Azizul Huq
International Affairs Secretary
Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

(16)
From: Faik Hamza <>
To: Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon
Subject: RE: LINK to Muslim-Jews Dialogue in August 2009
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 05:11:04 +0000

No Mr. Huq what i said is clear, since u represent your self, since you have freedom to say what you like to say,
you can call on your Govt. to lift ban on Bangladeshi travel to any where, I did not point out (Israel), I want to say i am not concerned about what you called for, and this issue is yours with your Govt., I did not dictate you not to say what you want to say, and I did not dictate the Govt. to take action if this against its declared policy, i do have nothing to support or not to support your call,

Mr. Huq, you must understand that i am the victim here, I am who lost his home land to the murderer of the Zionist organizations and the alien Jewish people who immegrated to my home, i am not against the Palestinian Jews, yesterday one of them was elected member of our al-Fateh revolutionary council,

and back to the weekly Blitz, just justify for me , the Bangladeshi action , war of liberation, 1971, ware Bangladeshi terrorists, how do those people think the way to go back to my home , we are fighting , to regain our freedom, according to the international legitimacy, its right given to us by the UN, now anybody who is ignorant about this can go back to the UN resolutions and read and learn, that we are not terrorists seeking destruction of any one, but freedom fighters seeking to return to our homeland.

now as we are discussing the situation of our Palestinian people at North of Palestine, i do not like to go for details, but for the latest call of the Jewish Govt. which demanding us to recognize it as a Jewish state, do you know what that means, its hinting on very soon the Govt. is going to transfer all the Palestinians from north of Palestine to Gaza and west bank.

What i Suggest is Mr. Huq to open direct contact with Arab members of Knesset, who will be glad to give you the real picture of the Palestinian daily life and the danger they face.

then if the occupation is so kind, tell what the occupation did in Gaza Strip from 1967 till 2004, what progress they did,
the camps remained as its in poverty, who did the occupation improve the life of the people, and most important how did any body think that the occupation so willing to hand over Gaza to the PA, yes they did after making the place opened for drugs, and arm smuggling, they have planted all obstacle in front the PA, and most important they have arrange to bring Hamas to the power, and successed to push the Palestinian to side of civil war.

Mr. huq if you want the facts, our struggle is not against the Jewish people, we do have no conflict with them, the problem is Palestine is occupied, our people are denied their rights to return, self determination and establishment of their independent state with Al Quds as its capital, and i think to stand on all the facts, I suggest you to form a FACTS FINDING COMMITTEE, let the committee go there and find out who is who, and what is the situation really is, and what is the facts really are

thank you
hamza

(17)
Dt: Wednesday, August 26, 2009.
To: Mr. F.Hamza, Palestine Embassy, Dhaka.
Cc: To Whom It May Concern
Re: Muslim-Jews Dialogue : Your mail dtd 23 Aug.2009

Assalamu Alaykum.

We have published your comment dated 23 Aug.2009 in our blog. Please check the link:
http://bangladeshkhelafatandolan.blogspot.com/2009/08/muslim-jews-dialogue-august-2009.html

It is the policy of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon to support the struggle for liberation of Palestine from Israeli occupation, and liberation of Afghanistan & Iraq from British & American occupation.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon recognizes just struggles to liberate Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq from foreign occupation as liberation movements; and those who are engaged in the just struggles are freedom fighters.

Our policy is compliant with Bangladesh Constitution Article-25.1(c) which reads as follows:-

QUOTE
25.1 The State shall base its international relations on the principles of respect for national sovereignty and equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, peaceful settlement of international disputes, and respect for international law and the principles enunciated in the United Nations Charter, and on the basis of those principles shall ..(c) support oppressed peoples throughout the world waging a just struggle against imperialism, colonialism or racialism.
UNQUOTE

Massalam.

Kazi Azizul Huq
International Affairs Secretary

APPENDIX

[Previous correspondences 1st - 3rd August 2007]

1 August 2007 from Palestine Embassy to Kazi Azizul Huq
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 14:40:58 +1100
From: Palestine Embassy < >
To: Kazi Azizul Huq
Subject: Palestine Embassy, Dhaka

Dear Mr. Huq

with my best regards, I would like to bring to your kind notice

1- Palestine Embassy in Dhaka represent all of the Palestinian people headed by their legitimate Democratically elected President H. E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas and further more the Embassy has nothing to do with any group Fateh or Hamas, since it extend help for any Palestinian.

2- The PA works under the umbrella of PLO which represented here at Bangladesh by Palestine Embassy.

3- when we send you files, we stand by it without fear of Mr. Rabi or any other criminal Jews you are intend to establish talk with them, do not you understand from their reply that they consider you as Muslim stupid who listen to them, do you know that Mr. Rabi is responsible for killing hundreds of Palestinians women, Children and old people through helping the killers of Israel Govt.

4- Mr. Huq you should know that Mr. Rabi represent those Jews who raped Musa Alihe assalm’s sister and tried to kill him they are the same people who tried to kill our Profit Mohammad Peace be upon him

5- be sure that if a wild, like lion or tiger change their nature, then Mr. Rabi will do the same, and will never do as long as Israel occupy Palestine.

6- The only solution is to send back the alien Jews to their countries out of Palestine, and allow the Palestinians at Diaspora to return to their homes and let them determined their future on their occupied soil, things which I challenged Mr. Rabi and who he represent to do.

Faik Hamza
Palestine Embassy

1 August 2007 from Kazi Azizul Huq to Palestine Embassy

Date: Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:52:10 +0600
To: "Palestine Embassy, Dhaka" < >, < >
From: Kazi Azizul Huq
Subject: Re: Palestine Embassy, Dhaka

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Dhaka, Wednesday 01 August 2007.

To: H.E. Ambassador, Palestine Embassy, Dhaka.
Att: Mr. Faik Hamza, Counsellor.

Cc: H.E. Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, CEO, Gov't of Bangladesh
H.E. Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Rahbar, IR Iran.
H.E. King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, KSA.
H.E. Prime Minister Euhud Olmert, Isreal.
H.E. King Abdullah II, Jordan
H.E. Secretary General, OIC, Jeddah.
H.E. Secretary General, United Nations, New York.
H.E. Secretary, Department of State, Washington D.C.
Foreign Secretary, GoB, Dhaka.
H.E. Ambassador of KSA, Dhaka.
Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of IR Iran, Dhaka.
Cultural Counsellor, Pakistan High Commission, Dhaka.
H.E. Chief Rabbi David Rosen KCSG,

Re: Mail dated 1 August 2007 from Palestine Embassy, Dhaka.

Excellency,
Assalamu Alaikum.

We acknowledge receipt of your above ref mail.
Expression of your anger is human and natural from the representative of a nation wiped out from their legitimate homeland and made stateless. But your comments are not indicative of righteousness, piety and any practical solution.

One can not solve problems by blaming others. We ethnic Muslims are stabbing each other on the back. We ethnic Muslims have deviated from the Path of Piety & Righteousness and have chosen to ignore Divine Scripture, Prophetic Mission and Human Experience. Our Iranian revolutionaries talked so much about the Divine Mission of the United Ummah. But in practice they welcomed US invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Faith and Righteousness is more important today than religious ethnicity. Our Holy Prophet (Sallallahoalaihissalam) taught us not to blame the son for the offence of father. It is not correct to blame all Jews for the wrongs of a few Jew in earlier times. Is it piety for any Muslim to call the Jews sons of pigs and apes? Is it the teaching of our Holy Prophet (SM)?

Our Holy Prophet (Sm) migrated from Makkah to Yathrib (Medina) on the invitation and consent of those most of who were friendly Jews and Pagans. At that time there were less than 500 Muslims in Yathrib (Medina) while the population of Yathrib (Medina) was nearly 10,000 - about fifty percent Jews and fifty percent Pagans. Those majority Jews and Pagans agreed Hazrat Muhammad ibn Abdullah (Sm) to become the political leader and administrator of the City State of Medina and Holy Prophet (Sm) guaranteed their rights and status by Medina Charter which called all citizens of Medina irrespective of religion as "Ummah". On the other hand, Holy Prophet (Sm)'s own relatives and tribe in Makkah were called "Kafir" not because they were idol-worshippers but because they were enemies.

