Mar 13, 2004 | The Opinion
Tunde, a bright high school student, whose life goal was to become an entrepreneur and eventually a business owner in Victoria Island, and had visions to change the society. He was the eldest son of a large family. One day some of his friends invited him to a party; where they began to drink alcohol and eventually became drunk. Each of his friends went off to sleep with girls and strongly encouraged him to do likewise. Tunde gave in and followed their way. During the intercourse he used a condom which slipped off in the act. After that he said to the friend. “I wonder if you have AIDS!” his friend answered with looking alarmed, “People with AIDS get sores all over their body, lose weight, and get all kinds of special diseases like TB, cancer and pneumonia. They always die. It’s a miserable way to go. You had better check with a doctor”… few years later Tunde was died for AIDS.
We don’t want to die like Tunde and are longing for a zero-transmission circumstances as well as a AIDS free world. The whole world is looking the clinical solution by discovering vaccine, and or stopping through widely use of condom! But is it really possible to stop? If I say ‘NO!’ you may be speechless! After knowing my opinion you may reject me as a crazy person, as did one of my favorite teachers. When I expressed my ideas during discussion on AIDS prevention, he was fired, scolded and stridently pushed out from his room, ‘I don’t like mullahtontro (militant thinking), you now can go….’. My teacher believes and promotes the culture of ‘sexual freedom’. I was too shocked from this rejection, and reconfirmed; am I right in my position as an development activist? Is my ideas support the establishment of human dignity? The teacher refuse my ideas considering as a ancient, backdated and religious solutions. But I have strong confidence, there is no alternative way. Only considering the dark side of religions and traditions, it should not deny the goodness. The bright sides of religion advanced the civilization, protect the human kind and its society by developing formal shapes of moral and ethical values.
In order to root out the AIDS, of course we have to first find out the cause and the way of its spreading. According to the UNAIDS worldwide 85% HIV is transmitting by sex with HIV-infected partner and rest of 15% through sharing injection, drug needles, blood, birth or breast feeding by HIV positive mother etc. From UNAIDS findings it is easily understandable the main cause of AIDS is ‘misuse of sex’ that means ‘misuse of love’.
Not only my teacher but also including UN, most of all responsible activists and organisations are promoting the superficial solutions of AIDS. Sustaining movements against AIDS opens a great business for the condom and media company. It is the best time to promote the ‘culture of absolute sex’ instead of ‘safe sex culture’ through effective use media and ICT opportunities. I believe, sex is the most divine and joyful act of this universe by which human being come to the world. It should be practiced with the absolute standard. But nowadays it is contaminated and negatively influenced by the unethical media coverage and to much emphasissing physical desires. The ‘source of joy’ is converted now into a ‘source of suffering’! We have to awake up and open our eyes, and need to avoid the unconscious, just animal like sex practices which severely violate the women rights, child rights and rights of deprived groups. Many notorious terminologies, such as lesbianism, homo sexuality, heterosexuality, polygamy, abortion etcetera are getting popular in our lovely world. I sometime feel is it accusations of Satan? I am worried by following ‘individualism’, ‘free sex’, the ‘sex free’ movement may start soon to destroy the ‘purpose of creation’. The main purposes of life are to accomplishment of God’s blessing, that is to be matured individual, ideal husband-wife, responsible parents and citizen as well as leader who will take care the community and nature as like as his/her own family.
