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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
letters@thedailystar.net
Risks water-stressed countries face
The most populous countries of the world are the prime sufferers of water shortage. Though some countries have abundant flow of water through their rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, still they are water-stressed. This is due to lack of care and unmanaged use of this natural resource. High population growth, poor governance, lack of knowledge about proper water use and sanitation are aggravating the situation.
It has been observed that some countries 50 years back from now had large rivers and plenty of fresh water bodies, which now is a myth. Water is extracted from rivers and also from other sources including ground aquifer. Water contamination takes place due to use of fertilizers and pesticides in large quantities. Industrial wastes also pollute rivers and water bodies. If proper and timely precautions are not taken, these countries would face tremendous health hazards and economic crisis. Engineer Khondaker Islam Ontario, Canada
IU residential students' plight
It is a matter of regret that most of the students of our university face difficulty because of the administration's decisions of vacating the halls without any reason. This is the only university in the country where halls remain closed during the month of Ramadan. We requested the VC several times for keeping the halls open during vacations but he didn't pay any heed to our demand. The situation hampers our study. The students who come from distant districts suffer the most. How can we do better in life if we cannot concentrate on our studies?
Maskurul Alam
Department of Statistics
Islamic University, Kushtia
Situation in Rajshahi
We, the inhabitants of Rajshahi, were living in peace. But now we are passing our days in great fear. During this government's tenure, terrorism has increased significantly in Rajshahi as well as across the country. People look at the bearded men with suspicion, as if they are terrorists. But it is very common that most pious Muslim men have beard. Women wearing burka also get the same treatment. Burka and beard can't have anything to do with terrorism. Islam does not believe in terrorism.
Mawduda Hasnin
Rajshahi
Hold referendum on Rampal power plant
Bangladeshi people's love for the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, was reflected during the selection of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Like a mother, Sundarbans protects the country from various natural calamities. It protects our cultivable land from saline intrusion. Besides, local people's livelihood depends on this forest.
Why our government is so adamant to install the destructive Rampal thermal power plant near Sundarbans, which will emit toxic gases to the environment, is a point to ponder. We do not want electricity by destroying our beloved forest. If you (the government) the people to choose between electricity and the Sundarbans, they will choose the second one without any hesitation. To know people's mind, the government should hold a referendum. We will prove our love for the Sundarbans once again by voting for it.
Shakibul Hasan Robin On e-mail
Comments on news report, "For them, Eid means nothing," published on October 12, 2013
Mowlana Bhashani
There is double standard in our politics. Bureaucracy is everywhere. We need to build a society based on equality.
Shahinur
We sympathise with the victims.
Truthprevails53
The garment factory owners, the Western buyers and the government and all others involved should work hard to ensure that this kind of tragedy never happens. Greed will kill us all.
* * * *
"Rough ride home" (October 11, 2013)
Nazmul Haq
"Dhaka-Mawa road is in rather good condition, but 55km of the Mostafapur-Barisal road is in poor shape. It is not surprising. It is because the current prime minister sometimes uses this route on way toTungi para.
Tips
This is not anything new in our country.
Nasirullah Mridha, USA
Potholed roads, dilapidated buses, ticket blackmarketing make the holidaymakers' journey home miserable ahead of the two major festivals of our country.