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PHOTO COURTESY: ICDDR,B

Finding the superbug

The article titled "Finding the superbug" published in Star Weekend on July 7 was shocking! The article focused on the rapid rise of bacteria resistant to all antibiotics that is called the superbug. The issue of concern is that scientists proved that about 96% of samples from city hospital areas had these all-resistant bacteria. According to doctors, an attack of this type of bacteria may turn a simple disease lethal. This type of bacteria is spreading due to medical waste at garbage dumps on public roads. How can the authorities be so careless about such a serious public health issue? In the Dhaka Medical College area, the superbug is particularly prevalent as currently, it has no active incinerator for safe waste management. Patients who come to DMCH to get well often end up with lethal diseases. 

Md Tarek Aziz Bappi

Faculty of Social Sciences

University of Dhaka

Photo: Courtesy

THE NEVER ENDING CYCLE

It gives us, the public, immense pleasure that the main perpetrator, who abused 11-year-old Aduri brutally, has been awarded life sentence in a recent landmark case. Abusing domestic workers has become a common phenomenon and has been on the rise. Of late, the news about a minor domestic helper Sabina who was assaulted by her employer ignited public outrage. The photo of the child–her entire face bruised and eyes swollen beyond recognition–went viral on social media.

We waste no time in expressing our profound shock over such cruel behaviour. We even post statuses on Facebook demanding exemplary punishment. But in reality, how many such cases actually see the light of the day? We applaud the verdict that has given justice to this brave child. But this is not the end. Children, especially from marginalised groups, are vulnerable to all kinds of abuse in our society. If we cannot end this alarming menace, we will have failed as members of the human race.

Nuzhat Rifa Ehsan

Baridhara, Dhaka