By the Grace of Almighty Allah, though we are apparently weak and poor yet we are steadfast under Guidance & Blessings of Allah and spiritual support of the Holy Prophets and righteous saints (Blessings of Allah be upon them all).

We need the support of principled God fearing people irrespective of their ethnic or religious identities. We need the support of Vatican and other non-materialist believer Christians. We need the support of the Monotheist Jewish Clergies who have been holding important heritage of Divine Scriptures and Missions of Prophets of Allah (Blessings of Allah be upon them all). We need the support of non-materialist believer God-fearing Hindus who have been holding important heritage of Divine Scriptures and Missions of Prophets of Allah (Blessings of Allah be upon them all). We need to understand that the vested interests of elitist agnostics and atheists of Europe led by British administration is the prime enemy of Faith, Righteousness and Justice in the world. We need initial unity of Iran-Taleban-GCC. We need unity of HAMAS, Fatah and other important factions. We are already in the midst of the Third World War. All God fearing righteous people irrespective of ethnic religious identity have to come closer and work together to fulfill Divine Will. Our anger is not going to solve our problem. We need to be God fearing, wise and righteously active.

While we appreciate your feelings, we can not but differ with your perception and judgment. May Allah Bless us all with Faith, Peace and Justice.

Maassalam.

Sincerely yours,

Kazi Aziz

Kazi Azizul Huq (ibn Abdulhuq ibn Izzatullah ibn Abdulhamid)
International Affairs Secretary, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon (BKA)
Team Leader, Human Rights Forum (HRF); Founder Convener, CIRB-Hezbollah.

2 August 2007 from Palestine Embassy to Kazi Azizul Huq

Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2007 00:13:52 +1100
From: Palestine Embassy < >
To: Kazi Azizul Huq
Subject: RE: Palestine Embassy, Dhaka
X-OriginalArrivalTime: 01 Aug 2007 13:13:52.0563 (UTC) FILETIME=[CE7B5030:01C7D43D]

Dear Mr. Huq

I did not express my anger, but the fact which you do not like about the Embassy represents all the Palestinian, you should understand that H E. Abbas is the president of all Palestinian but not a group as u tried to make Mr. Rabbi Understand.

Now we do really know the glorious history of our Islam, and if you did see only the Jews there who opened home for our prophet peace be upon him, then I suggest you go back to the history of those Jews who betrayed each and every agreement our profit sign with them.

not only that but our holy Book the Kuran have enough evidence about the nature of Jews and I do not think that some body like you could term the KURAN as PAST.

I stand by my statement the only solution is let the Jews out of my home and allow me back there.

For you Mr. Huq after all that’s Palestine which occupied by the Jews but not Bangladesh

Faik Hamza
Palestine Embassy

2 August 2007 from Kazi Azizul Huq to Palestine Embassy

Date: Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:10:14 +0600
To: "H.E. King Abdulllah Ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud" < >,
"H.E. King Abdullah II, Jordan"< >,
From: Kazi Azizul Huq <>
Subject: Response to your mail of 02 Aug.3007
Cc: "H.E.Prince Saud Al-Faisal" < >

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful.

Dhaka, Thursday, August 02, 2007.

To: H.E. Ambassador, Palestine Embassy, Dhaka.
Att: Mr. Faik Hamza, Counsellor.

Cc: H.E. Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, CEO, Gov't of Bangladesh
H.E. Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Rahbar, IR Iran.
H.E. King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, KSA.
H.E. Prime Minister Euhud Olmert, Isreal.
H.E. King Abdullah II, Jordan
H.E. Secretary General, OIC, Jeddah.
H.E. Secretary General, United Nations, New York.
H.E. Secretary, Department of State, Washington D.C.
Foreign Secretary, GoB, Dhaka.
H.E. Ambassador of KSA, Dhaka.
Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of IR Iran, Dhaka.
Cultural Counsellor, Pakistan High Commission, Dhaka.
H.E.Chief Rabbi David Rosen KCSG, International Director of Interreligious
Affairs, AJC.and President, the International Jewish Committee for
Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC).

Excellency,
Assalamu Alaikum.

1. We hope Palestinian Embassy will represent the whole Palestinian Nation (including HAMAS) instead of Mr. Abbas only who represents an unpopular faction who are largely responsible for most of the undesirable fratricidal crimes in Gaza until HAMAS took over its control.

2. There are both believers and unbelievers (atheists /agnostics) in almost all the ethnic religious communities of the Books including Muslims, Christians, Jews and Hindus. Almighty Allah has promised that irrespective of religious ethnicity whoever believe in Allah and the Last Day and work righteousness shall have their reward with their Lord.

For your information and study I refer following verses of the Holy Quran.

Almighty Allah Says in the Holy Quran:

QUOTE
Surat No.2 Al Baqarah, Verse No.62
"Those who believe and those who follow the Jewish and the Christians and the Sabeins, any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."

Surat No.5 Al Maaida, Verses No.44, 45, 46, 47, 48:-

Verses No.44
It was I who revealed The Torah: therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the Prophets who bowed to Allah's Will, by the Rabbis and the Doctors of Law: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah's Book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear Me, and sell not My Signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by what Allah hath revealed, they are Unbelievers.

Verses No.45
We ordained therein for them: "Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal." But if any one remit the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by what Allah hath revealed, they are wrong-doers.

Verses No.46
And in their footsteps I sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming The Torah that had come before him: I sent him The Gospel: therein was guidance and light; And confirmation of the Torah that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.

Verses No.47
Let the people of The Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by what Allah hath revealed, they are those who rebel.

Verses No.48
To thee I sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it. and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have I prescribed a Law and an Open Way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single People, but to test you what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of matters in which you dispute.
UNQUOTE

3. While we respect your emotions, we do not accept your use of scurrilous language - which is prohibited in our religion. We should compete with others in good deeds, not in sins and bad deeds.

4. Arab leaders and Muslim fighters against Turkey's Muslim ruler were no less responsible for the creation of the State of Israel after the First World War. And it was the failure of the Arabs and the Muslims that Israel could expand beyond her 1948 borders. May be it was the Divine Punishment for fighting against Turkey's Muslim ruler.

Therefore, now we have to find out a practical solution without communal bias.

May Almighty Allah Forgive us all and Bless us with success in the Hereafter as well as in this world. May Allah Bless us with Faith, Peace and Justice for all.

Maassalam.

Sincerely yours

Kazi Aziz

Kazi Azizul Huq (ibn Abdulhuq ibn Izzatullah ibn Abdulhamid)
International Affairs Secretary, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon (BKA)
Team Leader, Human Rights Forum (HRF)
Founder Convener, CIRB-Hezbollah

3 August 2007 from Kazi Azizul Huq to Chief Rabbi David Rosen

Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 5:04 AM
From: Kazi Azizul Huq [ ]
To: H.E. Chief Rabbi David Rosen;
Cc: H.E. Ambassador of Palestine; ........
Subject: Copy of Reply to Palestine Embassy's mail Dtd. 02 Aug.3007

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

To: H.E.Chief Rabbi David Rosen KCSG
International Director of Interreligious Affairs, AJC.
President, the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious
Consultations (IJCIC).

Re: MUSLIM-JEWS DIALOGUE
Forwarding Copy of Selected Correspondences between 16 April to 02 August 2007

Cc: Selected Concerned Gov'ts, Authorities, Organizations, Personalities.

Excellency,
Assalamu Alaikum.

We are forwarding to your excellency selected correspondence from April 16 to August 02, 2007.

Kindly make a review and comments for moving forward.

We invoke Blessings of One Omnipotent Merciful Allah for peaceful resolution of the conflicts and Justice for all.

With best regards.
Sincerely
Kazi Aziz

Kazi Azizul Huq (ibn Abdulhuq ibn Izzatullah ibn Abdulhamid)
International Affairs Secretary, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon (BKA)
Team Leader, Human Rights Forum (HRF)
Founder Convener, CIRB-Hezbollah

3 August 2007 from Chief Rabbi David Rosen to Kazi Azizul Huq
Date: Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:28:03 +0300
From: Sharon Rosen <>
Subject: Response in keeping with your request for comment
To: 'Kazi Azizul Huq' <>
Cc: "'H.E. Ambassador of Palestine'" < >,...

