After two
people were killed in separate accidents involving garbage trucks operated by
the Dhaka city corporations in November, the authorities strictly enforced the
law prohibiting garbage trucks from operating in the city during the daytime
and stopped allowing unlicensed drivers to operate the trucks.
As a result,
the number of garbage trucks transporting garbage to landfills from various
parts of the city reduced, and the city's waste management system became
disorganized.
The city
corporation already has a driver shortage relative to the number of garbage
trucks at their disposal, and they frequently enlist the help of cleaning
employees to operate the vehicles on a regular basis.
Furthermore,
the city corporations' permanent drivers are said to have hired someone else –
often without a driver's license – to drive the trucks while they do other
business.
Numerous
drivers have been running the vehicles through their associates. For years,
those municipal corporation drivers have been paid without actually doing their
work, said a garbage truck driver of Dhaka North.
Dhaka South
City Corporation has 183 garbage trucks, but it has only 95 drivers. Dhaka
North City Corporation has 168 garbage trucks for collecting waste and carrying
it to the Aminbazar landfill, but they have only 98 drivers. Among them, 20
drivers were employed on a daily wage basis.
Several
officials of the two city corporations also said 80% of their vehicles do not
have fitness certificates.
Visiting
Mirpur, Agargaon, Shewrapara, Mohakhali, Rampura, Gulshan areas in Dhaka North
and Bangshal, Jatrabari, Sayedabad, Old Dhaka, Lalbagh and several other areas
of Dhaka South, our correspondent found piles of garbage on roadsides.
Taslimul
Islam, a resident of Agargaon, told that garbage piles up in secondary transfer
stations during the day and after its capacity exhausts, it is dumped on the
road in front of the station. Often three-wheeler vans carrying waste from
residential areas wait in a long queue in front of the secondary transfer
stations throughout the day.
Waste is
also dumped on the road in front of the National Zoo in Mirpur. Shimul, a shopkeeper
in that area, told that wastes from houses and shops are dumped here at night
and in the morning, but it is not cleaned during the daytime. The stench spreads
throughout the day, so customers do not want to come and sit in the shops.
Sources at
Dhaka South City Corporation said their trucks made around 700 trips to collect
wastes from different areas in the city and take them to the Matuail landfill.
Now they can make a maximum of 510 trips a day as the city corporation has
stopped appointing daily-basis drivers.
At present
Dhaka, South generates about 2,300 tonnes per day, while it can carry 1,900
tonnes to the landfill. As a result, garbage piles up in many places across the
city.
Dhaka South
Public Relations Officer Mohammad Abu Nasser told that "Since garbage
trucks were not allowed to enter various residential areas of Dhaka South at
night, waste from those areas was collected during the day and taken to
landfill but now we cannot do it. That is why there is some chaos in normal
waste management. We are also moving ahead with the process of recruiting new
drivers to solve this crisis."
Asked what
steps have been taken to address the waste management crisis, Dhaka South Mayor
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh told that "The drivers we currently have will
work in two or three shifts. We are also reviewing the number of vehicles
required on a ward basis."
"I am
requesting the people of Dhaka to be sympathetic for the temporary
difficulties. If you inform us that garbage has piled up somewhere, we will
make arrangements for a solution,"
he added.
Dhaka South
has published a circular to recruit 32 drivers for garbage trucks on 8
December.
Commodore SM
Sharif-ul Islam, chief waste management officer of Dhaka North, told that
"We are not transporting waste in the city during the day since the
accidents last month. So we are removing waste from the secondary transfer
stations after 7 pm. This is probably causing a little problem."
"As we
do not have a sufficient number of drivers, we are appointing several
daily-basis drivers. We have applied to the ministry for appointing new
drivers. Hopefully, we will be able to overcome the crisis soon," he
added.
Naim Hasan,
a student of Notre Dame College, was killed in a collision with a garbage truck
of South City Corporation in the Gulistan area on 24 November, and a man named
Ahsan Kabir Khan was killed by a garbage truck of Dhaka North in the Panthapath
area on 25 November.
