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Home | Issues | The Daily Star Home | Volume 1, Issue 11, Tuesday August 12, 2003 |
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Perspectives Decision makers and the dearth of prudence It was June 8, a day when dwellers of Dhaka City saw something very new. Female traffic police dressed up in blue trousers, untucked shirts with white sleeves and oblong caps directing vehicles in the street, a very unusual scenario for all. It was a very interesting development. An ambience of vivacity was sensed. The atmosphere was full of speculations about this new introduction. The decision was acknowledged as a unique move by many while so many others were sceptical about the whole idea. When a new idea is introduced in a society, confused reactions from different factions are expected. However, just when we were beginning to be comfortable with the scene, female traffic police ceased to appear in our streets. From July 16, inhabitants of Dhaka did not see females traffic police beside their male counterparts controlling traffic any more. They were withdrawn only after 35 days on duty. Once more, postulation on the subject matter was predictable. The explanation given by the Police Department was that the absence of restrooms around the duty area was creating problems for the newly deployed personnel. Uniforms and duty hours were also indicated as a cause of problems. It is only natural that one might need to go to a restroom during a four-hour shift. It did not occur to them when the idea was at a discussion level. It is not a matter of surprise that people at the decision making level in our country do not explore all fields before taking any new initiatives. The dearth of prudence was present in this case too. What is more surprising, or should we say, it is only natural, is that there was never any facility for male traffic police either. We wonder where or how they respond to nature's call during duty. Why wonder, on the sidewalk of course, like everybody else. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) was established in 1976 and no one ever before thought of arranging lavatory facilities for them. City Corporation, which is obliged to provide public toilets for everyone residing in or visiting the city, is the responsible party here. Thousands of pages can be filled writing about their deeds but lets not go in to that. When
the subject of female traffic police was new, there were news items
about it in every national daily. Ashraful Huda, commissioner of DMP,
while answering to the questions of reporters of different newspapers
said "as women are at par with their male colleagues in all fields,
there is no reason why they should lag behind in this department".
He was only being honest about the original situation. There has never
been any restroom facility for male traffic police and there will be
none for females either. After all, it is the era of gender equality.
By Shahnaz Parveen Check it out Wood Metal: furniture and beyond Clear lines, simple yet smart in design, pine and rain tree woods, no maintenance required and the range covers beds, sitting room furniture, dinning table, divans, sitters, dressing tables, chest of drawers and to the length and height your imagination can take you. Check out the retrospective show room "Wood Metal" in Elephant road designed by Rokunuzzaman Babu, an interior designer. The show room is filled up with stylish chic furniture made of pine or rain tree wood. The designer completed his academic career from Dhaka Fine Arts Institute. The three dimensional study inspired him to make look-good furniture for his home and close friends or relatives. Their encouragement and appreciation led him to open a show room last year. He is basically a set designer of NTV and was engaged designing sets for ETV as well. But he has taken designing interiors and exteriors as a profession. The dining table range starts from Tk. 12,000 to 16,500. Sofa sets are available within Tk. 12,000 to 30,000. Slick dressing tables will cost you Taka 2,500 till 8,000. Single chairs are priced taka 1,700 to taka 2,200. Divan can be purchased by 7,000 taka. The wonderful queen size beds are taka 8,000 to 15,000. His price range depends on the design, material used and wood. You will also get kitchen shelves, chest of drawers, sitters, wardrobe etc. Babu also accepts orders. One can either order from his portfolio or can order, as one wants which he agrees to. The owner plus designer informed us that he designs furniture that is comfortable. The small apartment culture influenced him to make furniture that suits small households. His furniture would brighten up any space with its uniqueness in design and attribute. The funky yet smart furniture is for those who like something not traditional but that gives your house a decorative mood. He believes in low furniture, the typical Japanese style. He also offers duco painted furniture in bright red, green, blue, yellow colours. Though his work area is based on wood but the small touch of metal here and there is very artistic, which expresses his aestheticism and zest for cool decor. So drop by at WOOD METAL, 234 New Elephant Road, (Second floor of the Masko Shoes building), Katabon Chattar. Or contact at 019 340 143. By Bohemian soul South Indian
Savories These are some extremely
tasty & easy & versatile dishes and can be served with tea or
at cocktails. It can also be starters for a tasty lunch or a great dinner. Coconut
Chutney: Grind
all the ingredients together into coarse paste. Heat little oil &
season with mustard seeds. Pour on top of Grinded coarse paste &
mix well and the chutney is ready. Aloo Chaat: Ingredients
required: Roast the Ajwain
a little. Add all the ingredients in a bowl. Finally add chaat masala
& garnish it with coriander. |
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