Extra Judicial Killing in Bangladesh

Extra Judicial Killing in Bangladesh How interesting it is that in Bangladesh the elite force named as Rapid Action Battalion [RAB] kills the arrested persons by the name of cross-fire and name them the criminals. Extra-judicial, thus the term is used to state the killings. It is called extra judicial because of its type, which works as a process outside the judiciary system of Bangladesh. Farid Ahmed in a non periodical web journal (2010), Such killings are often described in police reports as involving crime suspects who resisted arrests or attacked the police. Many of the victims, human rights groups charge, were killed while in police custody. But in their official statements, police said they were killed in the crossfire during violent incidents in prison facilities. The police were compelled to open fire at those attacking them, they said.  [1]   According to the Human Rights Watch (2006): One of the first publicized RAB killings was of the wanted criminal suspect Pichchi Hannan in Dhaka on August 6, 2004. This is when the era of extra judicial killing has started and still going on. Not only the RAB but also some other armed forces are involved in this kind of activity.  [2]   Whether extrajudicial killing is a myth or is it a reality is the main motive for me to conduct this research. A lot of people are being killed by the armed force, often named as elite force, but is it truly extra judicial killing or is the crossfire the reality, which one is true? We see a lot of incidents addressing the extra-judicial killings everyday when looking at the newspaper. Theres hardly any day with no crossfire news, and thus I think people should be clear about the extra judicial killing matter and to reveal the original fact as I conduct the research. My research will give a clear cut idea about the extra judicial killing and the scenario of our countrys perspective. However, it is often said by the authority and also by the political leaders that these so called extra-judicial killings are only the unfortunate deaths of the suspected criminals in the cross-fire. According to the Bangladesh Media article No extrajudicial executions carried out: RAB DG (2010): The director-general of the RAB, Hasan Mahmud Khandakar, addressing the media at the sixth anniversary of the elite law enforcement body in its headquarters on Sunday, told newsmen, A total of 622 suspected criminals were killed in by the RAB in crossfire across the country in the last six years, including 14 suspected criminals who were killed in the last three months. The RAB chief, however, claimed that no extra-judicial killing was carried out by the battalions personnel in the last six years.  [3]   The issue of extra-judicial killing is one of the big concerns for a country like Bangladesh where the chance of misuse of the theme, under the name of crossfire is highly possible for a 3rd world country like us. The concern of different human right organizations have argued about the extrajudicial killings and raised a lot of questions. My report will reveal whether the extra-judicial killing under the name of crossfire is true or just a myth. The History of Extra Judicial Killing As its name suggest, it is done outside the framework of the judiciary system of Bangladesh, which is the killings of a suspected criminal under the custody of the armed force, often using the term self protection or accusing the suspected criminal to escape; which is a violation of the rule of law. From the very beginning of Bangladeshs birth in 1971, different political parties used their political power to impetus the killings by the armed forces and used these forces in in violation of the law to consolidate power and maintain control. The continuous process started during the time period of BNP led govt. after forming coalition with three smaller parties: Jamaat-e-Islami (which won 4.3 percent), Jatiya Party-Naziur (1.1 percent), and Islamic Okye Jote (0.7 percent) in 0ctober, 2001. After taking power, to fulfill the one election agenda to fight against crime, and to tackle criticism from people, the govt. then deployed fourty thousand military personal to fight crime under the name of Operation Clean Heart. Thousands of people were arrested and at least 50 people were reported to be dead under their custody. Due to the failure of the operation, the government then decided to form an elite force group with a special unit of police with commando training called the Rapid Act ion Team, or RAT, which is now known as Rapid Action Battalion or RAB. As stated by the law, The main tasks of the RAB, according to the law, are to: Provide internal security Conduct intelligence into criminal activity Recover illegal arms Arrest criminals and members of armed gangs Assist other law enforcement agencies Investigate any offense as ordered by the government.  [4]   According to the Asian Human Rights Commission: The army killed 58 people in custody. See Asian Legal Resource Center and Asian Human Rights Commission, Lawless Law-enforcement the Parody of Judiciary in Bangladesh, August 2006.According to the Bangladesh NGO Forum for Secular Bangladesh, the army killed 53 people in custody and physically abused 7,000. See Forum for Secular Bangladesh, Violation of Human Rights by the Coalition Government of Bangladesh, September 2006.  [5]   However, the Operation Clean Heart did not succeed in bringing crime under adequate control, and vigilantism against so-called criminals continued. Hence the special police force proved unsuccessful in combating crime due to the lack of trained professionals, disorganization, and corruption in the force. Structuring from the experience from Operation Clean Heart, the government took steps to give the military a law enforcement role. Then, later on the RAB was created with the motto to fight criminals and reduce crime. According to a human rights lawyer: Critics complained that, rather than building a new crime-fighting force, the government should undertake efforts to reform law enforcement and the courts. Creating RAB, they feared, would undermine the police. With Operation Clean Heart in mind, some worried about using the military for civilian policing. They saw RAB as a way for the government to deploy the army for policing tasks, with one lawyer even calling it martial law in disguise. Other Facts Various human right watchdogs claimed that 1,142 victims have so far been slain in extrajudicial killings since 24 June, 2004 when the RAB began its journey by killing people in crossfire. Among the 1,142 victims, 149 were killed in 2004, 340 in 2005, 290 in 2006, 130 in 2007, 136 in 2008 and 97 in 2009. During the immediate-past emergency regime which continued for about two years, 322 people were killed in an extrajudicial manner. On the other hand, DG of RAB claimed that no extra-judicial killing is carried out but some criminals were caught in crossfire during the battle. He also claimed that 6,931 firearms have been seized by the RAB in the last six years 580 in 2004, 909 in 2005, 889 in 2006, 1,416 in 2007, 1,374 in 2008, 1,338 in 2009 and 425 in the last three months. The RAB arrested a total of 64,664 suspected criminals, after conducting drives throughout the country, on charges of various crimes including murder, kidnapping, extortion, tender manipulation, militancy and possession of illegal firearms. Of them 2569 in 2004, 4929 in 2005, 7277 in 2006, 13569 in 2007, 13378 in 2008, 16730 in 2009 and 4012 in last three months of 2010.  [6]   The attitude of people in law enforcement agencies has not changed, at least on the issue of extra judicial killings despite the judiciary ordering them to stop killing people under the guise of crossfire, encounter, and gunfight. Although much of such action has stopped, it is not a sustainable solution. But the decision has been hailed an eye-opener by many including human rights organizations. The High Court issued the suo motto order over extra judicial killings on November 17. It gave the government two weeks, initially, to explain why the killing of two brothers, Lutfor and Khairul Khalasi by law enforcement agencies in Madaripur on Nov.16 should not be declared extrajudicial. The government has yet to reply and the Attorney General has sought more time, presumably until the court resumes on January 3, 2010. During the year although there were some positive activities by the government, most sectors in the country were devoid of any human rights, the rule of law and good governance. Religious minorities were oppressed and press freedoms were violated almost every other day.  [7]   Only a few human rights organizations have long been asking the government to stop the killings, terming them extrajudicial. Moreover, the High Court of Bangladesh, on June 29, 2009, High Court of Bangladesh asked the government to explain why killing people without a trial, in the form of extrajudicial killings, is not being declared as illegal, and why measures are not being taken against the perpetrators. After this ruling, we still havent seen anything happen. However in recent times, after the Awami League came to power, many thought the Awami govt. will abolish the RAB. But, in march 2006, Seikh Hasina said, But we will not do so. Rather Rab will be given a special assignment to capture corrupt people.  [8]   Extrajudicial killings continue even in violation of the High Courts ruling. How can they continue? Its very alarming for human rights, democracy and the right to life. And why is the High Court silent regarding this gross human rights violation? Both governmental and nongovernmental sources have said that the death toll has reached 133 from such extrajudicial killings labeled as crossfire killings, encounter killings or gunfight killings by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the police since Jan. 6, when the Awami League-led government assumed office. In Bangladesh, we have a so-called democracy, but there is no rule of law if we consider extra judicial killing. Every day sees more killings of citizens by the state machinery, killings which are both well-planned and covered up. However, RAB never said that its extrajudicial killing. In contrast, Rab Director General (DG) Hassan Mahmood Khandker recently stated that, A total of 633 persons were killed in encounters with its members while 750 RAB men were punished for their unlawful acts. Among the 750 punished RAB members, 350 were sacked while the rest 400 suffered imprisonment in different tenures. Also RAB intelligence personnel are only on duty to tackle the criminal activities.  [9]   However, on contrary, extrajudicial killing have been going on very rapidly of violating the highest court ruling order, the Constitution and the Universal Declaration by law enforcers. The term extrajudicial killing means execution without justice. This is a grave human rights violation. Its both a violation of Bangladeshs constitution and of the UNs Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  [10]  But these types of killings still occur frequently in Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh has been violating the constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights day after day since 2002 (including operation clean heart). In 2004, the BNP-Jamaat government made a decision about extrajudicial killings and formed the RAB. From March 26, 2004 until January 31, 2009, around 1,600 people (including 58 58 killed peoples in operation clean heart of 2002) have been killed without justice. The government of Bangladesh has sided with the extrajudicial killings. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also said, in an indirect way, that extrajudicial killings will continue. She spoke clearly, upholding crossfire killings. What was said by our popular Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York is very unfortunate for the rule of law, democracy, the constitution, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the people of Bangladesh. According to the Bdnews24.com, Sheikh Hasina talked with journalists in New York on Sept. 27, 2009. Referring to crossfire killings at the time, she said, I do not believe in extrajudicial killings. But if anyone launches an armed attack (against a law enforcer), then they shouldnt be allowed to kill them like sitting ducks.  [11]   Bangladeshs elite Rapid Action Battalion continues to engage in extrajudicial killings despite Supreme Court directives to halt it. Although the court is handling the issue of extrajudicial killings, RAB does not seem to be bothered either about the judiciary or the countrys laws. The assertions of responsible people in the present government are shocking. Home minister Sahara Khatun recently said that, there was no crossfire. It seems, either directly or indirectly, the home minister and other ministers are defending the perpetrators of such crossfire killings. Finally we can say that, in Bangladesh has no rule of law. We want to say that the reports of so-called crossfire killings, encounter killings or gunfight killings that are made by the RAB and the police are totally false. We believe that terrorism should never be combated or controlled through state killings. It is the establishment of the rule of law that is essential to control terrorism. Conclusion Finally we can say that, numerous killings are being carried out extra-judicially; the perpetrators remain above the law; and the victims have no recourse to protection or redress under the law. This represents a violation of Article 31 of the Constitution, which reads: To enjoy the protection of the law, and to be treated in accordance with law, and only in accordance with law, is the inalienable right of every citizen, wherever he may be, and of every other person for the time being within Bangladesh, and in particular no action detrimental to the life, liberty, body, reputation or property of any person shall be taken except in accordance with law.  [12]   However, beyond impunity, those responsible for such killings are being rewarded for their actions. Torture and the threat of extra-judicial killing are used by the police and the RAB to extract money from persons that they arrest. Furthermore, the RAB was even awarded the prized Independence Award to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on March 23, 2006, as part of Bangladeshs 35th Independence Day celebrations, for its activities. Therefore, it is revealed that this kind of activities by the RAB is clearly a false ideology to name the extrajudicial killing under the name of crossfire, is just only to eye wash the general public, and some day it may have negative effect on the society and country as a whole. So the govt. and the people of Bangladesh should raise its voice against it and it should be stopped soon.