The city
corporation trucks violated the ban on the movement of trucks in the city
during the day. Besides, none of the drivers involved in those accidents had a
license.
Comment
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Ganobhaban
Comment
Third Gender LDDP Project Department of Livestock
Comment
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government has been turning Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) into a modern and three-dimensional force adding ultra-modern smart technologies, ships and helicopters to face the 21st century's challenges.
"None will lag behind. The coast guard will be made capable to face the 21st century's challenges with inclusion of modern technology based ships, helicopters and the force's communication system development," she said.
The premier said this while addressing a function marking 29th founding anniversary of the BCG and the BCG Day-2024 at the Coast Guard Headquarters in capital's Agargaon area.
She said her government is going to add high quality modern ship, maritime surveillance system-incorporated hovercraft and high speed boats to the coast guard fleet to make the force more modern and stronger.
At the same function, the premier also inaugurated Bangladesh Coast Guard Vsatnet Communication System and newly constructed six physical infrastructures at the BCG stations at Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Mirsarai, Sandwip, Nidraskina and Shahpari Outpost.
The inclusion of the V-Satnet Communication System that will connect the coast guard with the Bangabandhu Satellite-1 will enhance the force's communication and operational abilities, Sheikh Hasina said.
She said, "We have already given approval to purchase two helicopters and formed an aviation wing for the coast guard to make it a three-dimensional force."
The premier said her government has also consented to buy 4 more OPVs, 2 maritime version helicopters for patrolling and ensuring safety and security at the deep sea area.
She stressed securing the vast maritime boarders saying nowadays 90 percent business are being done by the marine ways.
She said her government has also nodded to construct nine replacement ships for the force.
The head of the government said already 16 ships and 138 boats were inducted to the force's fleet to strengthen its capacity.
The prime minister said they will increase the existing manpower of the force to 15000 in phases with its modernisation to enhance capability to ensure security in the vast sea areas and protect its resources.
Sheikh Hasina said a dockyard is being built at Gazaria in Munshiganj aimed at constructing, repairing and maintaining the vessels and ships.
The prime minister said her government is working to enrich the tourism sector alongside taking initiative to turn Bangladesh into an attraction hub of both the east and west.
She highly praised the coast guard personnel for standing beside the innocent and helpless people in the coastal belts by warding off many criminal acts.
She asked the BCG personnel to perform duties and responsibilities as the friend of the people.
Sheikh Hasina reiterated her government's commitment to transform the country into developed, prosperous and smart Sonar Bangladesh by 2041.
"The coast guard will play a special role in building the smart Bangladesh," she hoped.
She said the coast guard had emerged as a force in 1994 in line with a bill brought in the Jatiya Sangsad by the then opposition party Awami League.
The prime minister said the AL government has always attached priorities to the development of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.
Coming to power for the first time in 1996, she said her government took massive initiative for the force's development providing required logistic supports including giving lands for building its zones, adding different types of vessels and making infrastructure development.
Then, after coming to power for the second time, she said various infrastructures including coastal crisis management centre, accommodation of the officers and sailors of bases, officers' mess, sailors' quarters and administrative buildings have been built at the coast guard stations and outposts in coastal and remote areas.
The prime minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman enacted "The Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act" in 1974 to establish the legal rights of the countrymen over the sea and marine resources.
She said the United Nations (UN) formulated such a law in 1982.
She also said her government has established rights on a vast maritime area after winning legal battles with neighbouring India and Myanmar maintaining friendly relations following the path of Bangabandhu.
The prime minister conferred Bangladesh Coast Guard Medals, Bangladesh Coast Guard (Service) Medals, President Coast Guard Medals and President Coast Guard (Service) Medals on its former and current personnel for their contribution and bravery.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Public Security Division Secretary of the ministry Md Mustafizur Rahman and BCG Director General Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali were present at the function.
At the outset of the programme, a smartly turned out contingent of the Bangladesh Coast Guard also gave a state-salute and guard of honour to the prime minister. A short video documentary on Coast Guard Vsatnet System was screened. Later, the prime minister enjoyed a cultural programme.
