The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE prices of basic foods, rice and flour, are now at an unusually high level which is considered unprecedented. Specially the price of rice is skyrocketing and is considered to be the highest so far in the memory of people. The frantic lengthening queues before BDR-run shops by worried people where rice is sold at relatively low prices compared to the ones in the regular markets, are indicative of the growing food crisis. The crisis is fed by apprehensions that stocks of rice with the government are low and have not been replenished with urgent buying or import activities.

Under-production of rice in the country due to floods and the Sidr storm in quick succession, have drastically reduced its availability. The major Aman rice crop perished in many parts of the country as a consequence of the natural disasters. Till the next rice crops are raised or the supply position is kept smooth through imports, rice prices can hardly come down or stabilise. But the government has not been speedy enough with the carrying out of import activities with the seriousness the same deserved. Thus, this foot dragging on the part of the government while actual stocks with the government depleted, helped speculators in the rice markets to hike the prices. Even the latest statement of an Adviser that he does not know what to do about the price situation of rice, has encouraged free play by the price manipulators on a perceived notion of the government's helplessness on this score

The two countrywide floods and the Sidr storm, have led to also drastic reduction of purchasing power among large sections of people. Even people who have not been hit much by the natural calamities, are hardly able to buy rice at their current very high prices. But rice is basic to survival of these people and if its price continues to escalate, then many of them would be simply unable to buy the same. Thus, cases of starvation cannot be dismissed unless steps are taken right now. To prevent this from happening, government will have to take quick steps to supply foodgrains from its stocks at much subsidised prices to the vulnerable ones. But it should also waste no time in quickly building up the stocks to adequate levels by finalising deals for the import of rice. The process of the sale of such subsidised rice and wheat must be an incorruptible one from drawing up the list of beneficiaries down to the actual distribution to them. It would also be necessary to provide for a period foodgrains free to a large number of very distressed people in this especially difficult year. This distribution also will have to be absolutely free from irregularities and corruption. Food aid from donors should be requested with a voice of urgency and arrangements made to build up a neatly flowing aid pipeline of foodgrains.

THE University of Dhaka, once known as 'Oxford of the East' for its high standard of education, now appears to be a 'commercial concern' as it has earned rather a fabulous amount of Tk. 3.13 crore by selling only application forms to students seeking admission to first year honours courses for the academic session 2007-2008. According to a recent BSS official news agency report, a total of 125,013 forms were sold this year against 4,684 seats available at the university to be filled up by new entrants - that is, 26 students to compete for each seat on an average. The university earned Tk 40 lakh more this year by selling the admission forms than that of the previous year when it had sold forms worth over Tk 2.73 crore, the news report said quoting University sources.

As reported, students for this academic year bought 27,908 forms for admission to 20 departments under three faculties of Science, Biological Sciences and Pharmacy, grouped under 'Ka' Unit. Those seeking admission to 24 departments under the three faculties of Arts, Social Sciences and Law, bought 26,708 forms under 'Kha' Unit. For admission to eight departments under the Business Studies faculty under 'Ga' Unit, 25,122 forms were sold.

A total of 45,275 forms were sold in 'Gha' Unit under which the authorities facilitate migration between departments as well as faculties. The 'Ka' Unit admission test was held last month, that of 'Kha' Unit is due on January 11. The 'Ga' Unit admission test was held on November 30 and the 'Gha' Unit admission test is due on January 4. Apart from the university authority, the departments and the faculty concerned also often charge some fees to be paid by the admission seekers for maintenance and running of the department's seminar and laboratory, particularly for conducting practical science classes.

Situation in the newly set up private universities is different as it is very expensive to pursue studies in private varsities offering academic courses almost on the pattern of the universities in America and Europe where higher studies are also very costly. Though tuition fees in the public universities like the Dhaka University and the Jahangirnagar University are not that high as those of the private universities, the university authorities have gone for imposition of prices for admission forms without any rational explanation, as alleged by students and their guardians. Those who will have the privilege to get admitted will have consolation, but how the authorities would console those who would be dropped through selection tests. Toeing almost the same line the colleges and other institutions across the country affiliated by the National University also go for 'extra earnings' during the admission season. The parents are to bear the brunt of such money-making business in the educational institutions nowadays. Unusual lust of the corrupt section of the teachers of the universities and colleges is allegedly responsible for such commercial ventures.

