The New Nation - Internet Edition

In this scorching, burning heat wave of tortuous summer season the tremendous sufferings, colossal economic and financial losses of our people on account of acute shortage of electricity and frequent load shedinged are inexplicable.

We feel our Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Works, PDB, DESA, Rajuk, some of our political leaders, top government officials, traders, importers, contractors, foreign firms and diplomatic missions are directly or indirectly responsible for this grave situation and economic debacle for lack of planning, patriotism, coordination and also their lapses and omissions.

The fact is that our small township of Dhaka grew into a mega city of innumerable skyscrapers, highrise buildings of offices, residential flats, markets and hotels fitted with manifold unlimited electric machineries and equipment, air-conditioners, TV, computers, lifts and elevators within a short time, within the twinkle of an eye without any consideration and availability of 'Demand and Supply' of electricity for Dhaka in particular and our country as a whole.

A handful of powerful, influential and wealthy people have also purchased and installed power generators and IPS in their houses, offices and buildings to meet their emergency need of electricity as and when required which the poor and middle class majority people of our country can hardly afford.

We are surprised and shocked that a handful of rich persons and VIPs enjoy all the civic and human rights, amenities and facilities and the majority of our people always suffer, live in poverty and hardship and they remain subservient to wealthy, powerful political leaders, government officers, businessmen and foreign diplomats. Is it really democracy? Is it not a glaring violation of human rights ?

Due to exigencies of the situation and in the greater interest of the people of all walks of life we suggest and demand that our government may temporarily ban the use of air-conditioners all over the country pending availability of sufficient and adequate supply of electricity in our national grid.

We strongly feel that for the sake of justice and fairplay to all the rich, poor and middle class people the use of electric fan only is sufficient and justified without any discrimination for their equal civic and democratic rights. All are equal in the eye of law.

O.H. Kabir

Dhaka