Readers’ Voice
29 January 2023
River dredging is necessary
A few years ago print media of the country reported that the government undertakook a project to complete dredging of 24 major rivers routes. A total 101.4 million cubic meter areas would be dredged at an estimated cost of Tk.18.73 billion. On completion of the project, heavy water vessels would be able to ply through out the year which would facilitate movement of passengers and cargo at a minimum cost. Thanks to the government for undertaking an important task which was long overdue. At the same time we have to keep in mind that the major rivers would drive away water from small rivers which would be without water in dry season.
Water transport, aqua culture as well as irrigation work of the small rivers area would be in difficulty. To have full benefit from the dredging work, small rivers which are connected to the 24 major rivers should also be dredge. A separate project is necessary to perform the needed job. It will facilitate irrigation of agricultural lands, boat movement and fish culture throughout the year. Bangladesh Water Development Board can take up additional project to dredge small rivers against the BIWTA 24 major river dredging project. It will not be wise to create one critical problem while addressing another.
Md. Ashraf Hossain
Central Bashabo, Dhaka
Sugarcane molasses from India for Ramzan
Sugar refiners moved to increase retail price of sugar at Tk120/ per kg, ie, increase Tk12/ from rate fixed a few months ago. Two years ago sugar was available at Tk45/ to Tk50/ in retail level. Month of Ramadan is knocking the door. Fasting people take sugar syrup or molasses syrup breaking their fast. It will be difficult to majority people to buy sugar at Tk120/ per kg. Surprisingly price of molasses is more than sugar now, which price was less than sugar price a few years back. In India price of molasses made from sugar cane is far less than sugar. In this backdrop, government should allow import of molasses from India at easy term and low duty structure so that majority people can purchase molasses for the month of Ramadan. Molasses is less harmful then refine sugar from health point of view. If molasses imported from India it will not cost more than Tk50/ per kg at retail level. Fasting people will have a chance to drink molasses syrup when they will break fast.
Therefore, I like to urge government to allow 0.5 million ton molasses from India for the month of Ramzan.
Md Ashraf Hossain
Central Bashabo, Dhaka
