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Dhaka Ranks Second in Air Pollution Today, Three Indian Cities in Top Five
Rtv News
11 Jan 2025, 10:39
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Today, Dhaka ranks second on the list of cities with the most polluted air worldwide. The city's latest air quality score is recorded at 230, indicating that Dhaka’s air is very unhealthy today. In contrast, three Indian cities rank among the top five in the pollution list, with Kolkata in West Bengal at the very top. The latest recorded air quality score for Kolkata is 380, categorizing the air as hazardous.
These data were revealed on Saturday, January 11, at 10 AM from the Air Quality Index (IQAir) monitoring agency.
According to the IQAir index, Delhi, India’s capital, ranks third on the list of polluted cities, with a recently recorded pollution score of 221, indicating very unhealthy air. Following Delhi, Mumbai, a megacity in India, holds the fourth position with an air quality score of 217, also marking the city's air as very unhealthy.
The fifth city on the list is Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with an air quality score of 190. Additionally, Lahore and Karachi from Pakistan rank seventh and ninth, respectively, with scores of 182 and 181. Kuwait City is in sixth place with a score of 185.
Bahrain’s Manama ranks eighth with a score of 181, while Accra in Ghana is in tenth place with a score of 174.
It is worth noting that an air quality score between 0 and 50 is considered good. Scores from 51 to 100 are deemed moderate, while scores from 101 to 150 are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Scores from 151 to 200 are considered unhealthy, and scores from 201 to 300 are deemed very unhealthy. An air quality score above 301 is categorized as hazardous.
Dhaka has been suffering from air pollution for a long time. The city's air quality typically deteriorates in the winter and improves somewhat during the monsoon. A report by the Department of Environment and the World Bank in March 2019 identified three major sources of Dhaka’s air pollution: brick kilns, vehicle emissions, and dust from construction sites.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution increases mortality rates due to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million deaths worldwide each year.
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Oil to Flow Dhaka via Pipeline, Saving Tk 2.36 Billion
The construction of a 250-kilometer pipeline has already been completed. If all goes as planned, fuel oil will start flowing from Chattogram to Dhaka through this pipeline by March next year. This will result in savings of approximately Tk 2.36 billion, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's energy transportation system.
According to officials from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the implementation of this project will not only reduce fuel transportation costs but also ensure an uninterrupted supply chain. Moreover, it will contribute to reducing environmental pollution.
Currently, fuel oil is transported from Chattogram to Dhaka via river and road. However, this process often faces disruptions for various reasons. Additionally, the cost of transportation through rivers and roads is high, and there are frequent allegations of oil theft. During the dry season, reduced navigability in waterways further complicates transportation.
To address these challenges, a project titled "Transportation of Fuel Oil through Pipeline from Chattogram to Dhaka" was approved in October 2018. However, construction work started in 2020. Initially, the project was scheduled to be completed by December 2022, but the deadline was extended twice with the latest deadline set for December this year.
The project's initial cost was estimated at Tk 28.61 billion, but it was later revised to Tk 36.99 billion. It is being implemented by the 24 Engineer Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army.
According to BPC sources, the annual demand for fuel oil in Bangladesh is about 6.5 million tons. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, 6.7 million tons were supplied with diesel accounting for 75% of the total demand.
BPC also mentioned that 40% of the country's total fuel demand is consumed in the Dhaka division. Currently, oil is transported to Dhaka by first shipping it from Patenga in Chattogram to depots in Narayanganj's Godnail and Fatullah via waterways and then by road to Dhaka. Around 150 small and large vessels are used for this transportation every month, costing Tk 2 billion annually.
Once the pipeline becomes operational, the project is expected to generate an annual revenue of Tk 3.26 billion, while expenses for operations, maintenance, fuel, electricity, and land lease will amount to Tk 900 million. This will lead to annual savings of Tk 2.36 billion.
Projections suggest that the project's investment will be recovered within 16 years.
Regarding the project's progress, Md. Aminul Haque, the project director appointed by BPC, said that construction work will be fully completed by December. After commissioning trials, the pipeline will be ready for full-scale fuel transportation.
