BICN 5-18 October 2000
Volume 4 Number 3
IN THIS ISSUE
From the Editor
Ruminations on Mobile Computing, BICN on
PDAs, & the
Digital Divide
Feature Article
Lower Maternal Mortality Rates in Bangladesh and Nepal
This Issue's Sponsors (Commercial Advertising)
Ecotours to the Bandarban
Hills: Special Package for Dhaka Expats
Badhon, The Largest And Only
Computerized Matchmaking Agency In Bangladesh
Freelance Employees Sought
Community
Announcements
2nd Annual Moulvi Bazar Winter Clothes Giveaway
Cantemus Seeking Singers
Medical Aid Sought, Bandarban Hill Tracts
Events Calendar, Dhaka & Beyond
Late
October
Early
November & Beyond
Webby!
E-consultations on Information & Knowledge Access, Content,
Technology & Empowerment in South Asia
Stratfor.com on Bangladesh
New
Resource for Newcomers to the USA - New2USA.com
Beauty in Diversity -
Mixedrace.com
Non-Commercial Advertisements
BICN is
published first & third Wednesdays, September to May, from Dhaka Bangladesh.
BICN welcomes announcements, personal classified ads, letters to the editor,
press releases, and articles - all non-commercial items appear FREE. Commercial
advertisements appear for a small fee. Email inquiries & items to news@bicn.com
. Next issue submission deadline Tue 17 Oct 2000. Email bicn-subscribe@listbot.com
to subscribe. Sara Bennett, Editor.
(c) BICN. BICN items may be freely reprinted with this attribution:
"Source: Bangladesh International Community News ( http://bicn.com /
news@bicn.com )."
_____________________________________________________________________
FROM THE EDITOR
_____________________________________________________________________
Ruminations on Mobile Computing, BICN on PDAs, & the Digital Divide
I just started using a Palm IIIxe. It's a tiny computer that fits in my
purse, with 8Mb of memory and an add-on modem so it can check email and browse
the Web on its own, without being hooked up to a desktop or laptop. Somewhat to
my surprise (having resisted buying a PDA for years...) I'm finding it
incredibly handy (as I trekked through Vancouver, Baltimore, Cleveland, Boston,
Bangkok ... you get the idea).
I've got my Palm set up to download the current front pages of The New York
Times and The Wall Street Journal every time I "sync". Indeed, the
Palm will happily keep a current copy of any webpage or site you tell it to
(facilitated by AvantGo - see http://avantgo.com). The Palm naturally prefers
PDA-friendly sites (small and simple) but it tries its best to handle
"normal" sites too. Pretty soon I'll be carrying around a PDA-friendly
version of the current issue of the BICN newsletter ... just as soon as I get it
set up.
The really interesting thing is, it appears that palmtop+wireless access will
soon become THE way people in developing countries access the Internet, with
adoption rates for both technologies proceeding at an almost unbelievably fast
rate. So - How can this technology be harnessed by and for Bangladeshis to
bridge the digital divide (the dial tone divide?) and support equitable social
and economic development? Got any ideas?
_____________________________________________________________________
FEATURE ARTICLE
_____________________________________________________________________
Lower Maternal Mortality Rates in Bangladesh and Nepal
From: Caroline Jane Kent ( caroline.kent@dsw-hannover
), Press and Media
Contact for the EC/UNFPA Reproductive Health Initiative for Asia (RHI)
According to UNFPA, complications of pregnancy and birth are the leading
causes of death and disability for women aged 15 to 49 in most developing
countries. Moreover of all the monitored health statistics, maternal mortality
ratios of developing countries (i.e. the number of deaths to women per 100,000
live births) show the highest disparity to those of the developed countries.
Consequently, reducing maternal mortality is one of the goals of the EC/UNFPA
Initiative for Reproductive Health (RHI) in Asia. The seven South East Asian
Countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Viet
Nam) were chosen - amongst other reasons - due to their disproportionally high
rate of maternal deaths.
