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EDITORIAL
Demon of drug addiction
No affection, love, relationship or bond is as spontaneous, pure and unalloyed as that of a mother for her offspring; more so for her son. A mother can make not only supreme sacrifice but also perform impossible tasks for her son even if he may not deserve it.
Homicides are everyday incidents in this country but the cold-blooded murder of the only son by her Mom is indeed unheard-of and incredibly exceptional. Quite naturally the event has sent a shudder of horror among people who came to know about it through the media, both print and electronic, on Monday last.
Police arrested last week Momtaj Begum, a woman after she admitted to masterminding the killing of her only son Riaz Ahmed Chowdhury alias Suman, a drug addict as she was unable to endure his torture. Suman was found slaughtered at his Shyamoli house. As the report goes, son of a deceased director of the BTTB, Suman used to torture Momtaj if she failed to give him Tk 1,500 daily; so she was "compelled to take the decision to kill" her only son when he tried to sell the house, the family's only source of income." Suman, a former student of Pharmacy at a private university, stopped his study in second year after becoming addicted to drugs like cannabis, phensedyl and heroin.
On a second thought one may think that Momtaj perhaps had felt she had no other option or alternative before her, though this is not to condone a murder. She was probably so emotionally charged that for her own survival she took a desperate move as the boy wanted to sell out the house, the family's only source of income. So, it may be inferred that survival instinct dictated her to act like that.
Addiction is a dependence on a behaviour or narcotic substance that a person is powerless to stop. Compulsion to drug or abuse of other narcotic substances is one of the most costly public health problems in the country. It is a progressive syndrome, which means that it increases in severity over time unless it is treated. We heard of a CSP officer being killed by his addicted son in Dhaka. In the capital and elsewhere millions of agonised families are virtual prisoners in the hands of their addicted sons. A large portion of these youths belonging to poor families take to crimes; they are snatchers, killers and what not.
Addiction is a compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance such as drugs like heroin etc. The consumption of any psychoactive drug, legal or illegal, can be thought of as comprising three stages: use, abuse, and addiction. Initially the user may consume the drug simply to obtain the resulting pleasurable or other effects. If use of the drug then escalates to the point where it is interfering with the ability of the user to function normally, the use may turn into abuse, and if drug consumption increases further the user may become addicted.
Drug addiction brings the monster in a man whose demonic nature is a veritable source of fright and an agonisng burden unbearable for a family. It is here where community-level vigilance is a must. There should be brigades of young volunteers to keep a watch if peer pressure is compelling boys of impressionable age to become compulsive addicts. And every branch of all NGOs across the country should make it a point that the slow poison of death spread in their command areas is detoxified completely. And the nation must act in no time.
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SOLVING THE FOOD CRISIS
Long term investment in
agriculture needed
Muhammad Yunus
A comprehensive global plan is needed to tackle the high cost of food that threatens the lives of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people.
The global food crisis is a dire reality for millions of the world's poor and a major test for the international community. Sustained, generous, wise leadership and broad-based cooperation is required to overcome the crisis and save lives.
Rising food prices have created tremendous pressure in the lives of poor people, for whom basic food can consume as much as two-thirds of their income.
There are many causes of these increasing pressures - oil that costs $120 a barrel; droughts in important producing regions; the increased use of corn for ethanol and soy oil for biodiesel; speculation in commodities markets; and ironically, increased prosperity in large countries such as China, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, which make up nearly half the world's population. Continually rising food prices are making it more difficult to feed the poorest of the poor worldwide and will reduce the prospect of achieving many of the Millennium Development Goals, unless immediate action is taken.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon deserves credit for convening the leaders of 27 UN agencies and programs to organize a coordinated response. They have agreed to establish a high-level task force under Ban's leadership, with sound immediate objectives.
A comprehensive global plan should include the following six elements:
First, the international community must rapidly mobilize at least $755m, identified by the World Food Programme and UN leaders as necessary for emergency food relief. The Secretary-General might want to mobilize two or three global leaders as special envoys to help the UN find these funds.
Second, we must ensure that farmers are equipped to produce the next harvest. Farmers in many areas cannot afford seeds to plant or natural gas-based fertilizer, whose price has risen along with the price of oil. The International Fund for Agricultural Development is delivering $200m to poor farmers in the most affected countries to boost food production. The Food and Agriculture Organization needs an additional $1.7bn to help provide seed and fertilizer. The World Bank is doubling its lending for agriculture in Africa over the next year to $800m and is considering a new rapid financing facility for grant support to especially fragile, poor countries and quicker, more flexible financing for others.