Your Excellency,

Allow me to express my admiration for the manner in which you have addressed the issues that have been raised in this correspondence. Naturally there will be matters upon which we disagree, but I believe that the integrity and desire for honest enquiry and discussion that you demonstrate, reflect the most noble values of Islam. If we were all to employ these qualities in our relations with one another, we would be able to resolve all conflicts. Insh'Allah, your example will inspire others in all our communities to follow this path.

In response to Your Excellency's request for my comments on the correspondence below; other than the above, I respond from my own Tradition as follows:-

Judaism teaches that all human and dignity are sacrosanct and accordingly murder of any human being is the most heinous of crimes (Genesis 8v.6)

Moreover any act of intentional disrespect to another, let alone murder, is an assault against the Almighty Himself.( Midrash Genesis Rabbah 24,8;see also Sifri on Leviticus 19v.18)

Judaism teaches us that the essential Divine Attributes of Mercy and Justice oblige us to behave accordingly (Exodus 34 v.6,7; Midrash Canticles Rabbah,3)

It teaches that the goal of Torah (the Divine revelation to Moses) is Peace (Talmud Gittin 50b and 61a; see Maimonides' Code, Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings), 10:12) and that murder,theft and lying towards non-Jews are even worse than doing so to Jews, because they involve an additional desecration of the Divine Name (Seder Eliahu Rabbah; Sefer Mitzvoth Gadol, 167d).

Judaism teaches that all the pious/righteous of the nations of the world have their portion in the World to Come, i.e. share in Paradise ( see Maimonides' Code, Hilchot Teshuvah (Laws of Repentance), 3:5, based on the Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin.)

This applies especially to pious/righteous Muslims, as Judaism recognizes Islam as pure ethical monotheism (e.g. Maimonides, Responsa No. 448; Rabbi Menachem Hameiri, Bet Habechirah, Avodah Zarah; Netanel Ibn Fayummi "Bustan al-Oukoul" )

I conclude by stating the conviction of the overwhelming majority of believing religious/observant Jews, that the establishment of the State of Israel is a demonstration of the Almighty All-Compassionate's fidelity to His promise (Exodus 6v.4; Leviticus 26 v.42,45; Deuteronomy 30v.3-5) the hope for which has been sustained by the vision of the ancient Prophets concerning the reestablishment and revivification of the life of the People of Israel in that land.

Jews have always lived in the Holy Land, even when Christian forces (such as the Byzantines and the Crusaders) kept Jews out of Jerusalem (Of course the situation was very different and very much better, under Islam.) The State of Israel is simply a political mechanism to enable us to maintain in security and prosperity, our collective bond with the land of our ancestors, in keeping with the Divine mandate.

As I have indicated to His Excellency, this could have been achieved in a peaceful and productive way for all the inhabitants of this region (as witnessed in the joint statement signed by the Emir Faisel and Dr.Weizman in 1919.) It is a tragedy for all, that conflict ensued; and while there were, have been and still are, victims on all sides, undoubtedly the Palestinians have been the greatest victims of this and their plight has been widely exploited, not least of all within the Arab world itself. However we must work to bring an end to conflict; live in peace with one another; establish a sovereign Palestinian state living peacefully alongside the State of Israel; and find the way to compensate those Palestinians whose loss can not be restored.

May the Most Merciful enlighten us to follow this path in accordance with His paths of Peace, Justice, Mercy and Love for all,
Yours Faithfully,

David Rosen

Chief Rabbi David Rosen, KCSG
International Director of Interreligious Affairs, American Jewish Committee (AJC)
Chair, the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC),
tel:+972-2-6255281 fax:+972-2-6256527

LETTER DTD 20 Aug.2009 TO H.H. POPE BENEDICT XVI

2009-08-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

DHAKA, Thursday, 20 August 2009.

To: Mohtaram Pope Benedict XVI

Cc: To Whom It May Concern

Re: Remembering our Letter Dated 11 November 2004 sent to HH Pope John Paul ll
Reference Holy Pope's Speech Dated 10 Nov.2004 on Psalm 61.

Muhtaram,

Assalamu Alaikum.

Remembering our Letter Dated 11 November 2004 (copied hereunder) sent to HH Pope John Paul ll, commenting on Holy Pope's Speech Dated 10 Nov.2004 on Psalm 61.

We think that the letter continues to be relevant today in the context of continuation of Persecution of Believers and Mustazafins by the Materialists and Mustakberins.

With best regards and best wishes.

Maassalam.

Kazi Azizul Huq
(ibn Abdulhuq ibn Izzatullah ibn Abdulhamid)
International Affairs Secretary, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

---------------------

COPY OF OUR ABOVE REF. LETTER DATED 11 Nov.2004:-

(In the Letter Head of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Dhaka, 11 Nov.2004

TO: HH Pope John Paul II

RE: YOUR ADDRESS TO GENERAL AUDIENCE ON 10th NOV. 2004

Muhtaram,

Assalamu Alaikum.

We agree to and give our support to your recitation and interpretation of Psalm 61 in which "two types of trust are contrasted. They are two fundamental choices, one good and one perverse, which entail two types of moral conduct. There is above all trust in God...'God is my rock and my salvation; my fortress, I shall not be shaken'." This is the same what according to the Quran and the Tradition (Hadis) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallaho Alaihissalam) we Muslims are required to uphold "TAWHID" i.e. the ultimate Faith in and Dependence on God alone, and "AMR-BIL-MAARUF WA NAHI-ANIL-MUNKAR" i.e. enjoin the good and resist the evil.

Since the so-called European Renaissance it is being claimed and propagated by the secularist atheists that religions are responsible for hatred and wars among peoples. In this pretext they imposed secularization of states and societies. But mankind has seen that the secularist materialists killed and maimed more men, women, children and old in 2 World Wars within less than 40 years which is much higher in quantity and cruelty than total casualties of all major wars during last 1500 years. They devised Weapon of Mass Destruction and used it against Japanese civilians to terrorize the mankind that any people daring to disobey them shall face more severe consequences. Now they are terrorizing the Muslims and in a Hippocratic way accusing that the Muslims are terrorists(?).

We expect your Excellency to speak clearly that the acts of US-led Coalition is the prime organization of terrorism in today's world. Your language of condemning violence and terrorism should not give the impression that you are orchestrating US propaganda.

May Allah bless the doer of good and save us from the perverts?

Humbly,

Kazi Azizul Huq
Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon
International Affairs Department
24/A, Joar Shahara (Olipara)
DHAKA-1229, BANGLADESH
+880-2-9881436
+880-189-407963
E-mail: khelafat@dhaka.net
-----------

Copy of VATICAN Press Release on Holy Pope's Speech Dated 10 Nov.2004

Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2004 14:20:03 +0100
From: Vatican Information Service
Subject: VISen 041110
To: awrozario@dhaka.net, khelafat@dhaka.net, nuntius@dhaka.net

VIS internet Press Office 11.10.2004 Fourteenth Year - N.190

AUDIENCE: DO NOT BASE YOUR LIFE ON FALSE VALUES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 10, 2004 (VIS) - Today's general audience was celebrated in two parts. The first took place in St. Peter's Basilica where the Holy Father addressed the faithful in German and English, following which he went to the Paul VI Hall to meet with other pilgrims.

The Pope spoke about Psalm 61 in which "two types of trust are contrasted. They are two fundamental choices, one good and one perverse, which entail two types of moral conduct. There is above all trust in God...'God is my rock and my salvation; my fortress, I shall not be shaken'."

"There also exists," he continued, "another type of trust, of an idolatrous nature, which the psalmist focuses on with critical attention. It is a trust that moves one to seek safety and stability in violence, covetousness and riches."

John Paul II referred to "the first false god, the violence which humanity unfortunately continues to resort to even in these bloody days. Accompanying this idol is an immense procession of wars, oppression, perversions, torture and killing, inflicted without any trace of remorse."

"The second false god is robbery which is expressed in extortion, social injustice, usury, political and economic corruption. Too many people cultivate the 'illusion' of satisfying in this way their own greed. Finally, riches is the third idol to which 'man's heart attaches itself' in the false hope of being saved from death and being assured of gaining power and prestige."

The Pope indicated that "if we were conscious of our mortality and of the limits of man, we would not choose to trust in idols, nor would we organize our life on a series of fragile and inconsistent pseudo-values. We would aim rather for another type of trust, one whose center is in the Lord, source of eternity and peace."

