I appreciate this extending of a helping hand
It is heartening to know that Bangladesh has got the capacity to give loans to other countries. In August Dhaka lent $250 million to Colombo, Sri Lanka in the form of currency swap to help depleting foreign reserve and ease pressure on its exchange rate.
Now Maldives has requested for a loan for a longer term, I hope Bangladesh will keep the request and in the future also it will be able to help countries when those are in need.
Nur Jahan
Chattogram
Build An Air Pollution-Free Dhaka
Dhaka cities air quality gets worse day by day. Air pollution has risen by 10 per cent since last year, with five times more pollutant particles in Dhaka’s air than tolerant levels, said a study by the Atmospheric Pollution Study Center of Stamford University and Bangladesh Environment Movement. Polluted air has a devastating effect on the environment and public health.
Vehicle pollution is the major contributor to air pollution. The pollutants which emit by burning gasoline are mixed with air as harmful as smoking 10 cigarettes a day. The number of uncontrolled and unfit vehicles is one of the main causes of air pollution in Dhaka city. The emission of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide from industries and especially Brick kilns affects the air quality much. According to the Department of Environment, during the dry season, 58 percent of Dhaka city’s total air pollution is caused by brick kilns. As pollutants in the air cannot be seen with our naked eyes, we don’t realize the sources of the increasing pollution level.
Strict enforcement of Bangladesh Environment Conservation Rules 1997, Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kilns Establishment (Control) Act 2013, and Road Transport Act 2018 can prevent air pollution much. As well as Government initiatives and social awareness are also needed. Combined efforts and initiatives can play a significant role to prevent the overall crisis and build an air pollution-free Dhaka city.
Syed Rifat
Student, Jagannath University.
