Saving the environment

A recent World Bank report has revealed that 28 per cent deaths in Bangladesh in 2016 were caused by environmental pollution. This is the highest rate in South Asia. Also, the Economist Intelligence Unit said Dhaka was selected as the second most unliveable city on the earth after war-torn Damascus.

There are more than 25 laws, policies and guidelines in existence related to environmental pollution in the country. But these are not being implemented properly. Also, most people do not abide by rules and regulations.

There is rampant pollution. For these reasons, environmental pollution is increasing everyday. Urbanisation is another important factor fuelling pollution. Everyday, thousands of people visit Dhaka for jobs, business or education. As a result, population in Dhaka city is increasing fast. WB thinks the population in Dhaka would be double the size it is now just after a few years. Due to the people's inflow, number of unplanned slums in Dhaka is growing. The dwellers in these slums lead miserable lives due to the lack of basic hygiene, sanitation, pure drinking water, lack of waste disposal mechanism, and poorly managed sewage system. In rainy season, most parts of Dhaka face water-logging.

There are many reasons behind pollution. Mismanagement, lack of proper planning, corruption etc. are the most common ones. If pollution is ignored, the consequences will be irreversible for the country. The government should take immediate steps towards addressing and curbing pollution.

Md Mahbubur Rahnan Sazid

University of Dhaka

[email protected]