The RHI in Asia works towards increasing and improving the access of pregnant
women to RH services. This entails the provision of emergency obstretric and
antenatal care as well as increasing the percentage of births attended by
skilled birth attendants, all crucial to saving mothers' lives.
The latest figures on maternal mortality rates in Nepal and Bangladesh,
released today in the State of the World Population 2000, UNFPA, give reason for
hope. In Bangladesh the maternal mortality rate has fallen from 850 in 1999 to
440 in 2000, which is only surpassed by Nepal, which now has a maternal
mortality rate of 540 compared to 1,500 last year.
This is without doubt a great achievement, based upon the valuable work
carried out by numerous NGOs in the RH field some of which are supported by
the RHI - as well as upon ambitious governmental initiatives in the respective
countries. Nevertheless a look at the rates in Europe, e.g. the Netherlands with
a maternal mortality ratio of 7, shows that there is still a long way to go.
For further information on RHI's work, visit http://www.asia-initiative.org .
The State of the World Population 2000 can be viewed at http://www.unfpa.org/swp/swpmain.htm
.
_____________________________________________________________________
THIS WEEK'S SPONSORS
_____________________________________________________________________
Ecotours to the Bandarban Hills: Special Package for Dhaka Expats
Dying to escape Daffy Dhaka? International vacation breaks worn you out? Join
us in the Bandarban Hille in southeastern Bangladesh and visit the easygoing Mru
people, boat along the Sangu river, walk through verdant hills, stay in a
hilltop cottage, imbibe a little moonshine, and sway to hypnotic Mru music!
Dhaka expats booking one month in advance in groups of 3-6 qualify for up to
25% discounts. Profits go directly to indigenous projects.
Contact Reng Yu, your tour coordinator, anytime at rengyu@bangladeshecotours.com
or mobile 018-318345, or click http://www.bangladeshecotours.com .
Badhon, The Largest And Only Computerized Matchmaking Agency In Bangladesh
Badhon now lets you find your match through its online data base! No more
tiresome process of 'arrangements' for finding a match. For further details
check out http: //www.badhon.com/
or write to us at badhon@bdonline.com
, or call
or visit our Uttara or City offices.
Badhon Uttara: House 19, Road 30 Sector 7, tel 8916966, 8918851, 8921067,
fax: 8918798. Badhon City: 18, Dilu Road, tel 9331198 or 9342254. Matchmaking
services since 1995.
Freelance Employees Sought
Dhaka based ad agency seeks to staff two part-time freelance positions (you
take the work home as needed on a job-to-job basis, you DO NOT have to quit your
current job):
(1) Bangla Typist, must be able to translate from English to Bangla, must
have your own access to an Apple Macintosh computer.
(2) Macintosh Computer Operator proficient in Illustrator and Photoshop to do
support work, other applications helpful, must have your own access to an Apple
Macintosh computer.
Email your name, contact information, and CV to: myemploy2000@yahoo.com
.
_____________________________________________________________________
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
_____________________________________________________________________
2nd Annual Moulvi Bazar Winter Clothes Giveaway
Hi, I am a Peace Corps Volunteer working in Moulvi Bazar district in
northeastern Bangladesh. I'm trying to arrange a clothing donation and
distribution for the poor of my community in Bangladesh. Last year was
successful, but I only collected from within my community in the US. This year I
hope to involve the Bangladesh international community also.
So: are you are missing the Salvation Army and wish you had something to do
with those winter clothes in a country with no winter? Well, believe it or not
people freeze in Bangladesh, especially in the colder northern and northeastern
districts like Moulvi Bazar.
Last year 200 pieces of clothing were collected and distributed to a slum
community and rickshaw colony in Moulvi Bazar town. This year with your help
we'd like to collect many more clothes and also distribute to some of the poor
village communities outside of town. Anything you can give will be a big help.
Please drop your clothes donation off at the American School, Service
Learning Office (first floor of the Middle School) 12 United Nations Road,
Baridhara. Clothes collection will run until the end of November, 2000.
Thanks!
