Editorial
Three faces of the same syndrome
Preventive and remedial intervention from the highest level needed
This is a glaring example of triple folly making news yesterday of how vulnerable even routine governance has become to demonstrative arrogance of some ruling party elements. This is scripted by people whose position and identity should have made them sensitive and cautious about remarks they reeled off and the behaviour they showed in public.
Let us cite three news items that appeared yesterday in all major newspapers: 'PM adviser trashing RTI'(and more); 'government officials in Pabna representing for transfer en masse chagrined at pressure from certain Jubo League-BCL quarters'; and 'civil surgeon's office at Panchagarh ransacked by some Jubo League-BCL activists'.
First, we concentrate on what the PM's health adviser Dr Syed Moddasser Ali reportedly had to say while addressing a meeting at Gopalganj Sadar Hospital to discuss anthrax situation in the district. He minced no word to announce 'none outside the party' would be considered for recruitment to 13,350 posts for community clinics which is to get underway soon. We cannot remember any such statement having been ever made in public by any adviser or minister, even though traditionally ruling party loyalists have been patronised in government appointment. But at least perhaps the adviser may be credited with not having concealed what is about to happen in an important instance of bulk employment. Yet, the sheer indifference to merit, or professional correctness, even propriety consideration, is certainly hurtful, to put it mildly.
What is perhaps more disquieting is the adviser's argument for denial of information to journalists in spite of the RTI act. He purportedly said that the officials would not be able to work if they had to furnish information to journalists. The issue apparently stemmed from newspaper reports that anthrax has spread among 500 persons.
The incident in Pabna about district officials demanding collective transfer owing to pressure exerted by certain elements centered around foiling of a recruitment examination by certain Jubo League-BCL people alleging question leak.
In the Panchagarh episode last Sunday night some Jubo League-BCL activists allegedly ransacked the civil surgeon's office to loot away answer scripts with marks awarded on them.
So one sees a pattern here of people who feel close to power to stop short at nothing to monopolise public appointments. This calls for intervention at the highest party and government levels.
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