I am against to use of condom as it offers false sense of security. The main purposes of condom use are to do premarital illicit sex, protection of STDs, AIDS and unaccepted as well as planned pregnancy. Responsible sex educators don’t trust on condoms. In 2002 Global Health Council reported “Overall effectiveness for reducing sexual transmission of HIV through consistent use of condoms is approximately 80%. Condoms appear to be marginally less effective for reducing HIV transmission than for preventing pregnancy. In use by teenagers, condom failure is around 14% (i.e. one in seven). ”
Following 1960 there happen an explosive growth of STDs along with the expansion of free sex culture and moral degradations. Of that time there was only two types common STDs, both curable. But now there are more than two dozens STDs, some are deadly, some are incurable. According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Panel (Report July 2001), “Condom does not prevent transmission of most STDs. There is no scientific evidence that condoms prevent the transmission of most sexually transmitted diseases. Just offer only limited protection of STDs, HIV (85% in each encounter), and gonorrhea for men, not women, syphilis, chancroid, trichomoniasis. Moreover the rubber comprising latex condoms has intrinsic voids (holes) about 5 microns in size. Contrarily, the AIDS virus is only 0.1 micron in size. Since this is a factor of 50 smaller than the voids inherent in rubber, the virus can readily pass through the condom.” How ever HIV is far, the ‘genital herpes’ also can not be protected by the condoms. Sexually active millions of teens (16 to 24 year-olds) infected with an STD each year and having an STD increases risk of HIV infection. Almost 70% AIDS patients are young whose are less than 30 years and sexually, unfortunately with HIV positive partners.
Former U.S. Surgeon General Koop says, “Young people must be told the truth…the best way to avoid AIDS is to refrain from sexual activity until as adults they are ready to establish a mutually faithful monogamous relationship.”
Yet Muslims as well people of religious world that follow the moral and ethical life is in hopeful position. By default Muslims and religious persons practice the absolute sex compare to western world, only within life partner ‘husband and wife’ with strong commitment and responsibilities. Even though Islamic countries don’t have sufficient ability and knowledge to maintain healthy life, but have lowest record of condom use, AIDS and STDs transmissions.
We have to also change our attitude to solve negative images. Regarding this photographer Dayanita Singh says “In the initial years of HIV in India, the only visible groups that could be ‘forcibly’ tested and studied were the sex workers, professional blood sellers, drug users and truck drivers. Journalists, such as me also followed the trend, and we all created the AIDS stereotype that led to the stigma that still plagues HIV in India. So the myth is AIDS = drug-users/ sex with sex workers, generally the so – called ‘dregs of society’. With such stigma, very few can be open about their status of their own free will. The disease is traumatic in itself, but the prejudice that accompanies it is perhaps even more so. The government and many ‘socially conscious’ groups created more misconceptions, rather than awareness, with their negative campaigns. …”.
Today the ‘misuse of sex’ is not only limited within the commercial brothels and prostitution but also cultivating openly. Through the information dissemination it is established, HIV can not transmitted by the ‘casual contacts’. We have no fear to accept the ‘positive lives’ in the workplace and everyday life. Do we really love and respect the effected persons as needed? Generally AIDS effected person and family don’t get normal community support and respects.
To solve the AIDS epidemic we have to give up ‘free sex culture’ as it exposes a high risk for HIV/ AIDS, STDs and betrayal in peers as well as breakdown the peaceful family relationship. Moreover it increases selfish attitudes, individual suffering with regression, guilt, lack of self-respect and self-esteem by lusting original characters. The lack of trust in relationship; most of case creates frustrations and loveless edgy situation. Because of this many young spirits take drugs, and decision for suicide.
My opinion, the absolute solutions is to evict the AIDS epidemic are return to family, practice of true love and follow traditions of religion(s) as well as moral and ethical life. From my expressions you may think I am a religious person. But I am not a Mullah, not a Shadu, not a Priest, not a Rabbi; but want to be a religious more than religious by following the Principles which is unique combination of Science and religions. However, it is sure, if we can concentrate to the maturity of our personality and true family culture through practice ‘living for the sake of others’ principle, an exotic source of success, joy and happiness will start in our life and society.
The conclusion is, presently more than 40 million are affected into AIDS in which number was in 2001 near about 5 million. 24.8 million already died from these diseases and everyday 14 thousand are effecting by this diseases. Almost half populations of some African countries are already HIV positive. If we don’t take proper initiatives in proper time, some nations will perish as passed way mentioned in biblical history because of sexual promiscuity. Regarding this Global Internet community and new media networks can play the most important role through quick information discriminations and by rising up the universal consciousness.
