Postal system

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THE postal department is gradually losing its attraction. E-mail and Internet and SMS by mobile have become too easy to communicate. In such a situation, the government is beginning to restructure the long-neglected postal department. The restructuring had in fact, become overdue. The aim is to provide services to customers and rid the organisation of sloth and inefficiency.
To update its services the department should install automatic letter sorter, e-post and e-money order. But a move is reportedly on to effect an increase in postal rates. The postage charge is thus likely to be doubled. This will place another burden on the helpless poor. And it will leave a negative effect on the clients. If enhancement of postal charges is unavoidable, all concerned would earnestly expect that that the interest of the poor clients will not be overlooked while effecting such a hike.
Postal communication is not only a neglected sector of the government, it has also been left behind by modern communication technology. As the department is late to modernise and the nature of work in post offices is repetitive and monotonous, it will not be surprising if morale of the workers remains low. The department must initiate appropriate programmes for their reorientation.
The post offices have a vital role to play in the rural areas. In the past the post offices had been the only village-level in link, so vital for the administration. When rural development is being given a priority focus, the rural post offices may be required to assume new responsibilities related to rural uplift. The need is for new technology as well as a new mindset among the related personnel.
Ruhul Amin
Jigatola, Dhanmandi
Dhaka