Coast Guard Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh
Comment
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the government has been equipping BGB with state-of-the-art technology to ensure foolproof security at the frontiers and tackle transnational crimes.
"Smart digital surveillance and technical response system have been installed at borders aimed at ensuring foolproof security and facing inter-country terrorism," she said.
The premier was addressing as the chief guest a function marking the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day-2024 at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground at BGB headquarters in the city.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has set up a rudder at Shahparir Dweep in Teknaf of Cox's Bazar to enhance surveillance across the Bangladesh border with Myanmar.
"With installation of state-of-the-art, modern and time-befitting technologies, the operational capacities of the BGB to be enhanced while their eagerness for work and skill will be increased manifolds," she said.
Sheikh Hasina continued that they adopted the 'Border Guard Bangladesh Vision-2041' to turn it into a world standard and modern force.
"One day, the BGB will be built as world-class border protection force. And the BGB will always work at the frontiers being a symbol of trust of the people," she said.
The Prime Minister said her government has been pursuing the Vision 2041 to build Bangladesh as a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by 2041 as envisioned by the Father of the Nation.
"We will build BGB as a smart force," she assured.
Sheikh Hasina said her government had enacted Border Guard Bangladesh Act, 2010 to make the force more stronger.
"We have built the BGB as the three-dimensional force. The force now can conduct operation in air, road and water ways. We purchased two helicopters for the BGB," she said.
Apart from these, the BGB has divided into five regions and five additional director generals have been entrusted with those, the premier said.
She continued that new units, sectors and regions have been set up in the paramilitary force aimed at bringing balance to its organisational capacity.
The premier said her government has appointed 35,517 personnel in the BGB in the last 15 years and planned to recruit 15,000 more by 2041.
She said they have first recruited women in the BGB in 2015 while 996 women are now working in the force.
The Prime Minister said training is a must for any disciplined force to enhance their professional capacities.
So, she said that the government has already set up a Border Guard Training Centre and College at Satkania in Chattogram while a complete training centre is being set up at Chuadanga district.
Bangladesh has so far built 1036 kilometers of frontier roads with India while 317-km with Myanmar, Sheikh Hasina said.
The Premier went on saying that they have built 62 BOPs which have brought 402-km out of 539 unprotected frontiers under surveillance while 242 more BOPs will also be installed.
She said that four battalions with India and Myanmar borders were installed while two in Sundarbans.
"The BGB personnel have now been able to smoothly protect the frontiers, check crimes and ensure safety and security of the lives and properties of the frontier people due to the measures taken by the government," Sheikh Hasina said.
She said BGB have always been standing by the people to protect their lives and properties and tackle anarchies like arson violence alongside protecting the frontiers.
"BGB has achieved confidence and trust of the people by standing beside them in their need," Sheikh Hasina said.
The premier appreciated BGB performance in discharging their duties with dedication and professionalism in ensuring security on the borders.
She also praised the BGB personnel for their role in checking smuggling in contraband goods and drugs, women and children, cross-border crimes and ensuring security of life and property of the frontier people.
Sheikh Hasina noted as well BGB role in maintaining security and safety at Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar alongside with the armed forces, police and RAB.
The Prime Minister said they have given shelter over 10 lakh Rohingyas in Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds and are now holding discussion with Myanmar to settle the problem by sending back their nationals.
"We're not going to engage in any altercation with them rather to hold talks to settle down the problem," she said.
To this end, the premier said they have set an example for the rest of the world to solve the land boundary problem with India by exchanging enclaves with each other in a peaceful manner following the Land Boundary Agreement enacted by the Father of the Nation.
She also said they also solved the marine boundary problems with neighboring India and Myanmar following the law enacted by the Father of the Nation in 1974 to pave the way of establishing rights on the marine resources.
The Prime Minister has asked the BGB personnel again to maintain discipline and chain of command of the force.
"Maintaining chain of command is crucial for any disciplined force. Keep it in mind, never breach the discipline and maintain the chain of command," she said.
Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and attack in Gaza, the premier reiterated her call to bring every inch of fallow lands under cultivation to grow more food as Bangladesh doesn't need to seek help from anyone.
