Can we have a clean capital?

Can we have a clean Dhaka? It is thought provoking. True, most of our cities are poorly planned and ill maintained. However, that is no excuse for irresponsible behaviour on the part of citizens. As suggested by the media, and thinkers and writers, as well as humble appeal from the city corporation, imposing fines to curb irresponsible behaviour is one way of dealing with this menace. But there is no use enacting laws if they are not, or cannot be, properly enforced or implemented. Public places and transport systems cry for attention. We claim to be making rapid progress technologically and economically but we are far behind in cleanliness. Epidemics happen because of unhygienic conditions all around. We should be ashamed of repulsive habits like spitting and urinating indiscriminately or throwing garbage on the roadsides. Gopal Sengupta & Avik Sengupta E-mail : gopalsengupta@aol.com