1st December, AIDS day-2003
References:
• A proposal to eradicate AIDS : IEF, 2003
• http://www.phrusa.org/campaigns/aids/aidspractice.html
• Report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the findings of a scientific panel on AIDS/HIV prevention, July 2001
• http://www.globalhealth.org/assets/publications/condoms.pdf
• http://www.unaids.org/Unaids/EN/Geographical+area/By+Country/Bangladesh.asp
• http://www.drik.net/positivelives
• Cultivating heart & character in the family and school, IEF, 1998
Note: this article has been published in TakingItGlobal on March 13, 2004
Mar 8, 2004 | The Opinion
I was a trainer in the training NGOs towards Alternative Communities Using ICT and Networking’ . It was organized by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) collaboration with World Association for Christian Communication (WACC-AR).
The training workshop was held on 11 -14 March, 2004 at YWCA Training Center, Iqbal Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka- 1207. The workshop focused on using online and offline methods/platform for lobbying, advocacy, social communication, networking, some ICT tools such as e-mails, e-newsletter, mailing lists and discussion group for effective communication across Internet .
Since 2000 BNNRC promote information communication and technology (ICT) facilities just not as a privilege; but also as a human right, so that there will be little of digital divide that is perpetuating poverty.
Feb 21, 2004 | The Opinion
Language forms the biggest barrier to computer literacy in Bangladesh, and when less than 15% of the population has access to electricity, and a far smaller fraction owns computers, it is clear that only the wealthy will have access to this technology. Here, a modem costs more than a cow. Yet this technology and this associated language both exist. (a) This is the new media reality in Bangladesh. The main objective of our work should look at the present situation and future prospects of the new media in rural Bangladesh. How the digital opportunity can be used to provide benefits to the poor in rural areas? What type of change will occur in Bangladeshi culture? How will Bangladesh handle Global information culture and protect herself through the implementation of the ‘Glocalization’ (b) concept and effective use of visual communication. In this context we have to search what type multimedia education and contents are necessary for community development.
The most crucial problem for Bangladesh is the lack of ICT leadership and strategy both in Government and NGO level, which come from the lack of technical knowledge and expertise of senior citizens who are policy makers and top of the society. Here more than 90% of people haven’t even seen computer yet! In this reality how can ICT play an important role? How can the leadership gap between senior and new generation can be resolved? How can the digital divide between village and city, poor and rich can be solved?
All ICT service providers in Bangladesh now are focusing predominantly on the city area, not interested to the village, even though 80% population of the country lives in village. All are reluctant with the prejudice that village is not a profitable region, even though there is a great prospect and need for ‘Rural Internet’ program as like as ‘Grameen Phone – (c)’ program.
The large number of NGO network of Bangladesh can play important role if ICT initiatives could be started. Government can also take initiative as like as 80s’decades’ Radio and TV promotion through local government institutions.
Important research is needed to find out how ICT can play an important role to poverty elevation in rural society. What type of prospect can be provided to solve the unemployment and middlemen exploitation chain? How can a farmer easily get the latest information about the agriculture products and modern cultivation? How can a citizen get easy access to government services to ensure high quality life and equal opportunity by consuming time, distance and administrative complexity? How can new media communication in Bangladesh encourage the people’s participation widely to establish good governance, human rights and democracy?
…………………..
