A few observations and my suggestions

I have stayed 2 long weeks in Dhaka, a week in Rajshahi, and 2 nights in Sylhet - at The Palace Resort, and am returning to Sydney tonight, Saturday 14th January. I have enjoyed the hospitality of Bangladeshi people - our friends and their relatives, your country's lovely climate at this time of the year, and the natural vegetation God has bestowed upon your nation.

However, I have been taken aback by a few things. For example, there are no rules for the drivers, and where there are some marked lanes, arrows and traffic lights, the drivers tend to ignore them. Here is everlasting blasting of horns by the drivers trying to overtake others, not only from the right side but also from the left, tooting away; much to our dismay it seems like a nightmare. The multitude of bike riders without safety helmets pose so much danger to themselves, should be made aware of the risks they are taking! It is really sad to see some able bodied young children and mothers with kids on the streets begging for food when your country, with its tropical lush vegetation, is able to produce food to feed them. I am sure given the opportunity, these families will be able to become self sufficient and engaged and participative members of your country. We were astounded by the maze of naked wires hanging around the city. We were amazed to see how the men who were fixing these were up on the bamboo scaffolding held by a few men at the bottom. Surely you can have proper ladders and scaffolding and also proper wiring systems for the electricity supply! Last but not least, you can get your nation skilled by not having too many Universities and churning out highly qualified graduates with no jobs for them, but by providing essential skills through technical institutions in trades, like plumbing, electrical, engineering, IT etc. These will enable the graduates to establish their own employment capabilities by offering their services to the community, locally and abroad. I am sure the above have been part of Bangladesh's agenda and, as an outsider; my observation will further assist in your national discourse.

Zubeda Rahman

MHED (Macq.Univ), CPA