Syed Farhat Ahmad Roomy

It appears that Caretaker Government (CG) is making an honest attempt to improve the system of governance in Bangladesh. There is hardly any doubt that the mandate of the CG is to conduct a free, fair and credible national election. But being a nonpolitical government, it has certain advantages. Perhaps the CG could bring in certain reforms which are not so easy for a political government. Particularly this CG has the advantage of public support and it has considerable time with them. In this connection it may be worthwhile to examine some areas where the CG could possibly help bring about a qualitative change in our system of governance and also in politics. Election Commission (EC) The Election Commission (EC) has been reorganised and apparently it has a realistic roadmap. It has already consulted with the civil society and the media. But the EC is yet to interact with the political parties. The EC could always ask for their comments in writing on the proposed reforms. And for this political parties could be allowed indoor consultation for some time, say, about a week. It should be understood clearly that EC would definitely consider the recommendations of the political parties but has the final say irrespective of what is recommended by the political parties. An appropriate ordinance and its enforcement are likely to compel political parties to be more democratic. CG should have an independent secretariat and budget like the National Assembly secretariat. The CG should find a way to do this. ACC, PSC The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) also has a roadmap. A new chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) has been sworn in. Hopefully the new chairman with his background and reputation would succeed in making the commission more efficient and corruption-free. Separation of Judiciary Judiciary is likely to be separated from administration by July, 2007. This would definitely go down in the history of Bangladesh as one of the great achievements of this caretaker government. Rules of business Rules of business should be reviewed and improved in the spirit of Parliamentary Democracy. For example, all files need not come to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The cabinet ministers should have authority to take decision regarding their respective ministries in all matters except perhaps policy matters which could be referred to the cabinet. Local Government One of the ways to reduce corruption is decentralisation of power. Upazila elections should be held before national elections. Otherwise, future of Upazila elections will become absolutely uncertain! It is a good initiative that village govt. is being abolished. Checks and balances Some ways should be found to bring in some sort of balance of power between the Prime Minister, Parliament, President and perhaps the proposed National Security Council (NSC). Appointment of cabinet ministers could be made subject to the vetting by the majority of the respective Parliamentary Sub-committees. Sunday as holiday Pakistan and Malaysia had Friday as their weekly holiday for some time but they have since changed to Sunday. This is a golden opportunity for the CG to declare Sunday as a weekly holiday. If the subsequent elected government finds it necessary to change to Friday again they could do so. But now it is absolutely necessary to change over to Sunday. English and Bangla The earlier decision to reject English from official correspondence has proved to be suicidal. It has not only lowered our standard of education, it has taken us back at least a quarter century as far as English education is concerned. Earlier, all village schools had good English teachers who knew translation and grammar. They are no more. It would take at least twenty-five years to produce such teachers of similar standard. It is high time for us to start official correspondence in English, side by side with our national language. India, Pakistan and other neighboring countries are no less patriotic than us. They never rejected English. They use English side by side with their national languages in official correspondences. The CG could introduce English immediately in official correspondences in addition to Bangla. Power problem Coal and/or gas-based power plants would not be sufficient to meet the growing power demands of Bangladesh in the near future. CG must initiate installation of nuclear power plants. We already have land acquired for such a project at Rooppur (Ishwardi, Pabna). Sea ports Some extraordinary improvements have been achieved at Chittagong Port. Similar actions need to be taken at Mongla Port also. Additionally, ground works for the proposed deep sea port may be initiated during the tenure of this CG. The writer is a retired Group Captain, BAF.

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Ban prostitution and rehabilitate the fallen women

