Vietnamese Culture and Tradition
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We are at the end of a long weekend here in BC, today being Family Day. So I took the weekend off Flickr, and of course, as a result, am way behind on commenting! I will do my best to catch up to your latest images by tomorrow.
And I'm happy to report that we're on our third day of sunshine after weeks of pouring rain :)
I took this shot last June at our Flickrcation....we only have crocuses and snowdrops blooming yet, but it's a great start to spring!
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUV6DHH0jxY
Every time I come back home
I always seem to fill up my fire
There's no place I'd rather go
That could take me any higher
The sun is arriving
The palm trees, are smiling with me
I love this, island
So come on girl
Let's go beach
'Cause I feel the sunshine heat in the air
I feel the sunshine heat in the air
I'm on a high tide
And the waves are bringing me closer
I'm from the beast side
I knew the wind wouldn't keep me away
The sun-kissed horizon
Bursting with sweet melodies
I love this, (oh I love this) island (Hawaii)
I'm pulling up
Come ride with me
'Cause I feel the sunshine heat in the air
I feel the sunshine heat in the air
Do you remember how we started
Salty air and openhearted
Underneath the moon
Alone with you
I'll always need your love under the stars
I'm soul searching for you
Deep in my heart
When I step outdoors for an organized photo - shooting session, I feel as if I travel into another world !!!! A world so different than the unbelievably monotonous and "ugly" one I come face to face everyday while practicing my profession, a world that makes me forget, for a couple of hours at least, the insuperable problems that my country faces and consequently me and my family along with it ...
I visit plain, common places, where I'm treated with the invaluable opportunity to come face to face with pure, unadulterated people and "scenes" of life ... I try to return back to the simple virtues of life, virtues that are produced and can only be diffused by poor, openhearted, smiling people who practice simple, hard, honest professions ... People that do not steal and do not cheat ...
The scene was captured at the port of Amphipolis, located at the borders between Serres and Kavala Prefectures ...
NIKON D90 DSLR with Nikon Nikkor 18 - 55 lens, Manual Mode, shutter speed 1/200 s, ISO 125, f 9, focal length 18 mm, use of HOYA ND X 2 filter, cloudy weather white balance, center weighted average metering mode, HDR made by only one original RAW shot, flash didn't go off, use of tripod ...
i love these words from pema chodron: "when somebody works with hardship in an openhearted humorous way like a warrior, when somebody cultivates his or her bravery, everyone responds, because we know we can do that too."
i wish for us all to be bold, brave, and openhearted; to work with hardship in honest and gentle ways; to be inspiring warriors.
[30:52, on the ground]
from pema chödrön: “when somebody works with hardship in an openhearted humorous way like a warrior, when somebody cultivates his or her bravery, everyone responds, because we know we can do that too.”
i'm trying to live with an open heart in this complicated, heartbreaking, beautiful world. i'm trying to be–compassionately–brave.
Still dreaming of the open road ...
I miss the way it feels to roam
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUHW1NLe9mU
I learned that there is a type of pain in life that I want to feel.
It's the inevitable, excruciating, necessary pain of losing beautiful things...
This kind of pain is the price of love, the cost of living a brave, openhearted life — and I'll pay it.
Glennon Doyle, Untamed
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.
within a moment
the evening stretches it's wings
openhearted flight
a double exposure..
with an icm image of my local ridge line
plus something extra in another layer
(yes I'm predictable ;-)
Here's to dreaming happily free
from fences friday ;-)
313/366: 2016
Thanks to Denise (auntneecey) for the suggestion of open hearted to add to this series. I need to do this again at some point as the background is showing lines, no time today though.
After a couple of years in retirement, I have been asked to go back to work and have agreed to do a few days this month. Today is one of those days. So, I set this up last night, ready for this morning, to avoid the panic of not getting my POTD. I am out tonight as well so may not get back to comment until tomorrow.
The rest of this series can be found here: www.flickr.com/photos/28992287@N03/albums/72157676020796086
Keep your heart wide open and you’ll be received with open hearts — not by everyone, but to be received by one open heart is more than worth the journey.
― Marnie Grundman
Shot indoors in my lightbox.
#4 in series
…..Yes!! Spring - LIGHT from without, AND…..within !!!!….It sounds a bit …crazy ? Nop !!!
Well, I’ll tell you a true, really heartfelt story, about …Spring-Light from…within : my husband, has recently undergone a very successful surgery for a brain-tumor! We have been separated for some time now, but he is a man whom I still love and respect so much ( almost 36 years together, and 3 adorable children)!!!…
The moment his terrible stroke was announced , almost simultaneously, all my bitterness , dreadful memories, negative thinking about a very sad recent past , seemed to have vanished! All that was left for me to think was, that my husband of 36 years , who has been a very special father for my 3 children, and a very generous companion, was probably going to leave us soon !!!…
After the success of his difficult operation, me and my 3 children have re-united around my ex-companion as a happy family again, with true joy , tenderness, and affection !! We have enjoyed together some wonderful, warm, and joyful family moments at our home and elsewhere !! Because, during the weekends he may leave the hospital, and return to his beloved ones, to his own home (his apartment), and to ours ! After his successful operation, he has been transformed into a serene, affectionate, smiling, joking, compassionate, openhearted, and tender human being -- my TRUE companion/husband ! –- whom I have NOT seen or felt as such for years!!… And, still intelligent and strong, as he has always been…
Therefore, I dedicate my latest Spring-Light photos to my beloved husband of 36 years, who won his first very difficult battle against a bad tumor in his brain, wishing him Love , Peace , and Harmony inside-out, non-stop ! Wishing him, to also win the following difficult battles during his post-operation, difficult treatment-stage!
My Spring-Light photos are also dedicated to ALL those human beings, who have experienced an inward RE-Birth or Spring-Light , after DEATH has knocked at their door! Because, the Divine Wisdom so often uses the Death-experience, in order to teach us TRUE , UN-conditional Love !! And then, Death becomes….. SPRING - LIGHT , and CEASES TO EXIST !! Inwardly, AND outwardly! !!!!!
*** In LARGE!!!
(Unless there is the iPhone icon, all photos were taken with a Nikon or more recently, with a Sony Mirrorless. I ioften import the images to a 12.9 inch iPad for editing.)
Mission Statement: “Our unified mission at the Black Pearl on the Columbia is to offer our community an openhearted and inspiring space with an unparalleled back drop for people to gather. Where innovation is born, ideas are created, events are celebrated and memories are treasured.”
ie, they rent out space for public gatherings.
Yetta Zimmerman's house may have been the most openheartedly monochromatic structure in Brooklyn, if not in all of New York. A large rambling wood and stucco house of the nondescript variety erected, I should imagine, sometime before or just after the First World War, it would have faded into the homely homogeneity of other large nondescript dwellings that bordered on Prospect Park had it not been for its striking -- its overwhelming -- pinkness.
-- Sophie's Choice
William Styron
totally inspired by the lyrics to this amazing song by U2
an oldie but a mega goody.. specifically this part-
"You say love is a temple, love a higher law
Love is a temple, love the higher law
You ask me to enter but then you make me crawl
And I can't be holdin' on to what you got
When all you got is hurt
One love, one blood
One life, you got to do what you should
One life, with each other
Sisters, brothers
One life but we're not the same
We get to carry each other, carry each other
One
One"
With My Beloved
With my Beloved I alone have been,
When secrets tender than evening airs
Passed, and the Vision blest
Was granted to my prayers,
That crowned me, else obscure, with endless fame;
The while amazed between
His Beauty and His Majesty
I stood in silent ecstasy
Revealing that which o'er my spirit went and came.
Lo, in His face commingled
Is every charm and grace;
The whole of Beauty singled
Into a perfect face
Beholding Him would cry,
'There is no God but He, and He is the most High. *
*Rābiʻa al-ʻAdawiyya al-Quaysiyya , Sufi saint and poet 717-801
For more information on her see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabia_Basri
Grazie Madagascar :)
Grazie di tutto cuore per i mille sorrisi, per una cordialitá e gentilezza che mi sono rimasti dentro, nel profondo :)... Gente MERAVIGLIOSA che vive valori che da noi stanno scomparendo.
Grazie per i paesaggi indimenticabili colorati e potenti, perché mi hai dato la possibilitá di emozionarmi fino alle lacrime.
The beauty of the land I had expected, but the gentle openheartedness and hospitality of the people took me by storm...
My advice is to see Madagascar before the Malagasy finish with it.
(Hilary Bradt)
E grazie a tutti voi che mi avete accompagnato col pensiero e mi avete aspettato. Vi abbraccio uno ad uno.
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved
When my pen pal's late mother's china was destroyed in a 2107 earthquake, she made lemonade from lemons and had some of the pieces made into jewelry. She was kind enough to give up a piece to me. <3
Just a post......the reason of sending warm greetings to you, my sweet friends and wish a peacful new day, where ever you are! ;-)
I can't say that I'm satisfied with it, but that's all about my lack of planning coupled with impatience/laziness. And, so. It will have to do.
Art pen(s) on Arches hot press watercolor paper (bad choice)
The Himba people are an ethnic group living in the northern part of Namibia. Since the Himba people breed cattle and goats, they where able to preserve their traditional way of living, and hence are nowadays the only remaining people in Namibia with a semi-nomadic pastoral way of living.
Meeting these open-hearted and friendly people opens up the eyes for the essential things of life.
In dedication to JANOID www.flickr.com/photos/janoid
For your deeply touching and heartfelt testimonial...
"Can miles truly separate us from friends?
If we want to be with someone we love, aren't we already there?"
