The New Nation - Internet Edition

Skills training for manpower

PARTICIPANTS at a recent international symposium underscored the need for imparting skills training to workers before sending them abroad for jobs. This is because the unskilled workers are the main victims of unfair wages and legal harassment. One important condition for securing foreign jobs with better wages is that a migrant worker should have a working knowledge of the language of the country where he is going to work. This is very much important for good communication between the employee and the employer. A worker must also be technically skilled.

According to sources, about 50 lakh Bangladeshis are working in different countries of the world now. Every year a large number of Bangladeshis migrate to foreign countries seeking jobs. About 381,000 job seekers departed the country in 2006. This number shows a robust growth compared to 188,000 in 2001. Expatriate workers are the highest foreign exchange earners for the country. These workers sent US$7.9 billion in fiscal year 2007-08, which is about US$2 billion more than that of 2006-07. The RMG sector has now been relegated to the second position as foreign exchange earner. These figures make a strong case for the government to make its workers skilled.

So the authorities concerned must make all possible arrangements to give language and vocational training to the people looking for jobs abroad. The concerned agencies of the government, in collaboration with private educational institutions, can open foreign language courses to train them on minimum spoken language skills. Bangladeshi missions aboard should regularly monitor the job markets in different countries so that vocational and technical institutions can design their courses accordingly. Such skills would help retain and expand Bangladesh's share in the international job market.

Increasing yield of cotton

THE government is reportedly planning biotechnology-based research to develop high yielding varieties of cotton to ensure financial benefit for the farmers. A three-year project on strengthening research activities of the Cotton Development Board' (CDB) has been submitted to the Planning Commission for approval. It is expected that the estimated Tk 17 crore-project will pave the way for research on biotechnology alongside the conventional technology. Different cotton research institutes are planning to introduce the technology in cotton production under the supervision of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council for further improving cotton production.

There is no alternative to high technology to boost the production of cotton. Bangladesh has two lakh hectares of land suitable for cotton production, the farmers prefer other crops because of its less profit. The main cause of the declining cotton production after the year 1997-98 when yield was around 98,600 tonnes, as identified by the experts, was less profit for the farmers because of cotton price slide in the international market for four consecutive years. The government's emphasis on foodgrain production, crop diversification, increase of vegetable and fruit cultivation and tree plantation have also reduced the land for cotton cultivation.

The country has twelve varieties of cotton and their maximum yield is not more than two tonnes per hectare. The application of bio-technology, it is said, can almost double the production. Cotton cultivation needs almost five months and a half while the new variety would take four months and a half. The annual demand for raw cotton in the country's textile sector is 14-15 lakh bales. The local production of cotton is around 70,000-80,000 bales. Higher yield would boost domestic production and reduce cotton import. Before adopting the new technology, however, sufficient field trials should be made to avoid its adverse effects.

Burma after Nargis: Devastated, depressed and dejected

Nava Thakuria

The devastating tropical cyclone Nargis that struck southern Burma (Myanmar) two months ago, has revealed to the world that it was even less disastrous compared to its regime. The military regime, which not only ignored the difficulties faced by its own people after the disaster, but also restricted relief from international communities for them. The group of Generals, known as the State Peace and Development Council, had one apprehension that the massive flow of foreign aid workers to their country might create an ambiance for a major uprising against the government.

The deadly cyclone moved towards the Burmese land from the Bay of Bengal on the night of May 2, and it devastated the entire Irrawaddy and Rangoon divisions of the country. Nargis also embraced three other divisions and states (Bago, Mon and Kayin) and killed nearly ninety thousand people and made another few thousands homeless. It also left a trail of devastation on social infrastructures, killing thousands of livestock and also causing flood, destroying the paddy fields, which were made ready for Myanmar's primary crops rice.

According to the latest government information, made available with the government run daily newspaper 'The New Light of Myanmar', the storm killed 84,537 people, leaving 53,836 missing and 19,359 injured. The United Nations estimates that Nargis affected 2.4 million people and directly made thousands homeless. At the same time, over 3,00,000 water buffaloes and cows died in Irrawaddy delta and Yangon localities. Moreover, nearly 10,00,000 acres of farmland in Irrawaddy and 3,00,000 acres in Yangon division were destroyed. Over one million acres of fertile land were also flooded with the salty seawater.

But the response to the disaster by its own rulers was simply shocking. First, the rulers couldn't provide immediate relief to the victims and secondly, they tried to prevent (and restrict) the international aid for their very own people, who were in desperate need of food, medicine and shelter.