Relative to the size and gravity of the crisis, these sums are very modest and affordable for the international community. In the US alone, high prices have been a boon to farmers and have saved the government billions in crop support payments. The world should respond promptly and generously to help those struggling to survive what the UN calls a "silent tsunami."
Third, beyond these immediate actions, new policies are needed to address the underlying causes of the crisis. Crop subsidies and export controls in many important countries are distorting markets and raising prices; they should be eliminated. In particular, subsidies for ethanol that made sense when oil cost $20 a barrel cannot be justified at $120 a barrel - nor can subsidies for oil. They should be phased out together when the price of oil is above a certain level.
Fourth, the current crisis should not deter the world's search for long-term global solutions to poverty and environmental protection. For example, we should continue efforts to move to second-generation fuels made from waste materials and non-food crops without displacing land used food production. Even the limited amount of biofuels on the market today have been credited with reducing the price of oil, and next-generation fuels can be economically advantageous for poor countries with much less effect on food production. As bad as the impact of high food prices has been, the impact of high oil prices has been worse - devastating poor countries that have no indigenous source of supply, erasing all the benefits of international debt relief and more.
Fifth, the world must develop a new system of long-term investments in agriculture.
A new "green revolution" is required to meet the global demands, even as climate change is increasing the stresses on agriculture. More productive crops are needed, but also ones that are drought-resistant and salt-tolerant. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research must be strengthened to help lead these efforts.
Sixth, to help fund these important initiatives, I propose that each oil-exporting country create a "poverty and agriculture fund", contributing a fixed amount - perhaps 10% - of the price of every barrel of oil exported. This would be a small fraction of the windfall they have been gaining from higher prices. The funds would be managed by the founding nations and devoted to overcoming poverty, improving agricultural yields, supporting research for new technology, and creating social businesses to help solve the problems of the poor, such as health care, education and women's empowerment.
Just as the US should return a portion of its windfall from grain exports through increased support of food aid, so too should oil-exporting countries contribute a portion of the greatest wealth transfer the world has ever known to help feed the poor.
Thankfully, the Secretary-General and other international leaders are focusing attention on today's crisis, and the world should respond quickly to these calls. But the pressures of a growing and more prosperous population will not go away - demand for food and energy will grow, and the poor will suffer most. The need for long-term investment in agriculture and food aid will grow as well.
- Courtesy: The Guardian, London.
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VIEW POINT
Common people's interests
should be preserved
S. M. Pervez
Very often we find politicians say, "Taking the people along, we will do this and that". Who are these 'people'? If they are people cum politicians, we have nothing to say. To some politicians, self-interest is probably greater than party interest and party is greater than the country. A poor village farmer or a labourer is not bothered at all with that politics.
The common people do not want to be exploited by corrupt businessmen and politicians, they don't want somebody to pile up or smuggle out crores of money at the cost of their honest labour, they don't want to be jobless or moneyless by continuous Hartal and violence, they don't want local gangs and extortionists to make their life and family miserable.
So these politicians are giving bluff; and these innocent, honest people suffer. Can people really express their opinion? There is no scope. If there are three candidates, A, B and C, in a constituency and if all three are bad or corrupt politicians, then a voter will have to chose any one of these three corrupt politicians, in spite of his dislike. If that is the case, then election's result may not be always the opinion of the common people, subsequently when these corrupt politicians go to parliament they do not represent those common people or their opinion.
If a party gets less then 50 per cent of total votes in a national election, more than 50 per cent people do not want them to govern. But in our parliamentary system, a party may get more than 150 seats and form government without getting 50 per cent of the total cast vote. Hence true expression and representation of that very people is again violated.
So, to ensure true representation of these common people, first, there must be an option for a voter's right to reject all the candidates if he does not like them all. Second, if a party gets more than 150 seats but less than 50 per cent of total votes cast, it must form a coalition government with another party to command equal or more than 50 per cent popular vote. Third, along with national election or upazilla election, there may be a referendum on the present government and also on future policy and plan of the country.
Common people of our country are very much honest in their thinking. If they get a fare chance of expressing themselves, we believe they will not commit mistake. One of the future plans to be put on referendum may be a unity or national government comprising all the elected parties for a 5-year term, who then may be entrusted to implement plans passed by referendum. Given the present "political dilemma", whatever one may plan, whatever national charter one might prepare may be of no use.