"The Second Vatican Council applied to priests the invitation of this psalm 'to keep our heart detached from riches'. ... However, this call to reject perverse trust and to choose trust that brings us to God is valid for all and must become a guiding star in our daily behaviour, moral decisions, in our choice of lifestyle."

AG/PSALM 61/... VIS 041110 (360)

BKA Endorses Post Editorial by Sanjeeb Chowdhury dated 13 Aug.2009 on Foul Play of Militancy Fear

2009-08-13T01:53:00.000-07:00

DHAKA, Thursday, 13 August 2009.

To: PS to HPM, Government of Bangladesh.

Cc:
(1) I.G. Police; (2) Addl.I.G.P. (CID);(3) Addl.I.G.P. (SB);
(4) Police Commissioners and Divisional DIGs;
(5) D.G. RAB; (6) D.G. NSI; (7) D.G. DGFI;
(6) U.S. Embassy, Dhaka.
(7) Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Dhaka;
(8) Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dhaka.
(9) Counsellor (Political), Indian High Commission.
(10)Foreign Secretary, GoB.

Bcc:
(1) Department of State, USA;
(2) To Whom It May Concern

Re: Op Ed by Sanjeeb Chowdhury dated 13 Aug.2009 Daily Amar Desh

Caption: "Foul-play by creating fear of ghosts of militancy"

Muhtaram,

Assalamu Alaykum.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon is pleased to endorse the Opinion Editorial published today in the Daily Amar Desh captioned "Jongi Zuzur Bhoi Dekhanor Khela" (Foul-play by creating fear of ghosts of militancy) by senior journalist Sree Sanjeeb Chowdhury.

Thanking you with best regards.

Maassalam.

Kazi Azizul Huq
Secretary, International Affairs Department.

Links to the article: http://www.amardeshbd.com/dailynews/sub_section.php?issueID=1240&sub_section_id=4&NewsID=234789&NewsType=bistarito

Aljazeera Arabic TV Channel Visits Nooria Madrasa founded by Late Hazrat Hafezzi Huzur r.a.

2009-07-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

Divine Message : The Quran : Sura Imran : Verses 107 - 115

2009-07-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

THE HOLY QURAN
Sura Imran
Verses 107 to 115

107. These are the communications of Allah which we recite to you with truth, and Allah does not desire any injustice to the creatures.

108. And whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is Allah’s; and to Allah all things return.

109. You are the best of the nations raised up for men; you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah; and if the followers of the Book had believed it would have been better for them; of them are believers and most of them are transgressors.

110. They shall by no means harm you but with a slight evil; and if they fight with you they shall turn backs to you, then shall they not be helped.

111. Abasement is made to cleave to them wherever they are found, except under covenant with Allah and a covenant with men, and they have become deserving of wrath from Allah, and humiliation is made to cleave to them; this is because they disbelieved in the communications of Allah and slew the prophets unjustly; this is because they disobeyed and exceeded the limits.

112. They are not all alike; of the followers of the Book there is an upright party; they recite Allah’s communications in night-time and they adore.

113. They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong, and they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good.

114. And whatever good they do, they shall not be denied it and Allah knows those who guard.

115. Those who disbelieve, surely neither their wealth not their children shall avail them in the least against Allah; and these are the inmates of the fire; therein they shall abide.

Some causes and effects of on-going Islam-West confrontation

2009-05-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 13:05:24 +0600
To: "US Deptt. of State"
From: Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon
Subject: Some causes and effects of on-going Islam-West confrontation

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

US Gov't wants to dominate the world politically and economically while EU wants to dominate the world culturally. Pious Muslims can accept neither domination.

So vested quarters of US & EU seem to be afraid of pious Muslims. They want to drive Muslims away from Islam. They are desperately using their firepower to humiliate the Muslims.

Islam is a religion which discourages revenge.

Islam is a religion which discourages secret societies.

But US and EU by imposing humiliation on Muslims are turning a generation to be revengeful and to form secret societies. In secret societies a generation of Muslims are becoming perverts - they are resorting to such activities and practices which are usually prohibited in Islam.

Arrogance of the Majority, Arrogance of Wealth & Power - are vices from which Islam wants to save the mankind.

Islam teaches to be modest, non-egoist and non-arrogant. Islam teaches compassion, generosity and benevolence. Islam teaches not to be selfish. Islam teaches virtues of liberty, freedom and justice.

But the problem is that majority of we Muslims have deviated from Islam. Our rulers are mercenaries of foreign hegemonies.

------

Hazrat Maulana Bhashani (Peace be upon him) on Educational Reform in Bangladesh

2009-04-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Editorial of The Daily Amar Desh 18 April 2009

2009-04-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

Refuting BILIA-Heritage report regarding recruits from Madrasa in Bangladesh military

2009-04-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE : 20th April 2009

Refuting BILIA-Heritage report regarding recruits from Madrasa in Bangladesh military :
Endorsing The Daily Amardesh Editorial dtd 18-4-9

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon is pleased to endorse the attached Editorial of the Daily Amardesh of 18th April 2009 refuting the hate-campaign by BILIA and Heritage Foundation simultaneously against Bangladesh Military and Madrasa students.

The editorial has correctly pointed out that in Bangladesh since the Certificates of Qaumi Madrasa is not recognized by our government, those who are qualified from such Madrasa have no scope to be employed in the government or in the military.

Only Government recognized madrasa pupil (i.e. Alia type madrasa under the Bangladesh Madrasa Board) after completion of required level of education are eligible to apply for government services.

So the propaganda regarding Qaumi Madrasa passed recruits in the Bangladesh military is a lie.

In Bangladesh there are many in all sectors of life including scientists, doctors and engineers who in their childhood spent 2-3 years in any Qaumi Madrasa where they learnt to read the Quran and the basics and practices of Islam. Afterwards they moved to government recognized schools or madrasa from where they finally graduated. It is a practice in many western countries also. We know Europeans including diplomats who had their childhood education and grooming in Christian monasteries.

It is a universally agreed right of every community to educate their children in the basics of their religion, morality, ethics, culture, language and scriptures.

In fact those with Madrasa background are likely to be better committed to our national interests than those with so-called general educational background. Maulana Bhashani (r.a.) said that the existing general educational institutions and curriculum are not serving our national purpose. Rather these are continuing to serve as the major breeding grounds of British mercenaries who are responsible for keeping neo-colonial domination on our nation.

We expect the government to act responsibly and independently to free the nation from the mercenaries of domination seeker Euro-American vested quarters.

for Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

Kazi Azizul Huq,
International Affairs Secretary
Cell: 01819-407963

Refuting BILIA-Heritage report on Recruits from Madrasa in Bangladesh Military

2009-04-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

18 April 2009

To: PS to HPM, Government of Bangladesh.

Cc: To Whom It May Concern

Re: Recruits from Madrasa in Bangladesh military :

Refuting BILIA-Heritage report

Endorsing The Daily Amardesh Editorial dtd 18-4-9

Mohtaram, Assalamu Alaykum.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon is pleased to endorse the attached Editorial of the Daily Amardesh of 18 April 2009 refuting the hate-campaign by BILIA and Heritage Foundation simultaneously against Bangladesh Military and Madrasa students.

The editorial has correctly pointed out that in Bangladesh till date Qaumi Madrasa graduates can not even apply for government services including the military since their certificate is not recognized by government.

Only Government recognized madrasa pupil (i.e. Alia type madrasa under the Bangladesh Madrasa Board) after graduation are eligible to apply for government services.

So the propaganda regarding Quaumi Madrasa passed recruits in the Bangladesh military till date is not true.

In Bangladesh there are many intellectuals, politicians, journalists, doctors, engineers, military officers, soldiers, civil servants, clerks who in their childhood spent 2-3 years in any Quami Madrasa where they learnt to read the Quran and the basics and practices of Islam. Afterwards they got admitted into government recognized schools or madrasa from where they finally graduated. It is a practice in many western countries also. I know Europeans including diplomats who had their childhood education and grooming in Christian monasteries.

In fact it is an universally agreed right of every community to educate their children in the basics of their religion, morality, ethics, culture, language and scriptures.

Maulana Bhashani (r.a.) said that the existing general educational institutions and curriculum are not serving our national purpose. Rather these are continuing to serve as the major breeding grounds of British mercenaries who are responsible for keeping neo-colonial domination on our nation.

We expect the government to act responsibly and independently to free the nation from the mercenaries of domination seeker Euro-American vested quarters.

Maassalm.

Kazi Azizul Huq, International Affairs Secretary
Cell: 01819-407963

British Link to Separatist, Leftist, Islamist Militancy

2009-03-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:24:31 +0600
From: K A Huq
Subject: British Link to Militancy : Copy of letter to US Secretary of State

DHAKA, Thursday, 26 March 2009.

Dear all,

Assalamu alaykum.

Please find attached herewith my e-mail letter faxed to US Secretary of State describing our suspicion that British Ministry of Defence and DFID are likely to be at the bottom of most of the Separatist, Leftist, Islamist militancy in the Indian Sub-continent which unfortunately is a former British colony and still is the major Breeding Ground of British Mercenaries.

We can not forget that in the Purulia Arms Drop case it was revealed that the consignment was organized and sent by British Military Intelligence. But to instigate Indian authorities against Bangladesh the cases of arms and ammunitions were intirguingly marked ‘Technical Equipment’ and ‘Central Ordnance Depot, Rajendrapur Cantonment, Bangladesh’.

It is also important to note that British intelligence is the mother of 6 member countries of the so-called Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Brtish intelligence continues to fix policies of these countries and Britain uses these countries for implementation of her conspiracies to defame Islam, Islamic institutions, Islamic Polity and pious Muslim population.

Best regards,

Kazi Azizul Huq

International Affairs Secretary,

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon

-----------

Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 23:40:20 +0600
To: "H.E. Secretary of State H. Clinton"
From: K A Huq
Subject: British MOD is at the bottom most of the militancy in the sub-continent
Cc: usdeptstate@mailnj.custhelp.com

Dt: March 25,2009.

To: H.E. Secretary of State H. Clinton, Department of State, USA.

Cc: To Whom It May Concern

Dear Excellency,

Since the probe into Purulia arms drop case in West Bengal it has been proved beyond doubt how dirty the British can be.

Before British Colonial rule people of the Indian Sub-continent never experienced Hindu-Muslim riots. Most of the Muslim rulers had their military headed by Hindu Generals. But the British never in their entire colonial rule trusted any Indian to head their military.

We are always suspicious that the British Administration (MoD, DFID, etc.) is at the bottom of most of the ethnic separatist, leftist, Islamist militancy in the sub-continent. They are also trying to instigate separatist insurgency inside China and divert the blame on outside Muslims to turn the Chinese Government inimical toward the Muslims. The British have recently installed a Maoist government in Nepal. The British are trying to organize the militant leftists of South Asia presumably to destabilize the region and eliminate the believers. Because the British government is the prime mover of atheism and social perversion (fornication, live together, homosexual activism etc.).

We strongly suspect the British to be at the bottom of 25-26 February 2009 terrorism inside BDR Headquarters in Dhaka. Analysts say that the British managed FBI as well as CBI. They allured multiple people including Sheikh Rehana, Sajib Wazed Joy and Lt.Col. (Retd.) Faruk Khan with dream of becoming future CEO of Bangladesh.

Now it has been dugout in Bangladesh that British NGO is creating their own Madrasa in Bangladesh with militancy agenda to destabilize this nation and create pretext for media campaign and attack on genuine Islamic religious educational institutions in Bangladesh.

We hope, the US in her own interest and for protecting here own image will distance herself from British dirty games.

Best regards,

Kazi Azizul Huq
E-mail: kahuq@dhaka.net

---------

Purulia arms drop: December 17, 1995.

Excerpts

• Peter Bleach, whose full name is Peter von Kalkstein-Bleach, was 46 years old at the time. He is a former corporal in British military intelligence and had served in the armed forces for over 20 years in, among other places, Southern Africa and Belfast.

• The delivery was not for the Indian government, but for an insurgent group

• The third man showed Bleach the area on a map where he wanted the illegal arms to be delivered. It was just inside West Bengal.

• The Letter of Credit was issued by a Hong Kong bank and signed by ‘Kim P. Davey’– this turned out to be the third man. (British Top Spy Chris Patten was the Governor of Hong Kong at that time)

• Bleach says he contacted the Ministry of Defence through someone he knew in the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) and was put in touch with an official on the India desk, Colin Allkins, whom he fully informed of the secret plan. .....

• ‘Davey’ wanted to know if the arms could be delivered by ship and then taken by road to Purulia in West Bengal. But Bleach said he convinced him that this method was too difficult, and that it was much better to use an aircraft. If the aircraft were bought, it could be resold or used for other things, and it was this idea that attracted ‘Davey’. He wanted to base the aircraft in Dhaka.

• Peter Bleach took $30,000 from ‘Davey’ to hire the services of the crew on the assumption that the plane would in future be based in Dhaka.

• ‘Davey’ arranged for Bleach to find a cargo plane to ferry the arms. This turned out to be an ageing Russian-built Antonov 26.

• Antonov 26 freighter was registered as AH 266 and was transferred to Carol Air Services Ltd, a company based in Hong Kong but registered in October 1995 in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Carol Air was reported to be a subsidiary of a Hong Kong company that had employed ‘Davey’.

• The Russian-built plane was based for the time being in Riga, Latvia, home of the five-person crew.

• On 21 November, the Antonov left Riga for India and Pakistan, but apparently did not visit Bangladesh.

• By November 1995, Bleach was in touch with a UK weapons trading company, Border Technology and Innovations Ltd (BTI) of Hexham, England, to order the consignment on behalf of ‘Davey’. BTI claimed that it had agents in 22 countries in 1990 and has secured military and civil defence contracts in 15 countries including Angola, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The company said that Bleach showed them what appeared to be a valid end-user certificate from the Bangladesh Ministry of Defence

• On 10 December 1995, the Antonov landed in Burgas, Bulgaria, to collect the 77 wooden cases of arms. Bleach says that when he departed for Burgas from Gatwick a plain-clothed UK customs officer met him and said he knew of the deal.

• Both ‘Davey’ and Bleach boarded the plane before it took off with the arms cargo and headed for Karachi.

• Flying from Karachi on 17 December 1995, the old Antonov lumbered towards West Bengal, landing at Varanasi to refuel.

• It then took off again headed for Rangoon. Close to midnight en route over Gaya in West Bengal, the crew claim that ‘Davey’ suddenly ordered them at gunpoint to fly low over the villages of Purulia in order to drop the arms.

• Defiantly, they did not fly very low, but the arms cases were nevertheless dropped and landed miles off target, using parachute rigging that had been bought in South Africa.

• Cases were marked ‘Technical Equipment’ and bore the name ‘Central Ordnance Depot, Rajendrapur Cantonment, Bangladesh’.

• After the drop, the aircraft went back on track towards Rangoon, but was refused permission to land due to ‘poor visibility’. It then headed back to Calcutta, refuelled and took off towards Phuket, Thailand, where the plane landed in the early hours of 18 December.

• Seeing the parachutes falling from the sky, and finding with amazement the broken crates of arms and ammunition, the villagers of Purulia ran to tell the authorities.

• On 21 December, the freighter re-entered Indian airspace supposedly en route to Calcutta, but because of ‘bad weather’ it changed course and landed at Madras, apparently to refuel for an onward journey back to Pakistan. Again, no action was taken by the Indian security services. It took off again at 10:45 p.m. the same night and headed for Karachi.

• Within two hours’ flying time from Pakistan, the old Antonov was ordered to land by Indian air traffic controllers because it was on an unscheduled route. It landed at Sahar airport in Bombay at 1:39 am on 22 December and was ordered to park at a remote side of the airport for refuelling. It was an hour before Indian officials turned up. ‘Davey’ simply walked off the Antonov and quickly disappeared, while Bleach and the five Latvians were arrested and jailed.

• According to Bleach, ‘Davey’ took advantage of the lax security at the airport. A Sahar airport official who had investigated the aircraft on landing said he had no knowledge of the arms drop at Purulia until Bleach told him. Up until then, all he knew was that the plane had flown off course from Thailand. According to the Indian police, a computer laptop found on the plane apparently belonging to ‘Davey’ showed 49 places over which the plane intended to fly.

• In the days after the arms drop at Purulia on 17 December, India’s news media were awash with speculation as to what had happened.

• Suspicion was directed mainly at Pakistan’s secret service once it was known that the aircraft had flown in from Karachi, while the West Bengali authorities denied having received a warning.