"The military regime at Nay Pyi Taw always remained blind to the political power and they can go to all extent to maintain it. Hence, they could ignore all the troubles faced by the cyclone victims.

The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) chief senior general, Than Shwe got time to visit those victims only after international criticism came out in a bigger way. Mind it, they can easily sacrifice the people, but never tolerate international access (through the aid workers) to its common people," commented a Yangon based opposition political leader, who wanted anonymity.

The callousness of the junta was also criticised by Suzanne DiMaggio, director of the Asia Society's Social Issues Programme (and former vice president of Global Policy Programmes at the United Nations Association of America) saying that for nearly five decades, Myanmar's military rulers had systematically undermined the interests of their own citizens. Referring to Narigs, she stated that the junta-controlled news media failed to announce warnings about the approaching cyclone.

"The entry of UN humanitarian personnel, has been delayed due to the government's refusal to allow aid workers into the country without first applying for visas. Moreover, the military leaders are dragging their feet on easing restrictions on the import of humanitarian supplies and allowing a UN assessment team into the country," she added.

Similar views were expressed by a Burmese exile, Dr Tayzathuria, who revealed that the junta did not put any effort to warn the people about the deadly storm. Talking to this writer from London, Tayzathuria claimed that the government had done nothing for rehabilitation of the victims and nearly two million people, mostly farmers and their families, were still living in horrible conditions in the makeshift camps.

"The SPDC doesn't care about its people except maintaining their strong holds on power. Otherwise, the government would have never gone ahead with referendum immediately after the disaster," he also added saying that the referendum was only to forcefully approve the pro-military constitution and finally to install a puppet civilian regime after the 2010 polls.

The referendum, which took places in two phases throughout Burma, was a major initiative of the government under their road map to democracy. But the new constitution adopted after the referendum is alleged to comprise many provisions for the armed forces, which would enjoy emergency power and could topple an elected government in need. Moreover, seats will be reserved for them in the Parliament. The new constitution will also prevent the pro-democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from contesting the election as she had married a non-Burmese (an Englishman).

Moreover, the junta had extended the period of house arrest for Suu Kyi for one more year. The Nobel laureate had already spent five full years under detention since May, 2003. Hence, the decision of the junta on Suu Kyi's detention invited prompt and harsh criticism from the world communities.

From the United Nations to European Union and America to other pro-democratic regimes, all came out with stronger words of condemnation against the military regime.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon visited Myanmar and met the SPDC chief Than Shwe on May 23, days ahead of junta's decision (on Suu Kyi) and he had no other option than expressing regret later on the development. He, however, commented that 'the sooner the restrictions on Suu Kyi and other political figures are lifted, the sooner Myanmar will be able to move towards inclusive national reconciliation, the restoration of democracy and full respect for human rights'.

Of course, the initiative of the UN chief resulted on softening the stand of the junta to allow the foreign aid workers irrespective of their nationalities. More recently, the Burmese government had issued more than 1500 visas to the relief workers to visit the victims and extend their services.

Nargis, on the other hand, hit the country in a critical period of the year. The month of May in English calendar year brings the season for preparing rice seedlings, which are to be planted later. Like many south and Southeast Asian countries, rice is the primary crop (also the staple food) of Myanmar. The traditional rice plantation needs to be completed within the rainy season, more preferably by July end. The harvesting time starts from October.

Hence, the May 2-3 disaster can put a heavy toll on rice production in Myanmar. The cyclone in one hand, flooded the arable lands with the salty sea water, destroyed the already grown saplings and on the other hand, it killed the water buffaloes (also cows), which are essential for the poor Burmese cultivators for ploughing. If immediate actions are not taken to support the farmers with tiller and fresh rice saplings, it can be guessed that Burma might face severe food crisis at the end of the year because the Irrawaddy delta region produces most (almost 60 per cent) of the country's rice. Besides rice, the region also contributes in fish productions. The cyclone damaged most of the fishing ponds, hatcheries and shrimp farms of the area and it could add more people under the acute poverty tag in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the UN Undersecretary-General Noeleen Heyzer issued a clarion call for supplying fuel (to run the power tillers) for the Burmese farmers. Heyzer had reportedly stated that this initiative was crucial for the affected Burmese farmers 'to meet their planting season' to rebuild their livelihood.