- Richard Bach
At this point, it is impossible to write something without crying, so instead I would just like you to imagine the nicest person you know; then imagine that they are being abused. This is how I feel about the openhearted and gentle people that I had the opportunity to get to know during my 3-month stay in Burma.
If you are interested here is some background information on Burma:
www.burmawatch.org/aboutburma.html
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1300003...
Also an interesting article: Oil companies fuelling Burma's junta
Yeah Right! I'll get a tight slap for being cheap and frivolous if i ever pull a stunt like that and i would deserve it.Diamonds are a girl's best friend and will remain so till the end of time.She wont settle for anything less than a solitaire.
Jokes aside,it is believed by some/many that these stones have healing properties.According to some it has been scientifically proven that these stones could transmit energy and because of their properties,they have different healing effects too.These stones emit special invisible rays that affect mind and body in different ways.
No matter what stone you choose to use for healing, you can wear them in earrings, necklaces, rings and any kind of jewelry to always have them close.
Here is a list of some stones and their benefits
Ruby is an expensive brightly colored gemstone. It is a symbol of love and creates a feeling of love in your heart while making others openhearted. Ruby aids in releasing the fear in your heart. The red color rays emit from this stone
Aquamarine is a beautiful gemstone that holds the power of kindness and love. Wearing this gemstone allows those confused in their love relationships work through their anguish and pain. Its color ray is blue.
Amethyst helps people build their religious or divine faith. It serves two purposes. It cures stomach problems as well. The color ray it releases is purple
Rose Quartz aids those who have very little control over their emotions. It balances feelings
Typical openhearted hospitable inhabitant of the Greek mountains.
When I raised the camera, he asked me why would I want his photo.
He burst into laughter when I answered him that I will publish it on the Internet.
Please read this. It is important.
Charles Spurgeon:
This chapter speaks to many people who know nothing of peace, for “there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked” (Isa. 57:21). “The wicked is like the troubled sea, which cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.” I do not address this to you with any desire of making a false peace with your souls. Woe to the prophets who say, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace!” (Jer. 6:14). Rather let me, first of all, expose the warring state of your soul that is without peace.
O soul! You are at war with your conscience. You have tried to quiet it, but it will prick you. You have shut up the recorder of the town of Mansoul in a dark place, and you have built a wall before His door. Still, when he has His fits, your conscience will thunder at you and say, “This is not right; this is the path that leads to hell; this is the road to destruction.” Oh! there are some of you to whom conscience is like a ghost, haunting you by day and night. You know the good, though you choose the evil. You prick your fingers with the thorns of conscience when you try to pluck the rose of sin. To you the downward path is not an easy one; it is hedged up and ditched up. There are many bars and gates and chains on this road but you climb over them, determined to ruin your own souls.
Oh, there is war between you and conscience. Conscience says, “Turn,” but you say, “I will not.” Conscience says, “Alter this system of trade, it is cheating.” Conscience says, “Lie not one to another, for the Judge is at the door.” Conscience says, “Away with that drinking cup, it makes the man into something worse than a brute.” Conscience says, “Rip yourself from that unchaste connection, be done with that evil, bolt your door against lust;” but you say, “I will drink the sweet though it damns me. I will go still to my haunts, though I perish in my sins.”
There is war between you and your conscience. Still your conscience is God’s vicegerent in your soul. Let conscience speak a moment or two this morning. Fear him not, he is a good friend to you, and though he speak roughly, the day will come when you will know that there is more music in the very roarings of conscience than in all the sweet and enticing tones that lust adopts to cheat you to your ruin. Let your conscience speak.
But more, there is war between you and God’s law. The Ten Commandments are against you this morning. The first one comes forward and says, “Let him be cursed, for he denies me. He has another God besides me. His God is His belly; he yields homage to His lust.” All the Ten Commandments, like ten great cannons, are pointed at you today, for you have broken all God’s statutes, and lived in the daily neglect of all His commands.
Soul! You will find it a hard thing to go to war with the law. When the law came in peace, Sinai was completely in smoke, and even Moses said, “I do exceedingly fear and quake” (Heb 12:21). What will you do when the law comes in terror, when the trumpet of the archangel shall tear you from your grave, when the eyes of God will burn their way into your guilty soul, when the great books shall be opened, and all your sin and shame shall be published? Can you stand against an angry law in that day? When the officers of the law will come forth to deliver you up to the tormentors, and cast you away forever from peace and happiness, sinner, what will you do? Can you dwell with everlasting fires? Can you abide the eternal burning? Oh,
“agree with your adversary quickly, whiles you are in the way with him: lest at any time the adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. Verily I say unto you, you shalt by no means come out thence, till you have paid the uttermost farehing.” (Matt. 5:25-26)
But, sinner, do you know that you are this morning at war with God? He that made you and was your best friend you have forgotten and neglected. He has fed you, and you have used your strength against him. He has clothed you, — the clothes you have upon your back today are the garb of His goodness — yet, instead of being the servant of Him whose garments you wear, you are the slave of His greatest enemy. The very breath in your nostrils is the loan of His charity, and yet you use that breath perhaps to curse Him, or at the best, in lewdness or loose conversation, to do dishonor to His laws. He who made you has become your enemy through your sin, and you are still today hating him and despising His Word.
You say, “I do not hate him.” Soul, I charge you then, “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.” “No,” you say, “I cannot, I will not do that! “Then you hate Him. If you loved him, you would keep His great command. “His commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3), they are sweet and easy. You would believe in His Son if you did love the Father, for “everyone that loveth the Father loveth him also that is begotten of him” (1 John 5:1).
Are you at war with God in this way? Surely this is a sorry plight for you to be in. Can you meet Him who comes against you with ten thousand? Can you stand against Him who is Almightly, who makes heaven shake at His reproof, and breaks the crooked serpent with a word? Do you hope to hide from Him? “Can any hide in secret places, that I shall not see him? saith the Lord” (Jer. 23:24). Though you dive into the caverns of the sea, He will there command the crooked serpent, and it will bite you. If you make your bed in hell, He will find you out. If you climb to heaven, He is there. (Ps. 130:8). Creation is your prison house, and He can find you when He will. Or do you think you can endure His fury? Are your ribs of iron? Are your bones brass? If they are so, they will melt like wax before the coming of the Lord God of hosts, for He is mighty, and as a lion will He tear in pieces His prey, and as a fire will He devour His adversary, “for our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29).
This, then, is the state of every unconverted man and woman. You are at war with conscience, at war with God’s law, and at war with God himself. And, now, then, as God’s ambassadors, we come to talk of peace. I urge you to give heed. “As though God did beseech you by me, I pray you, in Christ’s stead, be you reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20).
Look and listen. It is Christ speaking to you now. I think I hear Him speak to some of you. This is the way He speaks, “Soul, I love you; I love you from my heart, I would not have you at enmity with my Father.” The tear proves the truth of what He states, while He cries, “How often would I have gathered you, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wing, but you would not” (Matt. 23:37). “Yet,” He says, “I come to treat with you of peace. Come, now, and let us reason together. (Isa. 1:18). I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (Isa. 55:3). Sinner,” He says, “you are bidden now to hear God’s note of peace to your soul, for thus it runs — ‘You are guilty and condemned; will you confess this? Are you willing to throw down your weapons now, and say, Almighty God, I yield, I yield, I would no longer be Your foe?’ If so, peace is proclaimed to you. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him turn unto the Lord, for he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (V. 7) Pardon is freely presented to every soul who sincerely repents of his sin; but that pardon must come to you through faith.
So Jesus stands here, points to the wounds upon His breast, and spreads His bleeding hands. He says, “Sinner, trust in me and live!” God no longer proclaims to you His fiery law, but His sweet, His simple gospel, which is “believe and live.” “He that believeth on the Son is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life” (vv. 14-15).
O soul! does the spirit of God move in you this morning? Do you say, “Lord, I would be at peace with you?” Are you willing to take Christ on His own terms in the matter, and give yourself up, body, soul, and spirit, to be saved by Him? Now, if my Master were here visibly, I think He would plead with you in such a way that you would say, “Lord, I believe; I would be at peace with you.” But even Christ Himself never converted a soul apart from the Holy Spirit, and even he as a preacher won not many to him, for they were hard of heart. If the Holy Ghost is present as you are reading this, He may as much bless you when I plead in Christ’s stead as though he pleaded Himself.
Soul! Will you have Christ or not? Young men, young women, you may never hear about this Word again. Will you die at enmity against God? You who are sitting there, still unconverted, you may never see tomorrow. Would you go into eternity “enemies to God by wicked works (Col. 1:21)?” Soul! will you have Christ or not? Say “No,” if you mean it. Say “No, Christ, I never will be saved by You.” Say it. Look the matter in the face. But I pray you do not say, “I will give no answer.” Come, give some answer this very moment — yes, this very moment. Thank God you can give an answer. Thank God that you are not in hell. Thank God that your sentence has not been pronounced — that you have not received what you have deserved. God help you to give the right answer!
Will you have Christ or not? “I am not fit.” There is no question of fitness; it is, will you have Him? “My heart is black.” He will come into your black heart and clean it. “Oh, but I am hard-hearted.” He will come into your hard heart and soften it. Will you have Him? You can have Him if you will. When God makes a soul willing, it is a clear proof that He means to give Christ to that soul, and if you are willing He is not unwilling. If He has made you willing, you may have Him. “Oh,” says one, “I cannot think that I might have Christ.” Soul, you may have Him now. Mary, he calls you! John, he calls you! Sinner, whoever you may be reading this, if there is a holy willingness towards Christ in your soul, or if there is even a faint desire towards Him, He calls you, He calls you! Oh, do not tarry, but come and trust in Him.