Matthew Rich ( rich_matthew@hotmail.com
)
Cantemus Seeking Singers
Cantemus is a Dhaka choir of men and women, singing a varied repertoire of
both classical and light music. We have recently re-grouped with a new Director
and have started rehearsing for a Christmas concert. Weekly rehearsals are
Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Please join us if you enjoy singing, have good
singing voice, can sing on key and have some basic ability of reading music. As
of now, we would welcome additional sopranos, tenors and baritone/basses. If
interested, speak to a Cantemus member or email osinskip@citechco.net
.
Medical Aid Sought, Bandarban Hill Tracts
Are you a doctor or other medical practitioner? Willing to spend a few days
with us visiting wonderful, exotic tribal villages in the Bandarban hills? The
charming Mru people are in need of access to basic healthcare. Even with a short
visit you could do a world of good. Any knowledge of herbal treatments would be
really appreciated. Contact Reng Yu or David Buckley at aid@bangladeshecotours.com
.
_____________________________________________________________________
EVENTS CALENDAR, DHAKA & BEYOND
____________________________________________________________________
To have your Bangladesh-related event - in Dhaka or anywhere else in the
world - included in the next Event Calendar, please email the time, date, place,
description, and email contact address to news@bicn.com
by Tues 17 Oct 00.
All events are in Dhaka unless otherwise noted. Entry to some events is
restricted, eg to members - contact event organizers for more information.
Early October
5 Oct - Voter & consular registration drive, American Club 6-8pm. Club
card, passport, or naturalization certificate required.
6-16 Oct 00 - First Solo Photographic exhibition of Dr. Pierre Claquin,
opening 5:30pm Alliance Francaise de Dhaka. Dr. Claquin, a public health expert,
has resided in Bangladesh for many years. The exhibition will remain open daily
9am-12 noon, 5-8pm daily. Email mouminad@aol.com
.
Fri 6 Oct - Castaway Night. At BHC 8pm. Tickets Tk500/person at BHC &
BAGHA.
Fri 6 Oct - Back To School Disco for 6-11 year olds. Check ARA for details.
Mon 9 Oct - BWA Monthly Outing [NOTE DATE CHANGE], visit to ICDDR,B to hand
over donation. Meet 2.30pm at BHC Residence for 3pm prompt departure. Email BWA@bicn.com
.
Tue 10 Oct - DAWC luncheon, American Club, 12:30pm, for DAWC members and
Americans interested in joining. Cost $5/person. Email dawc@bicn.com
.
Mon 16 Oct - UNWA Newcomers Afternoon Tea at 3pm. Email unwa@bicn.com
for
venue etc.
Tue 17 Oct - Submission deadline for next issue of BICN. Email items to news@
bicn.com.
Wed 18 Oct - BWA Newcomers Afternoon Tea, Nordic Club from 1530 hours. Email BWA@bicn.com
.
Late October & Beyond
Tue 24 Oct - United Nations Day, UN agencies exhibit at the Sonagaon Hotel in
front of the fountain, from 0900 to 1600. Email unwa@bicn.com
.
Tue 24 Oct - UNWA General Meeting from 1100 to 1200 in the Sonargaon Hotel.
Email unwa@bicn.com .
Fri 27 Oct - UNWA Ball, this year's theme is "Culture of Peace".
Sonargaon Hotel Ball Room, 700pm on. Ball tickets Tk1500/person. UNWA Ball
Raffle Tickets are Tk30/ticket, Tk150/book of five - buying raffle tickets gives
you a chance to win wonderful prizes AND your donation will help UNWA continue
supporting local projects for women and children such as: Assistance for Blind
Children (ABC), Baridhara Mohila Samity (Pre-school), Bottomley Home and
Orphanage, Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), Community
Participation and Development CDP), Street Children Program (CSKS), Dustha
Nari-O-Shishu Kallatan Sangstha (DNSKS), Garment Worker's Clinic, Green Herald
Afternoon School, Holy Cross College Gr. 12, Ibrahim School, Mother and Child
Integrated Welfare Org. (MCIWO), Mother Theresa Children's Home, Mother Theresa
Home for the Elderly, Sathee Samaj Kalyan Samity (school), School of Hope. Your
small donation will surely make a difference in other people's lives! For ball
& raffle tickets, email derpat@citechco.net
.
