I was anxiously waiting for the verdict of the Supreme Court regarding cancellation of the Fifth Amendment of the constitution of Bangladesh. For many reasons my faith on our judiciary has become very poor. Still I believe that our judiciary enjoys minimum freedom in case of decision making and giving verdict. The judiciary is always under pressure to make decisions to satisfy the ruling government.
   Whatsoever the verdict, published recently, made by the outgoing Chief Justice Tafazzul Islam along with five other justices deserves appreciation. They have made a difficult task easier for the parliament and the ruling government. Of course, the verdict still contains some confusion. The court retains two types of nationalism; Bengali for ethnicity, and Bangladeshi for citizenship. It is very much disgraceful for other ethnic people, other than Bengali, living in Bangladesh.
   In many issues the verdict contains contradictory opinions. It has declared the Fifth Amendment to the constitution brought through Martial Law proclamations after the August 15, 1975 changeover illegal. At the same time it accepts the reintroduction of democratic platform from the one-party (BAKSAL) rule and the freedom of judiciary introduced through Fifth Amendment. It also accepts the Bangladeshi nationalism declared through Fifth Amendment.
   The court prohibited the army rule but failed to mention the course of actions when a democratically elected government would convert the constitution to one-party rule like BAKSAL. What would be the measure of action when a government does not play proper role in dangerous situation like Pilkhana massacre? The Pilkhana carnage happened and nobody mentioned that there was lack of responsibility from any authority.
   The court mentioned that no referendum would be necessary for any change in the constitution. When the elected parliament would do whatever they like; if they form dictatorial one-party rule the innocent citizens would be victimised. Who would come to save them? A satisfactory answer was very much necessary to tackle such situation. If the court did not know any satisfactory answer it could refrain from adding this line in the verdict.
   M Hoque
   Via e-mail

This is in response to Haque’s Feedback published on July 29. The idea of solar or wind power plants of any reasonable size given Bangladesh’s population density, and the lack of sufficient free open lands is simply not possible. We do not have sufficient un-hampered, free and un-restricted areas where one can install a number of (atleast+200) large directional solar panels or large numbers (+say 200 min.) of wind oriented directional wind turbines, even to generate say 40 to 50 MW power for the grid.
   The realistic option is to have (say 8ft.X10ft. size) solar panels installed on the roofs of high-rise buildings in urban areas and open spaces in the village, to supply power to the buildings and village homes. This can be widely installed, in most urban as well as rural areas; leading to considerable power saving in the national power grid. However, wind turbines even if installed in small numbers, in rural areas where available apart from being very capital expensive, needs regular lubrication, servicing and maintenance associated with all rotating equipment. This may not be easily available in rural areas.
   However, the newly developed portable wind turbines more like an enclosed large exhaust fan now coming into use can be installed on restricted roof areas of high-rises in urban areas where the facilities and skilled manpower, for normal oiling, greasing and maintenance of the rotating equipment can be available for regular servicing. Given these realities, the idea proposed by Haque for setting up proposed green power plants is simply not possible. However, the technically realistic ideas that I have put up set up by individual house owners in urban areas, backed up with equipment now available in overseas market, and if these are installed in a large scale in urban areas, it can possibly save about 20 per cent of power in the national grid without setting up any green power plant as proposed by the writer.
   Engr SA Mansoor
   Dhaka

During the past few weeks, there have been a lot of discussions asking for passing a law for banning any future takeover of the government administration by the army. The army in any country is meant to defend/protect the country, its people and property from any harm which may be inflicted upon from any source, external or internal. That is why Ershad or General Zia got the opportunity to take over. The events after the assassination of Sheikh Mujib led to such an anarchic situation that any foreign forces from the neighbouring country could have taken the advantage of gaining their interest. The then existing political anarchy was responsible for such situation. The lust for power and wealth of the political parties was the reason. The situation during 2006 was even worse.
   In every case the politicians are responsible for worsening law and order situation. So unless they learn to behave in an ethical democratic way, the possibility of military take-over will not be eliminated.
   SA Miah
   Via e-mail

A movie celebrity of our country, Doyel, who during her prime time delivered some superb performances, is suffering agonisingly from some incurable brain condition. As per news report, none have so far come to aid of the critically ill actress whose family is facing harsh financial constraint. After being operated upon and staying hospitalised for long nine months a bedridden, speechless Doyel has been brought back home with continuation of treatment.
   I would, in this context, extend my heartfelt gratitude to the honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others for timely financial help to cancer-struck pop guru Azam Khan.
   Would the honourable prime minister, generous individuals and colleagues of ailing Doyel provide some financial support to her?
   A cultural activist
   Dhaka