Bishakha Devnath

Hospitals breach disposal rules

Many healthcare facilities across the capital have been breaching their legal obligations on safe disposal of medical waste, but a decade-old system is failing to hold them accountable.

How liquid waste causes health risk

A 250-bed hospital in Dhanmondi produces about 4,000 litres of liquid waste a day. The liquid is treated to ensure that it doesn’t spread infection when disposed of.

Safety takes a back seat

A worker hacks away at a pipe-like object at a small scrap shop in Old Dhaka’s Islambagh. The sound of his hammer crashing against the pipe is instantly followed by bits of plastic flying off in all directions. Flecks of yellow and red tint the air.

The shady ‘recycle-man’

He is an apparent big shot in the black market of medical recyclables. Probably in his late thirties, the man keeps close supervision over his business and is careful to leave no footprints behind.

Medical Waste: 2 treatment devices stay idle for 4yrs

At a time when safe disposal of medical waste is a nationwide concern, two waste treatment devices have been sitting idle since 2015.

Communal Attacks Over FB Posts: Instigators still on the loose

It is always the same story – a Facebook image, post, or message hurting religious sentiments, an outpouring of rage both on social media and on the streets, ending in attacks on minority communities.

Testing Fish Feed: Importers cash in on legal loopholes

A battle between the Chattogram customs and fish feed importers over the jurisdiction of the port authority to check hazardous substances in imported consignments has laid bare loopholes in the import policy.

Checking eyes from miles away

Samira Begum’s eyes were itchy and watery for a few days when she finally decided to get a check-up at the Puthia Upazila Health Complex of Rajshahi on September 17.

August 26, 2019
August 26, 2019

Lifesavers on the beach

As the sun lights up the horizon, Osman Goni starts patrolling the Cox’s Bazar sea beach. While waves crash at his feet, his eyes keep searching the distance for anyone who might need help. A team of 26 lifeguards stands ready for his order to rescue people lost in the waves.

August 11, 2019
August 11, 2019

ENSLAVED in Oman

Shaheen Alam heard his mother’s voice crack on the other end of the phone, as she pleaded with him to rescue her from the torture by a trafficking network in Oman. She had gone there in May after being promised a decent job as a hospital cleaner. It was a trap.

August 8, 2019
August 8, 2019

Dengue Prevalence: Upscale areas more prone

Dengue infections and Aedes mosquito prevalence are higher in areas with too many multistory buildings and shiny infrastructures adorned with decorative greeneries, although there are a few exceptions, analysis of two government surveys shows.

July 30, 2019
July 30, 2019

Dengue spreads to 50 districts

Dengue has spread to 50 districts with a record 1,096 patients having been diagnosed with the viral disease yesterday alone.

July 29, 2019
July 29, 2019

Tk 500 max for dengue diagnosis

Showing symptoms of dengue, Kazi Jabunnahar, 29, went to a nearby private hospital from her Banasree house about two weeks ago.

July 22, 2019
July 22, 2019

Waste no time, seek treatment

Dengue may be fatal for those who had already contracted the disease before, with doctors suggesting immediate treatment at the first sign of a fever for everyone.

July 20, 2019
July 20, 2019

NHRC should rethink its strategy as a rights defender

When human rights are violated, the job of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is to provide the victims with legal aid. It can even stand by the victims in courts. The rights body also has the authority to recommend compensations to the victims, or their

July 16, 2019
July 16, 2019

Going the extra mile for children with cancer

Rohan let out frequent shrieks of pain, his eyes fixed on the ceiling with teardrops rolling down on the pillow. Curtains were drawn, lights switched off. The ceiling fan was on full speed and his mother was rubbing his arms and legs, waiting for the morphine to kick in.

June 29, 2019
June 29, 2019

NHRC sitting on draft rules for a decade

Even after a decade spent discussing, drafting and re-drafting, the National Human Rights Commission has not yet formulated a set of rules, which is supposed to outline the detailed procedure of how it will address human rights violations.

June 29, 2019
June 29, 2019

Immense power, little application

Contrary to popular belief, the National Human Rights Commission is armed with ample power to help ensure justice and even compensation for victims of rights violation.

push notification