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Floodwaters Recede in Netrokona, Hardships Persist
Rtv News
11 Oct 2024, 09:20
Photo: Collected
The water level from the floods in Netrokona has started to go down, but the crisis is not over. Many residents are spending their days worried about how they will recover in the post-flood period. Rice and paddy have been ruined by the water, forcing these people into a difficult situation when it comes to finding food.
Most of the rural roads in the district remain underwater, making it hard to find work or communicate easily. About 25,000 hectares of Aman crops are still submerged. Additionally, 232 educational institutions remain closed, and nearly 100,000 people are still trapped by the water.
According to Md. Sarwar Jahan, the executive engineer at the Netrokona Water Development Board, since Wednesday afternoon, the water levels in the Kongso, Someshwari, Dhanu, and Ubodakhali rivers have been dropping rapidly. However, at the Kalmakanda point in the Ubodakhali River, the water is still flowing 5 centimeters above the danger level. The danger level at that point is 6.55 meters, while the water levels in other rivers have fallen below the danger line. It is expected that these rivers will drain quickly through the Dhanu River into the Meghna River.
According to information from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Netrokona, out of 5,953 kilometers of roads under LGED's jurisdiction, 1,638 kilometers are paved. The rest are cement-concrete (CC), reinforced cement-concrete (RCC), Megatam, carpeted, or dirt roads. Even in places where water has receded from the submerged roads, most roads are still unusable due to erosion in various spots. Many small and large bridges, box culverts, and connecting roads have collapsed in the flood, causing severe communication problems for people in the area.
Md. Nuruzzaman, the Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, reported that 135,900 hectares of Aman crops were planted across the district's 10 sub-districts. Of that, 24,667 hectares of crops were damaged by the sudden floods, and 177 hectares of vegetable fields were destroyed.
District Fisheries Officer Md. Shahjahan Kabir said that 1,480 ponds and farms were affected, resulting in the loss of 723.43 tons of fish and fingerlings, causing about 82.4 million taka in damages.
Netrokona District Commissioner Banani Biswas informed the media that, so far, four lakh taka, 3,000 packets of dry food, and 80 tons of rice have been distributed. She added that more relief is being provided as needed.
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Metro Rail Service Suspended on Agargaon-Motijheel Route
Metro rail service on the Agargaon-Motijheel route has been suspended due to a viaduct collapse.
On Wednesday (September 18), the viaduct gave way in the area between Farmgate and Bijoy Sarani, leading to the suspension of metro operations.
Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Director (Operation and Maintenance) of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, confirmed the news, stating, “A major issue has occurred on that route. It will take time to fix. Currently, the metro rail is operating only up to Agargaon (from Uttara). Service on this route will remain suspended until the issue is resolved.”
DMTCL Forms Inquiry Committee on Metrorail Halt
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) formed an inquiry committee to discover the reasons behind the glitch that halted metro rail services yesterday (September 18).
The Metrorail was closed for 10 hours and 45 minutes from 9:40 am to 8:25 pm, on Wednesday (September 18) at the Agargaon to Motijheel section after a viaduct bearing pad on pillar number 430 near Dhaka's Farmgate station was dislodged.
According to the office order, a seven-member committee has been formed to investigate the reasons behind the glitch.
The circular of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) informed that the committee is headed by Abdul Baki Miah, Director (Planning and Development) of DMTCL. The committee has been asked to submit the report within the next five working days.
Joint Patrols Continue, Situation Under Control in Rangamati
The clashes between hill people and Bengalis in Khagrachhari spread to the neighboring district of Rangamati yesterday. In response to the violence, the army, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have intensified their patrols since Friday night. The situation in Rangamati is now reported to be calm.
As of Saturday morning (September 21), the town of Rangamati is completely peaceful, with a heavy presence of security personnel on the streets.
However, a 72-hour blockade of roads and waterways, known as the 'CHT Blockade,' commenced at 6:00 AM on Saturday across the three hill districts of Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban. As a result of the blockade, no long-distance vehicles are operating in these areas, significantly impacting local residents. Public transport is currently absent, though goods vehicles are still in operation. Protesters have not been observed on the roads, and private vehicles, including motorcycles, are using internal routes.
In a related development, three advisors to the interim government visited Rangamati and Khagrachhari today to assess the situation. The delegation included Home Advisor Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs (CHT) Advisor Supradip Chakma, and Local Government Rural Development and Cooperatives Advisor A.F. Hassan Ariff. They are engaging with local communities to discuss the ongoing situation.
Earlier, on Friday (September 20), Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus conveyed a message emphasizing the government's commitment to resolving the issues in Khagrachhari and Rangamati, urging everyone to remain calm.
The message expressed the government's deep sorrow regarding the ongoing violence and loss of life following the lynching of a man on September 18. It directed all law enforcement agencies to exercise maximum restraint and ensure the safety of residents in the three hill districts, reaffirming the government’s determination to restore peace and harmony.
Previously, after a violent incident in Khagrachhari that resulted in three deaths, violence spread to Rangamati, leading to another fatality. In response, the district administration has imposed Section 144 to help control the situation.
Outside Forces Conspiring to Destroy Harmony in Hill Tracks: Hassan Ariff
AF Hassan Ariff, Interim Government's Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry Advisor, commented that there is a conspiracy from outside to destroy the harmony in the Chattogram hill districts including Rangamati.
