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I refer to SA Mansoor’s correspondence (June 6) on this. His plans to have more required insurance and other certificates (such as registration, etc.) and equipment like radio, lifesaving appliances, etc., are already well known to the relevant authorities. The problem is the enforcements of these requirements. For instance it is no good advising, ‘Every vessel must be registered’ unless someone actually checks it on the ground and arrests those vessels which are not registered. This cannot be done nationwide by the small number of magistrates and surveyors and other manpower of the department of shipping. This role must fall on the river and dock police (as I stated in one of my earlier letters recently).
   The number of personnel for such enforcement of legislation must be increased considerably. If necessary a dedicated  river and dock police force to be created (like the railway police, RAB, etc.) and trained with the department of shipping for checking of legal papers, overloading, arrest and detention of vessels not complying with the law. Building of special jetties to moor unlawful and unfit vessels by towing them away from busy ports and harbours are also necessary.
   Of course the existing law can always be made better and more stringent, but everyone should note that it is not the failure of law but its effective enforcement which is the problem in launch disasters.
   Shafi Ahmed
   London, UK

We would have been much happier if our cricket team did better. But we have to be aware of a few facts. It is difficult to adjust to English condition. Because of the weather the ball swings around a lot here. Our players did not get enough time to get adjusted to the heavy weather conditi where in the world did not do well in England. Dug Walters of Australia is one of them. Former West Indian captain Richie Richardson also did not do well.
   We all get disappointed by seeing another Bangladeshi not doing well. I think it is time we tried our best to improve our own performance in our own field which will inspire others. So far as I am concerned, I can see that it is only our cricketers who are performing in the world stage. I can see that they have to improve. They will do so if they see all their countrymen are also trying to improve and inspiring each other to improve.
   Waheed Nabi
   Sheffield, England

It is really shocking to read stories of Ershad’s wife (former!) Bidisha. Bidisha was seriously ill and was being treated in the hospital when she was arrested. All the stories regarding Bidisha pointed toward the ruling alliance’s involvement in the episode. There are widespread rumours of the direct involvement of the second most important person in the government.
   It seems that Ershad was forced to do what he did in the last few days. However, I do not have any sympathy for Ershad since he did not hesitate to sacrifice his wife and the future of his child for the sake of his own survival. Once again Ershad has shown his true character.
   It seems that the ruling alliance is planning to do anything moral or immoral to ensure its victory at the next general election. It has a two-thirds majority in parliament but still it is afraid of losing the election. It seems that the ruling alliance did not hesitate to destroy the former President’s family life. There are reports that it forced AL MPs to join the ruling party.
   I feel sorry for Eric, the little son of Ershad. Certainly he will be deprived of motherly affection. He is nothing but a victim of the cruel power hungry politics of the ruling alliance.
   Wasim Haider
   Vancouver, Canada