This list is provided to enable you to be kept aware of what some of the English Language media in South Asia is saying.
QSAIG does not endorse any of the media listed.
QSAIG does encourage people with an interest in South Asia to be aware of the media in different South Asian countries.
The Daily Star
Dhaka Tribune
English Prothomalo
Deccan Herald
Times of India
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The Financial Express
https://www.financialexpress.com
The Irrawaddy
https://www.irrawaddy.com/category/news
The Himalayan Times
https://www.thehimalayantimes.com
Dawn
Island
Daily Mirror
A list of many English Language papers published in South Asia is available from: http://abyznewslinks.com
A global list of publications can also be found here:
https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/complete-index-of-newspapers-across-the-globe
If you have news of events in South Asia you would like to share please send information to info@qsaig.co.uk
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Gono Unnayan Prochesta (GUP)
Rajoir, Madaripur
Venue: GUP Training Centre, Rajoir
Date: 18/01/2025
Reported by: Dr. Abu B. Siddique (Bachchu)
Statements by Participants:
Manzurul Islam Chowdhury:
After greeting everyone, he thanked Abu Siddique Bachchu for initiating this seminar. This seminar is aimed to have detail discussion on the life of our Dear Ataur Bhai. The outcome hopefully would help us in finding elements of peace in his life, which might also help to write a biography of Ataur Bhai. He mentioned that in looking for old members of GUP, he found 2 participants, K. A. Reza and Helen Boiragi. It was also his pleasure to find Dilruba Haider, a programme specialist from UN Women. Bachchu Bhai added that Ataur Bhai’s family members would be contacted to get more information. After sharing his memories, Manzu Bhai thanked Reza Bhai for attending the seminar despite his illness. As a moderator of the seminar, Bachchu Bhai, foremost, requested Reza Bhai to talk about his time with Ataur Bhai.
Reza Bhai: As one of oldest members, Reza Bhai started by thanking everyone and reminiscing about when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to Bangladesh on 10 January, 1972. He talked about volunteering alongside Ataur Bhai and others, travelling to various places in Rajoir Thana, and setting up camps for relief work. He recalled various founding members, organisational efforts, and challenges. He mentioned that the organisation started with 8 volunteers and shared stories about Ataur Bhai’s dedication, family involvement, and leadership. He also reflected on relief efforts, the establishment of GUP's training centres, and memories of colleagues who have passed away.
Helen Bairagi:
As one of the second oldest members, Helen began by thanking everyone and recalled starting as a volunteer in 1972. She shared how she joined the initiative under Ataur Bhai’s guidance, working in healthcare and community development. Helen described her experiences with day-care centres, nutrition programmes, and healthcare training. She spoke fondly of Ataur Bhai's mentoring, his simplicity, and his ability to care for everyone, for example, in one occasion he sliced a boiled egg into several pieces and shared with all. She concluded with gratitude for how Ataur Bhai influenced her life and helped her achieve personal and professional growth.
Swapan Kumar Das (Bablu):
Bablu expressed gratitude and shared how he met Ataur Bhai in 1974 during relief distribution. He recalled Ataur Bhai's encouragement to continue studies while contributing to the Organisation. Bablu described his training experiences, fieldwork, and the impact of Ataur Bhai’s guidance. Ataur Bhai’s door was open for all. He highlighted Ataur Bhai’s leadership and his efforts to inspire and support others through challenging times.
Rokeya Jevin Kaveri:
Started with thanking Bachchu Bhai. The initiative of organising the seminar he took is commendable. While taking my job-interview, Ataur Bhai said that two posts were empty for training and women's programme, which one will you go for? I said training. When I work, the instruction is to make brochures. If he ate even a loaf of bread, he would offer a small portion to everyone who was present. In this region, people used to eat the upper leaf of the carrot, did not know how to eat the lower part, Ataur Bhai taught the farmer how to eat the lower part. One of his writings stuck in my mind, he asked me to see the article. After I saw the writing, he said, "The writing is yours." Ataur bhai used to tell us different stories. I left GUP in 1994 because of my son's problems. Then I left many of my uncle's writings with Kamrul Bhai. On my return back to GUP, I wanted to see if the articles can be retrieved. I take him as my guru after my parents. We used to have 9 o'clock meetings, presenting the previous day's events and sharing today’s plan.
Important discovery in my life: I came here and found that a library in the village. Mrs. Ataur didn't talk to me for 5 years since I left. Ataur Bhai said, "Don't be angry, she will talk about us later." Uncle was very nice and helpful. Because of Ataur Bhai’s help, my life is now easy and fulfilled. I pray a lot for Ataur Bhai. His beautiful behaviour and words often inspire us. Dilruba Apa said yesterday that Abed Bhai is regularly discussed in BRAC. Similarly, Ataur Bhai’s life needs to be discussed, giving importance of his contribution in peace activities. The Study Circle introduced by him greatly influenced our lives. I'll never forget to talk about Ataur Bhai in my later life. Thanks to Bachchu Bhai's initiative.
