Letters
Political Violence
The previous ruling party of our nation engaged in violence, corruption, nepotism to an alarming degree. Citizens were furious with the way they conducted themselves during their time in power. People were patiently awaiting change so they could express themselves better and have a say in the way the country is run. They believed they had this opportunity when a new government was finally elected. They hoped that democracy would be restored at the hands of the new ruling party. However, they are slowly discovering that they waited in vain. It almost seems like we are living in an internal colonial era. The ruling parties are colonial rulers and rest of the people are proletariats. As the situation gets worse, people are starting to doubt their choice in this election and are already looking forward to the next. The opposition is already searching for loopholes so they can start a movement against the government. The government should take the following necessary initiatives to fulfill Vision 2021:
* Ruling party should identify and remove those party members who engage in illegal and corrupt activity using the name of the party.
* All illegal the activities of Chaatra League and Jubo League should be stopped immediately.
* Senior leaders of party should take full-responsibility for any activity that compromises democracy.
* Leaders of the party should take immediate action against those who are corrupt.
* Above all, PM should take necessary measures to implement the above-mentioned plan of action as early as possible.
Md Nasir Uddin
Institute of Bangladesh Studies
University of Rajshahi
The Culture of Renaming
As an independent country, we have our own culture, customs and traditions. Ignoring its own culture a nation can never develop itself. Over the years, we have noticed that changing the name of different institutions by the ruling government has become a new trend. So, it may be called the renaming culture. The renaming culture in Bangladesh started during the reign of ex-president Ziaur Rahman. His government changed Kurmitola Airport into Zia International Airport (ZIA). The process has continued since then. When the four party coalition government came into power in 2001, they did the same. They changed the name of many institutions. At present, the grand alliance government lead by Bangladesh Awami League is continuing this tradition of renaming. They have recently changed Zia International Airport into Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Bhashani Novo Theatre into Bangabandhu Novo Theatre and so on. It is a matter of great regret that, our neighbouring countries are investing their citizens' money to establish industries while our government is wasting our money to rename established institutions. We, the common people, would like to see our money invested in the development of the country and not in frivolous matters such as this. When will it stop?
Md Hafizur Rahman
University of Dhaka
Turag Tragedy and National
Road Safety Day
The Turag tragedy has already snatched the lives of a huge number of people. Yesterday, I went to the spot with some of my colleagues. I saw how the family members of the victims were waiting for those who are no longer with us. Till now we could not rescue the bus. I find this disgraceful!
I have a million dollar question to ask. Road accidents have snatched away the lives of a significant number of people. Why can't we establish a single checkpoint to identify the unfit vehicles and also the drivers who drive rashly? Why don't we establish check points in several parts of the country? We import a large number of “useless” expensive motor vehicles from the west. Why can't we buy speed cameras to mark out the misdoings of the drivers?
In the Turag incident, we lost Monwara Khatun Tara, a student of Jahangirnagar University and Ariful Islam, a student of Asian University. As a lecturer, it is my request to the students of both private as well as public universities of the country to unite with a grand and noble mission. The name of this mission is “Mission- Road Safety”. History has evidence to prove that the students of this country are very powerful. If the students want, they can definitely bring about changes. Let us forget all kinds of enmity amongst us, walk shoulder to shoulder and take an oath on National Road Safety Day to launch a fresh fruitful battle against road accidents.
Pradip Das
Lecturer, BHPI, CRP
To the Honourable Prime Minister
The government as well as the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) had promised that the candidates who came out successful in the final stage of the 28th BCS examination but could not be recommended for the cadre services, due to shortage of vacant posts, would be appointed in the first class non-cadre gazetted posts under different ministries. A bill was also passed in the parliament with this in mind. According to news reports, in spite of BPSC's requests for recruiting the candidates in the vacant posts under different ministries, the government has not fulfilled its promise. This is really shocking for job seekers and we are further disappointed with the snail's pace policy of the present ministries. We all know that this government under the dynamic leadership of PM Sheikh Hasina is committed to giving priority to the meritorious. We want to see them implement this as soon as possible. We would like to remind the honourable PM that the results of the 28th BCS exams based on which candidates were selected by the BPSC for non-cadre gazetted services, will be deemed invalid once the final results of the 29th BCS exams are published as per the law enacted in the parliament early this year. It is therefore our earnest request to the honourable PM that she immediately takes initiative by appointing these qualified people and thus paves the way to contribute in building up "Digital Bangladesh" and achieve "Vision-2021".
Saikat
University of Dhaka
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