June, 2008
BFDR AT A GLANCE
The Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research was established in 1996-the Silver Jubilee year of Bangladesh’s Independence. The main objectives of the Foundation are as follows :
a. To compile a factual and unbiased history of Bangladesh through research on Bangla Language, Liberation War, Culture, Formation of the Bangalee nation and state;
b. To undertake research as a Think Tank on various social, political and economic issues facing the nation and suggest policy options for the policy makers and the people at large.
c. To organize round-table conferences, seminars, workshops, discussion meetings, exhibitions and publications on Bangla Language, Literature, Culture, Liberation War, Social-Economic-Political issues and also on Election and electoral system etc.
Eminent citizens with firm commitment to Bangalee nationalism, non-communalism, democracy, development, self-reliance and the spirit of our Liberation War are among the Trustee Members and Board of Governors of the Foundation. An Eminent scholar, a noted writer and a leading intellectual of the country National Professor Kabir Chowdhury is the Chairman of the Foundation. Mr. Monaem Sarker, a noted writer, columnist and social worker is its Director General. Its founder chairman was late SAMS Kibria, former Finance Minister, who was brutally killed in a grenade attack on 27 January 2005 during a political meeting in the Habiganj district that he hailed from.
ACTIVITIES OF THE FOUNDATION
In consonance with the work procedure of its Prospectus & Constitution the Foundation adopted an all-out progrmme to implement different important projects since its inception, in 1996. Some of its projects are noted below :
Books and Monographs
Significant publications of the Foundation are : Bangladesher Mukti Sangramer Itihas (History of the Bangladesh Liberation Movement, 1947-71) and Sheikh Mujib, Ekti Lal Golap (Sheikh Mujib, a Red Rose). Bangladesh Foundation also compiled speeches, statements, declarations etc. of the Bangabandhu under the title of Bangaleer Kanttha (Voice of the Bangalees). “Development Through Democratization and Decentralization : The Case of Bangladesh”, “The Multidimensional Nature of Poverty in Bangladesh : Issues, Evidence and Future Directions”, “Joint Front Against Anti-Liberation Forces” etc are among its recent publications. Another remarkable publication of the Foundation is Sarba Kaler Sarba Sreshttha Bangali (The Greatest Bangalee of All Times). The Foundation prepared a manuscript of the book on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman : Jibon o Rajniti (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman : His Life and Politics) and was submitted to the Bangla Academy as per contract for publication. The book came out during ‘Boi Mela 2008’ last.
The Academy published the book in two parts. The life, politics, economic conditions, earlier movements in the subcontinent and the-then East Pakistan for freedom and economic emancipation in the subcontinent are the subject- matter of the first part while the second part of the book contains some important aspects of Bangabandhu’s historic speech, war of liberation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu’s return to his own independent land Bangladesh from the death cell of Pakistani Jail as a free man who worked to reconstruct his hard-earned country from the ruins upto 15 August 1975. On this date he was assassinated brutally along with the other members of his family by foreign agents and local traitors to take revenge for the defeat in the liberation war. The Academy has fixed the price of both parts together of the book at Tk. 1,000/- and US $ 50.00 only. The Academy has plan to publish the book in English and other languages of the world.
Seminars
The Foundation organized a seminar on Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Treaty. It also organized a number of seminars on different topics during the period from March 1997 to January 2006. The seminar topics were SWADHINATA BIRODHI CHAKRER BIRUDDHE JUKTAFRONT : CHUANNOR ABHIGGATA, “Political Terrorism in the context of National & International Fields”, “Development Strategy of Bangladesh”, “Present Political, Economic & Social Conditions of the Country,” “Political Terrorism: Recent Killings”, “Rise of Fundamentalist Forces in Bangladesh,” “Democracy : Sheikh Hasina in the UN”, “Democracy, Voting Rights and Human Rights”, “Bangladesh Vision 2020 and Gas Policy”, “Distortion of the History of Liberation War in Textbooks-2002”, “Thoughts on City (Dhaka) Development and Governance”, “Election 2001 : Role of Civil Society”, “Concept of Liberation War and present Bangladesh”, “Export of Gas and National Interest”, “Designing a Pro-Poor Budget for Bangladesh”, “International Terrorism : Bangladesh Context”, Commemorative lecture on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Emergence of Bangladesh, etc. Discussants of all the seminars included leading members of the civil society and intelligentsia, prominent politicians, educationists, eminent journalists, writers etc.
Commemorative Lectures
BFDR has started two remarkable projects, namely commemorative lecture on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and on SAMS Kibria. Of these projects the first one was held in August 2005 and the first commemorative lecture on SAMS Kibria was held on 26th January 2006. Last commemorative lecture on Bangabandhu was given by Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury in August 2009.
Besides these, BFDR has taken the task of distributing computer sets among different educational institutions for good use of these by the SSC level students. The Publication of monographs on different subjects is an ongoing project of BFDR.
Thematic Maps
The publication of three THEMATIC MAPS on Muktibahini (RESISTANCE CAMPS, REFUGEE CAMPS AND MUJIBNAGAR GOVERNMENT) during the Liberation War in 1971 is a crowning achievement of the Foundation.
Video CDs on Liberation War
Another milestone activity of BFDR is the Historical Documentation on Bangladesh Liberation struggle. It includes the history of liberation struggle and the nine-month War of Liberation (Muktijuddha). The Title of the video document is ‘BANGLADESHER MUKTISANGRAM (Liberation War of Bangladesh). It is recorded in Beta-Com Cassette, 30 minutes each in 22 Episodes. These are transferred into VHS, CD & DVD.
