The scourge in the form of plague was suspected in two Bangladeshi nationals, sent back from Dubai, on the plea that the aircraft that they had boarded on. had touched at Bombay, on way to the UAE. However, the government has come up with the announcement that none of them had been found carrying the plague germs.

Things like natural disasters, pandemic diseases, wars, genocide etc., always contain enormous panic and rumours, while propaganda become rife In such an Insurmountable

The ways and means are not handy for ail sections of people to combat the disease. If one develops, on account of seasonal change during this period of the year. some temperature along with throat pains and vomiting tendency. there is no reason to be shaky or afraid. This is because a course of tetracycline capsules, in due course, is cent percent effective to curb the onslaught, according to some of our local renowned physicians. The prices of higher antibiotics have gone up. as the disease has threatened to come on to our threshold, while a new avenue for exorbitant profit making is wide open for our medicine hoarders, if the uninvited 'harbinger of destruction and devastation, prolongs its stay in the country.

Avid cricket fans in the city have also been perturbed to hear the rapid spread of the disease throughout India, lest the Incident might be postponed, and cut short cricketing itinerary of West Indies In India. A spiky abscess on belly Indeed!

Meanwhile, the government has imposed a ban on Indian food imports, temporarily, and sealed many border areas to prevent the plague from entering Bangladesh. Naturally we are facing a price hike of some food items due to restricted Import. Looking at the present situation may take a new turn, similar to that which had evolved when the government withdrew babv food of a certain brand from the market. Lalter radio activity had been detected in its

imported items. This had been the aftermath related to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster In the once Soviet Union.

Price hike is one of a few things our common people cannot ignore. The smugglers, for instance have lost enthusiasm for their blackmarketing. for people are most unlikely to risk their lives in smuggling food, fruit and live stock. Inspite of lower prices.

Horticulture may also suffer, and our flower-shop owners may have to face a flower shortage, forcing us to take from our bosom friends and relatives a single flower or two as a form of a present, instead of a bunch, although we might be ready to pay more for it at a florists shop. People, living along the border. fear that they may be more vulnerable than others and are having a nightmarish time.

As remedial measures to counter the outbreak of the disease, the government, and some voluntary organisations, have opted for medical screening of incoming people, at airport transit points. Ships/vessels coming from India have also been fumigated at each entry point at the ports.

Meanwhile, some social organisations had brought out processions in the streets of Dhaka, to create an awareness against the disease among the people. Yet the question remains whether these processions which had paraded through the dirty areas (which are adjacent to slum housing, where the city garbages are being dumped everyday, and where the dwellers urgently need the message of these processions) had any lasting impact.

The outbreak of the disease has cast a gloom over the fervour of "Durga Puja". the prime ritual of the Hindu community. Last year the puja was not observed for a different reason. This year, therefore, the expectation for a better celebration of the occasion was high. However, the plague fear had a dampening affect on it. At present, the fear now looks unfounded and things may go well, hopefully