Use of coal and gas

There should be provision for local assembly of gas cylinders in lakhs of units (including mini and portable ones for easy transportation on rickshaw by female members of the household); and network of distribution and filling stations are required at least up to district level in the first phase. The users would come and take it, making the network simpler initially.

The use of more coal has also been advocated. Bangladesh is lucky to have both natural gas and coal in plenty (notice the predicament of India and China). We are sitting over the issue unnecessarily. In the absence of a clear policy on efficient use of our energy natural resources, the foreigners will grab it by hook or by crook (watch Iraq: next target Iran, and control of CIS region).

The politicians indulge too much in crude local politicking, and try to live comfortably on 'tender manipulations' (i), and not public service to the voters. Reduce duplication in the too-powerful PMO (DS report, July 5).