Ongoing Projects
a) Video DVD on Liberation struggle
We have taken up a new project to make DVD in 52 Episodes on Bangladesh Liberation Struggle. It will include datewise the factual documentations of our Liberation Struggle throughout Bangladesh.
b) Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman : Jibon O Rajniti (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman : His life and politics)
Abridged version of the book will be published both in Bangla & English by the Foundation. From English version the book will be translated into different languages like Hindi, German, French, Latin, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic etc. and will be published as International Editions.
c) The three Thematic Maps on Muktijuddha published by BFDR will be reprinted and distributed to different High Schools of Bangladesh.
d) A book on the brief history of liberation struggle of Bangladesh for school students will be published as a textbook.
e) Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury along with BFDR chalked out a plan to produce a full-length movie titled POET OF POLITICS in English on Bangabandhu’s life on behalf of the Red Rose Film Company, London, UK. The BFDR will act as a liaison office in Bangladesh during the production of this historic movie.
Bangladesh Foundation For Development Research
PROSPECTUS & CONSTITUTION
Bangladesh Foundation For Development Research
23 Chamelibagh, Dhaka-1217
Phone : (880-2) 9333543, Fax : (880-2) 9340856
E-mail : bfdrbd@intechworld.net, bfdrms@gmail.com
Web Site : www.bfdr-bd.com
Preamble
The emergence of Independent Bangladesh in 1971 through a liberation war is the most memorable event in the history of the Bangalee nation. For the first time in its history the Bangalee nation was able to form an independent nation state. The independence of Bangladesh carried with it a thousand years’ history laden with countless memories, sacrifices and struggles. The name of the Great Leader of the War of Independence of the country and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will remain engraved in golden letters in the history of independent Bangladesh.
In Pakistan founded on the basis of the so-called Two-nation Theory the question of Bangalee nation issue could not find any resolution. The struggle for establishing an independent nation state began in 1947 which culminated in 1971. In the first phase of the struggle, the success of the language movement added a new dimension to the movement for the establishment of nationhood of the Bangalees. The 1954 elections lent further momentum to the consciousness of the people of East Bengal. Independent, sovereign People’s Republic of Bangladesh took its place in the map of the world as the culmination of a long series of events, uncompromising struggle and movement against the misrule of the Pakistanis from 1958 to 1971, the victory of the Awami League in the general elections in 1970 with absolute majority, the non-cooperation movement of 1971, clarion call for independence on March 7 at the race course maidan, the declaration of independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 26, formation of an independent Bangladesh government on April 10, 1971, the formal swearing-in of the Government of independent Bangladesh (composed of the elected parliament members) at Mujibnagar on April 17, the establishment of a full-fledged administrative system under the sovereign Bangladesh Government and the defeat of the Pakistani occupation army after the nine-month long liberation war under the leadership of that government. The work for the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country and its economy started in full earnest in 1972 under the leadership of Bangabandhu. But local and foreign agents of the forces defeated in the war tried to impede Bangabandhu’s efforts. A band of traitors brutally killed the Father of the Nation along with most members of his family on August 15, 1975. The same year on November 3 the assassins hired by Khondoker Mustaque Ahmed, the usurper president of the country brutally killed in the Dhaka central jail four national leaders who had led the War of Liberation. The expectations, ideals and consciousness which had led to the birth of independent Bangladesh were turned upside down, the moral and political values of independence war were trampled upon. The local lackeys of the Pakistanis usurped power, let loose a reign of killings, coups and conspiracies and military dictatorship and again snatched away the rights of the people. For the last 21 years the erosion of social values, political instability, virtual annulment of people’s franchise, corruption of the election procedures, economic stagnation, faulty and motivated policy of education, embezzlement of funds worth hundreds of millions of dollars, increased disparity between the rich and the poor, lack of a sense of direction etc. came out as the characteristics of our national life. In this context the struggle and movement gaining momentum through more than 21 years led to the coming to power of the pro-liberation forces through a free and fair election under a caretaker government on June 12, 1996. The nation celebrated the Silver Jubilee of independence in 1996.
The end of the cold war has generated new opportunities for the development of humankind. Regional and sub regional cooperation is taking positive shape in various regions of the world. We have to move rapidly on to the track of economic development in accordance with the changed global scenario. Otherwise we will trail behind other nations in the global competition of the new century. Proper planning and direction, optimum utilization of human and other resources, proper use of science and technology specially IT sector are necessary for the development of a nation. Similarly basic knowledge of the soul-searching of the country, its history, tradition, politics, economics, society, structure, trends of change, study of the country’s art, culture, literature, faith etc. are necessary. It is unfortunate that our achievement is very poor in these areas. Our country has a dearth of basic research relating to various aspects of society and life. It is only knowledge based on fundamental research which can open the doors of development for the nation besides giving a sense of direction. Based on that realization, in the Silver Jubilee year of our independence (1996) and the War of Liberation, an initiative was taken for establishing Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research (BFDR). It is a research organization built on individual initiatives, and is run by independent, voluntary participation.
THE BFDR IS A LEADING NON-PROFIT PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH THINK-TANK, FOUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY A CROSS-SECTION OF LEADING INTELLECTUALS, ACADEMICS, PUBLIC FIGURES, SOCIAL ACTIVISTS, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS, INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, BUSINESS LEADERS, REPESENTATIVES OF WOMEN’S NGOs & MINORITY COMMUNITY NGOs OF BANGLADESH.
