Divisional HQ at

Rangpur

Sir, The people of greater Rangpur and Dinajpur district have been demanding for establishment of a divisional headquarter* at Rangpur for the last few years. But no deci sion has yet been taken in this regard. The present government has already created a divisional headquarters at Bariaal. This has helped the people of southern part of the country. The people of Sylhet are also de mandlng for establishment of a new division at Sylhet. which has too been praised by many

the people of Rangpur and Dinajpur are suffering very much for want of a divisional headquarter at Rangpur as the present divisional headquarter Is far away from the above district. The communication sys tern Is not good. We would, therefore, request the govern ment to consider the demand for establishment of a separate

division al Rangpur which is Ideally situated In the northern part of the country.

Mahbubul Haque Chowdhury

DCM. Sonali Bank. HO. Dhaka

Awards and freelancers

Str, The Philips Award, the Bata Award, the Coca Cola Award and other 'such' awards are quite Interesting and eagerly awaited by writers and journalists. We greatly feel, however, that freelance writers are being neglected to a dire extent. It I* time someone thought of awarding some of the freelance writers who contribute largely to socio-economic, politlcal-admlnlstratlve, cultural-educational developments. They serve as unofficial think tank'. They help to mould policy by generating Ideas among the decision makers a* well a* galvanizing Influential members of the public In helping to Implement step* or

measures of long term benefit to the country. If their wise, worthwhile visions receive scant attention, the result Is the setting Into motion of the slow grinding of the forces of nature or providence or 'market'.

The freelance writers definitely deserve awards. Every writer should be allowed to send ten writings of his/her own choice, and judgement should be made absolutely by those who have no connection with the journals or periodicals or dallies.

From the old and young gen eratlons there should be equal number of judges. Best would be to choose from among the justices belonging to the older generation, and school as well as college teacher* from among the younger generation — of course, those who regularly read the Bangla and English newspaper* and periodicals

So let the free lance writer* be awarded too.

Nahlasha Kamal

Dhaka