Let's bring a positive change

Bangladesh is in dire need of a 3rd political party. Each of our two major political parties have already shown wice what they can do in the last two decades which indicated that we should not keep faith on them anymore. Future of Bangladesh is not safe in their hands. People have already tested their capability and failed to draw any difference in their quality of governance.

Many people argue that we don't need any 3rd political power as these two parties can live up to people's expectations if they correct their ways. But unfortunately this is not the reality. Bangladesh can't afford any more time for their correction. It will be a big mistake if we wait for their renewed face. Because in last 20 years the nature of politics has not improved even a little. They are still doing politics of power and protecting party interests. But Bangladesh needs politics of development and peace.

I love my country a lot and want to live in a developed Bangladesh. Let's unite and bring a positive change.

G.M. Rezwan Rasul

A Bangladeshi

Monipur High School students made to pay tolls?

A recent report of The Daily Star says that the capital's Monipur High School autrhorities were allegedly collecting money from the students in the name of Padma Bridge Project. According to the news, the guardians of the school expressed resentment over the unlawful act of the school authorities. The high-ups of the government said several times that no individual or institution is asked to collect money right now. Then why are the authorities ignoring the matter? Isn't this unlawful money collection tarnishing the image of both the school and the government? Who doesn't want to see the Padma bridge built? But not in such unlawful way. I hope the government will punish those who are involved in such crimes.

Md. Abir Hossain

Department of English, Govt Titumir College

A new portfolio needed for Suranjit Sengupta

We do not know why Suranjit Sengupta is being called a 'minister without portfolio'. Should not the government give him a portfolio as he is so vocal on various important issues? We see him regularly speaking and sometimes more than other ministers and even more than Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The saying goes, "Raja joto holey, parishodgon boley tar shotogoon".

After Taka 70 lakh found in his APS's car, he resigned but was reappointed the next day. Maybe Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wanted to make Suranjit Sengupta a spokesman of her government. But people feel irritated by his constant presence in the electronic media. It would be better for him to maintain a low profile.

Nur Jahan

Cancer hospital after Humayun's name

Our beloved writer Humayun Ahmed breathed his last in a New York hospital on July 19, after a prolonged fight against cancer. His untimely and abrupt demise came as a terrible shock to the entire nation. He had to stay in a foreign country and spend a big amount of money for the treatment of the deadly disease. During his last days, he expressed his desire to establish a cancer hospital in Bangladesh so that our people need not go outside the country for highly expensive cancer treatment. To materialise his dream, we can establish a cancer hospital in his memory. The hospital may be named as 'Humayun Ahmed Cancer Hospital' and established preferably at or near Nuhash Polli in Gazipur.

A 'Trust' may be formed with renowned personalities of the country as its members. The Trust may raise necessary funds by collecting donations from all sections of the people and organisations. The government may also provide funds and necessary logistic support for the construction of a modern world class cancer hospital. It may be hoped that millions of well-wishers and admirers of Humayun Ahmed will extend their whole-hearted co-operation to make their favourite writer's dream a reality.

Md Mohsin Ali

Nut an Courtpara

Khustia

Is Gulshan a residential area?

I wonder if any of your readers, sir, can help me to understand the way the minds work of those responsible for Planning Permission in Gulshan...

We are continually informed it should be a residential area but, in that case, where do its children go to school? Some schools have obediently relocated to Uttara which means that either their families have to shift there or endure the anxiety of exposing their progeny to the Airport Road traffic, pollution and driving hazards - and, of course, adding to them - as well as adding up to two hours to their children's school day...

And - lo! - there is now a supermarket on Gulshan Avenue, a short walk from the shops (and car parking space) of the official Gulshan 2 market! So does that mean that the authorities are not allowing commercial outlets and schools on the back roads of Gulshan but are allowing them on Gulshan Avenue which causes maximum disturbance?

It seems to me that the Planners also feel confusion but that those who require a special favour have found ways of helping them to overcome it. Angela Robinson Baridhara DOHS Dhaka

In reply: Road safety in Bangladesh

On 1st August I was amazed at how D. Jones highlighted the traffic situation in our country. Kudos to him for taking such interest in a mess that we have created. I am humbled by this man’s effort (owing to the fact that he has actually taken the time emailing various organisations about the matter!). I have something positive that I want to let him know.

I have seen buses stop at bus terminals (yes, bus terminals, not just by the side of the road). I have seen people line up and in the most mannered sense do they get on those buses. 1 have seen cars brake at red and go at green. Now where in Dhaka, one might wonder, is this possible? Only in one magical place - Cantonment. Now how do they do it in Cantonment? 1 came up with two answers:

1. They do not allow illiterate drivers in Cantonment. In other words, only army drivers (those trained by the army) are allowed to drive in the Cantonment area. And those drivers, 1 tell you sir, are top graded.

2. Constant monitoring by Army Military Police (MP). The Cantonment is obviously off-limits to the common people for national security reasons. However, if it is an emergency or the fastest route available in an urgent situation, they would most likely allow you to use the Cantonment roads. Army MP does not tolerate any indiscipline on road. You show them a little rowdy side of yours and you are immediately asked to stop and show papers (license, etc.). No one wants to get into trouble with the Army MP.

It is possible in Bangladesh to follow these driving and safety rules - that much I know, that much I've seen.

To finish, I'd like to apologise to D. Jones and all the disturbed and worried foreigner well-wishers/guests that we have in Bangladesh. I am sorry and I care too, about road safety in Bangladesh.

Farzana Fayeza

A'level candidate

Dhaka

Ctg's decrepit buses

Every day I have to travel to the southern parts of Chittagong. The buses which we use are local buses— rundown vehicles that somehow hurtle to the destination. As it is the rainy season it often rains in the morning. When it rains, the window at the front of the bus looks hazy. In most cases, the windshield wipers of the local buses do not work. As a result, we can hardly make out the vehicles that are coming from the opposite direction. How does the driver finds his way is a matter of speculation. Needless to say, riding in those buses isa risky business.

We hope that the traffic department will look into the matter and take prompt action.

ZabedWali

On e-mail