Muhammad Quamrul Islam

The Chief Adviser to Caretaker Government Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed called for turning educational institutions into centers of excellence instead of centers of politics to elevate Bangladesh to a moderate-income country over the next decade. He was speaking at 16th biennial conference 2007 of Bangladesh Economic Association [BEA] on December12 at the auditorium of the Institute of Engineers, Dhaka, reported in the national dailies on the following day. Guardians and general teachers and students are in complete agreement to the call of Chief Adviser [CA], anxiously waiting positive responses of public University teachers of different partisan colors present there in the first instance. If they act shunning the partisan bad habit of the past three and a half decades in sovereign Bangladesh, revive the old tradition that was till the end of 1970! Respectful teachers, who still string to their traditional mode of teaching, remain aloof from toeing political partisan lines should now drive out partisan folks known as teacher leaders from academic arena, as there is no time left to be silent if those do not change partisan habits by then.

We had an illuminating discussion with an elderly member of BEA who attended that conference in an evening conversation at the residence of his friend nearby my house and I wanted to know from him Association's action towards implementation of above call to which he is equally concerned like others who have sent children to Universities. He is a retired official, seen at Planning Commission how things move for personal interests, and having no concern for the country and economy. More inclined to projects not its benefits to the people and economy. The position is not otherwise in Association it seems subjects were selected for presentations and discussions that could eventually be NGOs projects or so. He told two brothers of general secretary of Association received gold medals but also another to editor of Daily Star, might be to keep media supports? Well, it is not enough to research on arsenic filters, but more necessary why and how arsenic has become problem in this country, which falls in Water Development sector and be redressed in cooperation with neighboring state of West Bengal. Ok, it's good gestures added to the medal culture in this country from 1990s? Under this culture though teachers were in majority attending conference, they were hardly anxious for their students, who are victims of session jams, campus violence, harassment to female students, teachers work abstention program, wear badges by teachers on party issues, stopped for decades till to date Annual University and College Students Union elections, and so on.

But, not the teachers' annual elections, which a new generation national vernacular daily Prothom Alo reported on December14 election to Dhaka University Teachers Association [DUTA] will be held on December 30, 2007 and 1400 teachers exercise their right to vote elect 15 member new committee. DUTA failed, for the first time, holding annual election in due time for various reasons reports UNB. What about the rights of the students denied so long? DUTA issued statements undertook programs or so on party 'color' lines-white, blue or pink- but linked, if personal interests are involved. Despite assurance of Vice Chancellor [VC] Faiz towards the end of 2005 and early 2006 for restarting annual Dhaka University Central Students Union [DUCSU] and Hall Union elections, these were not held and remained in abeyance. DUTA remained silent though it was vital for infusing democratic activities among students in campus traditionally, which positively contributed to politics and government of this country in due course. The Civil Society groups, especially in 1992 by Bangladesh Democratic Forum and Nagorik Samaj in 2000, both led Dr. Kamal Hossain, could not reach that goal of eradicating violence in campus, despite hard efforts of convening committee members in signature campaign for its success. But, convener Dr Kamal Hossain couldn't make time, for submission of it to President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed! I recalled it in a meeting of Bangladesh Guardian Council on May27, 2006 in pursuance of a speech by Barrister Mainul Hossain, chairman of editorial board of two national dailies. Article 'Bangladesh Guardian Council Steps In' by me published in Observer Magazine Friday July7, 2006 refers. As such we hope he, as an adviser to reconstituted Caretaker Government [CG] thru one eleven change over, will bring in traditional academic atmosphere de linking teachers students from party politics.

