The New Nation - Internet Edition

Irrespective of affiliation or no affiliation with any political party, differences of opinion, support or opposition, affinity or antipathy the Muslims of Bangladesh offer their Juma prayer together at different mosques, attend Eid congregation, Namaz-e-Janaza, Milad-e-Mahfil together and also participate in Bishwa Ijtema Akhri Munajat in Tongi. They also perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia with millions and millions of fellow Muslims of different countries, race, colour and geographical nationalities. What a great spirit of Islam, universal brotherhood and truth.

We do not find any fault with our political leaders if they attend Iftar party together.

We congratulate Syed Ashraful Islam, Acting Awami League Secretary on his clear version and vision that 'Iftar party has nothing to do with politics.

Costly foreign visits

Every year many of our Ministers, MPs, Secretaries to the Govt. of Bangladesh, Govt, semi-Govt and public sector officials, military, trade and cultural delegations and sports teams, etc. visit abroad. But there is no complete and comprehensive report or information available in our Ministry of Finance or Bangladesh Bank as to how many of them, how many times, to what foreign countries and for what purpose went there and what amount of money was spent from our public exchequer.

We understand that our government is spending a colossal amount of money on foreign visits which a poor country like ours can hardly afford.

We strongly feel that for the sake of accountability and transparency of public money our Ministry of Finance in coordination with Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Sports and Games Bangladesh Bank and others concerned may publish a half yearly statement booklet Ministry wise for the period from January to July and August to December at a reasonable price in the interest of public service.

O.H. Kabir

Dhaka