Oh, if I had such a gospel as this to preach to lost souls in hell, what an effect it would have upon them! Surely, surely, if they could once more have the Gospel preached in their ears, I think the tears would wet their poor cheeks, and they would say, “Almighty God, if we may but escape from Your wrath, we will lay hold on Christ.” But here it is preached among you, preached every day, until I fear you listen to it as an old, old story. Perhaps it is my poor way of telling it; but God knows, if we knew how to tell it better, we would do so. O my Master, send better ambassadors to people, if that will woo them. Send more earnest pleaders, and more tender hearts, if that will bring them to Yourself! But oh! bring them, bring them! Our hearts long to see them brought.
Sinner, will you have Christ or not? This morning is the time of God’s power to some of your souls, I know. The Holy Spirit is striving with some of you. Lord, win them, conquer them, overcome them! Do you say, “Yes, happy day! I want to be led in triumph, captive to my Lord’s great love?” Soul, it is done, if you believe. Trust Christ, and your many sins are all forgiven you. Cast yourself before His dear cross, and say —
“A guilty, weak, and helpless worm, Into your arms I fall;
Be you my strength and righteousness, My Jesus and my all.”
And if He rejects you, tell of it. If He refuses you, let us hear it. There was never such a case yet. He always has received those who come. He always will. He is an openhanded and an openhearted Savior.
O sinner, may God bring you to put your trust in Him once for all! Spirits above! Tune your harps anew. There is a sinner born to God this morning. Lead the song, O Saul of Tarsus! And follow the sinner with sweetest music, O Mary! Let music roll up before the throne today; for it is there that heirs of glory are born, and prodigals have returned! To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
Blenderでのモデリングに疲れてログインし、Katさんのお店にふらっと立ち寄りました。
行きたくなったのです。
疲れを癒してくれるかわいいものを探しに。
そしたらKatさんが登場！！！
気さくにお話してくれて、Blenderの操作に関するアドバイスまでしてもらいました！！
そしてBlenderでがんばる気が出たのでした。
Katさん、ありがとうございます！！
I was tired of modeling in Blender. And I was logged in to the SL.
And I was stopped by Kat0's shop.
I was felt like to go to her store.
I went to look for cute things that heals my tired.
And then Kat0san appeared! ! !
I was very surprised. No way I did not think she appears in front of me.
She did a openhearted talk. She gave me to advice on Blender of operations
And I got to hold on in Blender.! !
Kat0-san Thank you soooo much!
During my visit to an isolated mountain village in the island of Crete, I was welcomed by this hearty smiling face.
The hospitality of these highlanders is renowned.
It is impossible to leave their villages without accepting at least to drink with them a TSIKOUDIA.
TSIKOUDIA is a strong alcoholic drink made of distilling their excellent varieties of grapes from their mountain vineyards.
I loved her red hair and the flowers in it, I had to approach and get to know her. Sari is a curator working at the Helsinki City Museum. We met at the Book Fair.
"I was born in Helsinki 46 years ago, but I think age is just a row of numbers. It is your attitude that counts and how curious you are about people and great adventures that life offers every single day if you're just willing and openhearted to see.
"I used to have a long career in retail sales and in the cinema industry, however, eight years ago I had decided it was the right time for a change.
I had always been very interested in culture in all its forms and wanted to know more about it.
I decided to apply to Helsinki University to study cultural and art research and was so happy when I got in.
When I started my studies in the university, I didn't have any specific career in my mind, I just wanted to know more about things that interested me. After my freshman year I got a part-time job in Helsinki City Museum and then I knew right away that it was what I would want to do.
"I want to be part of an organization which makes personal stories and everyday life experiences of people living in Helsinki.
To begin with I worked at the customer service.
After I graduated, four years ago, M.A. in ethnology, I got a fulltime job and an opportunity to work with exhibitions. This is what I have been doing ever since.
"Although my work can be challenging and busy at times, it is exciting and surprising as well. I still love it.
"When I am not working I like to hang out with my friends and see rock concerts or movies, just simple things.
"My personal message would be: Live life to the fullest, it's better to burn than to fade away.
"Everyone has an opportunity to fall in love with Helsinki."
This is my 381st submission to The Human Family group.
Visit the group here to see more portraits and stories: www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily.
Magpie: *laughs softly, as she throws her arms around Kumi, whispers* “Thank you. I don’t want to go by myself, and I’m glad it’s you coming with me.”
Kumi: *returns the hug, resting her forehead against Mags’* “Flight attendants love me and always give me the good booze. You’re lucky to have me.”
Magpie (sincerely): “I am.”
Kumi: *bounces off the sofa* “Gotta go pack! Am I gonna be able to find anything in my closet?”
Magpie: “Erm, of course…as long as you don’t expect ‘anything’ to be where you left it last.”
Kumi: “Uck, faaaaantastic. I should take you before Judy Judy and demand satisfaction.” *bounds off towards the bedroom*
Magpie: *turns to look at Yuri, noticing her crestfallen expression* “You’re going to miss her terribly, and you feel left out because you cannot come, too.”
Yuri: *shrugs* “Kumi and I have spent time apart before, after college and before she and Simon married, but I have become accustomed to having her close. And I detest not being there for you, while you wait for Satoru. I feel as if I am not being a very good cousin.”
Magpie: *takes Yuri’s hand* “You’re not being a very good cousin. You are being the best cousin. Thank you for defending Satoru, even though you had every right not to like him, on principle, as Kumi said. You’re the most openhearted person I know, even if you do usually hide it under a mountain of arrogance.”
Yuri (haughtily): “Arrogance? I believe that word refers to unwarranted presumptions about a person’s superiority. My presumptions are not unwarranted, thus, I am not arrogant. I am merely superior. In all things. It is quite a burden, really.”
Magpie (gravely): “I can only imagine.”
Yuri & Magpie: *attempt to keep straight faces, but burst into laughter, hugging each other tightly*
Magpie: “Then Ru and I have your blessing?”
Yuri: *pulls back, eyes bright* “Yes. Now bring him home, so we can initiate him into the family properly.”
Magpie: “By teasing him unmercifully? I warn you that he is unflappable. Insults slide right off him, like eggs on Teflon.”
Yuri (blasé): “Oh, no matter. Kumi will find something.”
Magpie: *laughs, as hope blooms in her chest for the first time since Kumi’s bombshell* “Yes…yes, she usually does…”
Continued Tuesday after Next! I’m outta town next week…
Fashion Credits
**Any doll enhancements (i.e. freckles, piercings, eye color changes) were done by me unless otherwise stated.**
Yuri
Dress: Randall Craig RTW
Belt: IT – Nu.Face – Great Pretender Lilith
Shoes: IT – Nu.Face – You Look so Fine Erin
Ring: IT – Nu.Face – Mai Ouis Giselle
Industrial Orchid Choker: Knife’s Edge Designs (me)
Doll is Nu.Fantasy Little Red Riding Hood Yuri transplanted to a NuFace body.
Magpie
Jeans: Clear-lan
Top: JiaJiaDoll (etsy.com)
Vest: MGA – Bratz Boyz
Shoes: IT – Fashion Royalty – Going Public Eugenia
Sugar ‘n’ Spice Bracelets: Knife’s Edge Designs (me)
Doll is a Wild at Heart Lilith re-rooted by the outstanding valmaxi(!!!)
16.
Empty yourself of everything.
Let the mind become still.
The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.
They grow and flourish and then return to the source.
Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature.
The way of nature is unchanging.
Knowing constancy is insight.
Not knowing constancy leads to disaster.
Knowing constancy, the mind is open.
With an open mind, you will be openhearted.
Being openhearted, you will act royally.
Being royal, you will attain the divine.
Being divine, you will be at one with the Tao.
Being at one with the Tao is eternal.
And though the body dies, the Tao will never pass away.
— Lao Tzu
This woman with the openhearted smile belongs to the First Nations Aboriginal peoples of Canada.
Within Canada, "First Nations" (most often used in the plural) has come into general use, replacing the deprecated term "Indians", for the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
This very polite and helpful lady, is working in the maintenance of the 2.288 km, of the full of impressive landscapes and pristine wilderness legendary Alaska Highway, from Alberta-Canada to Alaska-USA, through British Columbia and Yukon.
TAO TE CHING - chapter 16
Empty yourself of everything.
Let the mind rest at peace.
The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.
They grow and flourish and then return to the source.
Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature.
The way of nature is unchanging.
Knowing constancy is insight.
Not knowing constancy leads to disaster.
Knowing constancy, the mind is open.
With an open mind, you will be openhearted.
Being openhearted, you will act royally.
Being royal, you will attain the divine.
Being divine, you will be at one with the Tao.
Being at one with the Tao is eternal.
And though the body dies, the Tao will never pass away.
~ by Lao Tzu - 5th Century BCE
Questions and Answers about Sabrina A. Parisi' New book Hollywood Favorite Pets
You know Hollywood closely – is it of any interest to you? Is it a fancy place like we, the common people imagine it, or is it a common place where people live like everybody else?
Yes you are right; I definitely live the Hollywood lifestyle. It’s an interesting circle of very creative and sometimes odd individuals with common interests. There is much competition but at the same time we are close to each other and try hard to create less stress or drama by protecting our self from outside sources. Meaning that we all know each other and soon or later any news is known and shared by everybody. Most of us, try to concentrate and focus in our projects and of course we have lots of events and lots of paparazzi and lots of everything that, sometimes it gets overwhelmed and I dream of a week in some peaceful island. One thing you may find remarkable is the fact that for our birthdays we usually have red carpets, press and paparazzi; then of course we still have the average cakes and candles to blow.
