EDITORIAL : THE DAILY STAR, BANGLADESH

UP polls conducted well

EC should build up on the trend

Even though the Union Parishad (UP) elections have been held after two years' delay, the Election Commission (EC) deserves thanks for its success in conducting those more or less peacefully. The local administration, too, have a share in the credit for ensuring successful conduct of this first phase of the six days long polls for the UPs.

There is no denying the fact that the UPs' are the most intensely contested polls. Small wonder in the past, both before and after the UP polls, one would hear of instances of severe violence. Murder or hijacking of candidates by rivals, snatching of ballot boxes, occasional brawls between supporters of contending parties and suchlike occurrences often marred the polls. That is not to say that the ongoing UP polls have been totally free from any kind of untoward happenings. Reports have it that among the 190 UPs spread over 24 upazilas under Khulna Barisal and Chittagong divisions where the elections were conducted Tuesday, sporadic cases of violence did take place only at a few centres. But considering their number compared to those in the past years, they were few and far between. If the same trend continues through to the end over the next five days, that would be something to rejoice at. One has to wait until the first phase of the UP polls in progress is concluded before giving the final judgement about it.

While the peaceful conduct of the UP polls is an occasion to be acclaimed, one cannot say that just holding of an election is an end in itself. Once all the hullabaloo is over will come the real test of the administration in ensuring that this basic tier of the local government is able to play its desired role and deliver the goods. To that end, the government will have to be sincere about effecting devolution of powers on to the local government bodies.

In view of the manner in which the UP polls are being conducted, it would be a real achievement on the part of the EC, if it is able to retain this trend even in the next general election. Every well-conducted series of elections strengthens our belief in the electoral process.

Doctors' truancy

We share PM's indignation 

Prime Minister's warnings to the doctors who are negligent of their duties in rural areas have been well taken by all. This is not, however, the first time that she spoke her mind on the issue.

The PM, while handing over vehicles and ambulances to the authorities of the upazila and district level hospitals in Dhaka, has said that the doctors will have to comply with rural postings lest the government enforce replacement. She pointed out that such absenteeism deprives the mass people of better health facilities. We welcome the PMs tough words and want these implemented in kind when necessary.

While agreeing with the PM we would like to point out that proper living and working facilities for the doctors, especially lady doctors, have to be ensured in the rural areas. According to a BMA version, lady doctors posted to remote UP health centres find it difficult to do their job without proper accommodation facilities. Transport, accommodation and other related necessities should be provided to meet minimum requirement of the doctors. But where adequate facilities are available no excuse should be tolerated.

The practice of not attending place of postings in the countryside is nothing new. It has been happening for a long time. Doctors tend to skip their duties and attend to private practice in cities. However they draw salaries basing on their appointment at rural places. The dismal picture of neglected hospitals, clinics or community health centers and reports of absence of doctors are all too glaring.

The government should take measures to improve facilities for the doctors in rural areas and also sack the habitual absentee doctors who resort to wicked practices while enjoying the perks that their jobs carry.