People in Bangladesh are now helpless. They are working out of necessity. They go to office. They go for business. They keep on turning the wheels of the economy. But they do not feel safe. They do not know what hazards are ahead of them on their way back home. They do not know whether they will get transport on the roads. They do not know if they can go to business or reach office safe. They can't foresee whether they would be harassed by the law enforcing agency. But they know for sure that they will have to pay extra money for any service in almost all public utility departments, but the government claims, everything is going right.
In the transport sector, the situation is even more disconcerting. Almost six years have passed, but the construction of Dhaka-Chittagong 4-lane highway is yet to be completed. More importantly, it appears from the nature and speed of work that it may take at least two more years. It takes 8 to 10 hours to reach Chittagong from Dhaka by road, the distance being about 220 kilometres. Accidents take place frequently on this road causing loss of life and property. In addition, traffic gridlock is a regular phenomenon on this way. Situation is no better on many other roads including Dhaka-Mymensingh, Dhaka-Tangail and Jessore-Khulna highways. Situation for in-town movements is no different.
The roads in Dhaka, Chittagong and many other towns do not present a comforting picture for either the residents or vehicles. Thousands of public buses, trucks and lorries are plying on the roads without fitness certificates. Inept drivers reign supreme and often go for reckless driving. Many of them do not even have genuine driving licenses. Eventually accidents are aplenty. When there are drives against transports without fitness certificates, they prefer to stay off the roads causing immense sufferings for the common people. The ongoing drive in Dhaka City is a glaring example.
During hartals when the long distance transports can not ply, immense sufferings are caused to people and the economy. The recent water transport strike is another example which paralysed freight transfer through inland waterways. The strike began on the morning of November 08, 2014 following reports on previous night that a fertiliser-laden lighter vessel was ambushed and looted by miscreants and that seven crews were missing. The water transport workers' association demanded safety of workers, search to rescue missing workers, punitive action against miscreants and eliminating extortion in inland water ways. The rush during Eid festivals in the railway sector also speaks volumes about the incapacity and mismanagement in the railway sector.
In the education sector, the situation has made people deeply concerned about their children's future. People can't forget the deadlock created in Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) about a year a half ago. People experience of closure of universities at different times, mostly for political disturbances. The latest two events in two universities this month, demonstrated the extent of disorder in public universities. Begum Rokeya University at Rangpur has been closed. Almost all senior faculty members tendered their resignation. They Vice-Chancellor left the campus. The University of Chittagong has been experiencing an unusual situation. The reason behind it is the rivalry and clashes among different factions of a student organisation affiliated with the ruling party. Every day newspapers carry news items on incidents of man-handling and assaults on the teachers by the students of their own institutions. Political will and honest actions of the government are enough to free the educational institutions from such undesired incidents.
People expect security for their life and property. And one of the basic responsibilities of the State is to guarantee safety for its citizens' life and belongings. Report on several incidents of crimes perpetrated against life and property, has become a commonplace in our day-to-day life. Newspapers and electronic media report many such incidents everyday. Incident of Sagar-Runi murder a few years back and recent killing of housewife Ayesha Akter Ripa, all speak of the extent of brutalities taking roots in our society. Some events are not reported in press and hence remain unknown.
At times there are allegations of corruption and malpractices against law enforcers. The concerned department is also seen to initiate actions against them, which is reassuring.
A recent incident has also raised many eyebrows. A driver, Faruk Khan by name, was shot at dead of night at around 2:30 am at Banashree, Dhaka. He was found in handcuffs inscribed with the word 'police' on them, according to newspaper reports.
The Cyber Act is an appropriate deterrent to cyber crimes. But miscreants are found to use cyber system for illegal and unfair activities. Newspapers frequently report how the bad guys use the system to defame others, particularly girls. They victims are helpless. They guardians are worried.
The situation regarding food items is alarming. It is an open secret how formalin and other injurious chemicals are being used in different food and drink items sold in markets and served in hotels and restaurants. These are causing immediate and long-term health hazards.
All this deserves urgent attention of the government and concerned departments. People pay taxes and in exchange they expect safety of life, health and property. They want a peaceful life, social order and good governance. They should not be dragged into further helplessness.
The writer is an economist and columnist.
Chowdhuryjafar@ymail.com