Muhammad Afsar Ali Farajee

My attention was drawn to a news item published in an language English daily under the headline “Sex workers want to leave profession — their children read in ‘varsity.” Another news item was also published under the headline “sex-workers forced to use life threatening beauty enhancing drugs.” As per World Bank’s recent statistics, there are over 10,5000 sex workers in Bangladesh. But according to study of an NGO, there are 120,000 sex-workers including the hotel-based and the floating sex workers. Though it is a fact that no exact statistics about the number of sex workers is available but, it is assumed that the number of sex workers is likely to be more because there is no statistics available about the floating and hotel based sex-workers. All religions — Christianity, Judaism, Islam and even Hinduism - are against the institution of flesh trade. Henceforth sex trade is fully unconstitutional as it is against the principles of all religion. Even, sex trade is a clear violation of universal declaration of fundamental human rights. It is alleged that a large number of young girls and women from Bangladesh are trafficked to India, Pakistan and some oil rich countries in the Middle East on the false promise of lucrative jobs and these hapless women and girls are sold as sex slaves. The genesis I don’t know exactly how and when sex-trade was legalised by the state. But, as per information available from different sources it becomes clear the institution of gambling, usury trade, sex trade and production and sales of alcohol was made legal by Emperer Akbar the great. As per another source it is also learnt that young Hindu girls were deputed to serve the deities and temples as sex-workers. But I am not fully aware of it from historical perspective. But it is a fact that the Colonial British Indian Government introduced sex-trade as legal profession and laws were introduced for issuing valid license to the sex-workers. Pakistan was achieved in 1947 in the name of Islam and as per the 1st Constitution of 1956 — Pakistan was declared an Islamic Republic and the same view was contained in the Constitution of 1962. But sex-trade was not abolished and no steps were taken to rehabilitate the sex workers. In Bangladesh President Ershad made Islam as the state religion but no steps were taken by his Government for abolition of sex trade and proper rehabilitation of the sex-workers. Media reports say that as per the survey of Action Aid Bangladesh, 90 per cent of the 948 sex workers in Madaripur and Daulatdia brothels, are forced to use beauty enhancing drugs like ‘oradexon’ by the Sardarnies which cause a great harm to them, two sex workers were reportedly died recently for using such beauty enhancing drugs and few are now fighting for their life. The study says that the use of ‘oradexon’ slowly poisons the human body and causes various problems after withdrawal. But, who is to look after this? Are not the sex workers are also human beings? Do we have no responsibility for these socially fallen women? According to the news item a good number of sex workers of different brothels are willing to leave their profession if they are provided proper scope of rehabilitation to earn a decent livelihood. The sex trade should be made illegal by enacting necessary laws. Forcible eviction of all the sex-workers from the brothels – as was done some years ago in Dhaka and Narayanganj – shall never eradicate it. But the government may take appropriate steps to rehabilitate the sex workers who are willing to leave the profession. A survey may be conducted by the dept. of social welfare, Islamic foundation and the interested NGOs. Proper training for various skill development may be undertaken by entrusted government agencies and NGOs. Proper treatment should be arranged by health experts to all sex-workers before their rehabilitation. To discourage prostitution, law enforcement agencies may be posted in all the brothels for 24 hrs and they are to identity the brothel goers and their names and addresses should be published in bulletin the next day. This may frighten the patrons of the brothels.

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Politics or discipline?

A Mahasen

Thanks to perverted and short-sighted political leadership since the birth of the new nation, today politics, society and the nation are divided at the basic levels. Even the critics are divided: politics first or return to discipline and respect for law? Naturally the priories have got mixed up, with the political pundits are now dictating the terms! There are now several teams in the field: the neutral caretaker government (taking care of the naughty, old political nurseries and day-care centres and elderly nursing homes); the backing of the armed forces; the misguided civil servants; the opportunist business sector; and the tottering middle class (the thinkers?). The NRBs think their remittances are being looted indirectly. Nobody is happy, and none can find easy solutions. Three decades of garbage cannot be swept away in a few months by the caretakers. The politicians (ruling or in the opposition) considered themselves above the law — the rules and regulations applied only to the opponents and dissidents. The mental approach was something like this: if others could get away (through the back-door), then why not try and be an opportunist, and make hay while the sun shines? Result? One per cent of the population are prosperous (black wealth), while the rest are deprived economically, and lose their human rights. This is called democracy through dedicated, monopolised politics: the objective being somehow to come to power, and misuse it, and hang public interest! What is the definition of civilised traitors and saboteurs of the society? When a fond mother sees her son in a prison van, I cannot imagine her anguish, as I am a male and a father. Why the politicians should not be allowed to rest for a while (and spend their ill-gotten wealth)? The fatted calf has to slim down fast to recognisable form and weight. Reminds me of an old Dacca joke (I lived in old Dacca during the Raj days as a school boy): A man walking in the mohalla, wearing a genjee (vest) the wrong way (front side at the back). His friend, at an adda session, quips: Hamid, are coming or going? Mass or mobility in public service? Heavyweights with traditional approach to changing problems are worse than untrained servants—they break expensive crockery, and make a lot of noise. What is cooking in the kitchen, what is processed in the pantry, and what is served on the dinner table? Political cosmetics is dangerous for any nation. No make-up—plain living and high thinking . Remember Gandhi and his goat? In China the ministers come to office on bicycles, while car is made available to visiting dignitaries (1980s). Beauty attracts when you are not aware of it— do not be misled by sexy fashion shows on satellite TV. Neta, do not attract attention to yourself— you’d be found out negatively or positively! Seeking reward and recognition for commendable public services? In cash or kind? Money comes and goes; as also the politicians; but real leaders hibernate in the hearts of the people. Seeking the front of the stage; or remain in the background, and serve quietly? Your choice.