When asked about the commissioning timeline, Anupam Barua, BPC's Director of Operations and Maintenance stated that commissioning is expected to begin in January, followed by staff recruitment and training. Full-scale fuel transportation is scheduled to start in March.
National Memorial Ready to Honor Brave Martyrs
December 16 marks Victory Day, and the nation will celebrate its 54th anniversary this year. The National Memorial in Savar has been cleaned, painted, and decorated with colorful flowers and lights to honor the heroic martyrs whose sacrifices brought this victory.
Preparations include comprehensive security measures across four layers, ensuring a fitting tribute to the glorious occasion.
Standing on 108 acres of land, the National Memorial bears witness to the red and green history of the Liberation War. As in previous years, extensive efforts over the past month have ensured that the memorial is cleaned, maintained, and adorned with vibrant flowers for the grand celebration of Victory Day. Painting, lighting, and other beautification works have been completed.
With the rising crimson sun, the President, the Chief Adviser, and a massive crowd will gather at the memorial. The concrete martyr's altar will be covered in a blanket of flowers.
The nation is eagerly awaiting the moment to pay homage and show love to its greatest sons and daughters. Both the elderly and the younger generations will come together to express their respect and love for the martyrs. For security, CCTV cameras have been installed inside and outside the memorial, and hundreds of security personnel are deployed alongside round-the-clock surveillance by intelligence agencies.
The three armed forces have completed their rehearsals to ensure a ceremonial and dignified observance of the day by the President and the Chief Adviser.
Jomela, a caretaker of the National Memorial, shared her feelings: "We have been working at the National Memorial for many years. While we could not participate in the Liberation War ourselves, we are deeply proud to maintain the graves of those whose sacrifices broke the chains of oppression and brought us independence. Just as our forefathers told us stories of freedom, we will proudly pass on to the next generation the story of how we prepared and cared for the martyrs' graves and the memorial with utmost dedication."
Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Engineer of the Public Works Department in Dhaka, stated: "All preparations for honoring the martyrs at the National Memorial have been completed under the direction of the Public Works Department. After the President and the Chief Adviser pay their respects, other dignitaries, including advisers, secretaries, diplomats, and key figures, will lay their wreaths before opening the memorial to the public."
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for Dhaka Range, A.K.M. Awlad Hossain, remarked: "Comprehensive security measures have been implemented by Dhaka District Police for Victory Day at the National Memorial. Watchtowers have been set up in various locations, and intelligence teams are actively monitoring the area.
Around 3,500 police personnel will be deployed for security in and around the memorial. We have already enveloped the entire area in a security blanket, extending from Aminbazar in Savar to the National Memorial."
On Victory Day, the National Memorial will be adorned with countless flowers, reflecting the respect and love of the masses. After the President and Chief Adviser pay their tributes, the memorial will be opened to the public. Subsequently, leaders from the BNP and various political and social organizations will also pay their respects.
Former Chhatra League Leader Nishita Nodi Arrested
Police have arrested Nishita Iqbal Nodi, former Vice President of the Dhaka University Shamsunnahar Hall unit of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).
She was detained late on Saturday night (December 14) from the Bashundhara residential area in the capital.
Confirming the matter to the media, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (DB) Rezaul Mallik stated that Nishita Iqbal Nodi was arrested based on specific allegations and information. She is reportedly implicated in multiple cases.
It is worth mentioning that on October 23, the interim government banned the Awami League’s affiliate student organization, Bangladesh Chhatra League, and officially listed it as a proscribed entity.
Four Pairs of Commuter Trains Launched on the Dhaka-Joydebpur Route
Four new pairs of commuter trains have been introduced on the Dhaka-Joydebpur-Dhaka route, making travel between these locations more convenient for passengers.
On Sunday morning (December 15), the official inauguration took place at the Joydebpur Railway Station in Gazipur. The event was presided over by Muhammad Faujul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Railways.
During the inauguration, he announced plans to further enhance rail travel by increasing the number of commuter trains on several routes, including Dhaka-Narsingdi, starting from March 26.
