Going through an article on our mega city's woes, published in the editorial page of a local English daily, this writer takes this opportunity to alphabetically list out many negative aspects that add to our woes in many ways both directly and indirectly. Following are some of the shortcomings penned below in an alphabetical order.
'A' stands for 'air pollution', that possibly tops the list of woes of our mega-city Dhaka. Dust and dirt particles are flying all around in our city atmosphere with multiple bacterial contaminations throughout the day. Will it be wrong to claim that we possibly top the list in terms of air pollution among the capital cities in the world? 'B' stands for the infamous 'buses' of Dhaka. These are ram-shackled, mostly worn out and dented all over, usually overcrowded and packed beyond their limit, during rush hours. They rush around at these times without caring for traffic lights while honking their horns beyond maximum noise levels including thumping the bus body like a drum to emphasise their urgency! 'C' is for the cheats, with pickpockets topping the list, on crowded public transports during the morning and evening rush hours, when these transports are usually overcrowded. 'D' stands for dangers that could well be fatal for pedestrians at any time of the day as they have to walk on the roads. Footpaths are few and far between and are crowded with motor-bikes rushing around on it more often than not. Usually there are many cars parked illegally on the foot paths forcing pedestrians to walk on the roads. 'E' stands for the environment about which the least said is better, as the city's overall environment pollution level is known to all of us who live here. 'F' is for the fast-buck, that is there to avail from all sorts of deals, usually related to public tenders for the provision of supplies and services needed for development and other public works of the country, decision on which is usually taken in Dhaka. People with proper links and connections, often can and do make hay, when such opportunities come their way. We can go on and on like this till we reach the alphabet 'Z'. However, this writer would like to stop here and interested readers can add their own lines covering the succeeding alphabets, after 'F'.
A resident of Dhaka
Dhaka: Our mega-mini city
FE Team | Published: April 26, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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