Readers’ Voice
Belai Beel under threat of existence
A national daily has recently published a report on Belai Beel, a vast water body in Gazipur, saying the beel is under threat as the greedy eyes of influential people have fallen on it. Those people are trying to fill up the swamp. The report also said, the local industrial units are also responsible for pollution of the beel, as they frequently dispose of industrial waste there. Another report said, some housing companies have put up signboards for selling the beel area by which clients are being deceived after buying this land for housing projects.
Belai Beel, a water body of 50 square km, is located at the Tongi-Kaliganj highway in Gazipur Sadar. The importance of the beel is vital, as it works as a flood control reservoir during monsoons and also protects the people of the district from water logging. It is a source of native fish and meets the demand for one-third of the fish supply in the area. Every year, migratory birds come here and seek shelter and food from the beel. The livelihoods of local people are quite dependent and center around the Belai Beel. Local farmers irrigate their farmland by using the beel’s water. It also connects several rivers and canals in Gazipur.
Wetlands are natural resources that are vital for different ecosystems. Protecting wetlands like Belai Beel is now an urgent necessity for human benefits and many people’s livelihoods. So, this is the time we should come forward to protect our wetlands across the country.
Fahmida Rahman
Dhaka
Domestic violence
In our society, domestic violence against women is increasing at a rapid speed. Women neither feel safe nor secure in their homes or in public. One in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence by their partners. They are assaulted or manipulated every day without any reason, which in turn causes depression. Due to such violent acts, they may contemplate suicide or take another extreme measure.
Nowadays, women are condemned to a life full of sorrows and melancholy. Women, being a major part of our society, also deserve a happy and healthy life. Therefore, I humbly appeal to the government to enforce strict rules and regulations for the restriction of domestic violence against women.
Amina Majid
By email
