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.

Newsprint

Sir, I fall to understand this paradox. In textbooks I've read that the newsprint mill tn Khulna produces more than enough to meet the need of paper in the country and hence exports the excess to foreign countries. Why is it then that one can find no newsprint at the shops because of the wrath of bookshopowners upon the Government for imposing too much tax on imported newsprint papers?

Much a dp has been going on to realize the goal of educating the whole population by the year 2000 — the government deserves praise for that. But Is it Justifiable at all that the Government should provide with free books and even food for education but the shops should be devoid of newsprint?

I don't understand politics. But whatever the political condition. a certain successful

policy is needed to be invented so that the newsprint can make a glorious comeback — or else. It may. in the near future. become only a revered museum item. Even though the quality of the newsprint is questionable, we still want it back.

An extremely enraged student

Politics and people

Sir. The collapse of autocrat Ershad regime in 1990, holding of an unprecedented free and fair parliamentary elections in 1991 and restoration of the form of parliamentary democracy there of raised hopes for a 'new Bangladesh' based on justice, cooperation, unity and development. But all hopes and aspirations of the people seem to be shattered. Even whatever economic and social gains there have been, seem to be at stake.

When the parliamentary

form of government was accepted. we thought that all problems of our country would be solved through the parliament and we won't have to-face- any more hartals, gheraoes, barricades, breaking of cars, loss of working days. But the Opposition has pursued the policy of 'parliament-boycotting'. 'hartals', gheraoes'. barricades' to compel the ruling party to concede to its demand. This policy of the Opposition is causing Immense sufferings to the people from all walks of life. Jeopardising economic activities. hindering government initiated programmes and creating Instability in educatton system.

And since the BNP is in power. It will have to be responsible for any untoward incident and for the sufferings of the people. So. it should proceed more carefully and also sincerely.

We urge the politicians in general and our two foremost political leaders Jn particular, to refrain from the competition of delivering irresponsible statements. The politicians should not think the people to be incapable to Judge as to who is responsible for their sufferings. The people have not yet lost their sense of Judgement. The politicians should do

something positive to rid the nation of the intolerable crisis.

Shah Abdul Saddt

ID/3-25, Mirpur.

Dhakct.

BTV, Radio and Biswa Ijtema

Sir. Preparations for holding the annual Biswa Ijtema (in mld-January '95). the largest Muslim congregation after Hajj, are going on in full swing at Tongi. I earnestly request the BTV. Radio Bangladesh and the Ijtema management committee to kindly arrange for live telecast and broadcast of the Akherl Munajat offered on the concluding day of the Ijtema to enable millions at home and abroad, join the Munajat along with those at the Ijtema venue. It is the only way for the old. sick and those who for various reasons cannot be present at the Ijtema. to participate in the grand Akherl Munajat and thus meet the cravings of their hearts.

Will those concerned in the BTV, Radio Bangladesh and The Ijtema management, please do the needful and thus earn the gratitude of millions of Muslims at home and abroad?

M Naztnul Haque Dhaka