Why did you decide to uncover the secrets of the stars? Usually the world elite desires to be left alone, to be out of the lights? How did you convince them to participate?
It was easy. Pets are part of our life it is not different for the stars. We all are proud to own a pet and treat them as kids. Celebrities are not different! It’s not uncommon to meet with each other and start talking about something bizarre that happened because of them. And let me tell you, the celebrity pet life is something fascinating to be shared especially with the outside world. Thus since I love animals and I had this passion all my life I decided to collect all these stories and put them together. The result was amazing and humorous.
With whom out of the elite are you friends? What do you do together? Are there things that you’ve omitted for the readers? Why?
There is not really one particular person which I am closer friend than another one. We all know each other but most of us travel a lot, we participate to various media Hollywood events and so we really do not have time to get that “so called” close friendship. If I did omit something? Most likely I did but not entirely, after all this may be a first edition to be continued with another one so why unrevealed all the secrets… however, the reader needs to be prepared to some of the funniest and bizarre stories. I promise I collected the most peculiar confidences from the stars about their celebrity pets and it will be uncovered in this book “Hollywood Confidential”.
What’s your most exotic adventure with the stars?
I have a few. Last year Producer/Director Quentin Tarrantino and I got lost in the elevator of the Kodak Theater after an academy awards party going from the venue to the car garage (several levels of garage!). No, we were not together but happened to dance all night and left almost at the same time which it looked suspicious. Considering that it was almost 1:00 in the morning and we were the only two people lost in the garage, well, to me that was pretty exotic! Little to say, my painful high shoes were less exotic! It took us hours to find the right level garage going back and forth in the huge building and the funny thing we had the cars parked one close to the other one. We kept hitting each other from one level to another of the big building … “Hi” and we said that “Hi” at least 100 times with a laughing and crying result.
But as far as wilder and more exotic adventures I have a lot and some of them have been filming and they are going to be release in my next TV venture.
Your house, your clothes, your car, your favorites – are these of those who you write for, or is it your individual style?
I confess, I love fast exotic, expensive cars. I am also addicted to shoes I may have thousands by Galliano, Dior, Cavalli, Chanel etc…. My shoes-walking closets are huge. I grow up by attending some of the most amazing fashion shows both in Italy and France. My mom was an addicted of it and of course I proudly inherit the same addiction. I have been told that there is not vaccination for this addiction! Being exposed to all of this I started developing my own style. Last year I began my own fashion line called Froganizer. This is a unique, young and very colorful line for everybody people. My models are average girls and women, not top model. I recently was attacked and criticized by some European media who complained about the “average” look of my models not my fashion line! Well, I’m asking to you, how many top models do you see walking into a bar or going to work or to school? Not too many. So my line is for everybody woman and girl… I consider myself one of them.
How did the Froganizer line started?
That’s was funny. I started this venture by chance. Last summer I went to Italy and I had this romantic date dinner in this amazing area called the Cilento, it is in South Italy. I was very excited as I really cared about this person and wanted to impress him. But I was not aware that that morning my youngest daughter had put a frog inside my purse. So in the middle of this dinner the frog jumped out my LV, hitting the center of the table and shocking my date. It was awful and hilarious at the same time. You’ll say “Kiss the Frog.. it will turn into a Prince” right? Well, my Prince run away as fast as he could leave me instead with a stupid frog. So, with so much disappointment I went back to the States and started writing a short weekly story about a panther and a frog “The Panther and the Stupid Frog”. The short tail was an internet hit and I started receiving so many emails about it. Later I created my first Frog mascots Dr Frog, a toy frog I introduced to the red carpets starting my new TV reality venture and having the shocking expression of the starlets and paparazzi when I asked them to kiss it. Dr Frog became very popular puppet among the Hollywood scene. When I finally decided to introduce my fashion line to the world, I called it Froganizer (a frog womanizer). My Froganizer line has been successful shown in several catwalks and famous Hollywood venues. I am now ready to launch it internationally.
You are part of the world highlife. Why did you abandon acting for TV shows and reporting?
I never considering myself an actress neither a reporter; I am a personality. I love to create thru my writings and art and produce TV series. I like to interact with people and since I live here moth of these people are celebrities and popular personalities this is why I became a celebrity reporter. I have been writing for several magazines and newspaper and of course I love it. I definitely choose TV rather than theater; I mean, the majority of people have TV at home, you don’t go to the theater every single day, right? But most of all I like the real life with the real dramas and adventures… reality and lifestyle, let’s say. I like to picture r snap the real expression and mood of each individual in weird situations and candid scene. I enjoyed my work for Nova Television and I wish I had more control of the final product, my choice would have been the adventurous, unpredictable, and odd and craziness of the Hollywood you never seen before. The behind the smog and the statuettes… the real Hollywood life!
About acting, I must admit that I recently received 2 very interesting movies offers and I am quite considering accepting the roles.
If you had to imagine yourself as a picture, what elements would be present?
My pink Cartier Pasha. I love my watches and I have a huge collection of Cartier.
Is the Italian origin of help or is it a setback – the Italians are warm, openhearted people. What about the Americans? The zodiac sign Aries – helping or pronging?
Seems like most of the people that I ever met loves Italians so it really helped me. I am the typical Italian bold woman, sometimes people have this misconception of my innocent look with sweet face, no, don’t mess up with me and don’t offend my intelligence. I’m a hard worker and have goals in life; I expect others to respect me for that!
My zodiac signs Aries talks about being impulsive,impatient, adventurous, energetic, pioneering, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, dynamic and quick-witted, … I am all of it and more. But most of all I am a very happy and positive person. I trust people and believe in friendship. I give my life to a friend but again, the friend needs to be honest and ethical otherwise I cut it out totally. I don’t judge people for money or power but for their insider and knowledge and I get very intrigued by people’s intelligence. I’m very upfront to everybody and very direct. In a simple note, I am more a leader than a follower.
Do you open the piano when you are sad? What do you play to yourself?
I play the piano but mostly I start drawing and writing. I also listen to some melodic, sentimental Italian music like Claudio Baglioni or Eros Ramazotti and I unleash my sadness. However, as I previously said I am a happy individual so sadness does not last that long. It seriously takes very little to make me laugh again.
With what did Bulgaria get to you?
With its amazing welcoming! With its people, its art, music, culture and food of course. I spent a beautiful time in your Country and I am looking to visit it again. And let me add, in my first visit in Bulgaria I received a beautiful hand decorated mummer’s (Kouker’s) mask. This mask is displayed in my kitchen’s wall close to my favorite coco clock from Germany and so as you can see I have Bulgaria in my heart and in my house.
Your grandmother has roots from Bulgaria – the motherland of the white brined cheese. Who taught you to eat cheese?
My grandmother is from Eastern Europe but her family moved to Italy so long time ago that we are not sure if they really had Bulgarian roots. I can tell you, that people always told me that I look quite one, and to me it has been a compliment as Bulgarian women are very beautiful. Yes, I love feta cheese but not only that, last time I came to Bulgaria I gained so much weight, and the food was amazing.
Dogs are your companion, partner or? How do you manage to part with some of them so they become pets of your clients like Brad Pit, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Hom Penks, George Lucas. Do you visit them? Are they taking good care of them?
I grow up with animals so they are a complete part of my life. My dogs gave me so much satisfaction as pets but also as champion dogs and in the entertainment industry. I do not have too many litters per year and I am very picky when choosing my clients. I said NO and refused to sell dogs to many well known celebrities simple because I thought they could not proper taking care of them. To me it is important that my animals will be very well taking care and spoiled. And yes, I definitely keep in contact with them.
Life is awfully hard yet you live so colorfully. How do you make it such? With what do you paint the everyday life of the crisis?
As I mentioned before I am a hard worker. Sometime people buy just the Hollywood smog, meaning they think that just because I live in this part of the world everything is easier, shinier and better, like living a constant fairytale. I guess my positivity helps me a lot. I believe in good energy and that the good energy will only bring good things.
Are you vain? Which of your vices will you admit?
Ok, seriously find me a woman that is not vain or at least a little vain! I am vain but not in the obsessed way, I like to receive attention. I don’t ask every single morning to my mirror: “Mirror, mirror of the wall/ Who in the HollywLand is fairest of all?". To me beauty is not the solely and most important factor key of success and life; and I don’t get offended if someone would say: “You are not pretty to me!”. But I would definitely get offended if someone would tell me: “You are stupid and unknowledgeable!”. Why, well beauty is in the eye of the beholder, yes it helps but in my opinion who succeed in life are those individuals that have the right personality and knowledge. My vanity is more intellectual than anything else; I like to challenge people with my facts, talking and traits and I like to receive other’s people input. I ask for attention and focus. I am a huge talkative so if you ever meet me in person be prepared to my non-stop chatting. So, would you call that a vain?
I had an amazing time yesterday while shooting performances of "Clowns without borders" for UNiCEF in Kyiv. These guys have been to 15 different cities of eastern Ukraine, where currently are many homeless and temporarily displaced people because of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
It was such an honor to spend time with such passionate and openhearted people even just for a little.
Today is the last day of my crowdfunding campaign! I have bought a new lens today, finally, and it was possible because of your donations. I've been shooting with the same 50mm lens for more than 4 years.
You contribute to my photography education by following the link down below.
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Mr,Samsfadil has created these beautiful Logoes for me.
