Most probably export orders from Europe for almost all types of goods including leather will decline in 2012 because of euro zone crisis. This has led Indian leather exporters to maneuver more vigorously in the Chinese market. Until now, Bangladeshi leather exporters are doing almost nothing to diversify their market. The Bangladesh leather exporters association is weak and does not have enough resources to organize international fairs for displaying their finished leather. In the circumstances, the government should come forward and help the leather sector survive.

Kamrul Hasan, Banani, Dhaka

The tanning industry is one of the worst polluting industries in the world. Hazaribag is in the heart of Dhaka City and it contains a cluster of tanneries. According to your report none of the tanneries has ETP facilities. My question is why the government and environmentalists are not seriously concerned about how and where the waste material is released. Those of us who reside near Hazaribag are regularly stung by foul smell. For the last five years we have been receiving reports that the tanneries will be relocated in Savar. Could anyone tell us when this is really going to happen?

Ahmed Ishtiaq, Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Housing

How much gas has the government saved by stopping gas connection to new flats? Gas and electricity problem has done a great damage to the real estate business. Why is the government so hard on young people like me who have a dream to have their own flats?

Moinul Islam Shejan, Bashabo, Dhaka

Jute

Once again jute growers in Bangladesh are suffering because of a lack of strong national jute policy. It was obvious that the present economic situation in the world will cause a fall in demand for jute in the international market. We should grow jute not only for exporting it but also for using it extensively in our country. The government should create more demand for the golden fiber. Our farmers are counting loss; they cannot even sell their jute. They will surely lose any interest in growing jute next season.

Nurul Huda, Rani Nagar, Rajshahi

Communications

It seems the new Communications Minister, Mr. Obaidul Quader is sincere in his determination to improve the condition of roads and ensure that no one gets a driving license through illegal channels. But it will not be easy for him to implement his programs. He needs cooperation from his colleagues, officials of BRTA, BRTC, Roads and Highways, from transportation employees federation and from the members of the public. It is doubtful if he will succeed.

Ataur Rahman, Kalabagan, Dhaka

Correction: The total number of employees of Thai Airways, Dhaka, is 39 and not 1240 as was inadvertently mentioned in the December 2011 edition of The Executive Times. We regret the mistake. - Editor