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LETTERS
National ID card: Let people smile
Dear Editor:
Every nation, small or big, has some occasions to smile. Like other nations we have also that golden moment to smile. Sixteenth December 1971 was that greatest moment for our nation when our valiant freedom fighters with the help of armed forces made the so-called able Pakistani army to surrender at Surahwardy Udyan. It took less than nine months to finish the job of defeating a well established force and compelled them to kneel down in presence of joint forces and thousand of people.
To achieve that, we had to sacrifice blood of three million people. It was a day both for joy and sorrow because many of us embraced martyrdom for the freedom of the country. The feelings that the entire nation experienced can not be expressed with the words available in the books. Another occasion was when Bangladesh became champion in the ICC final game in a nail biting last ball victory to get a berth in ODI in the cricket arena. People of all walks of life came to the street and enjoyed the moment with broad smile embracing each other, known and unknown.
The voters of our country are getting some opportunity to smile when they get the voter ID card for the first time in the history of our country. We saw what happened for demanding a faultless voter list in the past. All the political parties voiced for correct voter list with photographs. It is now at the final stage and may reach the voters' hands within a short time. Voters then can smile because they get a guarantee that his right to vote can not be used by proxy.
But that smile should not be short lived. We want political parties, which fought for a fresh faultless voter list, should do every thing to make a faultless election making it free, fair and credible.
M. A. Alim,
Ex. Banker
42/B-1, Indira Road.
Dhaka.
One-way politics
Dear Editor:
The failure of politics in Bangladesh is understandable; but the remedy is not yet in sight; as the players have yet to cooperate. Some upper crust layers have to be peeled off (gold hides deep inside the earth).
The big parties are resisting change - the umbrella effect would go. The new politics would introduce risks in this venture.
One-way politics has to go - along with its placard bearers. Without feedback, the nation would starve.
The young generation has been infected. We need anti-virus squads.
This is the time to fill in the gaps.
Alfa Abad,
Dhaka.
Winters of discontent
Dear Editor:
It looks like we are going to witness another winter of discontent. Whose rehab first: the party or the nation? The Opposition boycott the parliamentary sessions.
As an experienced voter, I won't be surprised if the coming general election starts wobbling prematurely. We are sowing seeds all the time; and can hardly enjoy the harvests. In fact there are precedents: the 1947 Partition and the creation of Pakistan. How to get out of the tunnel; and start a new life; after three decades of experimentation?
Get the national priorities right before the elections. In Dhaka, history is repeating itself.
A Mawaz,
Dhaka.
Diplomats' sermons, killings in Iraq
Dear Editor:
The world has already seen killings of one million Iraqis in the name of "democratisation". Abu Ghraib and Guantamo Bay "democratic" torture centres are horrible. US should be ashamed of its Statue of Liberty and we denounce their atrocious conspiracy. Hitler was much less fascistic than US administration.
It is correct that US officials do not visit Bangladesh for our economic development. It is also true that US officials are more interested in sermonising us about their type of "democracy" which is not required here.
This Caretaker Govt. should lift Emergency as soon as possible and prevent the nation from humiliation from international thugs whose actual intention is to destroy our economy and sovereignty through the WTO and World Bank. The CG must not be influenced by them.
We should have a neutral journalists' panel to analyse sermons or statements. BBC Bangla is doing well.
It is true that some foreign diplomats are frequently seen in the media. This is because under emergency exact picture of economy and politics are not available because people are scared. However, if they say something beneficial for the people and the country then this is acceptable. Truth will come out ultimately.
Dr A Karim,
GP, Australia
Powerless super power
Dear Editor:
Man proposes, God disposes. The super powers are powerless before cosmic blueprints. What are the lessons Uncle Sam has learnt and unlearnt in two generations? Now it is bogged down in lraq (tit for tat for controlling the Palestine issue via the Jewish lobby in Washington).
Fuel prices (10 times rise) not anticipated. Energy from food grains [Biofuel] has hit back. EU united in distress and not backing the mighty USD. At the other end (East), Japan is floating in an island like the UK. N. Korean economy is moth-eaten. Where are the supporters who put all their eggs into one basket?
