Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05DHAKA3853
2005-08-08 08:41:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Dhaka
Cable title:  

CHARGE MEETS WITH EDUCATION MINISTER

Tags:  PGOV PREL BG 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 003853 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/08/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL BG
SUBJECT: CHARGE MEETS WITH EDUCATION MINISTER

Classified By: A/DCM D.C. McCullough reasons para 1.5 d

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 003853

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/08/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL BG
SUBJECT: CHARGE MEETS WITH EDUCATION MINISTER

Classified By: A/DCM D.C. McCullough reasons para 1.5 d


1. (C) SUMMARY: Education Minister Faruk discussed with CDA
current BNP infighting, BNP's promising prospects for the
next election, RAB, and Tariq Rahman's future in the party.
His observations were exceptionally frank. END SUMMARY


2. (C) On August 7, CDA met for one hour with Minister of
Education Osman Faruk, a 20-year veteran of the World Bank in
Washington and now of the stronger technocrats in a generally
weak cabinet. PAO accompanied as notetaker.


3. (C) Faruk started out by lamenting that too much of his
time is spent responding to proposals for new secondary
schools. He said is not generally favorable to the idea
because many applicants for these new schools are merely
seeking personal gain through kickbacks from teachers hired
or government subsidies. He cited Rajshahi district, a BNP
stronghold, as an area that has more schools than it needs.


4. (C) Faruk affirmed that the BNP-Jamaat alliance would hold
and that he is confident of the coalition's success in the
next election. He said that because many BNP supporters are
rural middle-class Bangladeshis who are motivated primarily
by opposition to AL and India, the BNP-Jamaat coalition is in
a strong position to triumph.


5. (C) Faruk stated that the AL is considering boycotting the
election "out of spite," but that that decision will depend
on the U.S. and India which he fears is directly or
indirectly encouraging a boycott. CDA responded that the USG
encourage all parties to participate in the political process
and to exercise their democratic rights. Faruk replied that
some of his colleagues interpreted former Ambassador Thomas's
comment about the possibilities of emergent political
alternatives in Bangladesh if the two mainstream parties fail
to perform well as an indication of USG interest in a
Musharraf alternative." CDA underscored our strong support
for democracy and our rejection of military or other
non-democratic solution to Bangladesh's political problems.


6. (C) When CDA asked about the possible future of Tariq
Rahman, PM Zia's son and heir apparent, should the coalition
be re-elected, Faruk said that he has lately become very
close to Rahman. First, he said, he is impressed with
Rahman's political skills and the favorable impression he
made during his recent visit to the US. He praised Rahman as
a skilled tactician who has extensive files on all MP's and
potential candidates, and who he is careful to show respect
to nominally more senior colleagues. For example, during his
"grassroots listening tour," Rahman was interactive and
mindful to have senior colleagues accompany him. According to
Faruk, the BNP is now facing some significant internal
dissension because it lacks a clear chain of command and
because many BNP seniors do not want to follow Rahman.


7. (C) Faruk predicted that in the next elections Rahman will
contest in the Bogra district where his family is very
popular because it is the Zia family's home. After being
elected, Rahman will become a minister. He noted speculation
that during the next BNP government, PM Zia could resign to
become president to make room for Rahman to become PM, but he
downplayed this possibility because of the probable revolt it
would provoke from BNP seniors. Faruk added that the PM is
not necessarily supportive of Rahman, that she does not rely
on any exclusive source for advice, and that she prefers to
"play her cards close to her chest. "


8. (C) Faruk noted that the BDG's main source of popularity
is from the crime-busting profile of the controversial Rapid
Action Battalion (RAB). Responding to the CDA's rejection of
extra-judicial "crossfire" killings and her reminder about
the ramifications of the Leahy Amendment, Faruk argued that
RAB's victims are known criminals and even in many cases BNP
affiliated. He stated some BNP leaders want to pass
legislation eliminating RAB before the caretaker government
takes power because they fear RAB will go after them because
of their links to "petty" criminals. Faruk said that he
himself opposes this plan and is doubtful it will happen.
(Note: We agree.)


9. (SBU) CDA concluded by thanking the Minister for his
strong support of our Peace Corps program, noted the wide
range of Embassy-backed English teaching initiatives, and
raised our concern over the harassment by intelligence
officers of students in Barisal after a recent presentation
there by PAO. Faruk took the points.
CHAMMAS