"Use every inch of your land at home and office premises for cultivation. Everyone has to contribute to this end," she said.
Sheikh Hasina described the 25-26 February, 2009 incident in the paramilitary force as very unfortunate in which 74 people including 57 personnel of the force were killed.
"They who committed the incident have already brought to the justice. So, no such incident will take place (in the force in the days to come)," she said.
The premier recalled those who were killed at that gruesome incident and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed deep sympathy to their bereaved families.
The premier also unveiled a sculpture of Bangabandhu titled "Prerona" at the BGB headquarters in Pilkhana.
On her arrival at the BGB headquarters, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division Md. Mustafizur Rahman and Director General of the BGB Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui received the premier.
At the outset of the programme, the Prime Minister reviewed the parade riding on an open jeep accompanied by the BGB DG and escorted by the parade commander.
She, later, witnessed the spectacular parade of the four contingents along with the national flag bearing party of the paramilitary force and took a state salute from the welcome dais.
The prime minister later distributed the BGB Medal, President BGB Medal, BGB Medal-Service, and President BGB Medal-Service among 72 selected BGB personnel for their operational and non-operational outstanding contribution.
She later joined a traditional interactive "darbar" of the BGB.
BGB Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh
Comment
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked the police force to serve the people and play an active role in containing militancy, terrorism and corruption.
"I ask the police force to serve the countrymen. The main motto of the police is to prevent bad people and to protect good ones. We always want the police to earn confidence and trust of the people through their works," she said.
The premier made the remarks while inaugurating the Police Week-2024 in the capital's Rajarbagh Police Lines this morning.
She reminded the police force that people first look for shelter to the police if they fall into any danger.
"So, we expect police to work with profound patriotism and they will have more affection for the people," she said.
The prime minister reiterated her commitment to continue drive against the militancy, terrorism, drug abuse and corruption.
"Police force will have to play active role in pursuing the government policy," she said.
She also said it is mandatory to maintain peace and stability for development and prosperity of the country.
The prime minister said the people of Bangladesh will not live by begging to any country rather to move around the globe keeping their heads high with due dignity.
"So, we have to increase our food production and make our economy more developed," she said, reiterating her call to the countrymen to grow more food by cultivating every inch of land.
The premier said they are committed to transforming Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous and smart one by 2041.
"The police force will have to play a special role in the journey of Bangladesh towards prosperity," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has been working to make police a smart, time befitting force equipped with modern technologies due to the new dimension of crimes.
Prior to opening the police week, the prime minister reviewed the parade of the Bangladesh Police riding on an open jeep and took the salute.
Different police contingents staged a spectacular parade to mark the police week.
The theme of this year's Police Week is 'Smart police, smart country, Bangladesh is of peace and progress'.
The premier awarded thirty-five policemen Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM-bravery) and 60 others President Police Medal (PPM-bravery) in recognition of their courageous work.
In addition, 95 policemen got BPM service medal while 210 PPM service medal as well.
Earlier on her arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Public Security Division Senior Secretary Md. Mustafizur Rahman and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
Cabinet members, parliament members and senior government officials were present.
At the outset of the programme, the national anthem was played.
(BSS)
Comment
Khairun is a member of the third gender community. However, unlike many others, she doesn't wander the streets or engage in indecent behavior, nor does she beg for money. Instead, she spends her time cutting grass when needed and giving time to children. She prioritizes taking care of her family members, which consumes most of her time amidst her busy schedule. Her dreams revolve around her entire family, and she's steadily advancing towards fulfilling those dreams. And the Livestock and Dairy Development Project (LDDP) of the Department of Livestock has been a companion in fulfilling that dream.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked the police force to serve the people and play an active role in containing militancy, terrorism and corruption. "I ask the police force to serve the countrymen. The main motto of the police is to prevent bad people and to protect good ones. We always want the police to earn confidence and trust of the people through their works," she said. The premier made the remarks while inaugurating the Police Week-2024 in the capital's Rajarbagh Police Lines this morning.