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TO THE EDITOR
Terror in London
I am sorry to take up more of your column space, but I was surprised that Ms Ashfia's response (published 12 July) to my letter (published 10 July) took my comments out of context, and I feel I must make a brief reply.
I did not blame any individual or organisation for the London bombings, for the simple reason that I have no idea who was responsible. As a British Muslim who has vigorously opposed British and American policy on the Middle East and Iraq, and who was one of the million who marched through London as part of the campaign to try and stop our government from attacking Iraq, I am well aware of the damage caused and the dangers created by Anglo-American actions. But the immediate aftermath of a terrorist bombing is not the time for political debate. When your country is
attacked, you must defend it. Bangladeshis know this better than anyone.
I am not new to Bangladesh. I have made several visits to my relations here. I have always been struck by the warmth and generosity of the people of this country, and I know they will sympathise with the British people, whatever they think of the British government.
Al-Hajj Dr David Cheesman Luton, Bedfordshire, UK
***
I refer to the letter ofÊ Ashfia, Dhaka, in response to the letter of Dr. David Cheesman.Let me please reply to each point of Ashfia. Point: " The question to ponder is who or what made them so?" My reply: Because they perceive injustice has been done and think that killing mostly innocent people will cure that injustice. They are wrong. Point: "What will we call a mod-
ern Bush?" My reply: Look we all know Bush is a raving lunatic in charge of the asylum. ButÊkilling innocent people does not change that. Point: "Why did the British people allow (we respectfully refer to the age-old British democracy and strong public opinion) their prime minister…"
My reply: You must understand this. Tony Blair is in love with Bush, the people of Great Britain are NOT in love with Bush or Blair, so do not blame us for them. As for democracy, you have "democracy" in Bangladesh but does that stop your corrupt politicians ? NO. Does it mean that you can tell the BNP leaders to find the killers of Awami League people ? NO. So you understand democracy is just a word, the same as in UK. You should also know that ONLY 30% or so of British people actually voted for Blair, but on that he got into power. Point: Why do they poke their nose in
the developing countries on the pretext of giving aid?
My reply: If you do not want the aid, use your democracy and tell the donors you do not want it. But do not think that taxpayers are going to continue to give money merely to go straight into pockets of corrupt people, as that is what happens to a lot of the money.
Zabidur Rahman
Toronto
LPG expansion plan
An industry expert has applauded the objectives of the Finance Minister, Mr Saifur Rahman, and the Advisor to the Energy Ministry, stating that despite the general misconceptions currently being reported regarding the capacity of the Bangladesh LPG industry, the industry has more than ample capacity to produce, import and distribute LPG in not only cylin-
der form for cooking purposes but also for wider use, such as industrial & commercial use and as an environmentally acceptable substitute to octane.
I, Country Manager for Kleenheat Gas, Bangladesh, stated that the current Bangladesh LPG industry is not more than 80,000 metric tonnes per annum with Petrobangla producing up to 25,000 metric tonnes at its 2 plants.
The balance is imported by 4 private operators who have invested in excess of US$50 million, developing LPG import and bottling facilities since 1999, when the government of Bangladesh announced it would encourage private operators into the LPG industry. The combined import and bottling capacity of these 4 facilities is upwards of 200,000 metric tonnes per annum when fully utilised.
The 4 LPG facilities, located at Mongla Port and Chittagong,
are clearly under utilised and facing huge financial pressures due to the lack of market expansion. Original estimates of the size of the market have not materialised due to a number of factors and as in most countries where LPG use has flourished a joint and pro-active approach by both the government and the private operators is necessary to stimulate growth and develop a sustainable LPG industry.
I disputed recent claims that the expansion of the LPG industry will put a strain on foreign currency reserves, stating that the import cost of LPG is considered minimal when compared to the huge and increasing level of subsidies currently being funded by the government on oil based alternatives, when in fact it would help reduce subsidy debt, increase government revenue in the form of VAT and import duties as well as create opportunities for a large number of small business people in
Bangladesh.
LPG offered users a portable, economical, efficient and environment friendly alternative to more traditional fuels in locations where natural gas was not available and would continue to grow in popularity throughout the country as it has globally with the government's support. Mr Klaus Gohra
Country Manager
Kleenheat Gas, Bangladesh
Defence
Compared to neighbouring countries we maybe known as weak. If someone says we need to update our defence forces then many will ask the same question, "Why we need to spend our money for defence if we are among the list of developing countries." The answer was given by Air Commodore (retd) Ishfaq I. Choudhury while writing in "Strategic Issues" on June 24, 2005.
The writer said, "I, for one, have always argued that the treat Bangladesh
faces at present and in the coming decades is not so much from external aggression but more from internal dissension and disorder." Maybe he is right. If the terrorists around the world find our forces as a weak opponent, then they may think they can make progress living in our country.
Our forces have proved their worth, specially in UN peacekeeping missions in a few countries. If you have an army than you have to build it strongly. Though, we do not have a strong industrial base or doesn't have huge financial ability, but still we must give due priority to defence.
Tahsin Hyder
Maple Leaf International School Dhanmondi, Dhaka