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To the Editor
Under threat
Sir. Our attention has been drawn to an article written by Mr Kabir U Ahmad titled "Is the Political-Economic Stability under Threat?" in the DS on July 3. We like to add the following for further information:
1) One of the letters published in your paper about the changes of the Zia international Airport by Biman authority is a glaring example.
2) The weekly holiday ceremony is. no doubt, a damaging act done by some interested quarters.
3) There is systems loss in every sector, both political socio-economic activities of the country.
4) The financial sector, including revenue earning, seems to be in an alarming state etc.
5) The last but not the least point is that the other day one secretary while addressing senior officials told that everywhere. he finds, go-slow principle is followed.
M AU Dhaka
Closing down of mills
Sir. Couple of days back, we had the good fortune of visiting the biggest jute mill in the world. And you know where it is located — in our very own country. Bangladesh. Isn't that a source of pride? And when you visit it, it is more so. For It is so large, spread over a sprawling one square-mile area with a large number of mills, residential areas for officers and workers (which are more than 35000). 4 schools, 4 outdoor clinics. 10 big ponds, a police station, a post office, a bank and huge lush green trees (for the mill Is very old). It is like a whole city In itself.
But the sad part is. it is in the verge of closure or collapse. You can't help but give credit to the man who engineered the whole idea, worked and invested to set up a huge complex like this. And we: we couldn't even keep it running, something that we got all readymade. Couldn't we put in. even this much effort and honesty to keep It functioning? For. dishonesty at all levels is eating away its very roots. Of course there are otner factors, contributory too. Like the undue ppwer In the hands of the jfiibour unions. But a whole hearted, sincere and honest effort on the part of everybody Involved, can surely overcome any problem or obstacle. If only we were as patriotic as our
neighbours, if not more so. then they couldn't have taken away the world market from us
Like, when we are told to make something with 1st grade raw jute, we make it with 3rd grade, but give the bill of 1st grade, to pocket rest of the moneyl So the quality of the product is naturally 3rd grade. After that, who will give us another order?
Then when the Jute is to be bought from the farmers, it is not done so. in the peak season when the price is lowest, but. a month or so later when the price doubles and so the price of the product also doubles. In this way, so many factors are contributing, to the mill being run at a loss. For which only we can be held responsible, nobody else.
Isn't there any remedy for this? For it's a shame for the whole nation and Its citizens that so many mills are closing down one after another, but nobody seems bothered. Not even the people elected democratic government. Already Monno Ceramic, which was nothing short of a pride of the nation has closed down. Then some Sugar mills, Tanneries Salt factories etc. are at the threshold of shutting down.
Why, why. why, nothing is being done?
Dr Sabrina
Dhaka Cantonment. Dhaka.
Water meters — WASAs
Sir. In the UK, the water companies do not use any meter and charge households at flat rate decided to ensure recovery of expenses, profit and cost needed for future developments. This there was coined by one of the staff at Chittagong WASA — he was rather obstinate to the extent that he ultimately developed mental ailments, when no one. Including me as chairman entertained his recommendations.
In our country, even using meters imported at high costs, we could not ensure conservation of water supply and billing, resulting into huge loss of revenue each year. I am now inclined to suggest a Block Tariff instead of the rate now existing, in which cost of water to households would rise according to the quantity they use. The sys-tem would mean that every bCKie receiving water for essen-proposes like washing, cooking and flashing toilets to be at minimum cost but those
who use excess water for gardening. for filling swimming pools and washing cars etc, to be penalised. Even seasonal tariff with increased charges for hot weather/lean supply periods may be considered to assure against water shortages. Along with block rates, other methods like water-saving devices, reduction in leakages, and managing the uncapped street taps and losses out of unauthorised use of water would ensure a reasonable supply for all.
We need about 20 to 30 gallons a day per person and it is likely to rise to 50 gallons by the year 2010. Therefore, proper planning for regular increase of output, conservation and efficient billing could provide an answer.
Col (rtd) Mirza Shafi House: 82F. Rod: 5 Banani, Dhaka.
Why not a hartal for Seema?
Sir, In view of the fact that the people are losing confidence In law, in some places they are taking law into their own hands and creating dangerous situation. there are widespread incidents of mob violence, lynching and killing of alleged child lifters, cattle lifters, muggers and hijackers and great discontentment prevailing in the country due to rape and murder of Jesmin of Dinajpur. Seema Chowdhury of Chittagong and tragic death of a Biman steward of Dhaka under police custody, the latest inquiry into Seema Chowdhury rape and murder case and also on account of deteriorating law and order situation we demand of our people's elected government to reinvestigate Seema Chowdhury rape and murder case for the sake of restoration of confidence of law among the people and maintenance of law. order and peace In the country.
In support of our genuine, just and noble demand we call upon our people, all social and cultural organisations and all political parties irrespective of Awami League, BNP, JI, JP, Worker's Party and others to observe one-day hartal on a suitable date agreed on consensus to raise the morality and demonstrate the unity of 130 million people of Bangladesh In the greater national Interest — law and order.
OH Kabir
6, Hare Street.
Wart Dhaka-1203