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Whither democracy?

Dear Editor:
   After our independence and estab1ishment of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh we wonder whether we have ever been able to conduct a people's government and follow and practise democracy in our country during the last 36 years.
   In the name and style of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh we have changed and reshuffled our government innumerable times, switched over from presidential to parliamentary form of government and introduced caretaker government system. We had also revolutionary government, declaration of Martial Law and state of emergency. But what is the output, what is the result?
   The fact is that from time to time whatever form of government we had and whoever was in power there had been no accountability, transparency of works and activities and source of income of our leaders, politicians, government officers and staff, lawyers, doctors, teachers, engineers and businessmen. They all thought that their skin is so thick and they are so blessed under 'market economy' and "human right" that no one, no power can touch them.
   And so there had been rampant corruption, collection of illegal toll, misuse of power and. position, terrorism, price hike of essential goods and commodities, strike and 'oborodh', deteriorating law and order situation and the sufferings of the people knew no bounds.
   Can the caretaker government of Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed solve all these problems single handedly? How?
   It is, therefore, imperative that Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed may hold several roundtable conferences with eminent leaders, intellectuals, lawyers, doctors, educationists, journalists, industrialists, traders and businessmen, discuss matters and find out a roadmap for our future political stability, democracy, people's government, eradication of corruption and terrorism, economic prosperity, peace and happiness our people.
   Braggadocio, ostentation, rallies, meetings and show-off cannot solve our acute problems. It is time for action, not for contemplation.
   O. H. Kabir,
   Dhaka.

Dear Editor:
   For some time past it is noticed that "Bottom Line" a nicely composed column is not appearing in the paper. Readers are missing this nice piece of writing. The writer, as I know, is a distinguished person with experience ranging from Fighter/Bomber being an Air force officer and later maker of many motels, tourist centre as Chairman of Parjatan Corporation and now Managing Director of a Security Company, the concept of which he pioneered in our country. He as a thinker, used to amaze the readers with wonderful piece of writing and fill the thirst of the readers and refresh their disconcerted mind for a while. The column under the above caption have all sorts of things like thought, wisdom, wit and humour with a message. The reader once start reading it cannot give up until he finishes.
   We hope the writer will spare a little time for the reader's sake and write "Bottom Line" again.
   M. A. Alim,
   Ex-Banker
   42/B-1, Indira Road, Dhaka.

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Transparency for all essential

Dear Editor:
   The people in power during the past regimes are being brought under close scrutiny. The people holding the administrative power in different segments of the present government, i.e. advisers in the Caretaker Government, the members in the Anti-Corruption Commission, the members in the Election Commission and all others in the administration should also be brought under close scrutiny as regards their wealth and bank accounts as is being done in case of others.
   Everyone knows that there are some industrialists and multi-millionaires among the members in the above named organisations and commissions whose wealth and bank accounts including their tax payment reports should also be brought under thorough scrutiny so that the people of the country can feel relieved about their transparency. This will help to establish justice in the society.
   Jahangir Chowdhury,
   Shyamoly, Dhaka.