American Pie Essay -- Research Essays Term Papers

American Pie With every aspect of our lives we are making a point, arguing a belief, or refuting some other aspect of our existence. Aesthetic pieces, most avidly poems and songs, argue a message both in the lyrics and in the meaning posed between the lines. â€Å"American Pie,† in a multitude of ways, argues that American lives and memories are closely intertwined with the music of the time period. Not only does â€Å"American Pie† argue a message it also pulls many generations together. Today, thirty years after the initial release, â€Å"American Pie† still has an effect in our music and continues to be popular with all age groups. Don McLean accomplishes this task through using the context of the time period, placement of words, the words themselves, the punctuation and grammar, the rhythms, and many other facets involved. Because of this, the people of a nation and even the world are influenced. One major concept needed in order to understand any song thoroughly is to comprehend the period in which it was recorded and released. Don McLean released the song, â€Å"American Pie,† in 1971. During the late 1960s and the early 1970s, the United States was becoming progressively commercialized. With the commercialization, Americans began losing touch of the â€Å"little things in life,† and the things that make life worth living; instead they were more interested in the materialistic things. Throughout the time period there were many clashes around the world—most famous being the conflict in Vietnam. With the amount of turmoil that was present during the late 1960s and early 1970s, McLean writes about the 1950s (a period of calmness between two storms—the World Wars and Vietnam) as an escape for the people of his time. Several classics in other part... ... placement of words, the words themselves, appeals, imagery, figurative language, the punctuation and grammar, the rhythms, and all the other facets involved, shows that the people of a nation are influenced. Through all of these methods Don McLean uses â€Å"American Pie† to argue that American lives and memories are closely intertwined with the music of the time period. Not only does the argument and its message span over a period of time it inevitably pulled many generations together. Works Cited Howard, Allen. (November 3, 2001). Don McLean Online, American Pie Man’s Internet Home. [World Wide Web]. Available: http://www.don-mclean.com. [November 28, 2001]. McLean, Don. American Pie. American Pie. Released by United Artists (1971). Super70s.com. (2001). Super70s.com: Timeline. [World Wide Web]. Available: http://www.super70s.com. [December 1, 2001].

Education in France Essay -- essays research papers

Education in France France is a nation focused on culture. It is in many ways the "cultural capital of the world". France has always been an inspiration for many artists. Due to its strong culture and other moral factors, France is a country afraid of change and its education system is subject to this fear. In France today, the education system is very similar to what it has been in the past. As other nations take steps to reform and improve their educational facilities France must be willing to follow or they will be left behind. In France the education system is run by the state, it is supported by the state and is therefore basically free. During a French education, emphasis is placed on the transfer of knowledge. This approach is different from the U.S. where the emphasis is placed on showing the excitement of learning and how the child can find information for him or herself. As in the U.S., education is separated into levels that must be passed in a sequence to go on. There are 5 levels of education in France. The first level is called Creche. The Creche is the equivalent of daycare in the U.S. The age range for the Creche is from birth to 3 years. The Creche's purpose is to prepare young children for the next level of education. After students complete their last year in the Creche they move on to the Maternelle. The Maternelle is the second level of education and is for children 3 to 5 years old. It is comparable to preschool in the U.S. (Lect. Notes #4 Sp.99). This level of education is when students are first introduced to education. After students successfully complete Maternelle they will move on the next step in their education called the Elementaire. The Elementaire lasts for 6 years so basically from the time children are 5 until they turn 11 they are in Elementaire. This level of education is similar to elementary school in the U.S. This is when students form bonds with other students and begin to learn what it takes to go forward i n their education. After completing Elementaire students move on to the next level called Secondaire. Secondaire consists of two stages first is College and then Lycee. College is the same as middle school in the U.S. and