The New Nation - Internet Edition

Containing drug addiction

ACCORDING to Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), 46 lakh drug addicts in the country spend at least Tk 46 crore on drugs every day. Based on these figures the annual wastage of resources comes to about Tk 17,000 crore, which is around 17 percent of the proposed national budget for 2008-09. It is estimated that some one lakh people are involved in drug trafficking about 30 percent of whom are women and children. These statistics are based on a survey conducted in 2004. Present figures are likely to be much higher. Because of Bangladesh's being a transit for international drug trafficking, drugs are easily available here.

Drug abuse has far reaching implications for the society. It is a menace and corrodes society from within. It gives rise to drug-related crimes. How seriously drug addiction affects family life and society can be perceived from a recent report that a mother killed her addicted son. Drug addiction is destroying the youths, the future of the country. According to statistics, around 75 percent of the drug addicts are aged between 15 and 30 years. Involvement of children in drug trafficking creates the social base of future criminals.

The society must be saved from the impending threat posed by drugs. Concerned agencies of the government must raise themselves to the level where they can effectively fight drug abuse. The DNC must urgently be made fully functional by providing necessary manpower and logistics support. The drug traders must be given severe punishment and brought under speedy trial for quicker disposal of the cases against them. At the same time, public awareness about the harmful effects of drugs must be raised and social resistance against the spread of drug addiction created. Only concerted efforts of all stakeholders can help contain the menace.

Impact of surging energy costs

ASIAN economies are feeling the pain of soaring energy costs. High oil prices

have had minimal impact in the past three years but it is less sanguine this time around, as an economist from Singapore remarked recently. Slowing economic growth, led by a sputtering US economy, will make it harder for consumers and companies to shrug off the pain of bigger transport fees and electricity bills. Unlike in the boom times of the past few years, wages and profits will be under downward pressure instead. While no one is pressing the panic button yet, caution is building up as the IMF has warned that surging energy costs could 'send the world into a recession.'

As crude prices are breaching all-time highs, alarm bells have started to sound over the relentless rise of oil. The ongoing run-up in the cost of crude, up 40 per cent so far this year and nine times 2000 prices, is reviving memories of the 1970s oil shocks. Oil prices rose fivefold between 1973 and 1980, ushering in a period of 'stagflation'-a dreaded combination of recession and high inflation. Oil prices eased earlier this month after exceeding $135 a barrel immediately before, but experts are of the opinion that this is probably 'a mere breather' before they resume their upward trajectory.

Asian economies, so far, have remained relatively robust but economists have warned that the region is a large net importer of oil and that 'inflation hits gross domestic product with a lag.' Consumers may have to tighten their belts as larger transport and electricity bills erode their spending power. Keeping pace with, companies may also scale down on investments as energy costs squeeze profit and besides transport companies, the energy-heavy manufacturers will be hurt the most.

Pious hope can't stop tide of corruption

Abdur Rahim

Whoever assumes the authority to govern the country, at the very outset, declares in the loudest voice, its firm commitment to eradicate corruption from the society thereby enabling the people to live a peaceful life free from fear and intimidation from those possessing huge wealth earned through illegal means and using political power. Such a brave announcement receives acclaim of the populace who rejoice at the advent of the 'new saviour'. It is, however, understandable that the eradication of corruption overnight is neither possible nor fully achievable. For that reason the protagonists of the honest administration must exercise restraint in repeating their number one agenda (eradication of corruption) leaving behind their day-to-day work, and ignoring their prime constitutional obligation of holding a general election with a view to handing over power to an elected government.

But the present decision of the government to hold local government polls in August next before the general election in December this year has created new controversy in the political arena. While the BNP-led Four Party Alliance outright rejected the local government election plan, Awami League and its allies seem to be somewhat soft on the issue. Awami League demand change in the schedule of the local government election and at the same time asking the government to hold the general election first. Such attitude of Awami League is attributed by their critics to the result of an understanding of the party with the government. The Chief Advisor Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed while talking to the Ferdous Quraishi-led PDP representatives has firmly dismissed such rumour. Meanwhile, a leading member of the Awami League Abdul Latif Siddiqi of Tangail has come under serious criticism in the AL Working Committee meeting over his observation that Hasina's release on parole was the result of a compromise of the party with the government. His view has further strengthened the remour of AL's accord with the government. AL's participation in LG polls is now a fate accompli although the AL candidates wouldn't use party symbol in the election as per the existing regulations. AL's participation in the LG election, party policy makers believe, would pave the way for them to form the next political government and in the process share power with the existing power base. With such an illusion, AL had participated in 1986 under Ershad's regime.

