The government has taken up all possible measures to combat arsenic contamination in various parts of the country. LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Zillur Rahman told the Jatiya Sangsad yesterday.

Winding up a short discussion on the arsenic contamination. the minister mentioned eight steps undertaken by the government to deal with the problem.

The government steps include ensuring supply of arsenic contamination-free drinking water through setting up of tubewells and deep tubewells in the affected areas, identifying the sources of contamination and testing contaminated water. undertaking short and long term projects to check the disease and treat the patients, formation of a national committee and three sub-committees to protect public health, sealing off of the tubewells supplying contaminated water, setting up of testing laboratories in rural areas, listing of the affected population and detecting the impact of contaminated water on them and vigilance on the situation in the affected areas.

Speaking on the spread of arsenic contamination in the country. Zillur Rahman told the House that arsenic had been detected in some areas, especially some northern districts.

The minister stressed on the role of the press in creating awareness among the people and also sought cooperation of the opposition parties in dealing with the problem.

Earlier. Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Badruddoza Choudhury proposed that a random survey on

the spread and effect of arsenic contamination be conducted and investigation be held on the issue, physicians and the health workers be trained on the disease, a committee, if possible a parliamentary one. be formeri on the matter and improved medical services be made available in the country.

Dr Choudhury also blamed the government for not taking adequate steps to deal with the problem.

Abdul Latif Mirza of the ruling Awami League submitted the notice on the arsenic contamination on Wednesday on which Mirza himself spoke only. Discussion on the notice could not be held on the day as other MPs of the ruling AL and opposition BNP and Jatiya Party who were scheduled to speak were absent from the House on that day.

The members listed to speak on the issue were absent yesterday also and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition rose to speak on the matter as soon as Deputy Speaker Abdul Hamid, pointing out the absence of the concerned MPs. invited the LGRD Minister to make a statement.