***Letters for publication in these columns should be addressed to the Editor and legibly written or typed with double space. For reasons of space, short letters are preferred, and all are subject to editing and cuts. Pseudonyms are accepted. However, all communications must bear the writer's real name, signature and address.
Role of Govt and Opposition
Sir, Our heartiest congratulations to BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on her assumption of the office of Prime Minister and to AL chief Sheikh Hasina on her getting recognition as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.
We have numerous problems but only a limited resources to contain them. Hence, it is not possible even on the part of a good government to change the poverty-sunken image of Bangladesh overnight What a good government can do is. re-set the disarranged systems and run the country's administration honestly ensuring maximum utilization of the available resources including man and money. There are always some cunning characters to destroy the goodwill and honesty of a government. It is imperative on the part of an active government to guard against invasion by these unscrupulous characters. A people's govt, entertains constructive criticism by the opposition, press and individuals and rectifies Its lapses accordingly. A dedicated government regularly clarifies its stand.
On the other hand, a good and strong Opposition can play a crucial role in keeping the government on the right tract. The Opposition, through their
constructive criticism and sincere cooperation can make the govt, run as per the will of the people and ensure greater welfare. It is, however, Irrational arid Impractical on the part of the Opposition to criticize only for the sake of criticism. Such act will only jeopardize the united effort to improve the lot of the masses.
Meanwhile, we sincerely wish overall success of Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and Opposition Leader Sheikh Hasina within the framework of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
M. Zahidul Haque.
Assistant Professor, Bangladesh Agricultural College.
Dhaka-1207.
Which price to pay ?
Sir, You must be astonished to discover the difference between the price advertised and the price charged for a certain washing soap. If you wish to ’ have a piece of 'Nirala' soap you are to pay Tk. 5.50 as written thereon while Tk. 4.25 is shown as the price In TV advertisement for one of same size with same label. Doesn't it attract attention of the relevant Govt, officials? It's a harassment of simple consumers and a crime no less than cheating.
Md. Akkas All Miah Shahjahanpur, Dhaka.
Hazard on road and
ShishuPark
Sir, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authority to the road Just off to the main entrance of Shlshu Park. We. the mothers of the children of Dhaka city have noticed with grave concern that this road is. main route of local, mini. BRTC, double-decker buses and trucks.
We cannot comprehend why and how this fuute came into being. Not only does this rush of traffic endanger the lives of our children, to whom the Shishu Park is one of the very few places of fun and entertainment, but also the lives of the parents and guardians who come along. It is all the more bewildering because the very busy Diabetic Hospital is quite nearby where there is always a rush of patients and specially old people. The same case is near the P.G. Hospital and the veiy popular Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Uddyan where a lot of people come for morning and evening strolls.
Besides the constant fear of being run down by a truck or bus. all these people, specially children, old people, patients and those who come for fitness purpose not only have a tensed experience in getting around or across the road but also virtually have their longevity decreased by inhaling all the pollution that the hectic traffic creates. I would hope, on behalf of my own children and all these people. that the concerned au thority would give this., problem a fruitful thought.
A Cnnrernnd Mother.
Eid Sales
Sir, While in the Western countries one enjoys the Christmas. Easter and Mother's Day sales, apart from lowering of prices during the summer and winter, and various clearance sales, prices rocket sky high even as regards rickshaw fares weeks before Eld here.
Why can we not. in the same way, have lowering of prices although one understands that when the demand is high the prices shoot up too ?
Would it not be wonderful if you could buy the slippers for your children and the "Kurta" for the husband at a lower price when there is so much to spend over during Eid such as entertainment of relatives and friends.
It is bad enough that , prices rocket sky high during Ramzan but the Eid market is a place where you can easily get fleeced. The other day I bought a material with a large hole in the middle Just because of my inexperience and naivety dealing with Eid shopping.
The lowering of prices might Induce people to buy more, as it happens in the West. Must the shopkeepers be greedy and out for the quick buck only? Eid is a religious occasion. Why cannot they go in for a streak of generosity and humanity? Can the shopkeepers not have a change of heart and keep the interest of the poor con sumer in mind?
F. Dela Harpe, Dhanmandi. Dhaka.