On the other hand minor political parties led by major leaders like Prof. Badruddoza Chowdhury, Col. Oli Ahmed and Dr. Kamal Hossain have their blessings to the government in holding of the LG polls. They, however, strongly demanded holding of all elections free from the influence of black money and muscle power. Nonetheless controversy over the local government election might cause unrest if the issue is not resolved amicably between the government and the major political parties. By no means people want to see repetition of the events that led to the imposition of emergency power regulations (EPR) and the prolonged stay of the caretaker government.

The present caretaker government headed by Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed took over the administration on 11 January last year at a very critical juncture of our national life when the law and order situation was on the verge of collapse over holding of the general election on 22 January, 2007.

There is no denying of the fact that the caretaker government has taken some bold steps in arresting corruption to a great extent and in the process taken into custody two former prime ministers as well as a number of ex-ministers and industrialists-businessmen as well as bureaucrats. Although a number of politicians and bureaucrats have been convicted on various jail terms with confiscation of their illegally earned wealth, but at the same time some big shots widely known for corruption are either beyond the reach of the law enforcing agencies or now released on bail.

The government's hand is full with huge number of corruption cases and most of those cases awaiting disposal. At this stage the NCC will not entertain more corruption cases, but such cases would be undertaken by the normal law courts. While the World Bank Vice-President Mr. Patel has expressed satisfaction over the government's corruption eradication drive, he however, didn't hide his dismay at the slow progress in disposal of the cases. The world Bank Executive has only reflected the sentiment of general people which has further been backed by the Transparency International's latest report saying that corruption shows an upward trend. Speed money still dominates the business and industrial sectors thereby encouraging profiteering and discouraging investment in industrial sector. Common people are feeling the brunt of the price spiral that has further been aggravated by the rise in gas price. It is made clear by the Administration that soon price of petroleum products will also go up leading to further escalation of prices of essentials and services. Commotion already exists in ready made garments sector over the failure of the factory owners to pay the workers their due remuneration. However, the just published SSC result is a redeeming feature leads us to believe that no sincere endeavour goes un-rewarded. The stern measures adopted by the previous government to stop copying in public examinations has of late given remarkable dividend. The Education Advisor Hussain Zillur Rahman while appreciating the unprecedented good results in this year's SSC example could make reference to the successful efforts of the past regime, thereby, setting a rare example of recognising the laudable action of their predecessors. As such, the future government might take a good lesson from the courageous stand of the caretaker government in the drive against corrupt but powerful peoplenot taking into consideration of their socio-political positions. However, anybody held on corruption charges has the fundamental right to take recourse to justice to prove his/her innocence. This government at least has broken the stigma that powerful and wealthy people, even if charged with serious corruption, were untouchable. People are eager to see the result and not listen to high-sounding words only.

Harvesting the benefit of inclusive education

Md. Khairul Anam

Education is a multidimensional process by which our mind, soul and latent talent develop through formal, and even informal learning. It is indeed a life-long process. It is a mental, psychological, intellectual and social training which provides opportunities to overcome all kinds of difficulties and obstacles to national development and overall progress.

Education is one of the fundamental rights of human being. In our country it is also recognized as our constitutional right. There are necessary constitutional safe-guards for ensuring education for all citizens of Bangladesh. In spite of this some people of our society are deprived of enjoying equal rights and opportunities in receiving formal education.

Ours is a liberal democratic country. In democracy everyone is equal in the eye of law. So democratic values and norms never support any kind of discrimination among the citizens.

In order to ensure equal facilities for all types of learners at secondary level, Teaching Quality Improvement in Secondary Education Project (TQI-SEP) authority has included "Inclusive Education" as one of its training contents and strategies. In fact inclusive education is such a strategical and technical process where all types of learners can receive education in a congenial and cooperative environment.