Earlier, the Myanmarese Agriculture minister, Htay Oo informed that they urgently needed diesel (it might be a volume of five million litre) to run around 5,000 power tillers. It may be mentioned that understanding the real and immediate difficulties of the rice growers, many countries including China and Thailand donated the power tillers to the farmers.

Burma, which was once known as the rice bowl of Asia, has slowly lost the volume of rice production. Four decades of non-governance under the military rule and disastrous economic policies of the junta has left Myanmar in such a pathetic condition that the farmers have now lost their interest and motivation for surplus rice productions.

(The writer is a senior journalist based in Gowahati, Assam, India)

A greener Bangladesh tomorrow

Moin Imran Chowdhury

The Declaration of Emergency on January 11th, 2007 and the work of the respected Army Chief and the Armed Forces have become the most widely discussed subjects for the past one year. In the book titled "Nirbachito Shonkolon", The Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed has made clear what the Army's involvement with the Interim Government is. He has also cleared up the misconception amongst those who believe that the country is now under "martial law. "

The role of the Bangladesh Army is to assist the present interim government to eradicate corruption, maintain political stability and hold the general elections fairly. Although corruption cannot be stopped in one day, the Caretaker Government and Army have been pursuing rigorously to reduce it. Before the State of Emergency was declared, our beloved Bangladesh was heading towards a civil war and innocent citizens were being killed brutally. It can be said that "even animals were not being killed in the way humans were." People now think that every decision is being made in Army Head Quarters to run the country, which is completely untrue. The Army aides the Caretaker Government, which then makes the decisions regarding the path that our country is taking.

It is very unfortunate to see that the previous governments have completely failed in developing our country and left it like a derailed train wreck. Presently with all the efforts of the Caretaker Government and the Army, the train is back on track and all we need right now is a driver, who should have all the right qualifications needed to run a country. It is in the hands of us citizens to select the right driver. In order to have brighter future for this country, we all have to work together. Our population can be our strength. If 150 million people put their hands together, it is a total of 300 million hands. We can then work together for the developed Bangladesh we dream of and what our courageous freedom fighters wanted and sacrificed their lives for. There have been a certain disadvantages for the past one year like the price hike of general commodities and as expected, people are very upset. However, I believe that in order to get something good, we will all have to sacrifice something. I see a bright Bangladesh in the future, where there will be vast investments in education and business sectors, and greater efficiency in the civil service and bureaucracy.

I truly believe that the Chief of Army Staff has shown a great example by not usurping' and abusing his power. He has not "taken over" this country through force, but assisted in helping the transition that Bangladesh really needed. He has stated that Bangladesh needs

to be put back on track so that the poor and unfortunate citizens of this country are able to see a brighter Bangladesh as well.

In conclusion, I would like to add that during this past year and a half, crime rates have fallen and the roots of democracy are beginning to show and our thanks should go to the Armed Forces and the Caretaker Government. Along with helping our nation come back on track, I believe they have given another important example to upcoming politicians. They have demonstrated that politics can be corrupt-free and honourable and politicians must serve the country, not steal from the country. We now think twice before doing something corrupt and this is a big step for Bangladesh, where corruption is present in every realm of society. I am certain that the upcoming generation of tomorrow is looking forward to brighter and free from corruption and crime and injustice. Post 1/11, we are looking towards a greener future of our beloved country. Along with that, we the citizens must ensure that we will select the leader who will bring back true democracy which Bangladesh has not seen even after 36 years of Independence.

Lankan troops enough to guard SAARC leaders

Sheikh Rakib Uddin

Certain sudden developments that have been brought under careful notices of all concerned, will be detrimental to the national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the South Asian nations if this happens ultimately. The development is that India, one of the members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is reported to have been planning to send its troops, naval ships and air force helicopters to ensure security in Sri Lanka which is in preparation to host the 15th Summit of the Association in August.

A section of the press in Dhaka quoting an international news agency published on Monday "India is to send thousands of troops, war-ships and helicopters to Sri Lanka as a part of security for next month's South Asian Summit in Colombo.

Highly diplomatic sources said New Delhi is planning to send three warships, with combined forces of up to 3000 army personnel, because of fear that the Tamils could stage land, sea and air attacks during the summit to be attended by the Indian Prime Minister and the heads of the state and the governments of seven other member countries. The countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and the host of the summit Sri Lanka. The two-day summit, due to begin in the capital city of Sri Lanka on August 2, will be preceded by a week-long meeting of the Council of Ministers, Shanding Committee and the Programming Committee of the SAARC formally launched in Dhaka in 1985.