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War on corruption

Dear Editor:
   The Caretaker Government (CG) deserves appreciation for its performances in the war on corruption ever since 1/11. Undoubtedly this is receiving the support. CG's dynamic approach in facing the traditional parties, BNP and AL, is mentionable.
   The Western envoys initial pursuit and support to CG immediately ceased when CC recovered Taka 270 million black money. CG's determination to recover millions of dollars laundered in the Western countries triggered alarm bells in the West. Hence this abrupt obfuscation and anti-CG stance. End result is, Western countries callously joined hands with BNP\AL looters and plunderers to pressure CG for immediately holding elections. In the ultimate analysis Western countries are the beneficiaries of such laundered black money. Hence they apprehend that, however insignificant these billions of Dollars may NOW be to their economies, in the long run this can have devastating effects on their reputations.
   The bottom line is: Can the CG sustain this war against corruption as well as tackle the Western pressure for holding Elections soon? Any haste by the CG for holding elections without Voter ID cards, fresh electoral rolls and NOT banning from elections for minimum 5 years, the corrupt and money-launderer is bound to restore the status quo ante. The CG should unite the people to face this menace, consigning this perennial stupidity to the trash bin of history.
   Oways Khan,
   jamals@spectnet.com

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Army chief on war criminals' trial

Dear Editor:
   Army chief Lt. Gen. Moyeen U Ahmed has spoken about trial of war criminals and traitors of 1971 war and holocaust. It is a mammoth task but very important for the nation's future guideline and policymaking. Because of the then national and international pressure groups and ill motivated stakeholders war criminals could not be tried. The Caretaker Government will be in power for the next 18 months.
   Freedom fighters held top positions in the Army. But democratic Government couldn't solve this long standing problem for the last 36 years. Although Sheikh Mujibur Rahman granted amnesty for them under pressure, everybody knows the consequences for that including himself.
   Furthermore, people of Bangladesh and families of martyrs didn't give Mujib mandate for general amnesty. Now we get a disciplined and patriotic army which can fulfil aspirations of millions. Either now or never.
   Millions of bereaved are still weeping silently for 1971 massacre by well documented  war criminals. Many of my Pakistani friends are ashamed of war crimes in 1971. We are now members of SAARC. It is possible to negotiate with Pakistan about trial of war criminals to be in Bangladesh, even if some of them are dead.
   US Ambassador Butenis also knows about her government's role in 1971 War of Bangladesh. At that time Henry Kissinger was Secretary of State.
   Mohammad A. Karim,
   mounaj@optusnet.com.au

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Advertising and nouveau riche

Dear Editor:
   The effect of the nouveau riche middle class in influencing the rising urban society can be seen in the new advertising trends in the mass media. Are the authorities ready with the new Code for advertising? Mainly for two reasons: social conduct and etiquette impinging on our culture; and the quality of goods offered. TV shopping as a new trend is being introduced in Bangladesh. Recently the government banned several foreign TV satellite channels for cultural reasons.
   As for local advertisements, the advertisers must mention the postal address along with the telephone contact numbers, for security reasons (fake agencies or genuine). By the way, a new TV News channel has come up; but the postal address is not shown for public feedback and contacts. Where to write to, as it is time consuming making telephonic contacts (no record kept).
   The UN agencies have noted [press reports] that the inspection side of the government is weak [or corrupt]. Good policies, without field applications, has no public value. [Note the new face of the thanas (police stations) providing one-stop services].
   The politicians want to eat the cake, and have it too! I have strayed from the advertising theme, to show the surrounding atmosphere. Refresh the foul system!
   Abul M Ahmad,
   Dhaka.

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A citizen's response to US senators

