The electricity bill of Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (DESA) for the month of October '05 dated 13th November '05, was received on 27th Nov '05 while the last pay date was 29th Nov '05. Similarly, the telephone bill of October '05 dated 10th Nov '05 was received on November 27, '05 showing last payment date as November 30, '05. Electricity bill is to be paid at Janata Bank, Bangla motor branch but I could not reach the bank, as the queue was too long. After making several attempts, I could pay the bill on the following day while the scroll serial number was 651. The telephone bill could not be paid at Agrani bank, New Eskaton due to the great queue involving hundreds of people. Several banks have been nominated by the telephone board, the bill could be paid at TCB Bhaban, Rupali Bank. But unfortunately, there was none to receive utility bill there as the designated counter was empty. The cash counter was gracious enough to receive the bill. Thus, the WB and IMF are correct in recommending privatisation of Rupali Bank. In view of the above factual events, is it difficult to designate more banks to collect utility bills when ten banks are located between Bangla Motor and Mogbazar? Furthermore, the counter may be operated in the context of rendering customer services. No demand certificates by DESA or Telephone board, are yet to be issued for the year 2004 while 2005 is about to be over. Who should be held accountable? In case, the aid giving agencies question revenue collection, our Finance and Planning minister shows a grim face indicating as if it is an internal affair or so! The great computer genius Bill Gates of Microsoft as well as the richest man in the world, visited here. If he had seen the bill collection system of the banks, he would certainly be shocked. Let our noble politicians do something and seek the advice of Bill Gates. Telephone lines are often disconnected despite regular payment. The reason? Non-entry in the ledger books. Again, who is responsible? In view of the different rates of tariff for WASA relating to domestic and commercial uses, consumers have to make underhand dealings with WASA, in spite of the existence of the water meter. Let the authority do something. Mahbubur Rahman New Eskaton Dhaka-1000
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