Though the official versions in this regard is still neither available from India nor from Sri Lanka the fact remains the way the news have been circulated the developments seems to be turned into reality. Ultimately India may exert its all sphere of influences on Sri Lanka to accept such an unwanted situation. Only future can say whether Colombo will succumb to the pressure of New Delhi or not. It will be an easier task on the part of India to play such an unprecedented game if Sri Lanka seeks India military assistance to ensure security towards holding a successful SAARC summit. Such an arrangement from any consideration will be in violation of the charter of the SAARC and its spirit. Sri Lanka combating with its insurgence for the last two decades already held the two successful SAARC summits amidst continued fighting with the Tamil Tigers. Observers reported to have been supported by certain countries including a neighbour.

The fact remains like a broad day that the SAARC along with its all achievements and proceedings including the summit are absolutely regional affairs where all sorts of bilateral matters have been sidelined. Sri Lanka as a sovereign state deserves all rights to allow foreign troop in its territory and that is her internal affairs. But this should not be done at the time when the country will host a summit of the SAARC whose hard core spirit is to foster cooperation among the member states not through means other than promotion of social links and channel which has been clearly laid down in the charter adopted in the first summit. Probably all member states other than the India and Sri Lanka are not only aware of the situation but are monitoring it closely. The Director General (External Affairs) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused to talk with me when I approached him officially to know about Dhaka's position on the forthcoming SAARC summit. If India virtually becomes adamant to send its troops to Sri Lanka on the occasion of the next SAARC summit it may create a deadlock that could upset the sound continued journey of the Association to its cherished goal.

Opinion: Impacts of oil price hike

Ariful Huq

The caretaker government has increased the prices of fuels by 40 percent with effect from the first day of the new fiscal year. It is the second incident of fuel price hike by the present government. In April last year the prices of petroleum product was increased by 13 to 21 percent. The government re-fixed the price in the wake of price hike in the international market. With the adjustment of price of per litre octane will be Taka 90, petrol Tk 87, kerosene Tk 55, diesel Tk 55, furnace oil Tk 30 and the price of one cylinder LPG will be Tk 1000 which were Tk 67, 65, 40, 40, 20 and Tk 600 respectively.

Increase of prices of fossil fuel in a highly unstable market situation is feared to spell adverse impacts on the national economy as a whole and give rise to more volatility in price structure with inherent trends of price escalation of essential goods. It is deemed to add to the mounting sufferings of the poor and low-income groups of people. This likely development of the economy has brought a number of additional tasks before the government. Correct handling of these issues may ease the situation to some extent. This price hike of oil is actually a tough dilemma for the government: the unprecedented rise of crude oil price in the international market compelled the present caretaker government to increase prices, though they are believed to be fully conscious about the effects of this hike on the national economy. On the one hand the government had to incur loss of millions of hard earned foreign exchanges every year as part of subsidies for oil. On the other side, huge quantity of this much valuable item was being smuggled out of the country due to higher prices of the same in a neighbouring country. The government took the decision to bring down the losses and discourage smuggling. However, such a rise of oil price was implicit in budget computing. At the same time, the government is reportedly mulling over a 42 percent increase of gas and electricity tariffs.

The instant effect of this price adjustment has been observed in the transport sector. While the government increased bus fare by about 20 percent, the bus owners have rejected it and demanding almost double the previous rate. It has been a cause of sufferings for the passengers. Increased transport fare will increase carrying costs of goods leading to another spell of increase of prices of necessary items. The Finance Adviser himself is reported to have speculated a 30 percent hike in food price. Increased diesel and furnace oil price will increase production cost of agricultural and industrial goods.

This may lead to slackening food security for the common people especially the hard core poor and will make life tougher for them. Experts speculate serious volatility in the national economy, which may even lead to famine in the country. According to them, 40 percent hike of oil prices at a time is too high for the national economy to absorb.

To avert further aggravation of sufferings of the poor and deterioration of the situation, the government must activate agriculture, industry, trade and commerce at any cost at the earliest possible time. The government should also ensure a regular income for the poorer sections by ensuring employment at reasonable wages, must widen social safety net both in size and monetary allocation.

Opening of food window at low cost may mitigate sufferings of the poor. The government must monitor market situation aimed at desirable stability. The people and the government officials should be encouraged to maintain austerity in day to day life. Luxury at state cost must be stopped. The government must strive to gain confidence of the business community but must not surrender to any of the syndicates and act at the cost of national interests.