Mr.Samesfadil is a simple,peaceful,altruist,sensible,active,cheerful,generous,delicate,gentle,good-natured,openhearted,handsom,prosperous man from m e c c a.
His photostream link is
‘’MAULANA NIZAMI: FROM A STUDENT LEADER TO A LEADER OF MASS MOVEMENT’’
Introduction:
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The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami is a worldreputed leader of Islamic movement. His pioneering role in the struggle for democracy of the country will be remembered in the decades of to come. He has always been at the forefront of many popular movements risking his life including movement for Islamic education, antidictatorship movement, and movement for the introduction of the caretaker government. Because of this, he has been a subject of torture and repression. There have been many attempts of assassination. But by the grace of the Almighty, he always returned among the people. Being a victim of the fascist Awami League government, he is now made confined into the walls of prison.
While leaving from a meeting at the Press Club, police arrested him in a case related to socalled hurting religious sentiments on 29 June, 2010. He was tortured in detention in a series of false and baseless cases. Maulana Nizami has so far been implicated in 11 harassing cases. 10 trucks arms case of Chittagong, three cases in the Paltan thana of capital, one case in Ramna thana, one in Uttara thana, one in Kadamtali thana, Faruq murder case of Rajshahi, so-called ‘hurting religious sentiment’ case, and one case each in Pallabi and Keranigang. Among them, the two cases filed in Pallabi and Keraniganj have been transferred into the International Crimes Tribunal. This, one of the top leaders of the Four Party Alliance, was placed on 24-day remand under these cases. In addition, by the order of the Tribunal he was taken for a day to a so-called safe-home in Dhanmondi where he was psychologically tormented.
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 framed charges against Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami on so-called ‘crimes against humanity’ on 28 May 2012. Terming these allegations as politically motivated, he categorically said on that day that he was only framed in those false and concocted cases because of his ‘crime’ of connection with Jamaat-e-Islami.
After bringing these false and concocted allegations by the government against Maulana Nizami, the mass people of his constituency in Santhi and Bera area of Pabna district are also annoyed. People of his constituency said, “He was not seen in the area during the whole time of liberation war in 1971.
There is no question of committing crime by him at that time. Maulana Nizami was implicated because of political vengeance.” Maulana Nizami was first elected the member of the parliament (MP) in 1991. After he was re-elected the member of the parliament in 2001, he successfully discharged his duty firstly as minister of agriculture and then minister of commerce. Soon after he was elected for the first time, Maulana Nizami started development activities of economically backward area of Santhia and Bera. Because of him, not only Santhia and Bera but also whole Pabna district has turned into a modern city.
The government has, in reality, taken up the ‘war crime’ and ‘crime against humanity’ issue as quelling political opponents. There have been growing criticisms against the laws and rules enacted to conduct this tribunal. Experts from home and abroad have raised questions regarding its transparency and credibility. Many individuals from international community and international organizations have given their opinions regarding this, including Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues of the US President Stephen J Rapp, the largest global body of lawyers International Bar Association, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. The government has not paid heed to this; rather sometimes it claims that this is domestic tribunal, sometimes it says it is an international tribunal, other times it claims that it a national tribunal of international standard. Moreover, legal experts have clearly declared, this tribunal does not have domestic standard, nor does it have international standard; and neither it is possible for this tribunal to preserve the smallest rights of a citizen.
There was example of repression against and crack-down on Islamic movements, in various forms. Attempts have been made time and again to stop the struggle for Islam. No amount of repression could stop the onward march of Islamic movement so far; neither could it do in future insha-Allah.
Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami is not merely an individual; he is the voice of religion loving people of this country, a popular leader, a torch bearer of global Islamic movement. He has continued his lifelong endeavour in the notion of the well being of the people of Bangladesh with his integrity, clear thinking and deep patriotism.
Career Highlights
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- Current Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
- Elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) two times (1991–1996) and (2001–2006).
- Minister of the government of Bangladesh (2001–2006).
- Successful Minister of Agriculture (2001–2003).
- Successful Minister of Industries (2003–2006).
- President of East Pakistan Islami Chhatra Sangha (1966–1968).
- Elected President for two terms of All Pakistan Islami Chhatra Sangha (1969–September 1971).
- Kamil (equivalent to Masters) in Islamic jurisprudence [Placed Second in the First Class].
- Dhaka University Graduate.
- Prominent Islamic scholar, writer of 54 books on various issues.
- Placed among the top 50 most influential Muslims of the world in 2009 by an international institute “The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre”.
Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami in the Student Islamic Movement
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By accepting the invitation of Islami Chhatra Sangha in 1961, he started to play an active role in student movement. At that time, madrasah students were voicing their demands. That movement spread in the year 1962–1963. A student of the Kamil final year, Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami led that student movement for the legitimate demands of the students. In the year 1963–1964, the then regime of Ayub Khan started careful vigilance on Chhatra Sangha. To strangle the Islamic movement, the government banned the Jammat-e-Islami on 6 January 1964. However, the activists of the Islamic movement declined to yield to conspiracies and repressive policies of the government and continued the political activities through COP, DAC and PDM.
Role of Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami in Mass Movement and in the introduction of the caretaker government
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Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami played a pioneering role in every mass movement in the post-liberation of Bangladesh. Maulana Nizami strongly led the mass movement that emerged in 1982–1990 against the then dictatorial regime. Therefore, he was a victim the animosity of the authoritarian regime on several occasions. Because of his bold leadership there was strong resistance against the dictatorial regime. The nation was relieved from that repressive regime in 1990. There was free and fair elections in 1991 under the caretaker government that was put in place according to the formula prescribed by Jamaat-e-Islami. That election was hailed home and abroad. To keep up this practice of free and fair elections, Maulana Nizami, as the leader of parliamentary party of Jammat-e-Islami, placed a bill to include of the system of caretaker government in the constitution. Afterwards, because of the important role played by Jamaat-e-Islami both inside and outside the parliament, the system of the caretaker government was included in the constitution.
Between 1996 and 2001, the unyielding role of Maulana Nizami against the fascist regime of Awami League infused new life to the nation. Because of his constant endeavour the Islamic and nationalists forces were united against the repressive regime of Awami League. Maulana Nizami played a memorable role against myriad subversive activities of Awami League including ruining Islam and beliefs of the Muslims, introduction of idol, conspiracy to ban madrasah education, repression of the opposition parties under the guise of infamous Indemnity Ordinance, signing of the Chittagong Peace Accord against the sovereignty and national integrity, farce in the name of Ganges water sharing treaty.
Leading funeral prayers of slain student Asad in anti Ayub movement
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During the movement against Ayub, an activist of Student Union Asad was slain. Despite ideological differences, Maulana Nizami attended the funeral service of Asad. When the student leaders requested him, he led the funeral prayers. This shows political differences, at personal level; Maulana Nizami was respected by all as a student leader.
Joining Jamaat-e-Islami and served as the Secretary General for 12 years
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After completing student life, Maulana Nizami joined Jamaat-e-Islami in 30 September 1971. Gradually he served as the Ameer of Dhaka city and member of the Central Working Council from 1979–1982. He was selected the Assistant Secretary General of the party in 1983 and remained in that position up to 1988. Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami served as the Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami for 12 long years from 1988–2000.
Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami as the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami
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Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami was elected the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami on 19 November 2000. He was elected the Ameer for the third time in 2003. Currently, he holds this esteemed position.
Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami as the top leader of the Four-party Alliance
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Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami is one of the top leaders of the four-party alliance that was united against the oppressive rule of Awami League that rode on the shoulders of the nation in 1996. The four-party alliance won two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections in 2001 and formed the government. Thwarting all plots and conspiracies, the strong role played by Maulana Nizami is well-known in strengthening the four-party alliance and keeping it unscathed. The mass people have enormous faith in the bold leadership of Maulana Nizami as a top leader of the four-party alliance.
Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami in the National Parliament
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Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami was elected the Member of Parliament in the 5th national elections in 1991 from Pabna-1 constituency (Santhia-Bera). He will be remembered in the political history of Bangladesh for his constructive, responsible and strong role in the parliament. Argumentative and informative speeches of Maulana Nizami in the parliament on various issues drew attention of many. At that time he was a member of four different important parliamentary committees. It should be mentioned that, the people of Santhia-Bera constituency elected Maulana Nizami a Member of Parliament in 2001 for the second time. As the parliamentary leader of Jamaat-e-Islami and a senior minister of the government he played more effective and stronger role in the parliament than before.
Maulana Nizami is against extremism in the name of Islam
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When the four-party alliance was successfully moving forward with the task of strengthening the economic backbone of the country and achieved success in clamping down on terrorism, right at that time an anti-Islam anti-Bangladeshi quarter orchestrated bomb attacks across the country. But Islam never endorses the extreme way of violence. However, that quarter premeditatedly perpetrated the attack to stigmatize Islam and to obstruct the course of development of the country. By the grace of Allah Almighty, a determined role played the four-party alliance government, Jamaat-e-Islami and its Ameer Maulana Nizami as well as the stance of the leading religious leaders of the country against extremism, the mask of these bomb attackers and its perpetrators was revealed before the nation.
Maulana Nizami in international politics
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As the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and important minister of the Government of Bangladesh, Maulana Nizami has a good connection with international politics. His role in many important international issues has been lauded. Maulana Nizami has participated in various international conferences and played strong role in the many international issues.
Role of Maulana Nizami in islamisation of education and in development of madrasah education
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Maulana Nizami played a sincere and responsible role in reforming the prevailing nationwide education system as well as development of madrasah education system. His role in the historic decision of the four-party alliance government to recognise Qoumi madrasah giving equivalent degrees as well as recognising the degrees of Fazil and Kamil by is known to all.