students attend for 4 years. This is when students begin to form their personality and start noticing the opposite sex. Students also begin to explore... ...France the only way to achieve your goal is to earn a degree. While education is important in France, it must be reformed to stay competitive with other nation's educational systems. France now boasts the highest young unemployment rate among all other European countries. For this reason France must reform its current education system. In order for France's education system to be reformed, it must change. This is a problem for a nation who doesn't accept change very often. In 1998 France's minister of education found a way to fix the dated educational system. He allocated 730 million dollars to improve the educational system over the next four years. The minister hopes this money will lower the young unemployment rate in his country. Overall France's education system is very similar to the US's. The major difference is that France places much more emphasis on the transfer of knowledge while the U.S. tries to teach children how to learn on ones own and the excitement of learning. As education has advanced throughout the world, France's fear of change has caused this nation to fall behind. With new improvements France's educational system will regain its power and integrity. Education in France Essay -- essays research papers Education in France France is a nation focused on culture. It is in many ways the "cultural capital of the world". France has always been an inspiration for many artists. Due to its strong culture and other moral factors, France is a country afraid of change and its education system is subject to this fear. In France today, the education system is very similar to what it has been in the past. As other nations take steps to reform and improve their educational facilities France must be willing to follow or they will be left behind. In France the education system is run by the state, it is supported by the state and is therefore basically free. During a French education, emphasis is placed on the transfer of knowledge. This approach is different from the U.S. where the emphasis is placed on showing the excitement of learning and how the child can find information for him or herself. As in the U.S., education is separated into levels that must be passed in a sequence to go on. There are 5 levels of education in France. The first level is called Creche. The Creche is the equivalent of daycare in the U.S. The age range for the Creche is from birth to 3 years. The Creche's purpose is to prepare young children for the next level of education. After students complete their last year in the Creche they move on to the Maternelle. The Maternelle is the second level of education and is for children 3 to 5 years old. It is comparable to preschool in the U.S. (Lect. Notes #4 Sp.99). This level of education is when students are first introduced to education. After students successfully complete Maternelle they will move on the next step in their education called the Elementaire. The Elementaire lasts for 6 years so basically from the time children are 5 until they turn 11 they are in Elementaire. This level of education is similar to elementary school in the U.S. This is when students form bonds with other students and begin to learn what it takes to go forward i n their education. After completing Elementaire students move on to the next level called Secondaire. Secondaire consists of two stages first is College and then Lycee. College is the same as middle school in the U.S. and students attend for 4 years. This is when students begin to form their personality and start noticing the opposite sex. Students also begin to explore... ...France the only way to achieve your goal is to earn a degree. While education is important in France, it must be reformed to stay competitive with other nation's educational systems. France now boasts the highest young unemployment rate among all other European countries. For this reason France must reform its current education system. In order for France's education system to be reformed, it must change. This is a problem for a nation who doesn't accept change very often. In 1998 France's minister of education found a way to fix the dated educational system. He allocated 730 million dollars to improve the educational system over the next four years. The minister hopes this money will lower the young unemployment rate in his country. Overall France's education system is very similar to the US's. The major difference is that France places much more emphasis on the transfer of knowledge while the U.S. tries to teach children how to learn on ones own and the excitement of learning. As education has advanced throughout the world, France's fear of change has caused this nation to fall behind. With new improvements France's educational system will regain its power and integrity.

