Field day for grabbers and looters
Once it was alleged that 22 families owned the whole country. Bad governance and corruption continued with succeeding governments, each of whom added a zero to the 22 (220, then 2,200 ---). Then there was a bloody war through which the then-Eastern Wing won independence. In the newly independent country the tradition continued. Whether despotic or pseudo-democratic, the zeros continued to be added as relatives, cronies, henchmen, camp-followers etc swelled.
Today, thousands of families exist, spreading corruption even to the grassroots level. Their bosses are required to frequently distribute huge funds to retain their loyalty. The peanuts from extortion, tender-trading, mugging, contracting, trade unionism etc no longer suffice to satisfy their insatiable appetites. The Frankenstein needs big bucks now!
The 2011 multi-million taka stock market scam has already been digested; The 'Railgate' exposed prematurely by the driver,is now dead. The juicy morsel from WB has slipped through the 'patriot's' fingers. Now where is the next penny to come from? Dusting old files, the bright lads found a veritable treasure trove owned by 8.3 million poor women benefiting about 40 million of our marginalized countrymen.
Many sane citizens have expressed their disapproval and protest againnst such unilateral action.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments