<i>EC's reform proposal</i>
I recently read in newspapers that the Election Commission is showing flexibility on many reforms it has proposed. Since then I have been feeling a little disturbed because all the proposals are very important if the country has to be saved from the syndicate of evils. I think it is my social responsibility to bring to your attention the true picture on at least one issue - politics in foreign lands. A large majority of the Bangladeshi community (at least 95%) have a strong dislike for national politics in foreign countries. They think that it is the only reason for increasing division in the community and the continued decrease in quality of life. It not only prevents them from being assimilated in the mainstream, it has been responsible for patronisation of criminal activities in foreign countries. (Bangladeshis are no longer regarded as law abiding, honest and sincere immigrants in the USA, for example). A large number of so-called leaders (some of whom have criminal records in Bangladesh) are involved in many anti-Bangladesh activities in foreign countries. In the name of politics, they spread fabricated stories of violation of human rights and use this as a tool for speedy immigration. Foreign companies operating in Bangladesh use these cronies as their agents for easy access to the high-ups in Bangladesh. The same agents again use these foreign companies and through them the political leaders in the US to pressurize Bangladesh on trivial issues. These are open secrets among the NRBs. But how long will it take for the policy makers to understand these issues? If there is any confusion, please conduct a comprehensive study on the issue. India, the biggest democracy, does not allow any political activities in foreign countries. Indian immigrants in foreign countries also do not have any political rights and they are not allowed to purchase agricultural lands for obvious reasons. Only Indian nationals living in a foreign country on a temporary basis (and who have not applied for immigration in any foreign country) can vote as absentee voters at their own arrangement. But they must be registered voters in their own constituencies. Non Resident Indians who have obtained nationality of their host countries or any other country can not be voters. These information can be verified from the Indian Election Commission. The United States also has similar rules. The two countries do not have any procedures for registration of voters in foreign countries. During my long stay in the United States, I have never heard of activities of any political parties of expatriates living there. We the people of Bangladesh deserve to live a better life. We have relentlessly fought against colonialism and political oppression. We are fighting natural disasters every year. We are fighting for democracy every other year. We sacrificed our lives for language and self determination. We are the most sincere and the most hardworking nation of the world. Why should we be hostage to a handful of opportunists?
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