MAILBOX

Where will we go?

The deplorable condition of the people of haor regions who came to Dhaka after the flash flood was described in the article "Nomads in the land of rivers". The characters' stories portrayed the effects of climate change and the forced migration of poor people from such areas in search of livelihood opportunities. 

The two thermal power plants with a capacity of 1,320 megawatts, to be established in Rampal and Bashkhali, would destroy our two primary natural beauties—the Sundarbans and the sea belt at Cox's Bazar respectively. I understand the importance of generating more electricity, but at the same time I feel afraid of losing these two natural beauties which makes me proud of my motherland. So, where are these power plants going to be established? Neither can these be established near populous places or cities, nor in remote areas of the country as they will affect natural sites. So it is natural to feel confused with so many problems which do not have viable solutions. It is high time to give a lot of thought on these issues by stopping the government and others from harming such natural sites.



Nafis Sadik

Farmgate, 

Dhaka

VAT on English-medium schools

A VAT on education is something that sounds absurd and discriminatory as only English-medium schools have had VAT imposed on them. In general, English-medium schools are far more expensive and seem more viable as lucrative businesses and imposing a 15 percent VAT makes it worse for many parents. Also, there is no clarity as to where the money from VAT is going. Previously, only affluent members of society sent their children to English-medium schools. But the scenario has changed nowadays. Many middle class families are opting for English-medium schools for their children. There are no state-owned English-medium schools, so people are compelled to go to private institutions for their children's education. But we are then levied with VAT. While many of us are still paying VAT for a basic right, education, for parents it would be easier to comply with if they can know exactly why they are paying that extra amount of VAT.

Rafid Alam

Mohammadpur, Dhaka