Arches for the PM

This was exactly the kind of sycophantic and ostenta-tious trait Khaleda Zia had taken a stand against when she came to power and emphasised her expectation for simplicity and austerity. But two and a half years down the line, this stands belied before her own eyes.

Putting up such arches in the middle of the streets is in no way a sign of showing respect. In fact, the local biggies simply seize the opportunity to draw the PM's attention, caring a damn for the safety of those using the streets. Aside from demeaning democracy by such an adulation of the party leader, this is a blatant violation of traffic rules. This isn't the first time that such activities have taken place, but we haven't seen anyone being punished or taken to task for the same.

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How could the concerned authorities turn a blind eye to opportunist party enthusiasts digging a newly carpeted road to set up bamboo arches? Who will pay for the dam-age caused by the digging? Who will be responsible for the sheer waste of public money? After the BNP's land-slide victory in the last election, where is the need for such deification of the PM? She knows better than any-body else that these activities are actuated by opportun-ism of a handful. We urge the PM to stick to the rules she had originally laid down for her party followers.