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To The Editor
Grab the USD 10 billion export market The Malaysian trade delegation which visited Dhaka recently Indicated that the global halal meat export market was worth around US Dollars 160 billion, and Bangladesh could grab lOpercentofthe market.
We are too nostalgic and sentimental about traditional exports (RMG, jute, shrimp), whereas we need the entrepreneurial initiative to tap new markets, as the natural bounties are generous in Bangladesh, the country ofwater and fertile land, with huge human resources.
Joint ventures with investment from Muslim countries would strengthen the limping OIC. This aspect needs handling at urgent □riority due to adverse propaganda
unleashed by the rich Western industrialised countries. The Islamic world Ls handicapped with huge communication and economic gaps; and a Wfestem power is dictaung terms in the Middle East and Muslim countries. There is a need for a second international currency to reduce the supremacy of the USD.
We dissipate too much national energy internally, to be of assistance to others at the regional and global levels. The footprints of our national leaders are too small; therefore freedom of expression is rather cramped. The inward look is a personal and private exercise, to e nhance public exposure.
The export market is changing, and we are caught napping.
AMawaz
Dhaka
Pedestrians' woes
The number of pedestrians killed or wounded in road accidents while crossing roads and streets in Dhaka is increasing at an alarming rate day by day.
The DCC and the DMP tell us to use foot overbridges, zebra crossfrigs or underpasses while crossing roads and streets in the city. But may we ask the authorities concerned how many and where do we have Zebra Crossings, underpasses or foot overbridges in crowded and ever busy roads and streets In Molijheel Commercial Area, Elephant Road, Eskaton Road. Airport Road. North-South Road, Mirpur Road, Folder Street-Jaikali Mandir-Outer Circular Road, Malibagh
Road, Nazimuddin Road, Tipu Sultan Road, Gulshan Road, Baridhara Road andso and so forth?
Runningbuses, cars, taxis, autos, trucks and rickshaws never stop even for a singleminute in front of any Zebra Crossing. No matter whether there is any Zebra Crossing or no Zebra Crossing all the times the pedestrians are compelled to cross a road/street from one side to another hurriedly in the midst of running vehicles or traffic jammed roads/streets at the great risk of their lives.
It Is highly regretted that DCC and DMP always turn a blind eye to the risky and dangerous crossing of roads and streets by the pedestrians, young or old, man or woman or school children.
We strongly demand of the DCC to earmark and set up Zebra Crossings on crowded roads and streets where schools, colleges, bazaars, shops, cinema halls, offices, hospitals, bus stops and bus terminals etc. are situated and to take effective and efficient steps to control road traffic for the safety and security of valuable lives of the pedestrians of Dhaka city.
OH Kabir
Dhahi
Post-harvest technology and SAU With economic development, people’s dietary preference is changing. During the last few years, the demand for fruits and vegetables has increased
tremendously. But unfortunately in our country about 40 to 50 per cent of fruits and vegetables produced suffer from post-harvest losses. Now time has arrived when we should pay serious attention to the development of post-harvest knowledge and technology. Fruits and vegetables are not only important from the dietary stand point but this is a profitable economic sector. If managed scientifically, the country can earn a huge amount of foreign exchange from fruits and vegetables.
To cultivate and to perpetuate post harvest knowledge, the agricultural universities of tbe country have to come forward. Considering its great importance, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) has introduced a new discipline under
the name of 'Post-harvest Technology' in the Horticulture Department and it has already started its instructional and research activities.
Application of Biotechnology to develop new varieties of fruits and vegetables to meet prolong storage requirements can add great value to post-harvest management With a view to bringing crop improvement and developing new varieties, the SAU has aisL opened a new Department of Biotechnology which is yet to stan its function.
It is to be mentioned here that the SAU is trying its best to contribute effectively in the development of country's agricultureand to enhance food production. But as ill luck would have it, these activities arc
being constrained due to lack of necessary funds. In fact to procure modern scientific equipment and to develop infrastrucnire. a develop-mentschemeofSAU Ls awaiting final approval of the ECNEC.
To speak frankly, in spite of very many criticisms, the SAU Is destined to bring changes in Bangladesh agriculture through modernisation and commercialisation of agriculture. So, we sincerely hope that the government would approve the development project of SAU at the earliest with a view to assisting SAU to attain its goal towards economic emancipation of thecountry.
ProfessorMZahidul Haque Chairman, Department of Lan-S Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural rsity Dhaka