1. Name
The organization shall be named Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research (BFDR). Henceforth ‘Foundation’ will mean Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research.
2. Address
The Foundation will have its office in Dhaka.
3. Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of the Foundation will be as follows :
THE FOUNDATION WOULD AID AND ENCOURAGE THE FORMULATION OF POLICIES FOR THE CREATION OF A STRONG, PROSPEROUS AND SECULAR BANGLADESH. POLICIES THAT WOULD RESULT FROM RIGOROUS RESEARCH, DEBATE AND A SYNTHESIS OF DIVERGENT BUT INFORMED OPINIONS. AREAS OF FOCUS WILL BE DEVELOPMENT ISSUES, A SAFER WORLD AND GLOBAL CONCERNS.
· To compile a factual and unprejudiced history of the nation through intensive research work on Bangla Language, literature, culture, the formation of the Bangalee nation and state, civil society and the liberation war etc.
· To contribute to the socio-economic development and advancement of the country through research on subjects like social structure, national politics, economy and development, environment, problems and prospects of inter-state co-operation at regional & sub-regional level etc.
· To conduct research, arrange seminars and develop policy options in furtherance of the Basic Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Rights as enshrined in the constitution of Bangladesh.
· To help find possible peaceful solution to any political, regional or sub-regional conflict.
· To arrange seminars, workshops, discussion meetings, exhibitions and publications on Bangla language, economic, development, environment, inter-state co-operation at regional and sub regional levels etc.
· To establish liaison with similar local and international research organizations and adopt and carry out joint research projects and seminars on national & international issues.
· To promote the empowerment of women and generally to raise the status of women so as to achieve gender equality in Bangladesh polity.
· To conduct research on the democratic institutions, central as well as local. To improve the quality of governance and to meet the Human Rights obligations.
· To conduct research on election process and procedures and enhance public awareness and suggest reforms in order to further strengthen the democratic process.
· To conduct research on request from government and non-government organizations or persons on special topics like state, governance, and election issues within the scope of the Foundation.
· To promote the rights of poor and socially excluded people, different tribal peoples of Bangladesh especially of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) people.
· To arrange Round Table conferences on national, economic, social, political issues.
· To prepare or compile reports on policy-making issues.
· To arrange surveys on public opinion (on selected issues).
· To organize memorial lectures.
4. Work Procedure
· All involved with the Foundation will be integrated into research. Apart from that, there will be some permanent and temporary researchers. The activities of the temporary researchers will be project-oriented.
· Persons interested in research activities can submit research projects consistent with the aims and objectives of the Foundation and on acceptance of the project by the Board of Governors of the Foundation they will be appointed as temporary researchers. Financial and intellectual cooperation and support will be accorded to basic and creative research activities consistent with the aims and objectives of the Foundation.
· Any information, book, statement, documentary evidence, photograph or similar items that fall under the purview of the aims and objectives of the Foundation will be preserved by the Foundation.
5. Participation in the activities of the Foundation
Anybody with deep commitment to and faith in Bangalee nationalism, non-communalism, fraternal cooperation, development, self-reliance and the spirit of our liberation war may become involved with the activities of the Foundation.
6. Member*
a) Trustee Member : Any person or organization donating Taka one hundred thousand or more to the Foundation can become a Trustee Member.
b) Donor Member : Anybody donating a minimum of Taka ten thousand but less than Taka one lakh will be treated as a Donor Member* of the Foundation.
c) General Member : Any body qualified as per stipulation 5 above of this Prospectus & Constitution may become General Member of the Foundation by contributing a minimum amount of Tk. 1,000/- (One thousand) only.
d) Termination of the Membership : Any member of the Foundation shall cease to be a member for the following reasons :
i) Death
ii) Insanity/Invalid
iii) Resignation
iv) Absence from 3 (three) consecutive meetings without prior intimation to Chairman/ Director General of the Foundation.
7. Board of Governors
The Foundation will have a Board of Governors consisting of at least seven members. The Trustee and Donor members will elect the members of the Board of Governors. In the first meeting of the Board, a Chairman and a Director General will be appointed from among the members. The Director General will act as the Member-Secretary of the Board.
In a Board meeting for the matter of inclusion of a new member or termination of a sitting member in the Board, a resolution shall have to be adopted and an approval will have to be sought in the General Meeting. The presence of at least one-third of the total members on the Board will be required to form a quorum.
8. Duties and Responsibilities of the Board of Governors
The Board will :
a) formulate policies of the Foundation
b) adopt measures for implementation of the Foundation’s programmes to be implemented through the council of Directors.
c) preserve, control and allocate/ distribute funds and properties of the Foundation
d) approve yearly budget
e) take measures for the formulation and implementation of the projects of the Foundation.
9. Meeting of Board of Governors
a) The Board of Governors will meet at any time considered necessary.
b) After consultation with the Chairman the Director General will fix the date, time and location of the meeting.
c) At least 24 hours’ notice will have to be given for convening a meeting.
d) At least one-third of the Board Members will constitute quorum.
e) If there is no quorum, the chairman will declare the meeting postponed.
f) Quorum will not be necessary for a deferred meeting.
g) In the absence of the chairman, a member elected by the members present will preside over the meeting.
h) Each member will have one vote and in case of a tie the chairman will have a casting vote.
10. Quorum
Any meeting of the Foundation will require a presence of one-third members to fulfil a quorum.
