Time to act

Since its birth in 1971 Bangladesh has passed through many a tumultuous year to reach today's stage where we are set to see a "reasonably free and fair “election". I say this because the main data from which the voters exercise their right of franchise--the voter list-- is for the first time a "genuine" one. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the personnel of the armed forces and the Election Commission and their focused approach.

If we recall, in 1970, the per capita income of Bangladesh and Korea was at par. down the road after a gap of 38 years the per capita income of Bangladesh rose but-not-20,000 times as that of Korea, which now ranks as a developed country. This big disparity is mainly attributed to the activities of the politicians which obviously is credible but the general public (us) should also be blamed for such a state of affairs.

It is a common perception that to be a developed country it needs time but this is not correct as we can see from the examples of Egypt and India which are more

than 2,000 years old. Countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand are only 150 years old and can boast to be rich and developed. The other perception of a developed country is to have available natural resources which could be exploited; this again is also another fallacy- if we look at Japan which has only a tiny piece of land with mountainous demography which is not suitable for any kind of use like agriculture but yet it is the second strongest economy in the world the way they achieved that was being ingenious about methods of manufacturing where they imported raw materials and exported top quality manufactured goods. The other example is Switzerland where they don't grow cocoa but are the best chocolate manufacturers and exporters.

Moving on to the quality of human resources we notice that the executives from developed countries who interact with their counterparts coming from non developed/poor countries do not have significant intellectual difference and race and colour are also not a factor as has been illustrated by the millions of immigrants who

have migrated and enriched their host countries with wealth by serving in those countries- this then brings us to the fundamental question of “What is the difference then”?

The difference is the ATTITUDE of the people, framed along the years by education and culture. If we analyse the behaviour of the people in rich and developed countries we find that the great majority follow the following principles in their lives: 1. Ethics as a basic principle.

2. Integrity.

3. Patriotism.

4. Responsibility.

5. Respect for the law/rules framed by the state.

6. Respect for the rights of the -other citizens. -

In Bangladesh and similar under developed countries only a minority follows the above principles in their daily lives and the overall impact is therefore very negligible. Hence, we are still struggling as an under developed country. So, if we are patriotic and love our country let us reflect about this and take a solemn oath to changeandact'.

Amanullah, One-mail

The ICL and BCB

response

Bangladesh cricket has already absorbed a shock after the loss of 14 players.

Before going to ICL, the 14 cricketers or others who really still opt for playing for Bangladesh should have discussed the proposal of ICL with BCB. But they didn't. There is a sign of lack of patriotism.

On the contrary, the BCB should not have taken such a punitive action when ICL is still not banned by ICC & other cricket boards. BCCI banned it for its own interest.

I think BCB did not want to displease BCCI by allowing those players to play in ICL.

Lastly, Iliope both sides will be able to rectify their mistakes and reach an understanding for the benefit of cricket.

Md. NurulAlamShuvo

Dept, of Accounting & Information Systems Faculty of Business Studies University of Dhaka

A letter to mayor

This is my first letter to the Mayo r of Dhaka City Corporation, Mr. Sadeque Hossain Khoka, also a Member of Parliament, to draw his kind attention to the terrible traffic congestion from Airport station to Rajlaxmi complex. I request the Mayor to take immediate steps to relieve the people from a daily traffic congestion during daytime, especially on the way to office, and while returning from office from 8:00am to 2:30pm.

Would you please look into the matter?

Tonmoy Anowar

Chairman

Inspiration Coaching Centre

’’Art” reflecting a decaying society A disgustingly offensive statue, labelled as a work of art, displayed in a Gateshead gallery, is Indicative of the moral decay of Secular Britain, and its inability to create a cohesive society that can accommodate people of any religious faith. It is sufficient to say that any Muslim who has stumbled across the description or image of It could not but be hurt, offended and outraged.

Some Christians are outraged. Others have come to accept the insult of their faith as a fact of life, and turn a blind eye.

Some celebrate the freedoms in society that allow these types of attacks. One Christian woman is currently prosecuting the gallery for displaying the offensive image, in what may be a good intention. Yet the fact is that the system In Britain - indeed in any secular society - will never prevent such works from being shown. The freedom to provocatively insult that which is sacred to others, to debase the pure and good, is a right in secular societies. If societies in the Muslim countries adopt these standards and values, this is the result people should expect.

It should not surprise people that society in the west has become so decayed and immoral that antisocial behaviour and disrespect are rife. Britain is predominantly a Christian country. There are huge numbers of Muslims who look up to the Prophet Issa (Jesus) as one of the greatest humans that ever lived. Even atheists who look at the biblical teachings of Christianity, changed and altered over the centuries, view them with some respect. So the question emerges: why would anyone take something that is widely regarded as good and pure to debase and denigrate it? That is the action of vandals and hooligans. Yet, this society celebrates such vandalism and hooliganism as art. Why, then, is it surprised that vandalism and hooliganism, antisocial and disrespectful behaviour, are now eqdejpicjnBritain,, , . , ,

Moreover, millions are spent and pages are written about Community Cohesion, and about the bonds that should hold a diverse society together. How does anyone expect a society to remain cohesive if the secular liberals insist on using their right of freedom under the law to insult and offend others? If the feelings of Christian believers are viewed as worthless, what should we expect for the feelings of Muslim believers in Britain and Europe?