• Ananda Marga and the Bangladesh Government dismissed any involvement in ordering the arms, and some journalists speculated on possible links to arms for the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, but without proof.

• Meanwhile, the Bulgarian government issued a statement rejecting any responsibility for the supply of the arms. Even so, within two weeks the Indian Government decided to switch its purchase of 100,000 assault rifles from Bulgaria to Romania.

• The Indian security and aviation authorities were accused of being inept, and an inter-agency panel set up by the government recommended strict monitoring of all unscheduled cargo flights, but stopped short of requiring all freight service agents to register their clients.

• Peter Bleach and the five Latvians were transferred to a jail in Calcutta and charged on 24 December 1995 with ‘abetting the waging of war against India and criminal conspiracy’, a charge comparable to treason.

• The younger brother of ‘Randy’, Vinay Kumar Singh, was accused of waiting with his brother to transport the weapons and was also arrested and charged.

• Indian police arrested eleven Ananda Marga monks, including three US nationals and a Greek and Irishman, but they were released after no incriminating evidence was found.

Purulia arms drop: December 17, 1995.

Peter Bleach, convicted in the Purulia arms drop case.

Bleach was sentenced for a life term and was in a Kolkata prison for dropping crates of missiles, rifles and rocket launchers in Purulia district of West Bengal on the night of December 17, 1995.

The British secured his release.

The demand of British Government to release him was met after Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani had a 30-minute meeting with his British counterpart David Blunkett in Delhi.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair had discussed Bleach's case with Advani in London in June 2003. India had then offered to review the matter.

India pardoned and released the five Latvian crew members of the Russian plane used to drop the arms and ammunition.

Peter Bleach, whose full name is Peter von Kalkstein-Bleach, was 46 years old at the time. He is a former corporal in British military intelligence and had served in the armed forces for over 20 years in, among other places, Southern Africa and Belfast. He claimed that his own UK-based company, Aeroserve, had a licence to handle weapons from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The delivery was not for the Indian government, but for an insurgent group. He was introduced to the third man, but he was not given the man’s name.

The third man showed Bleach the area on a map where he wanted the illegal arms to be delivered. It was just inside West Bengal. .. Bleach advised that arms could be delivered to such an area only by parachute drop or by covert landing. He insisted that only the pilot who was to deliver the arms should know the ultimate destination. ‘I stressed from the very beginning’, Bleach recalls, ‘that, in order to be successful, it is most important that this resembles a perfectly, normal transaction in every possible way… No single contractor should be aware of the entire route.’ ...

Bleach says he contacted the Ministry of Defence through someone he knew in the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) and was put in touch with an official on the India desk, Colin Allkins, whom he fully informed of the secret plan. .....

The letter was issued by a Hong Kong bank and signed by ‘Kim P. Davey’– this turned out to be the third man.

Friends of ‘Davey’ apparently called him ‘Peter’, but Interpol now believes that his real name is Niels Christian Nielsen, born in Denmark in December 1961. He took the name Kim Palgrave Davey from a New Zealand infant who died at the age of five weeks and managed to acquire a New Zealand passport in that name after visiting New Zealand.

Bleach says he continued to inform officials at DESO by fax and to ask for help.10 On 14 and 22 September, and 8 December 1995, he met police Special Branch officers in North Yorkshire and told them about ‘Davey’ and his three Danish associates. Bleach claims that the Special Branch officers responded by asking him to continue the deal.

On 24 September, Bleach and his Danish contact flew to Dubai and then on to Dhaka, Bangladesh, where Bleach said he had to attend to his ‘normal’ business. On 27 September, they flew to Bangkok to finalize the new contract. Bleach said his contact told him on the journey that ‘Davey’ was in charge of the operation.

Attending the Bangkok hotel dinner meeting were ‘Davey’, his lawyer, his business partner, Bleach, his Danish contact, and an Indian called ‘Randy’. ‘Davey’ wanted to know if the arms could be delivered by ship and then taken by road to Purulia in West Bengal. But Bleach said he convinced him that this method was too difficult, and that it was much better to use an aircraft. If the aircraft were bought, it could be resold or used for other things, and it was this idea that attracted ‘Davey’. He wanted to base the aircraft in Dhaka.

‘Davey’ arranged for Bleach to find a cargo plane to ferry the arms. This turned out to be an ageing Russian-built Antonov 26. A preliminary report of the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claims that ‘Davey’ provided $250,000 to buy the freighter aircraft from the bankrupt Latvian Airlines – previously part of the USSR state-owned Aeroflot – and to hire the five-person air crew and two ground engineers for three months.

Another report says Peter Bleach took $30,000 from ‘Davey’ to hire the services of the crew on the assumption that the plane would in future be based in Dhaka.

The Antonov 26 freighter was registered as AH 266 and was transferred to Carol Air Services Ltd, a company based in Hong Kong but registered in October 1995 in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Carol Air was reported to be a subsidiary of a Hong Kong company that had employed ‘Davey’.

The Russian-built plane was based for the time being in Riga, Latvia, home of the five-person crew. These were:-

1. Captain Alexander Klichine, the 44-year-old pilot,
2. Igor Moskvitine (navigator),
3. Oleg Gaidach (co-pilot),
4. Yevgeni Antimenko (cargo operator) and
5. Igor Timmerman (flight engineer).

They were each offered a salary of about $1,000 for three months, provided they would move in due course to Bangladesh. It is worth bearing in mind that the salary of a Latvian pilot is probably about one-thirtieth that of a pilot in Western Europe.

On 21 November, the Antonov left Riga for India and Pakistan, but apparently did not visit Bangladesh.

By November 1995, Bleach was in touch with a UK weapons trading company, Border Technology and Innovations Ltd (BTI) of Hexham, England, to order the consignment on behalf of ‘Davey’. BTI claimed that it had agents in 22 countries in 1990 and has secured military and civil defence contracts in 15 countries including Angola, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The company said that Bleach showed them what appeared to be a valid end-user certificate from the Bangladesh Ministry of Defence, but an invoice given to Bleach for the order mentions a request for parachutes: ‘Peter…Total price is $170,000…We need EUC quickly to effect licences. Payment: $85,000 in advance, balance by bankers draft. Commission: $10,000 is in this for you. Parachutes not available.’

In any case, BTI did not need to apply for a UK arms export licence from the Department of Trade and Industry because, as with so many other UK-arranged arms deals, the firm would purchase the arms abroad and not bring them into UK jurisdiction. BTI turned to a well-known Bulgarian arms manufacturer, KAS Engineering, whose subsidiary, the Arsenal Company, was in a position to sell pistols and Kalashnikov rifles at low prices. Bleach later claimed that he distanced himself from the deal, put ‘Davey’ in touch with BTI and concentrated on finding the aircraft.

Collection and Delivery

On 10 December 1995, the Antonov landed in Burgas, Bulgaria, to collect the 77 wooden cases of arms. Bleach says that when he departed for Burgas from Gatwick a plain-clothed UK customs officer met him and said he knew of the deal.
Both ‘Davey’ and Bleach boarded the plane before it took off with the arms cargo and headed for Karachi.

Flying from Karachi on 17 December 1995, the old Antonov lumbered towards West Bengal, landing at Varanasi to refuel. To Bleach’s surprise, the Indian customs and police authorities there took no steps to search the plane or arrest ‘Davey’ and the others.

It then took off again headed for Rangoon. Close to midnight en route over Gaya in West Bengal, the crew claim that ‘Davey’ suddenly ordered them at gunpoint to fly low over the villages of Purulia in order to drop the arms.

Defiantly, they did not fly very low, but the arms cases were nevertheless dropped and landed miles off target, using parachute rigging that had been bought in South Africa.

Cases were marked ‘Technical Equipment’ and bore the name ‘Central Ordnance Depot, Rajendrapur Cantonment, Bangladesh’.

After the drop, the aircraft went back on track towards Rangoon, but was refused permission to land due to ‘poor visibility’. It then headed back to Calcutta, refuelled and took off towards Phuket, Thailand, where the plane landed in the early hours of 18 December.

Seeing the parachutes falling from the sky, and finding with amazement the broken crates of arms and ammunition, the villagers of Purulia ran to tell the authorities.

