There seems to be a multi-pronged assault on Grameen Bank and on Muhammad Yunus, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his role pioneering microfinance. The Bangladeshi press has lately been full of denunciations of Yunus. On Tuesday, for example, one Bangladeshi news organization quoted an economist as saying of him: “A lot about him is just myth. He had never been selfless in any of his initiatives.”

Meanwhile the Bangladeshi government has ordered a corruption investigation of Grameen after a Norwegian television documentary raised questions, even though the Norwegian government said there was nothing to the charges. There have also been false published reports that Yunus will resign and suggestions that he should retire for reasons of age. And it seems the government of Sheikh Hasina wants to revise the ownership of Grameen Bank so that it would be 60 percent government-owned.

When the workers demanded full payment the management feared a protest of 10,000 workers and factory went on closure for an indefinite period without prior notice. This action aggravated the deprivation and anger among the workers which was further aggravated by the state security agents. As police opened fire on the workers it took a violent turn that left four people killed and at least a dozen seriously injured. Police filed cases against an unidentified 33,000 workers on trumped up charges.

During the protests and the violence led by police the president of Garments Workers Unity Forum, Moshrefa Mishu, was visiting Narsingdi- a district 50 km away from Dhaka. Yet, in less than two days, on 14 December, Mishu was picked up from her residence in the middle of the night by agents (as many as 12) claiming to be working for the detective branch (DB) of the police. They did not have an arrest warrant, nor did they dress in uniform. Mishu was given as little time as to change but had to leave behind her medications which she used to take for asthma and spinal injury. She was produced in the Central court after midday and taken to police remand for two days on charges of vandalism in Kuril– albeit with no proof of evidence. At the end of first two days when she went to the court for bail they remanded her for yet another day on fresh trumped up charge of connections with Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist organisation and known as anti-liberation allies in Bangladesh.

Both of her charges are false as no evidence has been produced. It is obvious that the charges are being used merely as a pretext to keep her away from the movement and to intimidate activists - ‘whoever speaks against the power holders will be punished’.

Moshrefa Mishu’s lawyer Sadia Arman reported that Mishu is enduring severe torture being held on DB remand. The level of torture has reached to such an extent that Mishu could hardly walk. She was found stretching her legs as was produced at the CMM court for the third time on 19 December. Nonetheless, she was remanded for further two days that resulted in her fragile health condition and she ended up at hospital.

Mishu’s friends reported that permission to visit Mishu in the prison was denied and media report indicates that no prison cell was issued to her as the interrogation took place in DB Headquarter.

Many would presume that the story ends here. But the story goes on and outrageously Moshrefa Mishu’s arrest remains valid even in the hospital. More disgracefully she is surrounded by male police in a female ward where most of the patients, including Mishu herself, have to use bedpans. Doctors and nurses are not allowed to speak to journalists or human rights activists about Mishu’s health. Although she is currently out of danger her health condition remains fragile.

Mishu's sister urges for her immediate release as officers of DB police remind Mishu will be on remand as soon as her health condition improves.

1. 10% of garments factories with international contracts do not have waste treatment plants - which means they should lose their contracts as all international clothing chains require these.

2. More than 50% of factories which actually have waste treatment plants only use them during inspections, as they are very expensive to run.

3. International chains have policies whereby they announce inspections to the factories beforehand - these factories take full advantage of these policies to make sure they get away with fake standards.

4. Local workers for international chains take bribes to help make inspections easier.

DISTURBING FACTS

* 8,000 grabbers identified so far
* 1,000 acre land grabbed
* 60 percent pollution caused by industries
* 82 percent human excreta from city directly discharged in rivers
* Rivers almost biologically dead

1. 10% of garments factories with international contracts do not have waste treatment plants - which means they should lose their contracts as all international clothing chains require these.

2. More than 50% of factories which actually have waste treatment plants only use them during inspections, as they are very expensive to run.

3. International chains have policies whereby they announce inspections to the factories beforehand - these factories take full advantage of these policies to make sure they get away with fake standards.

4. Local workers for international chains take bribes to help make inspections easier.

DISTURBING FACTS

* 8,000 grabbers identified so far
* 1,000 acre land grabbed
* 60 percent pollution caused by industries
* 82 percent human excreta from city directly discharged in rivers
* Rivers almost biologically dead

The Prime Minister orchestrated and conspired to remove Dr.Yunus from his position as Managing Director of Grameen Bank on the basis of his age. We are deeply troubled by the series of conspiratorial claims that the Bangladeshi government has raised over the past few months to discredit Dr. Yunus and soil his work at Grameen Bank.

Due to the viral spreading of these claims, over $500 million dollars have been withdrawn within two days from Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. Now, the Grameen Bank system for the poor is on the verge of collapsing. The livelihood of more than 8 million poor women and of the families of these women who receive services from Grameen Bank is in jeopardy.

Thousands of people have demonstrated around the globe against the injustices. Dr. Yunus and Grameen Bank are facing. Last week, in Bangladesh, a peaceful human chain demonstration was disrupted by the muscle men of the current governing political party (AL). Harming innocent people who are peacefully protesting is a human rights violation.

Trees in the Sundarbans have suddenly started dying. This issue must be addressed immediately by the world community.

Dear CVs of RBO and starone channel. We are fans all over the world and from India ..Of the very popular show Rang Badalti Odhani which ended July 22 2011.. It was a very good unique show immensely well known for its unique story.. lovable on screen pair of Shanak also young talented actors Yashashri Masurkar and Karan tackers brilliant acting..

In fact the whole cast ws too good and the show ran successfully for365 episodes+2 maha episodes with all our appreciation .. The show was ended perhaps because the channel had revamp plans..Otherwise it would have continued for long time with all our appreciation ..Because the show was very unique unlike the regular rona dona shows and it was with fun and emotions in right mix ... Please bring back the new season of Rang Badalti Odhani with the same cast....of lead actors Yashashri Masurkar/karan tacker and also the the same ensemble cast at the earliest ..Thank u

To introduce only a weekly TV show by replacing the 37-year long history of DW Bengali radio service. Would it be possible to enter the multi-media era in this way? Since 37 years, Deutsche Welle Bengali service relentlessly aired for over 25 million Bengali peoples, who can tune both on FM as well as online (previously Short wave and Medium Wave also).

Our heartfelt appeal and request to the German govt. and the Deutsche Welle authority please ‘Save DW Bengali Service’ from eliminating. You know, we have earned our Bengali language on 21st February 1952 by the Martyr Salam, Rafique, Barkat as well as so many others who sacrificed their lives and blood for Bengali language, which is now recognized internationally. To respect our Bengali language and those Martyrs who fight for Bengali, UNESCO proclaimed 21st is the “International Mother Language Day”, which observed globally each year.

Our benevolent request, please continue to air DW’s Bengali service in which we can tune DW in our mother languages ‘BANGLA’. To save Deutsche Welle Radio Bengali Service.