A polluted pond is causing a stink at three Dhaka University dormitories, forcing students to live in unhygenic, mosquito infested conditions.

"We can’t even open the windows due to the bad smell." said a resident of a hall.

About 1,500 students in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Kabi Jasim Uddin and Muktijoddah Ziaur Rahman halls are affected by the stagnant pond, a sewage outlet for Jasim Uddin and Zia halls.

In 1997, DU authorities endorsed a Tk 2 crore project designed to transform the pond into a lake surrounded by trees.

a footpath and concrete benches. Two-years-Iater, the students are still waiting.

Dormitory residents expressed strong resentment over the authorities’ reluctant attitude to Implement the project, which could provide some relief from the overpowering smell.

The Dhaka University authorities said the oroject would proceed, but refused to say whether they will take any immediate action to Improve the pond's condition.

Prof. M Abdul Aziz, the provost of Bangabandhu Hall, said students were suffering and regretted the delay.

"I’m well concerned about

the problem and I have informed the authorities at each and every meeting, but they haven’t done anything to solve the problem. said Aziz. "Something must be done immediately to stop the flow of toxic sewerage water into the pond. Otherwise the problem will never be solved."

The vice-chancellor of Dhaka University said the project would be implemented quickly.

"I am very concerned about the health hazards caused by the polluted pond water," said the vice-chancellor. "That is why we are going to implement the project."