MAILBOX
The stench of the Buriganga
Thanks to the June 8 Star Weekend issue on highlighting various environmental concerns across the country. My attention was caught by "Dark flows the river Turag" and "The gradual dying of our rivers" because of my own bitter experience on the Buriganga recently.
On the second day of Ramadan last month, I had to leave Dhaka after a weekend holiday with my family to go back to my working place via launch. Journey by launch is the most comfortable for many but the journey on the Buriganga in summer was a bitter experience. When I had to start my ablutions for the Esha and Tarabi prayers, the stench of the launch's tank water was so strong that it was impossible to complete my ablutions. The water looked poisonous and was discoloured, with foam on top. When we asked the launch authorities why they had such water in the tank, they informed us that they had no alternative but to lift such water from the river for use in the bathrooms on the vessel, it was not for ablution at all. Thanks to the authorities for their frank confession but the stench of the water lasted from Sadarghat to Mukterpur Bridge at Munshiganj.
It is well-known that dumping untreated effluent in the Buriganga from the surrounding towns is the cause of the river's decay. Every year, the government earns a huge amount of revenue from the Buriganga but spends a negligent amount in restoring it. It can potentially be a source of tourist income if it is preserved like famous rivers in the rest of the world.
Md Zillur Rahaman
Bhola
Thesis for Sale
The story "Thesis for Sale" in Star Weekend was extremely important. Publishing this kind of news, hopefully, will generate awareness among the academic community and policymakers and politicians as well. I am surprised to know that even the honourable VC of DU is not very aware of the plagiarism detection software and the answer he has given to Star Weekend is unsatisfactory. In the 21st century, we need VCs who are aware of modern technology and their advantages and disadvantages in their application in academia. I hope you will pursue this issue further. We especially need to focus on how to stop this corrupt practice of the mind—this is a crime no less than that of bank robbers.
Foyasal Khan
International Islamic University Malaysia
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