11. Chairman
a) The Chairman will be elected by the Board of Governors.
b) If the post of the Chairman falls vacant or he/she becomes unable to perform his/her duties because of prolonged absence, sickness or any other reason, a member of the Board of Governors will be entrusted, in the Board meeting, with the responsibilities of the Chairman until a new Chairman takes over or the Chairman resumes his/her duties.
12. Organizational Structure
All activities of the Foundation will be run by a council of Directors consisting of 11 members. The council of Directors shall be elected/nominated/selected by the Board of Governors for a term of five years. They will be elected/nominated/selected from General members & Donor members or Trustee members.
Director General
Director (Administration)
Director (International affairs and collaboration with different think-tanks)
Director (Research)
Director (Publication)
Director (Finance)
Director (Culture)
Director (Collection and Documentation)
Director (Information)
Director (Programme)
Director (Public Relations)
13. Director General
a) The Foundation will have a Director General (DG) who will be the chief executive officer.
b) The Director General will be appointed by the Board of Governors.
c) If the post of the Director General falls vacant or the Director General becomes unable to perform his/her duties because of prolonged absence, illness or any other reason a senior Director of the Foundation will be selected by the Chairman to perform the duties of the Director General until a new DG takes over or the DG resumes his/her duties.
14. Funds of the Foundation
The funds of the Foundation will be formed in the following manner :
i. Donation of the Trustee Members.
ii. Donation of the Donor Members.
iii. Contribution of the General Members.
iv. Money earned through sale of books, magazines and other properties.
v. Any fund/grant received by the Foundation.
vi. Grants received from government/non-government sources and other National & International academic and research organizations.
vii. Loans subject to the approval of the Board of Governors.
viii. Any other source/s, not specified in this section.
15. Uses of Funds
a) When necessary the Foundation will use funds for performing its duties.
b) The funds of the Foundation will be deposited in any scheduled bank in the name of the Foundation.
c) The bank account will be jointly operated by the DG and Director (Finance), or a senior Director or one member from the Board of Governors.
16. Audit of the Foundation
a) The Foundation will properly maintain its accounts and prepare an annual statement of accounts.
b) Auditing of the accounts of the Foundation will be done every year by a reputed audit firm and the audit report will be presented at the meeting of the Board of Governors.
17. Framing of Rules
For achieving the objectives of the constitution the Board of Governors can recommend necessary framing of rules.
18. Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Every year a general meeting, with the participation of Trustee and Donor members, will be held. In the general meeting the advisers, Governors and Members of the Group of Directors will participate ex-officio. The meeting will review the activities of the Foundation and formulate next year’s plan. It will approve the audited accounts of the preceding year. Any amendment to the constitution can be presented in the meeting. This AGM will appoint the Auditors for the following year.
19. Amendment of the Constitution
In the interest of the Foundation the Constitution can be amended with two-thirds majority in the annual general meeting (AGM)
20. Liquidation
Liquidation of this research organization can be done, if and when deemed necessary, by two-thirds majority votes in a joint meeting of Board of Governors & Trustee Members. Assets and properties left over will be donated to any similar research organization.
List of Advisers, Trustee Members, Donor Members And General Members
Upto 22 August 2010
Advisers
1. Prof. A.F. Salahuddin Ahmed
2. Prof. Mustafa Nurul Islam
3. Music Personality Kalim Sharafi
4. Mr. A. M. A. Muhit
5. Begum Matia Chowdhury
6. Mr. Faruq A. Chowdhury
7. Mr. Abdul Matin (London)
8. Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury (London)
9. Dr. Borhan Uddin Khan Jahangir
10. Prof. Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed
11. Prof. Rafiqul Islam
12. Barrister Amirul Islam
13. Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Abdul Karim Khandaker, BU
14. Major General (Retd.) K.M. Safiullah, BU
15. Prof. A A M S Arefin Siddique
