Communications

Around three years have passed since the incumbent minister for communication and bridges took office. It is pleasant to watch his regular presence at construction, repair and maintenance sites of roads and highways. Unfortunately about six years have passed since the present government came to power but enough improvements are yet to be seen. One feels, the contractors in many cases are not capable of performing what are allotted to them. There must be some standard in respect of repair, maintenance or construction of new roads and highways including quality of works, which is not there.

In a city like Dhaka quality transport system is not in existence. In spite of having fare meters the CNG auto rickshaws charge high fares and one has to negotiate the fare. This is not fair and does not reflect good governance. The much publicised yellow cabs are expensive and their number is also limited. Railway services are unreliable as incidents of accidents are too frequent.

Bus services have compelled the closure of railway services at certain places which need to be opened considering hardships of bus journeys these days. Air services in erstwhile Pakistan were cheap and affordable. I think, the government should plan cheaper modes of air services so that a large portion of people, if not all, who are using other modes of transport can opt for air travel and reduce substantially the pressure on road and railway transports.

Mahmud Ali

138 New Eskaton Road

Dhaka-1000