It is encouraging that Education Ministry, University Grants Commission, and Election Commission that's on preparing voter lists and ID Cards duly are engaged for creating an enabling environment for credible election by the end of 2008. We wish electoral reforms are finalized and implemented before holding election to local government bodies even to thwart any machination hatched from campus, NGOs or elsewhere. The Vice Chancellors of Public Universities, Principals of Government Colleges, including those in MPO listed may be advised hold annual Students Union elections, whether in abeyance, or not started at all since inception in post democracy [?] from 1991 by ineffective Parliaments. Let the New Year 2008 herald academic election atmosphere at start of new academic sessions in all educational institutions of this country form Students Cabinet that is to be continued in uninterrupted way. Similarly, Private Universities that sprouted since1992 with democratic period [?] need to be brought under a new Act, which has been worked formulated by University Grants Commission, awaiting finalization. It is true around 50 private universities are results of failures in public universities by campus violence, session jam, etc. It is travesty of truth to say those spread higher education or stopped youngsters from going abroad. These are to suppress the fact at what costs they take in students, scanty facilities provided, hire part time faculty from public universities, etc. Those are advertised as politics free, but public universities politics full. As a matter of fact, private universities politicized at inceptions, students are deprived of democratic pursuits form students cabinets, which are to be seen and removed. In this sense privates adversely affect public universities and vice versa.

It is to definitely ensure students cadre free and partisan teachers free national elections to elect competent candidates, for an effective 9th Parliament. Congenial academic scenes prevailing throughout the country, after one eleven change over, need to be sustained thru appropriate actions at institution levels, responsibilities primarily lie with teachers, which cannot be shifted or disowned by them. It's no job of NGO and media partners, undertake competent candidate movement or development vision by civil society as has been amply proved. Center for policy dialogue [CPD] led by Prof Rehman Sobhan who was caretaker adviser after fall of Ershad regime with its media partners Prothom Alo and the daily Star launched movement from Dhaka Sheraton Hotel on March 20, 2006, went in vain. When it was pointed out to respected Prof in an informal evening meet early this year he smiled and said Bangladesh is irrelevant! So what, they are beneficiaries of democracy period [?] from 1991, notwithstanding elected governments, intervened by non-party caretaker govt. in Bangladesh that produced ineffective Parliaments intensified sufferings of poor people.

There is no denying the fact civil society in any banner wants to avoid partisan teachers students politics, which is deemed sensitive by them, lest they fall from grace of powerful quarters. We are told Prof Rehman Sobhan and Dr. Kamal Hossain is cousin, similarly in taking matters intellectually without being result oriented which requires commitment. Dr Kamal Hossain is politician too minister in Awami League [AL]/ one party BKSAL govt. till August15, 1975 that gave him eminence. While on it, fellow passed mid sexagenarian said that article by Zillur Rahman Siddiqui published in Prothom Alo December15, 2007 on joy of Rajshahi, anxiety of Dhaka is based on wrong premise as one pettifogging and wrong by a tiny group cannot justify another wrong indulged by respected teachers. Nor, those taken by law enforcers for breaking emergency rule can be compared with supreme sacrifice made by Dr, Zoha in1969 towards the struggle of independence1971.