Now the situation is going outside the control of the UNSC. The UN network is a hostage to Mammon. Who predicted the Americans begging in Kolkata and Dhaka by the end of the century'? The Supreme Creator's highest form of creation (human beings) has proved to be too smart- trying to outsmart its Master! There are too many of variations of the theme of human theories and remedies on equalizer solutions (economic and social). What's your choice-to live peacefully the rest of your life, with your family, in a part of the third world?
Today the human touch is missing in governance. Why there is a shortage of modern personalities like Mandela, Gandhi, and many others who moulded the human civilisations for centuries. The Americans are missing the Emerson touch; note the emergence of Obama seeking change (for the better). Why is the super power stagnant today? No variety in approach. Isolated by two vast oceans.
Note that the first immigrants to the new continent of America were from developed Europe. The effect of isolation through centuries (similar was the communication gap between East and West Pakistan, which ultimately led to the split).
Why bank too much on Western analysts-not based on first hand experience of poverty cycles (the success of GB micro-credit was a theoretical shock). The 21st century looks like the harbinger of changes- again the equalizer issue.
A Mahasen,
Dhaka.
Doubtful role of foreign diplomats in Bangladesh
Dear Editor:
On May 6, 2008 we saw the photograph of Anwar Chowdhury, former British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, calling on Secretary General Khondkar Delwar Hussain, nominated by BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. On May 7, 2008 we saw another photograph of Anwar Chowdhury calling on the acting Secretary General of BNP (Saifur Rahman) Major (Retd.) Hafizur Rahman at latter's residence.
In both the photographs the British High Commissioner looked very cheerful but both Delwar Hussain and Hafizur Rahman appeared very gloomy. And then on 12th May 2008 the British High Commissioner passed his time dancing and singing with famous singer Runa Laila at Hotel Radison.
What is the significance of these activities of British High Commissioner? Does he want to display that the British Government have 190 years of experience and skill of playing with the sentiments of the people of Bangladesh?
The US Assistant Secretary of state Richard Boucher flew from Washington to Dhaka and discussed our internal matters with the head of the Caretaker Govt, Chief Election Commissioner and many of the top Govt. officials, political leaders and VIPs.
What is the status, rank and position of Boucher? Is he a democratically elected people's representative or a govt. servant? Who sent him and authorised him to meet and talk with the head of the Caretaker Govt, top govt. officials and political leaders? Also, why did our leaders and govt. servants meet and talk with him? What was the motive behind Boucher's recent visit?
Why did the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Stefan Frowein say that election in Bangladesh can be fair even one or two political parties boycotted the polls?
What these foreign involvements, comments and interferences in internal affairs of our country mean?
Why do we allow foreigners to poke their nose in our internal affairs? Are our government and political leaders subservient to London, Washington, EU or any other foreign power?
O.H. Kabir,
Dhaka.
Where are those billboards?
Dear Editor:
During the tenure of the late President Ziaur Rahman several billboards were erected throughout the city at prominent locations. Significant verses from the Holy Quran were printed in bold letters on those boards with translation in Bangla. The verses used to include warning to the wrong doers and advise to mankind to follow the right path. City dwellers passing by those boards used to read and be reminded of the guidelines as ordained in the Holy Quran by Allah.
After the demise of the late President, perhaps on the occasion of a state visit by an Indian leader those billboards were removed suddenly, and those were never reinstalled.
Why? Is India secular in true sense?
Our so-called intelligentsia and some politicians, though appear to be Muslims in name only, spew venom against Islam. They are adamant to fade out the religion altogether so that our coming generations may pass a free life devoid of morality. They may have influenced the decision not to put those billboards back.
I suppose they have forgotten history. They are also critical about our forefathers' arduous struggle for independence in 1947. Do they realise that had not our forefathers established Pakistan the then East Bengal would have been a part of today's India; then what would have been our status?
The creation of Pakistan ensured a separate homeland for the Bengali Muslims and we got a chance to move forward.
The religion Islam prohibits adultery and all sorts of vice. It guides us to lead a decent life and have a clean family set up. We do not wish our country to be full of single mothers as is prevalent in the West. The CG should reinstall those billboards at all the prominent locations to remind us to fear and obey Allah. The ACC keeps on advising to free the society from corruptions; so it should consider the above and encourage its implementation as one of the means to eradicate corruptions.
I miss the great leader who was a staunch nationalist. The nation lost a glorious son. May the late President Zia's soul rest in peace.
Abul B M Zakaria,
Shewrapara,
Dhaka.
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