Maulana Nizami as a writer and thinker
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Despite serving responsibilities of the party and other political engagement, Maulana Nizami has played a significant role Islamic literary work and research. Maulana Nizami had a inclinations towards writing since his young age. He used to write regularly in magazines while he was a student of madrasah. His significant write-ups used to appear in annual Ovijan magazine published from Pabna. He used to regularly write for the Daily Azad, Khelaghar of the Daily Sangbad, Kachi Kachar Mela of the Daily Ittefaq. His writings also appeared in the Kishor Kafela of the Daily Millat. His creative and research-based writings drew attention of all. He earned reputation as a writer and Islamic thinker from his student life. He wrote for the Daily Sangram for many years.
Role of Nizami in maintaining healthy environment in educational institutions and bare attack on him
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Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami is not merely an individual, he is also an institution. Because of his strong role in the Islamic Movement, the anti-Islamic quarter hatched many plots against him. In order to ensure a healthy environment for education and to stop terror and violence in Dhaka University, the Vice Chancellor of called a meeting with the leaders of various political parties in 1991. Being invited, Maulana Nizami also attended the meeting. He was premeditatedly attacked at that time. He was heavily injured and was cured after a long phase of treatment.
By the clear order of the last repressive Awami League government, the Awami-police-force showed the audacity of beating up a veteran and senior leader like him with a baton in front of the national press club. But no amount of threat, injury and attack could make him hesitate. Because, no conspiracy can weaken the determination of someone whose sole purpose is the satisfaction of Allah.
Successful Minister of Agriculture Maulana Nizami
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The four-party alliance formed the government after winning the parliamentary election with an overwhelming two-thirds majority. Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami assumed the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture of the government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. He set a unique example of in reforming the corruption-laden ministry and by executing various development oriented activities as well as service to the nation. The following parts highlight some of the activities of Maulana Nizami as the Minister of Agriculture:–
Food Production: Increased by 7 lac Metric Tonn
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Despite the fact that one lac 24 thousand hectare of lands of crops was devastated by flood and cyclones in the year 2001–2002, but the production of Boro paddy increased by 7 lac metric tonn compared to the year 2000–2001.0
House of Farmer a Farmhouse: Epoch-making Programme by Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami
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The then Minister of Agriculture Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami took up a programme called “house of farmer is a farmhouse” with the aim of meeting the demands of own nutrition by turning every household of farmers into a farmhouse, ensuring extra income and self-dependence. The practice exists to date.
Strengthening the Seeds Wing of BADC: A Unite Decision
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To meet the local demands of high quality seeds, the then Minister of Agriculture Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami took up an effective initiative to increase the amount of base seeds and licensed seeds by BADC.
Promotion of Agriculturist and Agricultural Scientists: What Generous Does
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While he was the Minister of Agriculture, Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami resolved the long long-clogged promotion problems of various research institutes and Department of Agricultural Extension. Besides, he regularized the jobs of many third and fourth class employees. Because of his generous heart, he took up these initiatives.
Extensive Visit at the root levels: Revolution in Agriculture Sector
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As the Minister of Agriculture Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami brought life to the agricultural extension workers, scientists and farmers by his extensive visit at the grass root levels. As a result, a revolution was brought about in the agriculture sector.
Plantation of Fruit-trees: Something that No One Did before
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According to the will of Maulana Nizami, fruit tree plantation, for the first time, was separately prioritized in the National Tree Plantation Programme and the programme was celebrated for weeks. This programmes is in existence to date.
Changing the Designation of Block Supervisor: A Successful Initiative
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During the tenure of the Maulana Nizami the initiative of changing the designation of bloc supervisors to Sub-assistant Officers was taken.
Soil Quality Testing: A Smart Initiative
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While he was the Minister of Agriculture Maulana Nizami took the initiative to expand the activities of the Soil Resource Development Institute. As a result of which, it was possible to test soil quality across the country and a manual for land and soil resources was prepared for the Upazila level.
Increase Production of Maize and Jute: Compassion for Farmers
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Maulana Nizami gave directions take up necessary programmes to massively increase the cultivation of maize and jute. As a result, plenty of maize and jute are being cultivated in the country at present. At that time, the farmers also received justified price for those two types crops.
Expanding the Activities of Barendra Multipurpose Authority
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In line with the directions of Maulana Nizami the activities of Barendra Multipurpose Authority was expanded to other parts of the northern districts going beyond Rajshahi, Naogaon and Chapainawabganj.
Successful Minister of Industries Maulana Nizami
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As a result of restructuring of the Ministry of Agriculture and huge success in that ministry, the former prime minister of Bangladesh deshnetri Khaledia Zia assigned Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami to Ministry of Industries to revive and accelerate the rundown and controversial industries sector. As for the Ministry of Agriculture, Maulana Nizami also took initiatives to speed up and modernize the Ministry of Industries. Some of his success stories are highlighted below:–
Introduction of New Industries Policy
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A new industries policy was introduced in 2005 for the development of the industries sector.
SME Policy Strategy Taken Up
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The SME Policy Strategy was taken up in 2005 for prompt development of small and medium sized industries. Growth in the Industries Sector Reached to 10.45 per cent In the fiscal year 2001–2002 the growth rate for the industries sector was 5.49 per cent which reached to 10.45 per cent in the fiscal year 2005–2006.
Freely Distribution of Fertilizers
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In the last five years, uninterrupted production, import and distribution of fertilizers were ensured.
Two New Fertilizers Factory Established
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To meet the demands of mixed fertilizers in the country, two new fertilizer factories of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP–1) and Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP–2) were established in Chittagong with the daily production capacity of four hundred metric tons.
Opening Closed Industries
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Closed caustic chlorine plant of Karnaphuli Paper Mills (KPM), Khulna hardboard mills and Rangpur sugar mill were reopened.
Setting up Industries City: A Revolutionary Step
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In order to improve the environment of Dhaka city the tannery industries of Hazaribagh was moved to Savar where a new tannery industries city was set up. In addition to that, plans were taken to set up separate pharmaceuticals industries, plastic industries and automobile workshop cities.
Approximately Tk.70 Crore Profit in Sugar Industries
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Bangladesh Sugar & Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) in the sugarcane cultivation season of the year 2005–2006 made Tk.70 crore of profit for the second time in the last 17 years.
Employment Generation for One Lac 32 Thousand Three Hundred 75 Persons
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BSCIC generated employments for one lac 32 thousand three hundred 75 person including 90 thousand two hundred 97 persons in small industries sector and 42 thousand in the cottage industries the year 2005–2006.
Increased Export Income from Small and Cottage Industries Sectors
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BSCIC industries units produced products worth 11 thousand 39 crore taka in the fiscal year 2004–2005, and among them products worth three thousand six hundred crore were exported.
Salt Production: Highest Record so far
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Against the demand of 11 lac metric ton salt in the country, 15 lac 75 thousand metric tons of salt was produced in the year 2005–2006 exceeding the local demand which is the highest record so far.
Modernization of BSTI: An Initiative Praised by All Quarters
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The country-wide campaign anti-adulteration drive is strengthened in order to prevent duplicate products and adulteration under the auspices of BSTI which was greeted by all irrespective of political differences. In order to strengthen and modernize BSTI a project was implemented.
Formation of Food Fortification Alliance
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In order to enrich flour and edible oil with vitamin A, Bangladesh Food Fortification Alliance was formed.
Formation of National Accreditation Board
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National Accreditation Board was formed in order to receive recognition of different international standardization and certification authorities for different Bangladeshi products, industries and services and to prevent adulteration and duplicate products.
Preservation of Patent: A Constructive Step
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In order to preserve national patents, the current patent office and trademarks registry office has been merged and new patent, design and trademarks department has been formed.
Productions in Various Organizations: Reaching the Target
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In the last fiscal year 2005–2006, Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC), and Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) produced beyond their targets.
This is how he spent five years in serving the people thorough transparency, accountability and efficiency giving his fullest intelligence and abilities. But now he is incarcerated into the four walls of prison because of heinous political vengeance.
Maulana Nizami in Development of Pabna
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55 Villages and 27 Thousand Acres Land of Crops Saved by Jamuna Embankment Protection Project worth 250 Crore Taka
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The scenario of Bera-Santhia has changed with the touch of Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami. He is the mastermind behind the development of Santhia-Bera. Because of his initiative and his direction, alongside massive development of schools, colleges and madrasahs, many roads and highways as well as bridges and culvert have been constructed. Everywhere there is his touch. The people of Santhia-Bera are surprised by unimaginable development. Not only Bera and Santhia, he has unique contribution in the overall development of Pabna. By implementing Jamuna Embankment Protection Project worth 250 crore taka, he contributed by saving 55 villages and 27 thousand acres land of crops.
Touch of Development Everywhere in Road and Highways
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Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and former minister Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami brought about revolutionary changes in the communications sectors of his constituency. Neglected
roads and highways received the touch of development. There were so roads and highways that were not touched by modernization. Because of continuous development, it is now difficult to separate Santhia-Bera from Paurashavas. Apart from the development scenarios performed by him, there is a little left to mention. He developed hundreds of miles of roads.
Construction of Educational Institutes Turned Santhia-Bera into an Educational Town
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Maulana Nizami has mentionable contribution in education sector development. He has inclination for education and therefore, he built many schools, colleges and madrasahs to present an educated nation. He supported many educational programmes. In addition to government fund, he built educational infrastructure with private grants and took initiatives to reform hundreds of neglected educational institutions. As the result, neglected Santhia-Bera was turned into a town of education. Pabna became enlightened. No one ever imagined that those tin-shed schools and colleges and madrasahs will become buildings within such a short
time. Now, there is no educational institute in Santhia-Bera where the touch of development by Nizami cannot be seen. Not only his constituency, there is a touch of development in other Upazilas of Pabna as well.