Afterwards, it was revealed that on 10 and 17 November and 15 December 1995, the UK Home Office had reported the plan to their counterparts in India, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and the CBI had taken over the case on 27 December, but the latter had obviously failed to intercept the freighter. A security memorandum of 25 November from RAW to the Indian Government stated that a European-based businessman had wanted to deliver arms to Communist rebels in West Bengal. It said he had bought an Antonov 26, visited Riga for that purpose on 15 November and would try to land it at the airstrip of a disused coal mine in Dhanbad, near Purulia, called Panchet Hill. It would appear that by 17 December ‘Davey’ had discarded the idea of landing, in favour of the parachute drop, but that for some reason the Indian authorities were not prepared to stop the flight.

On 21 December, the freighter re-entered Indian airspace supposedly en route to Calcutta, but because of ‘bad weather’ it changed course and landed at Madras, apparently to refuel for an onward journey back to Pakistan. Again, no action was taken by the Indian security services. It took off again at 10:45 p.m. the same night and headed for Karachi.

Within two hours’ flying time from Pakistan, the old Antonov was ordered to land by Indian air traffic controllers because it was on an unscheduled route. It landed at Sahar airport in Bombay at 1:39 am on 22 December and was ordered to park at a remote side of the airport for refuelling. It was an hour before Indian officials turned up. ‘Davey’ simply walked off the Antonov and quickly disappeared, while Bleach and the five Latvians were arrested and jailed.

According to Bleach, ‘Davey’ took advantage of the lax security at the airport. A Sahar airport official who had investigated the aircraft on landing said he had no knowledge of the arms drop at Purulia until Bleach told him. Up until then, all he knew was that the plane had flown off course from Thailand. According to the Indian police, a computer laptop found on the plane apparently belonging to ‘Davey’ showed 49 places over which the plane intended to fly.

In the days after the arms drop at Purulia on 17 December, India’s news media were awash with speculation as to what had happened.

Suspicion was directed mainly at Pakistan’s secret service once it was known that the aircraft had flown in from Karachi, while the West Bengali authorities denied having received a warning.

Ananda Marga and the Bangladesh Government dismissed any involvement in ordering the arms, and some journalists speculated on possible links to arms for the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, but without proof.

Meanwhile, the Bulgarian government issued a statement rejecting any responsibility for the supply of the arms. Even so, within two weeks the Indian Government decided to switch its purchase of 100,000 assault rifles from Bulgaria to Romania.

The Indian security and aviation authorities were accused of being inept, and an inter-agency panel set up by the government recommended strict monitoring of all unscheduled cargo flights, but stopped short of requiring all freight service agents to register their clients.

Peter Bleach and the five Latvians were transferred to a jail in Calcutta and charged on 24 December 1995 with ‘abetting the waging of war against India and criminal conspiracy’, a charge comparable to treason.

The younger brother of ‘Randy’, Vinay Kumar Singh, was accused of waiting with his brother to transport the weapons and was also arrested and charged.

Indian police arrested eleven Ananda Marga monks, including three US nationals and a Greek and Irishman, but they were released after no incriminating evidence was found.

The CBI continued hunting for several Indian nationals in addition to ‘Davey’, who was accused of running a network of corrupt officials in India.

If Bleach and the crew faced charges for which the minimum sentence is life imprisonment, while the maximum is death by hanging. They also faced charges under the Arms Act and Explosives Substances Act and the aviation laws.

Mystery Remains

Incarcerated, Peter Bleach continued to argue his innocence by saying that he was involved as an informer with the full knowledge of the British security services.

He produced faxes he had sent to UK government officials that he claimed would prove this. He alleged that the Indian security chiefs were warned long before the arms drop was made, but that they deliberately allowed the Antonov to shed its cargo in order to make political capital out of the result in West Bengal.

One fax from Bleach to the UK MoD read: ‘I was informed that my quote was acceptable and I was invited to discuss the final details with the buyers, who were acting on behalf of the end-user. This turns out to be an illicit deal and the end-user appears at this stage to be an insurgent group in India.’

Bleach also claimed that UK Special Branch officers had initially encouraged him to provide a delivery plane.

Bleach and his supporters accuse the British government of a cover-up over his failed deal and have demanded a statement admitting its role.

One of those collecting evidence for Bleach’s defence is his friend, Jo Fletcher. She says her efforts to help him were thwarted by Special Branch officers: ‘… the Police came round – twenty members of Her Majesty’s Constabulary – at six thirty in the morning, banged on my door. They took all the documentation that I had brought down from Yorkshire, they took piles of my own paperwork and they also took my computer, which they broke – and Peter’s computer...’. North Yorkshire Police confirmed to the BBC that they did ‘collect evidence’ from Jo Fletcher’s home. Ministry of Defence and Foreign Office officials could offer no contradiction to Bleach’s story.

Mystery remains as to the whereabouts and the exact role of Niels Christian Nielsen (alias ‘Kim Davey’), who has not been seen since his disappearance from Sahar airport on 22 December 1995. The Indian CBI told reporters that Nielsen had stayed in a hotel where he had made several phone calls to Bangladesh. They also believe that a Hong Kong-based businessman had financed the entire operation and that he was present in Riga with ‘Davey’ and Bleach when the deal to purchase the Antonov was struck.

The CBI allege there were 14 others, including three Danes and a Bangladeshi military officer, who were involved.

On 17 January 1997, Indian police arrested a man on arrival from Singapore at Bombay’s Sahar airport in connection with the Purulia case. The man awaiting questioning was believed by the police to be Joel Proren and was alleged by them to have helped Nielsen with the funds to purchase the Antonov in Latvia. The police said Proren was German-born, but then a US citizen who was resident in Kansas. An official from the US consulate visited Proren. When travelling from Singapore, he had used the name of ‘Schneider Martin Conrad’, but had been using six names – Ken Sando, Roy Dogen, Martin Olsen and Joel Proren. Asked what his real name was, he replied: ‘Call me Hanu man.’

__________________

1 This account is drawn largely from quoted documents, and the words of Peter Bleach, particularly his account of the affair published as ‘The Copenhagen Connection’, Sunday (reprinted from Politiken, Denmark), 11–17 May 1997, but also from the following accounts: Pranay Sharma, ‘RAW had Warned About the Covert An-26 Mission’, The Telegraph, 25 December 1995; Harinder Baweja; ‘Straining Credibility’, India Today, 11 March 1996; Chandan Nandy, ‘Indian Mole May Have Fled to Colombo’, The Telegraph, 30 December 1996; Special Correspondent, ‘Vital Clues Unearthed in Purulia Case’, The Hindu, 24 January 1997; Richard Norton-Taylor, ‘Gun Running Briton Faces Indian Death Sentence’, The Guardian, 21 August 1997; Stephen Grey, ‘Ex-soldier Abandoned after Tipping off Police’, The Sunday Times, 28 September 1997; Peter Popham, ‘I was Betrayed by MoD, Says Briton Facing Execution’, The Independent, 9 July 1998; Raymond Bonner, ‘Legal Loopholes Make Arms Shipments Easy’, The Globe and Mail, 15 July 1998; Saheli Mitra, ‘The Mystery of Arms and Men’, The Telegraph, 13 January 1999; Oxfam UK, Out of Control, 1999; Anish Gupta with Sourabh Sen, Soumen Dutta & Summit Das Gupta, ‘A Twist in the Trial’, Special Report, Sunday, 30 May–4 June 1999; and Tyne Tees Television, ‘The Bleach Conspiracy’, 25 August 1999. Where important details vary, an attempt has been made to indicate a particular source.

