-- Announce a modular plan for constructing on top priority basis the natural gas pipeline network in the Northern region, starting with Rajshahi via Bogra Natore and Serajgunj. This gas network has been delayed by two decades, and the politicians are infighting on the export issue. The North has to be industrialised; and energy from coal is not enough. The step motherly treatment has been going for generations. There is North-South communication gap. Where are the concept papers on this topic? The rail link over the Jamuna Bridge took decades. Why this go-slow policy? The Sunderbans is getting priority while cottage industries are not encouraged in the northern districts.

--Dismantle Rajuk and BTTB, and have new foundations with fresh talents and expertise. Too much centralization, with too little professional processing and output. There are too many development agencies for the metropolis. Too many posts, files, and trips huge waste of time.

Change the city corporation (municipalities) structure and system of working, and go for a modern system of management and administration (plenty of international advice and technical cooperation available). Accept urban migration in the LDCs as a fact of modern life (the majority will be in the cities within two decades, according to an international survey, DS March 26). All the top posts should not go to politicians. The latter are just not interested in management and running systems, and indulge in subjective interference.

-- Modernize the civil service and bureaucracy. The separation of the judiciary is being delayed intentionally by internal vested groups (political and civil service). Decentralize quickly.

-- Introduce One-Stop Service. Set up centres at the divisional headquarters with fewer trips to Dhaka metropolis. Do the same at the district HQs in the next phase. The counter service at the government offices is poor and amateurish, due to lack of motivation and training. Remember one strong point: our density of population is around 1,000 per sq. km, one of the highest in the world. Spread the public service network. At present it is too concentrated, encouraging graft, nepotism and other vices.

-- Bureaucracy has to be computerized, for faster processing and less corruption. The computer cannot lie, once it is properly programmed ("your most obedient servant", with less human element in the net). Note the difference between the computerized telephone bills and electric bills controlled by dishonest meter readers. There are solutions when you are interested in the solutions. The prepaid Cards are popular in the telephone business less paper work, faster accounting, no billing and collection.

-- Field and outdoor working staff must have uniform for identification. It encourages discipline, uniformity, and formality. Why we do not like formality in the public sector? The queuing system is fast gaining popularity.