***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.

Stranded Pakistanis

Sir, My attention has been drawn to the news item published on Saturday, 30th January, in your esteemed daily under the caption "Repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. to be delayed". The statement is not only misleading but also fabricated having no sound footing at all. As regards the camps In Bangladesh and Pakistan they are far different. In camps of Bangladesh there are no basic amenities at all whereas in Mianwali camps of Pakistan, just vacated by Afghan refugees, all basic amenities right from electricity to community centre and utility stores are available. Besides, the culttire and language is Identical for which we had fought in 1946 for the creation of Pakistan and again in 1971 to protect and preserve it.

I venture to draw the attention of Mr Masud Hasan Khan, the reporter, to the news ite-.. of daily Urdu Jasart of Tolustan dated 23rd and 28th Januaiy 1993 which says it has been seriously planned to accommodate the remaining families of the first batch of 3000. Those who think the condition of camps In Pakistan Is similar

to the camps in Bangladesh, their idea is cynical and imaginary, rather aimed at diverting the attention from basic points.

1 appeal to the Govern--ments of Pakistan and Bangladesh not to make the rest of 3000 families of first batch become like those in Somalia. It will be a great tragedy. I also appeal to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia to maintain the image and spirit of Joint communique and not let us down. The play of "cat and mouse" must end now.

M Nasim Khan

Chief Patron SPGRC, Dhaka

Communalism

Sir, I have read with great interest an article published on 9th January In your esteemed newspaper under caption "Communalism should be discussed In the SAARC summit" written by Mr G A Momln. The writer in his article adequately covered almost all the dark sides of communalism and the problems of the minority communities in this subcontinent. Mr Momln has suggested two ways to fight against communalism. First, a massive mass awareness campaign about the inhumanity of communalism; second, taking up the issue to the SAARC. I fully endorse both of his ideas and urge upon the governments of Bangladesh. Indl^ and Pakistan to seriously consider the possibility of inclusion of communalism and the resultant effects in the agenda of next SAARC summit and take effective measures to keep the fundamentalist forces tn check in this subcontinent.

Dr Kazi Shariful Alam Associate Professor, Deptt of Marketing, DU

For a disciplined society

Sir, The fact is that our political leaders are 'clever enough' to engage themselves in Khrushchev-style 'de-Stallnlsation' programmes but not 'imaginative enough' to prepare the nation for challenges and opportunities of next century, when the world scenario Is changing so fast. 1 think the time is ripe when we shelve our past that feeds wide-spread dissensions, for a disciplined society.

Dr Humayun Majid Eskaton Garden, Dhaka.

Advani

Sir, 1 went through your front-page story "Bangladesh, two other Muslim states behind riots: Advani", (January 18). I am surprised that a senior politician of India has made such a light statement.

Mr Advani is respected by many as a sensible man. May I request him through your columns to elaborate and prove his contention? If he has made this statement only to camouflage the activities of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the failure of the Indian statesmanship to contain the same and sidetrack the current Babri Mosque Issue, 1 have nothing to say.

M A Hashem Pallabi. Dhaka

Cell for letters

Sir, Lately certain newspaper have carried editorials highlighting the Importance of "letter to the editor" column. Through this column the members of the public ventilate their grievances, complaints, sentiments etc drawing attention of the relevant authorities expecting them to take proper actions. Some valuable criticisms in relation to the government's developmental strategies are Also made for Improving the social -economic condition of the country. Even through this column some statements are being made in favour of maintaining the country a sovereignty, integrity and solidarity. Some write-ups often help the democratic government uphold Its dignity. But In reality, most of the letters remain unheeded by authorities or agencies concerned. As a result, sometimes doubts mount in the public minds on the usefulness of the letters column In the newspapers and weeklies.

It is the sincere wish of the people that the government would pay due attention to their grievartces, suggestions etc for ensuring greater welfare of the society. At this end, we have been suggesting and still suggest to open a 'Cell' in the Prime Minister's office to collect important letters from the dailies and weeklies and to channelize those for appropriate action by the relevant de-partments/organisations.

M Zahidul Haque Assistant Professor, Bangladesh Agricultural Institute, Dhaka

"Bravo Windies"'

Sir, Through this esteemed daily of yours, I would like to take the opportunity of congratulating the West Indies cricket team for their recent spectacular victory In the World Series Cup. Once again, the Windles have proven their supremacy in the Cricket arena. Although they did not play upto the mark in the World Cup last year, they did, however, smash the world champions. Pakistan and also managed to book them for 84 and 71 runs on two occasion Curtly, Ambrose, the Windles paceman. demolished the Aussie batting line on both of the finals to earn his country a victory they rightfully de served. This year’s World Series Cup also saw the rise of a promising Brian Lara, who has proven to be the perfect successor of the legendary Gordon Oreenldge. Lara was

one of the driving forces of his team in the finals and also In the qualifying matches. J

The West Indies crlckcrt team have again, although after a long time, stood back on their feet. Hats off and Bravo to all of them. I hope that they will be able to keep up this form in the future.

Asrarul Islam Chowdhury, Ronnie

Department of Economics Jahangirnagar University

ACRs

Sir. In his letter Annua) Confidential Reports (ACRs) M Z. Haque of Bangladesh Agri* cultural Institute "seems" to favour those superior officer® who do not like it to be exposed that they are marking their subordinates as being of Inferior quality and poor pel* formers. So he request the Ministry to Issue necessary Instructions so that statement* or scores In the ACRs might not be leaked out (does he blame the Ministry or his subordinates. is not mentioned. Never heard of such leakage!)

And how will the superiors of ’superior' officers evaluate them for not being able to bring their subordinates upto the mark — as is an essential part of their duty as superior^? As usual M Z. Haque Is seemingly always on the side of the tyrannical and agalnit the genera! public. But than what can one expect from oiie whose letters rather revegl autocratic attitude?

Nahiasha Kamal

Dhaka