MAILBOX

The football World Cup and the Thai cave boys

France was crowned world champions. During the time of the World Cup, the world saw different miracles not only in the stadium but also outside the stadium. The gloomy faces of Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo and Salah, the thrilling match between Japan and Belgium or Croatia's dream run to the final were nothing compared to the tragedy of the Thai cave boys. Different people of different countries supported different football teams but people all over the world were concerned for a Thai youth football team of 12 boys who unfortunately became stranded inside a flooded cave along with their coach.

Nine days later, after rescue divers located the place where the team sheltered, cave divers from different countries went to Thailand to help rescue the young boys. A Thai former Navy SEAL, Saman Kunan, even died during an overnight mission to place oxygen canisters along the route. The rescuers tried their level best to rescue the boys and the Thai Prime Minister told them not to give up hope. Finally, the rescue and the team's experience in the cave gained mythical stature when all the members of the football team were rescued. While the French rejoice winning the FIFA World Cup people all over the world are happy because the Thai cave boys are safe and sound now.

Sayek Ahmed Sajib

Naryankul Dream Model School and College, Gazipur

Minimise air pollution

The southern part of Bangladesh is represented by the beautiful and clean city of Barisal. There is clean air and rivers, the people depend on agriculture, and the administration is strong. Barisal is not particularly populated or a heavily industrialised city. But the manufacturing industry causes serious contamination of air quality, the smog emitted can be seen merging with the clouds.

The perpetrators don't seem to realise that they are also affected. They are not rational beings. Industrial owners should consider this and help keep the world a habitable place. Carbon tax, a measure taken in several countries, aims to minimise carbon emissions. Responsible manufacturers should consider the habitats of other living beings, who do not benefit from these industries.

If they do not consider these repercussions, they are absolutely responsible for creating negative externalities. To control global warming, carbon emissions should be controlled not only in cities such as Barisal but across Bangladesh and the world. Effectively, concrete steps have to be taken otherwise the world will soon be devoid of living creatures in nature.

Ariful Islam

Department of Economics, University of Barisal