He stated this to reporters after exchanging views with the leaders of various local political and ethnic groups, as well as security forces at Rangamati cantonment on Saturday (September 21) afternoon regarding the ongoing situation in Chattogram Hill Tracts.
Advisor Hassan Ariff said, "Everyone at the meeting expressed the desire for harmony, but we do not know where the disruptions are occurring. There is one phrase that everyone has uttered about disruption that is conspiracy. There is a conspiracy from outside to destroy our harmony."
He also added that a strong investigation committee is being formed to find out those behind the unrest in the hill tracks. Actions will be taken against those responsible.
Hassan Ariff further added, "When I came to Rangamati, the graffiti that I saw on the wall, the message of that graffiti is not only in Rangamati, not only in Bangladesh, but also in Chattogram Hill Tracts. There will be harmony. We will work together."
During the meeting, the Home Advisor, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that a high-level investigation team will be formed to investigate the incident of mountain violence. Those involved in this incident will be brought under strict punishment. No one will be exempted.
He further stated, "If anyone attempts to disrupt law and order again in the future, they will face severe consequences. Everyone must cooperate in improving the law and order situation."
The meeting was also attended by Supradip Chakma, a former ambassador and advisor to the Ministry of Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs, Mainul Islam, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammad Mainur Rahman, GOC Major General of Army's 33 Infantry Division, Tofail Islam, Divisional Commissioner Tofail Islam and related officials.
Among the locals, representatives of BNP, National Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, Hill Citizens Parishad, Transport Owner Workers, Civil Society Representatives presented their speeches and suggestions in the meeting.
Classes Resume Today at Dhaka University
Classes at Dhaka University (DU) will resume today, Sunday (September 22), for all years except the first year. Classes for the first-year students will begin on September 30.
This decision was made during an emergency meeting of the syndicate held on the evening of September 12.
The meeting, chaired by DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, took place in the lounge adjacent to the Vice-Chancellor's office. Following recommendations from the Deans’ Committee, the syndicate decided that classes for all years except the first year would commence on September 22. The classes for first-year students of the 2023-2024 academic session will start on September 30, according to the DU authorities.
Additionally, the syndicate was informed about proposals aimed at improving relationships and resolving conflicts between teachers and students at the department, institute, faculty, and central levels, which are currently in the process of implementation. The syndicate members fully endorsed these proposals.
JCI Dhaka Premier Successfully Concludes "Tap to Save" Water Conservation Project
JCI Dhaka Premier is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the "Tap to Save" Water Conservation Project held at Baitul Aman Jame Masjid Welfare Foundation on Saturday, 21st September 2024.
Tap to Save focuses on the installation of automatic push taps in a mosque to promote water conservation. By providing a timed water flow, these taps help reduce water waste during ablution, supporting sustainable practices. The initiative aligns with Islamic values of avoiding wastage and caring for the environment.
The project was honored by the presence of the Committee of the Mosque, JCI Bangladesh National President Imran Kadir, and Our Mentor Rafaelur Rahman Mehedi.
JCI Dhaka Premier was represented by Immediate Past Local President 2024 Jannat Mukta and Local President 2024 Ashabus Safa, who shared the importance of such initiatives in wastage management.
This project was led by JCI Dhaka Premier Convener of Organising Committee, Zain Asif Rahman (COC), and Vice Presidents Asifur Rahman & Syed Ziaul Ahsan. Their dedication and leadership were instrumental in aligning the project with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goals 6 and 12, demonstrating JCI Dhaka Premier's commitment to making a positive impact on the community.
"We are thrilled to have successfully concluded this meaningful project," said Zain Asif Rahman general member of JCI Dhaka Premier. "Our goal was to reduce wastage and create a more sustainable environment," he added.
JCI Dhaka Premier looks forward to continuing its efforts in serving the community and aligning future projects. Through initiatives like "Tap to Save" JCI Dhaka Premier remains committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
Dhaka Tops the Pollution Chart Today, Air 'Very Unhealthy'
Due to air pollution, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has ranked first on the list of the world's most polluted cities today.
On Monday, September 23, at 9:28 AM, Dhaka's air quality index (AQI) score was 213. This level of air quality is classified as 'very unhealthy.'
At the same time, Delhi, the capital of India, ranked second with an AQI score of 186. Lahore, Pakistan, was in third place with a score of 177. Jakarta, Indonesia, ranked fourth with a score of 160, and Kolkata, India, took fifth place with a score of 142.
According to the data, an AQI score between 0 and 50 is considered good, while 51 to 100 is categorized as moderate. A score between 101 and 150 is deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. Scores between 151 and 200 are considered unhealthy.
Similarly, an AQI score between 201 and 300 is considered 'very unhealthy,' while a score between 301 and 400 is categorized as 'hazardous.'
Air pollution poses severe health risks and is harmful to people of all ages. However, it is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, the sick, and pregnant women.
Experts blame brick kilns, vehicle emissions, and dust from construction sites for the air pollution in Dhaka. As a result of the pollution, there has been an increase in respiratory problems, coughing, lower respiratory tract infections, and even depression.
It should be noted that this list of polluted cities was published by IQAir, a Switzerland-based air quality monitoring technology company. The AQI score provides daily information about how clean or polluted the air in a particular city is, as well as potential health risks.