16. Dr. Quazi Kholiquzzaman
17. Journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
18. Syed Hasan Imam
19. Dr. S. A. Samad
20. Dr. Masihur Rahman
21. Dr. Alauddin Ahmed
22. Writer Syed Shamsul Huq
23. Artist Quayyum Chowdhury
24. Artist Hashem Khan
25. Mr. Shamsuzzaman Khan
26. Architect Rabiul Hussain
27. Mr. Ramendu Mazumder
28. Theatre Personality Ali Zaker
29. Dr. Anupom Sen
30. Dr. Enamul Haque
31. Theatre Personality Asaduzzaman Noor
32. Dr. Sanjida Khatun
33. Dr. Atiur Rhaman
34. Ambassador A.H. Mahmood Ali
35. Mr. Asfaque-ul-Alam
36. Mr. Tarik Sujat
37. Dr. Harun-or-Rashid
38. Mr. Nirmal Biswas
39. Dr. Netai Kanti Das
40. Mrs. Aroma Datta
41. Dr. Abdur Razzak
Lest We Forget *
1. Late Shawkat Osman
2. Late Dr. Abdullah Al Muti Sharfuddin
3. Late Syed Ali Kabir
4. Late Journalist Santosh Gupta
5. Late Poet Shamsur Rahman
6. Prof. Shamsul Huda Harun
7. Late Ali Aksad
8. Syed Badruddin Hossain
*Founder Advisers
Trustee Members
1. Late Shah A.M.S. Kibria
2. Late Aga Yusuf
3. Late A.S. Mahmud
4. Late Advocate Abdus Salam Talukder
5. Late Advocate Syed Ahmad
6. Late Advocate Gaziul Huq
7. Mr. M. A. Monaem Sarker
8. Dr. A.K. Azad Chowdhury
9. Dr. Moazzem Hossain
10. Mr. Yusuf Abdullah Haroon
11. Mr. Rajjab Sharif
12. Alhaj Syed Abul Hossain
13. Mr. Rahmatullah
14. Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury
15. Mr. Kazi Sirajul Islam
16. Mr. Monjurul Islam
17. Mr. Shafiul Islam Kamal
18. Mr. Khan Mohmmad Iqbal
19. Mr. Nurul Fazal Bulbul
20. Mr. M. Sirajul Islam
21. Mrs. Rahima Chowdhurani
22. Mr. R. K. Chowdhuri
23. Mrs. Rokeya Kabir
24. Mrs. Hosne Ara Alam
25. Mrs. Sarah Alam
26. Mr. Mobarak Ali Sikder
27. Mr. Tipu Munshi
28. Mr. Bashir Ahmed
29. Mr. Nasir A. Chawdhury
30. Mr. Abdur Rauf Chowdhury
31. Mrs. Hasina Doula
32. Mr. Enamul Huq Khasru
33. Mr. A. S. M. Shamsul Arefin
34. Mr. Ehsanur Rahman (Tapu)
35. Mr. M. A. Monaem Sarker
36. Dr. A.S.M. Badruddoza
37. Mr. S. K. Lala
38. Mr. M. F. Kamal
39. Ms. Rokeya Kader
40. Mr. Golam Dastgir Gazi
41. Ambassador Mostafa Faruque Mohammad
42. Ms. Mamtaz Faruque
43. Retd. DIG Mr. Md. Shafiqullah
44. Mr. Abul Momen
45. Mr. M.A. Mumin
46. Prof. Mahfuza Khanom
47. Mr. A.Q.M. Iqram Ullah (Engineear)
48. Mr. Shohel Rahman (Beximco)
49. Sharmin Hossain (Joya)
50. Kazi Mashiur Rahman (Exim Bank)
Lest We Forget *
1. Late Aga Yusuf
2. Late A.S. Mahmud
3. Late Shah A.M.S. Kibria, Founder Chairman, BFDR
4. Late Advocate Abdus Salam Talukder
5. Late Advocate Syed Ahmad
6. Late Advocate Gaziul Huq
*Trustee Members
Doner Members
SL No. Name Address
1. National Professor Kabir Chowdhury Gazi Bhaban
41, Nayapaltan, Dhaka-1000
2. Mr. Hossain Taufique Imam Advisor to Prime Minister
Totini (Ministers Para)
Hear Road, Dhaka
3. Mrs. Meherun Nessa Mery C/O Abu Zahid Md Nuri
House # D/2/A, Road # 5, Block-F
Karail T&T Officers Quarters
Banani, Dhaka-1213
4. Capt. M. Rahman Lake View Apartment # 0102
House # 20, Road # 123, Gulshan-1
Dhaka-1217
5. Commander (Rtd.) Abdur Rouf Policy Adviser
Population Services & Training Centre
103, New Circular Road
Dhaka-1217
6. Ambassador A.H. Mahmud Ali House # 13, Road # 1
Kanchan Apartment, A-5
Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka
7. Mrs. Bulbul Mahlanabish 4/E Eastern Housing Apartment
Siddeswary, Dhaka
Tel : 8333224
8. Mrs. Laila Khanam Shilpi Pankauri Tower, Flat # D/2
20 Chamelibagh, Dhaka-1217
Tel : 8316567
9. Mr. Muhibur Rahman 113/Ka, Hazi Osman Gani Road
Alubazar, Dhaka
10. Mr. Sarder Dabiruddin 113, Siddeswari Circular Road, Dhaka-1217.
11. Dr. Shadat Hossain B-3, Alamin Tower
143, Shantinagor, Dhaka-1217
12. Mr. Mir Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed Proprietor
Star Bakery, Dhaka
13. Ms. Safinaz Begum House # A/6, Road # 18
Banani, Dhaka-1213
14. Mr. Yeafes Osman House-3/6, Block-B, Lalmatia, Dhaka.
15. Mr. Ashfaque-ul-Alam MERLIN-1, Flat-D/5, 89-A/1, Barabagh,
Mirpur, Section-2, Dhaka-1216
16. Mr. Syed Shahed Reza House-18, Apartment-A-8, Road-9/A,
Dhanmodi R/A, Dhaka-1205
17. Mr. Harisuddin Ahmed Concord Manour, House-48, Flat-104,
Road-26 (old) New-15/A
Dhanmodi R/A, Dhaka-1205
18. Mr. Babul Biswas Owner, Water Flawer,
50 Purana Paltan Line, Dhaka-1000
Board of Governors
Name Designation Address
National Professor Kabir Chairman Gazi Bhabon
Chowdhury 41, Nayapalton, Dhaka-1000
Mr. A. M. A. Muhit Member Finance Minister
61/B, Kamal Ataturk Avenue, Dhaka-1213
Professor Salahuddin Ahmed Member Safar, Road # 23, House # 22/B,
Banani, Dhaka-1213
Mr. Hossain Taufique Imam Member House-13, Road-55, Gulshan, Dhaka-1212
Ambassador A. H. Mahmood Ali Member Road-1, House-13, Khanchan-Apt.