2 Peter Bleach, ‘The Copenhagen Connection’.
3 Ibid. The other Dane has since denied that arms were discussed, claiming that they discussed the transport of prawns and turtles from Bangladesh to Hong Kong.
4 Ibid.
5 Peter Bleach, quoted by Bonner, ‘Legal Loopholes...’.
6 Bleach faxed a detailed account of the planned operation to Colin Allkins at DESO on 18 August 1995, according to Gupta et al., ‘A Twist in the Trial’. DESO is part of the UK Ministry of Defence and employs about 700 staff to help UK arms manufacturers market and sell their products abroad.
7 Bleach, ‘The Copenhagen Connection’. Bleach subsequently told the UK police that the letter of credit was worth $460,000.
8 Bonner, ‘Legal Loopholes…’.
9 The Hindu, 24 January 1997; Sunday, 11 May 1997; Bonner, ‘Legal Loopholes...’.
10 Bleach, ‘The Copenhagen Connection’. A copy of Bleach’s fax of 18 August 1995 to Colin All-kins at DESO was published in Sunday, 1–7 January 1997.
11 Gupta et al., who quote from court evidence. Richard Norton-Taylor, ‘Army Told of Indian Arms Deal’, The Guardian, 12 September 1997, also quotes from Bleach’s correspondence, saying Bleach gave the UK police the precise grid reference for the arms drop.
12 Bleach, ‘The Copenhagen Connection’.
13 Tyne Tees Television, ‘The Bleach Conspiracy’.
14 Bleach, ‘The Copenhagen Connection’.; Peter Popham, ‘I was Betrayed…’.
15 Stephen Grey, ‘Ex-soldier Abandoned…’.
16 According to Caroline Lees & Simon Hinde, ‘Sky Full of Rifles Alerts Indians to Brewing Revolt’, The Sunday Times, 1 January 1996, Bleach had reportedly tendered to supply Russian-made helicopters to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Defence but had not won the contract.
17 Bleach, ‘The Copenhagen Connection’.
18 Ibid.
19 The Hindu, 24 January 1997.
20 Bonner, ‘Legal Loopholes...’.
21 lbid. In addition, Oxfam, Out of Control, claims that shares of Carol Air were transferred to an investment company registered in the Isle of Man in November 1995.
22 Gupta et al., ‘A Twist in the Trial’. According to Oxfam and Grey, op. cit., BTI also had an address in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
23 Oxfam, Out of Control. According to Grey, the Bangladeshi end-user certificate appears to have been a forgery. According to Bonner, Bleach claimed that BTI were paid $165,000 for the first shipment.
24 Bonner, ‘Legal Loopholes...’.
25 Gupta et al., ‘A Twist…’.
26 Oxfam quotes from a fax ‘between’ BTI and Bleach on 10 November 1995 that defines the consignment from KAS engineering as 300 AK-47 Kalashnikov assault rifles, 15 Makarov pistols, two sniper rifles with night vision sights, 2 night vision binoculars, 25,000 rounds of rifle ammunition, 6,000 rounds of pistol ammunition, 10 RPG-7 rocket launchers, 100 anti-tank grenades, 100 ordinary grenades, and 25 PM79 anti-personnel mines. Another fax quoted by Oxfam from BTI to KAS Engineering [no date given] states that: ‘Commercial invoice should describe goods as "goods as per contract No. 046-HPS 10.11.95" to keep within the ideal of our Swiss Bank.’ Oxfam, Out of Control.
27 Tyne Tees Television, ‘The Bleach Conspiracy’.
28 Pranay Sharma reports the Indian aviation authorities’ allegation that the crew were allowed to make a trial ‘dry run’ flight to India in December 1995 before loading the arms for West Bengal, but this may be confused with the November flight from Riga. It appears that the crew and the Bulgarians were told the arms were for delivery to Bangladesh. Sharma, ‘RAW had Warned…’.
29 Popham, ‘I was Betrayed…’.
30 Norton-Taylor, ‘Gun Running Briton’. Lees & Hinde, ‘Sky Full of Rifles…’, report that Bleach said half the arms consignment was left in Karachi.
31 Gupta et al., ‘A Twist in the Trial’.
32 Tyne Tees Television, ‘The Bleach Conspiracy’.
33 Sharma, ‘RAW had Warned…’; Ashis A. Biswas, ‘Still in a Maze’, Outlook (India), 26 February 1997.
34 Gupta et al., ‘A Twist in the Trial’; Baweja, ‘Straining Credibility’.
35 Gupta et al. ‘A Twist in the Trial’.
36 Baweja, ‘Straining Credibility’. Michael Howard, the UK Home Secretary, confirmed in January 1996 that his officials had informed the Indian authorities of the plan.
37 Gupta et al., ‘A Twist in the Trial’.
38 Ibid.
39 Tim McGirk, ‘Would-be Hero Poisoned by his Own Sting’, The Independent, 11 September 1996.
40 For this account see Grey, ‘Ex-soldier Abandoned…’; Nandy, ‘Indian Mole…’; Bonner, ‘Legal Loopholes…’.
41 Mitra, ‘The Mystery of Arms and Men’.
42 Pranay Sharma, ‘Pakistan Suspected in Arms Drop’, The Telegraph, 22 December 1995.
43 Murali Krishnan & Sinjoy Chowdury, ‘LTTE Theory Gaining Ground’, The Telegraph,
30 December 1995; AFP, ‘India to Buy Arms from Romania’, 16 January 1996.
44 Murali Krishnan, ‘Pvt Air Services to be Combed’, The Telegraph, 30 December 1996.
45 The Telegraph, 11 December 1996.
46 Lees & Hinde, ‘Sky Full of Rifles…’.
47 Mitra, ‘The Mystery of Arms and Men’; Special Correspondent, The Hindu, ‘Vital Clues…’; Bleach claims that ‘Davey’ had bribed all the necessary police in India to ensure that his gold smugglers were released within 24 hours (Bleach, ‘The Copenhagen Connection’).
48 Special Correspondent, The Hindu , ‘Vital Clues…’; Tyne Tees Television, ‘The Bleach Conspiracy’.
49 BBC Radio 4, 11 September 1998.
50 Christopher Hudson, who visited Bleach in 1997, told BBC Radio 4 : ‘He was dealing here with hardened criminals who were anxious that he knew too much. These were not the men to go back on a deal with. Having entered it, he couldn't just back off – as the authorities claimed could happen. That isn't the way it’s done. Once you're inside the tent you stay inside because to venture out is to face death.’ Hudson also claimed that Bleach’s health was deteriorating in prison, with gangrene in his toes. ‘It’s a horrid, terrible prison. He has to defecate in a bucket. There’s a smell of raw sewage everywhere.’ The Latvian crew’s relatives complained that the prison conditions for their men were worse than Bleach’s, and that there were no legal representation or family or consular visits. Two of the men had serious medical conditions.
51 BBC Radio 4; Norton-Taylor, ‘Gun Running Briton’.
52 Ibid.
53 Staff Reporter, ‘Armsdrop Trial Begins Today’, The Telegraph, 1 August 1997.
54 Nandy & Murshed, ‘RAW Tip-off to Arrest Arms Drop Suspect’, The Telegraph, Calcutta, 22 January 1997; Special Correspondent, The Hindu, ‘Vital Clues…’; Mitra, ‘The Mystery of Arms and Men’.
55 Special Correspondent, The Hindu, ‘Vital Clues…’. Hanuman is the much-loved Hindu monkey-god who is invincible, the most intelligent being on earth and one of the very few Hindu gods who lives on earth in a physical incarnation at all times.

____

Carnage at BDR Hd.Qtr.: BKA Position on Ruling Party Minister Lt.Col.(R) Faruq Khan's statements

2009-03-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

We are Worried over Minister Faruq Khan’s senseless Statements regarding Carnage in Dhaka BDR Headquarter

STATEMENT

We are worried that Lt. Col.(Rtd.)Faruq Khan, the ruling government’s Commerce Minister and Chief Coordinator of investigations of the carnage in BDR Head Quarter, is continuing to give senseless statements which are getting wide media coverage at home and abroad. His statements on the one hand raising questions about the role of the investigators, and on the other hand the suspicion about the ruling party’s complicity in the carnage is deepening. Moreover his statements are threatening future of Bangladesh military’s participation in UN Peacekeeping missions abroad.

Ruling party Minister Faruk Khan has palliated the absconding fugitive BDR men. In another statement he openly said that some BDR men had JMB complicity. During investigation such statements are indicative of motive to misguide the investigation. It may be noted that the list of suspects of Carnage in BDR Headquarter reported already in local and foreign media includes names of more than one leading personality of the ruling party. Moreover the appointment of an anti-military pro-Awami League ex-police officer as the Investigation Office is being counted as efforts to intentionally misguide the investigation.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon demands high level intelligence analysis of the statements and role of ruling party minister Faruq Khan. This is required to ensure severe punishment to the actual perpetrators and to keep the image of our military as an institution aligned with our Freedom and Sovereignty.

Kazi Azizul Huq
International Affairs Secretary
Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon
E-mail: khelafat@dhaka.net