MAILBOX
Death of the Brahmaputra in pictures
I was moved by the pictures showing what sand mining has done to one of our country's greatest rivers, the Brahmaputra. There are grievous ecological consequences and threats to local livelihoods and environment as a result of the industry. Authorities, by their negligence towards preserving our rivers; corporations, with their greed; and the public, by our silence, are all complicit in the death of our rivers.
Protecting the Brahmaputra is such an important cause for us all to stand up for. As pointed out in the photo feature, the river is the lifeline of millions of Bangladeshis. Farmers and fishermen depend on it for their livelihoods, it is also the main source of food for most of the surrounding rural populations. Increasing deforestation along the river is having numerous negative environmental impacts. I hope that we act on this before flash floods have devastating effects on life and property of millions of Bangladeshis.
Farzana Ahmed
Mirpur, Dhaka
Save Sundarbans, ensure sustainability
The article "How Valid Are the Claims in Favour of Sundarbans?" has drawn my attention as it reveals a wretched scenario. From the beginning of civilisation, human beings have endeavoured to strengthen control over different natural elements to initiate development projects. But over time, theories of sustainable development and environment sustainability gained prominence and the world is now more conscious while implementing development projects. Surprisingly, it seems quite the opposite in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries facing climate change. We are already experiencing variations in rainfall and increased temperature which have affected our lives and livelihoods in recent years. While we should take long-term eco-friendly policies to ensure environment sustainability, we are instead destroying major forestlands. Whereas different environment protection agencies expressed deep concern over the project, the government is trying to justify the construction of the coal-fired power plant at Rampal near the Sundarbans through half-truths and misleading arguments. It's time to step back from such short-sighted decisions.
The authorities concerned should take into account the ecological impacts on the forest and biodiversity as part of the efforts for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Md. Khalid Hasan
Bijoy Ekattor Hall, University of Dhaka
Comments