He prayed for an end to divisiveness in campus; but to whom and how it can be done? In that column he has been introduced as educationist, former vice-chancellor Jahangirnagar University. He was also a caretaker adviser, after mass movement toppled Ershad regime, which didn't produce effective Parliament, allegation of subtle rigging raised then? Does he not owe an explanation to afore said two questions? It is up to him, I told, which I pass thru this column. An article by a Prof Dhaka University followed it on question of release of teachers, published in said daily on December 24,2007. At the end of his article, he has confessed University teachers lost dignity of teaching profession for partisan politics, and selfish aggrandizements. If so, whether they are guilty, or not, need be proved at Court, as usual? No doubt, we wish quick dispensation of justice irrespective of status of person. Now that Judiciary has been separated, we do not want executive interference in process of law and teachers and students will get justice, for which exerting pressure by any media or DUTA are not needed. Credible vernacular columnist Syed Abul Maqsud wrote on December 25 rightly that it is politics that led language movement, autonomy movement, and liberation war under political leadership. Politicians were highly respected class, as evident by a gift lathi sent by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on birthday of Maulana Bhashani on 12th August 1971, which was handed over by Foreign secretary T.N.Kaul, while informed him war update. But 1973 elections in Bangladesh was bad omen, which continued to decline in following decades by non-political opportunists; dishonest corrupts filled in parties led to loss of status of politicians, he added, and real politicians were marginalized or lost. As ill luck would have it, no body could keep up legacy of Maulana Bhashani, after his death on November17, 1976. The last effort of Bhashani followers was towards end of 1980s to reorganized National Awami Party [NAP] thru national conference on August31, 1990. It could not sustain in polluted politics, stemmed from dysfunctional universities too but did not compromise which expectations fulfilled in historic one eleven change over. Let all of us rise above personal interests extend honest hands to reforms by Caretaker Government hold credible elections in 2008. It would be a good beginning if political minded teachers of universities resign from jobs, join respective party that would enable set up competent candidates, in the prevailing political vacuum contest national elections. It is necessary to separate public and private universities from Political Parties and NGOs for a meaningful democratic politics and government at the earliest.

(The writer is an Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh).

Mohammad Shahidul Islam

The hospitality industry is experiencing a boom across the world. Bangladesh is not an exception. A plethora of new hotels have opened in Dhaka, Chitagong, Sylhet and Cox's Bazaar. As a result there is a constant need for top-level industry consultants to advise on the profession. Besides, varieties of jobs in the catering business are now ready to be filled in.

One of the many wonderful aspects of this industry is the flexibility and choice it offers. One can start working in hotels, and if that does not suit him, he can change to contract catering or use his experience to go into consultancy or manage or run a restaurant or fast-food outlet. So, the opportunities are huge.

For many people, the thought of a career in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries may bring up the images of chefs, waiters, guides and cabin crews. But the industry offers more than these. Every day 1 in every 5 new jobs fall into this sector of the world. This is a huge industry offering variety, diversity and tons of different jobs and career opportunities to suit every one across the globe. So, what sort of person do you need to be to work in the hospitality, leisure and tourism business? Well to begin with you need to like people, and enjoy the challenges of working in a customer-focused environment. You need to be flexible, adaptable, enjoy solving problems and thinking on your feet and to be able to work as part of a team.

I met Jewel Mahmud, 18 years old, energetic and bubbly, working in the front office of a renowned hotel in Dhaka. "The diversity of the industry brings challenges and new opportunities, and that's what appeals to me," he said. "I originally came to this from National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute when I was on an 18-week course on Front Office and Secretarial Operations. Now I work part-time as a receptionist, which allows me to continue my studies towards A-Level." His advice to anyone considering a career in hotel is "Don't be put off by the thought of long hours and less pay initially-I followed my heart when I chose this as a career and I don't regret it for a moment". Mahmud hopes to go on to become a Front Office Manager or Conference and Events Manager at a Five Star Hotel in Bangladesh or outside the country.

Hospitality industry is a huge term. It does not only include hotels but restaurants and others. It is entwined in our daily life-grabbing a sandwich for lunch, stopping off for a coffee or drinks with friends, staying at a hotel, going to the cinema or theatre, school meals, eating at a canteen in work, catching a bus, motor-way service stations… the list goes on and on.

Mahbuba Begum is a young Chef in Australia. She studied 1-year professional Chef Course from National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (NHTTI). Her first job was as a Commis-ii (junior or apprentice-grade-ii) in a small hotel but soon was promoted to Chef because of her hard labour and perseverance. After moving to Australia she took a job specializing in fish and within two years became Chef of a new restaurant group. She says, "My career is very satisfying and I was delighted to be given promotion soon. My advice to young chefs wanting to progress in their career would be to focus on what they want to achieve-put your head down and keep working. That is what I did- believe me, you will get noticed!"