High Quality Medical Treatment and Massive Change in Healthcare
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Maulana Nizami brought total change in the backward healthcare sector of Santhia-Bera. There was a time when people of these areas had no other option other than going to Pabna General Hospital or Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for petty medical treatments. Because the only two Health Complex in Bera and Santhia was in rundown condition. The number of seats was also very limited. Because of unavailability of seat there, patients had to stay and take treatment in the porch. Doctors were not available when required. Many critical patients died while transferring to remote hospitals as local ones lacked emergency medical equipments. Because of Nizami’s contribution, the number of seats, doctors and span of healthcare services increased in those two hospitals; ambulance has been added. Besides, the victims would lose everything before the firefighters could reach from 40 kilometers away from Pabna, if there was any incident of fire. Maulana Nizami set up a fire service which was a local demand for a long time. Thus, Maulana Nizami has acquired a place in the hearts of the people of Santhia and Bera. Visiting the area it was learnt that popular leader of neglected Santhia and Bera area Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami actually started working to reduce the hardship when he was elected the Member of Parliament for the first time. The activities speeded up when he became a Minister.
Setting Rare Examples in Social Development
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The role that Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami played in social development, has broken the previous records. There is no such mosque, maktab, temple, graveyard, Eid ground, playing field, clubs, societies and library that did not receive grants from Maulana Nizami. He developed these institutions through governmental and non-governmental organizations including TR and Food for Work project. He never considered political affiliation while endowing grants to these institutions. He engaged in the development activities by collecting information on his own. There were such incidents when people hesitated to come to him for grant because of opposing political ideologies, in such cases, he gave them grant by calling them up.
Meeting Long Time Demands of People of Pabna by Constructing Modern Circuit House, Auditorium and Judge Court Building
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Not only Santhia and Bera, Maulana Nizami has worked hard for the development of the whole Pabna district. He engaged in various development activities even before demanded by the local people. He has relentlessly worked to make Santhia i.e. Pabna a model. He created a new trend in development by constructing court in the district town to speed up the trail process, and by building modern auditorium and circuit house. Something the local people never imagined. Because of these developments, his name is uttered in all quarters of Pabna.
Extending Hands of Assistance for Everyone Regardless of Religious Belief and Political Affiliation
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Not only Santhia and Bera, Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami was openhearted with regard the people of Pabna. He extended his hand for all regardless of political affiliation and religious belief. No one returned from him empty-handed. He stood by the people of his locality from young age during their happiness and sorrow; he extended his hand of assistance. He never differentiated based on Muslim, Hindhu, Buddhist and Christian identity while helping people. Especially, he has respected freedom fighters very much. He provided employment for many destitute freedom fighters. He played a strong role in fighting terrorism.
Former convener of Pabna district Muktijoddha Sangsad and brave freedom fighter Shamsul Alam says, Nizami always respects the freedom fighters. While he was an MP, he used to respect freedom fighters when they visited him. He never refused if he could assist them in any way. He built an office for the freedom fighters in Santhia spending eight lac taka. Before that, applications were submitted to many for its renovation. But no one came to help. However, Nizami constructed the building for freedom fighters when help was sought from him. I believe that the freedom fighters of Santhia will remember that forever.
Former Member Secretary of Pabna district Muktijoddha Command Council and brave freedom fighter Ahmad Shafiq said, the things that were done during his tenure were not done in the times of other ministers or MPs. He erected a building for the freedom fighters in Santhia alone spending eight lac taka. The freedom fighters of Santhia gather there. As far as I know, Nizami generated employment for many freedom fighters and helped them with cash.
Former Vice President (VP) of RUCSU (Rajshahi University Central Student Union) elected from Chhatra League and fellow freedom fighter Abdul Wadud Khan says, “no matter what ideology I belong to, there is no harm in saying the truth. Mr. Nizami is a very good man. There is great scarcity of such good persons like him in our country. He has respected and helped freedom fighters. I have heard that he bought cycle-rickshaw and cycle-van to many destitute freedom fighters.”
Two times elected former chairman of Bera Upazila and a freedom fighter Md. Rowshan Ali said in an interview with the Daily Sangram before he passed away, “regardless of what ideology I subscribe to, to tell the truth, he is a superman. He is an honest and spiritual person. He respects us a lot. When going past us, he pulls over his vehicle and show us respect.”
Former chairman of Jatsakhini union and freedom fighter MA Gani Fakir says, “I was stationed at the Nagarbari ghat. Nizami has honoured me a lot after I was introduced with him. In fact, he is a real gentleman. If there were 50 persons like him in the country and if those 50 persons were given the responsibility of running 50 ministries of the government, then, this country would turn into a gold mine.”
Brave freedom fighter Advocate Hamidur Rahman says, “Mr. Nizami respects us a great deal. He is a liberal person. There is no such case that someone went to him for help and he refused them. He has helped many freedom fighters with cash in their daughters’ wedding, generated employment and assisted in medical treatment and building their houses. In my knowledge, he bought a vehicle to destitute freedom fighter of Sonatala village of Santhia. He is really a good man. I don’t know if a good person like him would born in Pabna again.”
Maulana Nizami extended his helping hand during the need of Hindus.
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Maulana Nizami gave grants to Kali temple of Bongaon and endowed grants in the construction of many Hindu temples including Sonatola temple, Santhia temple, Karmoja Rishibari, Ataikula Haribari Kali temple and Madhpur Kali temple. Besides, he personally helped during the daughter’s wedding of Kala Kundu of Chhachania bazaar, constructed house for Nimai Ghosh of Sonatola, Kanai Pal, Nipin Pal, Poriksha Haldar and Golok Ghosh, financially helped Haripad Saha, Kartik Saha and Narayan Saha of Bongram as well as Sri Ranjit Kumar Saha of Monmothpur.
Sri Ranjit Kumar Saha of Monmothpur says, “regardless of what religious faith I have I cannot tell lie. I cannot forget the favour of Nizami. I was neither minister nor MP at that time. I was in great trouble with my brother. At that time the Minister from Santhia was Prof Abu Sayeed. First, I went to him for assistance. But the turned me down without any help. I returned home with great despair. Then, someone suggested me to go to Dhaka to meet Nizami and told me to introduce myself to see if he can do something for me. According to his advice I went to Dhaka and told him about my problem. He (Nizami) made a phone call and managed free eye treatment where I was likely to pay one lac taka. Truly, Nizami is a good person. I shall tell the truth, I don’t care if the folks of my religion cremate my dead body or lay on the ground.”
The President of Bangram Banik Samiti Haripad Saha became destitute when his shops were burnt in fire. Maulana Nizami rushed from Dhaka and financially helped him including Kartik Saha, Narayan Saha. Haripad Saha said at that time, “I had no idea about Nizami. But we cannot forget the way he extended his helping hand during our hard time. He is truly an altruistic person. We pray to Bhagwan [God in Hinduism] for him.”
Arrest, Remand and other forms of Repression
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Arrest
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Some media distorted a report of speeches of a seminar arranged by Chhatra Shibir on Quran Day on 29 June 2010. Revolving this incident, a case was filed on so-called hurting religious sentiments. Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami including Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami were charged in that case. It should be mentioned that none of these leaders were present in that meeting. However, a metropolitan magistrate's court issued arrest warrant against them in that so-called case.
Within hours police arrested three top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami including Motiur Rahman Nizami. They were forced to sleep on two sheets of blankets at the DB (Detective Branch) office. Despite repeated requests, they were not allowed to meet their families.
Harassment in every step
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Despite the fact that the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami including Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami got bail on 30 June in the so-called case of hurting religious sentiments, but they were shown arrest at once in five different old cases filed against various police stations in Dhaka. Later on, the government kept Nizami imprisoned in cases of Kadamtali, Rajshahi, Keraniganj and 10 trucks arms haul. The government is harassing this top leader with new cases despite getting bails on all previous cases.
Torture in remand
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The police applied for 50 days of remand in five different cases to metropolitan magistrate's court charging Maulana Nizami. The court granted 16 days of remand in five cases. In addition, later on he was to another taken three-day remand in a case no. 57(4) 10 in Kadamtali thana. This is the first incident in the country to oppress the top political leaders in remand for long time. During remand the leaders including Maulana Nizami were kept in a dirty room of the DB office; were given two pieces of blanket with mites to pass the night. They were not given any pillow to sleep on. Besides, high powered bulb was kept turned on in the room. The government has psychologically tortured the physically weak leaders due to old age in the name of investigation. They were deprived of medical treatment at that time. Because of these inhumane behaviour Maulana Nizami often fell sick and his blood pressure rose during investigation; his diastolic pressure often rose up to 220. At the same time, he was attacked with viral diseases like herpes during his stay in prison because of mental and other causes.
Two writ petitions were filed in the High Court on 14 and 15 July to ensure the basic rights of Maulana Nizami. Justice Dastgir Chowdhury and AKM Zahir Ahmed ordered to in accordance with the High Court (supplying pillow and physiotherapy on own expense); but despite that taking him to three-day remand on Uttara case no 31(2) 10 is a clear violation of the High Court order.
During the remand they was mostly asked political questions and there were few questions about the related cased on which remand was asked. Even, they were taken into remand during the Ramadan; then, they fell so sick that the police were forced to inform their family members. He was kept on standing for three hours in the court and not given a chair to sit on. At one point, they sat on the floor.