Diverse Subjects Essay

Creativity is an essential dimension of life and it is found at every level of existence. The planets and stars are creative in their own way. Animals are creative in their own way of innovation and adaptation. But what about human beings? Are we creative to find beauty in our lives and add beauty to others’ life? The very essence of formation of human body from a single cell zygote to a multicellular body is the creativity of nature. But the human mind has somehow lost its ability to think of new ideas and change the world. There is a global institution that is labeling millions of people as failures just because they failed to memorize few facts and figures. This institution is our so called â€Å"education system†. The very aim of education is now limited to a classroom with a blackboard packed with forty to fifty students with one elderly person dictating them what they should learn. No music, dance, art or games but just an authority of examination is there to test their intelligence. Number of studies done on young children have shown that children before school were very creative and as they continue with their schooling, their creativity is lost. The present education system kills creativity, stifles imagination, and destroys curiosity in children- all in the name of learning. Major technology giants facebook, Apple, Microsoft would not have been there if their creators had not dropped out of formal education. The greatest of all minds-Einstein did not bother to memorize his own address or phone number. India had also seen some of the great personalities- Dhirubhai Ambani who proved that even a common man can become a billionaire, M.S.Subramaniam who made Indian self-reliant on food grains, Pandit Ravi Shankar who is the ambassador of Indian music to the world. Such people are not the products of this education system. Had it done so, there would have been millions in number. We are taught to be a part of a rat-race striving to gain excellence by mugging up theoretical concepts to get a top rank and keep up with the cut-throat competition. That is where the creativity is being slaughtered and excellence is being sacrificed at the altar of expediency. Instead of reducing students to test-taking machines, they should be encouraged to create mistakes so that they can learn to improve upon themselves. Various initiatives have been taken to encourage Gandhi’s model of education-an education system with human values. Swaraj university is one such example where the youth is equipped with skills to deal creatively with complexity, collapse and change the world. More such reforms should be made. The children should be encouraged to do job of their interest so that they enjoy their work rather than seeing it as an obligation. The education system must be revamped to foster enthusiastic youngsters to keep their creativity and dreams intact.

Mind over Matter

Mind over matter The concept of the connection between the brain and body has been discussed around the world for quite a while. Many people have used holistic medicine and find it better than traditional medicine. I do believe that these techniques are legitimate, effective methods of therapy due to its positive results without using pills and the variety of options in its treatments. It is proofed that is possible to reduce or even eliminate  pain, illness and disease by using the  natural powers it process. According to Psysoma Clinic, people are seeking holistic medicine because they are concerned about their physical bodies.There are many options in holistic medicine that elicits changes in your body and its efficiency proven by its results gain all over the years. For example: Focus your mind in meditations and positive thoughts and feelings; Set time aside to do something that you like to do even when you are busy doing activities for the purpose of pleasure; Set one achie vable goal for each day and congratulate yourself on your success and so on. By using these techniques you will have greater effective results in curing diseases and pain.While medical professionals are focus on identifying and treating symptoms through physical means such as drugs and surgery, the Holistic therapy will address the underlying emotional and psychological connection between mind-body connections. To most doctors, the immune system was regarded as an autonomous entity, operating independently of the mind and behavior, which is the opposite of holistic medicine. In conclusion, holistic medicine is the best treatment option than conventional medicine; its efficiency is proven by the results and it is demonstrated all over the years. Mind over Matter Mind over matter The concept of the connection between the brain and body has been discussed around the world for quite a while. Many people have used holistic medicine and find it better than traditional medicine. I do believe that these techniques are legitimate, effective methods of therapy due to its positive results without using pills and the variety of options in its treatments. It is proofed that is possible to reduce or even eliminate  pain, illness and disease by using the  natural powers it process. According to Psysoma Clinic, people are seeking holistic medicine because they are concerned about their physical bodies.There are many options in holistic medicine that elicits changes in your body and its efficiency proven by its results gain all over the years. For example: Focus your mind in meditations and positive thoughts and feelings; Set time aside to do something that you like to do even when you are busy doing activities for the purpose of pleasure; Set one achie vable goal for each day and congratulate yourself on your success and so on. By using these techniques you will have greater effective results in curing diseases and pain.While medical professionals are focus on identifying and treating symptoms through physical means such as drugs and surgery, the Holistic therapy will address the underlying emotional and psychological connection between mind-body connections. To most doctors, the immune system was regarded as an autonomous entity, operating independently of the mind and behavior, which is the opposite of holistic medicine. In conclusion, holistic medicine is the best treatment option than conventional medicine; its efficiency is proven by the results and it is demonstrated all over the years.