Here all students are included in learning process and different activities. For establishing human dignity and fundamental human rights, such kind of education can play a vital role. It is in fact the foundation of an inclusive society.

In different educational institutions, the following variation and diversity can usually be observed : (a) Brighter students and dull students, (b) Learners from poor families and rich families, (c) Male students and female students, (d) Introverts and extroverts, (e) Shy students and confident students (f) Learners with (physical and mental) abilities and disabilities, (g) From an ethnic minority and greater population, (h) From rural areas and urban areas etc.

Inclusive Education considers diversity as a resource, not a problem. It positively recognizes diversities and variations and assists the learners in fulfilling their various demands and dreams of life.

It encourages the persons concerned and authorities to provide with quality learning opportunities for all children. It prepares the learners for establishing an ideal society that respects and values diversity and difference.

But in the context of our country, the path and doorway of Inclusive Education is not so smooth. Especially at secondary level, we can find out some barriers to Inclusive Education : i) Lack of trained and skilled teachers, (ii) Superstitions and prejudice, (iii) Infra-structural limitations, (iv) Want of proper teaching aids and materials, v) Lack of social awareness and support, (vi) Shortcomings of prevailing education system, (vii) Lack of modern and suitable teaching methodologies and approaches, (viii) Unfavourable attitudes and behaviour towards the learners with disabilities, (ix) Absence of congenial classroom atmosphere.

It is certain that these barriers are not present in the same dimension in all the educational institutions. Rather despite a lot of problems, many dedicated and career-oriented teachers are trying their level best to spread the light of education to the learners effectively and selflessly. They pay equal attention and even in some cases they show special sympathy and fellow feelings for the problematic and disabled learners.

However, for overcoming these barriers, some pragmatic and dynamic initiatives must be taken. To achieve the goal of Inclusive Education, necessary reformation and change should be brought in our education system.

Diversity and different of characteristics and needs of the learners should be considered as a normal thing. Equal right of education must be ensured even for the disabled children. All learners' active and spontaneous participation in different activities of the school must be encouraged through participatory approach. Child-centred teaching is very essential for achieving inclusion. Suitable teaching aids, special resources and moral support are needed for Inclusive Education.

Diversity should not be thought as a difficulty, or a negative liability; rather we all should take it as a challenge and a humanitarian and moral activity. So an enabling, welcoming and encouraging educational environment must be created in the schools. Proper motivation, interpersonal communication, collaboration, partnership and real-participation may be the best means of promoting inclusion. All elements and components of curriculum and contents should be flexible and responsive.

Deep, cordial and meaningful relationship and effective co-ordination should be developed among the teachers, students, guardians, school managing committee and local elites.

With a view to building an exploitation-free, welfare-oriented inclusive society and modern democratic country, real, suitable and progressive Inclusive Education should be introduced as early as possible. The nation is eagerly looking forward to having such and education system, not only at secondary level but also at all stages of education.

US diplomacy of desperation?

Dr Moeed Pirzada

US Ambassador to Pakistan, Ms. Anne Patterson, was distributing awards in a ceremony organised by Roots College International in Islamabad when a former student, Sarmad Khurram, now at Harvard, refused accepting his award.

He was protesting against the unprovoked US air strike inside Pakistan's tribal areas. This must have been a rare "Rosa Parks" moment in Ambassador Patterson's period in rather obedient Pakistan.

Young students were protesting against last week's US air attacks on Pakistani territory in which 11 Pak soldiers including a senior officer died. Though Ms. Patterson, a seasoned career diplomat, told the protesting students what every diplomat will that America deeply regretted the incident there was little evidence, on the ground, to support that.

I would like to believe too that the attack on the Pakistani post could have been a pure tragic mistake. But in most Pakistani minds, this is a message, a stern warning, from the US to Pakistan, its people, the new democratic government and key institutions to keep them on the track in what is commonly referred to as the war on terrorism.