A-5, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205
Ambassador Mostafa Faruque Member Le Mont, (4th floor)
Mohammad House # 30, Road # 16, Block-B
Banani, Dhaka-1213.
Alhaj Syed Abul Hossain Member Road # 96, House # 18
Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212
Mrs. Hasina Doula Member 1/1 Industrial Plot, Main Road 3
Avenue 4, Section-7, Mirpur, Dhaka
Mr. Shamsuzzaman Khan Member Road # 1, House # 2/2/A, Shamoli, Dhaka
Mr. Ashfaque-ul-Alam Member MERLIN-1, Flat-D/5, 89-A/1, Barabagh,
Mirpur, Section-2, Dhaka-1216
Mrs. Hosne Ara Alam Member House # NWB-34, Road # 64, Gulshan-2
Dhaka-1212
Mr. ASM Shamsul Arefin Member 59, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue
(1st Floor, Last Room)
West Tejturibazar, Tejgaon, Dhaka.
Mr. Tarik Sujat Member Colors of Bangladesh
Eastern Plazas (7th Floor)
Sonargaon Road, Dhaka.
Mr. M. A. Monaem Sarker Director General 23, Chamelibagh, Dhaka-1217
(Member Secretary)
Lest we forget*
Late- Shah A.M.S. Kibria, Founder Chairman, BFDR
Late A.S. Mahmood
Late Advocate Abdus Salam Talukder
Late Advocate Syed Ahmed
Late Advocate Gaziul Haque
* Member, Board of Governors
Directors
Name Designation Address
Mr. M. A. Monaem Sarker Director General 23, Chamelibagh, Dhaka-1217
Mr. Ashfaque-ul-Alam Director (Admin.) MERLIN-1, Flat-D/5
89-A/1, Barabagh, Mirpur, Section-2,
Dhaka-1216
Ambassador A. H. Mahmood Director (International Road-1, House-13, Khanchan-Apt.
Ali Collaboration, Think-Tanks) A-5, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205
Dr. Harun-or-Rashid Director (Research) Pro-VC, Dhaka University
Mrs. Hasina Doula Director (Finance) 1/1 Industrial Plot, Main Road 3
Avenue 4, Section-7, Mirpur, Dhaka
Mr. Nirmal Biswas Director (Publication) 927, Shahidbagh, Rangon Apt.
C-5, Dhaka-1217
Dr. Nitai Kanti Das Director (Information) Director (Training), PSTC, Dhaka
Mrs. Rokeya Kabir Director (Culture) Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangho
13/14, Babor Road, Block-B
Mohammadpur, Dhaka
Mr. Hasan Mamoon Director (Public Relations) Assistant Editor
The Daily Jugantor, Dhaka
Mr. ASM Shamsul Arefin Director (Documentation) 59, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue
(1st Floor, Last Room)
West Tejturibazar, Tejgaon, Dhaka.
Mr. Tarik Sujat Director (Seminar & Colors of Bangladesh
Programme) Eastern Plazas (7th Floor)
Sonargaon Road, Dhaka.
Lest we forget
Advocate Syed Ahmed
Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research
23, Chamelibagh, Dhaka-1217
Proceeding of the group of initiators of the Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research :
In order to build on personal initiatives a research organization to be run by independent, voluntary participation, a general meeting is held today, the 19 April at 10 a.m. at 23 Chamelibagh. Mr. Shah A.M.S. Kibria presided. The following are the signatures of the members present.
Resolutions accepted
1. Resolution was taken in the meeting to build a research organization on personal initiatives.
2. The Prospectus & Constitution of the foundation was unanimously approved in the meeting.
3. It was resolved to form a Board of Governors comprising of 7 (seven) members, which will formulate policies & planning and determine project proposals of the Bangladesh Foundation.
4. Resolution was adopted in the meeting to form a Board of Directors for conducting the activities of the Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research.
5. It was resolved to give responsibilities to Director General and Director (Admin.) for registering the name of the organization with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, Bangladesh.
6. Deliberations were made for opening an account in any Schedule Bank to deposit fund of the Foundation. Director General, Director (Finance) and one member from the Board of Governors will have the power to operate the Bank Account. But all cheques should be signed jointly by Director General and any one of the empowered members.
* Anybody or organization identified as having belonged to or connected with anti-liberation forces cannot become a Trustee member or Donor.
The Web-Site of
Bangladesh Foundation For Development Research
www.bfdr-bd.com
Symbolic page of our website
The Bangladesh Foundation For Development Research (BFDR) has constructed web-site “www.bfdr-bd.com” with a view to introducing its expanded activities home and abroad. Through this arrangement the information of its planned activities will be available more easily. One will find a comprehensive compilation of data, aims & objectives and activities done and to-be done in this web-site plan.*
The following are the silver-lined lists of contents of the web-site, “www.bfdr-bd.com”.
1. Under the title, “About BFDR”, a vivid description of BFDR, its identity and activities are extensively outlined.
* The Digital Projukti Sangstha (Digital Technical Institute in Bangla) has constructed the Web-Site under the supervision of the Bangladesh Foundation For Development Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The name of the Web-site is “www.colorsofbangladesh.com BFDR”.
2. Title, “Publication” covers a list of books relating to Liberation War of Bangladesh, booklets and monographs on the subjects discussed in various seminars arranged by BFDR and subsequently published by the organization; the Thematic maps and Multimedia cassette disks regarding Liberation War etc. Under this title specimen of a few book-covers is also included and shown below :
Specimen of covers of selected books published by BFDR3. Brief description of the ongoing and future projects of the Foundation is described under the title, “Ongoing Projects of BFDR.”