Notes:
a When a modem costs more than a cow (by Dr. Shahidul Alam, Dhaka, 30th April,1999, http://www.bytesforall.org/2nd/shahidul1.htm :)
b Glocalization: The technology that makes it easier to fly around the world is also making it easier to bring the world together. That is why Glocalisation is a better description for what is happening in the world today. It is not just making things bigger, it is also making them a lot smaller. Peace and prosperity are much more likely when we all feel part of the same neighbourhood. Only Glocalisation looks like achieving this…..(By Jason Falinski, August 2000 http://www.regional.org.au/articles/government/glocalisation.htm )
c Grameen Phone: The Village Phone program began in 1997 from a social commitment that “good development is good business” made by GrameenPhone and its shareholders.…The Village Phone Program is a unique effort to provide telecommunications facilities in rural areas while providing the Village Phone operators, mostly rural poor women, a good earning opportunity…. (http://www.grameenphone.com/village.htm)
Note: This article was published in TakingItGlobal/ Panorama/ Feb 21, 2004
Feb 20, 2004 | The Opinion
The Hindus and the Muslims have but one and the same God, What can a mullah or a sheikh do? ( Sikhism. Adi Granth, Bhairo, p. 1158 )
The ‘culture of peace’ can be established if we realize practically believe that we are member of same family; our Universal Parent is same ‘God’. Recently scientists are explaining, God is not being, is universal force and universal truth as well. Human being just divided because of cultural diversity by following local rituals with different backgrounds and history. We can be reunited, if we move forward to the common destination; that is establishment of ‘world peace’ by practicing selfless true love in which motto is `living for the sake of others`with open heart and devotions.
Feb 11, 2004 | The Opinion
The whole world is moving to establish the peace and happiness, and fighting with the degradation of human values! In this situation ‘New Media’, the Internet can provide all the facts to prevent confusion; and can gives clear guidance for the betterment of individuals and leadership based on true love, responsibility and commitment. Today’s world even our mind is divided based on information; which is prominently reflected to our personality, family, community, nation, philosophy, even in religions. The divisions should unite immediately to establish peace and happiness, which only possible by loving, serving and understanding others.
Although demand and need created, but reality and view are not changing much. An example I would like to say an fact. An Imam’s wife was seriously sick and needed a blood transfusion but she had AB- blood, a very rare type. The hopeless Imam begged help of the local MP to find the blood. After a long search they found only one donor, a Hindu woman. When the Imam discovered the donor is an non-Muslim, he was disappointed and refused to take blood! The wife was died at last for blood! Everybody was surprised for decision of Imam!
This is the common and abhorrent attitude of various religious in developing world because of information gaping. Although all religions are having same mission to establish peace and happiness; the religious are satisfied in prayer conditions and lifestyle, but refuse to accept each-another’s religion and idea. The situation is more critical when militant groups create conflict and kill people in the name of religion. This ongoing situation of the world creates the demand the emerging of ‘New Truth’ along with ‘New Media’.
Although we are living in the era of information, but the majority world doesn’t know the values of a Global family and the purpose of life yet. Both religious and science are moving with same mission to establish the ‘Peace and Prosperity’. Religious people can contribute more than politicians, educators and social leaders in peace and development process. But they are silent and isolated. There is needed to unite , today and now.
The attributes of the new truth should be unique, with combination of both internal and external essences, with unity of mind and body, religion and science. Science represents external form of truth, where as religions stand for internal feature of truth. The truth only can be completed when external and internal; science and religion will be united. Last two centuries science – the body of truth, have been developed and expanded tremendously. But religions – the spirit of truth, could not overcome yet the original and ancient formats. The big gap between science and religions prominent in developing world. Not only fanatic groups of Jews, Muslim and Christian; but also the secular leaders have uncompromising resentments on religions and spirituality. It makes agitation and unrest as common circumstances.
A true personality that real believer has no race, no country, and no boundaries. We are all bothers and sisters that is members of God’s Family. Our life motto should be ‘Living for the sake of others’. We will be successful when will inherit God’s love, God’s life and God’s lineage, and will take in mind God is our living Parent. The important information 90% world populations believe in God and religion. If we truly believe and practice ‘Global family values – one family under one God’ as part of our life and traditions, we will be able to unite, and achieve ultimate goal- world peace easily.
Bangladesh ICT Realities!
The Internet and multimedia as well as ICT can play a prophetic role to promote the Global family values. It can unite the whole world into a community. In Bangladesh, priests never touch the internet; avoid the cyber culture and expand propaganda in sermon also, “Internet is a satanic culture, and is a trap of Jews-Christian to destroy Muslim young generation!” Not only this, but also there is hidden conflict between parents and children about the using the internet. Middle class parents’ feel that the internet is a pornographic media, will destroy children’s morality! But most of the parents and social leaders don’t have the experience with the new media. They don’t know through the Internet anybody can know anything, anytime from anywhere of the world!