Dear Editor:
   Never in my life have I heard that a passport is issued in Bangladesh without spending some "extra" money. So, when we were planning to bring my mother-in-law to come to the US to stay with us for a few days and applied for her passport, we were prepared to pay something 'extra' to the passport officer if he insisted.
   Well, to our extreme surprise, the officer came to their house just on the date he was supposed to be, collected all the information and without wasting any time doing bargaining or haggling, left my in-law's house and my mother-in-law received the passport within just a few days. During the same period of time, my mom also applied for an extension for her passport and she received the extended passport within three days before the scheduled date. T
   These are just a couple of examples of what our nation is passing through nowadays and as you can see, at the relief of millions of people, we probably did not have such a good time after the Liberation War in 1971.
   Therefore the recent efforts to put pressure on the Caretaker Government by the US senators concerns me a great deal as I am confused what their intentions are. I am also concerned whether they are really getting the correct picture of the country's present state or not. It makes me frightened to think that the politicians' traditional "lobbyist" approach are getting momentum slowly and are able to persuade the US lawmakers to put pressure on the interim government.
   I also wonder whether the leaders of our major political parties, (maybe "dynasty" would be a better word), are being guided correctly by the people around them. Because, a comment made by one of the leaders recently portrays an opposite picture than what we are experiencing today and therefore this situation should never be compared to a "suffocating" state by anyone as it was published in some major dailies on May 17th. To be honest, no one except the politicians are worried about the banned political activity today; rather, millions of people are actually relieved to see the Caretaker Government and we consider this government as a blessing to our beloved country.
   Therefore, my request to the US senators is that: please, for the people's sake; do not listen to these politicians majority of whom are corrupt, and based on their complain or persistent efforts. Please do not put pressure on the CG. The turnaround of the country has already started and we do not want to go back and be ruled by these corrupt leaders.
   Shah Galib Habib,
   Texas, USA
   Email: shahgalib@yahoo.com

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Demand for early polls

Dear Editor:
   Both the two large political parties in their recent meetings with EC reported to have pressed for early polls. Although daggers drawn at each other; for obvious reason, at last they have found a common ground to agree on one point and that is to seek early polls. But they should realise that they are not the only party; the most important party is the people.
   We are aware, the present administration is working hard for holding a credible election after various reforms and has made headway in this direction. The administration has made it clear that they would announce the schedule as soon as they were ready and work in this direction was going on.
   But I would like to ask those political parties whether they themselves are ready for the election. Before seeking election, they should carry out necessary reforms within their parties first which are plagued with corruption, dictatorship, nepotism and all other kinds of irregularities.
   Before they come to us for votes, as voters we have every right to know about their and their parties' financial positions. Therefore, I would ask the two political parties to try to put their own houses in order first before seeking votes. They may even need changes in their party leaderships from top to bottom.
   However, one thing I want to assure them that the nation is in no mood now for a hurried election without necessary legal reforms and before removing the garbage accumulated for a long time. The politicians have left the country in a total mess and we are glad the present administration is trying to clear the deck.
   Perhaps it will not be out of context to say that, the two women political leaders of the major parties during their political involvement in the last twenty years only fought between themselves thereby creating chaos and confusion. It is, therefore, high time for them to retire from politics.
   This would be a great service to the nation and the people perhaps would gratefully remember this personal sacrifice by them for the country.
   Mohammad Ataul Hoque

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Who after Wolfowitz?

Dear Editor:
   Created in 1945, the poverty fighting institution World Bank with 185 member countries is now poised to enter a fresh chapter with its new chief due on July 1st after Wolfowitz's departure.
   Wolfowitz's successor will have to persuade countries to contribute about US$ 30 billion over the next few years to fund a programme that provides interest-free loans to the poorest countries. We hope World Bank (WB) will choose as their captain somebody who is a person of vision and who has demonstrated abilities to liaise with development partners, and most importantly someone who has empathy with the poor.
   The world does not lack competent, highly trained and experienced leaders though most of them just happen not to be American. Despite widespread demands for change, the global lending institution's new president may once again be an American according to unwritten custom chosen by the US government, the largest shareholder in the WB.
   President Bush may enter history and offset the greyer chapters of his presidency to a great extent if he chooses someone from a developing country like Bangladesh for the top post of World Bank: a person like Professor Yunus who -- one of a very few in the world -- knows the pangs of those writhing with pains of abject poverty.
   Wolfowitz is leaving his office in grace, not allowing the media world churning out stories about his cordial relations with an elderly Muslim lady, Ms Shaha Riza. Even if Wolfowitz, 63, had any infatuation towards Riza, 53, it should not be shouted as a Sophia Loren-Carlo Ponti equation. The Western media enjoys caricaturing an affair when a Muslim is enamored with a non-Muslim.
   Only a neutral and proper investigation will reveal whether Riza, a talented graduate from London School of Economics, with her annual salary of US$ 193,000 deserves more than US$ 186,000 earned by US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.
   Maswood Alam Khan,
   Banani, Dhaka.

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