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Download PDF Deputy commissioners (DCs) from across the country yesterday suggested reintroduction of rationing system and increasing salaries for government employees to enable them cope with the spiralling prices of essentials.
On the first day of the annual conference of DCs in Dhaka, cut short by a day to three day due to “unavoidable circumstances”, the field-level administrators also suggested introducing medical cards for government employees, sources said.
Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder said, “Mentioning that the price hike of construction materials is obstructing implementation of development works, the DCs suggested revising schedules of different development projects in the wake of price hike of materials like iron rods and cement.” He was talking to reporters about the discussions during the first working session of the conference on issues of finance and planning ministry.
Finance and Planning Adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam also agreed with the DCs, the cabinet secretary said.
Ataur Rahman, Abdul Majid Shah Akand and M Kefayetullah, DCs of Manikganj, Bandarban and Satkhira, and Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Hafizur Rahman Bhuiyan addressed the inaugural session in the morning at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon after the welcome speech of the cabinet secretary.
During the first and fourth working sessions on issues related to finance and planning and establishment ministries, the DCs talked about their predicaments following price hike of essentials and suggested raising their salaries and reintroducing rationing system as given to members of law enforcement agencies.
“We have asked the government to consider whether rationing system can be reintroduced for all government officials and employees,” Shamsunnahar Begum, DC of Sherpur, told reporters in the evening.
In this regard, the cabinet secretary said the concerned ministries have noted it down and it would be examined later.
Establishment Secretary Abdus Salam Khan, however, did not find it realistic. “I do not think it would be a right step. We do not think we need to reintroduce rationing system now.”
He hoped that it would be possible to control the spiralling food prices through open market sale, vulnerable group feeding and vulnerable group development programmes with the DCs’ effort.
Replying to a query, he said he thinks that the government does not have any major steps to take to arrest the skyrocketing prices of essentials. “The concerned persons will discuss it [during the conference],” he added.
During the second session of the conference on issues of home, shipping and liberation war affairs, the DCs asked the government to address their manpower and fund crisis in issuing passports.
The DCs expressed satisfaction at the prevailing law and order situation.
Attending the session as chief guest, Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin told the DCs that the police ordinance is under consideration of the government.
Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury was the chief guest in the third session that dealt with issues related to the ministries of primary and mass education, women and children affairs, and cultural affairs.
The inaugural and first working sessions were held at the Chief Adviser’s Office while the others at the Cabinet Division. Six sessions are to be held today and the DCs will meet the president at Bangabhaban after the first session.
May 15th, 2008 at 8:48 am
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