It is often asked if art is supposed to reflect life, or life reflect art. The world should look at Britain this week, and know that this particular work of "art" speaks volumes for the decayed values of society and the diseased mind of such "artists". We pray Allah protects societies in Muslim countries from slipping down this dangerous road.

Muhammad Bakhtiyar On e-mail

American presidential election

It Is amazing how the American election has gripped the attention of the people of Bangladesh. Loading newspapers are carrying news, views, and observations about the possible outcome of the election. People are discussing about it everywhere. They get up early to watch the programmes, which are being telecast live on CNN. It is almost like the advertise rnent on die CNN, “ DO NOT DISTURB, WATCHING CNN".

As the people all over the world are wishing Barack Obama to win, they must be hoping that Republican presidential candidate John McCain's VP pick will backfire. Initially though some Americans became excited but as time goes on, the shine will wear off and they will say to Sarah Palin, “Sorry Palin, we are not interested to vote for you." The Republicans are now echoing Democratic Party nominee Barack Obama’s slogan," "Change", which is the main theme of his campaign.

This is an unfair tactic, which McCain has adopted and we hope Americans will not be deceived by it.

Nur Jahan Chittagong

Overseas education

In die last four-five years, the number of the consultancy firms for overseas study has increased significandy in the country. But most of diem can often be deceptive. What is commonly seen is that at first they compel students to open a file charging a considerable amount of money, which is one kind of cheating. They also manage fake sponsorship for the students which fails to provide support In some cases, it is revealed that the full amount of the tuition fees is not paid to the foreign institutes. Consequendy, students face great difficulty abroad. They have to repay the unpaid amount for their courses.

So, it is suggested that the interested students gather the necessary information before accepting any’offer.

S.M.Rumen

Invigilator, Exams Services BrEtisirCduncil, Bangladesh, Cig. *

Why ban cricketers?

OK, some Bangladeshi players have joined ICL for money. No crime has been committed as far as I can see. What would be so sinful if these players can earn some money by doing things that they do best.

The question is who are these Brahmins who can banish these players for life? Who has given the cricket authorities the sweeping powers? Obviously, there is an Indian hand (Indian Cricket Board), which is working behind the scene to keep the monopoly alive. It hates competition.

I do not think these ICL bound players are any less patriotic than our flag carrying officials or national players. Let the players have their free will to choose as you would too!

Dev Saha

Boston University

Boston

National Health Policy A new version of National Health Policy has been published and is available on website. It contains many elements that can introduce several good things in the health sector. It has a proposal for reactivating Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council. Actually the Medical Council of all the civilised countries controls health services much more than the government does. But the Irony is that about fifty percent of the doctors serving In government and non govern ment organisations arc not registered. Die proposed policy also contains the clement to control the quality of drugs, that may go against some manufacturers Actually the quality of drugs produced in the country still requires control. It has one unique element to strengthen the referral system and also manpower development

Manpower development is very essential in health service.

Dr. Md.Aminul Islam Auckland

New Zealand

Failed cricket?

Since I have expressed my feeling about the "Parade of failure" by our national cricket team under the leadership of Ashraful, a lot of events have occurred in our failed cricket. The ICL issue, action of the board, comments of the cricket lovers in the media, and today we had the opportunity to listen to our captain in his usual style. He seems to have forgotten that he had the responsibility to inform the board and the countryman immediately after he had received a very lucrative offer from the ICL which he turned down in die national interest. What a stunt to justify his integrity when his captaincy should be at stake. I think he is suffering from moral crisis which demonstrates

that he should not take the respon- i slbility of leading the national | team. He is perhaps waiting to hear I what he needs to do now.

My suggestion would be to give I up the argument to continue with | the captaincy, and vacate the position to a newlcader to take over and give a fresh effort to put cricket back in the Geld from the political ' manoeuvring of the officials and push and pull of the powerful lobbyist in the captaincy selection. I The present captain should try to j regain his record as a dependable J run getter to inspire his teammates instead of guiding the team which seems to affect his batting ability. A

The selectors should relieve him of the task of captaincy at least temporarily and then watch how he does as a batsman being relieved of the captaincy. A lot of high profile international cricketers have gone through this physiological trail to improve their perfor - I

mancc in their specialized field. I ; am also sceptical about the credibility of Ashraful among his team mates. We are already in the midst of a crisis, why not try some good alternative. There is nothing to lose!

A citizen

One-mail

CTG

A few days back a report entitled "Hydra raises head again* made me a little frightened about the destiny of this crippled Bangladesh. Despite big changes ] brought about by the CTG in ] different sectors and launching of a drive against terrorists and crimi- A nals , why should society still limp?

I earnestly request the CTG to be bold and straightforward.

Artful Islam Robin

Dept, of Law

South East University