Rezaul Karim (Karim Bhai):
Karim Bhai shared his journey of 16 years with GUP, joining in 1977. He recalled his interview with Ataur Bhai and described him as unparalleled in character. Karim Bhai mentioned his transition from office work to coordination roles, his involvement in relief efforts during floods, and the courage he gained working under Ataur Bhai’s leadership. He concluded by emphasising Ataur Bhai’s forgiving nature and his invaluable contributions to the organisation and community.
Rezaul Karim Alam:
He begins by greeting everyone and praying for Ataur Bhai's departed soul. He shared: “In 1986, when I first arrived, I met Ganesh Kundu. Later, Reza Bhai took me inside. Ataur Bhai warmly welcomed me, saying, ‘Alam, you’ve come?’ He then introduced me to E. D. Hurley and spoke to me at length. Ataur Bhai advised us not to accept hospitality while visiting households in the field. We adhered to this principle. During the 1988 floods, a few members of the Mira community were assigned to measure wheat. We managed these tasks, and they worked alongside us. During the relief operations, when the army mistreated our workers, we halted all activities and wore black badges in protest.
Whenever Ataur Bhai came to Rajoir, he would take us to Madaripur, visit Fazlu Bhai’s house, and more. Later, I worked in Narsingdi and Araihazar, which gave me the opportunity to visit Ataur Bhai’s home. I even visited the school he attended. Ataur Bhai never forgot anything easily, listened to others patiently, and understood them.
After three years of my job, I was transferred to Khalia. Once, Ataur Bhai asked me to go to Bajitpur, but I didn’t, which saddened him. He used to say, ‘Others have grown; don’t worry, Allah will help you.’ He lived a simple life and didn’t demand much. Those of us who’ve been here long remember these moments fondly, even if our jobs or paths diverged.
Ataur Bhai used to host officials from the Upazilla. He had good relationships with Hasim Sipahi (Principal of Local College) and Jogmaya Di (Founder Rajoir Girl’s School). When an eye camp was held at Garsal School, he asked us to arrange toilets for Jogmaya Di’s school. When he developed a vision for self-sufficiency, it couldn’t materialise due to a lack of skilled manpower. The local people admired him greatly. When Ataur Bhai suffered from diarrhoea, Harun Bhai brought a large team to visit him. Ataur Bhai was a very courageous person.”
Ashraf:
“To build the Elize Cottage at the peace centre, we helped transfer bricks after seeing Ataur Bhai’s initiative. Despite the laborious task, he was determined and joined in. He was a man of great kindness.”
Helen Di’s Husband:
“When serving food on banana leaves, Ataur Bhai personally cleaned the leaves. On one occasion, he was invited to give a college lecture. Arriving in simple attire, the guard wouldn’t let him in. He entered after obtaining the principal’s permission. During the lecture, when the guard realised Ataur Bhai was the chief guest, he apologised. Ataur Bhai would later share such simple life stories with us.”
Manju Bhai:
“I’ve been working here for about 37-38 years. Initially, I was waiting to get into BUET for my MSc when I learned through friends about an NGO job opportunity. The job opportunity was created by GUP. On my enquiry, later, Ataur Bhai took me to Rajoir in his car. After a few days, I returned with the assurance of the job.
At the beginning, I struggled to adapt to working with Dadu (E. D. Hurley), a British volunteer. Ataur Bhai helped me build a relationship with him. Ataur Bhai was one of the country’s ‘five (development) Pandavas.’ While was doing my MBA, I learned more about GUP. He emphasised starting small so others could learn from us later as example.
In the 1990s, Ashikur Haque Chowdhury, then the DC, sent newly recruited members to GUP for training. I was inspired by his writings. Ataur Bhai’s landlord at Shekhertek once asked him, ‘Who will continue your work after you leave?’ Pointing to me, he replied, ‘They will.’
During the 50th anniversary celebrations, we are creating a documentary, where his valuable contributions were going to be highlighted. I’ve learned much from Ataur Bhai’s philosophy and actions.”
Dilruba Haider:
“Thank you all for coming together to share memories of Ataur Bhai, especially Bachchu Bhai. I had the opportunity to know him personally from 1987 to 1997. I connected with Ataur Bhai through SCI. Mofizul Islam Bhai introduced me to SCI, and through him, I met Ataur Bhai.
One day, at a SCI meeting, I saw a short handsome gentleman speaking kindly and passionately and that’s how I got to meet Ataur bhai. I don’t know why he liked me so much. On one weekend , during an orientation for SCI volunteers for a trip to Europe, he gave us (the potential ones) briefing on life and lifestyle of volunteers in Europe, and helped us prepare lunch with ‘alu bhaji (potatoe fry) and bread He had that lunch with us all that afternoon. SCI was a wonderful place during those days where all were equal, and al meetings used to be held in round tables, didn’t have any head table back then. I learned how to use ‘chopsticks’ from him. While traveling to Kishoreganj, he patiently taught me. Through small stories, he imparted life lessons.”