Money & Banking Foreign Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Money & Banking Foreign Trade - Essay Example Today, foreign trade accounts for a noticeable percent of GDP in all the countries except some poorly developed economies. Evidently, the highly developed banking network worldwide has notably contributed to the fast growth of international trade. The foreign trade sector relies on commercial banks for services like corporate finance, foreign branch banking, and trade finance. Although the global financial crisis 2008-09 severely affected the foreign trade sector, this sector can still grow further through strategic business alliances. Since the global economy has not yet recovered from the shock of the recent global recession, level of market uncertainty is high and this situation increases the possibility of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Due to this financial market uncertainty, commercial banks are reluctant to finance foreign trade operations and investors hesitate to experiment their luck in an unpredictable global market environment. However there are some potential inter nal and external currency-hedging techniques to avoid foreign exchange rate risks to a great extent. This paper will discuss foreign trade with particular focus given to money and banking. History of Money and Banking The history of money can be dated back to nearly 2500 years. Coinage was first minted in seventh to sixth century BC. Historically, money was considered to be any identifiable object which had a particular value and was used for the payment for goods or services and for repayment of debts within a market environment. Historians suggest that since ancient times, people have exchanged items of value, such as livestock and cereal grain, in order to meet their needs for different goods and services. It is also identified that ancient people followed a commonly shared system of tokens with intent to make market transactions more convenient. The concept of commodity money was developed followed by barter system and gift economy. This concept assisted people overcome the limi tation of bartering and to make commodities more liquid. The period between 700 and 500 BC witnessed the emergence of standardized coinage. Paper money was first introduced in China over the 11th century. The US dollar was developed only 200 years ago. Banking history started around 2000 BC in Babylonia and Assyria. The first prototype banks of merchants during the ancient period represent the starting point in the banking history. These banks had granted grain loans to traders and farmers who carried goods between townships (The lawyers & jurists). Later in ancient Greece, lenders developed two innovative practices including accepting deposits and changing money. Northern rich cities such as Florence, Venice, and Genoa had a great influence on shaping the word banking in the modern sense. Banking activities in Florence over the 14 century were dominated by Bardi and Peruzzi families, who established branches across many other parts of Europe. Banking operations notably developed in Amsterdam and London during 16th and 17th century respectively. On the strength of advancements in telecommunication and information technology over the 20th century, banking operations have undergone dramatic changes. Since this time, banks have been significantly increasing its size and geographic coverage. The global financial crisis 2008-09 led to a series of bank failures, which in turn sparked the debate

Write an essay comparing and contrasting life in the colonies (pick

Write an comparing and contrasting life in the colonies (pick two colonies and discuss) - Essay Example Burkina Faso, formerly Upper Volta is a small, poor, landlocked country in West Africa which later became the part of French West Africa in 1896. A large number of people in Burkina Faso live in rural areas. The extended family and tribes are the basic social units. Excessive population and drought carved the people and they were compelled to move neighboring countries in search of better life facilities. If one compares the French colonies with that of the American, one can find that there existed somewhat a far better living condition in American colonies which allowed the freedom for education and health facilities for the colonists. Most of the colonies of the world faced the same problem of the wide dispersal of population and the migration of educated people to city life. The New England colonies in America gave more emphasis to education which later paved the way for the renewal of most of the colonies. The Dame school system was very common in the time of early colonial days. The one room school is managed by a woman in her house, with a few children. The political conditions were crucial in Burkina Faso before the conquest of France in the 1890s.The Islamic empire of Mali and Songhai ruled before the arrival of France into the scene. In Burkina Faso, the political life has been controlled by the small group of educated people, military officers and labor unions. The result of extreme poverty, political instability became a curse in Burkina Faso region. After the advent of French administration, these political organizations and labor unions demanded political freedom. The social life was so pathetic and the vegetation was mainly depended on seasonal rain. The poor soil supports few fruit trees and crops, which were insufficient for the inhabitants. While in New England colonies in America have been developed a different social