MAILBOX
Decentralising Dhaka
The population of Dhaka is almost 20 million and it is set to grow even larger. People from other cities and rural areas are attracted to the city life because of the better healthcare, education facilities, higher paying jobs and standards of living and better entertainment available in Dhaka. If the people moving to Dhaka could get all these facilities in their own upazilas and districts, this city wouldn't be so crowded and unlivable. The overpopulation creates traffic congestion and pollution and breeds illegal activities which are difficult for law enforcers to monitor and control effectively. Most of Dhaka is also unplanned and full of "alleyways". If a major calamity strikes, carrying out rescue operations would be difficult and there would be countless casualties. We need to make Dhaka more livable.
Rafid Alam
North South University
Save lives, stop plastic pollution
Plastic pollution is a global problem. Most plastics wind up in landfills where it remains indefinitely. Though convenient for our day to day use, it poses an alarming threat to the environment. It is also non-biodegradable and does not decay by biological actions of microbes. Burning plastic emits harmful chemical gases. These gases pollute our environment and add to the greenhouse effect. Plastic waste blocks pipes and sanitary lines so that dirty water leaks onto the roads. They're also drawn out to the sea by rivers, and then they pollute the eco-system of the water bodies.
Plastic pollution is a growing problem in Bangladesh. Our three major cities are particularly at great risk. In last few years, production and consumption of diversified plastic products have extended from households to industries. That means that the range of plastic waste has also increased. Though Bangladesh was the first country to ban plastic bags, there are no specific laws, rules or guidelines for plastic waste management. As a result, the soil, water, air, and the overall environment of Bangladesh is severely polluted, and we are already feeling the effects. Infested by plastic particles, arable soil is becoming barren and crops and fruits are becoming contaminated; local water bodies and marine life in the Bangladesh coast are in danger and local and sea fish are becoming toxic. The air is riddled with dangerous chemicals that lead to respiratory problems. Children are the most vulnerable to such pollutions.
A possible solution to this hazard is to reduce plastic use and to recycle used plastic instead of throwing it out. The government should make this happen. A strong commitment and will at the state level, appropriate and informative planning, proper policy advocacy and regulation, strict monitoring and a holistic approach from the sustainable waste management point of view is needed.
Zubair Khaled Huq
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