Air pollution: A silent killer
Air pollution is a matter of serious concern in Bangladesh. As per a World Bank study, 15000 deaths (5000 in Dhaka) and a million cases of illness requiring medical treatment can be avoided annually if the air pollution level can be reduced. The same report estimates that Bangladesh could save between USD 200 to 800 million per year if air pollution in the country’s four major cities was reduced.
Faulty vehicles, brick kilns and power plants are the main sources of smoke which causes pollution. Besides, smoking and using vinyl floor tiles or vinyl building siding, trim and windows put workers’ health at risk during and after production. Alternatives must be used to avoid danger from these materials.
Syed. Raiyan Abu Zafar
Bashundhara,
Dhaka
Let it start from the school
A few days ago, I came upon an article in a newspaper about how five school-going boys dumping their trash on the ground after eating, before boarding the bus, despite the presence of a trash can nearby. This indicates that students are not being taught not to litter either at home or their schools. Children should be made aware about cleanliness in their schools, in order to raise them as conscientious citizens of the country from a young age.
Aminur Rahim
Dhaka
Give space to letters column
The letters column in a newspaper is an active media for citizen journalism. A lot of useful information including opinion is being sent by the letter writers for publication in the letters column. Many people get benefited by these information while the policy-makers, public and private authorities use information/suggestions ventilated through the letters column for improving services and in establishing accountability. Often the letters column provides entertainments to the readers.
Meanwhile, we have noticed that some newspapers particularly the English ones have reduced spaces of the letters column. I think, sufficient spaces should be given to the letters column and it should be made a daily treat.
Professor M Zahidul Haque
SAU, Dhaka
