"CDNS"

Sir. The criticism contained in your paper's editorial of 8 January 1997 about formation of the Council for Defence and National Security (CDNS) In Pakistan Is premature and seems to have been made in haste.

The Council Is purely an advisory body created by the Cabinet to serve as a forum for discussion and to advise the Government on important matters of national economy and security.

The Council is neither a prelude to Martial Law or Presidential system nor the military has been dragged into politics by the creation- of this body. CDNS would rather be a forum which will help strengthen political stability and ensure con-,

tlnulty of vital reforms in the country.

Abdul Hayee Qureshi Minister (Press)

High Commission for Pakistan (Informations Section)

Dhaka.

Arsenic poisoning

Sir. In recent days, 'arsenic poisoning has become a matter of great concern in Bangladesh. According to some reliable statistics, at least 15 million people in the country's northern and southern districts are exposed to arsenic poisoning. Those who have so far been identified as being affected by arsenic contamination used to drink tubewell water. Arsenic poisoning causes skin disorders which may eventually lead to

cancer. The medicine for treating arsenic patients is costly and is not available in Bangladesh. Hence it has been suggested by experts that necessary precautionary measures have to be taken to check this contamination.

Meanwhile Mr Dipanker Chakraborti. Director of SoES opined in an article that "the arsenic calamity of Bangladesh can only be brought to control if withdrawal of ground water is restricted and proper utilisation of surface water is made. Bangladesh needs a proper ■Watershed Management'; if this is not done, Bangladesh has to face a serious consequence with respect to arsenic problem."

M Zahidul Haque BAI. Dhaka-1207