"A journey to Darjeeling.."

Sir, I congratulate both Mr Zaved Hussain and Shahnoor for their very important and thought proving letters (A Journey to Darjeeling) published in your esteemed daily on May 17 and 20. respectively. I also thank you very much for publishing those letters in your independent and courageous newspaper. In this connection I would like to mention here that jnany editors do not dare publishing free, frank and open hearted letters, opinions and voice of the people despite 'freedom of press'.

As regards squandering erf Ill-gotten wealth by some unpatriotic fellow countrymen, we strongly feel that ever since (October 1993) our. government has introduced the so called 'Convertibility', the flight of capital from our country has rather been rampant, reportedly.

Would our Finance Minister

or some In authority kindly clarify the matter in the national interest?

OH Kabir

Dhaka

Limits of credibility

Sir, The opposition, in principle, by the political opposition parties to the alleged unilateral appointment of the niw Election Commissioner by the President (as per existing law), simply because the Opposition was not formally or Informally consulted, raises a basic philosophical and ethical issue for debate : what are the limits of application of the benefit of doubt criterion. The boundary line has to be drawn somewhere, so that the Issue is not hazy enough for practical application, at national, public er private level.

' The currenl Opposition in Bangladesh is resorting to some novel taqUcs of protest over issues either transparent

or debatable. Another point worth noting is that Issues are being taken out of the election ■ manifesto portfolio, and thrown open for public opinion. outside, and prior to. the election campaign. Such technical Jugglery is confusing for the lay voters.

It is the responsibility of constitutional experts to enlighten the masses on the implications. The politicians have to play their games at high and . low levels sometimes leaving the spectators dazed over technical Jargon exchanged between the warring parties. We ordinary and peace-loving citizens wish our country to progress fast and thereby bet ter our lot The political leadership is enlrusted with steer ing the ship of the state; but sometimes the SOS distress signals are out of this world. The Issue is clear whether to make it simple or make It complex

A Husnain

Dhaka