4. An interesting programme is also included in the web-site of BFDR under “Press Release”. In this page, the on-going activities of BFDR can be glanced very easily.
5. The interested persons and the visitors of our web-site will have opportunity to glimpse the sample of the Membership Form with which one can apply for membership of the BFDR.
Form for Membership (Sample) I/We the undersigned am/are willing to become Trustee Member(s)/Donor Member(s) of the Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research. Kindly take necessary steps in this regard to enroll me/our organization/our Association/our institution as member(s). I/we agree to abide by the existing rules, principles, ideals of the Bangladesh Foundation. I/We am/are applying for membership agreeing with the Prospectus & Constitution of the Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research. 1. Name : 2. Father's Name : 3. Date of birth : 4. Address : a) Present b) Permanent 5. Nationality : 6. Your comment in support of your applying for membership : 7. If you are a member of any organization (local or foreign), please give description : 8. Other eligibility, if any : 9. Describe social, cultural activities, if any : 10. Proposer Name : Address : 11. Seconder Name : Address : Approval signature Signature of the Chairman/Director General of the Applicant |
Sample of Membership Form
6. There is also a site named “Feed-back” where one can leave one’s opinions, suggestions and comments as the Internet browsers do.
7. “BFDR at a Glance” reveals in brief, (a) Activities of the organization, (b) Salient features of some seminars held so far, (c) Short description of the Thematic Maps mentioned earlier, (d) Brief description of the contents of the Video-CDs mentioned in the previous page.
BFDR Chairman National Prof. Kabir Chowdhury is seen delivering his introductory speech before the papers prepared by Prof. Shamsul Huda Harun on Bangabandhu Memorial Lecture those to be presented by Prof. AAMS Arefin Siddique. Director General Monaem Sarker is sitting at the right
8. The head, “Prospectus & Constitution”, is in fact, an elaboration of the aims, working-system and about facts how the organization came into being, and also about the responsibility, duty and credentials of its members etc.
Mourning rally of Shah AMS Kibria
â Eminent economist Prof. Rehman Sobhan and his wife Dr. Rownak Jahan are being accorded with flower-circle at BFDR on their post marriage gathering. BFDR Chairman National Professor Kabir Choudhury, Director General Monaem Sarker, Justice Habibur Rahman, Prof. Shamsul Huda Harun, Prof. Zillur Rahman Siddiki, Prof. Salahuddin Ahmed were present amongst others |  |
 | á Notable writer, novelist, journalist and creator of the song for immortal Ekushey February Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury visited BFDR as guest of honour on 7th March 2007. Director General Monaem Sarker is seen presenting a publication of BFDR |
â In memory of the departed soul of the veteran journalist Late Bazlur Rahman, BFDR arranged a mourning meet at its seminar room. Prominent politician Begum Matia Chaudhury, wife of Late Bazlur Rahman is seen with others to show respect to the deceased standing for one minute in silence |  |
The Video, CDs in 22 episodes titled Liberation Movements,
Produced by Bangladesh Foundation For Development Research
The Video- CDs of 22 episodes include the historical events of the Language Movement, Struggle for Autonomy of the Bangalees, the Mass-upsurge of 1969, the Provincial and central elections of 1970, War of Liberation, Movement for independence, Rare publicity films of Bangabandhu and War of Liberation. In the interview-part, very sharp analyses on various sides of the war of liberation are added. In this documentary CDs, the eminent politicians, writers, civil society personalities, noted journalists, ordinary people have narrated their experiences and observations of the days of war independently, reliantly and freely.
The complete edition of this Video-CDs is easily available now. It may be collected from the office of the BFDR at discount rate.
The unique venture of BFDR
Thematic Maps can easily be viewed in “www.bfdr-bd.com” web-site
There are three posters (thematic maps) namely, (a) Refugee camps, (b) Resistance camps of the Freedom Fighters, and (c) The Mujibnagar Government. The following are the brief description of these three maps.
1. Refugee camps
On the left hand side of this map (see next page) are the names of states and districts where the Bangalee Refugee camps were situated (from April to November, 1971). During that period when the Bangalee Refugees stayed in 24 Parganas, Nadia, Murshidabad, Malda, Darjeeling and Koonchbihar districts of West Bengal of India and West Dinajpur district where the refugee camps sprang up, are dotted in the map. A numerous number of Bangalees took shelter in the camps of the states of Meghalaya, Assam and Tripura. The names of these camps are also mentioned. Just by the side of this column, a four-colour map of Bangladesh is shown in the middle column of the map and the position and place of the refugee camps are shown there. The distances among the situated camps around the map of Bangladesh can easily be viewed. The paths, roads, railway for communication are also given on the map to see how the movements of the general people, Pakistan army, Freedom Fighters of Bangladesh used these during those hazardous days. There are 6 photographs and a hand-painted picture in the map. These depict how the brute Pakistan army killed Bangalees, devasted land, culverts, bridges, railroads. These also show the agonised faces of the refugees who fled in fear for life from their beloved motherland leaving behind their sweet home and hearth. A real picture of the-then Bangladesh has found an eternal place in the map. In the right hand side of the map, there is a very important column in which a statistic of the Bangalees killed in genocide carried on by the Pakistan army during the War of Liberation and an account of Refugee camps. Under the shape of statistics, the data which are given will be of great help for the future generation and it is also very important for them to know these facts and figures. All the viewers of this column must know how the Pakistan army carried on genocide in conspiracy hatched by Yahia Khan and Zulfiqur Ali Bhutto of Pakistan on the fateful night of 25 March 1971 and also they should know about the situation under which Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was compelled to declare independence of Bangladesh at the early hours of 26 March 1971. It is also there how Prime Minister of India Mrs Indira Gandhi supported on 31 March, 1971 the historic Mass-revolt of Bangladesh and War of Liberation and expressed her sorrows at the plight of the Bangalees. These important and necessary facts and figures are recorded in the right hand-side column of the map. At the bottom of this column there are accounts regarding refugee camps. The names, numbers of camps and refugees are mentioned in this column.
