Editorial
Take urgent step in ceasing environmental pollution
Since the dawn of civilization, man has shaped the environment around him. Humans, plants and animals thrive in interdependence with the environment. But that environment is now in danger as pollution has impacted the surroundings adversely in Bangladesh. According to a World Bank climate report, Bangladesh is one of the countries most affected by pollution and environmental hazards. Even though such news is not new for us, it is not good for the country.
Why so much neglect in dengue prevention?
In recent years, dengue has been making a significant impact in various cities across the country. With each passing day, the severity of dengue is increasing. Efforts to control dengue have proven ineffective. While the government claims to be making maximum efforts, it is now essential to investigate why the prevalence of dengue is not decreasing.
Stop construction of illegal resorts near the Sundarbans
There are countless examples of how far our reckless and corrupt behavior can extend. We have filled rivers and canals, encroached on land, flattened hills, and cleared forests to build whatever we desire. Greed, dishonesty, and severe mismanagement by the state define our character and our governance. As a result, we often ignore the interests of our country, our people, and our environment for personal gain. We reach out to seize any opportunity, failing to recognize that we are harming our own future.
Ensure women footballers receive their dues
Our women's football team has won the SAFF Championship title for the second consecutive time. As they paraded in an open-top bus from the airport through the streets of the capital to the BFF office in Motijheel, the people of the city showered them with congratulations. Such success in sports has been rare for Bangladesh in recent years. They first won the SAFF Championship in 2022, and back then too, the girls celebrated in an open-top bus.
Eliminate gas crisis
The country is reeling under gas crunch for the last one month. The nationwide gas shortage has caused the closure of many industries. Apart from industrial crisis, many households are also going through the problem, hampering daily cooking routine. According to news published on several outlets on Thursday, the gas crisis in the country is increasing as the supply has not been scaled up. Media reports that Bangladesh is reeling through 1350m cubic feet gas crunch per day. Industry production drops below 30 percent as gas supply shrinked further.
Increase rice stock, lower prices
The rice-dependent Bengali people have long faced recurrent rice crises. Whether due to natural calamities like floods and droughts, or political instability, the uncertainty of having a full plate of rice twice a day has often become a source of distress. Rice is not just a staple food but is deeply woven into the cultural fabric. Many feel incomplete if they miss even one meal of rice, despite a day filled with other good foods. For Bengalis, a rice shortage is more than just a scarcity; it’s a humanitarian crisi
Ensure timely book festival
The festival of receiving free books is the best gift for young students at the start of the English New Year. The joy of getting new books in a new grade is unparalleled. The scent of new books stirs students’ hearts like the fragrance of flowers. Moreover, this festival embodies universality, as everyone, rich or poor, receives these books at the beginning of the English New Year. However, doubts and concerns have arisen about whether this universal book festival will take place on January 1.
Ensure respect and remuneration for teachers
It is said that education is the backbone of the nation, but the condition of those who build that backbone in Bangladesh is quite pitiable. There is neither appropriate respect nor adequate remuneration for them. Despite ongoing discussions about this issue for a long time, their plight seems to be worsening day by day. A recent example of this was seen even after the mass uprising, where teachers were physically assaulted. Numerous teachers from various schools took to the streets demanding job regularization and salary increases, but their voices went unheard.
Ensuring safe lifts for all
In Dhaka, most offices, courts, hospitals, and educational institutions have such old lifts that using them often feels like risking one’s life. Many lifts shake, and if overloaded, they make terrifying noises. Yet, people continue to use these lifts despite the danger. Incidents of fatalities while using lifts occasionally make the news, but there is a lack of awareness from both the institutions and the lift users.
Ensure public safety
Mugging is suddenly increasing in various parts of the country, spreading fear among the public. Over the past two days, reports from various media outlets indicate that the fear of mugging intensifies as night falls. Incidents of robbery are occurring even in broad daylight. Particularly in Dhaka, there is a surge in such crimes, with a series of robberies reported in the Mohammadpur area.