What about travel and tourism! It is a huge growth sector, valued at a massive £270 billion worldwide. Travel and Tourism is closely linked with Hospitality and Leisure, all providing services for their customers. It is a very inter-dependent industry…it is constantly expanding… which means more jobs and careers! Bangladesh is becoming the best-chosen destination for the airlines operators. Many foreign airlines are doing wow business in Bangladesh. The scopes and opportunities for airlines jobs are therefore climbing.

What is the best way into this industry and what qualifications do you need? Hospitality and Catering, like many other sectors, suffer from skills shortages in certain areas. Undoubtedly there are a wide range of jobs on offer-Receptionists, Bar, Conference and Banqueting, Event Management, Chefs, Waiters, Sales and Marketing, House-keeping, Food and Beverage Managers … these are just a few! The three main entry routes are:

1. By managing a job in a small or big hotel and benefiting from company training and development-maybe alongside a part-time study.

2. By becoming a management trainee or by having industrial attachment in the different outlets of a hotel.

3. By enrolling on a full-time course in an institute. There are courses to suit all abilities, whatever your academic achievements but at least SSC/O-level certificate is required.

If it is a career in Travel and Tourism that interests you, again there are too many jobs to mention here, Travel Agents, Overseas Representatives, Cabin Crew, Marketing for a Tour Operator, Customer Relations, Operations Roles, Cruise Ships [outside the country], Tourist Information Centers, just a few to consider. This sector is attractive to new recruits and competition can be tough.

Some of the qualifications that could help you on your way include: Industrial attachment or management trainee-you get an opportunity to develop skills, expertise and gain hospitality attributes whilst at work. Further and Higher Education like Diploma in Hotel and Tourism Management and BA in Hospitality Management-often these courses include business studies, field trips, foreign languages and marketing elements. Qualifications alone are no guarantee of a job in the hospitality, leisure, travel or tourism industry-a lot depends on your personality, attitude, communication skills and commonsense approach to work and life in general! Hospitality, Leisure, and Tourism might not be everyone's choice-but if you are enthusiastic, like people and want a career that is exciting, challenging and constantly developing-contact the recruiters at home and abroad to check it out-you might just be surprised!

The hospitality industry is rising rapidly, but it is also changing. In Bangladesh, hospitality industry is doing well. Varieties of restaurants are mushrooming and yet every new entrant to this business is doing well. Who would have thought 10 years ago that we would be ordering take-away pizza from petrol forecourts, for example? Many new offers are coming on-stream, and there are undoubtedly more interesting ones to follow.

That is the good news. The bad news is that the hospitality industry still has problems, above all with its image. But the over-riding message from recruiters is that the low pay and long hours for which hotels and restaurants are famous are becoming a thing of the past. The sheer growth of the industry has meant that employers are putting together far more attractive recruitment packages to attract the right staff. For potential managers the prospects can be tremendous.

Management salaries in this industry are increasing ahead of those in other sectors. There are some very good packages on offer. A good reason to go into the industry is that there is a continual shortage of top-calibre people, so good qualified people will progress very quickly and can probably expect an amount of money similar to what they would earn in any other industry at an early age.

Hospitality has always been an industry in which bright entrepreneurs can succeed, regardless of qualifications, and employers are now realizing this. Many say they want personality and charisma rather than a clutch of qualifications. Rubina Afrooz, Training and Development Manager at National hotel and Tourism Training Institute-NHTTI, says: "Personality is first. The industry is looking for outgoing, highly motivated people who are very much focused on business results-the sort of people who would one day want to run their own businesses." She adds: "Good qualifications won't do anybody any harm at all, but I do not think they are by any means a prerequisite. My personal point of view is that very often good qualifications tend to mean 'high intellect' and 'good at doing exams'. These are not necessarily the best competencies for the hospitality industry. It is more important that people are the right type of individual. They have got to like other people."

SM Mizanur Rahman, Head of language and culture department at NHTTI, believes qualifications still count. But he adds: "Having said that, this industry is performance-orientated. You can get as far on your performance as your ability will take you."