Allegation of War Crime and its Reality
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The Stories behind Karmoja and Brishalika massacre
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False allegations have been brought against the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and former minister Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami. He has been strategically implicated in various incidents of his own district Pabna. But the people of the locality say, Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami is harassed because political vengeance. He has been kept in prison in false cases. They say, he did not go to his locality during the whole time of the liberation war. Many did not even hear name before the parliamentary election in 1986. This information has been found after visiting many places of Pabna and interviewing people.
Many people got compassionate by the fact that a person like him who did not commit any crime is being tormented. At that time the Head Master of Santhia High School was Khorshed Alam (80) of Karmoja. On the attempt to implicate Nizami with the incidents of that time, he commented, “Nizami was not even seen at that time. We knew that he was very good student. Now, he is being implicated because of political vengeance. He talks about Islam and calls people towards good deeds; perhaps this is what his crime.” He added that, there were 76 rakazars in Sanila. They are now affiliated with Awami League. They are not being punished. They are doing just fine.
Next door neighbour of Megha Tagore Lal Mia (54) commented about the attempt to implicate Maulana Nizami, “this is actually done because of political motive. We never heard his name at that time.”
Alauddin (73) of Hatighara area of Bera is a former government employee. He said, “we didn’t know Nizami at that time. We heard about him in the 1980s. I heard his name in 1983-1984. When he took part in the elections in for the first time in 1986, I was a presiding officer.” He added, “the incident of Brishalika where he has been implicated is not correct. Nizami is a superman.”
Abdul Karim Sarker (62) of Choto Payna area of Bera used to work in the survey department in Dhaka. He said, “I returned home leaving job after the call of Sheikh shaheb.” He added, “Nizami has no connection with the incident of Brishalika. This is being said to stigmatise his character.” He also added that, “someone who does not hurt a dog without a reason, he is said to have killed people. There is not another good man like him in the area. People of this areas did not know him before 1986”
Former government official of Bera Upazila ATM Fazlur Rahim (55) mentioned, “I did not see Nizami in the nine months of the liberation war. The allegations brought by Dablu are controversial, questionable, apparently baseless and outright false. I know Nizami as a good human being. It is difficult to find another good person like him in Pabna.”
President of Bera Banik Samiti (Businessmen Cooperative) and reputed social worker Md. Fazlur Rahman Fakir (67) said, “no one knew that someone call Nizami exists in Bera-Santhia. Therefore, the massacre was perpetrated by the order of Nizami is not correct at all.” He added, “I knew about him for the first time when he participated in the parliamentary election in 1986. Later on, I got to know him better through his various development activities after he had been elected a Member of Parliament.” He said, “Nizami is a good human being. He is a true religious person.”
Former elected VP (Vice President) RUCSU (Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union) and fellow freedom fighter Abdul Wadud Khan (74) said, “I came to my locality leaving my job in order to assist in the liberation war. I helped the freedom fighters in many ways. But I did not heard about Nizami from anyone at that time. Moreover, no one can prove evidence that they knew him”
Valiant freedom fighter of Bera Upazila Md. Ferdous Hossain Bachchu (61) mentioned, “I did not hear about Nizami in Santhia-Bera during the liberation war. I came to know about him when he was as candidate in the election of 1986. No one can prove that he was in this area at that time. I can challenge that. If anyone says that, he/she is totally lying because of political vengeance.” He added, “He has no blemish. It is difficult to find a good person like him.”
Reputed businessman and member of Bera Bazar Bani Samiti Alhaj Sharif Khan (54) mentioned, “There was no sight of Nizami during the war of liberation. No one in our area used to know him at that time. The allegation that Dablu brought about Brishalika is not true at all. Five individuals were killed in Brishalika with the aid of Pakistani forces by Asad and Afzal. Later on, freedom fighters physically punished and killed them.”
Two times elected chairman of Bera Upazila and freedom figheter Md. Raoshan Ali (60) said to the Daily Sangram before he died, “I came to know Nizami for the first time during the movement against Ershad. I came across no prove that he was involved in the massacre. No one can prove that either. If anyone says that out of political motive, he/she must be lying. During the war, I was Secretary of Sangram Parishad of Jatsakhini Union. Therefore, I was in constant touch with other freedom fighters of the district. There were some massacres in Nagarbari area that were perpetrated by Pakistani occupation forces. But no one knew anyone called Nizami, neither was his name known.”
Former chairman of Jatsakhini union and valiant freedom fighter MA Gani Fakir (61) said, “I never heard his name during the war of liberation, let alone knowing him. No one can claim in front of me that he/she knew him or heard his name. Although I heard his name during the election of 1986, but I knew him after the parliamentary election of 1991. I was stationed at the Nagarbari ghat during the liberation war. I never heard of him from anyone.”
The Stories behind Arson and Plunder in Some Houses Of Monmothpur
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“Someone we have never seen to be involved in any offence is now being falsely accused. It is difficult for an honest person like him not only in Santha but elsewhere.”, said hundred years old Nefaz Uddin Pramanik of Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami’s own village Monmothpur. The similar statements were given by the residents of Monmothpur, Sonatola and adjacent villages. It was the razakars who set fire on houses of Monmothpur. The local people also said their names as well. The elders also said that there was no incident of arson in the nearby village. They said, “Despite the fact that Nizami hails from Monmothpur, but he rarely visited his own house. And he never visited his village during the whole time of the liberation war.” The villagers are angry at the false allegations that are brought against him.
Hundred years old Nefaz Uddin Pramanik of Monmothpur commented, “we have never seen him be involved in any injustice. An honest person like Nizami cannot be found in not only in Santhia but elsewhere.” Other villagers from the same area Mongol Pramanik and Nabal who bother are above eighty years old said, “These all are concocted. Nizami cannot be involved in these.” Kobad Ali Pramanik (70) commented, “The false accusations are brought against Nizami for political reasons.” He said, “He used to ask about our problems. Now, no one comes.” Md. Rostom Ali (81) is very close to Maulana Nizami. He said, “Nizami is younger to me and was one class junior in school. But because of the fact that he was very good in studies, he got double promotion and promoted above one class. We have never seen him in
the area during the war.”
Sonatala
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Alhaj Iman Ali (86) of Sonatola, Md. Kasai Sardar (82), Md. Abdul Hakim Pramanik (81) said, “in fact, there was no such event of setting fire on the house of Anil Kundu. Whatever is said against are blatant lies. Nizami was not even in the area at that time.” Md. Abdul Jalil (68) of Sonatala said, “we didn’t hear about Nizami at that time. There were Dain razakar, Sattar of Fakirbari and Asad who plundered.” The same was said by Zohrul Haque (60). Alhaj Motaleb Hossain (70) of Salandi said, “We used to know that Nizami studied in Shivpur madrasah but we never saw him. Some who gave away his house, how can he kill people?”
Maulana Kasimuddin was killed by Pakistani forces – The attempt to implicate Nizami is politically motivated
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Former convener of Muktijoddha Sangsad of Pabna district and brave freedom fighter Shamsul Alam said, “The freedom fighters who were killed in the nine months of liberation war, was mostly killed by Naxals. The Naxals killed the freedom fighters collaborating with the Pakistani forces. At that time, our main fight was against the Naxals. Nitu Biswas was the leader of Naxals in Pabna.” He added, “I never heard of Nizami nor did I know him at that time. I knew him for the first time in 1986. He participated in the parliamentary election from Santhia-Bera constituency at that time. I came to know him from that time. If someone says that he’d be lying. He always respects the freedom fighters. As far as I know, I used to respect any freedom fighter who went to him for some reasons while he was an MP and minister. He never refused if he could be of any help. Nizami build an office worth eight lac taka for the freedom fighters in Santha.
Former Member Secretary of the Muktijoddha Command Council of Pabna district Ahmed Shafiq (65) said, during the war of liberation I received training in India and was later stationed in Najirganj union of Sujanagar Upazila. He said, “during the nine months of the liberation war I never knew Nizami and never heard of him from anyone. Since no one knew him, therefore, the accusations of crime against humanity that were brought against him were not true at all. If anyone brings allegations against him, that are nothing but outright false. If anyone says that, then, it is out of political vengeance.” He added, “The things that were done during his time were never done during the tenure of other MPs and ministers.” He said, “After I got to know him, I know him as good man. I don’t know whether anyone better than him would come to Pabna.”
Brave freedom fighter Advocate Hamidur Rahman (70) said, “The massacres that were perpetrated in Pabna were mostly done by the members of Communist Party. They killed civilians and freedom fighters and set fire on houses.” He added, “I did not hear about Nizami at that time, let alone seeing him. Nizami is being accused in the massacres in Pabna because of political reasons. This strategy is taken merely to weaken political opponent.”
Massacres Army Camp was perpetrated by Pakistani forces in Pabna and by Biharis in Ishwardi Liberatin flag maker of the Gopalpur area of the city and former commissioner for 28 years Firoz Hossian said, “I did not hear about Nizami at that time. I did not know him. I heard his name from people when he participated in the election.” He added, “The accusations are brought against Nizami because of political motive. There is no place for good people in our society now. The country is full of crooks. There is no one to tell the truth.”
Ahmad Ali Molla (63) of Dilalpur area of the city lives right behind the fire service office of Pabna. He said, “We did not hear about Nizami at that time, let alone knowing him. Whatever is being said about him is outright lies.” He commented, “no matter what political party or ideology I belong to, I cannot tell lies in front of others. How long shall I live? You won’t hear lies from me at the end of my life. Whether you accept my statement or not, it does not matter.”