The blames of parents and priests are of commonly true. Last three years in Dhaka and surrounding areas, a huge number of private cyber cafés have been established. It is true, more than 90% subscribers of those cyber cafes are young and teenagers. What do they visit? Almost 2/3 of the time they are visiting pornographic sites, chatting or playing sex games. Very fractional number is used only web mail and job search engine. Dhaka’s cyber cafés are very congested but the monitors are safely surrounded by boards to insure the user’s privacy. Over serving common practices, the parents are very worried that the use of the computer will lead to the dilapidation of their children’s characters. The religious leaders are also very tense about the expansion of a so-called free sex culture. We must need to stop the misuse of digital technology.
My desire to see the priests as good Internet users, and the establishment of a cyber café in religious institutes. If those cyber cafés would open for all; priests could arrange online peace dialogue positively with other believers centering on one God. The global consciousness will easily be matured. Better understanding, consciousness for unity will be easily created.
Bangladeshi Steps:
In early 1994 DrikTAP Bangladesh’s first electronic mail was set up with the vision to provide global network facilities to local and international development activist organizations. Within short time, the situation has been developed. Now Bangladesh has almost 70 ISPs. Including the biggest NGO Grameen Bank, Proshika and BRAC has also own satellite connectivity. But the service providers are only focusing to the city area and are not interested in the rural areas, even though 80% of the country’s population lives in the villages. They are reluctant to provide digital communication to the poor, with the thought that the villages are not profitable regions. Even though there is a great prospect and need for a rural internet program as like as ‘Grameen Phone’.
There are many challenges but we have to find a way to unite together the villagers and city dwellers, poor and rich. The most crucial problem for Bangladesh is lack of ICT leadership and strategy both in Government and NGO level, which come from the lacking of technical knowledge and expertise of senior citizens who are policy makers and top of the society. Even though more than 90% people don’t know about Internet even haven’t seen computer yet!
In order to harmonize the modern technology with indigenous culture, Bangladesh demands to establish ‘Grammen Cyber Café’ in each village, which can be also rural computer training centre. Computer and ICT related initiatives could create large number of IT related jobs for rural educated youth, particularly for girls. Consequently, the serious unemployment problem and the need to migrate from the villages to the city will reduce. The rural e-commerce can bring the villagers to the Global market directly without interference and exploitation by the middlemen. In order to access quality and relevant information to the people, Bangladesh needs to launch websites on e-governance, e-learning e-commerce in which the target and subject can be the village people and life, covering agriculture, products and market related information, flood and disaster management, HIV/AIDS and health consciousness, human rights and gender equalization, cultural heritage and social justice.
Vision to Change
I have a dear vision and faith, in Bangladesh new media can play a successful role to build up unity and tolerance within the nation, especially in political sectors by popularizing the patriotic slogan, “Unity saving the people, unity saving the nation.” From the beginning people of Bangladesh are suffering because of political leaders selfish thinking, subjective practices and non-cooperative attitudes.
With out love and unity there is no success. Today’s Global Family is broken and divided due to misunderstandings. God has been crying and suffering for a long time losing children. We have to eliminate our heavenly Parents’ sufferings. The absolute achievement of the human life is ‘Peace’ means the absence of conflicts between two entities as they interact in a harmonious partnership. When the extremes live together, there appear most beautiful scenarios as like as the unity of sharp mountains and valleys.
By the proper use of internet and media we can promote and practices three qualities of the unity: participation, living together and inheritance. To make true Global family, ICT opens a great opportunity for the people participation. Living together points toward sharing each other’s situation, joy and sorrow, sickness and health, wealth and poverty. The unity of the future world is characterized by interdependence, mutual prosperity and universally shared values. In the unified world we can recognize our independence with all people, indeed with entire web of nature. Through sharing universal values, humankind will be enlightened to pursue the holistic solutions of the world problems.
Published in TIG/ Panorama / 11 Feb 2004