The event was attended by the Railways Secretary, Gazipur's Deputy Commissioner, and other railway officials.
News of the new train services attracted a massive crowd of passengers at the station from early morning. Expressing their excitement, residents of Gazipur remarked that the trains would significantly reduce the travel distance between Gazipur and Dhaka.
The trains operating on the Gazipur-Dhaka route are:
Turag Commuter-1, Turag Commuter-2, Turag Commuter-3, and Turag Commuter-4
Joydebpur Commuter-1, Joydebpur Commuter-2, Joydebpur Commuter-3, and Joydebpur Commuter-4
It has been reported that these trains will stop at stations including Dhaka Airport, Tejgaon, Banani, Tongi, and Dhirashram. Additionally, the Turag Commuter will not operate on Fridays, while the Joydebpur Commuter will remain closed on Saturdays.
Asif Nazrul Expresses Gratitude to His Wife
Dr Asif Nazrul, Advisor on Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs expressed his gratitude towards his wife by saying, "The fact that I could write again after 15 years is because of my wife. I am deeply grateful to her."
On Saturday evening (14 December), he made this statement during a discussion event about his novel 'Ami Abu Bakar' held at the National Museum auditorium in Dhaka.
Asif Nazrul said, "Sometimes when I feel down, I shared with my wife, "Will there ever be a time in my life when I won't have to do anything? No worries at all? I'll just sleep and write.' My wife always replies, 'Of course, that time will come. I'll set up a coffee shop for you, and you'll just write and write.'"
He added, "There was a 15-year gap in my writing. The fact that I could write again after 15 years is entirely because of her. I'm publicly saying this – thank you."
Referring to his disdain for Awami League's politics, the law advisor remarked, "Over the past 15 years, we've endured a nightmarish rule. I don't know what sin we committed to having a ruler like Sheikh Hasina in our country. She has destroyed all our social bonds. We despised the Awami League's politics of tagging and victimizing people, and we still do."
3 killed as Bus Hits Roadside Tree in Cumilla
A Hanif Super Transport bus lost control and collided with a tree in Cumilla's Chauddagram Upazila, resulting in the death of three people.
Additionally, 10 others were injured in the incident.
The incident occurred on Sunday (December 15) around noon in the Gangra-Padua area on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway.
The identities of the victims could not be confirmed immediately.
Superintendent of Cumilla Highway Police Md Khairul Alam stated that a Hanif Super Transport bus traveling from Chattogram lost control when it reached the Gangra area of Jagannath Dighi Union in Chauddagram Upazila, Cumilla. The bus collided with a roadside tree, resulting in the death of three passengers on the spot.
He further mentioned that all three deceased were male, but their identities have not yet been confirmed. Additionally, at least 10 passengers were injured in the accident. The injured are being treated at the Chauddagram Upazila Health Complex. Some of them are in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll may rise.
Highway police are currently working at the accident site. The bodies of the three deceased passengers have been kept at the Chauddagram Upazila Health Complex. Arrangements are being made to send the bodies to the Cumilla Medical College Hospital morgue, according to the police.
5 Killed in Auto-Rickshaw and Covered Van Collision in Kishoreganj
Five people were killed on the spot in a collision between a CNG-run auto-rickshaw and a covered van in Jagannathpur area of the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway in Bhairab, Kishoreganj.
The accident occurred around 9:30 am on Monday (December 16). Following the incident, the driver of the covered van fled the scene.
Among the five deceased, two have been identified: Shahin, the driver of the auto-rickshaw, and Rajon, a passenger. Both hailed from Pirijkandi village in Raipura upazila. The identities of the other three victims, all women, are yet to be confirmed.
According to the police and eyewitnesses, two covered vans and a CNG auto-rickshaw were heading towards Bhairab from Nilkuti in Narsingdi. While crossing the Jagannathpur Bridge, one of the covered vans tried to overtake and collided with the other covered van, which then crashed into the auto-rickshaw. This resulted in the instant death of the five victims, including the auto-rickshaw driver.
Confirming the incident, Bhairab Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Saju Mia stated that the identities of two victims have been confirmed so far, while efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining three.