Ataur bhai was one of the two people who inspired me to pursue my career in development, the other one was my husband, Mainuddin Ahmed Jahangir . NGOs weren’t a recognised sector back then. People like Ataur bhai, Jafrullah Chowdhury, Fazle Hasan Abed, they started their organisations to work for the betterment of the people, and I was lucky to witness that through Ataur Bhai.Despite global changes, we must preserve these values Ataur Bhai and his stories taught us to care for others, serve people, and foster empathy. I suggest incorporating his philosophy into training for new recruits of GUP, just as BRAC narrates Abed Bhai’s story.
Bachchu Bhai:
“I used to believe that the goal of development initiative is twofold: top-down and bottom-up”. I’ve learned about many development stories from these two areas, but I realised no development sustained without a visionary leader. This realisation made me to delve into the live-stories of visionary leaders. Since then I wrote about Dr. Akthar Hamid Khan, founder of Comilla Academy; Dr. Sujit K. Brahmochay, founder Institute of Indian Mother and Child (IIMC), and Advocate Fazlul Huq, Founder Secretary, Madaripur Legal Aid Association (MLAA).
This is now high time to write about Ataur Bhai, and this seminar is aimed to collect first-hand information. This is also to lead us to inspire to make us a roadmap for finding elements of activities for Peace Centre. In this regard, the inspirational notes from Bob Anderson, Canada; Martin and Liz Schweiger, UK; John and Marilyn Miles and others are praiseworthy. I would urge everybody to continue to think and work for peace.
Manju Bhai:
During his last visit to the UK, Monju Bhai and Kaberi Chowdhury had a meeting with Martin and Liz Schweiger at their residence at Leeds. There they came to know about a clear idea about how Peace Centre Could be revived with peace activities, ultimately turning it into a university, which had been ultimate dream of Ataur Bhai.
Gono Unnayan Prochesta (GUP)
Rajoir, Madaripur
Venue: Mohammad Ataur Rahman Memorial Library,
(Peace Centre) Shanti Kendra, Khalia,
Rajoir, Madaripur.
Date: 18/01/2025
Reported by Dr. Abu B. Siddique (Bachchu)
Statements from attendees:
Md. Rezaul Karim Alam:
Various issues can be discussed about Ataur Bhai sitting on the kathal tola floor of the Peace Centre. The Peace Centre planned to implement the discussion on peace issues. It is known from Bachchu Bhai that Ataur Bhai finally became ill in the UK while talking about turning the Peace Centre into a Peace University. Later, he died after undergoing treatment at the hospital for a long time. General Council members of GUP asked for boundaries around the Peace Centre. Now it has become very expensive to repair and restore the Centre’s properties. PKSF's directive is to spend 15% of the total profit in the social work sector, which may not be enough. We will start transforming the Peace Centre into a university and keeping the Peace Centre operational as long as we work for GUP.
Swapan Kumar Das:
It is important that Peace Centre remains functional. A pacifist named Hari Vallabh Parikh came to visit us from India. A German man named Axel was effective as a volunteer in the Peace Centre. Lack of communication, youth involvement, and the activities reduced the activities of the Peace Centre. It is necessary to maintain contact with those who are sincere and know and understand about Ataur Bhai and Peace Centre and do some small things for Peace Centre. But nowadays it is very difficult to find young people. Young people are going abroad. Now some initiatives are being taken which are commendable and need to be continued.
Khairul Mortuza Majumdar:
There were workshops with religious leaders of different religions in the Peace Centre. Meetings were conducted with youth for the purpose of peace initiatives. There was a big workshop with Lalon devotees and other saints. Some new workshops can be conducted in the coming days. Since people of different religions live in this area, regular meetings and workshops can be arranged with religious leaders.
Tayyabur Rahman Mamun:
We came to know about Ataur Bhai by listening to his story. Various activities need to be named after Ataur Bhai. Regular discussion meetings and prayer mahfils should be held on the death anniversary of Ataur Bhai.
Dilruba Haider:
You have to come here and see and use the whole place. It is unfair not to use any property to the maximum. Work camps need to be done, involving student from various public and private universities. Along with the usual physical activities, values of volunteerism, social service, gender equality, human right could be discussed. Ataur Bhai’s life and philosophy’s could be discussed in detail. The history of this area should be discussed.. GUP Governing Committee members, and other interested experts can be brought in to speak to the youth. Initiatives can be taken to bring foreign boys to the work camp. Foreign boys and girls can be brought through Quaker Peace and Service. There is a lack of reporting here. You have to do marketing. Reporting can be done using CHATGPT to do editing and nice formatting, and add pictures. Donors interested in Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, e.g. SDC could be contacted for funding such activities in the peach Centre.
Bachchu Bhai:
There must be specific people to communicate. Regular communication, information and communication related to peace should be done. Today's discussions can be posted in various forums. You have to keep in touch with peace-organisations. VSO can be contacted. Sometimes Peace Centre can be offered to other organisations as venues and that should be done regularly.
Reza Bhai:
I worked very hard to get to where I am today. Everyone has to work to improve the lives of the people.
Thank you.