The Thematic map of Bangladesh Liberation War : Refugee Camps
Various information and statistics are clearly written in the map in a very lucid language on the one hand and on the other hand through this map a new vista of possibility to introduce about Liberation War is opened for the future generations attending the educational institutions of Bangladesh. The map may become an important instrument with which the real history of Liberation War and the-then reality can easily be placed before the people and the future generation. One will be able to find out one’s geographical boundaries of land as well as the refugee life of one’s forefathers. Till now there are living persons around us and they may recall the memories of those cursed days and nights whenever they strecth out this map before them.
2. Resistance Camps
Also this map is divided into three columns from top to bottom. A few important information of Liberation War presented in the left-hand side column. The facts about the important incidents with the dates and names of months are shown there chronologically, periodically and in easy language.
Among the examples are, (a) Declaration of independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib on 7 March 1971 at Racecourse Maidan (Now Suhrawardy Garden), (b) The killing operation carried on by the Pakistan army at the behest of the then Pakistan President Yahia Khan on the night of 25 March, on the innocent and weaponless Bangalees. A host of such incidents upto 10 January 1972 the day of Bangbandhu’s return to his motherland from the jail of Pakistan, are recorded in
the list. There are mention of Youth Camp Training Centre, the Headquarters of the camps, the women freedom fighters camp constructed during liberation war along with the other information regarding communication like roads, railways etc. in the map. The three rare photographs and an oilpaint of the Father of artists Joinul Abedin have increased its value, dimension and significance.
the list. There are mention of Youth Camp Training Centre, the Headquarters of the camps, the women freedom fighters camp constructed during liberation war along with the other information regarding communication like roads, railways etc. in the map. The three rare photographs and an oilpaint of the Father of artists Joinul Abedin have increased its value, dimension and significance.
The Thematic map of Bangladesh Liberation War : Resistance Camps
As symbols of resistance those photographs and oil paints are placed in the map. At the extreme right cloumn of the map, there exist 30 photographs. These are the photographs of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the-then vice President and President-in charge Syed Nazrul Islam, Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed, the officers of army sector commanders of Z-Force, S-Force and K-Force, commanders of other sectors, the organisers of the Mujib Bahini. We can know about these illustrious sons of history. There is also a foot-note about Khondaker Mushtaq Ahmed who was then, of course a minister, but with the red inked asterisk which denotes that his role was questionable and negative, he is also said to be one of the conspirators of Bangabandhu’s murder. In this way the facts of history are presented objectively.
3. The Mujibnagar Government
This map is slightly different from the two other maps published in the previous pages. In an illustrative form the Mujibnagar Government and its important offices are shown elaborately on the entire map of Bangladesh instead of dividing it in three columns as was done in the previous two maps. In a rainbow form a parabolic time-scale where the description of different important incidences from December 1970 to February 1972 are shown month-wise. As for example, 27 February of 1971 is shown there as it was the date of the resolution adopted by the Awami League Parliamentary party for inclusion in the Bangladesh Constitution regarding 6-point Demand.
In this way the important information of each month of the said period is included vividly in the map. Just below the title of the map the historical announcement of Bangabandhu, “Our struggle this time is our struggle for emancipation, struggle this time is the struggle of independence,” is cited in bold and bigger letters. This announcement inspired the Bangalees immensely with the dream of independence. On 17 April Free Bangladesh (Mujibnagar Government) Government was formed at Baidyanathtala of Meherpur. The headquarters of this Government was at Kolkata where all the activities used to have been done.
In this way the important information of each month of the said period is included vividly in the map. Just below the title of the map the historical announcement of Bangabandhu, “Our struggle this time is our struggle for emancipation, struggle this time is the struggle of independence,” is cited in bold and bigger letters. This announcement inspired the Bangalees immensely with the dream of independence. On 17 April Free Bangladesh (Mujibnagar Government) Government was formed at Baidyanathtala of Meherpur. The headquarters of this Government was at Kolkata where all the activities used to have been done.
In fact, the different important offices and centres are dotted in the map of Kolkata. With the small-size pictures of those installations, the map has been made attractive and attention-arresting. On the upper left corner of the map, the very well-known pose of Bangabandhu in oil painting is given and at the bottom of the left corner, the water-colour picture of the oathtaking ceremony of the Mujibnagar-Gevernment is printed, and at centre-bottom, the portraits of the four national leaders who were later killed in jail have made the map valuable and bearing.
The Thematic map of Bangladesh Liberation War : Mujibnagar Government
These three maps will play a role of milestone of our national glory and pride. These will also remain as a remarkable signs for its attractive presentation in an objective way. The price of each map is only TK. 50.00. These are really an easy-to have materials published so far. If these maps are distributed among or demonstrated before the learners at schools and colleges of Bangladesh, they will be benefited profoundly no doubt.
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