Regional development
The media has taken a few remarkable steps to popularise some national demand like a. Nadi Bachao, Desh Bachao b. Swine flu public awareness and c. the Prothom Alo introduced a self correction slogan " Badle Jao, Badle Dao" ( of course this could not make any headway because the "heads' did not pay any heed to it).
Last Monday the BBC Sanglap was held in Rajshahi. One young woman, perhaps a student, raised a very important question. She said that we are already facing the trouble due to unplanned expansion of Dhaka politically, economically and administratively. She addressed the guests, which included the present and previous mayors of Rajshahi, and asked them what kind of master plan we have for Rajshahi to develop as divisional city or a regional development zone which could avoid the serious mistakes committed with regard to overloading Dhaka in all respects.
I do not like to repeat what the mayors said except that it was sketchy and did not meet the overview of a regional development plan avoiding the gross mistakes committed in Dhaka.
The whole purpose of repeating the story here is just to request our media to jointly sponsor a sustained campaign to decentralize politics, economics and administration at the local levels, which should include a new elected tier "Regional Council".
Simultaneously, they should launch a vigorous public awareness campaign, and the slogan could be " Dhaka Chharo, Desh Bachao" or anything else they like to choose having the same theme and message.
I must admit that the BBC Sanglap outside of Dhaka is becoming more educative. My regards to this young student for her visionary question. Keep on thinking and pressurize your representatives to deliver instead of performing as a “talking doll.”
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