Wed 8 Nov - BWA Used Clothes Swap/Sale. Get your unwanted clothes washed,
ironed, and on hangers with a suggested price tag. A great fun evening. For
venue email BWA@bicn.com .
Sat 18 Nov - Symposium, "Women & human rights - what are the issues
& how are they being addressed?" 2-5pm BRAC auditorium. Hosted by UNWA,
DAWC, BWA and other organisations. Moderated by Claudio Conjaerts of ILO.
Featured speakers will include Anita Bell of Acid Survivors Foundation, several
Bangladeshi lawyers, and other representatives from local and international NGOs
and foundations that are working on human rights. Participation will include
advocates for human rights and representatives from the UN and affiliated
organisations. We plan to invite other local women's organisations including the
British Women's Association, SAARC Women, Dhaka Indian Women's Association,
Zonta Club and other organisations involved in supporting local NGOs and
institutions to attend and contribute. The format will include a panel
discussion, followed by a tea break where human rights advocates and local NGOs
will be on hand to present information concerning their activities. Following
the tea break we will have either small group activities or a Question and
Answer session. More info contact unwa@bicn.com
.
Thu 30 Nov - The Dhaka Caledonian Society's Annual St. Andrews Night Ball, at
the British High Commission Club. There will be the usual sumptuous fare in the
form of a six course meal, Scottish Dancing and Disco. Tickets will be on sale
shortly, meantime to register your interest and reserve your place/table, please
email either irene.mackie@lineone.net
, elaine_johnmarshall@hotmail.com
, Barry.Greenlea@dhaka.mail.fco.gov
. Tickets are limited, so to avoid
disappointment ACT NOW!
Fri 15 Dec - BWA Christmas Social.
Starts Fri 15 Dec - Chobi Mela Asian Photography Exhibition at the National
Museum. Runs for one month. Organized by Drik Gallery in cooperation with
Alliance Francaise, Goethe Institut, Royal Netherlands Embassy, British Council,
and Pathshala-The South Asian Institute of Photography. See last issue's feature
article for more info. Email mayeen@drik.net
.
December: Convention, TechTransfer-2000:Bangladesh (TT2000:BD). This will be
the second TechBangla convention, following on from the first that took place in
Atlantic City USA in April 2000. TechBangla is a non-profit organization
registered in USA and in Bangladesh, dedicated to catalyze the transfer of
technology to Bangladesh. It was formed in June 1998 with the vision that
technology, not aid, can bring lasting solutions to economic problems of
Bangladesh. The fundamental strategy of TechBangla is to provide a platform for
collaboration between resident Bangladeshis (RB) and non-resident Bangladeshis (NRB)
who are Technologists, Investors and Entrepreneurs (TIEs). More info email tt2000bd@techbangla.org
. [Source: Bangladesh Studies Scanner, email ta63@columbia.edu
for more information or to subscribe.]
_____________________________________________________________________
WEBBY!
_____________________________________________________________________
E-consultations on Information & Knowledge Access, Content, Technology
& Empowerment in South Asia
The British Council, OneWorld International and a host of TASKNET partners
take pleasure to host e-consultations on information and knowledge issues for
individuals interested in South Asia's development. These e-consultations are
expected lead to joint actions on a number of areas of common interest.
Individuals from national and state government agencies, public sector
organisations, research institutes and universities, international development
community, NGOs and media organisations are expected to participate.
The e-consultations will take place on four themes, from from 25 September
2000 and continuing for 10 weeks. Postings and weekly summaries will be posted
and searchable at http://www.oneworld.net/tasknet .
Themes:
-
Access - Solutions to the multidimensional 'divides' such as monopolies,
cost, infrastructure, urban vs rural, and gender that minimise access to
information by communities. To subscribe to this discussion, email tasknet_access@oneworld.net
-
Content - People-centred approach to knowledge sharing, creation of 'public
spaces' and appropriate, needs-based indigenous content development. To
subscribe to this discussion, email Tasknet_content@oneworld.net
-
Technology - Use of convergent technologies and open systems to ensure
affordability and appropriateness in the use of ICTs for the creation of
knowledge societies. To subscribe to this discussion, email Tasknet_technology@oneworld.net
-
Empowerment - The role of ICT in poverty alleviation, community work, rural
development, gender and grassroots empowerment and social inclusion. To
subscribe to this discussion, email Tasknet_empowerment@oneworld.net
[Submitted by alan.potkin@laonet.net
, source the IISD (Winnipeg) Sustainable
Development Listserver at http://www.iisd.ca ]
Stratfor.com on Bangladesh
Stratfor.com provides strategic analysis of current events through their
website at http://www.stratfor.com/ and a
email newsletter (used to be free, now about USD50/year). They recently
featured a piece on Bangladesh:
"In impoverished Bangladesh, a financial scandal buffets the government
in advance of elections. Will the country be forced to quickly export its vast
reserves of natural gas?" To subscribe see http://stratfor.com/subscribe.html.
New Resource for Newcomers to the USA - New2USA.com
Interactive online community serving the multicultural needs of people moving
to the United States from around the world. Integrates how-to and real-life
editorial content with innovative online tools and resources for the
international community. Updated daily. Visit http://www.new2usa.com , email
anitam@new2usa.com .
Beauty in Diversity - Mixedrace.com
Aimed at North America's estimated fifteen million multiracial people.
Founded by Art Harrison, a child of an interracial family. Visit http://www.mixedrace.com/,
email art@mixedrace.com .
_____________________________________________________________________
NON-COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS
_____________________________________________________________________
Personal classified ads always run free in BICN. If you need to buy or sell
household items or hire or place household staff, email your information to news@bicn.com
. Note that for security/privacy reasons, ads contain only names
and email addresses - residential addresses and phone numbers are not normally
published.
EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT: Sontosh Costa worked for me as a "Cook-Bearer"
Nov 99-Sep 00 during which he was honest, reliable, punctual, loyal, capable,
and hard-working. He can prepare good Eastern and Western dishes, manage all
aspects of a two-person household (shopping, cooking, washing, cleaning, running
errands, and odd jobs). Good spoken and written English. Sontosh takes
initiative and is pleasant nice to have around. Prospective employers, email beabez@yahoo.com
and I will put you in touch with him.
EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT: Cook or Cook/Bearer. James Gomez available immediately.
Excellent versatile cook, bakes delicious pastries, suitable as cook/bearer for
a single person or cook for larger family. Continuously employed for 20 years,
literate, speaks English well, honest, reliable very loyal. Flexible,
accommodates cheerfully to the demands of a lively family and dinner guests
dropping in without minimal notice. Prefers to live in during the week as his
family lives near Tongi.. For more info email osinskip@citechco.net
.
FOR SALE: Passbook car. 1990 grey Toyota Corolla imported new from Japan,
less than 50K km. Excellent condition. USD2500 or best offer. Please call Khokan
at 018215523 or email ta@bdcom.com attention
S.A. Khokan. ..
SEEKING TO BUY: washing machine in good working order with hot & cold
washes. Email muldoon@bangla.net . ..
DOG WALKING SERVICE AVAILABLE: Does your dog get enough exercise? Tofique
took loving care of our dogs for two years and he is now available part time to
care for and walk your dog, and give it the attention it deserves while you are
at work or not at home. He genuinely likes animals and our animals responded
warmly to his care and attention. To meet Tofique, contact Shameema at 881-4604
or 881-7699, (the IOM Office). For a reference, email suzanne@teledata
. ..
+ Newsletter subscribers: 763 (+4 in the last two weeks).
+ Visitors to BICN website since inception (Apr 98): 39,300 (1503 in the last
two weeks).
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