***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. ****

Banking anomalies

Sir, During my three years experience as an exporter to Bangladesh from Hongkong, our company has sufferd immensely and we do not foresee an end to our problems, in the near future.

The main handicap to our smooth operatioins is the gross Indifference and also inefficiency of some of the banks we deal with. At time things are so bad that our banks in Hongkong get frustrated and tell us that our claim will be Ignored unless they recieve a response from the importing bank In Bangladesh within a specified time.

Anyone with a bit of banking knowledge knows that an export document requireing a certain maturity date (Usance Bill) will automatically be paid by the Importing bank on the date of the maturity of the bill. Since It Is a committment by the importer's bank that payment will be on maturity if everything else Is tn order, the fund position of

the importer Is irrelevant.

But does it always work like this with many of the banks here? No sir. Some bankers have the cheek to tell, me that they can only pay when they recieve funds from their clients. In other words the importer can withhold payment at his will depending on the clout he might have with his banker!

As a result of. I am sure, only a few fout-ups, our export bills are discounted by banks in Hongkong only if a Hongkong bank has added its confirmation on the bills at a cost of 1 -1/2 to 2% of the bill amount. This adds to the cost and hundreds of thousands of dollars are drained out of Bangladesh which can be avoided once our Bangladeshi banks learn to honour their committments. Business is only done through banks because they are thought to be honest arbltraters in a playground when business is done between strangers in most of the cases.

A crusader.

Taslima, fundamentalists and economy

Sir. The feminist novelist Taslima Nasreen now stands at par with Salman Rushdie by having a small group of Islamic fundamentalists put a price on her head. Council of Islam in Sylhet has offered $ 1.250 to anyone who kills her. according to TIME International (Oct. 4. 1993). I have never read what Taslima writes but from continents made by those who do read her books I have no desire to read her. But that does not mean I have any right to gag her or make her life miserable. Freedom of speech, expression and views are basic rights that we all must learn to practice and respect. Let us not try to go back to dark ages when we have made such a tremendous leap towards a democratic society and we have elected a democratic government which Is working towards establishing that system.

In our country, because of inherent backwardness of economy, we continue to exist in a poverty level from which we are unable to get out. As a result, we harbour many radical groups that attract a,lot of disgruntled and frustrated youths who find in such groups and their extreme means of solution. In the recent times the funda-

■nentalists have found a fertile area to exploit the economic depression that has come the world over especially the underdeveloped countries. Bangladesh has not been left behind in their sphere of influence and they have done an extremely good job at that. This has happened because of corruption. autocracy and misrule practiced by previous governments. At the same time the progressive elements In our society have failed to come up with any constructive programme or even to understand the people's sentiment.

It is critical situation that we face now and the best way to tackle this would be a whole hearted commitment of all the patriotic people to try to bring about an economic revolution that will eliminate the poverty that the people of this country has been thrown into. We must create the atmosphere for business to flourish. Industries to open and the economy to boom. This will give opportunity for employment and the overall standard of living should improve.

Akku Chowdhury Nakhalpara. Dhaka

II

Sir. Tasleema Nasreen Is a modern and emancipating

young lady. She has gained popularity for her books which reflect the actual picture of the society we live in. She has boldly pointed out social problems and also has indicated the various reasons which are behind these problems. Her books give us a vivid picture of the evil elements of society.

Not only has She written about how the women are treated in this community but also has pointed out that women are considered as robots devoid of feelings and emotion. Social problems including extramarital relations, divorce and physical and mental torture on women have found place in her books. But the most amazing and shocking thing is that she for writing the truth has been castigated severely.

Weeks ago. while reading a newspaper I found out that certain political groups consider Tasleema Nasreen's books as trash and obscene. Why should Tasleema Nasreen's books be considered as trash? Because she writes the truth? Because she has unmasked the society? Or, because she Is a woman? Tasleema Nasreen has the guts to write what is fact and by writing these she is informing us of the social problems and also showing us how to change our attitude to avoid overcome these problems.

Her books are analytical where each character plays a major part In pointing out the evils of this society. She should be thanked. I hope that she will continue writing in her distinctive style.

Towheed Feroze New DOHS

Worth of award

Sir. 1 was amazed at the advertisement on receiving a Spanish award by a packaging Industry or Dhaa Publlsed on page 12 of The Daily Star on 7.10.93.

Some years back a friend of mine who Is In unconditional business for quite a long time, received an award from a Spanish organisation. He was invited- to receive his prize in Sapin at his own cost and also on payment of an entry fee which was about US $500 (to be paid in Spain). He'dld not accept it.

Is it a packet? Then there may be so many like this, particularly tn developing country. Including Bangladeshi

Bottom line : You pay for an award' you did not as for.

AsffAUy

Elephant Road. Dhaka.