This perception has been strengthened by the kind of attitude with which this incident and the loss of Pakistani lives was treated. First the Americans defended it on technical grounds, then a video was released to confirm the US version. But soon Pentagon realised that the video did not back its claim. Finally to shelf the matter, a joint enquiry has been ordered.

When immediately after 9/11, Hamid Karzai first appeared on the international scene as a hybrid of history and modernity with that beautiful mix of his traditional Afghan shawl and American accent, British author Tariq Ali, while speaking as a guest of late Edward Said, at Columbia University, New York, had predicted that he will soon end up in Milan fashion show.

Last week Karzai, following up on the air strike was issuing threats of attacking his nuclear-armed neighbour. Now it is hardly a secret that when Karzai speaks, the world listens because it knows that whereas video is coming from Kabul, the audio is being played by Washington. So there was hardly any need for the US President to support Karzai's assertions while standing next to Gordon Brown in London. So much for Ms. Patterson's regrets. Sometimes I really feel sorry for highly educated career diplomats - especially when you have to serve a dyslexic president.

But before I conjecture as to why the US diplomacy is fast exhibiting symptoms of desperation, look at this irony!

Gen. Dan McNeil, the outgoing NATO Commander did a Pentagon news conference soon after this tragedy. He was summing up the challenge in Afghanistan but among other things he narrated how he was "forever scarred" by what he described as the assassination of Maj. Larry J Bauguess and the killing of another soldier by Pakistan's frontier constabulary in 2007 and 2002 respectively. He was right; lives are scarred when such tragic accidents happen.

However, what most on the US side fail to realise that hundreds and thousands of lives have also been scarred on the Pakistani side and while those who perished might merely be numbers for the Americans, for their families and communities they were fully human like Maj. Larry Baughuess. And such repeat losses do translate into political problems for Pakistan - despite all the insensitivity or helplessness of its ruling elite.

So what has changed? True, there is a new government in Islamabad and Nawaz Sharif's PMLN that supports the government from the outside is trying to get rid of President Musharraf and that might be far too quick or upsetting in the US calculus.

It is also true that the new government has tried offering peace deals to the militants in FATA and Swat that looks like a risky initiative to the US. But I suspect these are toppings on the ice cream; in reality there is a paradigm shift taking place inside Washington, and that relates to withdrawing from the wrong war, that is, Iraq and focusing on the 'right' war in Afghanistan - as Barack Obama has been shouting all along during his campaign.

The very fact that the outgoing Republican administration of George Bush seems to be embracing this idea testifies to the increasing political space gained by the Democrats forcing Republicans to make adjustments. Last week, President Bush while he was still in Europe warned the British PM against setting any timetable for troops with-drawl from Afghanistan and then during their joint press conference in London he managed to extract promises of even more British troops.

If Britain can be cajoled against the better judgment of its government, think tanks and the media then Pakistan's fate is to be pushed and kicked into giving in more on the issue of Afghanistan - even if it violates its own deeply held understanding of the ground realities. Sadly, it still only promises a longer conflict in the region, without any hope of a sustainable resolution. Afghanistan may be the right war, but many wonder if it is being fought for the right ends and by right means?

This was precisely the question raised simultaneously by two Brits: Editor Philip Stephen and Professor Anatoly Lieven of the Kings College London. Writing in Financial Times, on the eve of the Donors Conference for Afghanistan in Paris, both wondered: What will constitute victory for the West in Afghanistan?

Lieven was amazed at the contrast between the western governments' public stance of "defeat in Afghanistan unthinkable" and private admissions of "defeat inevitable" and advised to come up with a narrowly defined victory objectives like the killing of OBL.

Lieven observes that any sustained peace in Afghanistan will be impossible unless its immediate neighbours do not have a stake in it. And here you come across a troubling question: Has US ever seriously pondered what is at stake for Pakistan in Afghanistan?

Without asking some of the fundamental questions, I am afraid a new US administration will waste another five years, chasing ghosts of imagined and real enemies across the mountains of Afghanistan in search of a Pyrrhic victory for the whole western alliance.

(Moeed Pirzada, a broadcaster and political analyst with GEO TV, has been a Britannia Chevening Scholar at London School of Economics & Political Science. Email: mp846@columbia.edu)